Chapter 8

Waking up early Tuesday, I exercised, practiced my huku, sensed the area, grabbed my walking staff, and took off running my route, keeping a steady speed and stride. When I reached my turnaround point, I increased my pace on the way home. After stretching, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink, and then drove the golf cart to the practice range. I warmed up, then played a round with three older men who had retired from the military. They must have been officers because they were good players and we had a good time. The stories were nonstop for the round.

I beat them by two strokes, taking it easy on them, but they didn’t care. They had bets between themselves and were settling up when I said goodbye. I read their minds before leaving, and one was happy he won for once. Another was thinking of ways to get his daughter out of the house. The third must have been in military intelligence. He considered calling a friend at the CIA and recommending they use me as an asset. I could move freely around the world playing golf, which was perfect for them.

I had fun thinking about it on the way home. Mom had lunch ready, and I told her about my round and the men I played with. Mom said her dad had friends in the military and government. They would get invited to dinners where they wore their uniforms. They were storytellers and kept the dinners lively instead of boring. After lunch, Mom said she was going to the club to get set up for tomorrow and left. It was a good thing, too, because my package arrived from Amazon.

I took the package and a few old towels to my workshop and got set up. First, I washed the sample off, then put on the optivisor and examined the piece. Mom’s dad had a magnifying lamp at the workbench’s end. I hadn’t noticed it before, but it came in handy in mapping my cuts. Using the Drummel, I made the beginning cuts, then used the hammer and chisel to complete it. When I sensed Mom was near, I had eight pieces ready to work with. I quickly put everything away, locked up, and went to my room. Mom yelled upstairs for me to clean up because we were going to dinner.

We ate at the Italian restaurant, and Mom ordered Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for us. While enjoying the new tastes, Mom said I should dress business casual for tomorrow. and bring a golf shirt, pants, and clubs in case I need them for the ad. The car will pick you up at 7:30 a.m., so there will be no golf practice tomorrow or Thursday. We had almost left the restaurant when a voice behind us said Barbara, is that you? I laughed, and Mom turned around smiling and saw Sam Barton and his wife, Kelly Ann.

They hugged, and Mom introduced me to them. The Barton’s wanted to know why I was laughing, and Mom turned red telling them. They thought it was hilarious and then wanted to know all about me. And mom, being a mom, told them everything. Modeling, golf, acting, and university freshman, and I spoke and understood ten languages. Mr. Barton’s eyes lit up hearing that, and Mom exchanged contact information, and then we said goodbye.

On the way home, I asked Mom why she said nothing about my magic foot or the horses. Mom laughed and said we needed to keep some things to talk about at our next meeting laughing again. Little did we know it would happen sooner than expected. We hugged goodnight and went to bed. I fell asleep, and the thumping began, then tingling all over my body. And I guessed more work was being done, then went into a deep sleep.

I awoke early Wednesday and went to the gym, sensing the area on my way. I exercised, practiced my huku using the heavy bag, did a light workout on the weight machine, and then did my yoga routine. When finished, I showered, dressed, grabbed my garment bag, and went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink. When the car arrived, I loaded my clubs and garment bag into the trunk, and we left. Alan Williams, the driver, gave me his card and asked me to call him 30 minutes before needing a ride home.

When we arrived, I got my things, and a golf cart picked me up and delivered me to a studio. The producer and director were happy I brought my clubs and outfit. Then, they almost had a heart attack when they learned I spoke Japanese. The script needed to be changed a bit because of translation differences. But they were happy with the final result and said they would see me tomorrow. So, with rush hour, we got home at 7 p.m. after a long day. Alan said he would pick me up at the same time tomorrow morning and left.

Mom had gotten takeout Chinese for dinner, which was ready when I arrived. Mom said I would be popular in Japan now, speaking their language and doing commercials. She predicted more companies would come calling if the ad was a success. Mom said she would call Mr. Finkleman and ask about approaching your sponsors about doing ads in Japan. Golf is popular there, and outside of the U.S., so it shouldn’t be a problem. Then Mr. Tanicka called and asked if I could play golf with him and two business associates on Friday morning. I said I would be happy to, and we agreed to 10 a.m. Then I asked if I was supposed to lose gracefully, and he laughed. Mr. Tanicka said they wanted to see your game in person after seeing the Colorado Springs Tournament highlights, then said goodbye, laughing again as he hung up.

Mom was laughing too and said, you’re going to your first business meeting on the golf course Friday. Mr. Tanicka either just signed a deal, or you’re helping him do it. So quietly listen to their conversation while on the course; you’ll learn a lot about business negotiation and entertain them simultaneously. Mr. Tanicka included you for a reason, so let’s see what it’s all about. Mom promised to reserve the start time for us tomorrow, then we hugged goodnight and went to bed. I fell asleep, and the thumping began, then tingling all over my body. And I guessed more work was being done, then went into a deep sleep.

I awoke Thursday early again, exercised, practiced my huku, sensed the area, grabbed my walking staff, and took off running my route, keeping a steady speed and stride. When I reached my turnaround point, I increased my pace on the way home. After stretching, I showered, dressed, and went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink. The car arrived, Alan loaded my things into the trunk, and we were off to Sony’s Studio. Samsung used the same studio, producer, and director. Samsung wanted English and Japanese versions done, so we didn’t finish until 8 p.m. They catered dinner at six, so I called Mom and said forget about dinner, and I would be late and why.

When I got home, I hugged Mom goodnight, said I’d tell you about it in the morning, and went to bed and crashed. The thumping began, then tingling all over my body, and the work continued being done, and then I went into a deep sleep.

Waking up Friday feeling great and rested, I went to the gym, sensing the area on my way. I exercised, practiced my huku using the heavy bag, did a light workout on the weight machine, and then did my yoga routine. When finished, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink, and then told her about doing the ad in two languages. The best thing is I’ve satisfied my contracts with Sony and Samsung, so all it leaves is Lexus. I’m not doing two in one day again, that’s for sure.

I had finished warming when Mr. Tanicka arrived with two associates, Mr. Yamamoto and Mr. Kimura. I was introduced to them by Mr. Tanicka and bowed, and played like I didn’t understand their conversation. Then, we teed off, and they almost talked nonstop the complete round. The only time they stopped was when someone was hitting a shot. At the end, I thanked them for the game and bowed, and then they left happy. Then, Mr. Tanicka and I sat in the golf cart and talked.

He said you don’t get into a business like your grandfather and me. It cost your grandparent’s lives and my family’s also, so avoid it at all costs. I’ve never told your mother because she had already had difficulty dealing with her loss. And promise this stays between us and let her go on with life. But what happened was your grandfather sold me land in Torrance for a factory. Another group thought it gave me an unfair advantage here in the States. So, they killed your grandparents and my family at the same time but missed me. They paid the ultimate price for their mistake, but it didn’t bring anyone back, so if you do business, stay in the background, invisible.

He said enough depressing business talk. How’s your mom? I said good and to call her more if you could. Mom said you and her family were close growing up and missed your company now her dad is gone. She’s been dealing with theft and corruption at the club, kicking ass and taking numbers. It’s like a switch was turned on when I kicked Dad in the balls, and we left him and South Carolina. Mr. Tanicka was laughing and asked what had happened. I was at the golf course practicing and returned home to see Dad had backed Mom against the wall, threatening her. So, I kicked in the balls as hard as possible, and he fell to his knees and passed out. Since that day, Mom claims I have a magic foot, and Mr. Tanicka laughed hard. He promised to keep in touch and left, still laughing.

Mom wanted to know what happened, so I told her. They completed the deal on the course, and then I talked to Mr. Tanicka alone afterward. I told him about my magic foot and how we left Dad and South Carolina. He thought it was hilarious and promised to keep in touch. He was concerned about you, so expect more calls from your adopted daddy, and Mom laughed. Then I asked if there was any news yet on the film.

Mom said no, but we got an invitation to dinner from Sam Barton tomorrow night. Suit and tie affair, and we need to get you two more suits and a tux soon. Mom said we’re back on the dinner circuit, baby laughing. Dad, Mom, and I used to go to one or two a month before I got married. They are fun to go to and people-watch. I didn’t realize Sam Barton was the one arranging everything.

It was too late for lunch, so we snacked. Mom said we would get extra pants for the suits and tux, so if I had another growth spurt, we would use the longer pants and save replacing everything. Dad said Sam Barton was high up in the State Department and had connections everywhere. So, we will ask him for assistance expediting your passport sometime tomorrow night. Finally, Mom ran out of steam, and it was dinner time, so we ate the dinner she bought for me Friday night.

The Chinese food was good, reheated, and when we finished, we watched CNN. The pollsters were showing a closer race now in South Carolina. They explained that there were several factors involved. But the main one was no one believed the Governor’s excuse. Four women were too much to discount as a political stunt. The race was within a margin of error in the polls, so it was now a flip of the coin. I told mom if Dad won, it would be funny if a physical was required to take office, and we both laughed. We hugged goodnight and went to bed. I fell asleep right away, and the thumping began, then tingling all over my body, and the work continued being done, and then I went into a deep sleep. Subconsciously, I thought this must be a major adjustment, then nothing.

I awoke Saturday and went to the gym, sensing the area on my way. I exercised, practiced my huku using the heavy bag, did a light workout on the weight machine, and then did my yoga routine. When finished, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and protein drink, then drove the golf cart to the practice range. Today was practice only, so I got two buckets of balls and practiced, then returned home.

Mom was in full preparation mode. She had taken our clothes out of the plastic covers to air out and polished my bracelet and medallion for me. This dinner was important to her, so I went along for the ride and made no comments. When we ate lunch, Mom covered the proper manners of the formal setting. How to address men and women and if they had a title. Finally, I said ok, quit now, or I will stay home. I’ll be nice and polite to everyone but assholes and bitches. Steer me clear of those, and we will be fine. If you can’t, I’ll find a friendly-looking man or woman and say Excuse me, but I’m new here. Can you point out the assholes and bitches so I can avoid them? I’m sure they’ll help me if I smile and Mom laughs. It’s time to shower and get ready for dinner. Traffic will be heavy going so we needed to leave early.

We arrived at said OFM according to the sign out front, and a valet took the car. Then we went through security and into a reception area. I saw a young man take my picture as Sam Barton greeted us. I whispered to Mr. Barton, your aide with glass and a red tie, who just took my picture. He handed it to a young blond lady in a green dress. If you have some special reason for me to be here, stop her before she leaves and lock down your aide. Mr. Barton looked shocked but immediately took care of the situation. The male assistant and the woman were led into a side room. Mom left me and said to be good, so I looked around and saw a Japanese man and woman looking bored.

I headed that way, bowed, and introduced myself in Japanese. He was the Japanese ambassador, Mr. Aoki, and his wife. I told them I played golf with three of their countrymen, Mr. Tanicka, Mr. Yamamoto, and Mr. Kimura. Then I told them Mr. Tanicka was a long-time family friend, and I didn’t lose gracefully. I won but took it easy on them, winning by eight strokes, and they laughed. We chatted until dinner, then I rejoined Mom and sat with her during dinner. After dinner, Mr. Barton told Mom he would take me off her hands and give me a tour. She happily agreed, and we left through a side door.

Walking down the hallway, Mr. Barton asked how I knew. I told him the golf game raised my suspicions. The stories seemed rehearsed and didn’t fit the people telling them. One man was in the army, and another was a marine or in intelligence. The third was the giveaway because he hadn’t seen action on the ground. Maybe in the air, but he liked food too much to be combat solder. Mr. Barton laughed and said I was 100% right.

Then I told him what confirmed my suspicions was our chance meeting at the restaurant. Your eyes gave you away when Mom said I spoke ten languages. Then, on the way home, Mom said you worked for the State Department, and I knew something was happening. Your dinner invitation confirmed it. And the aid taking my picture and passing it on told me it was important enough to sell. Mr. Barton laughed again and led me into a room with two men sitting at a table.

We joined them, and Mr. Barton said TJ figured it out from the start. So, ask him and get it over with so we can get back to reception. They planned to use me as a courier when I traveled to tournaments here and abroad. They would train me for a week under an acting class cover so Mom would okay it. Then I would practice here at tournaments with low risk, then do a tour overseas. Mom and I would get diplomatic passports as a favor from Mr. Barton. If I was asked why I had one, it was because my father was a diplomat. I agreed but said to do everything to keep Mom from finding out, or they’ll be hell to pay. On returning to the reception, Mr. Barton gave me a card and said to call Monday to set up training. I told him I was shooting a commercial Monday for Lexus, so that it would be Tuesday.

Then, we joined Mrs. Barton and Mom. Mom asked about the tour, and I said it was interesting. Mom asked Mr. Barton for help getting us our passports, and he told her no problem. Then, he led us to the security office when we were ready to leave. They took our pictures, and Mr. Barton said our passports would be mailed to us in a week. We thanked him and said goodbye, and left. We talked about the party all the way home. Mom enjoyed herself tonight, hugged goodnight, and went to bed. I fell asleep right away, and the thumping began, then tingling all over my body, and the work continued being done, and then I went into a deep sleep.

I awoke, exercised, practiced my huku, sensed the area, grabbed my walking staff, and took off running my route, keeping a steady speed and stride. When I reached my turnaround point, I increased my pace on the way home. After stretching, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink, and then drove the golf cart to the practice range. I warmed up and then played a round by myself, hitting from the rough, sand traps and trees and shooting a two-over par. I was happy going home.