Your outta here!
The day had finally come to an end, he finished his last assignment and was ready to had home for the night. But, before he could leave, the boss stopped him.
"Mr. Ames, I need to see you immediately." Signaling him over with his finger. Heading in to the office and closing the day behind him and taking a seat.
"What did you need to see me for?" Asking with a bit of confusion.
"Well, I received a call from the big man upstairs; apparently I wasn't the only one noticing you coming in tardy almost everyday. So, he told me that we have no choice, but to let you go." Looking back up at, Austin, after shuffling some papers around.
"What? Why?" He responded, completely caught of guard.
"I'm sorry, Austin, you do an awesome job for us, but if you can't be here on time, that's bad and we have to make an example out of someone. Unfortunately, it's going to be you."
"Wait, an second, I've been here almost seven years, and busted my behind for you guys. How is it fair to punish me for being late, it's not like I'm causing things to get out behind schedule."
"I understand where your coming from, Austin, but it's a discipline thing. We have to show that were not playing favorites, I'm sorry."
"Whatever, I'll just get my stuff and get out of here. I didn't like this job, anyway." Storming out of his office, and heading back to his desk to pack up his things. Carter, walked up slowly, afraid to ask what happened.
"Hey, dude, I heard about what happened. It's just not fair, specially since it's your birthday." Austin didn't make eye contact with him. He was just throwing his things in to a box without even organizing it. "Look, I can't imagine what is going throw your head right now, but I know things will get better for you. Didn't you just submit another one of your stories to the publishers?"
"Yeah, I did." Still not looking at Carter. "But, what makes you think that they'll accept that one? They've reject the last five stories I submitted."
"Austin, you can't give up your dream." Placing his hand on his shoulder. "Look at me, Austin."
Finally, making eye contact. "Everything happens for a reason, OK? Your going to land on your feet." He nodded and then grabbed the box and headed for the exit. "I'll see ya later tonight, alright?" Austin, put his hand up and waved as he walked away. Got in to his car, not wanting to go home quite yet. As he was driving down the street passing the diner, he noticed a bar down the street, he wasn't normally a big drinker, but after having a rough day, why not? Pulling in to the bar parking lot, and shutting down his engine. He couldn't do anything, but sit there for a minute and debate whether go to in or not.
"Well, I guess I'll have a drink and go home." Getting out of the car and proceeded through the entrance. The place was surprisingly empty, except for the lone bartender.
"Hey, how's it going?" Drying the inside of a glass. "What can I get you?" Sitting down, not knowing how to respond, considering he wasn't a regular to any bar. Today, was one the worst days of his life, so anything strong was an option.
"Well, I'm not sure. Normally don't do this." Letting out a nervous chuckle.
"Rough day?" Leaning in closer with more interest.
"Yeah, just one of those days nothing going my way." Grabbing the bar peanuts and cracking the shells open. Looking closer at the bartender with curiosity. "Have we met before? You look like someone I've seen before."
"I don't know, sir. Maybe, we have." Grinning. "My name is, Mike, sorry to be rude." Holding out his hand.
"Austin, nice to meet you." Shaking his hand.
"So, what makes today so bad?" Grabbing a glass and walking toward the back of the bar.
"Well, today is my birthday for one, and I got fired from my job. It was just a temporary thing until I can fulfill my dream."
"Uh huh, and what would that be?" His back was facing, Austin, mixing a drink as he listened.
"I want to be a writer, but every book I've sent in has been rejected." Taking a breath while he eats a peanut. "My wife is also working late tonight, so I don't have anyone to go home to."
"Do you two get along?"
"Oh yeah. Were great together. She was the one inspired me to follow my dream. I gave up a Scholarship to USC to pursue my dream and her."
"Wow, that had to be a tough decision for you."
"Actually, it was an easy one; yet, I can't help but wonder if I had stuck with football."
"Everyone looks back at those life changing decisions, it's normal." Walking towards the bar with the drink.
"I know, but I'd give anything to see what my life could have been like if I had taken my scholarship."
Looking at the glass with the mystery drink. "Whats this?"
"Oh it's a secret, just something I give to everyone that goes through a rough time." Smiling as if he knew something, Austin, didn't. Watching him as he takes a small sip, sampling the mystery drink.
"Wow, that's strong, but not bad at all." Finishing it quickly. "Well, I guess it's time to head home. Thanks for listening to my problems."
"One more thing before you go." Austin, stops and turns around. "Did you really mean what you said? About wanting to know what life would been like if you kept the scholarship?"
"Yeah, absolutely." Shaking his head and then pushing the door open to head outside.
"Here we go, again" Mike said to himself with a smile.
To be continued...