Lunch at Kiku's

It's not too long of a trip to Kiku's, especially by limo. You and Cherilynn arrive there about forty-five minutes early. The waitresses are dressed in traditional Geisha clothing. They wear their hair and makeup to complete the Geisha atmosphere. Cherilynn speaks with the hostess, and she asks you both to remove your shoes, and leave them in the shoe rack to your right. She gives you tickets that assign your shoes to specific numbered compartments, so you can easily find your shoes when you are ready to leave. Then she leads you back to the private cubicle Cherilynn has reserved for the meeting.

It's a traditional Japanese tea house styled cubicle, complete with rice paper walls and sliding doors. You walk inside to find your clients are already seated on big, fluffy pillows at the low table. They stand, and bow to you and Cherilynn. You both return the bow as a show of respect. You take your seats at the table, and they return to theirs.

"A waitress will be in shortly to take your order" the hostess tells you. "In the meantime, why not enjoy some sake, or some nice ginger tea?"

"The tea will not be necessary" says the client seated across from you

"They will drink with us. We have plenty of sake" announces the client seated across from Cherilynn. "It is a tradition that we drink together when conducting business." The hostess brings two tumblers from the bar on the other side of the room, and fills them from the big earthenware jug sitting in the middle of the table. She hands one to Cherilynn, and the other one to you. "I will take my leave of you" says the hostess. "A waitress will be with you shortly."

The client across from you raises his tumbler in a toast. "To two truly beautiful women, and to the start of a beautiful relationship." You all down the warm liquid. It stings a little going down, but the taste is not as bad as you were led to believe. In fact, it's kind of pleasant. This time Cherilynn refills everyone's tumbler. The second client raises his tumbler to give a toast. "To partnerships that will be beneficial to us all." Again you gulp down the potent sake.

Cherilynn turns to you. "It's your turn to refill us" she says, smiling. You rise, and instantly feel lightheaded. Yes, you've got a bit of a buzz going on, but you're sure it's nothing you can't handle. You refill everyone's tumbler and sit down.

The waitress enters to take your orders. The clients place their order first, plus another jug of sake. Cherilynn goes next, then you. You decide on pepper steak. It's one of your favorites, and you've heard Kiku's makes an excellent pepper steak dinner. She leaves with your order, and promises to return as soon as it's ready.

"So who is this lovely lotus flower you've brought with you today, Cherilynn?" the client across from you asks.

"She's my executive secretary." Cherilynn regards you with a gesture and a smile. "I'd like to introduce to you Katherine, one of the best execs the company has. She's also one of the best friends you could ever hope to have."

"I am honored and charmed to meet you" the client says to you. He takes your hand, and kisses it. "My name is Hikaru Syota. This is my associate Matsu Tanaka."

"Pleased and honored to meet you both" you smile and bow your head slightly.

"It looks like we will have a bit of a wait for our meal" says Matsu. "We could play a game until it is time."

"I know" chimes in Hikaru. "Let's play yakyuken!"

Yakyuken? You've never heard of it before. You look at Cherilynn to see what her reaction is. You promised to do whatever it took, so let her take the lead. "Why not?" Cherilynn says with a smile. "Playing a game to pass the time will help us all to get more acquainted with each other." You nod your head in agreement, and smile. Whatever happens, you can't back out now.