Kyoya Ootori picked at the sandwiches on the conference table, ignoring his father's glare. It was 4 pm and he'd had nothing to eat all day, and he rather thought that a growling stomach would make a poorer first impression than eating sandwiches that had clearly been placed out for the express purpose of being eaten. Kyoya just come from 5 hours of classes and meetings with his advisor. Between his family's pull and his Harvard professors' glowing recommendations, he'd been able to get the economics department to agree to allow him to defend his dissertation proposal before his coursework was complete. Although he had enjoyed school, Kyoya was ready to begin the real work of his life. And he knew that meant he had to get married. Definitely before he was 30, as it was expected that a serious businessman would be able to make a serious commitment in his personal life as well. But getting married about 29 was cutting it a little close. As with everything else in his life, his marriage had to be impeccable, down to the timing. But somehow he doubted this girl would quite fit the bill.
As he finished his sandwich, he discreetly glanced at the dossier on Elaine Michiko Johnson, a fourth year medical student at Georgetown. Her mother was Japanese, a daughter of the Yukimura family. Her father was from a family of American business tycoons. Robert Johnson headed a small private medical research facility. The Johnson Group had made some intriguing strides in biochemical research, specializing in degenerative illnesses such as Parkinson's. But the group was losing money at an extraordinary rate; the ban on new lines of stem cell research had forced them to farm out their researchers to other countries. The Ootori family could solve those money problems, but Johnson refused to enter into a binding contract of any kind unless the families were tied together by a marriage alliance. Kyoya was evidently the sacrificial lamb in this scenario. Almost against his will, he felt his lips quirk in a smile. Johnson was right: without a marriage alliance to stay their hands, the Ootoris would split the Johnson Group apart, absorbing any profitable ventures into their own group and disbanding the rest.
"The family refuses to open negotiations unless at least the idea of a marriage is on the table," his father had briefed him on the ride over. "We've agreed the two of you have six months to date and decide whether or not a marriage would be acceptable. During that six months, Johnson no doubt hopes that being courted by the Ootoris will make his company more attractive to other investors, thus opening up his funding pool. I'll take care of that part, don't worry." His father smiled a predatory smile. "You just romance the daughter. I'm sure you can convince them that our family will make a perfect business partner." Kyoya just smiled and adjusted his glasses. He had no interest in deceiving this girl, but business was business and he had his family duty to do.
The doors to the conference room opened and Elaine walked in, followed by her father. The two older men bowed to each other before shaking hands, and then proceeded to introduce their children. Kyoya made his way through the formal introductions on autopilot, studying Elaine. She was definitely attractive, and made the usual social niceties to his father in fluent unaccented Japanese. But as she turned to acknowledge him, there was something in her demeanor that belied the submissive, good-daughter act she was putting on. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but found himself intrigued nonetheless.
"Ootori-san, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Elaine was saying. She bowed to him formally. Kyoya reached out to shake her hand. "Please, call me Kyoya," he said, smiling at her. His father wanted this woman charmed; well, he would charm her. "I've been so looking forward to meeting you, Elaine."
"Laney," she smiled. "No one calls me Elaine."
"Why don't we let these kids get to know each other a little better?" Johnson suggested. "I've made reservations for them at Old Ebbitt Grill. Unless you would prefer something more traditionally Japanese?" he asked solicitously, turning to Kyoya. Kyoya smiled politely. "Old Ebbitt Grill is one of my favorite restaurants," he lied smoothly. He would actually prefer someplace more modern, and he was fairly certain Johnson knew that. But he was determined not to lose any face. "My driver would be happy to take us there. Shall we?" He offered his arm to Laney, who took it, quickly concealing momentary surprise at such an old-fashioned gesture. "We will leave you gentlemen to your negotiations." He caught Laney throwing helpless glance at her father; she obviously had not anticipated Kyoya taking control of the situation quite so quickly or smoothly. Kyoya smirked to himself. This would be child's play.
In the elevator, Laney quickly disengaged her arm from his. "I got us a reservation at Zatinya for 7. If it's all the same to you, I'd rather go there."
"Zatinya doesn't take reservations."
"I know. But I also know the hostess on duty tonight, and she owes me a favor. So we have a table. If you'd like." She smiled up at him. Kyoya was torn. Zatinya was one of his favorite restaurants, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this girl had just outmaneuvered him."
"Kyoya. It's just dinner. We can go to Old Ebbitt Grill if you'd rather." Laney said drily.
Kyoya made a decision. "Actually, I love tapas."
