Nothing Like Naked

"Let me drop this bag at Chuck's and grab a bottle of water. I'll be right there." She ran inside, stripped off her clothes tying one of Chuck's wraps across her breasts. Hitting Chuck's contact on her cell, she left him a message that she'd arrived. Opening the fridge, she found his surprise, a bottle of Chandon champagne. She smiled at his note, "We have a lot to celebrate." "Awh-h, what a sweetie." She grabbed a water bottle and hurried over to Shirley's.

"Hi, guys, any new developments?" Marti asked.

"We've been researching the elder who started the petition. He's the father of one of the boys that climbed the tree last year. So, he's claiming the resort is an unhealthy and immoral influence on his children."

Marti replied with a harrumph, "Maybe he's just a poor parent who can't control his kids."

Tom nodded, "I know how you feel but we're sticking with the facts." The county ruled in our favor five years ago. No one else in the community has filed a complaint so the boys represent an isolated incident. They were on private property when they climbed that tree so legally they were trespassing."

"Okay. Here is a plan that my Dad helped me figure out last night. John has complete rights to the photos. He sent copies to me when he learned I was doing a segment on TV evangelists. I pass the photos to you, Tom, to protect my aunt. We don't have control of the originals but we will release our copies if Serino doesn't back off. I took the photos of the shopping center so I can give them to you."

"But that leaves you completely out of the picture," interrupted Shirley.

"Yes, it's what I have to do to protect you and honor my agreement with John. I'm OK with this, Shirley. You're much more important than a story."

"Oh, what a lovely thing to say," Shirley reached out for her hand, "but I feel awful that you miss out on a story that could boost your career."

"I'll be satisfied if it gives a boost to John's," Marti replied handing all the photos to Tom. "I'm thinking this could be a media push for his summer revival. What better way to get TV exposure than to cause a ruckus about nudism? It just might help his attendance."

"Good point, Marti. I will call his headquarters and ask for a meeting tomorrow."

"Try to get it before July 28th, Tom, that's when the revival starts. Leaning back in her chair, Marti asked, "Now, let's talk about the good stuff. What are we doing for July fourth?"

"We were hoping to see the fireworks down on the river," Shirley said. "Why don't you guys join us?"

"Chuck should be home any minute so we can talk about it. We're going to grill in the backyard tonight and celebrate his promotion. Did he tell you he got Tech Lead this week at Greenville Maintenance?"

"No, we've been preoccupied with this letter. Tell him we are happy for him. Maybe we can all have breakfast at the Barefoot Café in the morning."