Thanks luvtaread for editing.
*
"As you might recall." Brandon began the next night, "Mel and I had a conference in Dallas a few months after I took that new job at her company. It was all pretty routine for us until the last night..."
Brandon sat at the table full of his coworkers when one of the Vice-Presidents, who had come along and was in charge of the trip so to speak, called for everyone's attention.
"Well team I hope you all learned a lot this week, we will be counting on you to lead us forward in the coming months. That said I'm sure some of you are rather anxious to get home so as soon as you are finished here you are free to head back home." Brandon nodded and smiled to himself thinking of Ashley, Katy, and his kids and wanting to get back to them. "Oh, except for you Metcalf. Murphy and I need to speak with you before you leave." Brandon was baffled at what his boss wanted but he finished his meal and afterwards he met with Mel and the VP.
"Brandon, so glad you could join us. Sorry about making you nervous like that but we need you to stay a day more. Mel here is closing in on an important client and we'd both feel better if she had someone with direct knowledge of the software. Since you designed it I see no reason why you should not represent us in this matter." Brandon agreed and the VP stood saying, "Wonderful, I'll let you two work out the details. As for tomorrow don't worry about it, you both get it off. Unfortunately though with another conference coming in tonight we were unable to extend your stay in your rooms, or get new separate rooms for you. It seems you'll have to share, but as you're both happily involved, I doubt we'll have any trouble. "
With that the VP left and Brandon immediately asked, "Okay Mel what is this all about?"
"Well as Bill said I am close to getting a new big client here in Dallas that Andy set me up with. I asked for a little help closing and Bill and I both agreed that you were the best man for the job." Brandon just stared at her and she said, "Oh come on Brandon it's a day off and a huge opportunity for both of us and I'm not just talking about professionally."
"Does that mean what I think it does?"
"Yes, Brandon it does. Officially we are staying to make the pitch tomorrow but unofficially..."
"We'll be on a date of sorts."
"Yes, I don't think you and I have been on one and I think it would be fun." Brandon went to reply and Mel said, "Before you ask of course Katy and Ashley know and they think it's a great idea as well. In fact they both told me to tell you to give me the star treatment tonight or else." Brandon raised an eyebrow at this.
"Well then it seems we have a date Mel. Although on that note I am at a slight disadvantage, I don't really know the town well."
"Don't worry about that Brandon I do and lets just say you're not the only one they had instructions for."