A Slow Return to Skinny Dipping

A Slow Return To Skinny Dipping

By: Tom Williams

Fiction

Copyright 2011 Tom Williams All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

For Bunny Boo with love

For my little big sis Alyce Williams. Thanks for all the editing

Warning: This book contains adult content including acts of sex between a man and a woman. This book also contains some profanity. If you are under 18 years old put this book down now! Instead go enjoy cool breezes and the innocent times of your youth. Adulthood will be upon you before you know it so hold this time in your life in the highest regard. You will have plenty of time to read books like this once you are of legal age but not now!

This book is fiction in its entirety. No portion of it represents any real situation but rather is only the product of the authors imagination. No names used in this book are based on real people. If you think a name is based on a real person then you are wrong. This is all made up. None of it is real. This book is only a story from the imagination of the author and nothing else. Nothing that happened in this book is true including the names and situations within. Some locations mentioned in this book are real places but were only used as sets for the story and in no way represent anything that has happened in those locations or will happen in the future. Public nudity including skinny dipping is illegal in many places. If you choose to skinny dip then this would be at your own risk. The author and his publishers assume no liability as a result of your choices. The author always recommends following and obeying all laws.

The word, Xanax is the property of Pfizer Inc. They have kindly granted the author permission to use this word. Never take any prescription drug unless you are under the care of a qualified physician and have been issued a prescription for that drug.

Cover by Todd Price Artist of Elk Creek Virginia

Chapter 1

Corporate Dread

Ellen sat at her large bookmatched rosewood desk staring out at the Manhattan skyline. The rain of the night before had beaten down all the airborn pollution so from her thirty second floor office the sky was strangely crystal clear as the sun began to rise. She looked down from her perch and noticed a brown dome of pollution slowly rising up from the streets. She thought for a brief moment of her childhood in the Virginia Mountains. I haven’t seen the stars fill the sky in years. The city is so darn dirty. I wish it would rain every day just to wash the streets and clean the air. I hate the smell of exhaust fumes. What I wouldn’t give for a bottle of mountain air captured at dawn by the river, or to smell the forest floor again.

That’s a million dollar view if I ever saw one, her assistant Elsa remarked as she walked in the door.

More like one hundred million, Ellen replied. Elsa was a very competent, very material, soulless power seeker. She loved working for Ellen because that meant position and authority. She could get into any restaurant, club, show or event in the city with a quick call. She frequently took advantage of her position. She would lie in a second if it benefited her, but did a very good job of organizing Ellen’s affairs. Ellen was growing tired of Elsa’s superficiality. Ellen was growing tired of the self-centered people who profited greatly from her in general.

Ellen had passed her Occupational Therapy exam sixteen years before.She had considered becoming a Physical Therapist initially but after shadowing an OT in the local hospital she liked the whole person approach that OT’s seemed to possess.Even as a girl she had a unique talent in managing and balancing her mental, physical and spiritual health.She would swim in the river completely nude at dawn to feed her body and soul then walk back to the cabin musing at the wildflowers in the field. Ellen was never afraid of hard work and sweat because it tempered her mind and body to be strong. Granny would read the Bible out loud on the porch in the evenings, teaching Ellen that she was never truly alone in the world. She had learned of the blessings of kindness, goodness and strength on her Granny’s small farm. Granny had searched the county for old text books so Ellen could read and know the value of wisdom during the molding time of her life.

Ellen had worked tirelessly as an OT since passing her board exams almost to the point of an obsession in a for-profit clinic. It was run by a director that seemed often to be more concerned with the bottom line than healing patients in need. This bothered her greatly, as she felt that every patient deserved the best care possible regardless of the status of their insurance or income.

When the other girls in the clinic went out on the town, she stayed home and read clinical data for the treatment of burns and upper extremity injuries. It was her way of bringing justice to her patients by providing the best care possible in a profit driven world. It was her way of isolating herself from the dangers of going out at night to party. She held a secret inside that few were aware of, driving her to choose work over pleasure. As a result of her long, lonely hours of study with a strong cup of coffee as her only companion she became very proficient in the treatment of shoulder, hand and arm injuries. Many more experienced therapists in her clinic often sought advice from Ellen for the treatment of difficult wounds, knowing she would have the answers. Five years later, she passed her Certified Hand Therapy exam. She had played the violin throughout her childhood; she was greatly saddened when she saw someone with an injured hand.

She was a frugal woman in every way. Even after achieving an eighty thousand dollar per year income, she still had shelves that were nothing more than boards stacked on concrete blocks. Her dining room table was a 1960s Formica and steel atrocity with no two chairs around it matching. Her friends joked that she liked the college dorm look. Ellen banked every dime left over after paying the bills. Her greatest fear in life was having to move back to the mountains and work in a factory. It mattered little to her that with her certifications she would never have to work in such a place again. She would insure a financially secure life even if she had to deprive herself of a full rewarding life in the process.

Seven years after taking her OT exam she opened her own clinic. It had Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapists who could heal the many woes of human suffering, but she still felt like it wasn’t enough. People need to live a whole life and not just heal injuries, she thought. Ellen opened an office next door and contracted with Physicians and Psychologists to treat the issues that were beyond her scope of license.

As a girl she learned to sew her own clothes and had developed a unique talent for style. One year later she started selling some of the clothes that she designed for herself to others. Being a single woman with few living expenses, she could buy any clothes she wanted but sewed her own to save money, still in delusional fear of going back to the factory. Her clothing line was desired by the wealthy of New York and soon made more money than her other enterprises. She took that profit and opened a spa in the city. It was a quiet, peaceful retreat from the noise and scurrying of the metropolitan madness. She had religious leaders visit often. They would get a massage and other services in return for counseling the patrons on the spiritual aspects of their lives.

Ellen gained notoriety as the go-to girl for the wealthy. She could change your life with the programs she had created. She had experts that would teach you how to eat properly and manage your finances. Exercise Physiologists could teach you how to work out the right way to achieve the best possible physical health. Others would help heal old scars in your mind and heart. You would look like a million bucks in her clothes. Health and wellness would shine from every part of you when Ellen got her hands on you.

Soon a publisher approached her and encouraged Ellen to write a book from what she had learned. Ellen Jackson’s Heal Your Life quickly hit the best seller list and soon she was a national icon. Every celebrity who was anybody and the very wealthy would pay whatever they had to for her corporation’s services. Her name seemed to be everywhere. She was worth many millions of dollars within a few years. She still had her Formica table and she still dreamed of floating down the New River on an inner tube in the clear air of the mountains. She was still just a girl.

Ellen’s day started at four in the morning and often times it didn’t end until long after dark. Everyone wanted her. Everyone wanted her who could profit from her name and her brand. They had little care for Ellen Jackson the human being or for Ellen Jackson the soft hearted girl who longed to see stars in the sky again rather than harsh city lights.

Elsa placed the morning’s tabloids, fashion magazines and newspapers on her desk. Ellen’s name was on the cover of several of them. I’ve got you booked all day, Ellen, then you’re having dinner tonight with Hanson Brush. His factory is sewing your new line of summer dresses. We have placed an order for four thousand of each but the retailers are placing orders so quickly that may not be enough. He wanted to speak with you about production bonuses.

His bonus is the fact that I’m making him a very wealthy man, she snapped under her breath. Elsa, I’m tired. Can we make arrangements for lunch or another day with him?

Oh Ellen, dear, are you okay?

Elsa, please don’t act like you have a soul because it doesn’t sit well on you. Elsa looked offended but walked away with a manufactured smile. She called the new restaurant that had just opened down the street and made reservations in Ellen’s name so she and her friend could be among the first to dine there. Ellen overheard the conversation, but chose not to scold her. It would be like telling a rat not to be a rat she thought. Ellen put her head down on the table feeling more exhausted than she could ever remember and sighed.

At seven her office filled with department heads each with their own demands. She was still secretly intimidated to chair a room full of doctors, accountants, chemists and computer professionals. She still felt like that factory girl from the mountains. Ellen stabbed the toe of her left shoe into her right ankle and put an authorative look on her face. This was her in charge trick.

Miss Jackson, I took this position because you assured me that we could treat the poor pro bono. Why should only the rich be entitled to our programs? the medical director snapped.

Two accountants barked back that this was a for-profit company and not a charity.

Ellen held up her hand. We will treat the poor as well as the rich on a sliding fee scale. Some will be treated for free as the doctor will decide. I promised him this when he came on with us and that is what we will do.

The doctor smiled as the accountants ranted about lost revenue. At some point it was all a blur of bickering in Ellen’s mind. Everyone had their own vision of what her company should be and none were willing to bend. Ellen politely reminded them that her marketing team was waiting in the lobby, then sternly warned them to work it out and report back as adults. Bickering pissed her off and stressed her out. They left still arguing in the lobby.

The marketing team was working on several promotional ideas and the meeting didn’t end until after noon. Risk management was waiting in the lobby and rushed her office. She would spend the rest of the day listening to compliance updates and brand trademark law. I want to be out of this lifesucking place so badly that I just can’t stand another day of it, she thought as Elsa read her evening schedule. Elsa you are aware that you have me scheduled until well after eleven?

Well Ellen we just couldn’t fit it all in today and you’re booked through the week so I didn’t know what else to do. Everyone wants you, Ellen.

She smiled back at her robot assistant. Everyone wants me? I haven’t had a boyfriend in fifteen years. Everyone wants to profit from me would be more accurate, she thought. Then she remembered the check for one million dollars she wrote to the homeless shelter last week and pulled herself back together. They need me. Look at yourself girl, you’re bitching because you have to work hard while they don’t even have a place to sleep tonight. She felt ashamed.

Hanson Brush was an arrogant weasel of a man by anyone’s account. He was often rude and condescending to waiters, doormen and anyone else that couldn’t further his career. This bothered Ellen, the factory girl from the mountains, and her patience with him had been running low for quite some time. Nothing about him was kind or even decent in human terms. He loathed what he considered to be the lower portions of society, considering himself to be a higher standard of evolution in the world. Hanson clearly thought of himself in divine terms and Ellie secretly laughed that he probably liked the smell of his own poo.

He sat across from Ellen stroking his dyed goatee with stinking self-centeredness. You see, Miss Jackson, in order to produce the number of garments you will need I will require more staff. This will cost quite a bit more than my usual fee.

That little bastard is trying to blackmail me, she thought. If I don’t pay up big he will stall production. She remembered her first meeting with him in London two years before. His company was failing and when she offered him the garment contract he practically kissed her feet. He humbly promised to always be loyal to her and give her a fair price. She increased the contract price so he could pay his people well but he kept the extra profit for himself. She paid his employees direct bonuses every Christmas out of guilt for Hanson’s misdeeds. She had failed to hold him accountable to them in the initial contract. He was the great garment producer for Ellen Jackson now and thought of himself as a god. She still remembered what it felt like to be a factory worker. She despised Hanson and people like him.

You see, Miss Jackson, it would be a shame for the stores not to carry your full line due to such small issues as production difficulties. I think our contract should be increased by three million dollars American. This would make my small company able to provide you with the service you expect.

How much of that money would go to pay raises for all of the people that work so hard making my clothing line?

Well, Miss Jackson, that would be an internal matter within my shop. It would be a terrible shame for your line to miss the shows coming soon.

Ellen picked up her cell phone and dialed. She looked at Hanson with pure feminine anger. Yes this is Ellen Jackson. I’ve been told by my clothing line producer that he may not be able to meet the demands of my retail line. I would like to speak with you at your convenience to see if you can pick up the slack. Yes, that would be fine. If you could come by my office at five tomorrow morning, I’m sure we can make some kind of arrangement. Bye, bye.

Hanson looked as if his heart was about to stop. He quit stroking his baby beard. Oh, Miss Jackson, there is no need to call other companies. I’m sure we can increase production somehow.

Listen to me right now, you little worm. When I contracted with you I was promised that you would treat your employees well and would always serve me fairly. You have done neither. I can pull my entire line out of your hands with a word, you slime. Don’t you ever try to blackmail me again or I’ll publicly tell the world just how much of a dirt bag you really are. Don’t you ever threaten me again or I’ll end you. Is that clear?

Yes, Miss Jackson. The worm shriveled up in his seat, sweating profusely. His look of arrogance was replaced by one of fear. Just to show you that I mean it, I will be giving the Celestial line to the man I just called. You just lost twenty million because I don’t like the way you do business. Give your people a raise and don’t ever screw with me again.

Yes, ma’am.

Ellen signed the check and left the table without another word. Hanson was one of many slimeballs she had had to deal with since the sun rose that morning. She felt heat on her face and her heart raced. She hated unethical people. She despised people that took an unfair advantage of others.

Ellen stayed in her office suite that night, as she had a very early day in the morning. She examined herself in the large mirror that covered the wall of her dressing room before stepping into the shower. At forty one her breasts still sat high on her chest. Thank God for a B cup she thought. Lines were showing on her face and none of her products or anyone else’s for that matter could erase them. Her eyes looked tired and her lips had lost some of their color. When the heck did all of this happen? she thought. You look like shit, girl. She reasoned with herself that a hot shower and a good night’s sleep would help.

The city noise below had no effect on the peace of her high perch. She lay in bed telling herself that she only had four hours so she better get to sleep. Fifteen minutes later she was still wide awake. God, you have blessed me so much in my life so why do I feel so empty? I always wanted children and I’ve never known true love in my entire life. Is this the price of my success? Am I going to die as one of those lonely rich old birds? Are selfish people going to fight over my estate not caring about me or who I was? Her emotions had been leaking both in public and private more often lately. She was becoming bitter and sometimes downright mean, to her own dismay. The show must go on, Ellen. A stiff shot of single malt ended her day.

The alarm sounded precisely at four the next morning. It was a recording of a waterfall near her childhood home in the mountains. The sound she loved throughout her youth now sounded like a barking dog in her ear as it coldly ordered her to get out of bed. Ok darn it I hear you. I’m getting up already. Ellen did her morning exercise routine in obedience to her own standard of life. Her breathing was heavy and she was sweating much more than usual. She felt tired deep down inside and wondered how she could get through another day. Damn, I need a break, she thought. Maybe Elsa can schedule me some time off in a month or two.

A yogurt smoothie with algae from some high far off place was her usual breakfast. It was forced down her throat by a large cup of strong, black coffee. I want just one more cup of coffee with sugar in it before I die, she thought. Maybe some country ham, too. A big blueberry waffle with cream cheese all over it would be nice, also. She sighed. Maybe in another life. I could be one of those big fat girls that never apologizes for what I eat. I could eat sausage gravy biscuits for breakfast and ice cream for lunch. I could eat an entire pizza for dinner all by myself and yell at my ten kids when they tried to take some. When my husband came home from work I could say, where the hell is my chocolate? Ellen laughed out loud at her fantasy.

What’s so funny? Elsa asked as she walked into the room.

Ellen gazed at her, ashamed of her vulnerabilities. She looked like crap and was clearly hung over. Did you have a late night, Elsa?

Yes, we went out to the new club just down the street. They kept handing my friend and me drinks as if we were celebrities. I had a little too much.

How did you ever get in that club, Elsa? I thought reservations were almost impossible there.

Uh, oh, umm, a friend of mine got me in.

Oh, who was that?

He’s just some guy I met the other day. I forget his name.

Ellen decided to drop it, because she needed Elsa in top shape for the day ahead.

I have a new clothing manufacturer coming in shortly, Elsa. I’m going to give him the Celestial line.

Elsa looked deeply concerned. Ellen had suspected her of getting kickbacks from Hanson Brush for some time. Oh, what about Hanson? He’s always done such a fine job in the past.

He’s a snake, Elsa, and you can tell him I said that. I’m teaching him a lesson.

Elsa looked a little paranoid. Why would I ever speak to him, Ellen? I barely know the man.

Ellen just gave her a look as if to say I know your game.

I’ll go see if they’re here yet. Elsa quickly left the room.

Ellen noticed her dialing her cell phone as she rounded the corner out of the office. Hanson’s not the only snake around here, she thought.

Mr. Stancil was a very nice older gentleman who had begun his career as a tailor many years before.He had personally witnessed the changes in fashion over the last forty years of his career.His specialty was copying old designs from the early 1960s for the retro look that had been catching on for quite a few years. Everyone who worked for him was a family member or close associate. His small company paid its employees better than any in the field. He was soft spoken and honest.

Ellen wished she would have known about him two years ago. She liked him very much and felt confident that he could pull off any design she came up with. Ellen had done her homework prior to the meeting and knew his reputation was impeccable for quality of the garments, timeliness and being a fair employer.She gave him a twenty million dollar contract. He signed at five thirty am with shaking hands and much gratitude. Ma’am, this will change my entire family’s life. I can pay for everyone’s college with this and start a fund for future employees. Thank you, Ma’am.

Thank you sir for taking this line on with such short notice. I was in a bind and you will get me out of it, Mr. Stancil.

I won’t let you down, Miss Jackson.

Call me Ellen. I have the greatest faith in you.

Thank you, Ellen. We will start today.He spoke into his cell as he left her office. Call the whole family for a meeting. We have a lot of work to do and we need to get on it.

It made Ellen feel good inside to help good people get ahead in life. This was a small reward for the long day ahead of her.

Ellen spent the next six hours speaking to retailers on the phone, trying to get more orders for the celestial line. She wanted Mr. Stancil to get as much of her business as possible. She secured another half million in revenue for him and a good chunk for herself as well. She didn’t want Elsa to know about it, so she made the calls herself. Elsa spied on her from the desk, just outside wondering what she was up to on the phone for so long.

It was Friday, so as always Ellen toured her offices, spas and other facilities, hiding her exhaustion by holding her head high and forcing a smile on her face. She met clients and laughed at their jokes and asked each employee how they were doing as she passed by. She was genuine with them and they felt good about working for her company. They felt like she cared and they were right. By two in the afternoon she found her way back to the office and laid her head down on the desk.

Ellen your two fifteen is here for the new super spa meeting.

Thank you, Elsa. Please send them in. Designers and architects filled her office. Each had differing opinions. There would be more bickering soon. Things started out calm, but when the ex-hippie she hired to design the mood of the spa wanted to put live animals in the trees and plants to let Mother Earth in gave her opinion, the room went nuts. The attorney railed about liability if a parrot bit someone and the health risk of bird poop everywhere.

Man, you just don’t get mother. She’s clean and the smell of poop is real, man, the hippie retorted.

The accountants were concerned about the cost of food and maintenance for the animals. Things turned hostile quickly.

Enough! Ellen couldn’t stand senseless arguing. We will never have live animals in this spa, is that clear? The hippie looked greatly offended. Ellen turned to her. How do you think those birds will feel trapped in a New York City building all day?

Right on, man. I never thought of it that way.

Ellen was going to take control and get the plan in order, but suddenly her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest. She felt more afraid than she had ever felt in her life. It felt as if a nuclear war had begun. She started to sweat and it was hard for her to breathe. She felt dizzy and a tear fell down her cheek. I’m not feeling well, so we will have to continue this meeting later. Please excuse me. I need to rest for a while.

The crowd left looking concerned. Elsa tried to come in but Ellen shut her office door and locked it in her face. I need to be alone for a while, she spoke through the door.

Ellen fell to the floor in fear for her life. What’s happening to me? God, please help me! Her heartbeat sounded in her ears and then they began to ring loudly. She curled