He informs us the executives think we should dine here, with food delivered from the restaurant below.
Instead of a fancy restaurant as planned and instead of a formal sit-down.
Harry shrugs and tells the fixer-deal broker he’s fine with whatever the executives want. The deal broker bows gracefully and heads off to talk with the team. Soon, Japanese dishes and snacks flow.
More whisky and beer also flow, and spectacular seafood arrives.
We shoot more balls into the night, and it appears a few of us are letting loose and just enjoying the time.
By the time we finish dinner, I am drunk and playful. I even tell the fixer how to stand before hitting the balls. I am unsure if I’m messing up, but we both laugh, and the old man starts to relax.
It’s not as if Harry and I can mess the deal up anymore, and some of the Japanese execs in suits cheer, laugh, and we all make friends.
As things wind up and some of us sway, drunk, we all shake hands and bow.
The fixer then translates and explains.
Explains that the executives thank us and thank us for coming to see their fine nation.
They have still not discussed the deal in detail or at all. I know that is their way, but it seems kind of kooky.
As Harry and I slump into the plush Mercedes, we share a look and shake our heads.
We then laugh about the high stakes and the circus we’ve been through.
The mix of cultures is weird as fuck, and the trip has been one hell of a wild adventure. Thank God, Harry is fine.
Fine tolose a few billion, and fine to do it over a few days.
After walkinginto our hotel suite, drunk, happy, and slightly confused, our phone rings. It is the Japanese exec deal broker, and Harry hits speaker.
“Good evening.”
“Hello, Harry-san.”
“Hi?” Harry says, preparing us waters.
“Harry-san…”
“Yes.” There is silence, and Harry and I share a look. “Look, is everything alright? Did we do something wrong or offend someone?”
Harry and I hold a look, and I get worried we will be tossed in jail for crossing some line. And maybe kissing at the maple temple or hugging.
Oh God! Jail for love?
“No, Harry-san. All okay. In fact, very okay.”
“How so?”
I lean on Harry’s shoulder, and we exchange another look.
“Executive team like you, Harry-san. Executive team also like Samantha. The deal go-ahead, Harry-san. You and Samantha-san, you have deal.”
Our eyes pop, and our mouths drop open.
“My God, that’s great!”
“Very great. Now, sleep well, and safe fly home. Paperwork coming. You sign next week.”
