Chapter 1

Paul Daniels lived in the fourteen story condominium building that was part of a large assisted living complex. Also as part of this complex were sixty six townhomes and a large four story high nursing home that was currently being expanded.

Exiting the condo elevator this evening Paul wondered what the main entrees were for tonight’s dinner. That question was answered when he looked at the menu posted at the entrance to the dining room. He read that fish and chips or meatloaf and mash potatoes were featured today. Picking up a tray and his utensils Paul took his place at the end of a food line.

He looked around and observed the usual large number of diners that were there and nodded his head or made a small wave of his hand to some of the mostly lady diners who made eye contact with him. As he was doing this, the thoughts that ran through his mind were of the intimate moments he had with a few of these lady diners. Paul observed that Gus Biondi who was another fellow resident here being in front of him and was almost done in going through this food line.

Gus turned and saw Paul standing at the end of this line. He walked up to Paul holding his tray and said, “When you are done come sit with me an Ed and I will introduce you to him. He is new here and is learning about the many benefits that can arise in living here.”

When he finished going through the line Paul spotted where Gus and this new fellow were sitting. He put his tray down on the table and removed the dishes that were on it. The large portion of meatloaf and mashed potatoes were amply covered in brown gravy. On a separate dish were two portions of roasted corn on the cob. This was one of Paul’s favorite dinner meals.

Gus pointing at Ed said, “Paul, I like you to meet Ed Gleason and Ed, this is Paul Daniels.” Both men reached across the table and shook hands.

“I hear you are a relatively new resident here Ed. Can I assume Gus has explained the benefits of living here in this complex?” There was a little smile on Paul’s face as he said this.

“Yes he did and I thought he was exaggerating the so called benefits, but I am learning that he may have been understating them.” All three fellows laughed at that comment.

Ed continued saying, “I have been doing some minor repairs to the townhomes which has created what you could call “opportunities” which I have found to be somewhat rewarding if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do know what you mean. I live here in this condo building and have been handling some minor repairs as well. It’s amazing to me of the compensation the women residents wish to give for doing these repairs. Some of it can be very invigorating. Tell me Ed what did you do and why you decided to move here.”

“I am a retired fireman and lost my wife to breast cancer about two years ago. My two daughters who live out of State wanted me to move to be closer to them so they could help if my health would deteriorate. I don’t want to be a burden to them as they have their own lives to live so I decided to move here. They have now stopped pestering me about me moving to be by them. How about yourself?”

“I was the chief maintenance engineer for a large printing plant before I retired. My wife who was five years older than me was a heavy smoker and only lasted four weeks after she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. We didn’t have any children so I thought living here would be a prudent thing to do. I will say it is different in some ways but enjoyable in many ways if you know what I mean. Doing some minor condo repairs has enabled me to meet some fine women who live in the condos here.”

Besides the primary activity that was being inferred in this discussion, the conversation then switched to what other activities did either Gus or Paul engage or participate in at this complex. Paul said he didn’t participate in any of the activities offered but was seriously considering attending the three classes that were going to be offered on how to use an IPhone. While he can make a phone call, he would like to learn what else can be done with it as most people are singing its praises.

“I know who the female instructor is going to be teaching this subject and watching her walk around in those short tight skirts she wears is worth going to class even if I don’t learn anything.” Both Gus and Ed nodded their heads confirming their agreement with Paul about how good a woman looks wearing a short tight skirt.

After finishing the meal they all stood with Ed thanking both of them for their words of wisdom.

Paul’s impression of Ed was that he would do well in many ways in living here. His doing repairs at the townhomes would lessen the number of repair requests Paul receives which was fine by him. It would at the same time reduce the number of ladies he gets involved with but there were more than enough single women around his age living in this condo building to keep him satisfied. He also knew there were very few able bodied single men living in the complex.

The next day Paul’s phone rang. In answering it he heard, “Paul, my name is Terri Ludlum. I am the sister-in-law of Margret Keeler who lives in unit 1204. She told me that you have fixed some problems for her in her unit. I have been having a problem with some lights flickering in my unit and I was hoping you could have a look-see and maybe fix or tell me what I need to do to fix the problem.”

Paul was intimately familiar with Margret and had been so three times to his delight. He responded, “I am free this afternoon around two and could come to your unit then. What is your unit number?”

“It’s 1401 but could you come after five as I won’t be home from work till then.”

“Okay, I can do that.”

Ending the call Paul had a few thoughts about this conversation. First of all Terri said she still worked which was a little unusual for the residents living here. Also was her unit number which indicated she lived in a corner penthouse unit on the top floor. Living in that unit would indicate she had money and was probably single since no husband was mentioned.

Paul also thought he knew what the problem was since she said lights, using the plural, were flickering and not just one light. He had dealt with a problem like that before. He put in his tool box the items he thought he would need to solve the problem.