“Would you like this delivered to your room?” the clerk asked.
“That would be great.”
“You can order anything in the store from the interactive TV in your room, then have it delivered.”
“Good to know.” Robert picked up a small bag of chocolates displayed on the counter. “Add this to my account.”
He pulled her back to his side. “What are you doing?”
“Man… uff… look.”
Robert turned to see who was there. There were two women looking at the different kinds of sunscreen, and another woman trying on sun hats. There were no men. He hugged her, and they left.
As they walked back to the condo, he popped a chocolate in Gini’s mouth and then one in his. They walked past an area that appeared to be part of a jungle. The birds were singing loudly. They stopped to enjoy the moment, eating the chocolates until they were gone.
Back in their place they took a shower. Gini went to the bed and got in naked. It took no coaxing for him to follow. She put her plump, sweet lips on his, and the tingling shot straight through his body. He reached to get a condom, then realized they hadn’t been delivered yet.
Their lovemaking was much calmer but just as sweet. He didn’t know if Gini had been aware of her sensuality when they got there, but the memory or knowhow had definitely come back to her. She lay close to him, and he dozed off. Then he felt her climb over him. He watched her go into the bathroom, use the toilet, flush, and wash her hands. She carefully moved back over him. He grabbed her by the waist, and she giggled.
“Guiney… do… uff… goo.”
He hugged her tight. “Yes, Guiney’s perfect in every way.”
That night they were in the living room. Robert got a text from John.
Just checking in to see if you’re ever coming home.
I must admit the thought has occurred to stay here forever.
So, you’re having a good time.
Good! That doesn’t nearly describe it.
Gini did okay with the trip?
It was a bit rough on her, but she’s doing fine. We consummated our marriage.
Robert! Really?
Robert smiled.
More than once.
Enough said. Happy for you, my friend. Is she sleeping?
No. She’s on the floor in front of me shuffling the braille cards.
Well, good luck with that. See you when you get back.
You’ve got it.
Robert slid down to the floor next to her.
Chapter 16—Stormy Weather
Friday was predicted to be a rainy day, so Robert decided they would go to the plantation on Thursday and have their spa day on Friday.
The boat to the plantation was small, carrying only ten people. When they got to the dock, there was a large step down to get in the boat. Robert thought about carrying her on, but with the boat moving in the wave motion, he decided it wasn’t safe. The boat captain was busy collecting tickets. A tall man in a cowboy hat saw Robert’s dilemma.
“Here ya go, little lady. Let me help you there.” He looked up at Robert. “I’ll just lift her in.”
He reached up. “I’m going to put my hands on your waist. You’ll be fine.” He placed his hands; Gini put hers on his shoulders, and she was safely in the boat. Robert quickly joined her.
“Thank you for your help.”
“Not a problem, there, buddy.”
The man had a heavy Texan twang. Robert was surprised Gini let him touch her, not knowing him. But she seemed okay with the help.
“Joe,” he bellowed, introducing himself. “We brought our son on this trip, bless his soul, a few years back. One of the funner days of his life, I think. Right, Maude?” He squeezed the leg of the woman sitting next to him.
“Yes, he loved the birds and the water.”
“We all need a little help from time to time. He had cerebral palsy. I can tell you, getting him and his chair in the boat took several people. We can always thank the good Lord for helping hands.”
“Amen,” his wife said.
They were all served champagne as the tour went by mangroves and along the thick jungle en route to the plantation grounds. The man graciously helped get Gini out of the boat.
They rode around in a long open trolley-type bus with big thick tires. At the gardens, they were invited to get out and catch another trolley when they were done. Then they lunched in a small cottage that was originally the foreman’s house. Jennifer was right; it was a great side trip.
When they got back to the resort, Robert took a brochure on the spa from the concierge desk and read the different treatments to Gini. They decided to do the one with mani-pedi, face treatment, and foot massage before a light lunch on a screened-in veranda jutting out into the jungle. Then end with a full body massage and hair styling for Gini.
He was just starting to fill out the reservation when a large busload of people unloaded and came into the main lobby. They were sitting on a bench that encircled a small waterfall. The room became very crowded with people. Robert reached over and put his arm around Gini, but she remained calm, so he continued to write.
“Can you believe that old guy married that cripple? I’ve seen him feeding her like a baby. He must be desperate, to want someone like her.”
Robert immediately stood up and turned around to see who had said such cruel words. But there was no telling who had spoken; there were men and women everywhere. Gini never faltered. Maybe she didn’t hear
