Aww thank you guys. I am quitting my dog walking job. Can't hack it. I love my customers but hate the cheapos that pay a measly six dollars a visit. Now I applied to become a Nanny...going to start Law School in the Fall. Just need to make it until then. I wish I could become a geisha!

Mameha and I continued to chat with Hideo-san for much of the night. He was a witty and pleasant conversationalist. He took away much of the effort that I normally would have put forth. Mameha and I also enjoyed the sword exhibition that his younger brother put on. Afterwards everyone clapped and enjoyed more sake and beer.

Mameha was an eye catcher in her red kimono. Not only did she command Hideo-san's attention, but she captured the eyes of several other business men. The other geisha watched with pleasant company expressions as their customers and patrons gravitated towards our table and left with Mameha and mines business cards.

At last when we said goodbye, it was with a mixture of relief and regret on the part of the geisha and guests. Hideo-san invited Mameha-san and myself to accompany him to a Sumo match the following week. Once again, I felt fortunate to be Mameha's younger sister. Her popularity and extensive networking with noteworthy clients continued to boost my career.

When we were out on the street, at last Mameha turned towards me and exclaimed, "Sayuri! Do you know what this means?"

"I'm sorry?" I said, very confused.

"With Nobu-san!" she said exasperatedly.

"You mean the discontinuing of his business deal with Tanaka?"

"Yes! I thought I would never live to see the day."

"Mameha-san, please explain what you mean!" Mameha sighed.

"When is your next engagement?" she asked practically.

"In twenty minuets. There is a banquet that I must attend."

"Alright, come over here and I will explain." Mameha led the way to a small bench by an alcove of trees that was meant to resemble a small park. Nearby were small food vendors and a store that sold paper.

We sat down.

"Please, Mameha-san. Explain what is going on!"I begged her.

Mameha looked at me with a sort of pitying expression.

"Nobu-san is the consummate business man," she said, toying with her drawstring bag that held her fan and make-up. "Ever since I had been an apprentice maiko, I have read and heard about his success."

"Yes, go on" I prompted her. Mameha sighed again.

"Men like Nobu-san think of very little except being successful at what they do. That is why I was surprised when he showed an interest in you. I thought it was only a passing fancy." She gave me a look and I understood what she meant. She meant that she had thought he was only interested in a physical relationship.

"When he proposed himself as your Danna, I was shocked, but extremely pleased. Like I said before, Nobu does not like Geisha."

"Yes."

"But tonight when I heard that he had turned down Tanaka's offer...well..." Mameha's hands fluttered.

"I do not understand."

"Sayuri, Nobu Tashikazu has turned down a most promising business venture, over a woman. Over you."

"So I am to blame for this failure?" I asked in shock.

"I would not put it in those words exactly," Mameha said with a smile. "I suppose it's a flattery of sorts. Once everyone finds out about it, it's going to boost your popularity considerably."

"It can't be over me," I protested.

"Nobu has never to my knowledge, not taken up on offer that would better his company," Mameha said. "I may not know much about business, but over the years I have learned there is a pattern to Nobu's business behavior and he has never done this before. There was no reason to turn down Tanaka's offer. The Chairman said it was most promising."

"I see," I said, very much troubled.

Mameha saw my expression.

"Do not let it bother you, Sayuri. You must go on as before."

"Do you think Nobu will be angry with me for long?"

"Give it time. Clearly he intends to keep you Sayuri. Men like him do not let go of things easily."

"I do not know what to do with him," I told her.

"I told you it would be difficult, but it is not impossible," Mameha said, patting my arm briefly. "Remember Sayuri, with this life comes difficulties of all sorts. It will never be easy."

"Thank you, Mameha-san."

"Go to your engagement. I must attend a party for a new theater opening."

I rose from the bench and smoothed down my robes. I bowed to Mameha and thanked her for tonight.

At my next engagement, I faced another formal atmosphere. But there were several geisha there that I knew. Together we worked out a small dance performance. I played the shamisen instead of dancing.

When we were done, a geisha my age came up to me. She bowed. Her name was Ayeka. Her Okiya was close to mine. I had sometimes seen her in the company of Hatsumomo's friend Korin.

"Sayuri-san, everyone says that Nobu Tashikazu is your Danna, is this true?"

"Yes Ayeka-san."

"How fortunate you must be!" she exclaimed, eying my kimono and ring.

"He is a generous man," I answered.

She leaned forward towards, and whispered, "Does it bother you, his scars and one arm?" I recoiled back and looked at her.

"Not at all," I replied coldly. "Nobu Tashikazu is one of the most successful men that I know."

"Is that so?" she said. There was a subtle gleam of malice in her eyes. Many people said that Gion was the world of silken flowers and butterflies, but people often did not know and understand that even butterflies can bite.

"It must be true," she said, pausing for a moment, "Since a geisha like Hatsumom has been seen in his company two nights ago."

I said nothing. Mameha had schooled me that silence is the best thing when you do not want to give your enemy the upper hand.

"Her younger sister, Pumpkin too," Ayeka continued, "has been seen with him at a banquet. I thought it was funny, since I heard he was your Danna."

I smiled."Poor Hatsumomo. She is in much need of generosity. It is a pity that she is getting older. Still, I imagine, she sees a good thing and must chase after it with agility." I rose. I had been at the banquet for an hour and it was time to go.

"This world of ours is not kind to old women," I said, bowing goodnight. Ayeka frowned.

"I hope you can keep your generous Danna, Sayuri-san."

"Goodnight, Ayeka-san."