The next week at work, I was so busy prepping for more presentations. Not only did we have one perspective client scheduled to meet with us, but two. One of them was traveling all the way from Japan. So I had my hands full, and barely had a moment to even catch a breath, let alone think about Ryan.

Adam was also really busy assisting with the groundbreaking ceremony of the private school build. This meant he left me in charge to research and communicate with the new clients on what they wanted from us, so we'd know how best to form our proposal.

Thankfully, Eric understood how busy I really was, and didn't mind when I had to put our daily lunch plans on hold. Though, he'd still insist on taking me home every night. Even on the nights where I was working until at least seven, he'd still wait for me. Some nights he'd wait in the lobby, where he got to know the security guards pretty well. Other nights, I'd let him hang out with me if he promised not to interrupt.

Ryan also noticed how busy I was and even offered to assist me a few times. While I thanked him for volunteering to help, I knew I wouldn't be able to focus if he was near me. He had been acting differently towards me, too, since our conversation. And by different, I mean he was being nice. No matter who was around, he'd always find a way to compliment me or ask my opinion on issues in the executive meetings.

During the next weekend, I had to split my time between working on wedding tasks and still working on the client's presentation. In fact, I was so stressed, that even the view of the Manhattan skyline didn't help. I actually had to close my blinds as the view would constantly distract me. I'd end up staring out at the world, instead of focusing on the work needing to get done.

It was now the following Tuesday. Adam and I were setting up for our first meeting with the clients from Japan. "So, Vicky, how would you like to take the lead on the presentation today?"

His suggestion caught me off-guard as I placed down the presentation folders in front of the chairs around the large conference table. "Really?"

He nodded as he followed me around the table, placing brand new, thick fountain pens, with the company's logo on them, beside the folders. "I mean you've been working with them this whole time, and you're the one who's done all the research for this presentation. It would be a shame to steal that from you."

"What if I screw it up?"

"I don't see how you could. I mean, you even sent me an email on Japanese business etiquette. If you went that in-depth with your research, then I know you'll do fine." He smiled as he held the door open to lead us out of the conference room.

We made our way towards the front of the design floor, where the clients would typically be waiting for us. But today, we wanted to make sure we were the ones waiting for them. "But," Adam added. "If you do. I'll be there to pick up where you stumble."

I relaxed a little when he said that. Grateful again to be working with such a fantastic mentor.

We made small talk for about ten more minutes before the elevators opened, presenting our clients. Three Japanese men in perfectly tailored suits, and one Japanese woman in an equally perfectly tailored skirt suit, stepped out onto the floor.

Adam and I didn't hesitate to greet them with a bow, which we had practiced several times over the last week, to make sure we were welcoming them properly. One of the men introduced themselves as the group's translator and extended his hand to shake. Adam looked at me to confirm it was okay to respond. I gave him a slight nod to take it, knowing it would be considered rude if he didn't.

We started by giving the group a brief tour of the construction and design floor, which they all seemed impressed with. They had the translator as us a lot of questions, which we were more than happy to answer.

Once we finally made it to the meeting room, Adam gestured, where everyone was to sit. Having remembered what I sent him on the Japanese business etiquette, he made sure to take the seat closest to the door, since he was the host.

I stood in front of everyone, with the presentation screen behind me. Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I began by greeting everyone again and thanked them all for taking the time to be there. The translator repeated what I was saying as I pressed the button on the control to go to the first slide.

After about thirty minutes, I brought our presentation to a close, turned up the room lights, and took a seat next to Adam.

The gentleman, who was obviously the one in charge of the whole group, leaned over to the translator and said something to him. The translator nodded profusely, then leaned forward slightly. "Mr. Gima would like to thank you for all your hard work and said he is very impressed with your presentation and draft designs."

I bowed my head slightly towards Mr. Gima. "Thank you. That is too kind."

The translator repeated what I said, then waited for Mr. Gima to say something more. Then the female across from him, on the other side of Adam, said something as well. The translator looked between Adam and me. "They would like to invite you to share drinks with them tonight in their hotel bar. Also, they said that they would like to meet the architect and designer too. That way, they would have the bigger picture before making their decision."

Before I could even think of a response. Adam jumped in. "We'll all be there."

*********

We agreed to meet with our potential clients for drinks shortly after work, so no one had time to go home and change. I texted Eric to let him know that he didn't have to pick me up that night.

While I had been to a business dinner in LA with Adam and Ryan before, I had never been to a business drink meeting with the others. Though, Ashlee and I had gone out for a few after-work drinks with Bruce since he started. But I had a feeling this event was going to be far less casual.

I had also never really hung out with Peter before, minus the first day when we all went to the Grand Point Lounge. He and I knew each other, and we did work together occasionally, though, for the most part, I usually worked with Ashlee on Peter-related tasks.

It was too short of notice for Adam to arrange for a limo, so he scheduled two of the luxury sedans to take us to the hotel. We all gathered in the lobby at the end of the day.

Adam arranged it so I would ride in the car with Ryan and Bruce, while he rode with Ashlee and Peter. He thought it would be a good idea for us to utilize the travel time to go over various talking points and emphasize what the Japanese business etiquette was. Especially when it came to combining drinking and business.

"There's even a word for it, called nomunication," I said as I sat in the middle between Bruce and Ryan. Luckily, the car was spacious enough that I didn't feel too squished between them. "Almost all their business deals or anything business-related involves drinking."

Bruce chuckled. "I think I need to move to Japan."

"I wouldn't mind escaping there myself. But not for the drinks. Their culture is just so fascinating," Ryan said with admiration. "Their architecture is beautifully mixed with classic styles to their heritage, while still modern. I loved studying their designs in school."

"Me too!" I looked at him in awe. It was nice hearing him talk about his interests. Especially when they were so similar to my own. It made him seem like more of a real person.

He looked at me with a sheepish grin, then asked that I continue explaining everything that we needed to know.

By the time we arrived outside The Carlyle Hotel, Bruce and Ryan felt like they had all the information they needed. Bruce climbed out first and made his way in, as Ashlee and the two other Herman brothers were already waiting. I scooted over to get out, but Ryan stopped me by placing his hand on mine.

"Hey," he said sweetly.

I smiled but removed my hand from his. I wanted to stay strong and not give him anything, even a friendly touch until he proved that he was worth it. "What's up?" I asked as I stepped out of the car.

He climbed out after me and shut the car door. I still waited for him to say something, but was getting anxious. "We really can't keep our clients waiting. It's rude to waste their time in their culture."

"I'm sure Peter and Adam can distract them enough for a minute." He said with assurance. "I just wanted to say that while I know, we'll probably be drinking a lot tonight, I will make sure to behave and keep my hands to myself." He crossed his fingers over his heart and gave me a subtle wink.

"Well, good, and you better." I shook my head, looking at him with a pity smile.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure standing mere feet from us. I turned to see Eric. "Drinks with clients, huh?"

"Eric! How did you know I was here?" I know that wasn't the first thing I should have said, but it came out anyway.

"I didn't see your text until I was nearing your office. Then, I saw him getting into a car with you. So I had my taxi follow to see where you two were going. And it looks like you're about to go check into this fancy hotel and do God-knows-what." He clenched his fists so tight that I could see his knuckles turning white.

"Buddy, you got it wrong." Ryan stepped in between Eric and me and pointed in the direction of the hotel. "Look, my brother's and our assistants are all here to meet with the clients. Would you like to come in to see for yourself?"

I was already feeling so embarrassed and knew that if Eric came in, it would look bad to our clients. This was supposed to be about business, and the one thing that didn't go well with Japanese business was bringing personal problems into the mix. But I couldn't tell Eric not to come, it would just lead to more unnecessary drama in my personal life.

"No." Eric relaxed a little. "I don't want to ruin this for Vicky. I know this is a big deal for her."

I smiled at his response. "Ryan, I'll be right in." Hinting for him to give Eric and me a moment alone. Which he understood immediately, and made his way into the hotel. I stepped close enough to Eric to drape my arms around his neck. I leaned in and kissed him.

When we parted, he looked sadly at me. "I'm sorry I didn't trust you. Can you forgive me? It was an impulsive reaction."

I nodded. "I get it. I really do. I love you, and I'd love to stay with you in this moment, but I have to get in there and schmooze with the clients before they think I ditched them. Which would be really bad for business."

"Do you want me to wait? Or come back to pick you up later?"

I shook my head. "I'll be fine. I promise. I'll text you when I leave. I don't plan on getting wasted either. After all, I still have another presentation tomorrow with the other potential clients. It wouldn't go so well if I did it hungover."

We both chuckled at the thought. He gave me one more quick peck before we parted.

I turned and went in, releasing the breath I had been holding. I was so grateful we were going to be drinking right away. Because after that, I knew I needed something strong to help calm my nerves.