About a week after I had helped Bob change out his old hot tub for a new spa he called and asked me to meet him for a beer. When I got to the bar Jan, our favorite waitress, was sitting at the table with Bob. They waved at me as I came in.
I pulled out a chair and sat down, “Hi Bob. Hello, Jan.”
“Hi Ross. The usual?” Jan waved to catch the attention of one of the other bar staff. “I just finished my shift.”
“Sure. Make it a pitcher.” I noticed Jan had an empty glass in front of her.
After the pitcher was delivered and our glasses filled Bob said, “I was just telling Jan about how we took out the old hot tub and put in the new spa.”
“Yeah. It was a lot simpler job than I expected. Tearing out the old hot tub was pretty dirty work though.”
Bob laughed, “Dirty work has its rewards though.” He winked at me.
Jan looked puzzled, “What’s that mean?”
“Well, I’ve got a new spa that’s great to soak in and relax.”
“Sounds nice. I haven’t hot tubbed for a long time.”
“Why don’t we finish the pitcher and then go over to my place?”
Jan smiled, “Sounds tempting but I’ve got to get home. And besides I just don’t happen to have a swimsuit in my purse.”
“I’ll tell you what. You’re off tomorrow, right?”
“Well, yes, but.”
“Why don’t you come over tomorrow afternoon around four. Bring your swim suit. I’ll put something on the smoker and we’ll have a barbecue and soak afterwards.”
“Bob’s smoked barbecue is a treat that’s not to be missed, Jan.”
“Thanks, Ross. Just for that you’re invited too.”
“I’ll bring the beer.”
Jan seemed to relax visibility when Bob invited me. “O.K. Sounds like fun. I haven’t had barbecue and beer in a long time.” Jan stood up, “See you tomorrow around four.”
The next afternoon when I pulled my car into Bob’s driveway, I parked next to Jan’s car. I got a case of cold brews out off the trunk of my car and carried them to the front door. Bob came to the door after I rang the doorbell. “Come on in, Ross. The party started without you.” Bob was wearing only a tight European style swimsuit. The pouch showed off his package nicely.
I followed him through the house and out onto the patio. “Smell’s like you’re using mesquite. Are you doing a beef brisket?” I put most of the brews in the cooler. I popped the top on one then pulled my t-shirt over my head. I was wearing sandals and a pair of light onion skin fabric shorts that I usually wore hiking or fishing.
Jan was leaning back on a chaise lounge. She was wearing a modest two piece suit. Her sandals wear lying on the patio. “Hi, Jan. Beer?”
Jan sat up. “Hi, Ross. Sure, I’ll have another.”
I handed her an opened brew. “Bob, how about you?”
“I’m good. And yes, that’s mesquite. We should be able to eat in about forty-five minutes or so.”
I indicated the several empty bottles setting around, “Good, that gives me some time to catch up.”
We ate dinner, cleaned everything up and headed for the spa. Bob moved the cooler closer. “Here’s some plastic beer cups. Don’t want any broken glass in the water.”
Jan slipped into the warm water. I poured and handed her a beer. Bob poured himself a brew and sat on the edge of the tub. I got into the tub and emptied a bottle into my cup. Jan was sitting in one of the recliner seats. I sat on one end of the bench seat. Bob slipped into the water and sat at the other end.
We all sat quietly and sipped our brews. Jan set her empty cup on the deck. “Boy, this is the life. I could learn to like this.” She stretched a leg above the water.
