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On to the next chapter!
It's just a business dinner…that's all…nothing more…these were the thoughts than ran through GoGo's mind as she sat across the table from Ray Frees-the mysterious investor who was interested in her mag-lev tech.
But she had to admit…this gentleman possessed something Hiro didn't…like an urbane sophistication and maturity Hiro didn't have. Not to say that Hiro wasn't mature…but compared to Ray Frees…Hiro was like supermarket sushi…and Ray Frees was like sushi made by a professional.
GoGo looked at the menu, and said, "I hope you don't mind my getting a steak." Ray said, "You are eating on my tab tonight, Miss Tanaka. Enjoy yourself."
So GoGo and Ray ordered their dinner and drinks, and Ray said, "Miss Tanaka…"
GoGo said, "You can call me Leiko…or just Lei." Ray replied, "All right, Leiko…the first question you must have is how I am aware of your projects?"
GoGo replied, "That had crossed my mind."
Ray said, "If you must know, San Fransokyo is one at the forefront of innovative technology. I had heard of a young group of geniuses developing cutting-edge technology. And your idea seemed so…inspiring to me. "
GoGo replied, "Well, it is still a work in progress. I managed to develop a prototype- but adapting and implementing the tech into larger wheels has been…less than successful."
Ray said, "Well, that's a shame. Oh, here's our food." The waiter returned with their meals-a medium-rare petite filet for GoGo, and a half roasted duckling for Ray. Conversation ceased as they focused on their meals.
After diner, Ray said, "I hope this isn't a one-time deal."
GoGo replied, "Oh…well, what did you have in mind?"
Ray said, "I have just enjoyed this evening with you. It's rare to spend time with such a gem like yourself."
GoGo felt her cheeks heating up…and Ray continued, "What would the chances be that I get to see this tech you have in person?"
GoGo replied, "Well, you know where the garage is? That's where I'm doing my work."
Ray said, "Isn't that kind of…risky?"
GoGo said, "I only work on it during my off days-like Sundays, and sometimes after I close shop. My clientele for the auto shop is very exclusive."
Ray then looked at a watch, and said, "Oh, my…look at the time. I think I'd better get you home."
GoGo said, "Sure. But what about my project?"
Ray said, "Yes…your project does have potential. But I want to see it firsthand…and maybe I'll consider funding you. You understand…right?"
GoGo sighed, and replied, "I understand…" Having tried to get an investor for her project before, she knew the little games they played…
A short time later, Ray and GoGo were pulling up to her apartment building. Ray got out, and walked GoGo back to her apartment. GoGo said, "Thank you for dinner."
Ray replied, "And thank you for being my guest. I do hope we can do it again."
GoGo said, "Well…maybe. Good night!" And with that, she went inside her place. Once inside, she changed into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. She hadn't even gotten unwound before there was a knock at her door.
GoGo groaned…now who could that be? She looked out and saw it was Honey. She opened the door, and let in the bubbly chemist. The first words out of Honey's mouth were, "So how was your date? Tell me tell me tell me!"
GoGo replied, "Firstly-it was not a date! It was a dinner meeting with an investor. And second-nothing happened. He didn't say if he would back my project."
Honey frowned-which was a look that worried GoGo. Honey then said, "Those answers seem rather defensive, Go. And you didn't ask about Hiro."
GoGo said, "Look, Honey…my heart belongs to Hiro. But I can't let that keep me from doing important things in my life."
Honey said, "That's true…Well, you had a good time, and that's all that matters. And since it's so late, you don't mind if I crash here?"
GoGo replied, "Of course not, BFF."
The next morning, after seeing Honey off, GoGo headed towards the garage. Her plan was to work on the mag-lev wheels. But no soon as she got in the garage, than the phone rang. She picked it up, and said, "Hello?"
The voice was familiar-the one that she heard the previous night. The voice said, "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time, Miss Tanaka."
GoGo said, "No…I just got in the garage. What's the deal?"
Ray said, "The deal is…I want to see you again."
GoGo said, "What? Just like that?"
Ray said, "Yes…just like that."
GoGo said, "I thought we were going to stay professional."
Ray said, "There's nothing wrong with mixing business and pleasure."
GoGo sighed-I guess I need to clear the air with this guy…GoGo said, "Well, I'm very busy with my projects today…"
Without missing a beat, Ray said, "How about next Friday? I'll have a car pick you up and bring you to my place. We can iron out the finer details about this proposition."
GoGo said, "Alright, then. Next Friday it is. But I need to inform you of something, as well."
Ray said, "OK, OK…Thank you for agreeing to this."
GoGo disconnected the call, and tried to focus on her projects-but to no avail. She had agreed to a second date-and so quick after the first date. She paced around the garage in an attempt to refocus-only for that focus to be shattered by a knock on the door.
Oh no…please let it be anybody but…him… GoGo knew this prayer was futile-so she opened the door-to reveal Hiro. She looked at the genius, and coldly said, "Hey, Hiro."
Hiro replied, just as coldly, "Hey, Leiko." GoGo gulped-being called Leiko was never a good sign. Hiro said, "So you had a date last night…"
GoGo groaned, and said, "It was not a date! It was a dinner meeting!"
Hiro said, "It was obvious more important than 'Friday Family Night'."
GoGo said, "I wanted to come…how's Cass doing?"
Hiro shrugged, and said, "She's getting better…she would have liked it if you were there."
GoGo said, "Would she…or would you?"
Hiro bristled at this accusation-but GoGo didn't let him reply. She then said, "Hiro…a healthy relationship is based on trust."
Hiro replied, "I trust you…it's the guy I don't trust. Alright…I am trusting you…by giving you some space to do your thing. I know how important your mag-lev wheels are…"
GoGo exhaled, then hugged Hiro. She said, "Thanks for being so understanding. And to make it up for you, tell Aunt Cass I'll make it for the next 'Friday Family Night.'"
Hiro then turned, and left the garage. He was unaware he was being watched. The person who watched him was sitting in a dark blue sports-car. So Miss Tanaka has a boyfriend…ha ha…not for much longer…and they won't have a team either… He got out of the car, and walked to the garage. He knocked on the door…
And that's where this chapter ends! Next time, more relationship drama!
