Talking about Bob

Ed and Sam sat on the deck with the fans on the wall blowing air from on high. The breeze felt good.

It had been a long time since they'd talked, but they had nowhere in particular to go. So they took their time. They ordered a deep dish pizza that they knew would take a long time to make.

...

Ed said to Sam, You know he thought we were a bit strange.

They were talking about a man they used to know when they all worked together.

He said we were always so worried about doing the right thing, worried about being honest. He said he had never worked with people like that.

Worried from day one. Remember? asked Sam, recalling with some distaste a phone conversation the first day, one that turned his stomach then and made him uncomfortable still.

From day one, Ed nodded. He remembered the conversation, too.

Bob was their boss back then, but he was more than just a boss. He was a colleague, a mentor, a friend, a father. At times he was like a grandfather to their children.

Ed continued, He taught us to trust in honesty, he encouraged us to speak the truth. And he ran the company that way.

Sam turned his head. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he fought to hold them back. He owed this man a lot. Really, he owed this man everything.

...

They were there for a long time, long enough for the weather to change. A front blew thru, and the hot, muggy air turned drier and cool. They didn't need the fans any more.

And then it was time to go.

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