The boys have used the bar as a regular hangout, and the newer ones have gotten to know Krista as well as the Gophers already had. This one is about a month after the first meeting, when the team gets together to celebrate Krista's birthday.

"Krista, you should go home," Sandy was saying. "I can't believe Lou even scheduled you on your birthday."

"It's a Friday, Sandy, and we're always busy on Fridays. And besides, somebody's got to deal with the swim team," Krista smiled.

"Aren't the boys coming in tonight at least?" Sandy asked.

Krista frowned slightly. "Magic said they were, but we close in half an hour."

"You know how Coach Brooks is…maybe he really kicked their butts in practice today."

"Maybe," Krista replied, frowning again. It was entirely possible that Herb had put the boys through a tough practice. In fact, every practice was a tough practice, but that had never stopped them from coming in before. She shrugged her shoulders, and grabbed her tray.

"Oh wait! There's Magic," Sandy said.

Krista delivered the drinks she was carrying and walked over to him.

"Hey Krista, happy birthday," he said giving her a gentle hug.

She smiled; Magic was such a sweetheart. "Thank you. Is it just you tonight?"

"No, the rest of the boys are on their way. I just got here first."

"Well, your table just opened up, but we're closing pretty soon," she said.

"I know," he replied with a wink, heading over to the table.

As promised, the boys trickled in, hugging Krista and wishing her a happy birthday. With ten minutes to go until closing, OC was the last one to appear.

"Happy birthday to the lovely Krista," he called as he walked across the room. "You're looking prettier every time I see you."

"Thanks, OC," she said, allowing him to wrap an arm around her shoulders. "So are you."

He laughed and kissed her on the top of the head. "Someday you're gonna go out with me!"

"Mmhm, sure I am. But not tonight, we're closing. Your timing isn't very good today, boys."

"And neither is the weather," OC said to the group with a worried expression. "It's raining buckets right now."

Concerned looks were traded around the table as Krista left for the bar with empty pitchers. The boys heatedly discussed something while struggling to keep their voices from being heard. Rizzo quietly made an excuse to those sitting near him and left the table, disappearing into another part of the bar. When he returned he spoke a few words to the boys, and the concern on their faces turned to smiles.

"Perfect!" shouted Jimmy.

"What's perfect?" Krista asked, rematerializing to clear away the remaining pitchers and glasses.

"Your birthday party!" Pav exclaimed.

"He speaks!" Krista laughed. "But what is he speaking about?"

"We were going to throw you a surprise party at the park just down the road…" Buzzy started.

"…but it's raining…" Bah continued.

"…so instead, your boss has offered to let us celebrate here," Rammer finished.

"Lou is going to let you boys use this place? Lou never does anything unless there's something in it for him…"

"Well, we convinced him," Silky said quickly.

"Really? Wow, guys, I don't know what to say…"

"How about you just have a seat here," Mac said, rising and offering his chair to Krista, which she took, "and we'll take care of you for a change."

"I'll drink to that," she smiled, raising Mac's mug in salute.

Some of the boys scattered to show the last few customers out of the bar, refill the pitchers, and crank up the music. Others went to clear glasses and wipe down the other tables so Krista wouldn't have to. Neal snuck outside and reappeared carrying a cake, complete with candles.

"Cake, too? Oh my…"

"Don't get too excited," Neal warned, "Rizzo baked it. It might taste like meatballs…"

At that, Krista doubled over laughing.

Mac took a chair next to hers and picked up her feet.

"Are you ready for the world famous McClanahan foot rub?" he asked.

"You're not just teasing me, are you Mac? You give the best foot rubs!"

"I wouldn't tease about something this good."

"This day just keeps getting better," Krista grinned.

When the bar was back in order, the pitchers full, and the jukebox blaring, the boys settled into their seats, taking turns waiting on Krista while she cut and served the cake. They talked, laughed, drank and even danced—Sandy had stayed for the festivities, and being one of only two women in a room with twenty-six men, she spent most of her time on the dance floor. Krista also had her share of dance partners once her feet were well rested and rubbed, moving from player to player as each song ended. Near the end of the night, she found herself dancing with Mac while "Don't Fear the Reaper" played.

"So did you have a good time?" he asked her.

"I had a great time," she replied, yelling over the music. "You guys throw great parties."

"You should really thank Rizzo, ya know."

"For the cake," she smiled. "Yeah, it was actually pretty good."

"No, for getting the bar. He's the one that convinced your boss to let us have the place."

"Rizzo was the one? How did he ever pull it off?" she asked.

Mac drew closer and lowered his voice. "He gave up his autographed Bobby Orr rookie card."

Krista's eyes went wide. "For my birthday party?"

Mac nodded, and the song ended. Someone punched up "In the Still of the Night" by the Five Satins on the jukebox.

"Aww, who put that old crap on?" OC complained.

"I did," Rammer answered with surprising force. "Don't change it."

"Okay, man, relax," OC replied.

Krista searched the room and found Rizzo sitting at a table alone.

"May I have this dance?" she asked extending her hand.

He smiled. "Of course." He took her hand and allowed her to lead him out to the floor. She rested a hand on his shoulder; he slid an arm around her waist.

"I understand I owe you a big thank you," she began.

"For what?"

"For the cake," she smiled. The she became more serious, "and for getting the bar."

"Where did you hear that?" he asked.

"Oh, I have my sources. They say you gave up something pretty big so Lou would let us stay."

"Yeah, well, it was no big deal," he said, looking down at his feet.

She placed a hand on his chin and lifted it so she could look him in the eye. "It was to me."

He smiled shyly at her. "Happy birthday."

She smiled back. "Thanks."