Fang Shway in LA (18 page)

Chapter 29

Traygen left, just after first light. I couldn’t believe how much I already missed him. I wandered aimlessly around the house, until I remembered I had some calls to make. I had just finished making the last of them when Tokem joined me.

“Has Traygen gone already?”

“Yes, he wants to tell his family about our engagement and begin the preparations.”

“I can’t say as I blame him. He’s waited a long
time for this day. Congratulations, Lauren. I’ve always known you two would eventually get it right.”

“Thank you, I think. I have some good news for you. I got front row tickets to tomorrow’s taping of the Price is Right.”

“Lauren, it wouldn’t
be nice to kid me about such a vitally important thing. It would be cruel, really, really cruel.”

“Lucky for you, I’m not kidding. I got the tickets this morning.”

“Be still my heart. Do you know how long I’ve waited to see Bob Barker? He’s my hero. I have all his shows on tape.”

“You know he’s retiring, don’t you? You will get to see one of the last shows he tapes.”

“Of course I know, I read Game Show Daily. It helps keep me up on all the latest news. Maybe, I can audition to replace him, if only I was taller. Just think of it, instead of Barker’s Beauties, there would be Tokem’s Trollope’s, catchy don’t you think?”

I rolled my eyes at him in response. “Perhaps, you should wait until after you get the job to make that suggestion.”

“You might have a point, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to watch reruns and prepare for tomorrow’s show. They won’t pick me but, I can coach you. It is all legal.”

“Right and while you do that I’m going to go into the office for a while. I’ll be back before dinner. We can order take out.”

“If Traygen hadn’t asked you first, I would have. You really know how to make me feel special. Drive safely, but make sure tonight’s dinner is on speed dial.”

Looking around the kitchen, I decided to clean up a little before I showered and went into work. The place was a mess but I could never keep a good housekeeper. It required too much explaining. I made short work of the kitchen and took a quick shower.

Xena liked to go to work with me. I got her leash and strapped her into the backseat. I eased into traffic, getting to my office a little after ten A.M. Jake was already hard at work.

“Hey Lauren, it is good to see you. How was the conference?” He asked, as he scratched Xena’s ears.

“It was not very exciting. How are things here?”

“Let me get these tickets out and I’ll give you the run down.”

“Take your time. I’m going to sort through my mail.”

I wasn’t sure how much Jake really knew. He’d
worked with me since I started the business seven years ago. We have never discussed my frequent absences. I just attribute them to conferences or seminars. He is kind enough not to probe. He may suspect I’m in rehab and wants to protect my anonymity. Now that was a scary thought.

The truth is he ran the place and I tried not to get in his way. I went through my mail and answered a few e-mails while I waited for Jake to finish up. It was nice to just sit and not worry for a change. The pace of the last assignment had been grueling. My injuries were healing slowly. However, my stamina wasn’t all the way back to normal. On the plus side, I was on the mend and engaged. I couldn’t ask for more.

I took Jake to lunch and we got caught up. He had been busy in my absence booking four tour groups and one reunion. We talked about some new places he thought we should add before we returned to the office. I finished reading my mail and answering e-mails. Then I headed home.
It was time to take Xena for her run.

When Xena and I returned from our run Tokem had caught up on his reruns and he was scrounging around the refrigerator for dinner. “How was your run?”

“It feels good to get out there again. My injuries are almost healed and I’m catching up on my sleep.”

“I figured as much, now that Traygen is out of town. Do you want to quiz me for tomorrow’s show? That way you can get some cramming in yourself. It won’t do any good for me to know the answers because you’re the one that might get called. I’d be too hard to explain.”

“Tokem, why don’t you let me get us something for dinner and then you can test me.”

“That works for me. How about Thai? You know I love those Thai noodles. What are they called?”

“Pad Thai, that sounds good to me. I’ll call it in. Do you want chicken or beef?”

“You know I can’t eat chicken. It would be like eating a relative. I can’t believe how insensitive people can be. Perhaps, I’ll call PETA on you. Beef or tofu for me.”

“Please accept my apology, Tokem. I’ll order some of both.” I called and placed our order. “They said twenty minutes. I’ll leave the money by the door, in case they come while I am cleaning up.”

Freshly showered and dressed, I emerged from my room just as the doorbell rang. My timing was impeccable, as usual. I handed the man the money and served our dinner. Tokem ate in relative silence, for a little guy he could sure eat.

Clearing away the plates and putting the leftovers away, I felt happy and full. I’d just stretched out in my chair when Tokem began lecturing me on the finer points of the Price is Right. By the time he was finished, I knew more about the show and Bob Barker than anyone needed to.

“You know there is no guarantee I’ll be chosen. This was probably a waste of time.”

“Lauren, I can’t allow you to speak like that.
A positive attitude is essential to our success. I’m going to turn in early, so I’m well rested for tomorrow’s show. I think you should consider doing the same.”

“Tokem, you little slave driver I’m not ready for bed. We don’t even have to leave for the show until ten A.M. I need to take care of some things but I promise to get a good night’s sleep.”

“Sleep well. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow for a review session.”

“If you dare wake me early, I’ll kill you,” I deadpanned.

“Don’t get yourself in an uproar. I’m just kidding. Good night.”

Flipping through my mail, I removed the bills and threw out the rest. After paying my bills, I decided to turn in early. The truth was I missed Traygen.

I heard Tokem before I saw him. He was trying to make me breakfast, I think. The blaring of the smoke detectors startled me.
My eyes flew open and my heart thumped wildly. I started to jump up and then I smelled it. There could be no doubt, it was burned toast. Tokem zipped into my room several seconds later.

“No worries, I just burned the toast. I’ll have the kitchen aired out in no time.” He sped from my room without a backwards glance.

I might as well get up and see what kind of mess, he’s made. Throwing on my robe, I looked at the clock, six o’clock. I’d kill him. Seriously, he was acting worse than a kid on Christmas Eve. By the time I shuffled into the kitchen he had the backdoor open and the vent fan on. He’d made me toast and juice. I just couldn’t be mad at him.

“I think, since I’m up early, I’d take Xena for her run. Then I’ll change and we can go to the studio a little bit early. We might even get Bob’s autograph.”

“Oh, Lauren, do you suppose you can get me his autograph? You know he is my hero. I mean right after you.”

“I think there is a good chance. It is worth a try. Thank you for making my breakfast that was very sweet of you.”

Tokem blushed, but didn’t say anything. It is hard to believe but I think he was at a loss for words. I finished my toast and took Xena for a brisk run. The morning was clear and there was a nice breeze coming off the water. It was definitely my idea of a perfect Southern California day.

Shortening my run, I showered and got changed. We would be ready to leave before ten
o’clock. Tokem was pacing back and forth by the kitchen door when I entered. I’d never seen him so dressed up.

“Don’t you look handsome? Are you ready to go?”

“Lauren, I’m so nervous. I’m not sure I can keep my breakfast down.”

“You’ll be just fine. I’ll turn up the air and you can blow cold air in your face.
Buckle up and let’s get this show on the road.” It didn’t take me long to get to the studio.
I parked and we headed toward the set. Tokem was tucked safely in my pocket. In theory any way, he kept peeking out trying to catch a glimpse of Bob Barker.

“Keep your head down will you. I don’t want to explain who you are to the ticket taker. I’ll let you know when I see Bob Barker.”

I approached the turnstile and handed the man my ticket. There weren’t many people there yet, so I took a seat in the third row. “You can look around now. I haven’t spotted Bob Barker. You can see the set and Barker’s Beauties.”

“Why didn’t you say so? You know I love those women almost as much as Bob. Wow, baby. They are hot. They can…”

“Tokem, I’m not interested in your fantasy life.”

“Sorry, I got excited. Oh my God, it’s him. Look. He’s coming in our direction. Don’t just sit there, Lauren. Get his autograph for crying out loud.”

“All right all ready, I am going. You don’t want me to run down the people in front of us do you? On second thought don’t answer that.” I got in line behind four or five people and waited for my turn.

“Are we there yet? How much longer before it is our turn?”

I had to put my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud.
Fortunately, the line was moving along without delay. When I got up to the front of the line I let Tokem know.

“Hello Bob, it is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been a fan for years.”

Bob glanced at my name tag in a practiced, easy manner. “Hello Lauren, thank you for coming. Would you like an autograph?”

“Yes, please make it out to Tokem which is T-O-K-E-M. Thank you, Bob. He is such a big fan of yours, thanks again.” I said, before returning to my seat.

Tokem popped up, eyeing the program that I had signed for him. I could almost swear there was a tear in his eye. “Lauren, this is the happiest day of my life. Thank you, I’m forever in your debt. Do you think we’ll get called?”

“The odds are not good but we’ll know soon enough. The place is filling up and the show is scheduled to begin in five minutes.”

Tokem was in his element, calling out prices and giving advice. I had to admit he knew his stuff. The show moved along and it didn’t look like I would hear my name called. The first showcase spin-off passed when I heard my name. Oh, my God. This wasn’t happening.

Tokem was so happy I was afraid he would jump out of my pocket. Our first bid was a dollar over. The next item up for a bid was a mobile sauna. I had no idea, but Tokem seemed confident. He whispered his bid and I relayed it to Bob. Time stood still, while the others bid and Bob read the actual price. We won, I’ll be darned.

I froze, unable to move. Tokem nearly fell from my pocket, which snapped me out of it. I don’t remember walking to the stage, but I’ve seen the replay. Bob graciously welcomed me and explained the game. Unfortunately, for Tokem it was one he couldn’t help me with. It was the putting game and I stink at golf. Needless to say I didn’t win. However, we were still in the spin-off.

I spun first and landed on ninety
cents. I held and then held my breath until the last person spun the dial. Their first spin was thirty cents and their second was seventy-five
cents. We were in the final showcase showdown. I only hoped my opponent and Bob Barker assumed the jostling in my pocket was my racing heart.

Tokem needed to marshal all his years of experience. I couldn’t help. Truth be told, I was too scared to concentrate. The first contestant passed and gave me the first showcase to bid on. We did get one lucky break. One of the prizes was a trip for two to Paris. I’d nail that. Unfortunately, Tokem was on his own for the remaining items, which included a car, a pair of his and her motorcycles and a boat.

Tokem whispered his bid, not including the trip and I told Bob twenty thousand. My mind blanked from that point on, I can’t even remember what the other showcase was. Then we had to endure a commercial, before Bob read the actual prices for both. Our bid was two thousand less than the actual price. I was
so afraid I held my breath. Our opponent was over by five hundred dollars
we’d won.

I can’t be certain, but in all the excitement I think Tokem kissed Bob and several of the Beauties. Whatever, he’d
earned it. I doubted he could use any of the items and my tax man would have a stroke. This was Tokem’s day and I could use a new car. Mine was destroyed in the collision with Azif’s house.

It took me a long
time to get Tokem out of the studio and into the car. His excitement wound him up tighter than a top. When he didn’t want to eat, I knew he’d
lost it. Finally, he talked himself out and went to sleep and I tucked him in. Tiptoeing away, I went to my office to print a picture for him. I’d had someone take my picture with Bob and if I looked closely I could see the top of Tokem’s head peeking out from my pocket. Editing the picture was a labor of love. I needed to crop, rotate and zoom in on Tokem’s head. The picture looked like Tokem had gotten the autograph himself. I left the picture and the autographed program by his pillow. Then I put myself to bed.