“Before I go any further I want you all to relax. Nothing is being determined on this trip." She placed her hands on the table as she looked at each of us, "Well, not officially during it, as your performance this weekend will factor in."

"As for why I did ask you to stay, I have some good and bad news.

The good news is the phone call I took was from Ted in sales telling me we have a chance to pitch a very lucrative customer. The bad news is they want to meet Monday and I have to do a lot of work tonight and tomorrow if I want to have a chance at having something ready by then. In order to get that much done I need one of you to stay and work with me."

She paused and looked around again, but this time it seemed everyone was looking away from her.

"I know you are all looking forward to tonight. You've worked your asses off all summer and I told you tonight could be a reward and one you've all earned. But I am going to need one of you to step up and..." she stopped when Mandy started to raise her hand, “Not you Mandy. You've gone above and beyond several times this summer. I'm looking for someone else to step up.”

I saw Melissa frowning and glanced over at Steven who had his head down. With a look of resignation on his face, he started to raise his hand, but hitting him in the leg to stop him, I spoke up.

“I'LL stay Mrs. Sanders."

“Are you sure Austin?" she asked, "I don't want you to give up your night unless you really..."

"I'd rather stay." I told her, "Steven and the girls are really looking forward to later and I could use some more practice with trying to put quotes together."

"Okay then." She gave me a big smile that made me feel like a giddy teenager.

“Looks like I have my man. I think you should all thank Austin for his sacrifice."

I nodded as the others thanked me and Mrs. Sanders continued.

"I want you all to have fun tonight, but know that our first meeting is at eight and the first general meeting is at nine so you may want to think of how much fun."

As she spoke she came walking around the table. She stopped to my left and as she had in my dream sat on the edge of the table.

“You're free to leave, well except you Austin. I would like to speak to you for a moment."

As he stood to leave, Steven, said in my ear, “Thanks man, I owe you one" I nodded and sat there as he and the girls filed out of the office.

"I'm proud of you Austin." Mrs. Sanders said, "I'm sure that wasn't easy."

"It kind of was."

I told her, "I...I really do need to work on things and didn't feel like going out anyway I'm tired as it is."

"Still you stepped up and that is exactly what I was hoping for."

"It was?"

Looking down at me, she gave me a smile that if I didn't know better would seem playful.

"It was, Austin. I was planning on you being the one to stay with me and you made me very happy that you did."

"Um, okay." I said nervously as her eyes stared into mine.

"I always say work hard play hard and I do feel bad you're losing your chance to play.”