Ivan told him, “Yeah, but this is about more than you balancing the sheets. This is about you becoming a personality. The customers have to learn to know and like you.”

Chip said, “Hey, man, I can do that. I’ve always been more of a personality.”

Ivan realized that himself. If Chip was good at anything, it was mingling with the social sets. So Ivan made sure that he would have access to the finest props of cars and girls to raise Chip’s public profile. However, to maintain a necessary system of checks and balances, Ivan told the same thing to Joe Proctor, one of his more experienced promoter friends.

He said, “Joe, I know I haven’t always been able to include you in some of the bigger events I’ve done, but now you have a real opportunity to take a lead position at several venues I’m pushing. So you and Chip Garrett can become teammates to make sure these clubs are still hot for business when I’m out of town.”

Joe got all excited about it. He said, “Thanks for looking out, man. That’s all I’ve been asking for is a bigger shot, Ivan. You know I’ll work hard for you.”

Ivan said, “I know. Well, now you got your chance.” Then he shook his hand and warned him, “Just don’t miss that bull’s-eye.”

Ivan then set up promotional campaigns and website space to highlight several Native American reservations and casinos, including those that surrounded the San Diego area. And he continued to enjoy Jacari’s companionship on several travel occasions. Despite her name change dispute, she had become a point of inspiration to her local tribe and to Native Americans nationally, particularly for the younger women.

Ivan joked, “I guess you’re ‘Jacari’ for real now. These young girls are happy to see you drumming all over the country.”

She laughed and told him, “A little bit of independence is good for a girl.”

“As long as that girl can handle herself as maturely as you do,” he commented. He was certain that he and Jacari would maintain their friendship. However, Jacari still served to remind him of a younger, softer, and less experienced version of someone else.

Ivan’s long-term and personal plans remained a work in progress, where he made sure to check in on Lucina’s continued fashion events and celebrity parties. He wanted to show his support as well as keep an eye on any suitor who might think to take her hand in another partnership, either business or personal.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that,” her girl Maya told him. Ivan had hinted at his concerns to her after dropping by on Lucina’s Christina Aguilera party.

Maya said, “I’ll be the first to break that up and call you if that ever happens. I’m still holding out for you two,” she hinted back with a wink.