by Mary Tribbey
Chapter 8
Marco called Lori and Luigi to come to his office immediately. He went to his office and called his contact, the local Justice of the Peace, “ I have a young couple who want to get married tonight. Can you do me a favor? They need a marriage license right away. Is there a way you could bring the papers here to be filled out and then perform the ceremony for them? Thanks, Bruce, I really appreciate it. I’ll see you here about 7:00. Just come to my office when you get here,” Marco said.
Luigi and Lori were waiting when Marco got off the phone. He quickly explained he wanted them to put together a wedding for John and Anne for tonight. They looked at each other in shock. He gave Lori a list of things he thought she could help Anne get ready. Lori’s list included getting clothes for the wedding and honeymoon. She would also assist Anne with her hair and makeup, help her get dressed in her gown, and help during the ceremony. He assigned Luigi to help John purchase wedding rings and clothes for the ceremony and honeymoon and assist him with any other things he needed. Marco said, “I’ll take care of the rest. That would include the place for the ceremony, the cake, flowers, reception room, the food, and preparing the Bridal Suite. “The wedding will start about 8 pm. You two will act as their Bridesmaid and Best Man,” he announced.
Lori and Luigi rushed over to Anne’s room. Lori hurried Anne off to do some serious shopping. They rushed down to the boutique to see what dresses they had in stock that she could use for a wedding dress. If there was nothing appropriate, they would have to drive about 30 miles to the nearest place with a large clothing store. That would take more time than they had to spare. Lori rushed Anne out of the room to the Boutique. After the girls left, Luigi and John headed out to get what they needed.
When Anne and Lori arrived at the Boutique, they began searching through the racks of clothes. Anne found three evening dresses in her size. She took all three into the changing room to try them on. The first dress was a slinky gold beaded evening gown with a halter top. It was cut low in the back with a high slits on the side hems. Anne tried it on. It looked good on her, but she didn’t really like it for a wedding dress. The second dress was much simpler. It had a low scoop neck in pink taffeta with white lace around the neckline. It had a flared skirt with a pale pink tulle skirt overlaying the pink taffeta underskirt. The third dress had thin straps that attached to the lace trimmed bodice over a full circle chiffon layered skirt with a handkerchief hemline. It was a light sky blue with white lace accents around the bodice and around the waistline.
Anne and Lori looked carefully over the three choices. “None of these are traditional wedding dresses, but this isn’t a big traditional wedding either. Any of them would work, but I think the last dress is the best one. It would be perfect if I could find a lacy jacket or a lace scarf or mantilla for my head,” Anne said. They looked around, but couldn’t find anything like it.
Lori said, “I have a beautiful old lace mantilla that belonged to my grandmother. I think it would look wonderful with this dress. Let me run home and get it. I’ll be back in about 20 minutes. While I’m gone, you need to pick out some nice lingerie and night wear. Also look for some new clothes for your honeymoon—play clothes, swim suits, etc. What about shoes? If you need jewelry you can either borrow it from the jewelry store or buy it. Marco said to get the best of everything that you two might need.” Lori hurried out to get her mantilla.
Anne chose a silky nightgown and peignoir in purple and white. She found a pair of heels to go with her dress and some lacy underwear and a half slip. She had just finished shopping when Lori came running in carrying the beautiful old fashioned lacy mantilla. The lace was delicate and was long enough to wear over her head and drape down below her shoulders. It made a perfect veil and frame for her face. They had all the purchases delivered to Anne’s suite. They hurried to the Salon. Lori opened it and quickly re-did Anne’s hair. She decided to leave part of her hair hanging down to her shoulders, the rest she pinned up on Anne’s head and made soft curls around her face. The last step was touching up her makeup.
When Lori was at her house, she had changed into a soft pink cocktail dress. After finishing their hair and makeup, they hurried up to Anne’s suite. Lori helped Anne slip into her new dress. Lori carefully draped and fastened the lacy mantilla over Anne’s hair.
When they had just finished, there was a knock on the door. Marco stood there with the Justice of the Peace. They got Anne’s information and her signature on the license. “I’ll be back to get you in a few minutes. You look stunning. John is a very lucky man,” he said. Marco took the judge down to the room where the ceremony would take place to get John’s information and signature and to make sure all the preparations had been made according to his orders.
Lori looked at Anne and said, “Anne, you look amazing, just like a bride should look. Your husband will be blown away when he sees you. You look so beautiful. How do you like the way you look? I think we did a great job, especially considering how little time we had.”
Anne turned around, looking at herself in the mirror. “Lori, you worked wonders. This mantilla is perfect. Thanks. It makes me feel like a real bride. I’m so glad you going to be at the wedding with me,” Anne exclaimed.
“I hope someday I will find someone special who will love me and my daughter. I’d love to be married. Are you nervous?” Lori asked.
“No, I haven’t had time to be nervous,” Anne laughed. “Besides I love John, and I know he loves me. Our whole meeting and falling in love is like a fairy tale. I hope you find someone as wonderful and loving for you as John is for me. Is there anyone you hope will be the one?” Anne asked.
Lori blushed and answered shyly, “Yes, I really like Luigi, but I’m not sure he knows I exist except as a co-worker. I just feel so happy when we are together.”
“That’s a good start. That’s how I feel about John. When he walks in the room, I feel like the sun is shining on me and life looks more beautiful. Maybe tonight with you in that beautiful dress, he’ll see the real you.” Anne suggested, “Talk to him and be friendly. You are so sweet and beautiful. How could he miss seeing the lovely woman that you are?”
Luigi looked at the list Marco had given him. He quickly took John down to the resort’s jewelry store. They looked over the selection of wedding ring sets. Anne had told them her ring size, but John wanted to find a ring that Anne would really appreciate. Luigi said, “Mr. M. said to get whatever rings and other things you want, because he is taking care of all the wedding expenses, including the rings.”
There were several choices. Some had large diamonds and were very fancy. John kept looking until he found a ring with a nice white gold engagement ring with a marquise cut diamond with two small diamonds on either side. It had a matching wedding ring that fastened into the engagement band. It was simple, elegant, and he pictured her wearing it proudly. He also chose a plain white gold band for himself. Next they went to the salon and he got his hair cut and a shave. Finally they went to the clothing store to get clothes for him. He already had a suit that he could wear, but he chose a new dress shirt, tie, and a pair of dress shoes. Since he had only packed clothes for an overnight trip, he bought some other things he would need for after the wedding, including some new underwear, socks, a swim suit, a pair of jeans, and walking shorts.
When they finished shopping, John and Luigi went back to John’s room. Since he had extra time, he took a long shower and got dressed and was ready for the wedding with about two hours to spare. Luigi ordered a couple of drinks to help them relax. They sipped the drinks and waited anxiously for the time to go to the ceremony.
After pacing nervously for a long time, Marco and the Justice of the Peace arrived at 7:15. He got John’s information and signature for the license. Next they left and went to get Anne’s information. Luigi and John walked to the Bridal suite where the ceremony was to take place and waited for
the others to arrive. When they walked inside, John noticed the room was filled with flower arrangements and candles.
About 7:45 pm Marco knocked on the Anne’s door again. Lori opened it. He looked at Anne again and said, “Turn around, Anne. You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, except for my darling Sophia. I hope John truly appreciates how fortunate he is to have you for his wife.”
He turned to Lori and said, “Go down and help Luigi. He’s standing in as John’s best man, and he’s almost as nervous as John. Give him advice about what he needs to do and where to stand. Better yet, keep him near you. When you go to stand with Anne give him a cue to stand by John and to give him the rings. Here is the wedding ring for John. Lori, hang on to this and give it to Anne at the appropriate time in the ceremony. Thanks for all you did to help with this wedding. I am very pleased, and you will find something special in your check for all the extra help you gave.”
“I was happy to do it. I really like Anne. It was my pleasure to do it for her,” Lori said.
After Lori left, Marco walked over and hugged Anne and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m so happy that you and John are getting married. I’ve tried to make it a perfect wedding for you, my Sweet Angel. I am so proud and happy to be part of your special day. I know you would like to have your father here. I can’t take his place, but I am happy to be able to walk you down the aisle and to help give you your wedding. It is nearly time to leave, but I have a few things to do. I bought this for you at Solvang. It will look perfect with your beautiful dress. Would you allow me to put this around your neck?” He took the sapphire and diamond necklace out of his pocket and fastened it around her neck. “ Also, here is your bridal bouquet to carry down the aisle. I hope I haven’t forgotten anything important,” he worried.
“You’ve done more than enough, Papa. You just gave me the last things. Something old is my mother’s watch. Something new is my beautiful necklace. Something borrowed is Lori’s beautiful mantilla, and something blue is the sapphires in my necklace. Now the one thing I want the most is for you to give me a hug and a kiss before we leave here. “You have become so precious and so important to me. If it weren’t for you, John and I might not have fallen in love. Thank you for all you have done for me, Papa. I love you very much,” Anne said.
Anne walked over and Marco put his arms around her and hugged her close and said, “I love you, too, my Angel.” He kissed her and finally let her go. He opened the door and escorted her down to the Bridal suite where the ceremony would take place.
At the door, Marco found Lori and Luigi waiting. Lori said, “Everyone is inside waiting for you and Anne. Luigi and I will go in and tell them to start the music,” she said ,guiding Luigi into the room. When the music started, Lori opened the door, and Anne walked in holding Marco’s arm. After she walked in Lori shut the door and walked up to the side of the altar. She motioned to Luigi and he moved up to stand beside John.
Anne paused a moment and looked around the room. Bouquets of beautiful flowers were on either side of an archway. The main room lights were off and the room was delicately lit with candles arranged around the room. It looked so beautiful that Anne felt like she had walked into a flowery wonderland. Standing at the right side of the archway, she saw John dressed in a dark blue suit. Luigi stood stiffly beside him. The candlelight flickered and caught a reflection in John’s eyes, and it looked like starlight was shining in them. Slowly Anne and Marco crossed the room. Marco took Anne’s hand from his arm and placed it in John’s hand. He stepped back away from Anne and sat down. When John looked at Anne, his smile seemed to light up the room. Once their eyes met, their gaze never turned away.
The Justice of the Peace began the ceremony. He greeted them, Mr. M, and the few other guests. He had them repeat the standard vows. He spoke briefly about the meaning and the permanence of marriage. Last, he announced, “By the authority of the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”
John didn’t need to be told twice. He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms and kissed her slowly and thoroughly. Anne returned his kiss eagerly. Slowly, reluctantly, they separated. The musicians began playing a slow tune. John pulled her into his arms and slowly danced with her. After the dance ended, John led her over to Marco. He smiled proudly and danced with Anne. When the dance was finished, she kissed his cheek and thanked him again for all he had done for her, for both of them.
Marco announced, “I know some in the wedding party have not had dinner yet. You are all invited to go to The Café’s Banquet Room for a special Bridal supper. Afterwards, we will all have wedding cake and champagne here in this room.”
They walked down to The Café where they ate a special dinner in the banquet room. With Luigi and Lori acting as the Maid of Honor and the Best Man, they stood together and made toasts to the bride and groom. All during the ceremony and afterwards, Luigi held Lori’s hand and stayed close to her side.
After the servers refilled the champagne glasses, Marco stood and proposed another toast. When everyone was ready, Marco said, “On this very happy occasion, I want to propose a toast to my dear friend Anne and her husband John Williamson and extend my best wishes for their long and happy marriage. I am also proud to announce that John will be coming to work here in my organization as my new Partner. I’m happy to announce that Anne and John will be living here with us at the resort. May this be the beginning of a happy marriage for John and Anne and the start of a wonderful future for all of us here.”
Luigi and Lori looked at each other and felt completely surprised by the news. After eating, they all returned to the Bridal Suite. While they were gone, the bridal arch and musical instruments had been removed. Many bouquets were still in the room, and their sweet floral scents filled the air with their fresh fragrance. John and Anne cut the wedding cake, and then Lori helped serve the rest of the guests. Finally, Anne threw the bridal bouquet. Since Lori was the only other woman present, it was no surprise when she ended up catching it. While the people were eating their cake and visiting, Anne heard Luigi ask Lori if she would like to go to the Lounge for some dancing and drinks. Lori smiled sweetly and said “I’d love to, Luigi. I’m so happy you asked me.” Anne caught her eye and winked. Lori smiled back and walked out holding Luigi’s arm.
All the others drifted away except for Marco. The waiters quickly cleared away the dirty dishes and glasses. When the room was cleaned up, Marco walked over to Anne. He hugged her and kissed her cheek and forehead. She kissed him back. He shook hands with John, and said to both,” May God bless you in all ways. May your marriage be long and happy. May all your dreams for the future come true. Love each other, protect and care for each other. Always tell the truth and enjoy each day as it comes. Now I’ll say goodnight and leave you two alone.” He walked out and closed the door behind him.
After Marco had gone, John looked happily at Anne’s face. His eyes sparkled with love and joy. “You have never looked more beautiful. I can’t take my eyes off of you, Anne. It seems like a dream to me that I’m standing here with you, my beautiful wife. Thank you for loving me and marrying me. I promise to do everything I can to keep you safe and make you happy. Come and kiss me. I’ve waited all my life for this night,” John sighed.
Anne walked into his arms and kissed him with all the love and passion she had felt since they had first met. John blew out all the candles, turned off the room lights, and lifted her up into his arms. She put her arms around his neck and sighed happily. John turned and carried her through the darkened room into their bedroom. There was a bottle of champagne and crystal goblets beside a fragrant arrangement of roses on a small table. John set her down on her feet. He pulled her close against his body and kissed her passionately.
“Anne, I’ve wanted to make love to you almost from the first time we met. You captured my heart as I watched you with those beauti
ful girls at the hospital. Then later, that night at the resort with you, I came so close to making love to you. I wanted you so much, but I wanted you to come to me willingly on our wedding night and then stay with me forever. Now, my darling wife, please let me finish what I’ve wanted for so long. I love you and I want you and need you right now,” he groaned.
“John, I’ve dreamed of you making love to me, too,” she admitted with a blush. Anne reached up and unfastened her lace head covering. She carefully folded it and put it on the dresser. She removed the necklace and put it by the scarf. John sat down and watched her, fascinated by every movement. She loosened the final hair pins and her hair dropped down and framed her face. She smiled shyly at John and reached to unfasten her dress. He walked over and unzipped it. He slid the straps off her shoulders. He gasped with delight when he saw her bare breasts exposed to his view
Anne reached down, unfastened his tie, and pulled it away from his neck. She began undoing the buttons on his shirt. She slid his jacket off his shoulders. His shirt and undershirt soon followed. Anne pulled him up and she leaned against his bare chest. She rubbed her hands across his chest and slid her arms around his neck and drew his mouth down to hers. While their bare skin touched, they were filled with growing desire. Anne reached down and unfastened his pants. Soon his pants and briefs fell to the floor. Anne shivered with delight when she felt his hand move down into her half-slip and panties and they slid down to join his on the floor.
He pulled her naked body against his. He covered her mouth gently at first, then teased her lips apart, and tasted the sweetness of her mouth. He pressed his body against hers. Anne moved against his body feeling the pressure of his need rubbing against her. She felt his hands slip down behind her and he pulled her possessively against the fullness of his need and desire. He guided her back and laid her down on the bed. He lay down beside her and began exploring the secret places of her body. She moaned and pulled him closer to her. She felt his hands touching her, and she moaned with desire. Anne caressed his face and moaned his name. She pulled him closer up as the need to feel him in her body grew to a throbbing ache.
“John,” she begged, “I need to feel you. Come now, my husband.”
John moved up and kissed her. With infinite gentleness, he entered and took possession of her waiting body. and their two bodies became one. He moved slowly at first. With increased speed and movement, he finished what they both had wanted. With a sigh of pleasure, he slumped against her body. He lay on top of her, holding and kissing her tenderly. This was the moment they had both waited all their life for. Anne kissed him happily; for the first time in her life, she felt complete. She finally understood what it meant when the Bible said ‘the two became one flesh.” They were joined together in flesh, in life, and in marriage. She clung to him kissing, touching, and holding him. After a few minutes of touching and kissing, she felt him move off her body. He rolled over on his side and pulled her against him. He cuddled up against her with his arms wrapped around her body while he tenderly kissed her neck and face and caressed her.
He sighed and whispered against her neck, “You are even more amazing and desirable than I imagined. I love you, Anne. I have never felt so much love and pleasure. I was right; now that I have made love to you, I will never let you go. How do you feel now?” he asked.
“I can’t describe how wonderful I feel now. I feel incredible. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I’ve never felt that kind of excitement or pleasure before in my life. Before tonight, I was just a girl, but now I know what a woman feels like. I will never be the same again. I am so glad I experienced this with you, with only you! I love you so much. You were definitely worth waiting for,” Anne said snuggling against him. She laid her head on his shoulder and kissed him, tenderly caressing his face.
John held her close in his arms, and they fell asleep cuddled up together. Later that night, Anne felt John’s body shift slightly. He pulled her body close and claimed her again “Anne,” he sighed, “I wish I could stay like this forever. I don’t ever want to let you go. This was so amazing,” he panted against her neck.
“I love feeling you holding me like this,” she sighed as she lay in his arms feeling total contentment. She closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep feeling totally loved and protected.
When Anne woke up in the morning, she opened her eyes and saw John was watching her. She smiled and reached out to touch his face. He leaned over and kissed her.
“Good morning, John, I love you,” she whispered. “What were you looking at?”
“I was watching you sleep. I can’t believe we are really married. I love you, Anne, my precious wife. What do you want to do today, Mrs. Williamson?” John asked.
“Besides make love with you?” she asked playfully. “Can we go see Marco and thank him again. After that, there are so many beautiful sights around here. The grounds are so lush and lovely. Maybe we can go for a walk or hike ,and then come back here and take a nap,” she giggled. “What do you want to do, John?”
“I like your last idea the best, but we have a lifetime to make love to each other. We do need to thank Marco. I’m amazed at how beautiful and perfect our wedding was. You, my wife, were the most beautiful bride ever! Let’s get dressed and see what the day holds for us,” John said. After they had showered and dressed for the day. they walked hand in hand down the hall to Marco’s office.
As usual, Luigi was stationed outside Marco’s door. When he saw Anne and John approaching, he knocked on Marco’s door. He opened the door and let Anne and John walk inside.
When Marco looked up and saw the peace and joy in Anne’s face, he hugged her close and kissed her cheek. Anne hugged him close, “Thank you, Papa, for making my dreams come true. The wedding was perfect, and I’m so happy.”
Marco said, “I am so happy for you both. You look beautiful today. It was my pleasure to do the wedding for you, Anne. What do you have planned for today?”
“We don’t have any definite plans. I thought we might take a walk or ride around the resort property. Where would you recommend we go to see something special?” Anne asked.
“I know where I like to go to think and enjoy being outdoors. There is a small beautiful lake on the far side of the golf course. The best way to get there is to use a golf cart. It is a long walk, so I would suggest you take a picnic lunch and have a leisurely picnic and a swim. Once on the far side of the greens, there is an unmarked trail that leads up to the lake. Once you get part way up the trail, it is like being out in the wilderness. If you want, I’ll have The Café prepare a picnic lunch and arrange for you to use a golf cart,” Marco suggested.
John looked at Anne and smiled, “That sounds like a fantastic idea, Anne. How does it sound to you?” John asked.
“It sounds great to me. Marco, I trust you. You’ve never given me any bad advice. How can we get the lunch and golf cart?” Anne asked.
“I’ll have Luigi make the arrangements for you. In about thirty minutes, meet Luigi at the main desk. He can give you a map and complete directions. I’m sure you will both enjoy it, my sweet Angel,” Marco answered.
Anne and John returned to their room, got their swim suits and towels and went to the main desk. Luigi was waiting for them. He had brought a golf cart to the front door. He had stowed a picnic basket, a blanket, and some extra towels, in the back. He gave John a brochure with a map of the golf course, and he pointed out where he should drive to get to the trail to the lake. Anne and John climbed in the golf cart and started off.
Anne leaned against John’s shoulder as they rode through the golf course. The sun was shining brightly overhead. Only a few golfers were playing on the course. The beautiful green grass stretched out on all sides. Small sand traps and water hazards dotted the course. Clusters of trees separated the different areas. Anne breathed in deeply of the fresh air. She sighed and relaxed and l
aid her head on John’s shoulder. He bent down and kissed her forehead.
On the far side of the golf course, they found a path that ran along the perimeter. One trail led off away from the resort and turned toward the west. John steered the golf cart onto the path as it moved up the hill away from the golf course. The path continued about ¼ mile and then became too narrow for the cart to continue. John parked the cart, picked up the picnic basket and blanket, and walked up the path with Anne. After walking about 10 minutes, they crested the hill and saw a picture post card lake about fifty feet below them. A small trail wound down to a secluded cove surrounded by large boulders and pine and aspen trees. A small sandy beach ran along the lake shore.
They walked down to the cove. “This is a perfect spot for a picnic,” John said. He spread the blanket in a sheltered spot between a stand of aspen trees and two large boulders that blocked the wind. He walked over and wrapped his arms around Anne. As they looked out at the lake, a group of ducks swam past the cove and headed towards the center of the lake. Anne leaned back against his chest and sighed deeply. She felt the strength of his arms encircling her.
“What are you thinking about, Anne?” John asked quietly.
“You and me, about us, and how happy I am when you are near me. I’ve never felt anything like this before. My life is perfect, and it is all because of you,” Anne explained.
John turned her around and slowly pulled her into his embrace and kissed her with a tender possessiveness, he said, “Let’s see how the water feels. I want to see you in that little red bikini I spotted in your suitcase.” Anne pulled off her top and shorts revealing a tiny red string bikini that barely covered the essential places on her body. John stared at her, whistled his approval, and smiled.
“Let’s see what you brought for swimming,” Anne laughed. He quickly undressed and stood before her wearing a revealing blue speedo.
Anne took his hand and led him down to the sandy beach. They kicked off their shoes. Anne timidly stepped into the water. John walked in after her. The water in the shallow area near the shore was clear and warm. As they walked away from the shore, the water became deeper and cooler. Anne dipped down and stood up soaking wet. The bikini clung to her body leaving nothing to the imagination. John walked after her, but Anne kept a step away from him, teasing him to come and catch her. Anne swam out deeper, and John began swimming towards her. He reached out and grabbed her foot and pulled her back towards him. He captured her with his arms and pulled her closer. He kissed her and held her tight against his body. With the coldness of the water swirling around them, their bare skin rubbed together and the play turned into desire. John pulled her toward shore. He stood up, lifted her into his arms, and carried her up to the blanket. He quickly removed her bikini and his suit. He lowered her down on the blanket and kissed her deeply, passionately. She clung to him as he claimed his bride again while they spiraled up to ecstasy and floated down to earth together.
Sheltered from the cool breeze off the lake, they lay naked in each other’s arms. The warm sun quickly dried them and their discarded suits off, and lulled them into a dreamy state. They dozed for a while. Anne watched John sleep , and she felt a deep contentment sweep over her. She reached over and gently touched his face. She rolled over and nestled against his body. He turned and caressed her face. Anne felt like she was in a delightful dream and she dreamed of staying in his arms with him always.
John slowly woke up. He kissed her again, stretched lazily, and sat up. “You have bewitched me. I can’t keep my eyes and hands off you. I always want to have you in my arms, but I’m getting hungry. We didn’t have anything to eat since our bridal dinner in The Café. Let’s see what we have in our picnic basket.”
He walked over, got the basket, and carried it back to the blanket. Anne smiled up at her husband as he sat down on the blanket beside her. John opened the basket. “Marco knows how to have a picnic!” He pulled out a bottle of wine and two glasses. Then he found fried chicken, two roast beef sandwiches, and an assortment of fresh fruit.
Anne and John took turns applying sun screen on each other’s body, On a partially shaded area of the blanket, they sat side-by-side naked under the sun on the blanket while they ate the picnic lunch. John opened the bottle of wine and poured each of them a glass. Anne giggled and blushed.
“What are you giggling about?” John asked with a puzzled smile.
Anne answered, “I feel like Eve sitting naked in the Garden of Eden with Adam. I wonder if she and Adam were as happy as I am right now.”
“They couldn’t have been happier than I am here with you, Anne. I love you so much.” John whispered huskily. After eating lunch, they made love again. Slowly, thoroughly, John tenderly caressed her and carried her to new heights of pleasure.
Late afternoon came stealing across the sky. They reluctantly put on their swimsuits and clothes. They packed everything back into the picnic basket, folded the blanket and towels, and walked back to the golf cart. They drove back to the resort. John carried the picnic basket in to the front desk.
Back in their room, they stepped into the shower and tenderly washed each other. After they were dressed, they went back to Marco’s office. Anne sat down on the small love seat and relaxed. Marco and John worked quietly side by side at the computer. Marco gave John the codes and location of his business files. John settled down at the computer to do some work. Marco moved over to the love seat. Anne stretched and sat up. She smiled at Marco, and they talked quietly while John worked at the computer. When John had a question, Marco walked over and quietly explained what he was reading and answered any other questions he had. After a couple of hours, John closed the files, turned off the computer, and joined Marco and Anne “That’s enough work for today,” John said, sitting down beside Anne and taking her hand in his.
After a few minutes, they went up to the lounge for a late supper and to listen to the music. While there, they discussed what they should do next. Anne and John both needed to return to LA to take care of things they had left unfinished there. Anne still had her apartment, and she had not quit her job. John needed to return to his office and show samples of what he was learning. They decided they should return to LA as soon as possible.
