Resist Me Not

38

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.