The Wiloby Estates

By HF Beaumont

The Wiloby’s are customers of Stockdale Landscape Construction, who have requested their backyard to become as magical as the Albright’s yard featured in six issues of Remodeling Magazine. Upon completion of their backyard the Wiloby’s through a Luau for family, friends, neighbors and the Governor of the state, shown live on seven cable networks.

There is a Governor’s ball, grand opening of a new location for Stockdale Landscape, a western wear outfitter event, new office locations in three different states, criminal investigation expands, a major event which puts the daily routine of the family into turmoil.

If you enjoyed reading, Descending Down the Spiral Staircase, the Stockdale’s and Albright’s enlighten this book to its fullest. All of your emotions will be challenged from cover to cover.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796077315

HF Beaumont

HF Beaumont, has over forty-five years’ experience in the landscape industry, business owner, estimator, project manager, purchasing agent and landscape designer. Drafted into the USMC, became an office clerk, once out of training. Has written correspondence, to numerous government agencies, landscape architects, building architects, for very large construction projects including convention centers, universities, malls, housing tracts, industrial complexes throughout his career. You will get an inside, detailed look at how projects are constructed, utilizing his career and college experiences.

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Copyright © 2020 by HF Beaumont.

Library of Congress Control Number:    2020902473

ISBN:                Hardcover            978-1-7960-7733-9

                          Softcover              978-1-7960-7732-2

                          eBook                   978-1-7960-7731-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Rev. date: 02/05/2020

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Preface

The Wiloby’s Estate

The Wilobys Meet the Albrights and the Stockdales

The Wiloby’s Spa, Playhouse, and Outdoor Kitchen: Part 1

The Wiloby’s Spa, Playhouse, and Outdoor Kitchen: Part 2

The Wiloby’s Luau

The Grand Opening

The Governor’s Ball

Return to Utah

Silvia’s New Home

Two-Stepping to Texas

Choices in Life

Gloria’s Dream Comes True

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to personally thank all of those listed below for the encouraging words which prompted me to write, Wiloby Estates.

My God, who still encourages me to continue writing. I thank him in prayer every night, to fulfill my calling in life, please lord you allowed me to live after a brain bleed, five weeks in a coma and ninety days in therapy, to restore my body to a working order.

The therapists who worked with me from losing all my motor skills to walking with a cane, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Eric Ludy, lead pastor, president, Ellerslie’s Bible College, dear friend and customer and his entire family, gave me hope and strength. Working side by side for many weeks to restore his landscape from prior mishaps, was very fulfilling for me. Sharing his novels and sermons was extremely inspirational.

Barbara Beaumont, my second wife, County of Orange Purchasing Operations Manager, Metropolitan Water District, Senior Contract Anaylst, my first reader of my manuscript and short stories, such an inspiration with many encouraging words to allow me to write The Spiral Staircase.

Melisa Ruelas, Master of Science, Licensed Marriage and Family Thereapist, my stepdaughter, who told me years ago to write. I wrote for her a manual on how to do landscape take-offs, what to look for in the specifications and plan notes and details. She started the whole process of burning into my brain, you need to write.

Teri Iverson, CPA, Iverson & Associates, LLC, my second reader of my manuscript, without her telling me, the book is well written, gave me an ‘A’ plus, plus, plus and even circled words which needed corrected. Teri, is also one of my landscape customers.

Kari Aston, Controller for McGee Contracting, Inc., my stepdaughter, she received birthday and holiday letters from me for the past few years, always said, these are better than, any Hallmark card, thank you.

Nichole Ward, my daughter, Administrator for Rez Church, who has read some of my short stories, birthday and holiday letters, always stating how much she appreciates the stories. Loves to read about my early childhood.

Justin Beaumont, my son, Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering, Production Technician and Small Group Leader, Rez Church, he and I have spent hours playing video games, he always won of course, he also enjoyed reading his birthday and holiday letters. When just a young fellow, we would sing ‘Oh, my Darling Clementine’, while driving around town. We only got to the second verse and started all over again. He would also help me with the garden, I taught him how to plant the vegetable seeds, he would giggle as the seeds fell into the groove, I dug with a hand pick.

Mom and dad, telling me to go outside and play, while you’re out there pull the weeds, in the flower beds, make sure, you get the roots. Then my brother and I got to mow the lawn, with a hand push mower. in Bermuda grass. That started my landscape career.

PREFACE

T he Wilobys are customers of Stockdale Landscape Construction who have requested their backyard to become as magical as the Albright’s yard featured in six issues of Remodeling Magazine. Upon completion of their backyard, the Wilobys—through a luau for family, friends, neighbors, and the governor of the state—were shown live on seven cable networks.

A governor’s ball, the grand opening of a new location for Stockdale Landscape, a Western wear–outfitter event, new office locations in three different states, an expanding of a criminal investigation, and a major event puts the daily routine of the family into turmoil.

If you enjoyed reading Descending the Spiral Staircase, the Stockdales and Albrights enlightens this book to its fullest. All your emotions will be challenged from cover to cover.

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Construction Legend

THE WILOBY’S ESTATE

O ne of Stockdale Landscape Construction’s projects that came about from the Remodeling Magazine’s subscribers was not as dramatic as John and Marie’s. They wanted the ambience, the feeling of serenity, the functionality, and most importantly, something affordable.

Their home was on a good-sized lot; the house was equally spaced between property lines, and there would be no side yard courtyard. The lot was fairly flat with a small rise to the rear yard fence. This was a bare-ground project; the existing landscape was removed by the Wilobys right after they purchased the home as a fixer-upper.

The prior owners did not believe in maintenance of the inside or outside of their home. They bought the home with the expectations that the property would gain value in five or eight years’ time. It was a gamble financially, but it did turn out well for them.

Marjorie and Tom had four children—ages fifteen, thirteen, ten, and five. They loved the playhouse idea.

What would you do for the older children? I asked.

Marjorie wanted to know if she also would get a vision with their plan.

Tom, being optimistic, responded, He only has to ask me. I’ll tell him a vision of you.

Marjorie said, Your vision of me is only in your mind. That is well left alone.

I explained to both of them that as I did the drawings, that was when I would get a vision. If I get stuck on layouts or something just doesn’t seem to fit into the scheme of things, I ask the Lord for help.

Do you always ask the Lord for help? asked Tom.

Not always. Depends on the customer’s needs and wants. I have to try to make their landscape something they would use. ‘If you can’t swim, why would you want a swimming pool? How often would you use the pool?’ I would ask. There is extensive maintenance required for a swimming pool. If you’re not willing to clean the pool, then you need to hire that service, along with your gardener. Along with patios, patio covers, outdoor kitchen, there is so much investment involved, so your usage should be a determining factor.

The adage My neighbor had a pool built, so we want a pool as well, we hear they increase the value of your home. Usage should be the decision-maker.

Two teenaged children joined us, and the parents introduced me to them. I asked them what their outdoor interest were.

The oldest, Janet, said, My outdoor interest … I spend very little time outdoors. I burn in the sun. That hurts for at least a week. It’s not worth the pain, said Janet.

Jerome said, I skateboard back and forth to school. It beats walking.

I asked if he skateboarded with friends, other than back and forth to school, in lieu of walking.

No, most of my friends ride bikes. I had my bike stolen from school. My dad said I have to earn money to replace my bike. I didn’t lock my bike the day it got stolen. I forgot to lock it. The bell had rung, and I ran from the bike rack to my classroom.

I asked all of them if they would use a covered patio and outdoor kitchen.

Tom asked, Would the patio cover and outdoor kitchen be similar to what you built in the magazine issues, for the Albrights?

I fit the outdoor entertainment area to the client and space available. I need to see a burning desire in the family to enjoy the outdoor living space.

Marjorie said, I know the burning desire would be the meat that Tom cooks.

I mentioned to her that John had become a really good griller. He does burn the hot dogs for the girls. They really like the burnt skins. Actually, they aren’t that bad.

Tom asked, How long does it take for the plans to be drawn?

Well, since the magazine articles have created a backlog of projects, about two weeks. You’ll get the plans and estimates then.

How much do you charge for just a set of drawings? asked Tom.

I asked Tom, What would you do with a set of drawings?

I would have other contractors bid on your drawings.

You know that I’m not a landscape architect. I would have you sign a waiver that I’m not responsible for the other contractor’s performance, lack of knowledge, permit violations, or any other costs that may be incurred during the course of construction. My hourly rate for drawings only is forty dollars per hour. I suggest you hire a landscape architect if you plan on having numerous bidders. This protects you as the customer. If I make a mistake in drawing the plans, it goes through plan check, they say I have violated a building code, please correct the plan. I eat that cost if we are building your project. You would want me to refund you money if another contractor was installing the work. You could have all the bidders draw their ideas with costs applied, compare all the drawings and costs, then hire that contractor.

Marjorie asked Tom, Just how long do you want to take to get this project started? All of this dirt, which gets tracked into our home daily, is making my life difficult.

Tom said, I just want to make sure that we aren’t getting something for a much higher cost of what the market bares.

"Tom, I assure you, you will get what you pay for. As an example, last year, a homeowner told me my prices was the second highest that they received from five bidders. That meant I was fourth. I wasn’t trying to be a low bidder to get a project. About a month ago, they called me, wanted me to take a second look at their project. The work was started by the lowest bidder. He lasted two weeks. They let him go and hired the second bidder. The second bidder told them he made a mistake and could not honor his bid. The third bidder lasted just about the same time as the lowest bidder. He also mentioned to them that he made a mistake and would lose too much money proceeding with the work. I looked at what they both had completed. I told the homeowner that I would spend more money fixing their messes, so my bid stood as if the project was just starting. The husband wanted credit for the work installed. The wife asked him to, ‘Stop it. We have been through two worthless contractors. His proposal is a lesson learned for us. Can you start tomorrow?’ asked Marjorie.

I told them both, if by chance what was installed was useable, I would indeed credit them what that cost would be.

"When my superintendent and foreman examined the work installed, they told me less than half was done correctly. From visual, they would have to spend time to make sure it was to building code. I credited them three hundred dollars for the acceptable work completed.

I really want to recommend you hire a landscape architect to draw plans, then put it out to bid. You will hate yourself if you don’t follow through with your desires.

Marjorie told Tom, Go in the house. Call as many landscape architects listed in the phone book or on the internet that you can find. We’ll sit outside and wait—one hour, tops.

Marjorie asked, Would you like something to drink while we wait?

"How about some water?

Marjorie said, I was thinking something much stronger than water. I need to get drunk, or I’ll kill him.

Sure, whatever you want to make I’ll be happy.

Marjorie tapped my shoulder, I’ll be back in a few minutes. It will be good and strong. Marjorie returned, with two frothy margaritas in a margarita glass with salt on the rim and a sword with a lime slice and a jalapeño slice. She sat down at the table and raised her glass. We clinked glasses, and she said, Bottoms up.

Tom came out to the patio, sat at the table, looked at Marjorie, and said, Why are you always right? Tom said, I only got a response with two landscape architects. Both declined, said the project is too small, and they wanted at least ten thousand dollars up front for preliminary drawings and another ten thousand dollars for the final approved plans from the city.

I said, Scratch the outdoor kitchen—we are over budget now.

Marjorie hit me on my leg. Nice one, honey. To Tom, she said, So, Tom, do you think it would be necessary to keep trying to find someone who could beat his price, if that is indeed the issue?

Tom asked Marjorie, Do you want to take all the blame if, by chance, there is lower number out there?

Marjorie looked at me and asked, Are you worth my gamble?

I’ll do my best to please both of you. You have seen my work, my subcontractors’ work, and my wife and girls. I think your gamble is minimal at best.

She looked at Tom and said, Darling, I will take the risk. Let’s let the man do what he does best. Dream of me in a gown, holding a champagne glass, strutting my stuff for our guests, violins playing my favorite song, and you go out and learn how not step on my feet while we dance.

Marjorie and Tom extended their hands, and we shook. Marjorie raised her almost-empty glass. To a new landscape that we will use and enjoy, cheers!

I spent the next hour measuring the backyard, side yards, and front yard. The dimensions were good enough for a plot plan. I measured the house as well. Tom went back into the house. Marjorie asked if she could help hold the dummy end of the tape measure. It makes the measuring process much faster, I’d love to have your help. What’s you hourly pay?

She said, Your saving my marriage and keeping me out of jail, charged with murdering my husband. Do you want another drink?

No, thank you, but if you would like another one, please have another. I can continue to measure, and you can catch up to me once you have had your drink.

You don’t mind? asked Marjorie.

No, I don’t mind. I like watching ladies drink. They get to be so much fun.

"Is there anything else I could get for you? Oh, wait, I remember your wife’s answer in the article. When she used the term anything, you said, ‘Anything?’ She said, ‘Not that, not now, silly boy!’ I loved that so much I got my highlighter and marked it in my issue of the magazine. I’m waiting to use that when the moment arises. There I go again. Sorry, one track mind."

I continued measuring the yard with my wheel. She came back outside and said, I’m ready. Hand me the dummy end.

I handed her the dummy end, and we finished measuring the house. She giggled a few times when she let the dummy end slip, and it retracted into the tape measure. Oops, slipped. She stayed outside the entire time I was measuring the property.

She asked me, Have you seen a vision yet?

No, Marjorie, not yet. Maybe tonight during my dreams.

If you do, please call me anytime the vision occurs, said Marjorie. Don’t tell anyone else but me first, promise?

I promise you will always be the first one to know. It’s your vision.

Tom came outside and asked Marjorie if she was planning on making dinner anytime soon.

Yes, boss, I’m coming, boss. She turned to me and said, I hope he likes crow.

I finished up a couple more numbers and headed home. Traffic was nonexistent, so I made it home in no time flat.

Delores, beautiful as ever, met me at the door. They had an event to attend, but she was still decked out in her work duds. The girls came running down the stairs, yelling Daddy!

There is no sweeter sound than you little pumpkins welcoming me home from a hard day’s work.

Daddy, Mommy said we could all go out for dinner. We get to pick, OK, Daddy?

Now I understand the welcoming committee. Butter up the authoritative figure, get your way. I looked at Mommy. Dear, I love all of you, and of course, where would you like to dine? I asked.

The girls had a favorite steak house they loved to eat at so, off we went. On the way, the girls told me about their day, and Delores told me about their event.

The video sales now surpass three million and growing, mentioned Delores. Oh, by the way, it’s my treat. Mailbox money—woo-hoo!

We got to the steak house, opened the door, and were greeted by the staff. We have your table all ready, Mrs. Stockdale, as requested, said the host.

When we were seated and the beverage order taken, with the menu in hand, I asked Delores, You called ahead and reserved a table?

Yes, aren’t you proud of me?

You knew I would say, ‘OK, let’s go’?

Honey, we have been married for a few years now. I know you very well. You never turn down the girls—they own you.

You don’t own me?

Not as well as the girls do. So if we need you to comply with our wishes, the girls turn on the charm, and your goose is cooked.

Goose is a little better than crow.

Who went with you today for the event?

Marie, Momma, Silvia, Susanne, and I. I did everything according to plan today. Better than planned, to be exact—staircase, arched gateway, and even a tunnel for clogging. Silvia was showing off her legs when she was clogging and got lots of applause. The louder the applause, the higher she lifted her skirt. I think if they would have started cheering and wolf-calling, she would have pulled her skirt over her head. She does get excited with all the applause, that is for sure.

We all ordered our favorite steak meal—rib eye, baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, dinner roll, and dinner salad. The girls ordered a small bowl of soup. We, of course, asked for and received to-go boxes. This meant no cooking for tomorrow.

On the way home, Delores said, The girls’ old school called me this afternoon. They requested a meeting with all of us after school lets out, when the school is empty of teachers and students. It appears that the governor and his wife are scheduled to do a walkthrough of their school. I think that they think the governor and Diane would like to visit the girls in their classroom. Those people are totally clueless of reality.

What time tomorrow?

"I’m guessing around four or four thirty. They all have to be home to watch Wheel of Fortune," said Delores with a snicker in her voice.

I have two houses to measure tomorrow morning. That will give me five drawings to complete in two weeks. I’m going to put an ad in the paper for office help.

Delores said, Only if I get to conduct the interview. No hotties for you, dear, so sorry. You need to keep bringing home the bacon, not ogling over the office cutie.

The only ogling I plan on ever doing is over you, my sweetness.

Your lips say those kind words, but your eyes and facial expressions tell a different story, said Delores.

The girls were all tucked in, and their foreheads kissed. They said their prayers, and I told them I loved them and missed them every minute I was apart from them. They also said they loved and missed me as well. Nighty night, Daddy, they said.

Hello, my dearest darling, I’m home, I said as I entered the bedroom.

So you are. Get busy and make me fall in love with you all over again.

I met the crew on the new projects and went over some of the details. Everyone was still very happy. We went on to the first home, met with the owners, got a temporary game plan, and started measuring. My cell phone rang; it was Marjorie from yesterday. Good morning, Marjorie, how may I help you this fine morning?

"Tom and I were talking last night after dinner. We would like you to put in a design for a spa. We could sit out on the patio with our margaritas on the spa edge, listen to soft music under the star, and all.

"You mean stars, not star, correct?"

In our house, we only see one star: me.

You know I will make a note and make your dream come true.

Did you have a vision?

Not yet, Marjorie. Your drawing has one ahead of it. I don’t want your vision used for their drawing. Yours will have to be special, just for you not mingled with another vision. Did you have any more margaritas after I left?

One more. I wanted to have my own vision as well.

How was your vision?

I don’t remember. I fell asleep.

Have a great day. Talk to you soon, I told her.

Back to measuring, it was almost completed. Two or three more measures, and I would be off to the next house. All finished, except to take a few photos so I won’t forget what the house looked like.

I pulled up to the next home. The lady of the house answered the door and invited me into the house. She and her husband, who was away working, made a list of do wants and don’t wants. I told her, This is so nice, great job! Do you mind if we go through the list? How many of these are yours and how many are your husbands?

They all were discussed then written down. My vote usually stomped on his vote—no man cave. No, sir, not in my house.

"Your list is very thorough. Is there a specific style you are looking for? Modern, classic, Western, Oriental, Spanish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Far Eastern?

We sort of want to match the house like it was all built at the same time.

Do you like any certain colors?

Nothing flashy. Earth tones would fit the house.

You know you are making this very easy. Can we take a peek at what you have?

You mean my yard, correct? she asked.

Of course, I hope I didn’t offend you with some of my verbiage.

No, I just didn’t want to misunderstand you and do something I would regret later.

Trust me, you would never have to regret anything.

She gave me a warm and welcoming smile. Let’s take a peek. Their yard was somewhat smaller than what I have normally worked on. This would make it a challenge to get their wants to all fit in this space. She would stand in places and say, Maybe the spa here. There are no windows in our vision. Maybe the patio cover here with the barbecue. I like to sunbathe, and the best sun is over here, as she was marking out the items they put on the paper.

I asked, Have you ever designed?

She stopped and said, I’m so sorry, you should be telling me. Please forgive me.

I wasn’t asking you to stop. I’m looking for a designer to help with all of the work starting to pile up. Are you working right now?

No, I was just about ready to look for a job.

Would you like to learn how to put your ideas on paper and sell your ideas to customers?

I’ve never done that before. Would you help me until I get comfortable?

I would give you as much assistance as you would require to fly on your own. Are you doing anything right now?

Talking to you, nothing else planned.

Do you want to take a little drive? I’ll take you to my home office, and you can meet my wife—she does the interviews, as I promised her yesterday. She doesn’t want me to hire a hottie.

"So I’m not a hottie?

Of course, you are. I want you to un-hot yourself just a touch. Do you have conservative dress or slacks with a conservative blouse?

Do you mean like an old-fashioned schoolteacher would wear?

Not Goodwill or something like that, I told her. Just something conservative to tie around your braless dress. A miniskirt and cleavage showing—that would get you a hottie tag, and she would say ‘No way, no how. Try again, buddy.’

Is she mean?

"No, she is one of the ladies on cable television and Remodeling magazine."

Which lady?

Delores is my wife.

Are you kidding me! I love her. Even if I don’t get the job, just meeting her would be a thrill for me, said my homeowner, then she asked, Could you do me a huge favor?

Of course, what would you like me to do?

I want to show you what I have been practicing since I saw the first program of them performing. Let me enter the backyard through the sliding glass door.

She went inside, opened the door very slowly, slithered her way through the door onto the backyard, and did one of the best entrances I have seen a nonlady perform. She got only a couple feet from in front of me and said, Honey, would you like a glass of water now?

I told her, No, how about a cold shower? That was perfect.

I’ll change really quick, then we can go meet my dream lady.

She came out as a totally different person. I have an idea. I’ll put my other outfit in my handbag. If all goes well and she says I’m hired, you can ask me if I have ever seen the show. I’ll say, ‘No, what show?’ You’ll say, ‘We will have Delores perform for you,’ and then I will act all shy, tell her I’ll try, have her critique me, ask to use the restroom, and come out doing what I just did for you.

I can always tell Delores that you’re a fast learner. What other outfit do you have that is less revealing?

Let’s go to my bedroom and go through my closet.

We entered her bedroom and went into her closet. It was like walking into a Macy’s ladies fashion store.

Wow, you like clothes.

My husband makes good money and buys me clothes that he likes.

We found a blouse and skirt. She slipped off her current outfit and put on what was picked out. She looked like a successful business lady. I said to her, Don’t change. Wear this outfit.

She realized what she just did in front of me. She turned red. I’m an idiot. I’m so sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.

You look great. Don’t even worry about what you did. I was looking at my next designer—that is all that I saw. You’re beautiful, inside and out. Let’s go meet the boss.

We were in luck. Delores was at home, doing her job. I walked in and introduced her to Denise. She would like to learn how to do designs, could you interview her for me? I have some work to complete.

Delores shook her hand. Denise, what have you done for work?

Denise was starstruck at this point. She told Delores what type of work she had done since graduating from high school and college.

I left to go check on a job not too far from the house. I returned after about twenty minutes and walked into the house. The girls were laughing. Well, was I gone long enough?

Perfect timing, said Delores. "Meet your new designer. Guess what? She has never seen me perform. We were just talking about the program. Do you think she might make the ladies club?

I asked Denise to stand up and turn around slowly. She did. She was not bad for a beginner.

Honey, we will stand out on the patio. You show her your archway entrance.

OK, forgive the way I’m dressed. I’ll give you a semi-Delores entrance.

I told Denise as we entered the patio, Applaud her, and she’ll crank up the performance. We went to the patio, and Delores found a pair of her shorts and a tank top in the laundry room. She hurried up and slipped them on. OK, Mr. Stockdale, watch your baby perform, murmured Delores.

The sliding door opened slowly, and out she came. Denise and I were both applauding loudly. Delores was really into each and every move, getting more seductive with each step, and Denise didn’t need any encouragement to clap louder. When she finished, I told Delores that I had to go take a cold shower. Thanks a lot, darling.

Delores asked Denise if she would like to try. Denise, blushing some and acting a little shy, said, I could never do what you did. What would people think?

Denise, said Delores, this is all a show. You’re acting a part. Put your heart, soul, and body parts into one fluid motion, and you’ll do just fine.

Oh, I don’t know. I’m pretty shy.

I told her, Give me your hand. She did. Walk with me. I’ll get you in the starting position. When we entered the house, I whispered to her, You’re doing great. Show her your moves. Wait a second, not too seductively unless she says ‘Give me more of you’ or ‘Shake it, honey.’

Denise turned to the door, opened it slowly, entered the patio, and moved like an angel toward Delores.

Denise, said Delores, put in some more of your body movements. Denise added some, and Delores said, More seductive. Denise gave her about 75 percent of what she showed me earlier. Denise finished just about where Delores had ended, and Delores walked up to her and gave her a huge hug.

I want Marie to see you. Can you wait a few minutes until she arrives? Delores asked.

Marie showed up about ten minutes after. She entered our house, came into the kitchen, and asked Delores, What is so important that you wanted me here now?

Delores told Marie, Follow me.

They went onto the patio and turned around and faced the sliding glass door. We had Denise in the bathroom next to the kitchen.

Come on, showtime, I told Denise.

Denise asked, Give it my all or hold back?

Do what you feel is right for you, I told her.

The sliding glass door opened slowly, and Denise gave them a 100-percent performance. Marie and Delores applauded louder and louder with each alluring step she took. Seductive and sensual, each move got better and better. When she stopped, both Delores and Marie gave her huge hugs and said, Welcome to the ladies club. Wow, that was a close call.

Delores and Marie were talking to Denise regarding meeting the magazine owner to get her a contract so she could start performing with them. Since she was going to work out of our house, Delores and Marie could coach her daily. I reminded them to do that during breaks, lunch, and after work. They both gave me a look that said, Don’t you have something better to do?

While driving Denise back to her home, she thanked me for hiring her and introducing her to Delores and Marie.

You’re so lucky to have such a great wife and friend, said Denise.

Denise, they will be the same to you, I told her.

I can’t wait until my husband comes home so I can tell him all about my day.

I need us to measure your home tomorrow morning. We got sidetracked today, and that way I can teach you how to measure.

We pulled into her driveway. She unbuckled her seat belt and said, Please don’t think of me in the wrong way. She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. Thank you." Tears started to form in her eyes.

No, Denise, thank you. See you tomorrow.

On my way home, my phone rang again. It was Marjorie. Good afternoon, Marjorie, what’s up?

Has it happened?

I had a slight vision—do you own a bikini?

I do, but I haven’t put it on since before my last child was born, maybe six years ago. Why?

"You want to add a spa, correct? Are you at home right now?

I am at home. You want to stop by?

I’m about fifteen minutes from your house. Surprise me before I get there.

I pulled in front of her house. I rang the doorbell, and she answered the door.

Good afternoon, Marjorie!

Please come in. Let’s sit at the kitchen table, and you can tell me about your little vision, said Marjorie. She had on a loose-fitting top and a wraparound skirt about midcalf.

You look nice. Were you out shopping?

You told me to surprise you. Did it work?

Let me show you my vision. I opened my notebook, got out my handy-dandy pen, and started drawing her backyard.

She said, Do you mind if I get something to ease my tension?

Of course not. Why are you tense?

I just need to settle myself down a notch. She returned with two glasses of her fabulous margaritas.

As I was saying, you asked me to put in a spa for you and your husband, so I drew a spa and put an eight-sided structure around the spa. I moved over to the other corner of the rear yard fence and put another structure with the same design. Back toward the house, I drew in a circle planter and, off to the right, drew a smaller circle for a firepit. I put in raised planters along the fence line—meandering, of course. She was nearly halfway finished with her margarita. Then I added another structure, centered in between the spa and barbecue. Now are you ready?

She finished her margarita in just a minute. She stood up, went to the blender, poured the remaining margarita mix into her empty glass, returned to the table, and sat down. She held up one finger as she took another swig of her new margarita.

Nothing calms your nerves like a good old margarita.

Show me now your little vision. Don’t tease me any longer, said Marjorie.

You and Tom are throwing an open-house party for your new landscape project. Your guests are arriving dressed in Hawaiian attire.

Are they wearing leis?

Leis, Hawaiian shirts, white shorts. The ladies are in bikini tops, Hawaiian wraparound skirts, and puka shell necklaces, with a hibiscus flower above one ear, depending if they are married or single. You have Don Ho playing on the sound system.

Oh, I’m getting so excited right now. I can see the guests and hear the music in the background. Where am I?

Wait a minute, slow down just a little, I told her.

Tom is working with the caterer setting up the tables for food. They brought a pig that was cooked underground using white-hot stones covered with palm leaves and seasoned just like a luau in Hawaii. They flew in a cook from Hawaii just for your meal.

She started squirming in her chair like a child waiting for their parents on Christmas morning.

"Most of the guest have arrived, so you enter the backyard patio in a flowered bikini top and matching wraparound skirt, with you right leg showing up to your high thigh. Plumeria lei, plumeria headpiece, puka shell necklace, puka shell anklet, and beach flip-flops—you are absolutely gorgeous. You are having a mai tai with a slice of pineapple, cherry, and a slice of orange, with a little umbrella holding them in perfect order.

So let me explain the drawing, are you with me?

Marjorie finished her second margarita and grabbed my margarita. You weren’t drinking this, do you mind? asked Marjorie.

I told her, Give me your hand. She did. I told her, I don’t drink very much alcohol. I get high on life and the feelings I bring to clients. You look fantastic, and this vision fits you to a tee. After the guests have eaten, the ladies who have bathing suits under their skirts remove the skirts and climb into the spa. You come to the spa, remove your wraparound skirt, and with grace, glamour, poise, you seductively step into the spa. Your well-tanned body firm and fit.

She took another swig of the margarita, and she said, My nerves are calm now. She stood up and removed her loose-fitting top and skirt. She had on a flowered bikini. Do you mean like this one? She turned around and showed off her curves.

Pretty close. Do you like the vision?

She looked at me and said, Should we tell Tom?

Of course, when you’re ready to tell Tom. Are you ready? I asked.

I want to sleep on your vision for a couple of days. Let’s wait until the plans are drawn. I’m so excited to get started. Can your wife show me how to do an entrance? asked Marjorie.

Show me what you can do, and I’ll ask her to come with me when I talk with you regarding the plans. Let me go outside and stand where the round planter will be located. Put on some sandals or shoes. There could be small stones—those hurt when stepped on. I went outside and stood about fifteen feet from the door and turned around. After a few seconds, Marjorie came out and sashayed toward me a little too fast, but not too bad. I told her, Delores would love to give you pointers and get you in the proper mood.

We went back into the house, sat down at the table, and she finished my Margarita. I told her, Are you ready for a nap now? I picked up my notebook and pen.

Marjorie asked, How much longer must I wait for my dream come true?

Give me at least a week or two to put this all together.

How long before I get to be the hostess?

Maybe two months. You need to work on your tan. Either lie outside the hard way or tanning booth. A light bronze would show off your flowered bikini. Get just a little firmer, and you’ll be a ten.

What am I now?

That is not an easy question for a male to answer. Either way, I lose.

She stood up and turned around, slow and methodical. Well, speak to me.

Already a nine and three-quarters. How about those apples?

You’re just being nice. Have a great day, and I’ll call you tomorrow to see how the plans are coming along, said Marjorie.

Will you be this anxious during the building of your project?

I get excited every day, pacing the floor, asking myself, ‘Where are they? Are they coming? What did I do wrong? Did I make them mad? Those type of things.

I told her that she and Tom needed to take a vacation while the project was being worked on so she wouldn’t get so wound up.

When I got home, I talked to Delores about visiting Marjorie and getting her into a relaxed mood. She needs a good friend, come with me for a few minutes. I called Marjorie. I’m on my way to ease your pain.

When we got to her house, she answered the door. She saw Delores. You’re the lady on television. Please come in, make yourself at home, said Marjorie.

I told Delores that Marjorie was really wound up tight as a drum. She needs your help to loosen up.

Delores asked me to run to the store, pick up something, and give them at least fifteen minutes. She and Marjorie started talking at the kitchen table.

Delores asked, What has got you so wound up at this time of the day?

I want the feeling you get when you perform I don’t want to wait a couple of months, said Marjorie.

Delores said to her, You can have that feeling anywhere at any time.

How? Show me, said Marjorie.

Delores went back to the front door then seductively walked back to the kitchen table, accenting each step more and more.

She told Marjorie, Stand up and come with me to the front door. Turn around and head back to the kitchen table. As Marjorie started walking, Delores put her hands on her hips and pulled her back a couple steps. Slow down, move with precision, focus on something in front of you, and seduce your way each step toward the focus. Delores would move her hips side to side with each step. They got to the table, and she told Marjorie, That was good. You try it without me helping you.

Marjorie returned to the front door. She turned and sashayed her way to Delores. She focused on Delores, each step more seductive than the last step. She got to Delores, and they hugged.

Delores said, A few more of those now, and wait for your husband and give him a show he’ll never forget.

When I returned, Delores told me to stand beside her. Then she directed Marjorie to Do your thing. Marjorie did as Delores told her; she came to us, got close, and Delores gave her a hug.

I asked Delores, Do you think she could graduate and be one of the ladies?

Delores said to Marjorie, Honey, would you like to practice with us at our house?

She replied, Do you think I could be good enough?

Marjorie had put back on her blouse and skirt, so Delores said to her, I need to see what’s under there.

Marjorie removed her blouse and skirt and showed her.

You’ll need to work a little. Firm up and tan up, you’ll do great, said Delores. Meet at our house at nine o’clock, we’ll get you pumped up.

The next morning, Denise showed up at the house at eight o’clock. I showed her my office and what I was drawing, then I described what my intent was and what the customer said they would like to have and use on a regular basis.

We will go over to your house once I show you how to lay out a plot plan. I put a sheet of clean velum paper on the drawing table and showed her how to make sure the sheet was square to the table. I taped the corners with dots, keeping the paper square and tight to the drawing board. Then I showed her how to use a T square and triangles to draw the house and property lines.

This was Marjorie and Tom’s house. I gave her the proper scale to fit the dimensions to the sheet.

Delores came into the office and said she needed Denise in about ten minutes to practice coming down the staircase.

Marie is due to arrive at any minute, said Delores.

Denise stood up and went with Delores. I sat down on the chair and drew the plot plan for Marjorie’s home. Once the plan was completed, I placed another sheet on top, taped it down, and traced the plot plan on the top sheet. I started putting the vision onto the sheet.

The doorbell rang. I got up, got out of my zone, and answered the door. Marjorie was standing on the front porch. Welcome to our humble home, I said. Let’s find them.

THE WILOBYS MEET

THE ALBRIGHTS AND

THE STOCKDALES

I t was a beautiful Wednesday morning. The limousine picked up the girls from Marie’s, and another limousine picked up Janet and the boys from Marjorie’s home. They were all en route to the cable network studio where the playhouse was sitting and waiting for their arrival.

Susanne and her staff were all waiting for the limousines to arrive with their precious cargo. The girls arrived just ahead of Janet and the boys. The driver opened the doors of the limousine, and the girls were welcomed by Susanne and a half dozen staff members. Hugs were given to everyone. The second limousine arrived, and the same process was repeated. The staff had never seen Marjorie’s children and were impressed with them right off the bat.

Now all eight were hugging one another when the studio door was opened, and everyone entered the studio. Janet and the boys were in total awe of how big the studio was.

They followed Susanne down two hallways to where the playhouse set was waiting. The girls knew this route very well; they had walked through it daily for months. As they were in front of the doors to the playhouse, Susanne stopped and knocked on the door three times. The girls were a bit puzzled; she never did that before.

The doors opened, and the room was filled with staff members. Delores, Marie, Mama, and Marjorie were all standing there waiting for them to arrive. The caterer had breakfast ready to serve, waitresses were all poised, and the place was filled with balloons and confetti. Party time was the theme.

Janet asked Leslie, Is this for us?

Welcome to our daily world. Enjoy, this is your new normal.

The surprise of a lifetime! The escorts were hidden by the staff—young actors for the girls, and young actresses for the boys. All came forward gave their arms for the girls to hold. They took them to their assigned seats, and the boys sat down beside them.

The young girls approached the boys. They did what the boys did for the girls. Arm bent, they had the girls hold on, and the girls took them to their chairs. All the girls and boys filled out a questionnaire regarding their favorite child actor and actress. Those were all fulfilled, and all their dreamboats were now sitting beside them. To make that happen was not an easy task for the staff. Lots of dealings were done, and the names of all persons involved with the actors and actresses were listed on the credits. A thank-you from the cable companies was also listed.

Janet was blushing. Her heartthrob, whom she had admired for years, was sitting inches away from her. He was so nice in person. Her friends will be so jealous of her. She apologized to him, saying she should have worn her favorite outfit to impress him.

He looked into her eyes and told her she had impressed him beyond his wildest dreams. He reached down and held her hand. Don’t be nervous. I’m nervous enough for both of us.

The host of the event had each boy and girl escorts stand up for the staff and family to give them recognition. Janet’s escort told her to stand up beside him, and she did. He told the camera, Thank you for having me escort Janet. This is my dream come true as well.

Janet put her arm around him. He turned to her and gave her a warm and loving hug. That brought the house down with applause, hooting, and hollering. Susanne applauded loud and long.

All the escorts followed suit, hugging the boys and girls. All sixteen youngsters stood arm in arm while the staff and family members applauded them. Such a great moment for everyone.

After the kids were introduced, the moms were given their moment of praise. They also had actors as their escorts. The hugs the ladies received were very loving. Susanne had a pretty easy time getting the ladies’ favorite actors to attend. The wives of the actors were in the crowd and were introduced later to the ladies. They all sat together while the kids were on stage.

Marie told her escort, This is a first for me. My escort brought his wife on our first date.

The actor just laughed. Would you have wanted it any other way?

Not at this time in the morning. It’s perfect, said Marie.

The program was about to start. Susanne, the narrator of the program, had set up the scene. The kids wanted to reenact the first time they met each other. Janet would have to resort back to her old ways.

Phillip had built the exact replica of Janet’s house.

Marie and Delores were with the kids that day, so they had to remember what had occurred.

Marjorie and the kids were in the backyard, and Marjorie was showing the ladies what was being built.

Wardrobe had decked out the ladies like they were for a photo shoot, complete with makeup and hairstyle. Silvia was mixing drinks for the crew and the ladies.

They were waiting for dusk so the film crew could shoot the low-volt lighting system. They used photos of the backyard on a green screen the viewers saw the backyard during the daytime, waiting for the evening lumination.

Marie, Delores, and the girls were being introduced to her kids; and they all ran off and went to the playhouse where Janet was showing off the little kid’s playhouse.

The cameras rolled as Janet acted like a spoiled snob to the girls. This was when Janet got a life lesson. All the kids had a wireless microphone attached to their wardrobe. As Leslie was explaining the real meaning of the playhouse, Janet was causing all sorts of ruckus. The staff saw what the viewers were watching as Leslie gave Janet and her brothers a lesson. The crew and audience saw for the first time how the girls are able to change people’s attitudes. If you want respect, you first give respect. If they still don’t respect you, smile, be very polite, and scratch them off your list—you don’t need people who refuse to respect you or who look down on you. Why do that to yourself?

Then Leslie told the story of what happened to her at school after the cable network aired her dinner with the governor, how the teacher got upset with her when she demanded she tell the class exactly what the governor said to her.

Leslie said, She was trying to make me say stuff that did not happen nor was ever said. When I stood in front of the class, I said it was fun, we had a nice talk. I sat back down in my chair, and the teacher got angry and demanded that I tell them exactly what the governor said or ‘I would be sent to the principal’s office, young lady.’ I got out of my chair, walked out the door, and headed to the principal’s office. I was not going to allow my teacher into my space, belittle me, or look down on me. I respect her title of teacher, but I do not respect the teacher as a person.

Janet said, You’re lying, that didn’t happen.

Leslie very politely said, Aske Sarah, Kim, and Rebecca. It happened to them as well.

All the girls said, It happened the same to us as well.

Janet said, So you want me to believe if I think someone is not respecting me for myself then I should just be polite, smile, and walk away from them?

If you respond to their bad behavior, they’ll know how to get into your space. That weakens you. Some of those that used to respect you, won’t anymore. You have left yourself vulnerable to all those who saw what that person just did to you. We don’t give that to anyone. We show no anger, we show no feelings facially, and we don’t pout if we don’t get our way, said Leslie.

Janet said, Do you get spanked?

Not since we had our house. We respect Mom and Dad’s rules in the house. They respect our rules in our house. We don’t run to our house to avoid punishment. If we do wrong, we own up to the punishment. We don’t lie to avoid punishment.

Janet said, I’ll be right back. She went to the kitchen where her mom was making drinks for her guests. Janet walked up to her mom, gave her a hug, and said, I love you, Mom. Could we have some cupcakes for our new friends?

Of course you can. Let me get you some. She put eight two-pack cupcakes in a bag and handed it to Janet.

Janet hugged her mom and thanked her. Have a great day, Mom.

Janet returned to the playhouse, shared the cupcakes with all the kids, walked over to Leslie, gave her a hug, and thanked her for telling her how they get respected.

Janet turned to the camera, telling the viewing audience, "I did not believe anything Leslie was talking about was for real until I tried it out for myself. I thought my friends at school would make fun of me, but they did not. I said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to my teachers at school. One teacher asked if I had fallen and bumped my head. They all were amazed at the transformation. I thought saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ showed you were weak, but it does wonders for you. I owe the girls so much. They changed my and my brother’s lives forever.

Mom, could you please join us on the stage? Marie, Delores, Mama and Susanne, could you join us as well? All the ladies went up on stage and stood by the kids. All the kids hugged everyone.

Janet asked, Marjorie, Mom, please tell the viewers prior to us meeting the girls how often we hugged each other.

Marjorie said, Only if you got hurt, scraped a knee, fell off your bike, things like that.

How often do you get hugs from us now? asked Janet.

Many times during the day, we all hug, said Marjorie.

When was the last time you told us to do our homework, chores, and dishes?

Not since the meeting with the girls, said Marjorie.

See, this is real. We don’t have scripts to rehearse from. We’re not told by adults what to say just to get better ratings. This all comes from the heart. We all hope you enjoyed the transformation. What you saw really happened to me. I’m so thankful that the girls didn’t give up teaching me to be a better person, said Janet.

The director said, Cut! Let’s clear the set for the next surprise. Great job, everyone. There are snacks for all to enjoy.

The caterer made chocolate cupcakes with a white squiggle as one of the desserts. They had veggie platters for those who prefer a healthier snack. The escorts talked to the girls and boys, and the ladies got introduced to the wives of their escorts. Everyone got to know one another during the break.

The wives were very loving and understanding, knowing all the ladies were married. This was for the surprise coming up for the girls. The escorts and their wives were all invited to the grand opening next week.

Curtains were drawn across the stage so the girls and boys could not see what the surprise was going to be.

Janet and her escort held hands, then put their arms around each other.

Janet said, You have to meet my mother. Come on, let’s find her.

They found Marjorie talking with all the escorts and their wives.

Janet excused herself. Mom, this is my escort, Brad. He’s on the cover of my teen magazine. He’s very popular with the girls at school.

Marjorie shook Brad’s hand. It is my pleasure to meet you, Brad. She talks about you all the time. I’m so thrilled for her to finally meet her dreamboat.

Brad said, I’m the one who met my dreamboat as well. You have a marvelous daughter.

Janet introduced Brad to all the ladies, and they introduced Janet and Brad to their escorts and their wives. Janet and Brad told everyone it was their pleasure meeting everyone. We hope to see you all later today.

Marie and Delores told Marjorie, He is very handsome and well-mannered, and they both look so cute together. Are you ready to be a grandma?

Marjorie said, "Well, let me see. No, not ready to give up my precious daughter. I’ve only had