“And a diamond-studded bracelet for the other one?”

“Ivan, you really need to upgrade your car more than anything.”

He asked them, “Why? I’m not even in a car most of the time.” Especially since moving downtown, he added to himself.

“Yeah, but when you are, and you step out of a hot car in your new shoes and clothes, it will really make a statement.”

“And everything you do needs to make a statement now,” the girls told him.

They all sounded like mini-Lucinas without the accent. Nevertheless, in the public imagery game, the sights and scenes of a superstar traveled a long way. So Ivan bought nearly half of the items Lucina’s girls advised him on, including a gold, silver, black, and blue Rolex watch with small diamonds that replaced the numbers. However, he held off on the expensive bracelet and car. He figured the noticeable bling on one wrist was enough. And he could always utilize the limos he would rent for his celebrity guests instead of using his own vehicle.

I’ll just have the limo driver pick me up first and take me wherever I need to go, he reasoned. Especially if I’m paying for it by the hour.

Lucina had her own deals with the limo companies. So on their first celebrity-attended event, she and Ivan picked up Eve and two of her girlfriends at the Imperial Hotel in a black stretch limo, dressed to impress and ready to show off. Ivan wore his party uniform, a classic sports jacket, and Lucina wore hers, a one-of-a-kind designer dress.

“Hi, Ivan,” Eve greeted him with an open smile as soon as he stepped out of the limo. She wore a tasteful skirt, heels, and a short jacket with her long, frosted blond hair.

Ivan didn’t know whether to hug her or shake her hand. He went for the handshake to be safe.

“How are you doing?” he asked her.

She said, “I’m good. I’m just looking forward to hanging out with you guys in San Diego. I really like what you got going on in the Gaslamp.”

“Okay, that’s good,” he commented. “We’re trying to do it up. But let me introduce you to my partner.”

Ivan helped Lucina out of the limo.

Eve nodded to her and said, “Hey, how are you doing?”

“Oh, I’m good,” Lucina responded. “I’m Lucina Gallo.” Instead of shaking hands, she held Eve by the arms and gently kissed her on her right cheek.

That’s a hell of a lot smoother than me, Ivan thought, grinning to himself. Girls can get away with that kissing shit a lot easier.

Eve looked over Lucina’s dress and commented, “That is real nice. Where’d you find it?”

Lucina told her, “My design secrets will cost you. We’ll talk about that later.”