“Sean, we’re going out for drinks. You want to come?” 

The young man named Sean looked up from the table he was vigorously wiping down. He drew a deep breath as he stood up to stretch his aching back. 

Being a barista is tiring. It doesn’t help that there are so many customers these days. My arms and legs are going to fall off at this rate.

He turned his attention to the voice who had called his name. It was Jason Bloom, his manager. Jason had been the one to do his interview when Sean applied at the coffee shop. He had been surprised to see that the manager was only a few years older than him. They became fast friends, though they maintained a professional relationship during work hours.

Jason was a fun-loving guy but was also serious about his role as a manager. His enthusiasm and work ethic impressed Sean. He was glad to have a reliable boss and friend like Jason. Since Sean’s move to Raston City after graduation, he hadn’t made many new friends outside of work.

“I said we’re going out for drinks. You coming?” Jason gestured to a few other staff members milling near the exit. “Just join us after you finish locking up for the night. First rounds are on me.”

I didn’t even realize it's Friday already. The good thing about this job is that time flies by so fast. 

Sean shook his head. “I’ll pass tonight J. I’ve got none left in the tank to spare. I’m just going to finish up here and head home. You guys have fun without me.” 

As much as he wanted to join them, he needed to wake early for another job interview tomorrow. It was the fifth one this month. He had applied to a company called Mixed Path. Their website had said they were looking for people who could work delivery shifts for their nursery.

“I thought I could convince you this time,” laughed Jason. His manager tossed a set of keys at Sean who snagged them out of the air. “I’ll see you next week then.”

Jason threw up a parting hand and walked out with the rest of the staff. Sean caught their chatter echoing through the shop before the door closed on them. Looks like they were headed to Bowling and Brew on Mitchell’s Street, a couple blocks down from the coffee shop.

I really love that place, especially the burger and fries. Their burgers are so juicy and their wedge fries are crisped to perfection. 

Sean’s stomach gurgled as he thought about the delicious meal he was missing out on. He shook his head, dispelling any further hunger-inducing thoughts. 

He’d have to settle with some prepackaged meals tonight.

Looks like it’s chicken tikka masala again. 

The coffee shop was quiet and empty now that everyone had left. It was a stark difference from its operating hours when the modest coffee shop would be packed full of chatter and noise. 

He gazed out the window across the street, his eyes meeting a familiar scene. He had already forgotten how many times he had caught himself staring at the huge imposing skyscraper that towered over the small coffee shop. People often commented on how strange it was to see the tiny coffee shop next to the grand building.

“Level Plus,” Sean whispered to himself. “What I would do to work there. I bet they pay so much.”

It’s only been a few months since they launched their hit game, Inside Online. I’ve seen a lot of videos and the gameplay looks absolutely amazing. Everyone I know plays the game, but the Envision Module is so expensive! I can barely afford to pay rent let alone buy the VR equipment. All I’ve been able to do is watch other people play.

Sean refocused his attention to the table with a heavy sigh. 

The coffee shop wasn’t bad but making $14 an hour wasn’t going to cut it in Raston City. There was a silver lining to all this extra work. The tips had increased thanks to the abnormal amount of customers these days. Perhaps he could scrape together some extra money to pay for the VR headgear soon.

Suddenly a jingle rang out, startling Sean out of his thoughts.

Someone had entered the shop. Had Jason already returned? He turned around to see who had come in.

To his surprise, it was a man he had never seen before. The stranger was wearing a low brim hat and a black overcoat, a strange attire for Raston City’s warm summer nights.

“Sorry sir, but we’re closed for the night.”

The man took off his hat and smiled. Sean judged the man to be in his forties or so. 

Wait. I’ve seen this person before . . .

His heart leaped as he realized who the man was. There was no doubt about it, he had seen the man everywhere on the internet. Standing before him was Mark Staun, the lead developer of Inside Online.

I can’t believe it’s him!

The man held up a hand. “It’s okay. I’m not here for a coffee. I’m looking for a person called Sean Fox. Do you know him?”

Sean pointed to himself. “Sean Fox? That’s me.”

A look of surprise came over the man’s face as extended a handshake to Sean.

“Nice to meet you, Sean. Fancy meeting you here. And here I thought I would have to come back Monday to find you.” 

“Nice to meet you too, Mr. Staun,” said Sean said, looking at the offered hand before hesitantly shaking it. He still couldn’t believe this was happening. 

“Just call me Mark,” Mark flashed a pleasant smile at Sean.

Sean nodded rapidly, quickly motioning to an open table. “Please have a seat! How can I help you?” 

The two men sat down and stared at each other in silence. Sean wasn’t sure what to do. 

Should I make him a drink? Why is Mark Staun sitting in my coffee shop? Is this a dream? If so, I don’t want to wake up. 

Sean opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off before he could do so. 

“I came here to personally congratulate you on getting the job, Sean. You’ve been selected to participate in the game.”