It’s quiet in the office today. I thought for sure that Fast Pass’ Agent would be calling or e-mailing us at some point. He did say that if we didn’t hear him in the next twenty-four hours, that would mean any potential deals with Fast Pass is off, and Ms. Harshwhinny would have to find somepony else for the Equestria Games.

Right now, it’s hour twenty-three point five. Just thirty more minutes to go, and the deal is gone. I wonder what Ms. Harshwhinny has as a back up plan. Maybe I should mention that one mare, Rainbow Dash, to her. She’s a pretty popular Wonderbolt, and I hear that she helped save Equestria a couple times. That’s kind of cool, and is no doubt at least worth a consideration. You know what? I’ll ask her about it right-

RING RING RING! Phone call.

Huh, guess that’ll have to wait. The phone number doesn’t look familiar. Could be a telemarketer. Ms. Harshwhinny hates telemarketers. I hate telemarketers, too. Eh, I’ll pick it up anyway, could be important.

“Hello?” I speak first.

“Hi.” the somewhat familiar voice on the other end replies. “Is this Ms. Harshwhinny’s Assistant?”

“Yes, it is.” He seems to know me enough, but doesn’t know my actual name. “Who am I speaking to?”

“It’s Done Deal. Fast Pass’ Agent. You were present when Ms. Harshwhinny and I spoke.”

Oh, his name is Done Deal? That’s kind of cool. His voice is very unfamiliar to me, though. Actually, it’s less his voice, but more of the tone. Whenever I would see him, he constantly struck me as a snooty high class type. The voice on the phone sounds more polite.

“Right, my apologies. How are you?” I respond to his politeness in kind.

“I’m well, thank you for asking. I’m calling to say that Fast Pass has agreed to meet for one final deal negotiation. She is open for an appointment today, if Ms. Harshwhinny is free. Would the lunch hour be good for her?”

“Sure. Let me check in with Ms. Harshwhinny. May I put you on hold?”

“Of course. Take your time.”

I put Done Deal on hold, and go into Ms. Harshwhinny’s office. I see her typing away on the computer. With a clearing of my throat, she turns her attention to me.

“How may I help you?” she says in her signature business-like tone.

“Done Deal is on the phone. He says that Fast Pass is open to one final deal negotiation. It appears she would like to perform negotiations over lunch.”

Ms. Harshwhinny taps her fingers on the table, thinking for a few moments. I wish I could know what’s on her mind. Maybe she was interested in having a quiet lunch. I wonder if she would be open to having lunch with me sometime. We would go someplace quiet, with no prying eyes. Perhaps the roof of the building would be a good spot. I should keep my attention on waiting for her response, or else I’ll miss it.

“Very well. Ask him where she would like to meet, and we’ll be there. Report back to me when it’s done.”

“Of course.” I nod and head back to my desk. I take Done Deal off hold. “Ms. Harshwhinny would be happy to meet with Fast Pass. Where does she want to hold negotiations?”

“Fast Pass has already chosen a venue. The meeting is at the ITROT downtown at one thirty. Would you like some directions?”

“No thanks. I know the place. I’m surprised she would choose that.”

“Yes, well…even she enjoys pancakes once in a while.” I hear his chuckle. “We look forward to seeing you two.”

“You two as well. Take care.” I hang up. It’s like he was a completely different person…pony…on the phone. Maybe I had him all wrong. Maybe he was only snooty because he was playing the role of an agent, and wanted to seem professional. I shouldn’t dwell on this too long. I stand and go back into Ms. Harshwhinny’s office. “The meeting is at the ITROT downtown at one thirty.”

“The pancake establishment?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. Never considered her somepony who ate pancakes. It’s also been a while since I’ve had breakfast for lunch. Okay then. Close the door and lock it.” She orders. I do as she commands.

“Okay, now what?”

“Now, you kiss me. I need to come into this meeting with as little stress as possible.”

“Sounds good to me.”

It’s one thirty-five, and Ms. Harshwhinny and I sit at a sizable booth in the ITROT, waiting for our guests of honor to arrive. My laptop is out, perusing the net, while Ms. Harshwhinny is looking at my screen, checking to see if I find anything interesting. My search leads me to the website for the local movie theater, where that superhero movie Wonder Mare is selling advanced tickets. My heart skips a beat, as I’ve been waiting to see that flick since the first trailer.

“Do you want to go?” I ask Ms. Harshwhinny, who leans back from me after noticing that she was pretty close to my face.

“If we do, we have to make sure that it’s out of coincidence. I know a few of my employees go to the movies. If they spot us entering the theater together, it may raise suspicion.”

“Okay, I’ll buy the tickets separately. I’ll print out yours when we get back.” I type away, paying for the tickets. “You like superhero movies?”

“Most of the time, yes. I normally can’t stand it when the so called heroes make jokes every five seconds. The city is falling apart and you’re making references to old movies? So silly.” she shakes her head with a chuckle. “I will admit that this particular cinematic endeavor has piqued my interest. Thank you…” she blushes, “…for buying me a ticket.”

“You’re welcome.”

Right when I finish getting our tickets, the front door bell jingles. Ms. Harshwhinny and I look up to see Done Deal, wearing a nice and professional suit and tie, looking at us with a nod and a little wave. Behind him, I see Fast Pass, a tan earth pony with a slim figure and a holier than thou posture that just screams she’s kind of a big deal. Her sunglasses cover her eyes, so I can’t see if she sees us or not. Done Deal motions her to us, and the start their walk.

Ms. Harshwhinny and I stand up, awaiting their arrival.

“Ms. Harshwhinny? Is there anything about Fast Pass I should know about?” I whisper.

“She hates humans.” she whispers back.

“Huh?”

“How nice to see you two, again.” Done Deal arrives first, holding his hand out for a shake. I shake his hand first, and then he shakes Ms. Harshwhinny's hand next. “Were you waiting long?”

“Just a minute.” Ms. Harshwhinny lies. We were waiting for a good ten minutes.

“Sorry for the delay. We were caught in traffic.” Done Deal moves out of the way to fully reveal Fast Pass. Yeah, she looks pretty good, but…she hates humans? “This is Fast Pass.”

“A pleasure.” Ms. Harshwhinny reaches her hand out. Fast Pass takes off her sunglasses, revealing her bright blue eyes, looking at my boss up and down. Her lips curl into a smile and she takes Ms. Harshwhinny’s palm in a soft grip.

“The pleasure is all mine.” she says in a husky voice. “It’s wonderful to finally meet the famous head of the Equestria Games herself. I’ve seen your photos, and they do not do you justice. How old are you, may I ask?”

“I’ll be thirty-six in a couple weeks.” she responds. I, meanwhile, am now planning possible birthday presents.

“Your eyes show experience, but your body is very young indeed.” Fast Pass goes on the offensive with the flirting, that I’m almost tempted to interrupt her to get on with proceedings. I shouldn’t, though, I need to keep my head cool so that negotiations go well.

“Thank you.” Ms. Harshwhinny nods. There’s no blush on her cheeks. No sign of fidgeting in her stance. Fast Pass’ words don’t even register in her mind. Ms. Harshwhinny is the first to let go, motioning over to me. “This is my assistant. He helps in the creation of the contracts, and will be transcribing the meeting, so that nothing is missing if we come to an agreement.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Fast Pass.” I hold my hand out.

Fast Pass completely ignores me, and takes a seat. I glance over at Done Deal, who looks at me apologetically. I nod, and take a seat, as does Ms. Harshwhinny. As I switch the tabs on my laptop to show a new word document, I feel Ms. Harshwhinny’s hand briefly rest on my left leg, giving it a minor squeeze. It was so quick that no one noticed, but for me, it might as well have felt like ages. I pretend as if I do not acknowledge it, but inside, I can tell that she did it out of sympathy for me.

“So, what is this I hear about a new offer for me?” Fast Pass begins.

“First off, I would like to hear your reasoning for ten million bits.” Ms. Harshwhinny fires back. “It’s not that we don’t have the bits, but it also feels a tad steep. Your Agent, Done Deal, could only tell us your demanded number, but never the reasoning, so I assume you never told him.”

“I didn’t realize that the reasonings for my salary needed explaining. Do you have your employees explain why they want raises?”

“My employees are well compensated, Fast Pass. I haven’t had any petitions for raises in years.”

“So you say.” Fast Pass nods. “Fine, I feel that ten million bits is fair, for a star of my stature. As you know, I’m the highest paid, and most popular hoofball player in the sport, and have lead my team to victory countless times. Being in my presence is an event, so I would like to be paid as such. Seven and a half million bits is…no offense…a bit paltry.”

Paltry? Seven and a half million bits is paltry? What in the world do you pay for to consider such money less than desirable? A gold plated rocket car? A lifetime supply of zap apple jam? Hookers and blow? I have done just well with the salary I’ve earned from Ms. Harshwhinny; as a paid intern, as an employee AND as her assistant. Also, I hate it when people and ponies preface things with "As you know."

Yeah, we DO know. There's no need to prattle on about your accomplishments when we already know. Then again, Fast Pass is quickly striking me as the arrogant type.

“I see…” Ms. Harshwhinny says quietly. I can tell from her tone that she’s rather annoyed. I can also tell, because she didn't respond with "No offense taken." As most would when they're not offended.

“Good afternoon.” The Waitress arrives. “May I start you off with some drinks?”

“Coffee.” says Fast Pass.

“Coffee.” says Done Deal.

“Coffee.” says Ms. Harshwhinny.

“Iced Tea with lemon.” I ruin the chain.

“Sounds good. It'll be just a moment.” The Waitress smiles and leaves.

“Anyway…” Ms. Harshwhinny continues. “I cannot say that I understand your reasoning, but at the same time, your celebrity status in the sporting world is second to none.” The last part makes Fast Pass give off a smug expression. “That being said, you get paid ten million bits for an entire game, which can last up to four hours. I figured seven and a half million for one hour would be more than enough. I now know that such an amount isn’t enough, so allow me to make one more offer. My offer is eight million bits…”

“I don’t…” Fast Pass is about to say, before Ms. Harshwhinny moves her hand up into a stop gesture.

“Let me finish. Eight million bits, plus any bits you’ll be paid in advertising and promotion.”

“Advertising and promotion?” this intrigues her.

Before Ms. Harshwhinny could elaborate further, the Waitress arrives with the drinks. It’s quiet between all of us, as the Waitress then takes out her notepad for our orders.

“Are you ready to order?” she asks.

“Yes, I'll have the vegetarian omelet with two buttermilk pancakes.” says Fast Pass.

“Strawberry crepes with scrambled eggs.” says Done Deal.

“Double blueberry pancakes with sunny side up eggs and hash browns.” says Ms. Harshwhinny.

“The country omelet with sourdough toast.” I reply, not ruining any chains this time.

"All great choices." The waitress nods again, writing everything down with another smile. "We'll get right on it." She walks off to place the orders.

“Okay…” Ms. Harshwhinny continues again, “I have made a deal with various outlets; Sugar Wheats Cereal, Athletics Illustrated, Mare’s Health, and Red Manticore Energy Drink, to sponsor you for the duration of the Equestria Games. That means your face will be plastered on every one of their products, and you will be paid handsomely throughout the event.”

“Oh…” the thought intrigues her. “I’ve been paid for one or two sponsors at once, but four? Can that be done?”

“It can, and I did it.” now Ms. Harshwhinny is giving the smug grin. I almost stop typing, due to how hot it is. "I called them all this morning, and they all agreed to sponsor you." Ah, so that's why I didn't hear anything from her this morning. She was busy making phone calls personally.

“And…how much would that be?”

“I looked at your last two sponsors. Together, you were given an initial payment of eight million between the two of them, and you profited an extra fifteen from residuals. If you agree to run for the games right here and now, not only will you be given the eight million bits from my company, but the sponsors will give you an extra seven million bits…each. That’s thirty six million bits. Being that the event lasts for four months, I’d say the profits you’ll receive after that will be more than gracious.”

The offer makes Fast Pass and Done Deal’s jaws drop. Thirty-six million bits, plus more in residuals, is an amazing offer. She can’t even deny that. Fast Pass tries her best to compose herself after that whopper of an offer, but even when she’s at her most composed, traces of amazement are still there.

“Well…” Fast Pass thinks, “I have to say that you surprised me. The offer is more than I ever imagined. It takes a lot for somepony to catch me off guard.”

“I do my best.” Ms. Harshwhinny nods, that hot smug expression still on her face. “That is my final offer.”

“It would be insane of me not to take it. So…” She thinks even more. Her eyes look around the room in every direction. Well, every direction except for the one I'm in. Geez. Finally, Fast Pass smiles and nods, reaching out for a handshake. “I accept.”

Ms. Harshwhinny shakes her hand. The deal is finished. Done Deal is sighing in relief, and so am I. No more back and forth meetings from her. Done Deal and I look at each other, trying not to show our satisfied smiles. Just as the handshake between Ms. Harshwhinny and Fast Pass ends, our food arrives. Done Deal stares at the food with anticipation. It must have been a while since he ate, or successful negotiations really give him an appetite.

“I have to say, Ms. Harshwhinny, you certainly are full of…attitude. I like that in a mare.” Flirts Fast Pass, yet again. “Tell me, is there a Mrs. Harshwhinny at home?”

“There is not.” Ms. Harshwhinny shakes her head.

“I see…” a smile forms on Fast Pass’ face. “So, what happens now?”

“Now, my Assistant and I will return to the office to compile a contract, and send it to you first thing in the morning.”

“Why wait? I have a better idea.” What? What does she have planned, now? “How about you come to my house tonight, and deliver it then? We could use it as an opportunity to celebrate our successful deal. A nice dinner and fine wine is a good way to spend a night, don’t you think?”

A pause comes from Ms. Harshwhinny. I can tell that there’s hesitance in her seemingly blank expression. Hell, even I’m nervous. Fast Pass is really laying it on thick that she harbors some attraction for my boss. I’d say that I can’t blame her, but she better back off quick. I wonder what Ms. Harshwhinny will say?

“That is a good way to spend a night.” Ms. Harshwhinny nods, “Very well. I’ll bring the contract tonight, and we will celebrate.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” Fast Pass taps Done Deal on the shoulder, getting his attention. “Come on, we should go.”

What the? Fast Pass hasn’t even touched her food, and Done Deal has only taken a few bites out of his crepes! What a waste of food! Poor Done Deal, he looks disappointed, but also loyal to who is pretty much his number one client. He stands up, and follows her close to the exit.

“Don’t worry about the bill.” Fast Pass says over her shoulder, “I’ll take care of it. See you tonight…Ms. Harshwhinny.” she says Ms. Harshwhinny’s name in a seductive tone.

Ms. Harshwhinny and I sit there. I have a dumbfounded look on my face, while she looks like she’s not phased even a little bit. That is quite possibly the strangest meeting I’ve ever been a part of, and I’ve attended some strange meetings in the past. We watch as Fast Pass pays for our meals, and then walks out of the door with a sway in her backside, like she wants Ms. Harshwhinny to look.

“She’s a walking lawsuit just waiting to happen.” Ms. Harshwhinny says in a deadpan tone. Unfortunately, I was taking a sip of my iced tea, and now I’m coughing because some liquid went down the wrong tube. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah…I’ll-cough-recover.” I subside the cough with a few more sips.

“I mean, are you okay with Fast Pass? She ignored your offer for a handshake.”

“You warned me ahead of time, so it wasn’t unexpected.”

“I should have demanded that she shake your hand, or the deal would be off.” There’s a venom in her voice.

“No, don’t say that. I’m not worth cancelling a multimillion bit deal.”

“Nopony and nobody treats you like that. Not when I’m around. And even when I’m not around, they should still treat you with respect.”

“Ms. Harshwhinny, please…” I rest a hand on her lap. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”

Ms. Harshwhinny looks down at my hand, and then back at me. That serious expression on her face turns into a small smile, and she chuckles with a shake of the head. Her right hand comes down on mine, caressing it with affection.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to get so riled up. Guess I’m still not quite used to this.”

“Used to what?”

“Being…involved with someone. It’s been a while, and…well…let’s just say that my past relationships were never like this.”

“It’s okay. I’m not used to this, too.”

“Which part? Dating a pony, or dating an older mare?”

“Both, really. Then there’s the whole ‘boss’ thing, and that we’re trying to keep it a secret from everyone. It’s a quadruple threat relationship. It’s pretty exciting, actually.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” that smirk becomes more of a smile. It’s such a pretty smile that I hope she smiles more in the future. “You don’t mind if you come with me to Fast Pass’ house, do you?”

“Didn’t she only invite you?”

“Please, her intentions are so obvious, I’m sure the Princesses saw it from their castle in Canterlot. I’ll bet Princess Luna will come visit me in my dreams to tell me all about it.”

“Right, I almost forgot that the Princess of the Night can visit dreams.”

“At any rate, having you around should make her back off. She may not acknowledge your presence, but she can’t deny you are there.”

“And what if that doesn’t work?”

“Whatever it takes to get her away from the goods, I’ll do it.” The determination in her voice when she says that makes me laugh loudly, taking her aback. “Did I say something funny?” she asks in genuine curiosity.

“Sorry. I never thought I would hear you describe your physique as ‘the goods’ before.”

“That’s because we’ve only been together for a few days. I take great pride in my body. Your appreciation of it last night tells me that I’m doing a good job of maintaining it. Now then…” she turns her attention to the food before her. “I’m hungry, and I’m not going to let this food go to waste.” She brings her plate forward a bit, along with Fast Pass' uneaten omelet.

“You’re going to eat her food, too?”

“Of course I am.” she says with a definitive nod, “I haven’t eaten since that apple this morning, and my stomach is growling like an angry manticore.” She takes a bite of her pancakes, and then a bit of the omelet. Her face shows that she’s pleased at the taste. “If it makes you feel any better, the calories are going to places that I know you’ll like.”

“No judgements here.” I chuckle, bringing my plate, and Done Deal’s partially eaten crepes closer to me. “I’m quite hungry myself. I’m sure we’re going to regret this later, but like you said, we shouldn’t let this food go to waste.”

“True. Any discomfort is the problem of future us.”

“I like your attitude, Ms. Harshwhinny. Let’s eat.”