“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I just hope somebody doesn’t cause a scene.”
“Oh, come on.” He took a drink of his water. “Don’t you remember? The show is the best part.”
“I guess it is.”
“The trick is to distract them from the bar long enough for them to take out their wallets. Then, when it’s over, cut them loose and let them have at it.”
“You’re a genius.” I laughed.
The waiter came out with two plates of greasy burgers and tater tots.
“How’s work?” I asked Jake.
“How would you like to visit Tokyo?”
“Why would I go to Tokyo?”
“DIY deep fry.”
“Is that what you’re calling it?”
“In English. It sounds much better in Japanese. We’re opening a palace in one of the main shopping districts.”
“A palace?”
“It’s a pagoda with everything the rich need to feel safe. I never really liked the idea of pampering customers, but it is beautiful inside. I thought that maybe you might like to come and check it out.”
“I don’t know.”
“Why not? You still haven’t let me put you on a plane. You’d enjoy Japan.”
“I just don’t know.” I took a bite of a tater tot.
“Do you like traveling?”
“I do, and you know that I’d love to travel.”
“Then what is it?”
“It’s nothing.”
I took another drink of water and went back to my tater tot.
“Have you spoken to Dori yet?” he asked.
“I did. She wants me to come in this evening to do a fitting. Apparently, she’s been working on the dress for the past two months. She said she woke up, inspired, and decided that she would make me a dress.”
“Really?”
“She’s obsessed with me. She had her new assistant try to make friends with me, so she could convince me to model for her.”
“You should do it.”
“Maybe I will,” I said.
“Why did you ask me to come with you?”