Dean just smiled. All the work he had put into getting this account would pay off. He got up to shake hands and thank his clients. Ms. Danvers watched Dean and gave him a look of affirmation..
“Shall we celebrate?” Len said, hinting that they should get some drinks.
Dean looked to his boss for the decision. “You go ahead. I’ve got some work to do around here, but Dean why don’t you take our new clients somewhere nice for lunch and drinks. Maybe the all you can eat sushi restaurant in midtown,” she replied.
“Sounds like my kinda place,” Len said patting his belly.
He wasn’t fat by any means but there was no denying Len had a bit of a beer gut, likely from his college and then a few years post. Len and Andrew worked for a beer distributor, so perhaps Len had a few too many beers, Dean thought. Len was mid twenties, probably the same age as Dean. He had a bit of a southern accent and a rugged somehow permanent five-o-clock shadow to go with his short light brown hair. Andrew was about twenty years older, clearly the more mature of the team and more of the business type, to contrast with Len’s frat boy attitude.
“Dean before you go, I’d like to see you for just a moment,” Ms. Danvers finished.
Dean followed Erica Danvers to her office, worried about what she might have to say. “Good work,” she began as he sat across from her. “That’s your third client this month. Your outpacing Travis. I’m going to put in for a raise for you. Keep up the good work. Take the rest of the day to keep those two happy. Make sure you charge everything to the company card,” she reminded him.
Dean walked out of his bosses office feeling pleased. He saw Travis at his desk on his way to reconvene with his clients. It was clear he had been keeping a close eye on Dean and was not pleased to see him so successful. Dean walked by confidently, puffing out his chest as he passed by Travis’ desk.
“Have a good rest of the day, Travis,” Dean said, attempting to irk Travis, as he gathered his belongings. Travis just mumbled under his breath in response.
Dean and his new clients left for the all you can eat sushi restaurant. Sushi, sake, appetizers, and lots of it was served to the three men as they overindulged and enjoyed their afternoon.
“Think I could go for another round,” Len said confidently.
“You’re a bottomless pit, Len. I’m not sure where you put it all,” Andrew joked. Dean wondered if Andrew was just being polite because Len did have a bit of a gut, he thought.
Len grabbed a handful of belly through his shirt. “Right here, bro,” he laughed.
Andrew just smiled and began to gather his jackets. “Alright kids, I think it’s time I get out of here. You two enjoy the rest of the day. And you,” Andrew said looking at Len, “try to get in before noon tomorrow.”
Len just laughed and sipped some of his sake. Andrew left and Dean caught Len rubbing his stomach.
“So, another round of everything?” Len said as Andre departed. Len had a shit-eating grin on his face. Dean thought about abusing the company card, and his raise, and Erica telling him to do whatever he needs to keep the clients happy.
“Sure man let’s do it,” Dean said as he flagged down a waitress.
“Let’s make a bit of a wager, see who can eat more,” Len said, with a toothpick in his mouth trying to look cool.
Dean was intrigued despite being full. “Alright what are the stakes?”
“Winner picks where we go next. And if I win, your paying. Or your company is,” Len said confidently.
Dean nodded his head and put out his hand to shake Len’s.
“You’re goin’ down, city boy,” Len said playfully. It was pretty clear from his accent Len was from Texas or Louisiana, Dean thought.
The food and drinks were served. Several plates of sushi, spring rolls, soups, salads, dumplings, and much more, along with another bottle of sake. The two men stared each other down ready to face off.
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