In early January, Howard took Anita out dancing on a Saturday night. Although the club bouncer looked at him as if he was some sort of gigolo, there was no problem about him being carded for drinking. He looked like he was just shy of twenty-six and on the make for women who had the means to support him. His appearance didn’t help the club staff’s estimation of him. He had chosen an outfit that paraded his virile chest and trim body and advertized to all the world that he was available for action. The fact that he was accompanied by a forty-year-old woman and was being extremely solicitous of her affections only confirmed their opinions that the young man was a gold-digging gigolo who had caught a well-heeled “Sugar Mommy” to support him in the lap of luxury. Anita was pleased by all the attention she was getting from Howard, he hadn’t been so polite and amorous since they dated before they were married. His former clumsiness with female anatomy seemed to have matured into an intimacy that was surprising. Anita decided that Howard’s reading of magazines must have done his attitude about certain things some good over the years. Perhaps they had some sort of letters column that gave hints on how to make love to a woman the way woman’s magazines had articles about how to give pleasure to a man. Although she was pleased and delighted by his new found skills, she wondered how he had become so adept by merely reading about them. He certainly hadn’t learned the techniques from her.
The next morning, Howard slept in while Anita had her usual Sunday morning coffee klatch with the female neighbors and their infant children. Howard always avoided Anita’s Sunday tete-a-tetes like the Black Plague had entered his demesne. He wanted nothing to do with the squalling brats and chattering women how had invaded his castle. It was simpler to remain in bed and reading the Sunday paper and watching the Sunday News broadcasts while sipping his coffee, than to deal with the hordes of womanhood how had taken over his living room with their unhousebroken progeny. After the retreat of the rabble, Howard emerged from the bedroom to see what plans Anita had made for the day. Although the weather was dry and sunny, it was still too chill for the lawn to begin its spring growth. As a result, it would be weeks before the lawn needed mowing. Howard thought that they might see a movie or charge a download from their Satellite service provider. Howard was a little surprised when Anita suggested they go out to the park. Certainly it was warm enough to go out if they wore coats, but it wasn’t exactly summer either. Still, the cloudless day promised a good afternoon so he agreed to go.
