Allen hung up the phone with Mitchell still on the line...

Allen hung up the phone with Mitchell still on the line and called Mary into his office. "What can I do for you Mr. Anthony?" She asked happily. "I need for you to take these papers and fax them to Mr. Douglas. On the cover sheet of the fax I want you to write priority." "No problem."

Mary took the papers from Allens hand and did as instructed. Allen continued to look over the numbers for the Toronto store and concluded that the numbers were inline with the companys projections. Allen sat at his desk now checking and returning e-mails when Mary walked into his office with the fax confirmation and a copy of his itinerary.

"Here you are Mr. Anthony."
"Thank you Mary."
"Your itinerary is also among those papers."
"Already?" Allen searched through the papers. "That was quick."
"Will you need me for anything else?" Mary asked as she rubbed her head.
"No, nothing at this moment."
"Well, if you dont mind Im going to take off for the rest of the day. Im not feeling very well."
"No problem. Is there anything that I can do for you?"
"No, I am just getting over a weekend cold and need a little extra rest."
"Well take care and Ill see you when you return."
"Are you sure that you will be Ok without me?"
"I know that you are my backbone, but I think I can handle a day or two without you. Go and get some rest."
"Thank you," Mary said as she gave Allen last minute details on his schedule for the day.
"Dont worry Mary; I will be leaving at about 12:30 for the day. I will be fine. Take care."

Allen sat back and looked over his itinerary as he gave attention to the cup of coffee he had been neglecting. While he sipped the still hot coffee, he took notice of his days of travel. He was scheduled to leave for Oregon on the 14th of December and conduct a meeting that morning. He was also scheduled to have dinner with Mr. Douglas and several members of the Nike development staff to discuss any ideas that he had thought of. He noticed that his return was scheduled for the early morning of the 16th. Immediately, Allen knew he would have to let Gwen know that he would not be able to make the auction. He didnt know what her reaction would be, but he hoped she would understand. Again Allen tried to get back to his financial reports when his phone rang again. Allen answered with a little aggravation in his voice as the constant calls began to take its toll.

"Oh, hey pop." He relaxed. "Not much, just trying to get my work completed before I leave. Yeah, I know, Ill only get it done if I rush, I wont get it right. Yeah, I apologize for not being able to make it home for Thanksgiving. I spent the holiday with Gwens family. Well, they are kind of her adopted parents," Allen explained. "I cant say for sure about Christmas at this time, but we will talk about it and get back to you. I will tell her that you both send your love. Hey pop, I think Im ready for you to be the first to know. Really, Ive given it some serious thought. She is everything that I want. Ill let you know. Bye pop."
Allen ended the call with his father and immediately called Gwen. As the phone rang, Allen thought of a way to break the news to Gwen. He thought of the something came up intro, but he felt like it was too much of a playa playa line. After a few rings of Gwens direct line and finally being greeted by her answering machine, Allen gave no more thought to the right words to say and left a simple message for Gwen to call him back. Allen went on with his work and before he knew it, the time was closely approaching 1:00pm. Allen gathered a few things that he would need so that he could work from home after his lunch with Shawn and left the office. He reached Houstons just after 1:00pm and looked for Shawn. He found her sitting at the bar sipping on an apple martini and talking with another young lady who seemed to be waiting for someone also. Allen walked up and touched Shawn on her shoulder then acknowledged the other young lady with a smile and simple nod of his head.

"Allen," Shawn said as she stood and hugged him. "Hi how are you?" Allen said as he welcomed the hug. "Fine." She said while reaching for her purse and saying goodbye to the young lady at the bar.