When they showed him the girl online, Ivan studied her long dark hair, almond-shaped eyes, perfect features, pert breasts, medium-sized lips, olive-toned skin, and teasing smile. She looked about twenty-one, just barely legal for club and party work.

Ivan nodded and said, “Yeah, she’s about a nine.”

Jeff said, “A nine? Are you crazy? Dude, she’s an eleven!”

Ivan chuckled. He was only being modest. He didn’t want to seem as excited as they were about her. He said, “So, this girl is the best we have to offer, hunh?”

“We think so,” Paul reiterated.

“All right, well, tell her I want to meet her in person. Does she know who I am?”

Paul and Jeff gave each other another look.

Jeff told him, “Of course she knows who you are. We’re not going back to you being Mr. Invisible. You are the brand now. People have been writing blogs all about your exotic cars, outfits, and everything.”

Paul nodded and said, “Yeah, it’s good for the business. You’re the man of San Diego for real now.”

Ivan grinned. He said, “I tried to tell Lucina that last night. But I don’t know how much she likes the idea,” he hinted.

Jeff shook it off. He said, “Aw, she likes it. She may not want to admit it, but she likes it.”

Paul added, “I don’t think she’s gonna like Jacari, though, if you’re asking to meet her personally.”

Ivan grimaced and said, “Who?”

Paul pointed back to the Native American beauty queen on his monitor with the name Jacari posted on the edges of the page.

“Shit, I forgot about her already,” Ivan admitted.

“You won’t forget her when you meet her,” Jeff told him. “And do remember that we told you that.”

IVAN VISITED Perry Downing with Lucina at the Naval Medical Center to check up on him. From his hospital bed, through all of his bandages and medication, Perry didn’t want Ivan feeling guilty about him.

He forced himself to mumble, “Ivan…keep doing what you do, man. One injured player don’t stop the game.” And he smiled.

Ivan smiled back at him and accepted his endorsement. It took a lot of the strain off his shoulders. With all of his plans for the year 2004, he had no time to slow down.

IDPromotions.com went on to hold the luxury car show with Xzibit, the boat party with Ananda Lewis and Jessica Alba, and the Hutch & Mitchell Golf Tournament with NBA basketball legend Charles Barkley and San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees.

After the car show events, Lucina was able to set her feet for a major push into the fashion industry. Her fashion ideas were considered tasteful, practical, and innovative.