Finally Found

There was a tension in the air, over dinner. Adam knew when Sam suddenly stood that he had decided to end that and change the mood entirely. He wore a determined look on his face. He looked around and said, “Will you excuse me for just a moment, please.” Then he nodded and walked away.

They all looked at each other in confusion. The sound of his steps grew more distant until finally they heard the front door open and close behind him.

Haley looked at Adam. “You don’t think he’s leaving, do you? I mean, I have this history of running when the going gets tough, but he never has.” She looked utterly bewildered.

“Nah. I wouldn’t worry about it. I hear Sam’s more of a sardine player.” He winked at her only to be rewarded with a blush.

The door opened once more and the sound of footsteps headed their direction had Haley settling back into her chair once more. Adam gave her a reassuring look. Soon, Sam had joined them once more. And he had mock up boards, a stand, and a big mysterious box.

“Give me just a moment,” he said. “I know that it’s a holiday and we’re supposed to be relaxing, but this has been bothering me. I’ve been thinking about this so much and we hardly ever all get together any more. I just felt like this was the right time. I wanted everyone to help me out with this. We’re Team Haley, all in her corner, rooting her on.”

He took a deep breath as he finished setting up what looked to be a presentation. “Here,” he said, passing Haley the bag.

She peeked in. “Bagels?” She laughed.

“We always have bagels at a time like this. Sorry there’s no tea.” He smiled.

Opening the big box, he pulled out a couple of different items. There was a can of sardines, a yellow tae kwon do belt, a Tiffany’s box, and a bottle of champagne. Everyone at the table inhaled.

“Pick one,” he said. “I can’t decide where to start the pitch.”

“I don’t know…” Haley said. Her voice was shaky.

“Fine. I’ll pick,” Sam said with a smile. “Here.” He tossed her the Tiffany’s box. She looked at him questioningly.

“It’s empty,” she said without even opening it.

“Of course. It’s purely for demonstration purposes. You know how these pitches work.” He clapped his hands together and took a moment to push up the sleeves on his navy blue cable knit sweater.