WhatGoesAroundComesAround_DavisRob

A Story About Spencer
Of all the guys I have known and been close to, Spencer is one of those I
have really looked up to – sort of like the big brother I never had. At first
I was simply awestruck by his athletic ability. In fact, I still am. Our first
athletic competition was on a tennis court. I was thirty or so and he was
a few years older. Tennis was my game. I played several times a week,
and kept my racquet and tennis clothes in my car at all times, so I’d
always be ready on the spur of the moment, just in case a game
appeared. I’d started playing in college, too late for a serious game, but
amongst weekend players, I was dangerous.
Spencer and I had met earlier that day. We were on vacation – he with
his wife, Laurie, and me with my girlfriend – at a resort in the
Dominican Republic. Bonnie and I had finished breakfast and were
playing a game of backgammon when Spencer ambled over to watch.
We all introduced ourselves and he began to kibitz about our game,
taking special umbrage at the strategy suggested by some of my moves.
Sensing the rising heat, Bonnie said, “Spencer, why don’t you and Rob
play a game? I want to do some reading.”
“Great. I mean, if that’s okay with you Rob.”
“Let’s do it.” I answered.
Remarkably, Spencer’s comments about my backgammon prowess
continued throughout our game. After each of my moves, he would
intone his view of its obvious inadequacy and embellish on what could
have been achieved otherwise. Nor did my victory in that and each
subsequent game we played dim his ardor for critical analysis. On the
contrary, when we concluded, he opined that there were just times when