Hot August Nights 2 by Littlewing1957
Jack Twist headed to his truck to fetch the potato salad Lureen made the night before. The Newsome Tractor and Combine Company picnic was in full swing, and every employee was present and accounted for. Most workers brought their families, friends, significant others. As far as Jack was concerned, attendance at the company picnic was not really so bad, but it was a duty, a concession he made to keep the peace in his home, and the good- will of his in-laws. Jack Twist walked back to the section of the park that he reserved for the affair months ago, and placed Lureen's salad among the other vittles.
Jack had to admit that this year’s picnic was something special. The food was delicious, and the company was delightful. Everyone, from toddlers to elderly retired workers, mingled and talked, laughed and ate. Jack dodged a frisbie thrown by an enthusiastic teenager and moved to one of the tables to make a plate. Lureen’s potato salad, corn on the cob, marinated short ribs and grilled eggplant was enough for the time being. “Nice day for a picnic, isn’t it?” Jack turned to find the voice and looked straight into the aviator glasses of a tall, nicely built blond haired young man who wore navy Bermuda shorts and a Beatles’s Yellow Submarine T-shirt. There was something terribly familiar about the young man. Jack looked at him and smiled.
“Yes, I have to agree with you, Friend.” Was Jack’s reply as he reached beyond the young man to pick up a fork and napkin. “I’m Jack Twist, and I work for Newsomes as a combine salesman.” Jack placed his plate on the table and sought the blond man's hand. The young man’s handshake was firm and a bit sweaty. “My name is Peter.” Jack nodded and smiled. “You look awful familiar. Have we met before? Are you are friend of one of our employees?” Peter’s eyes danced behind the aviator shades. “No, not really to both of your questions. But I was invited here.” Jack wasn’t sure what Peter meant, but he didn’t want to be rude – ask too many questions of a guest, a stranger. Jack gathered his food and just as he was about to welcome Peter to the festivities, Peter touched his forearm. He bent down to whisper in Jack’s ear: “You’ll see him again very soon….”