Chapter 1

Bob’s father, a Texan with a modest cabin nestled in the mountains of Southern California, rarely utilized the serene retreat. The cabin, situated just an hour’s drive from Bob’s workplace, provided a perfect escape from the bustling city life, offering respite from traffic and smog. Despite its infrequent use, Bob’s father held onto the property for sentimental reasons. The cabin had once been home to Bob’s grandmother during her final years, and it was initially constructed by Bob’s grandfather.

The cabin’s significance was multi-generational, yet Bob’s father harbored an aversion to revisiting where his mother had passed away. Unwilling to be burdened by memories, he distances himself from the cabin. This decision left Bob as the property’s caretaker, responsible for its maintenance and upkeep.

Upon entering the cabin through the front door, visitors were greeted by a welcoming space featuring a vaulted ceiling and a well-designed brick fireplace along one wall. The fireplace served a dual purpose, providing warmth and boasting a ventilation system that efficiently distributed heat through passageways, creating a cozy atmosphere. Additional warmth was provided by a floor furnace strategically placed to heat the air above the cabin’s floor.

A charming country kitchen awaited to the left of the entrance, complete with an old-style steel dining table and chairs surrounded by cabinets. The sink was conveniently placed on one side, with the refrigerator and stove on the other, resembling a kitchen with an island for casual dining. Abundant windows on one side offered picturesque views of the front yard, allowing nature to permeate the living space.

The cabin facilitated a transition from the outdoors to the interior, providing a designated area to shed winter clothes and leave mud outside in the snow. Beyond the kitchen lay the utility room and the back door, offering practical access to the cabin’s exterior. Two doors provided entry to the living area, one leading to the utility room and the other to the main entryway.

Behind the kitchen, a well-appointed main bathroom featured a full-size bathtub and shower, a toilet, and a complete vanity. The thoughtful layout and design of the cabin blended functionality with comfort, creating a space that embraced both the memories of the past and the practical needs of the present.

From the inviting living room, a stairway ascended to a loft, a versatile space where one could arrange several beds depending on the occupants. Nestled in one corner was a small bathroom strategically placed for convenience. The loft, enveloped by windows on all sides, bore the imprint of Bob’s grandfather’s thoughtful design. While he had a knack for creating a cozy space, the oversight of insufficient storage often left the occupants wrestling with the challenge of clutter.

Despite its limitations, the cabin provided an ideal retreat for weekend getaways, offering respite from the demands of daily life. However, it necessitated the provision of personal supplies, as the water from a nearby mountain spring possessed a distinct taste that marked a departure from the urban tap water Bob was accustomed to. Yet, the allure of the cabin lay not just in its rustic charm but also in the refreshing mountain air, scented with the piney aroma of the surrounding trees. The cabin, perched above six thousand feet, provided fresh air, literally and figuratively, compared to the city below.

Now, let’s delve into the story that Bob shared, a narrative that interwove the cabin’s charm with the presence of a captivating woman named Hannah. A woman in her late 40s, standing at a modest 5 feet 4 inches and carrying a well-proportioned weight of 135 pounds, Hannah exuded a timeless allure. Her short, blonde pixie cut framed her features elegantly, hinting at a practical and carefree spirit.

Their paths crossed in the factory where Bob worked as an engineer, and Hannah handled the factory line. Breaks became opportunities for Bob to converse with her, gradually building a connection. While another woman with long black hair shared their breaks, Bob’s attention was singularly drawn to Hannah.

Over time, the trio, including the woman with the long black hair, forged a close friendship. As the camaraderie deepened, discussions about their single status led to more personal topics, eventually broaching the subject of their respective romantic experiences. Bob, candid about his limited knowledge in that arena, faced the unexpected question from Hannah: What would be the perfect date for Bob?

Bob enthusiastically continued, “So, I’d pick her up in casual clothes, letting her know we’re heading to a cozy cabin in the mountains for steaks and baked potatoes.” Bob hesitated momentarily, expecting a skeptical reaction, but he pressed on, “It’s just an hour away, and heck, you could practically live there and still commute to work.”

Undeterred, Bob resumed the narrative. The adventure would commence as they left town, making a pit stop at the supermarket to procure steaks, oversized potatoes, and a bottle of wine. During this errand, the conversation would flow, allowing them to delve into each other’s lives, seeking compatibility as they loaded up the car for the mountain journey.

Upon reaching the cabin, Bob would kick off the evening by setting the oven to 400°F, preparing the potatoes, and sliding them in. Meanwhile, a crackling fire would come to life in the fireplace, blankets laid out for cozy relaxation. The duo would recline, sipping wine as the warmth enveloped them.

Once the potatoes signaled readiness, Bob would take to the stove, grilling the steaks to a perfect medium rare. The country table would host the culinary masterpiece—steaks adorned with butter, salt, and pepper, accompanied by a glass of wine. It was a culinary symphony, a feast for the senses.

Sated and content, they would embark on a leisurely stroll, letting the meal settle. The crisp mountain air and the tranquility of the surroundings would be the backdrop for an hour-long walk. Returning to the cabin, they would nestle into blankets by the fire, the flames casting a warm glow as the night deepened.

As dawn approached, Bob would whip up a breakfast of bacon and eggs with toast and milk. Cleaning up and packing everything back into the car, the date would close by mid-morning, leaving behind memories of a perfect escapade. Bob concluded his tale, and Hannah, visibly astonished, sat there with her mouth agape. Finally, breaking the silence, she uttered, “What I wouldn’t do for a date like that.” The prospect of such a thoughtfully crafted and enchanting date left Hannah yearning for a romantic adventure.

If Bob ever sensed an opportunity, he politely suggested, “Would you like to do that on Friday?” Her smile in response was genuine, and she replied, “Well, I would love to. Thought you would never ask, as I am twice your age and old enough to be your mother.”

Undeterred by age-related concerns, Bob responded, “I understand that age may concern some, but it’s not a factor for me. When I find someone who interests me, I pursue her regardless of age. If you’re open, I’d be happy to pick you up on Friday morning, bring you to work, and do something together afterward. Would you be interested?” She pondered briefly and then declared, “What the hell. Yes, I will accept your date. I will give you my address where you can pick me up on Friday morning. You realize that I get up early to get to work early.”

Acknowledging the early start, Bob assured her, “I figured I work on a schedule different from yours, but I’ll get up early and pick you up.” The bell signaled the end of the break, but before the week concluded, she handed him her address, saying, “Do you want to go?” Bob’s affirmative response sealed the plan.

As Friday dawned, Bob found himself preparing for a date with an older woman, a prospect that intrigued him. Embracing the experience, he reflected on his preference for dating older women, appreciating the maturity, openness, and honesty they brought to relationships. With a wry smile, he noted that all his future wives would be older than him, cherishing the freedom and confidence that came with age.

On the appointed morning, the alarm jolted them awake earlier than usual. Bob, momentarily baffled by the early wake-up call, quickly realized that he had mentioned the early start the night before. Hastily dressing, he jumped into the shower, using the brisk water flow to fully awaken his senses. Dressed and ready, Bob hit the road, eager to pick up Hannah and embark on a day filled with shared experiences.

The journey began, setting the stage for a date that defied conventional expectations. Armed with the understanding that putting a woman’s needs first is the key to satisfaction, Bob looked forward to a day of genuine connection and shared moments with someone he found intriguing. As he navigated the roads to pick up Hannah, the anticipation of a unique and delightful day hung in the air.

When Bob arrived at Hannah’s place, he found her waiting with what appeared to be a gym bag. Pulling up her driveway, Hannah gracefully entered the passenger side, stowing her purse in the backseat. Bob greeted her, “Good morning. Ready to head to work?”

With a casual demeanor, she replied, “It’s just another day at the factory.” The morning traffic accompanied their journey, and they arrived a few minutes early. Bob wished her a good day as they parted ways and headed to his workplace. During his first break, he opted for his customary breakfast burrito, a satisfying combination of eggs, hash browns, and sausage links, before returning to his tasks.

The day unfolded slowly, typical for a Friday. Bob reviewed the week’s work and conducted tests on the board he had designed. The system awaited software installation, and in the early afternoon, Eyes, his supervisor, sought an update. Pleased with the progress, Eyes expressed satisfaction and left, wishing Bob an enjoyable weekend.