I was telling Patty on the way over here that you strike me as a charcoal man, he said. And sure enough, here you are starting up the old Weber. He laughed. Need any help? The host shook his head. Smiled and took a drink of his Miller High Life, the champagne of beers.

The briquettes were formed in a pyramid. Doused in lighter fluid. A match was struck.

Love that smell, the guest said. Something about lighter fluid and  charcoal burning. Smells like summer. Don’t you agree? He asked.

The host nodded his head and took another drink. They stood there on the concrete driveway, watching flames rise up. Orange and blue flames. Smoke poured out into the suburban sky.

Funny, our wives being hair stylists, the guest said. They used to call them hair dressers. Nowadays, it’s stylists. Just like you can’t call a waitress a waitress anymore. They’re servers. Did you know that? He asked. The host nodded. Next thing you know, they’ll be calling mechanics auto specialists. He laughed.

The host tore off a branch from the oak tree in the backyard and began stirring the burning charcoal into an even spread on the bottom of the grill. Flies flew around the hamburger patties. He took his hand and shewed them away.

Patty really likes JoAnn, the guest said.  Says she makes her day at the salon go quicker. Makes her laugh. Does she make you laugh? The host smiled and took another drink of his beer. Great little body on her, he said. Yeah, you’re a lucky man. She’ll never get fat.

Right, the host said. He began placing the burgers on the grill. Yeah. I’m really lucky.

I’m going to go inside real quick and take a leak. You need anything? Another beer? He asked.

Sure.

He began flipping burgers. Putting cheese on each one. Real cheese. American cheese.

Sure does smell good out here, the guest said.

Yeah.

Oh. Here’s your Miller. The sweaty bottle was handed to the host. Yes, sir. This is summer. So. What’s your game? The host looked at him. What do you do?

Nothing right now. Just take unemployment each month. That’s all, he said. Just waiting. Like everyone else in this town. He began taking the cheeseburgers off the grill. You want your buns toasted?

That’d be nice.

Why don’t you go grab the buns from JoAnn. The host said.

I’ll be right back. He slid the glass door open, then shut.

A single gun shot was heard. The fire was now gone. Just white smoke off a hot grill.