Mardi Gras Surprise for Eric

Eric was used to the delays; travel from Duluth International in February was always uncertain. Luckily an early morning flight landed him in New Orleans with just enough time to taxi to the corporate center where his presentation would be given.

The room was set up with everything he needed; he unloaded his presentation materials and headed off to find at least a cup of coffee. He still hadn't adjusted to the lack of service on the airlines. He followed a few people in the hallway and soon found a room where a people had gathered for coffee and a light breakfast. The tables greeted him with cheerful colors of gold, green and purple; a nice touch he thought. The colors of the tablecloths were very welcoming. Most attendees had arrived the night before and were talking with new acquaintances. He would have time for introductions later. He found the coffee urn and cups and was pleased. Also on the table was a pastry he was not familiar with; a large ring drizzled with white sugar icing and dusted with stripes of green, gold and purple sugar. It looked delicious. He took a cut section of the pastry and placed it on a small plate to enjoy with his coffee. He would relax with this brief indulgence to slow him down a bit before the presentation.

Eric found a small table to perch his coffee cup as he lifted the pastry for a taste. It was as delicious and light as the pastries he was used to in Minnesota. He anxiously took another bite of the pastry; time was of the essence. As he began to chew he felt something strange; and object too large to be in a pastry. Not wanting to be noticed he turned his back and lifted his napkin to remove the object from his mouth. The object was indeed something he had never encountered in a pastry before. It was a small plastic baby! As he stared at the small baby on the napkin he felt a hand on his back and heard the exclamation. "Here is our King for today", the voice announced. Everyone in the room turned to see who had found the baby in the King Cake. Eric smiled and tried to act assured. The room full of people cheered, smiled and then returned to their conversations.

A woman Eric had met at previous meetings approached him and congratulated him.
"What a wonderful way to begin your presentation", she shared. Everyone will be listening to see what luck the baby has brought to you.