March 31st, 2:19 PM, Evergreen Marketing Agency
"This," said Kagome, handing out folders, "is a packet with the types of marketing services that we typically offer to our biotechnology clients. Over the years, we've found that there are some commonalities between firms, which has allowed us to put together a set of general services and recommendations." She set the last packet down in front of a man with long silvery hair and narrow golden eyes. "Of course, we also understand that each business is unique, so everything can be customized according to virtually any specifications."
Making her way back to her seat, Kagome continued, "You should have each received an emailed copy of these documents last week, but I'll give you a moment to peruse them again to refresh your memory." She sat back down at the head of the long meeting room table and scanned the faces of the three individuals seated before her, all of whom were intently looking through the packet. Kagome paused on the fine-boned, golden-eyed demon who had hosted a certain New Year's party. She was strongly wishing she hadn't gotten quite so sloshed that evening, and so she made an extra effort to be eminently professional. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
"If everyone is ready, we can begin." There were nods around the table, so she hit 'next' on her computer to pull up the subsequent PowerPoint slide on the projector and launched into her pitch.
Half an hour and a barrage of questions later, she suggested that they all take a five minute break, grab a snack, use the restroom, whatever. She scribbled a few more notes down as the rest of the group filed out. Heaving a sigh and leaning back in her leather chair, she was surprised to see that one other individual was still in the room. His golden eyes rested on her unsettlingly from two seats away.
"Sesshoumaru," Kagome acknowledged, closing her notebook. "Is there anything I can have one of our secretaries get for you?" She asked politely.
"No thank you. However, I appreciate the offer." He put down the pen he was holding. "I would like to inform you that, as the president of Taishou Prosthetics, I believe that your company's services will likely be an excellent fit for our business. I still must speak with my marketing and operations managers first to confirm, of course."
Kagome nodded. "That's excellent to hear."
Sesshoumaru went on, "Evergreen is so far the only agency we have spoken with that has a division dedicated to biotechnology. We expect that your experience with and commitment to the industry will confer a significant market advantage."
"Well, you will be our only prosthetics company that uses a 3D printing process to create its products, but I think that will work to the advantage of our companies' partnership." Kagome smiled.
"Indeed," Sesshoumaru agreed, standing up. "I would like to ask you a question unrelated to business, if you will permit it."
Shit, she thought. What could he possibly want to know? If this is about the New Year's party… "By all means," Kagome said generously.
Sesshoumaru rested his hands on the back of his chair. "Have you spoken with my brother recently?"
"Er—" Kagome felt heat rise in her face. She pulled in a calming breath. Professional, she admonished herself. "I haven't. Not since the 10th of this month, I believe." At the bowling outing with Sango and Miroku, which was way too much fun. I could hardly contain myself around the guy…
"I see. Well, do answer at least one of this calls this week, even if it is simply to put him out of his misery."
"Misery?" Kagome asked in confusion.
"Yes. He will not stop talking about you." Sesshoumaru's expression soured. "Ordinarily, he does not pester me with nearly such frequency or frivolity, but it appears that where you are concerned, he is bursting at the seams with foolish jabber."
"…Oh." Kagome was at a loss. "I— I guess I could find a few minutes to talk to him…" She agreed finally.
Sesshoumaru nodded curtly and moved towards the door. "Please excuse me for a moment," he said, and swept out of the room.
Kagome groaned and buried her face in her hands. She knew she had been avoiding Inuyasha's calls ever since their spectacular bowling…date? Was it even a date? Did it count, or was it just hanging out? They hadn't done anything besides talk, laugh, and generally make fools of themselves on the lanes… and who would've known, but, Inuyasha was just as horrible at bowling as I am. I actually beat him by two pins, even.
But all of this…this fun she had, plus the fact that the man was practically sex on legs… If she spent too much time around him, she knew she'd cheat on Kouga. And she couldn't do that. Not when she'd decided to give their relationship another chance.
And of course now she had to actually talk to Inuyasha, even if to "put him out of his misery," as Sesshoumaru had so aptly put it.
But I don't want to do that. Kagome sighed in uncertainty.
The sound of the door clicking open extracted her from her thoughts. She stowed her frown and anxiety, pulling a smile from reserve to offer to her potential clients as they filed in.
Squaring her shoulders, she asked, "Shall we finish up?"