Greetings to everyone. I want to thank all of you for the special notes and messages during the last month. It's been a month, and for those of you still recovering from the hurricanes this year - my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Two horrible events that I will never forget and am thankful that my family and myself made it out as well as we did. There are so many people who did not make it through these storms. All I can say is that I hope there are tremendous lessons learned from the storms, and we apply those findings into building improvements for future storms we encounter.
For those of you wondering - I decided to call it quits on saving my refrigerator. Yesterday, I purchased a new one and hopefully it will be here in a week to ten days. I tried a number of cleaning tips from all of you, but the damage was done and the smell just did not disappear. I cannot stand to open it, and have removed it from the condo. We're surviving on a cooler with plenty of ice for the essentials we need.
Signs of life are returning around the St Pete Beach area. As I told many of you, I was shocked when I returned to the area. The pictures on television do not even begin to illustrate the damage done by the hurricanes. We've cleaned the condo extensively, and have removed all of the hurricane shutters. Businesses and restaurants are reopening in the area, and it's good to rejoice with friends on the beach. We're coming together as a community to help one another through the recovery of Milton.
If you have not done so yet, please get out and vote. This is a very big election year, and there is so much riding on this election for all of us. The least we can do is perform our civic duty and cast our vote.
I continue to rewrite, add to and write more chapters of this story and I'm seeking any suggestions, constructive or positive feedback you have about the story. Please send information to cjwilson328@aol.com. For those if you who have already reached out to me - my thanks! I'm working your ideas into future storylines.
Everyone has come down from their emotional highs of the BANA awards. CJ and the gang are getting ready for Christmas now, and the spirit is spreading throughout the complex and television station.
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The emotional highs of the BANA awards wore off several days after the event. Bailey did some good PR events with all of the winners. He created a commercial of Angela, Ronny, Ross and myself to kick off the 2024 new year. He wants to capitalize on the best production, news anchor, meteorologist and sports anchor awards. It did not dawn on me until he said "we swept all four elements of the best news team gang! Be proud of your accomplishments, as I am overjoyed with the results. Keep up the good work, and we'll sweep the BANA's again next year."
Everyone at the station has been in such an upbeat mood since the awards ceremony. It's been a festive mood, and the Christmas spirit is sprouting throughout the station in various ways. The complex is also in a festive mood, and it's hard to believe that Christmas is only nine days away. UD and my cousins will be here next Wednesday night, and I'm looking forward to enjoying time with them, as well as all of my extended family and friends here in St Pete Beach. All of the group plans to be in St Pete Beach for the holidays including Joe and Roger as they finish their move into their new house.
I love the Christmas holiday season, and it pleases me to see Wally enjoying it as well. From what he's shared with me, Christmas celebrations fell by the wayside after his mom passed away. He always made a special holiday dinner for him and his dad, but I think the Christmas spirit exited him after his father's passing. He and I have done so much together during the last couple of weeks, not to mention that we both have been horned up for each other all the time. I love our time together, and I know the feeling is mutual with Wally. Our first Christmas together is going to be so blessed for both of us filled with love, passion and family to enjoy all around.
Rather than buying each other numerous Christmas gifts, we decided earlier this year to open up a joint savings account to save money up for our wedding and honeymoon. I have found him several special gifts that I'll give him on Christmas morning, and per the chief Wally also has several Christmas day gifts for me.
Wally's construction projects have wrapped up nicely for year end. He is not starting any new projects until January in order to give his crews an extra-special Christmas break. He gave everyone at his company a bonus of a thousand dollars each, which everyone appreciated tremendously. In return, he received some very nice gifts including gift cards, liquors and cigars from his crew members as tokens of their appreciation. Since the work is winding down for him, he's been meeting me at home each afternoon around 1:30 pm. We've been getting some good workouts in, followed by sexy steamy showers together and either shopping or nice dinners to close our evenings out. I shouldn't say the evenings are closed out, as we always end up making love before drifting off to sleep in each other's arms.
I've been able to keep up my visits with Darrell. Overall, I think he's making progress. I'm not exactly sure where he is at in his thought process, as one day he is optimistic about returning to the police force and the next day he's thinking about other professions he can switch to. Randy and I have been keeping in touch about our conversations with Darrell. He told me not to worry, as he sees this type of mood change in heavy trauma cases. As Randy put it to me "eventually, Darrell will find his answer in life and be content with it. Until that time, we just need to be there for him to listen and be supportive of him."
I've noticed a new trio of Darrell, Mack and Jimmy hanging out together, which pleases me. After the Christmas parade, Jimmy asked Darrell and Mack if they will help him in the fitness center at the complex? Jimmy has been mentioning to all of us that he wants to start `getting ready to play a sport' in his words. He's not sure what he wants to play, but he wants to learn how to use the exercise machines in our complex. I remember him saying one day "I have a bunch of smart guys around me, and I want to learn from them. CJ plays golf and baseball; Ronny swims and dives; Alex and Bailey play tennis; Ronny, Wally, Mack and Darrell play football; Roger and Joe are basketball players; and Aaron and Trev are runners. Dad and Toby have dabbled in various sports as well, and I need to take advantage of all the knowledge I have around me."
Jimmy's first step is his desire to start using the machines in our exercise room. I'm not sure if he's really interested, or if he's making a deep bond connection with Darrell and Mack? Whatever he is up to, it's working! Darrell and Mack are taking Jimmy under their wing and helping him with all of the machines in the fitness center. Every afternoon as Wally and I leave the fitness center, Darrell and Jimmy come strolling in to begin their regiment of exercising. Mack joins them when he's not working. We always spend about 15 minutes with them, as Jimmy tells Wally and I what happened since we last saw him. His pleasant attitude continues and it's always a joy to be around him. As Jimmy is telling us all about his day, Darrell listens intently and seems overjoyed to be around such an upbeat personality. I'm interested to see if Darrell opens up to Jimmy about his current feelings, as well as his good days and the bad ones he is experiencing.
Jimmy and Darrell have also been going shopping together. One afternoon Jimmy pulled me aside and said "I hope you don't think I'm ignoring you CJ, because I'm not. I'm trying to help everyone out by keeping my eyes on Darrell. He's opened up to me about how he is feeling, but he has not discussed the day of the shooting with me. If he never tells me about it, that's okay. I know at least I'm helping everyone to keep him active, and get him back into the Darrell we all know and love. Does this make sense to you, CJ?"
I pulled my friend in for a hug, gave him a kiss and said "it makes perfect sense, Jimmy. I can tell that Darrell is very happy around you, and you're doing a wonderful thing for him. Are you doing okay with helping him through his trauma?" Jimmy looked at me and replied "yeah CJ, I am fine. I like Darrell just as much as I like anyone in the group. He's interesting to talk to, and now he's helping me build up my muscles! Sometime next year, I want to go to a driving range with you to start hitting golf balls. Maybe we can even work our way up to playing nine holes of golf together!" I immediately broke out into a large smile and said "it's a deal my friend. Whenever you want to start going to a driving range, just let me know. Maybe we can even get some of the other guys to go with us. We'll all have fun." Jimmy's smile just beamed at me and said "yeah CJ, we always have fun at whatever we end up doing."
Ronny and Alex are also into the holiday spirit. Alex has been up to a lot of shopping, and I don't ever remember Ronny getting interested in shopping like he is with Alex. Ronny and I went to a jewelry store after the BANA Awards celebration. We both received a very nice gift card to the jewelry store in our swag bag. He wanted to check out the supply of men's rings before searching online for an engagement ring.
The jewelry store selection was nice, but Ronny didn't see anything that screamed Alex to him. He looked at me and said "CJ, I'm not trying to copy your rings, but can we take a look at the website you ordered from? Alex is always commenting about your engagement rings, and if you don't mind, I'd like to go with a similar ring except a different stone?" I smiled at my friend and said "not a problem at all. I know Alex really liked my ring selection, and you'll be happy to know he told me if you ever asked for my help, he'd gladly accept the ring style with five stones he really liked in the setting. We'll go home, and I can show you the stones. What do you think we should do with these gift cards?" Ronny thought for a minute and said "let's go look at watches. Maybe you and I can find nice watches we like, and give them to each other as a Christmas day surprise." I looked at Ronny, cracked up, pulled him in for a hug and said "let's do it my friend. We need to leave our college watches behind, and get some nice-looking ones which will look stunning when we're on the evening news together."
Ronny and I did find watches we liked, and purchased them with our gift cards. The store gift wrapped the watches for us, and we left the store laughing like we are two teenagers enjoying the holiday season together. When we got home, Alex and Wally were both out. I looked at Ronny, and said "let's get those rings ordered before they get back." I still had the website book marked, and within ten minutes Ronny had his ring selections picked out. The style is the same as I picked out for Wally and myself, but he selected a beautiful sapphire stone. He likes the ring, and I said "Alex will love it, Ronny. He wanted me to go with sapphires instead of the black diamond when I ordered mine. The sapphire was his pick overall, and the design screams Alex and Ronny to me!" Ronny was smiling, and replied "yeah, it sure does CJ. Keep this between you and me, as I want to surprise Alex. If he needs a gentle nudge on something though, go ahead and plant subtle hints to him. Depending upon when these arrive, I will either ask him on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve." I smiled at Ronny as he placed the order. He was so happy with his accomplishments on our afternoon together.
About ten minutes later, my cell phone rang with Alex's ringtone. I answered the call, and Alex said "CJ, if you're with Ronny, pretend I'm someone else calling." I said "hey Zach, how are you doing?" Alex cracked up laughing and said "will you come down to my workshop as soon as you can? I need your help with a gift for Ronny." I ended the call, and told Ronny "Zach's car broke down, and he needs a ride back to his place. I'll be back soon."
I made my way to Alex's workshop and I found him at his desk with his laptop. He said "thanks for coming down. I looked at his screen, and he was surfing the ring website looking at wedding bands. I cracked up laughing, and said "nice wedding band you have there. What stone are you going to select for the white gold insert?" He looked at me and said "don't worry, I won't go with diamonds as it will look so similar to Wally and your wedding bands. If you were me, do you think rubies or sapphires will be a better choice for these bands?" I smiled at him and said "either stone will look wonderful in the wedding band Alex. I prefer the sapphires though." Alex gave me a big smile and said "sapphires it is then. Thanks so much for your help, CJ. Please keep this a secret between us though, as I plan to surprise Ronny either on Christmas or New Year's Eve."
On my way back up to the condo, I stopped off at Bailey and Aaron's place. I caught Bailey in the kitchen mixing up some daiquiris for Aaron and him to enjoy in the hot tub. He offered me one, and to join them in the hot tub. I took him up on the offer knowing I needed to kill some time before returning to Ronny.
Once the three of us were settled into the hot tub naked, Bailey said "what are you up to today?" I explained to both of them about the secret situation I'm in the middle of. They both busted out laughing, and Aaron commented "aha, now you know what Alex felt like when he ended up in the middle of you and Wally during your ring planning episodes!" I cracked up and said "yeah, I know Aaron, and Bailey can I ask for your help with your jeweler friend?" Even before I asked Bailey my question, he said "leave me their initials on a notepad before you leave. I'll take care of the ring boxes for them."
The three of us continued shooting the shit about station gossip, discussing plans for Christmas, and exchanged gift ideas for other members of our group. I have to admit, I'm getting very comfortable in the hot tub and the daiquiri is beginning to go straight to my head. Luckily, I had placed my cell phone on one of the side tables by the hot tub. When it rang, I was able to answer Wally's call on the first ring. Wally told me he's on his way back to the complex, and asked me if I wanted to go out to dinner or shopping tonight? I replied "I'm with Aaron and Bailey now babe and we're having a good bullshit session. Stop in when you get back, and enjoy a drink with us. We'll decide our dinner plans later."
About ten minutes later, Wally came into the condo and found us in the hot tub. Bailey jumped out of the tub, put his robe on and said "I'm going to mix us up another pitcher of daiquiris." He went over to Wally, put his hands on Wally's shoulders and said "get naked big guy and join us. I'll mix you up a killer daiquiri and we can break out some cigars to enjoy on this lazy Saturday afternoon." Bailey went off to mix up some more drinks and Wally joined Aaron and I in the tub.
Before Bailey returned to the tub, he grabbed his phone and called Alex. Bailey said "hey Alex, what are you and Ronny doing?" Alex responded, and Bailey continued on with "they're down here with Aaron and me. You and Ronny get your asses down here, and enjoy some daquiris and cigars with us. Do me a favor and bring your blender container along with a bottle of rum down."
Alex and Ronny hauled ass down to Aaron's place with a bottle of rum, and two blender containers. Bailey made up two more containers of drinks, and soon all six of us were in the hot tub together enjoying an afternoon cigar along with Bailey's killer daiquiris.
It dawned on me as we were getting back into a bullshit session that Bailey and Aaron need a large blender and ice maker for their patio bar. I now have a shopping trip for Wally and I tomorrow to look for an ice maker, and one or two blenders for their bar. Perfect -- our patio is the keg place, while Bailey and Arron's patio can serve as the daiquiri place.
We got back into a discussion of the upcoming holiday, and if we should be making any special plans for the group? The chief kicked in and said "CJ, I forgot to mention to you that UD and I have been in contact. He wants all of us to think about something for Christmas day, and asked for you to tell him if it's a go on your call with him tomorrow."
Alex took a sip of his daiquiri, took a draw on his cigar and said "UD wants to fix all the meat dishes for us on Christmas day. He asked me to reserve the community room for the day, and wants us to think about inviting people from the station, other friends, any families in need from The Pinellas Partners in Action group, people in the condo complex and Wally's construction company to a Christmas day celebration. He and the girls are flying into Sarasota on Wednesday evening this week, and are leaving on January 2nd. The girls go back to school on January 3, 2024."
Alex had everyone's attention and continued on with "UD is thinking turkey, ham, pork roast, prime rib and a fish entrée plus anything else we request. He will need multiple kitchens to cook and is hoping that we can take care of the appetizers, side dishes and desserts. He's thinking to move everything to the community room so that we can all enjoy each other on Christmas day, as well as inviting all the Christmas misfits, his wording not mine, who may need a place to hang out with friends for the day."
The more Alex talked, the more acceptance he gained from his message. Bailey was the first to speak up and said "I love that man! I think his idea is wonderful, and I'm up for it." Bailey looked over to Aaron and said "does this sound okay to you, my love?" Aaron smiled around his cigar and said "fuck yeah, it's a kick-ass idea everyone. It's a no-brainer to me and I say we get UD on the phone right now!"
Wally, Ronny and I are in full agreement with the idea, and I picked up my cell phone and pressed on UD's shortcut to give him a call. I put him on speaker, and turned my video on. He answered the phone and said "what's this a call on Saturday afternoon versus Sunday?" I smiled at him, took a puff on my cigar and said "are you alone now, or are the girls with you?" He cracked up and said "I'm alone, so go ahead and show any naked bodies off to me."
I scanned all of the hot tub with my phone, and everyone gave their greetings to UD. Wally spoke up and said "too bad you're not here today with us UD. You could be enjoying the hot tub, cigars and daiquiris with us today". UD gave his usual deep laugh and replied "oh guys, you don't know how much I'd enjoy being there with all of you today. I'll be there Wednesday, and we'll have almost two weeks together. I'm looking so forward to spending Christmas and New Years with all of you."
Alex took the conversation over and said "UD, the six of us love your idea for Christmas day, so we know that we have 11 now with Denny included. We'll get the word out to the rest of our crew, and see how many we can round up for our Christmas celebration. CJ can give you some preliminary numbers tomorrow when he calls you and the girls."
Before the call ended, Ronny jumped in and said "UD is there anything you need or want for Christmas?" UD smiled and said "guys, please no Christmas gifts for me. My Christmas gift will be spending the holiday with all of you and enjoying our time together. If you will, please have kegs ready to go on the party patio and at Ken's place. I'm ready to chug a lot of draft beer with all of you."
We each said our farewells to UD and I ended the call with "great to talk with you today UD. We'll chat again tomorrow, and I can't wait to see you and the girls on Wednesday night. Bye UD, I love you." All of the guys screamed "love you UD" before I closed the call.
After I ended the call, each of us took a drink as well as a few draws on our cigars. Ronny spoke up first and said "man, I hate it that I don't have any Christmas gift for UD. He's had a crappy year, and I want him to know we're here for him." I smiled at my friend and said "he knows we're here for him Ronny. We may not be able to overload him with Christmas gifts, but we can surprise him with housewarming gifts once he and Ken get everything closed on the condo." I looked at Alex and said "hey chief, do you know if Ken's place has closet organizers? I know that UD and the girls loved our organizers, and we can give them an early gift of the organizers and installation." Alex got a big smile and said "no CJ, Ken does not have closet organizers, and I love that idea. We can give him and the girls a card with the gift idea when they're ready for it! He also wants to replace the cabinets in the kitchen, add a backsplash, create a pantry and install a wine cooler."
Aaron continued on by saying "I know he loves our hot tub on the patio, and that Ken's patio still has some room available. Maybe they will enjoy a hot tub like this, or perhaps UD will want to expand the pub area at Ken's place to include a full bar along with the kegerator."
Ronny soaked everything in and said "okay guys, you've convinced me that we can do more for UD in 2024 once he gets settled in here. We'll make sure he has plenty of liquor, beer and cigars while he is here for the holidays. CJ, do you think the girls will like a gift card to some of the local stores here so they can begin a true Floridian wardrobe?" Wally and I cracked up with Wally saying "the girls will love a gift card, Ronny. I can see them going to our local stores and malls after Christmas looking for specials. Who knows, UD may even enjoy a gift card so he can continue to dazzle us with his floral Tommy Bahama shirts."
Bailey looked at the time on his cell phone. He smiled at all of us and said "I'm beginning to shrivel up in here. What do you say if we adjourn over to the seating area and make a list of people to invite for Christmas dinner? I'll grab some towels for everyone, and make up some more daiquiris for us to enjoy. We can order some pizza if anyone is getting hungry?"
Everyone thought Bailey's idea sounded good, and soon we had more pitchers of daiquiris made up along with a pizza order on the way over. Aaron retrieved a notepad, and we started throwing out names of people to invite. As we were naming off people, the chief took it upon himself to start making calls to the remainder of our group to see if they can make it. Alex hung up from the first call he made and said "Aaron, give me a sheet of paper along with a pen. I'll keep track of our confirmed guests while all of you continue the invitation list."
The food arrived and Bailey took care of the bill, as well as getting plates, napkins and all of the other items we needed for our afternoon feast. All of us grabbed a plate of food while everything is hot. Bailey made sure that everyone's drink is always topped off while the bullshit session continues on.
After a few minutes Alex informed everyone "I've been able to reach most of the group. Everyone is on board for the Christmas day activities. Trev and Carl will be bringing both sets of their parents, if that is okay with everyone and Jackson is going to attend also. Mack is off on Christmas day and asked if he can extend an invite to Jacob and Marci as well?" The alcohol has taken effect on Bailey who stood up, flexed his muscles and blurted out "well, since UD is not here, Super Bailey 2.0 will take charge of this! Of course, parents and family members are invited to this event. If anyone disagrees with me, we can wrestle to see who wins the argument! I'll beat everybody here!" Everyone broke out in hilarious laughter, and Ronny snapped a picture of Bailey while he flexed like a pro-wrestler.
Wally spoke up saying "easy there, Super Bailey 2.0, I think everyone agrees with you. Aaron, get your super stud under control! Alex, how many people can we safely fit into the rec center?" Alex was still laughing at Super Bailey 2.0 outburst and said "the rec center has a safety occupancy rating of 250. Once we have a list compiled, I'll put Jimmy to work counting the guests for me. If we go over 250, we'll let Super Bailey 2.0 figure out who is taken off the invitee list." Everyone broke into another round of laughs and continued to enjoy the food and friendship of the afternoon.
After we finished eating, we split up the list and all made some calls. As all of us finished up our individual calls, we updated Alex's master list with attendees. We also started a third list of what foods were being brought by attendees. It looks as though were going to have a nice mix of appetizers, side dishes and desserts. I spoke with Randy, and he informed me that he knew of five families who need a place to go for the Christmas holiday. I told him to make sure they get an invite and not to worry about bringing any food.
About an hour later our calls were finished up, and I gave everyone a big smile. I said "well guys, it looks as though we'll have over 150 people attending. UD will be so happy to hear this and I can guarantee we'll all have an enjoyable day together." Wally chimed in and said "I've never heard Mama Bette get so excited about attending a holiday event. She told me she's going to start making special dishes tomorrow morning for the event, and wants us to save her at least five ovens in the complex so she can reheat items here as well as make her special creations the day of the event. CJ, do you think you can handle her being at our place around 8:00 am Christmas morning?" I cracked up and said "yeah baby, I can handle her that early on Christmas morning. It will be the start of our Christmas traditions together."
Soon, several of us heard a knock at the door and Bailey yelled "come on in, the door is open." Jimmy came running in with Fred and Toby trying to keep up the pace with him. Jimmy found us all on the porch and said "so this is where everyone is at today. I've been looking for all of you to see if anyone wants to play darts with me? When daddy got Wally's call, I made him and Toby bring me down here to see all of you. I like the idea of the Christmas day party guys. Did you invite Scott and his two daddies? What about Betsy, Ralphie and their parents? Is Zeke and Jer coming? How about Mr. Star and Mr. Bishop?"
I can tell that our youngest group member is enthused about the Christmas party. I cracked up at our little buddy and said "everyone you mentioned has been invited, and they're all coming Jimmy. If you can think of any of your friends who might want to come for the day, be sure and let your daddy and Toby know and we'll get them an invite." Jimmy smiled at me and said "okay CJ, I will. Who wants to play some darts?" Aaron said "I'll play some darts with you Jimmy, but have you eaten dinner yet? If not, we have plenty of food left over for you, your dad and Toby." Fred replied "we have not eaten yet. Are you sure there is enough, and can we help out with the bill?" Bailey just smirked at the three of them and said "guys, you three are welcome here anytime and no money is needed. Grab some plates, and I'll fix Fred and Toby a daiquiri along with a special daiquiri for Jimmy." Jimmy smiled and said "thanks Bailey. I always like the special drinks you fix for me."
Fred and Toby immersed themselves in our conversation, while Jimmy ate spaghetti and pepperoni pizza. Fred told everyone "I called my mom and dad to let them know we'll be attending a Christmas dinner with all of our friends at the complex recreation center. They are both excited about seeing our new home and meeting our friends. My mom wants to know how much holiday lime Jello she needs to fix for the party?" Alex cracked up and said "well, we have 150 people confirmed now Fred." Jimmy suddenly said "dad, grandma can't fix that much Jello for everyone! Let's just buy a few different pies and cakes from Jan at the bakery as our contribution."
I laughed again and said "Jan and her husband will be here as well on Christmas day, Jimmy. She told me she's bringing six pies and a sheet cake for everyone. How about you and I make some big pans of Jello next weekend for everyone? We'll make cherry, lime and any other flavor you want to?" Jimmy gave me a big smile and said "that sounds good CJ, because Jello always tastes good at Christmas. Can we put fruit in it too?" I cracked up at my buddy and said "anything you want Jimmy."
Bailey just slapped his forehead and said "Jesus, we're going to have leftover food for several weeks once this party is done!"
Jimmy, Fred and Toby finished off the pizza while the conversation continued about holiday subjects. Bailey cracked up at Jimmy when he chugged the last of his virgin cocktail. After finishing his drink, he said "Bailey, that is my favorite drink you have made me so far. I really enjoyed it, and now I want to get a dart game going!" Bailey replied to him saying "tell you what Jimmy, you go ahead with a couple of the guys and get the party patio open. I'll make up some more drinks and be up soon. I'll make you a couple of your special drinks so you can enjoy them while playing darts."
Alex, Ronny, Wally and I took Jimmy upstairs to get the patio open for everyone. Alex opened the condo door, and Jimmy took off like a wild man towards the patio. He opened the sliding door, turned on the Christmas tree lights, turned on the television and found his favorite music channel to enjoy. Alex turned on the fans, and the party patio is open for business!
Alex and Jimmy began a game of cricket, while Ronny, Wally and I sat at the high top watching them. Ronny pulled his phone out, found a picture and said "hey guys, what do you think of this Super Bailey 2.0 picture? Think it's worth a coffee mug or tee shirt for everyone in the group?" I looked at it and began laughing. Wally joined me in laughter and I said "oh my goodness, the angle you took this is perfect. Paint him green, and you have the incredible hulk doing his famous flex pose! I like the idea Ronny, let's contact Seth and see what he can do with it. At a minimum, I think tee shirts for our circle, and coffee cups for the news staff. Can you see everyone in the news room with a Super Bailey 2.0 cup?"
Ronny cracked up and said "I like that idea CJ. I'll give Seth a call tomorrow and see what he can do with the picture. I'm sure he will cut me a good deal. I can see it now -- tee shirts and coffee mugs all saying Proud Member of the Super Bailey 2.0 Club!"
Wally looked at the two of us and said "do either of you want to join me in a beer? I love Bailey's daiquiris, but I'm afraid if I have one more, I'll be out before this evening really gets going." Ronny agreed with Wally saying "I'll have a beer with you. Bailey makes a killer daiquiri, but I've had my fill for the day." I chimed in "pour me a beer also babe." Alex declined saying "I can't let my good buddy Jimmy here drink daiquiris alone tonight, so I'll wait for Bailey to appear with more of his magical potion."
I nudged Ronny and whispered "keep your camera ready to go. You may be able to get a good photo of Alex and Bailey together tonight which can also be used as a Christmas gift."
Aaron and Bailey made it up to our place about 20 minutes later, with Carl and Trev following them in. Aaron said "Fred and Toby will be up later. They're taking a dip in our hot tub to see how it feels to them and if they want to buy one for their place." Jimmy yelled out "yeah, they have been talking about buying one. I'm not sure if we really need it, but if daddy and Toby want it, they deserve to treat themselves."
Trev went over to the kegerator and poured two beers for him and Carl. Trev took a big swig of his and said "ah man, this tastes so good after fighting the stores all afternoon. I think Carl and I finished up everything today, and if we forgot someone, we'll get creative this week and make them something. I'm not going back into any stores this week!" Carl cracked up and said "yeah, just watch everyone. He will be back into a store or two before the end of the week."
Bailey quickly got a euchre game going, and Alex and Jimmy finished up their cricket game. Cricket turned into a 501 game and pulled Ronny and Wally into the activity. There I was, by myself at the high-top table nursing my beer. A smile came across my face hearing all of the laughter and enjoyment being shared by my circle. I was not by myself for long as Fred, Toby, Mack and Darrell joined into the festivities.
Mack said "evening everyone. Darrell and I were out at the stores today and just returned a few minutes ago. We ran into Fred and Toby who told us you were all here. CJ, do you mind if we crash the party and enjoy a beer or four with you?" I got up from the high-top and said "let me grab some more glasses guys. If you want to try a killer Bailey daiquiri, we have plenty of those as well."
I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. The last several weeks, Darrell has been letting people approach him versus him taking the lead. Not tonight, as Darrell is pulling everyone in for hugs and kisses. When he got to Jimmy, I heard "hey Darrell, I'm glad you're here. I missed working out with you today. I think my muscles are already growing thanks to your help. Here feel my arm muscle." Jimmy flexed his arm for Darrell who said "wow Jimmy, keep it up! I can feel those muscles developing, and pretty soon you'll start growing in height. You are going to be one muscle bound young man soon." Jimmy began laughing, gave Darrell a hug and said "I owe it all to you! Let's start back in on our workouts on Monday, because this is the weekend and we need to relax for a couple of days."
I returned to the patio and passed glasses out to the new attendees. Mack pulled me aside to the tv area and said "thank you for all you've done for Darrell. I see him improving each day, and we're getting along so well. His mood swings are less frequent, and he was so engrossed in shopping for everyone today. God Bless you CJ for whatever you have talked to him about. I've fallen fast for that man, and through you our relationship has strengthened immensely. Now, on another subject, are you sure it won't be a problem to invite Jacob and Marci for the Christmas day party?" I cracked up and said "Mack, they are more than welcome. In fact, we'll have so much food that we can invite your fire crew on duty that day for some food. If they can't leave the station, we'll take some food to them later in the day. How does that sound?" Mack grinned and said "as usual, you're always thinking ahead. Thanks for reassuring me, and I like the idea about taking food to the crew at the firehouse."
I made my way back to the pub side of the patio and handed Darrell his glass. He pulled me in for a bear hug, along with a kiss on my cheek. He looked at me and said "how are you doing tonight?" I replied "I'm doing very good Darrell, and I have to tell you that you're looking wonderful today. Are you feeling good?" He smiled at me and said "I'm doing great today, CJ. The week has continued to be a roller coaster ride of emotions for me, but overall, it's been a good week. Mack and I had a fun time shopping today, and I cannot tell you how close we have become. Let me grab a beer, and I'll join you at the high-top to share one other item with you."
I refilled my beer along with Darrell, and we returned to the high-top. After taking a sip of beer he said "I cannot thank you enough for one coping mechanism you gave me." I said "I'm not sure I gave you any coping mechanisms Darrell, perhaps you're learning it on your own?" He smiled and said "no my friend, the mechanism was from you. You told me that whenever I felt myself spiraling down, and seeing visions of Lucas to exchange the visions with pictures of Jimmy's smiling face. I cannot tell you how many times I have done that this week, and it's helped me tremendously. I've also enjoyed our time in the exercise room this week, and I have to say that boy, soon to become young man, is a real gem CJ. He is so inquisitive, thoughtful, courteous and a real pleasure to be around. Do you think I will scare him away if I share some of my turmoil with him, and does he know about me shooting Lucas on that day?"
I took a drink of my beer, smiled at him and said "Darrell, you will not scare him away and no he does not know all of the details of that day. He knows that a policeman saved a boy in his grade, and that I was there reporting the story and witnessed the shooting. He's heard the information about the boy at school and shared it openly with me, Fred and Toby. Once we discussed that, nothing more has been discussed about the subject with him. Darrell, that youth over there is smarter than we give him credit for. I know down deep, he has pieced together the pieces from what he hears at school, and what he sees here at the complex with you not going to work. He has told me that he does not want to press you for any information, but he wants to help you in any way he can. If anything, sharing your feelings with him will only strengthen the bond you and he have together."
Darrell smiled at me, pulled me in for a hug and said "once again my psychologist in training, you're helping me in more ways than you know. I thank you for everything, and I want to come clean with Jimmy. For eight years old, he's very intelligent, caring and so much fun to be around. I need to go and thank Fred and Toby now, for them letting him enter my life and enhancing it thoroughly for me."
Before Darrell got the chance to go and speak to Fred and Toby, Jimmy yelled at us "hey CJ and Darrell, please get over here. It's time for team 801. Us three will be a team and take on Alex, Ronny and Wally." There's no need for any discussion in the matter, as Darrell and I went over and greeted our team captain with lots of enthusiasm.
I don't think anyone wants the evening to end. It has been a perfect start for the holiday season at the complex, and I can see many more of these evenings over the next three weeks. Jimmy finally started to give into exhaustion on us, and asked Fred and Toby to take him home. Once the three of them left, others began to make their exit as well. I don't think anyone is planning on getting too much sleep though, as everyone seems frisky for their partner. I know I am, and I can hardly wait to get my man in the bed for some passionate love-making, CJ and Wally style!
After everyone left, Alex and Ronny said their goodnights to us. Wally and I shut the lights off on the patio, but left the Christmas tree lights on. He looked at me and said "before we go into the bedroom, do you mind cuddling for a while on the lounge?" I gave him a lengthy kiss and replied "that sounds so good to me Wally."
We both took off our clothes, and got comfortable on the lounge chair. Wally started kissing me and before long the two of us were wrapped up in each other's arms. The kissing continued and we started fondling each other in all of our erotic spots. I began to chew on Wally's ear lobe and whispered in his ear "I cannot believe that Christmas is upon us and before you know it, June will be here. I love you Wally, and I cannot wait for our blessed day reciting our vows on the beach." Wally gave me a kiss and replied "I feel the same way CJ. You are the love of my life and my love for you continues to grow each day. This is the happiest I have been in years and I thank God every day for bringing us together."
After we made love on the lounge, we fell asleep together in each other's arms. We woke up after the sun rose, and I'm not sure who covered us up during the early morning hours. I gave the love of my life a good morning kiss and asked "did you cover us up, or was it one of our faithful housemates?" Wally started kissing me and eventually said "it wasn't me who covered us but if I was a betting man, I'd say that the chief took care of us early this morning." I cracked up at Wally and resumed kissing him. After a few minutes I looked deep into his eyes and said "well let's give him an early Christmas gift. When he returns from his morning chores, he can find us making love on the patio. How does that sound to you?"
Wally rolled on top of me and began a passionate round of kisses on me. He looked me in the eyes and said "sounds perfect my love. Just make sure he doesn't jump on us and join in on our special time."
It's Christmas time for all of us at St Pete Beach, and I know the next couple of weeks will provide sunny skies in our forecast for all of us to enjoy.