
The dust covered truck and RV pulled up to the park front office. A tall female, sporting a worn cowboy hat and designer sunglasses slowly climbed out of the cab. She stretched like a cat waking up from nap, slow and sensuously. After taking a moment to read the plaque that proudly displayed "Welcome to Labinky Park", she smiled and walked up the wide flag stone steps to the office. From the moment the blue Ford turned into the park entrance it had been observed by the women inside the office. Thanks to a very discreetly placed security system that monitored the entrance and exit to the park. The truck looked to be about two years old, but the RV for all intents and purposes, was brand-new. The residue from the recently removed sticker on the side window could still be faintly seen. "Whatcha think Nell, newbie’s?" the shorter of the two women asked as the beautiful redhead pulled open the office door and walked in. "Newbie’s” Nell whispered out of the side of her mouth as she graciously smiled at the newcomer. "Welcome to Labinky’s” Nell's warm southern drawl greeted the stranger. "I'm Nell and this here is Jesse" she introduced the smiling woman beside her. "Hello there. My name is Rachel Conner." the tall visitor smiled as she took off her mirrored sunglasses. "The young lady who is snoring in my truck is Dory. She passed out about an hour ago. I think it was a combination of the wine coolers she had been sipping on and the fact that we have been on the road for two days to get here.” Rachel smiled wearily. "Well… that will certainly do it," Nell agreed. "I see from your license plates ya hail from Texas, but I don't hear a twang" Jesse joked. "Well, like my favorite bumper sticker says….I wasn't born in Texas, but I got there as soon as I could'. Rachel laughed as she looked around. It was inviting and professional at the same time. The lobby was spacious and furnished with comfortable sofas and matching chairs. Not a typical lobby, it looked more like a country cottage. Behind the oak counter that divided the interior of the vestibule, were two oak desks complete with computers and matching file cabinets and beyond that were two doors marked Jesse & Terri and Nell & Kim. The colors were muted and subtle in shades of blues and weathered reds. It had a calming effect on the weary traveler. There were fresh flowers in old stoneware crocks placed around the room. It was a welcomed respite from the cramped confines of the truck cab that had been Rachel's dwelling the last 48 hours. "Your brochure and web site don't do you any justice at all" Rachel complimented. "Thanks. It's a work in progress." Jesse said as she followed Rachel's gaze. "You happened to be a little early though. We don't officially open until tomorrow. " "Oh no" Rachel groaned. "Don't tell me we have to drive back up the road until tomorrow!" She shook her head. "There is no way I am going out to that truck and tell Dory that we have to turn back. Please just shoot me now and put me out of my misery." "Now don't you fret," Nell reassured Rachel. "I think we can get ya'll settled in today." About that time the small walkie-talkie clipped on Jesse's belt squawked to life. "Hellooo....Is anybody there???...Jesse???.....Nell???...you guys better be gettin’ your rears in gear and give us a hand over here....." Nell and Jesse looked at each other and laughed. "Guess we're being paged," Jesse said dryly. "Rachel, honey why don't we get ya'll registered. Today is kinda hectic and Jesse and I are moonlightin' as the reception committee until our office staff returns from running some business errands." Nell began gathering up the paper work as Jesse grabbed the sign in logbook. "Here is your handbook to read at your leisure. In it are all the park rules and guidelines. There is a handy little ole map to navigate your way round." Nell smiled warmly. "We have golf cart rentals for those that don't have their own.” Jesse added. "Wadda think Nell, how bout we put them in lot #202?" Nell nodded in agreement. "I think that will be just about perfect. Now we just need a signature and your method of payment. " Rachel pulled out her wallet. “Guess we'll put this little adventure on the plastic. That way I can relive it every time I make a payment “she winked. Nell chuckled as she swiped the card and filled out the form. She gathered up all the paperwork and neatly put them in a small pocket folder and handed it over to Rachel. "Now all you got do is follow us down to your lot and I'll get Petey down to help ya'll get set up. Ah...is this your first time camping?" “Geeze, I was hoping no one would notice." Rachel said ruefully “Honey...there ain't much that don't get noticed round here.” Nell nodded good- naturedly as she followed Jesse and Rachel out the door. Dory woke up and stretched when Rachel climbed into the truck. “Now you wake up sleepy head," Rach chided. "Are we there yet?" Dory yawned. "Yeah babe, we’re here." Rachel said as she put the truck in gear. She looked out the windshield and watched as Nell and Jesse climbed into a purple golf cart. Rachel followed the cart as it passed a security gate and the uniformed female guard. "Dory check it out...Look at these places" Rachel exclaimed excitedly. "This is so cool!" The golf cart led them down a narrow black topped road lined on both sides with RV’s of every conceivable size and shape. From the silvered rounded Air- Streams to the luxury slide-outs and fifth wheels. The lots were individualized and landscaped. Some were rustic little camps and others were like mini resorts, complete with Jacuzzis and gazebos. It was like seeing the Beverly hillbillies lined up beside the Howell's on Gilligan's island. The road led down to the riverside. The golf cart stopped in front of a small sign that proclaimed it to be Lot 202. The campsite was lined with trees that though barely budding now, would provide a deep shade during the summer. A fire ring made from river stones was surrounded by benches made from half logs. Farther down, toward the end of the lot, was a timber A frame with a hand-made swing that swayed gently in the breeze. Rachel and Dory climbed out of the truck and joined Nell and Jesse beside the gravel pad. "This must be the sleeping Dory" Nell greeted. "Dory, this is Nell," Rachel introduced the southern speaking brunette. "And this is Jesse." "We're waitin’ on Petey to get here and get ya'll settled in" Nell explained. The four of them turned toward the road when they heard the rumble of an engine coming round the bend. The F-250 utility truck pulled up in front of the golf cart. A very tall blonde-haired female dressed in khaki cargo pants, scuffed work boots and a worn flannel shirt stepped out of the truck. She pulled off her sunglasses and tucked them in the front of her shirt. She moved with ease and confidence. Even in the work garb you could see the well muscled body of an athlete. No one could make flannel and cargo look as good as it did on this stunning woman standing before them. "And this.... is our Petey" Nell introduced the lanky, blue-eyed blonde. “Hello," Petey flashed a captivating smile to the guests. Rachel nodded a hello at the strikingly good-looking woman. "You probably get this all the time, how did you end up with a name like Petey?" she asked intrigued. Petey's tanned features tinged with a slight blush and she ducked her head and chuckled. “Well I was named after my great grandma, Petra. Petey seemed to be so much better in comparison" she grinned. “I swear..." Nell shook her head, "There are some people that should not be allowed to name their children, especially those of the lesbian persuasion." She lamented. A comment that made them all laugh in agreement. "Petey, we gotta get these two hooked up before Terri and Kim send out a search party and the blood hounds” Jesse sighed. "No sweat." Petey said confidently. "Do you mind if I swing your rig in for you or do you prefer to do it yourself?" she asked Rachel. "By all means, help yourself” Rachel gratefully tossed over the truck keys. Nell and Jesse climbed back into the golf cart. “We’re gonna leave you in Petey's capable hands" Jesse smiled at the park’s newest residents as she nudged Nell’ s side. “Guess we are now officially open.” Jesse sighed. Nell laughed as she floored the gas petal of the golf cart and they sailed over one of the many speed bumps that were placed throughout the park. “Darlin’” Nell’s honey sweet drawl proclaimed. “The party has just started……!” Click on the River for Chapter Two © Labinky Park 2008 All Rights Reserved |