“Basically,” Christina agreed with her. “From what I can see, you’re about getting money like Lucina. I mean, you stood your ground and told us what time it was, and I like that. I can see what you’re trying to do. And we’re trying to get money like that, too. That’s why Lucina wanted us to meet you. She’s clever,” the Seattle girl concluded.

Ivan agreed with her. “Obviously, she is…And so am I,” he added with a chuckle.

Audrey grinned and said, “Yeah, we saw that. We noticed how you lured your boy Emilio. And if you’re getting money, we both want to be down with you.”

“And what about Lucina?” he asked them.

Chris said, “We’re all friends here, right? She told us to hang out with you. And you were the first person she wanted us to meet. I think that means something, right? Obviously, you’re the most important person to her. And now we know why.”

Ivan stood still for a minute. Lucina continued to amaze him. And he continued to rise to the occasion. Not only was he there to test them, they were there to test him. So Ivan broke into a grin and laughed. He was tickled by the whole thing, as long as he got it right. He would settle up with Lucina later.

He said, “So you both want to help us build up this party game in San Diego? Is that it?”

“Yes,” Chris told him. “It’s whatever.”

The girl had a baby face, but her willpower was iron. She thought fast. And he liked her.

Then he looked at Audrey, whom he liked less.

She nodded and said, “It really is. We want to help you get whatever you need.”

Ivan didn’t believe it as much from her, but he figured the truth would come out sooner or later. So he nodded. It was a done deal.

He said, “Well, let’s go throw these parties, then.”

Nine

Money Lessons

IVAN WALKED Audrey and Christina over to eat at the Cheesecake Factory, where they had a lighter conversation. He asked them all of the basic questions to get to know them better. And at the end of their dinner, including cheesecake to go, he told them he looked forward to working with them. He then sent them back on their way inside the limo.

“Another interesting night,” he told himself as he climbed into his Altima. “Now what will she try to tell me about this?” he asked in reference to Lucina.

Sure enough, Lucina called him as soon he pulled out of the mall parking lot and onto Friars Road, headed for home.

Ivan answered, “Nice test this evening.”