A Paddle For Becky

By Rod Ramsey

© 2003, all rights reserved.

I looked at Becky with a quizzical look on my face, "A paddle?"

"Yeah. My old one is getting worn out and I need a new one," she replied, "If you get me one for my birthday I'll make it a special night for you."

"Ok, so where do I get one? I can't just run down to WallyWorld."

"There's a shop at The Square, right in front of Buster's. You can't miss it."

I walked in to the shop not knowing what to expect. Honest to God; I've never been in one of these places before. I walked over to a display containing what looked like hundreds of paddles. Some were short, some were long and they were all of various widths. I looked around lost, then walked up to a young woman straightening some vinyl garments.

"Um, excuse me Miss could you help me?" I asked nervously.

"Sure, handsome. What are you looking for?"

I knew I had picked the right person for my task. The girl was wearing a black t-shirt that read "Paddling Gets Me Wet" in bright red letters.

"Uh, my girlfriend wants a new paddle for her birthday. I'm not sure what kind to get her. There's so many to choose from."

"Well let's see what I can do for you. If nothing else we have gift certificates available or she can return the one you get and exchange it for a different one," she replied. "Now what kind of paddling does your girlfriend like to do?"

We talked about what Becky was into, the different kinds of paddles, what size Becky would be most comfortable using. Did you know that in addition to the old fashioned wooden ones that they have them in plastic and even space age carbon fiber? While we talked the girl demonstrated the proper positioning to get the most force out of the paddle. She even offered to sign me up for a class, explaining that they held at least one class every weekend. I declined explaining that Becky offered to teach me on her own.

I ended up buying Becky a laminated oak and maple paddle. It's wide head smacking soundly into the palm of my hand as I walked up the front steps of our house. Becky was still at work and I took the opportunity to wrap the paddle in some tissue and lots of fancy wrapping paper. My attempt to disguise the parcel was a total failure. I hid her gift behind the sofa and went into the kitchen to fix Becky her birthday dinner. Becky loves my southern fried chicken with cream gravy and garlic mashed potatoes.

After dinner I led Becky into the living room for dessert; a nice chocolate cake with two candles on it. My explanation that they each represented one decade of her life got me a big wet kiss. After the cake I pulled the gift from behind the sofa. Becky opened it slowly, her hands running over the highly polished wood. Setting the paddle aside she shoved me back on the sofa, planting kisses all over my face, her hands sliding down to the buttons on my jeans.

I woke somewhat stiff from the exertions of the night. Becky was shaking my shoulder, teasing me for being the lazy dog we both know I am.

"Come on Brad, get up," she said. "I wanna try out my new paddle."

"Can't we do it later honey?" I asked. Knowing that the answer would be no and she would only pout all day if I didn't give in.

"No, let's go. I'll pack a picnic lunch while you shower. That lake up Highway Four will be perfect for a picnic and we can even make love on one of the secluded beaches, after I try out my new toy," she whispered sexily in my ear.

"So here we are. What did your woman do to get you out here so early on a Saturday morning?" I asked the old man sitting on the bench next to me, as we waited for our respective partner to come out of the bathroom.

"Oh, I was the one that brought her out here. I love to canoe in the quiet morning," he replied. "Is that a new paddle your girl was holding so lovingly?"

"Yeah. I got it for her birthday."

"How sweet, I love the feel of a wooden paddle as it slices though the water," he replied.

I just smiled, wondering if Becky was still serious about making love on a beach. There were five other canoes getting ready to go out.

--Fin--