Philip Johnson
Chapter One
Dennis was finally done with school but now he had to find a job and that wasn't going to be easy with the economy in a downturn. Even people with college degrees were working in sales or whatever they could find to do. In the meantime it was his plan to enjoy the summer as much as he could even though he was living with his father. Here he was twenty five years old and still living at home, it was embarrassing to him so he rarely admitted that to anybody he met.
One of the good things was the weather had been very cooperative. It rained often enough to keep things green but the rains had been appearing late in the day or overnight and the temperatures had been in the low eighties so he was getting one of the best tans he'd ever had. He could also have his weights and bench outside and did his routines in the shade of their maple tree. Except for being broke and not having a girlfriend or even somebody to date at the moment his life was a good one.
It was about three o'clock so he put on his old Speedo from his high school swimming days and went out to his weight bench and started his routine. For the next half hour he did sit ups, presses, push ups and a whole list of moves to work on the areas that he needed the most help with, his triceps and deltoids. After his thirty minute routine he wiped the sweat off with a towel and went to his lounge chair and worked on his tan as he read the latest James Patterson book from the used book store. He was engrossed in his reading so he wasn't even aware that his neighbor was home until she called out to him, "Hey Dennis."
"Oh hi Janet."
"Congrats on graduating."
"Thanks. Had I stuck with it in the beginning I'd have been done a long time ago."
"Doesn't matter now though does it?"
"I guess not." Their conversation was shared by shouting across about sixty feet of lawn so he dropped his book and walked toward her as she tried not to stare at his tanned well conditioned body. "Leo make it home?"
"Last night about ten. It looks like he may have to go back to New York again though."
"Bummer to say the least. He's missing one of the best summers I can remember."
"I know. Looks like you're taking advantage of it though."
"I'm working on it but I'd rather have a job."
"I'm sure you would and I have no doubt that something will turn up for you
sooner or later, just keep the faith. How is Mark doing?"
"Dad's fine. Busy at work because they cut back on their staffing to save money but at least he has a job."
"That's right. Well tell him I said hi."
I'll do that." As she turned to go in the house he called after her, "Janet, you're looking pretty hot."
She smiled and said, "Thank you Dennis." He watched her butt as she turned and went inside and then went back to his reading while Janet dropped her purse on the counter and then peeked out of her kitchen window toward Dennis. It seemed like last year that he celebrated his eighteenth birthday and now he was a man of twenty five and looking fantastic. Dennis cooked in the sun for another half an hour and then went in and showered.
Dennis and his dad had quickly developed a routine of having a beer together after he got home from work and it was their chance to talk and Mark could relax before dinner. As they sat in the living room Dennis said, "Janet said to tell you hi."
"How's she doing?"
"Judging from how she looked I'd say she's doing fantastic."
Mark laughed and said, "You're just juiced up and in need of female companionship."
"That I am but even though she's what, forty or more maybe, she still looks pretty fine."
"Yes she does I'm just surprised that you'd think so. What's the latest with Leo?"
"He's home but probably going back to New York again pretty soon."
"I'm glad my job doesn't require a lot of that. I'm going to St. Louis for a few days of training but I don't mind that because I can just drive it. I'll also get to do some partying on the company tab while I'm there."
"Well find some sweet thing and get laid while you're there."
"I plan to try."
So any word from your interviews or whatever?"
"No but they said it would be the middle of next week at least because they had several more to interview."
"It's a tough market out there right now so don't get discouraged."
"I won't give up."
Friday started off sunny but rain took over by mid morning so Dennis had to cover his exercise equipment and stay inside. By late in the day the rain had stopped but the clouds persisted so he was able to do his routine but had to give up on catching any rays.
Chapter Two
The following Monday afternoon, Janet called Dennis as soon as she got home from work and said, "I need to ask a favor."
"Sure, what do you need?"
"Leo is back in New York and his car is at the airport in short term parking. He had to catch an earlier flight than he had expected and in his haste he parked in the wrong lot. Anyway that's my problem and I hope you can help me."
"Of course when did you want to go?"
"I'll make you a deal. If we can go in the next hour I'll buy you dinner at Maxwell's before we get the car."
"I'd love it, I haven't had a real date in months."
"Oh Dennis stop it. Okay come over in an hour and we'll go to dinner."
"How will he get home then taxi?"
"No, one of his coworkers that went to New York with him will bring him home. Oh and tell Mark he's welcome to join us."
"He's in St. Louis for the week."
"What's he doing there?"
"Officially he's there for training but he plans on doing some heavy partying too."