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  “We’ve got at least 45 minutes. Let’s tour the campus,” Doc suggested.

  “Like you always say, ‘Let’s see what you’ve got,’” she replied.

  The Michaels’ neighborhood consisted of several dozen luxury homes in the $750,000 to $1,000,000 range. The street entering the several blocks of dwellings was lined on both sides with luxury villas or town homes.

  Each building, containing four villas, was a matching color to the other two dozen or so townhomes lining the street. The villas had garages and were in pristine condition.

  One block down contained several blocks of luxury one- and two-bedroom condos. It was hard to get an exact count, but Doc’s best estimate was that there were over 100 condo units in colors similar to those of the villas.

  Almost across the main street as one approached the condominium complex was the entrance to several dozen small modular homes called casitas. Most had been modified or customized to include screened porches, large wrap around decks, and even additional rooms.

  The color scheme of the casitas varied from those of the villas and condos. Nevertheless, they were color coordinated and mostly appealed to those who resided there only a portion of the year.

  Caliente Resort and Spa owned rental property within each type of housing. The rentals were available for weekly or monthly stays for members and patrons desiring more space than was afforded in the resort hotel.

  Doc piloted the golf cart onto the main street and turned left toward the Caliente Hotel and Clubhouse. Just passed the residential area was several tennis courts and a pickleball court.

  Doc parked his 1957 Chevrolet style golf cart near the clubhouse entrance and gained access through a remote control on the exterior gate. It was truly like walking into paradise.

  The lower portion of the resort complex contained a 250,000-gallon waterfall pool, a smaller pool adjacent to the Tiki Bar, and two large water volleyball pools. Palm trees provided both shade and ambiance to the tropical setting.

  There were hundreds of lounge chairs that still contained a few sunbathers even though it was late afternoon. The Tiki Bar was still open to provide refreshments to members and guests.

  The couple moved passed a large covered patio area with a huge spa and entered the building. In the center of the downstairs area was the adult boutique called Lust.

  It was a glass enclosure on three sides. Their merchandise was easily seen by anyone passing the boutique. Given the late hour, it was closed.

  To the immediate left of the boutique was the resort’s day spa which offered a plethora of services, including but not limited to, different types of massages, body scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures, and all types of skin care products.

  On the immediate right of Lust was the resort’s fitness center that Steve Riley had recommended to Marilyn. The fitness center was outfitted with every type of exercise machine imaginable. Marilyn noticed several patrons inside.

  “We’ll take the elevator directly to the piano bar. That’s where the Meet-N-Greet is being held,” she instructed.

  “How long does it last?” Doc inquired.

  “Steve told me from about 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm,” Marilyn responded.

  When the elevator door opened, there were about a dozen people seated in the tall bar chairs at the tables. The group ranged in age from mid-thirties to late sixties.

  The men were dressed similar to Doc. The women were clad in what Doc would eventually and affectionately refer to as ‘slut wear.’

  “It looks like it’s gonna be a slow night,” Doc opined.

  “Give it a chance. It’s early yet,” Marilyn replied.

  “It’s kind of sleepy, too,” he suggested.

  “It’s a piano bar. It’s supposed to be mellow so people can talk and visit with each other,” she retorted.

  While Doc went to the large, well-stocked bar area at the back of the room, Steve Riley appeared and made his way toward Marilyn. He was wearing dress slacks and a short sleeve dress shirt.

  “Are you enjoying yourselves?” Mr. Riley asked.

  “It’s a little slow. We were hoping for a little more action,” Marilyn replied.

  “Just give it a little time. I really doubt that you’ll be leaving disappointed tonight,” Steve promised.

  Doc returned to the table. He was followed by a young, cute, college-age waitress bearing two drinks. Marilyn could tell that one was a glass of white wine.

  “What are you having?” she asked.

  Before Doc could respond, the waitress said, “A Shirley Temple.”

  “I guess he’s living life on the ragged edge,” Marilyn said rolling her eyes.

  Ignoring her comment Doc asked, “What did your man have to say?”

  “That was Steve Riley, the general manager. He said the entertainment and activities will get better as the night goes on,” she reported.

  “A little excitement wouldn’t hurt one bit,” Doc said.

  At a nearby table two attractive forty-something ladies overheard Doc’s remark. They both turned in the direction to get a better look at the couple.

  “Sounds like that guy in the wheelchair is good to go,” the redhead said.

  “I’d definitely take a test drive,” the blonde replied.

  “When his woman leaves the table, I’m going to see what I can work up,” the redhead said with confidence.

  Marilyn decided to walk across the room and speak with Anastasia, the assistant general manager, and Charlotte, the boutique manager. It gave the girls and opportunity to speak with Doc.

  “Damn, Marilyn! That’s one hot little red outfit,” Charlotte opined.

  “That’ll cause some excitement tonight,” Anastasia remarked.

  “Doc said it would hit the floor within 30 seconds of going through our front door,” Marilyn said with a chuckle.

  “I just hope you make it home tonight unmolested,” Charlotte replied.

  While Marilyn and the ladies continued their somewhat risqué banter, the two ladies at the table near Doc were busy plotting an introduction. They decided that the redhead was going to be the bait to get Doc’s attention.

  “Hon are you ready to go?” the attractive redhead inquired.

  “I’m close but I should probably stay a little longer,” he replied.

  “Well, let me and my friend know when you’re ready. We’ll take you with us,” she said.

  “What’s your entertainment tonight?” Doc queried.

  “Are you up for a rodeo?” she asked.

  Not realizing the veiled offer, Doc responded, “I love a rodeo, but we have other plans tonight.”

  “We’re ready any time you see us,” the attractive redhead stated.

  Marilyn started walking toward Doc. The redhead returned to her table and seated herself next to the blonde.

  “What did she want?” Marilyn inquired.

  “Well, I think she wanted to determine when this table would be available,” he said.

  “What else did she say?” Marilyn asked.

  “She invited us to a rodeo, but I told her we had other plans tonight. She said that they were ready anytime that we saw them,” Doc reported.

  “I didn’t realize that rodeos were popular in Tampa,” she said.

  “This is a fairly cosmopolitan place. They may have been from Texas,” Doc opined.

  In a few minutes a very attractive buxom brunette took a seat at Marilyn and Doc’s table. She was clad in a translucent black mini dress and sky-high heels.

  “I hear that your man is a doctor. What’s his best skill?” the brunette asked.

  “He’s a dentist. He mostly does pulling and filling,” Marilyn replied.

  “Honey, I got two that need pullin’ and one that needs fillin’,” she replied.

  “I’m recovering from an automobile accident. I wouldn’t be able to help you, but I can probably find someone who could,” Doc replied.

  “I think I’ll just wait for you,” the brunette said as she exited t
he table area.

  “Marilyn, you don’t need to be drumming up dental work in Florida. I’m here to rest and relax. I don’t need to be providing services to our neighbors,” Doc said with slight irritation.

  “I’ve never met that lady. She seemed to have a lot of confidence in your work,” Marilyn responded.

  “Steve may be the culprit. He wants us to be happy and well liked apparently,” he opined.

  A well-dressed middle-aged cowboy approached the table. He was clad in cowboy boots, jeans, western shirt, and a large cowboy hat.

  “How are you doing tonight, little lady?” the Texan asked.

  “I am soooo excited to be here,” Marilyn replied.

  “I was wondering if you’d be able to help Ol’ Tex tonight?” he asked.

  “What do you need?” Marilyn asked with a puzzled look.

  “I’m looking for a high-spirited little filly,” Tex said.

  “Any particular kind?” Doc inquired.

  “A hot brunette that really enjoys a good ride,” the Texan explained.

  “We’re new here, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open,” Marilyn said with a smile.

  “Indeed,” Tex replied.

  Tex made his way to the nearby table where the attractive redhead and blonde were sitting. Doc watched them share some pleasant conversation and then they left the table and exited the piano bar.

  “Meet-N-Greet may have been a bust for us but that Texan made friends with those two rodeo girls,” Doc observed.

  “They all liked western things like horses and rodeos. Maybe they’re from Texas,” Marilyn remarked.

  Charlotte approached the table introduced herself to Doc. She was a tall, attractive, pleasant blonde that was as Doc would say, well put together.

  “I’m Charlotte. I sold your wife a black thong bikini today,” she said.

  “I saw it. It was quite nice,” he replied.

  “Nice? I was hoping it made you get out of that wheelchair and yell, ‘I’m healed!” Charlotte said with a laugh.

  “It could happen. I haven’t seen it on her yet. She said the modeling is tomorrow,” Doc replied.

  “So, when does that hot dress hit the floor tonight?” she asked bluntly.

  “It’s about seven or eight minutes to the house and about 30 seconds thereafter,” he responded.

  “I’m calling the wholesaler. Lust has got to get some of those. You’ll be lucky to get her home before the rodeo begins,” Charlotte remarked.

  Charlotte said her farewell and made her way to another part of the room. Anastasia waved but did not approach their table.

  Looking at his watch, Doc said, “It’s about ten minutes till the dress drops!”

  Marilyn signed for the bar charges. They headed for the elevator and downstairs to the golf cart.

  As they drove home Marilyn asked, “Did you have fun tonight, dear?”

  “I think it was fine. I think Tex probably had a lot of more fun at the rodeo,” Doc said.

  “Meet-N-Greet is a weekly event,” Marilyn reminded.

  Marilyn opened the front door and stepped through. Doc was close behind her.

  Marilyn dropped the red dress from off her shoulders and stood silently. It didn’t take more than two seconds for Doc to turn off the light.

  “Now this is my kind of Meet-N-Greet,” Doc said.

  3. Morning and Evening (Part I)

  It was approaching noon when the doorbell rang. Marilyn peeked through the curtains and saw a handsome, blonde man standing at the door.

  “Who is it?” Doc inquired.

  “It’s not the postman,” she reported.

  “How do you know?” Doc asked.

  “He’s nude and has four gold rings on his schmeckle,” Marilyn said.

  “Open the door and see what he wants,” Doc said.

  “I’m naked!” she exclaimed.

  “Just keep him away from the dining table. He may try to steal Uncle Donald’s gold napkin rings,” Doc said with a laugh.

  Marilyn opened the door. Neither she nor her visitor spoke immediately.

  “My name is Mako Jenkins and I want to invite you out,” the gentleman said.

  “What does he want?” Doc asked as he rolled toward the entrance foyer.

  “He wants a date!” Marilyn exclaimed.

  “Then he definitely likes your outfit,” Doc said tongue-in-cheek.

  “I’m the president of the homeowners’ association. I want to invite you and Dr. Michaels to Tiki Bar Karaoke today and a costume party tonight in the nightclub,” Mako explained.

  “My husband sings a little and I love parties,” Marilyn exclaimed.

  “Great! I’ll meet you at the back gate at 1:00 pm today,” Mako said as he nodded and turned.

  Doc made it through the large dwelling and to the front door just as Mako was leaving. When he reached the curb, he turned and waved before walking down the street.

  “What happened?” Doc asked.

  “A date to Tiki Bar Karaoke and the nightclub costume party tonight,” Marilyn said as she closed the door.

  “I guess he liked your forty-year-old ass,” Doc opined.

  “Your name didn’t come up, dear,” she retorted as she walked toward the master bedroom.

  * * *

  Doc and Marilyn met Mako at the resort’s back gate at precisely 1:00 pm. They exchanged pleasantries and Mako invited them inside. Doc wore a pair of light gray canvas shorts and a lavender colored polo shirt. He had on white sneakers and socks.

  Marilyn was partially exercising ‘the option’ as she was sporting the black faux leather thong swimsuit with black spike heels. Her sexy look was completed with a gold and black onyx necklace, onyx bracelet, and matching ring.

  “Are you a nudist?” Mako asks.

  “She just plays one on TV,” Doc replied slightly sarcastically.

  “She’s definitely in character today, brother!” Mako exclaimed.

  The resort was filled with guests and members. Doc estimated that in lounge chairs and the four lower pools there were close to 500 people.

  “We usually have a live band on Saturday and Tiki Bar Karaoke on Sundays. There was some sort of scheduling problem so this week the days got switched.

  The trio made their way through the sunbathers and past the pools on their way to the Tiki Bar. The music started when they were about 50 feet away.

  Marilyn and Doc recognized the song being sung as Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top. The inebriated singer had changed the words and crooned: “Every girl’s crazy ‘bout a well-hung man.”

  Slightly embarrassed, Mako excused the impromptu lyrics by saying, “It’s just karaoke.”

  “Sounds like drunky-oke,” Doc responded.

  “That, too,” Mako replied.

  As they made their way to the Tiki Bar’s double doors, Steve Riley was there enjoying the frivolity. He looked at Marilyn and nodded his head approvingly.

  “Doc come sing us a song” Steve said loudly.

  The crowd chanted, “Doc! Doc! Doc! Doc!”

  “I’ve been consummated, and you are the prime suspect, Mako Jenkins,“ Doc accused.

  “Be a good sport, dear. Sing us a song,” Marilyn chided.

  Doc rolled to the KJ booth and introduced himself to KJ Nick Colorado. He was playing some music videos between the few people brave enough to hold a microphone that afternoon.

  “What do they want to hear?” Doc inquired.

  “Whatever you sing,” Nick replied.

  “I’m not very good,” Doc reported.

  “It’s karaoke,” Nick said.

  “I’ve heard,” Doc said with a sarcastic tone.

  Doc selected a song and the KJ handed him the microphone. It was heavy, wireless, and appeared to be of very good quality.

  “Any instructions,” Doc inquired.

  “That’s my best mic. It’s reserved for real singers. Don’t dare do a mic drop it could result in an ass whooping,” Nick instructed.

  “Bring a
sack lunch. It’d likely be an all-day job,” Doc retorted.

  Doc rolled to the Tiki Bar stage and the music started. He had chosen a Stevie Ray Vaughan classic entitled: The House Is Rockin’. He crooned:

  Well, the house is rockin’, don’t bother knockin’

  Yeah, the house is rockin’, don’t bother knockin’

  Yeah, the house is rockin, don’t bother, come on it

  Needless to say it only took the first verse to get the Tiki Bar rockin’. Women were dancing. The few who were wearing swimsuits started hurling them at Doc.

  There were a few ladies rubbing against him. One even straddled him in the wheelchair.

  During one of the instrumental breaks, Nick announced, “That man has tremendous concentration!”

  He continued his lovely little rock and roll ditty:

  Walkin’ down the street, you can hear the sound

  Of some bad honky-tonkers, really layin’ it down

  They’ve seen it all for years, got nothin’ to lose

  So get out on the floor,

  Shimmy ‘til you shake somethin’ loose

  As Doc’s performance neared its conclusion, a very buxom, naked young woman with an athletic build made a flying leap into Doc’s lap. Unfortunately, the momentum tipped the wheelchair over backward with the two of them intertwined.

  Although the performance became legendary at Caliente, two facts were never omitted when the story was told: (1) Doc never missed a note and finished the song on his back, and, (2) Doc held tightly to DJ Nick Colorado’s expensive microphone.

  Mako Jenkins looked at Marilyn and opined, “That man’s a hit!”

  “No doubt,” Marilyn said with a chuckle.

  Mako came to the stage to greet Doc and compliment him. It took a few minutes for him to make his way through the crowd.

  “That was great, Doc. It was really good,” Mako exclaimed.

  “It’s karaoke,” Doc said with a smile.

  The two men made their way to the bar to order libations. The actual bar was a concentric circle in the middle of the thatched roofed circular structure.

  “What for you gentlemen?” the bartender asked.

  “My wife will have a glass of Merlot,” Doc replied.

  “What can I get for you, Doc?” he asked.