Free Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker

faculty.”
    â€œWho’ll be there?” asked a brunette who looked like she’d borrowed her legs from a horse.
    â€œThe faculty and guests,” Seth said. “Two hundred or so.”
    She blinked. “Two hundred? Who are you, the president?”
    Seth’s embarrassment resulted in a smile. “Like I said, it’s pretty important to some people. I was thinking maybe you could attend.”
    Marisa glanced at the others. “Me?”
    â€œAll of you.”
    She stared at him for a moment before understanding dawned.
    Her mouth curved into a seductive grin. “You want us to spice things up a bit.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” the redhead asked.
    â€œWe could dance.”
    â€œOh, please!” The horse-legged brunette crossed her arms.
    Marisa turned to her. “Why not, Maggie? What’s wrong with a little routine to liven up the party?”
    â€œNot exactly the kind of party—”
    â€œExactly! It’s not Seth’s kind of party, so we add a little flavor.”
    â€œWill Brad Baxter be there?” the redhead asked. Brad was the director of physical education.
    â€œCould be,” Seth said. “Do you want him to be there?”
    â€œYou can do that?”
    â€œSure,” Seth said.
    The rest of the squad members were looking at each other, not objecting. Except for Maggie. “What do you want us to do?” she asked. “I’m not sure I like this.”
    â€œIt’s harmless,” Marisa said.
    â€œI don’t think he’s talking about backflips off Baaron’s table,” Maggie said, looking at Seth.
    He nodded. “Actually, I had something else in mind. Something more MTV than ESPN.”
    â€œDo we look like strippers to you?” Maggie demanded.
    â€œNo.” Seth felt his face go red. “That’s not—”
    â€œGive it a rest, Maggie!” Marisa snapped. She turned to Seth. “So we come in and do a sexy dance, maybe heat Baaron up a little. I don’t see the harm in that. This isn’t exactly a parochial school, right? How do you want to work this?”
    Seth wasn’t sure whether the idea was hers or his, but she was a smooth operator, he’d give her that much. He could see her running for Congress one day.
    â€œWell. When I stand up to give my speech—they always want the guest of honor to tell them how indebted they are to Berkeley—when I get to a certain point, you could come in and do your . . . routine.”
    The others were beaming now. The idea had taken root. “So that’s it?”
    â€œMaybe table dances would be a good idea. All the department heads and a grand finale with Baaron.” What was he thinking?
    â€œI don’t know,” Maggie said.
    â€œI love it!” Marisa said. “When was the last time the faculty gave us our due? Just think about that, Maggie. This will loosen them up a bit. Talk about making a splash.”
    â€œIf we have to take the fall—”
    â€œPlease, it’s only a dance. We’re not going in there with picket signs and beating them over their heads. This is Berkeley!”
    â€œIf there is any heat, I’m sure it’ll come down on me,” Seth said. “I seem to have a propensity for heat.”
    Red flag, Seth.
    Marisa looked at the others for a quick approval. An echo of “I’m in” and a halfhearted shrug from Maggie settled the issue.
    She turned back. “Okay, we’re on. Any other surprises?”
    â€œOnly one.” Seth faced a petite blonde whom he’d seen Phil ogling on occasion. “I have a friend who needs a date. His name is Phil. Handsome guy with a pocket protector. Trust me, he’s quite charming once you get to know him.”
    â€œYou . . . you want me to go out with some guy named Phil?”
    Seth nodded. “Just ask him out to dinner. Maybe a movie.”
    â€œNo problem,” Marisa said. “Right,