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able to keep the Great Hall open from 6 AM to 10
PM seven days a week because all the residents
keep a sharp eye out for anyone whom they don't
know.
"Additionally, each unit comes with its own
electronic security system. This is the safest place in
the tri-state area to live, and we can back up that
statement with hard facts."
"Oh, honey..." Clarissa pleaded. "I think this
place is perfect, and really inexpensive for what we
would get."
"I agree, hon. We could probably qualify for the
mortgage and pay for it out of my salary alone.
That way you could stay home when we start
having children."
Both of them turned to Dina as Bob spoke. "Yes,
please, we'd like to put down a deposit on the type
of unit we've been looking at, but one of the new
ones under construction, not a used one."
"You do realize it will be a few months before a
suitable unit is finished... ?"
"Sure. That's not a problem.
"Excellent. Let's return to the office and go over
the details."
31
As they left the Great Hall, Clarissa lingered for
a moment, murmuring "Lovely," before Dina shut
off the lights and closed the door.
***
Four months later
Clarissa sat at the breakfast bar, mopping her
brow. She had been working hard to finish all the
unpacking and to clean the place for the first time.
Bob came up behind her and hugged, his hands
straying a little and eliciting a groaned "Bob, not
now." However, she softened her refusal by kissing
him.
"Mmmm, you smell nice," he said, holding her
tighter.
"Are you sure your nose is working? I've been
sweating like a pig!"
"I'm sure of it. Hey, when's our first night of
helping cook dinner for the community? I'm actually
looking forward to it."
"This Tuesday, I think. But tonight we also have
an obligation. I'm going to have to look for
something appropriate to wear."
"What's tonight?"
"Remember the condo agreement? All couples
are required to participate in the Full Moon Frolic,
held on the second Saturday of each month. It's a
party or something, supposed to help build
community feeling. I remember the dress code
strongly suggested long, loose skirts for women, but
I don't remember any suggestions for men other
than normal dress."
"Oh well, it's a good way to meet everyone, I
guess. Our new neighbors are really kind and
considerate. I already love it here," Bob added.
"Me, too. I wonder "
The doorbell cut off further conversation.
Brushing stray strands of hair off her damp face,
Clarissa answered the door, with Bob right behind
her. Both smiled to see their visitors.
"Daniel and Sarah! Come on in. I apologize for
the mess; we're still in the middle of unpacking."
32
"We brought you some coffee and a coffee cake.
We figured that you wouldn't have laid in many
provisions yet and might want to take a break,"
Sarah said, handing the food offering to Clarissa.
"Thank you so much. It's always nice to meet
another coffee drinker, especially here at Scarlet
Moon," Bob grinned.
"And other lovers of sugar-laden coffee cakes,"
Clarissa chimed in.
"Yeah, some folks take the health-food thing a
little too far, but I don't care as long as it's not
mandatory. Unlike some other things, but that's
what makes Scarlet Moon special, right?" Clarissa
watched Daniel's hand swat Sarah's bottom hard,
saw how she jumped and gulped before she smiled,
agreeing, "Yes, this place is special."
Clarissa wondered at that swat.
"Well, I'm sorry, come on in! I seem to be
blocking the door," Bob joked, his attention having
been on the loud spank and Sarah's facial
expressions as well.
The foursome moved to the living room, where
Sarah helped Clarissa lay out the food and drink,
magically producing paper and plastic disposable
foodware from her oversized tote bag.
"Paper? Plastic?" Bob slapped his face in
imitation of the famous pose in the painting, "The
Scream."
"Yeah, not politically correct, but you folks just
moved in and don't have your dishes out yet, and
bringing our china hutch would have been difficult,"
Daniel laughed. "Don't worry, they don't police your
garbage. And they're not unreasonable jerks here.
Slack is cut for people just moving in, who just had
a new baby, and so on."
"But not for attending community functions, I
gather? We moved in barely 48 hours ago, and
we're supposed to attend tonight's party," Bob said. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] - zanotowane.pl
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