The presentation went perfect. The photos and graphics Paul had put together did the trick. The President’s gaze never left the screen. He was obviously impressed, and liked the numbers that Sika translated.

The trio shook hands with Sika and the President, smiled, thanked them for the opportunity to present their plan, and Tom asked the closing question, “Can we get your order to furnish the computers to your country?” Tom scooted the paper across the table. It was the final moment.

The President and Sika began talking back and forth rapidly, glancing at Tom, Paul, then Amanda, holding the gaze on Amanda longer. Sika shook his head, and the President’s sharp retort was obvious, even in a different language.

Sika nodded, and leaned back in his chair, a half-smile on his face. “We have a deal in principle. He asked Tom to sign the contract, which he eagerly did, sliding it back across the table to the President.

“Thank you,” Sika said, “We have a custom in our country in that we never do such a deal without a night to sleep on it. Today is Friday, and we have a special holiday on Sunday, so we will meet back Monday for you to pick up his signed contract—but I can tell you that the deal itself is just what we are looking for.”

The three Americans stood, started toward the door, and the President said something sharp to Sika. Sika responded in their native tongue, and the President’s next burst of words had anger in them.

“Is something wrong?” Tom asked.

“It would appear we have somewhat of a cultural problem,” Sika said, “When everyone first walked in, I had to explain to the President that Amanda was not a beautiful woman brought along for his enjoyment—as icing on the deal. It is not an uncommon thing in our country, usually a standard thing on such deals as this. Especially a woman as beautiful as this one.”

“OK, but you explained…”

“Oh yes, I explained,” Sika said, “but I may not have communicated what I have just said correctly. It is not uncommon here—and in this instance for this deal I am afraid it is an absolute requirement.”

“What?” Amanda broke in. “Did I hear you right.” Sika nodded. “No fucking way!”

Sika looked at Tom. “Frankly it is a choice that has to be made. If what the lady has just said the choice, I thank you for the time—and the answer is we cannot do business. This is a custom that is a deal breaker if not carried through. One French company who made a presentation for this contract has already brought a woman along to follow the custom, even though it was only the presentation with no strings attached. But the French have been in this country a long time and have a better understanding of the customs here.

“When one brings a beautiful woman to a meeting such as this it is basically understood that a couple of nights with her is a part of the deal. You must understand it is custom, expected, and to not do this is a serious insult, with no offense intended by suggesting this to you, Amanda,” he explained.

“Why didn’t you mention this earlier?” Paul said, looking back and forth between Tom and Sika.

“Honestly, I had no idea your presentation and offer would fit our needs perfectly—and I had no idea you were going to bring a woman—especially such a beautiful woman, to this meeting. When a beautiful woman attends a meeting such at this it typically means one thing – at least as far as my President is concerned.

Tom and Paul both turned to look at Amanda. She shot back, “What are you looking at me for? Paul? I don’t even work for this company, and if I even did I wouldn’t. This is crazy.” She had put up the wall, Paul thought. Deal over, time to go.

Tom had built his business by doing what people said couldn’t be done, and he didn’t see this as an obstacle. He picked up on Amanda’s statement of not working for the company. This deal was worth millions of dollars profit. It was not the time to be stingy.

“How about a third?”

“A third what?” Amanda spat.

“A third of this deal. We set up a new company; if you do this you get 1/3 of the stock, and 1/3 of the profit. You’ve seen the deal, you printed out the figures. You know what 1/3 of this could net,” Tom explained. Both Amanda and Paul gasped. Their end could be their secure financial future. It had to be considered.

Tom saw that she was thinking, considering it. She glanced over at the large black man standing behind the desk, appraising him. Sika had moved to the President to calm him down and hopefully still get the deal handled. The President was obviously still agitated.

“We need to talk,” Amanda said, looking at Paul, “Come here,” she said. She looked up at Tom, “Excuse us for a moment.” They stepped into the far corner, and Amanda turned her back to the others.

Tom stared at them, and despite the crisis at the moment he couldn’t stop the thought running through his mind, damn that woman has a great ass. He looked over at Sika and the President, who were staring at her too—obviously the same thought in their mind. That wouldn’t help anything if Amanda remained resolved to do nothing.

“First, why are you not as adamant against this as I am,” Amanda demanded quietly.

“Well…” Paul started to say but Amanda interrupted.

“On one hand there is no way in hell. On the other hand this is a hell of a lot of money,” Amanda said. “What do you think?”

“I think it is a hell of a lot of money, but no way in hell would I recommend either way, it is your decision totally,” Paul said.

She paused, taking a long deep breath. “How do you feel about me if I did it?”

“Like I said, it is your decision totally.”

“Could you handle it?” Amanda asked, “Or would it be thrown up to me every time we had an argument?”

“If you do it I understand. I understand you’re doing it for us. And no, I would never throw it up to you, I promise.” Paul said.

“And if I refuse?” she asked.

“Your choice. We go home and we are no worse off that we were before.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. It is your choice and I will support it 100%,” Paul said. “But one thing, I don’t want you to hold it against me that I’m not pitching a fit about maintaining the purity of our marriage bed—I don’t want you holding it against me that I didn’t say, ‘No.’ “

Amanda took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, looking directly into Paul’s eyes. “Last chance to object,” she said.