On the Idol Stage

Ian and Linda arrived in the van, shortly after Xiang Ling, Mike, and Danielle arrived in Mike's car.

"What's the deal with our costumes, you want us to wander round the expo cosplaying to drum up interest, right?"

"Yes. I wanted to enter us in the cosplay competition too, but we aren't eligible to enter," Danielle replied.

"Oh, how come?"

"Apart from some alterations I made, our costumes are all ready made. A certain percentage has to be hand made to qualify for entry."

"That's a shame."

"Not really, we would have had to hang around for the judging and result announcement. Unfortunately we can't use the cosplay change rooms. I think we can't use the Starlight Stage greenroom until just before our slot either. I figured we can just change in the van after we unload the gear."

"Fair enough."

"You're going to be under the hammer today, Ian. Our 30 minute slot includes set up and pack up time." Mike announced.

"It's okay, I've got a strategy worked out. We're using our own mixer and PA this time and we can pre-connect a lot of stuff. I've also got these." Ian waved some wireless audio sender / receivers under Mikes nose.

"Ah, I didn't think to get any of those."

"We won't need any leads between the GT-1000, GR-55, iPad audio interfaces and the mixer. Leave it to me, go enjoy the expo."

"Everyone grab these." Danielle passed out the performer passes. "Also here are your entry tickets. We have to have tickets even though we are performing."

"We had to pay?" Linda queried.

"Yeah, I'll sort it out later when we get our fee for Rock Night."

Ian wheeled away the gear laden trolley.

"Okay let's get everyone dressed. I'll start with Mike, then he can wait outside and then we can all dress together to save time, the van is roomy enough."

Mike was ejected from the van in his Tina outfit, while the women dressed and did their makeup. Some Animaga attendees called out to Mike as they passed, "Who are you cosplaying as?"

"Tina from Rock Is a Lady's Modesty," Mike replied.

"Oh, you are cross playing, how brave. You look very convincing."

Xiang Ling emerged from the van first, as she wasn't wearing any makeup.

"I see you have been attracting interest, Mike." Xiang Ling was amused.

Another group rubber necked as they passed by.

"I'm glad you are out here with me now, I was getting a bit uncomfortable with all attention."

Danielle and Linda exited the van.

"What's all the hubbub?" Danielle asked.

"Mike has attracted a following." Xiang Ling laughed.

"I see. Let's get moving and meet Ian. I want to get my bass as a cosplay prop. Linda, I'd like you to carry your guitar too. I know it's a bit awkward but we need to act the part."

"No problem, the Strandberg is light and compact. It won't be an issue. I feel sorry for you having to lug that heavy bass around."

"Xiang Ling, just grab some drumsticks. Mike can't really lug a keyboard around."

"Lucky me."

"I'll just go over the rules of engagement. If someone politely asks for a photograph, please pose for them. If they want a photo with you, please pose with them. If they get handsy, report them to Animaga staff straight away. Make sure to tell anyone who wants a pic, about our show."

"Are we going to go around as a group?" Mike asked.

"We'll hang together for a while, then we can go our separate ways."

"I feel like I'll need a bodyguard," Mike complained.

They joined the entry queue.

***

The crowd was really building fast. Ian was located by a storeroom adjacent to the Starlight Stage.

"Everything good, Ian?" Mike asked.

"Yes, the staff will help carry the PA. We should be able to get set up quickly."

"We're going to grab Danielle's bass and Linda's guitar for cosplay props."

"I'll show you where our gear is then."

Linda and Danielle fetched their instruments from the storeroom.

"Let's just do a quick circuit of the venue, stopping for photo ops as required. We can grab morning tea at the maid cafe, then go back to look at the exhibits caught our eye, separately," Danielle suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Mike agreed.

"Wow, there are literally hundreds of exhibitors!" Linda exclaimed.

"So what are you looking for, Mike? Raunchy Dojinshi of your favourite series?" Danielle smirked.

"Not really, I don't collect paper books these days. I prefer e-books and webzines."

"I wonder if I'll still enjoy Yuri manga these days?"

"You're sure to find some here."

The group had not gone unnoticed. A photographer approached them and asked for a posed photo.

"A group photo? Sure, no problem," Danielle responded. They huddled together with the taller Mike at the back. "Come on Linda, give them some service."

"Service?"

"Fan service. Flaunt your cleavage or something. Sexy pose."

"Oh."

Linda bent forward and pushed her chest out.

"That's great!" the photographer exclaimed.

"Let's move along, we're blocking the way," Mike prompted.

"Shush Mike, you'll spoil the illusion if you speak."

Other photographers noticed them and a small gaggle was forming around the band as they moved to the next area. An Animaga staff member came over and had a quiet word with Danielle.

"We're not supposed to pose for photographs here, we have to go to the cosplay area for that."

"Ah, makes sense. Let's quickly finish looking around and then head there."

"Seen anything you like yet, Mike?" Xiang Ling asked.

"I saw a vendor with some Blu-Rays. I'd like to get some Bang Dream movies for my collection, so I'll check them out later. I guess you could translate and subtitle them for me if I can only get Japanese domestic versions?"

"Sounds like a lot of work. I'm not sure I should volunteer for that."

"Just an idea."

"Is there any merchandise you are interested in, models or plushies?"

"I don't really collect them."

"Looks like they have some MyGO!!!!! stuff over there. We could all get a plushy each."

"I didn't think you'd be into cute stuff, Xiang Ling." Danielle was surprised. "Which one do you think each of us should get?"

"I just think it would be nice for each of us to have a memento of today. I'd go by personality rather than instrument played. Linda should get Soyo. I'll take Anon. You should have Taki, Danielle. I think Mike is more like Tomori than Rana. Ai-chan can have Rana."

"Are you trying to pick a fight, Xiang Ling?" Linda complained. "Soyo was so toxic."

"But she achieved redemption, Don't forget that. Anon forgave her."

"Okay let's get them then."

They continued exploring the expo. They paused longest at the fan art gallery, admiring all the creative efforts. Xiang Ling bought a fan art of Anon.

"Okay, last stop the cosplay area," Danielle announced.

"Are we even supposed to be here, since we aren't in the competition?" Mike objected.

"It's fine, there is a cosplay photo booth where you can get photographed by famous cosplay photographers."

A small pack of photographers, who had been tailing them around the expo taking surreptitious photos, caught up with them and requested some posed shots. The crowd around them quickly grew. Shutters started snapping and they were inundated with calls to look this way and that.

"Let's strike some different poses to keep their interest up," Danielle suggested. "You know what to do, Linda, Xiang Ling. Work it. You too, Mike."

Danielle eyed a fast approaching staff member. "I think our crowd has got too large. Let's wind it up."

"That's all for now. Thank you." Danielle announced. "Don't forget you can see us perform on the Starlight Stage at 2P.M. today."

"Let's hit up the maid cafe before it gets busy for lunch."

They managed to secure a table for four. Danielle was smitten with the maid serving their table and attempted to get her contact details.

"Isn't she a bit young for you, Danielle?" Mike remonstrated.

"No harm in asking."

The maid returned with their orders and went through the whole moe moe kyun routine, making finger hearts over their drinks. Danielle paid for a photo with the maid.

"We still have a bit of time to kill, what are we all planning to do?" Linda asked.

"I'm going to look at the Yuri dojinshi, to see if anything takes my fancy," Danielle responded.

"I'm going to look for Bandori and Girls Band Cry Blu-Rays."

"Can I come with you, Danielle?" Xiang Ling asked. "I want to ask you about something."

"Sure. Maybe you'll find something you like too."

"Do you mind if I tag along, Mike? I'm embarrassed to be wandering around by myself looking like this," Linda asked.

"No problem let's go around together. You with your stupidly large hair and me with my stupidly large boobs. We can be embarrassed together."

"Okay Otoha, you're with me. Try and stay out of trouble, Lilisa and Tina."

"Hai, hai," Mike quipped.

Mike and Linda left for the Blu-Ray vendor.

"What did you want to ask about, Xiang Ling?"

"I want to get a gift for Mike. Do you have any suggestions. Matching accessories or something?"

Danielle chuckled. "You mean a manga date appropriate gift?"

"I'm not really as up on this Otaku stuff as you."

"Seriously, I'm no expert. The girl I wanted to date in high school was the real otaku. How about matching Animaga mascot keychains or something. At least that commemorates the event."

"That sounds fine, I'm getting a car soon, so I'll need a keychain."

***

Mike and Linda arrived at the anime disc vendor section.

"Are you enjoying the expo, Linda?"

"Ah, it's not really my thing. I'm getting a bit tired lugging my guitar around too."

"Oh, sorry. I guess it's more interesting for us three. Xiang Ling hasn't gotten out much, so every outing is novel for her. Danielle has a passing interest in manga. I don't really care for the crowds much myself."

"Well, I need to take an interest considering our bands genre. So it's okay."

"We won't be doing anime covers forever. We're going to start pushing our own songs soon."

"Do you think we'll get popular?"

"Nah, you're wasting your time." Mike joked.

"Don't say that. We haven't talked alone like this since we went guitar shopping. I know I messed up reacting to Xiang Ling's revelation like I did. Can you give me another chance?"

"What do you mean? Xiang Ling forgave you. Your position in the band is secure."

"I like you. Will you consider going out with me?"

"Sorry. I can't. I still owe Xiang Ling a proper answer. Danielle will explode if we dated. The band would self destruct. I'm not holding a grudge against you or anything. It's just not the right thing for either of us at this point in time."

"I see. Shot down again. Thank you for being direct and honest with me."

"I'll just take a quick look and see if they have the discs I'm after."

Mike returned with a bag of Blu-Rays. "I got the two Roselia movies, MyGO!!!!!, and Girls Band Cry. I kept trying to find them on eBay, but they were always stupidly expensive. I don't know why they are so cheap here. They look legit."

"So the day hasn't been a total waste for you then?"

"We've been promoting the band and we have another performance. Hardy a waste of time. Let's get back to Ian and get ready to go on."

***

The area around the Starlight Stage was jam packed with the audience.

"Looks like our cosplay got some attention," Danielle observed.

"I haven't seen any of the other acts pull a crowd like this." Mike expressed surprise.

Animaga staff were telling people to move on and stop blocking the throughways.

Ian and the staff had got everything set up. Linda and Danielle just had to plug in their instruments and don their headset microphones. Xiang Ling and Mike put their headsets on too. The band commenced a quick soundcheck and they were ready to go.

"Hello we are Girlfriend In Your Luggage. We are so glad to see so many of you here to watch our performance. Today we are performing as Rock Lady." Xiang Ling counted them in.

Linda performed the guitar solo with gusto. She was improving each time she played. At the conclusion of the song, as the applause died down, Xiang Ling quickly introduced the band members.

"Thank you very much. Let me introduce our members. As Lilisa, on guitar, Linda. As Tina, on keyboards, Mike. As Takami, on bass, Danielle."

"As Otoha, on Drums and MIDI guitar, Xiang Ling." Linda added.

"Also as Otoha, on Drums, Ai-chan." Xiang Ling completed the introductions.

Ai-chan climbed out of her flight case and took Xiang Ling's place on the drums. There wasn't time to do the Ai-chan locked in the flight case gag today.

"'If In August', Poppin' Party." Xiang Ling called out the next song.

Xiang Ling and Linda had the audience entranced with their tight harmonies. As the song concluded, Danielle moved to the front of the stage, ready for 'Returns'.

"'Returns' by Poppin' Party," Danielle announced.

Danielle was in fine form today. Her powerful voice fully carried the emotion of the song to the audience, as Linda, Xiang Ling and Ai-chan filled out the song with their interwoven harmonies. Hardcore otakus in the front row, were performing wotagei with their KingBlade penlights. At the end of the song many in the audience could been seen wiping tears from their eyes.

"We have one more song for you today. 'Haruhikage', by CRYCHICK as performed by MyGO!!!!!."

Linda and Xiang Ling resumed the front centre of the stage. As the haunting guitar chords rang out and Xiang Ling's vocal commenced, the audience, still in the grip of the slightly melancholy mood of ‘Returns', seemed to be deeply moved.

"Linda, why did you play Haruhikage?" Xiang Ling asked.

"Because I wanted to piss off Sakiko," Linda answered.

The audience laughed nervously, the tension broken.

"That's all for today. I hope to see you all again someday at one of our live shows." Xiang Ling signed off.

"Let's move it and get all our gear cleared off the stage." Mike directed.

Ian and the Animaga staff moved in to assist.

"Great show!" Ian exclaimed.

"Yes, I think it went very well. We pulled in a huge audience for the Starlight Stage," Mike responded.

The gear was quickly packed into the flight cases, including Ai-chan. They loaded up the trolley and headed for the van.

"Are we all done here for today?" Mike asked.

"I'm just about done in." Linda complained. "I've been on my feet all day."

"I've seen enough," Danielle confirmed.

"Let's go straight home," Xiang Ling agreed.

They arrived at the van. Ian started to load the gear in.

"Hold up a second, Ian." Danielle interrupted. "We want to get changed. Can you wait a minute?"

"Sure, no worries." Ian removed the case he had already loaded.

The women climbed into the van and shut the door.

"You must be dying to get out of that gear too, Mike," Ian joked.

"Yeah, I'm sweating like a pig under these tits."

Linda emerged from the van first.

"I'm glad to get that stupid wig off!" Linda exclaimed.

"Do you want a hand, Mike?" Danielle called out from the van. "There's a trick to getting those boobs off without ripping your skin off in the process."

Mike climbed into the van and pulled the door shut behind him. He removed his wig and the hairnet.

"I'll get the fastener." Danielle unzipped Mike's top.

Mike undid the skirt, let it drop to the van floor and stepped out of it.

"Okay, now those boobs." Danielle gently teased a small section up and started rolling the prosthesis up. "The trick is not to randomly pull upwards. You have to pull at right angles to the skin."

Sweat trickled out of the fake breasts as the seal was broken. Danielle gently placed her palm on Mike's naked chest. "You know, this situation is really turning me on."

"Why am I not surprised. The others are just outside. You're not going to do anything."

Danielle removed her hand. "It's a pity."

Mike put his clothes back on. They emerged from the van together.

"Let's get the gear loaded and get out of here."

"I'll go back with, Ian," Linda called out.

"See you back at my place."

Mike and Danielle walked with Xiang Ling to Mike's car. Xiang Ling got in the drivers seat, Mike sat beside her and Danielle took the rear seat.

"It must be nice to have a robot chauffeur now, Mike."

"That's not funny Danielle. Xiang Ling still needs to practice driving in spite of her capabilities."

"I'm driving because I want to, Danielle. I'm glad Mike trusts me with his car."

"Sorry, I guess I'm feeling a bit jealous."

"Do you think something is going on with Linda and Ian?" Xiang Ling changed the topic.

"Ian is definitely interested in Linda," said Mike.

"You should tell her that," Danielle suggested. "It's easier to make a move if you know for sure that the other party is interested. Maybe she'll stop pestering you, Mike."

"I think it could work out for both of them," Mike agreed.

***

"Is something up? You look rather gloomy for someone who has just had a successful gig." Ian cast Linda a concerned look.

"Ah, it's nothing really," Linda replied. "Mike just froze me out again."

"Oh, I can't really do anything about that. Mike's just being Mike. Seems to me you have some hot competition too. Xiang Ling of course, but it was a surprise to me that Danielle is bi. Everyone at work thought she was a Lesbian."

"Tell me about it. Danielle seems to be flirting with him every chance she gets. Xiang Ling worries me too, they just seem too comfortable together. They never do anything in public but still, she's staying at Mike's house."

"She isn't planning on getting her own place?"

"Apparently not."

"Mike's not the only guy out there. Maybe it's time to cut your losses?"

"The band situation makes it a bit awkward."

"You can just quit the band."

"I don't want to be the sort of person that lets everyone down. I guess that at this point I'm just being prideful. I'm not used to being rejected."

"What about me then? Let's go out on a date."

"You have some serious question marks. Why are you still single, why can't you keep a girlfriend?"

"I explained, I think it's because of my job."

"Hmm?"

"Or maybe I'm just boring."

"I could sense you were interested in me."

"I got the feeling you were just being nice to pump me for info on Mike."

"Sorry."

"Let's start this again. Would you like to have dinner with me next Saturday?"

"I'd be delighted, if it doesn't clash with band activities."

"That goes without saying. I'll give you a call during the week to organise it."

***

Ian backed the van up into Mike's garage. Mike came down to give him a hand.

"You can go in Linda, Ian and I can handle unloading."

Linda went upstairs to the living room.

"I've scored a date with Linda next Saturday."

"Congratulations!"

"So don't schedule any band stuff then okay?"

"I'll keep it in mind."

Linda found Xiang Ling in the living room on the sofa.

"Where's Danielle?" Asked Linda.

"She's in the bathroom, she wanted to get her makeup off and have a shower."

"Good idea, I think I'll follow her."

"No need to wait, you can use the studio bathroom."

"What's the plan now, is Danielle hanging around or are we just going home?"

"Mike would like to have a quick debrief at least. I think he was planning to invite you all to dinner, Ian included. We bought extra food last time we went shopping."

"I'm up for it. I'd have to cook something if I go home."

Ian and Mike appeared from downstairs.

"Will you stay for dinner, Linda?" Mike enquired.

"I was just talking to Xiang Ling about that, yes I will, thank you."

Danielle emerged from the bathroom.

"I guess I don't really have to ask you if you want to stay for dinner, Danielle?"

"Try and stop me." Danielle grinned.

"Do you mind if have a shower too, Mike?" Linda asked.

"No problem, I'll get you a towel."

Mike and Linda headed to the bathroom.

"I assume you're staying for dinner too, Ian?" Xiang Ling asked.

"Since Linda is staying, why not."

"You're welcome to take a shower down in the studio bathroom if you want to freshen up." Xiang Ling offered.

"Oh ho, ho, so it only matters to you if Linda is staying?" Danielle observed.

"Slip of the tongue. I meant I may as well, since everyone is staying. I'll take you up on the offer of a shower, Xiang Ling."

"The towels down there are fresh, so just go ahead."

Mike returned to the living room.

"You might like to get that makeup off, Mike, even though it looks good on you."

"Oh. What do you remove it with?"

"An ordinary wet wipe will get it off. Soap doesn't make much of an impression on it," Danielle instructed.

"I'll clean up in the laundry, I don't want a shower right now."

"Did you catch Ian's slip, Xiang Ling?"

"Yes I noticed. I can't say I'm surprised. They were travelling in the van together, after all."

Everyone congregated in the living room after cleaning up.

"Let's have our gig debrief now and get it out of the way, then I'll put dinner on," Mike announced. "I was very happy with everyone's performances. I can't really see anything that had room for improvement."

"I think we should work to have less knife attacks in future." Danielle made a smart arse comment.

"It wasn't my fault and the guy will be in gaol for a long time," Linda complained.

"I think everyone handled that well. It had minimum impact on our performance. The audience was sympathetic. How is your Z-tar, Xiang Ling?"

"The damage is more than just the strings, some of the sensors are damaged too. It will have to go back to Starr Labs for repair. I can't source the components locally."

"We should order you a spare at the same time."

"Yes, I'll do that. Short term, I will try an Aeroband Guitar, as a backup for the YouRock Guitar."

"It's a pity, the light up frets were really striking."

"We need to think more about stage lighting in general." Mike mused.

"I can do it, but I can't really run the desk at the same time," Ian explained.

"What about stage costumes?" Danielle suggested.

"I'm not going to cosplay at every concert." Linda grimaced.

"I'm not planning on that either," Mike concurred. "We need to develop our own look."

"I can sketch some design proposals," Danielle offered.

"I didn't know you were so into clothes, Danielle." Linda was surprised.

"I wasted a lot of my high school youth helping make cosplay costumes, the things you do for love huh?"

"Next we're going to record and release some of our own songs. We'll be promoting them hard on social media. Hopefully we can leverage any social media buzz from our recent live shows to boost our reach," Mike stated.

"Depending on the results, we'll aim to book a solo show at a large venue. We'll have to carry the cost of it ourselves. So it's a risk. Trying to run before we can walk," Danielle added.

"So are you planning to hold back money from our performance fees to finance the next gig?" Linda asked.

"No, Mike, Xiang Ling and I will bear the cost on this occasion. You'll get your full share. We all know you are a professional musician and you can't really afford to be pissing about with Mike's vanity project."

"It feels like I'm getting special treatment."

"It's just a hobby for Mike and myself. We have a lot more financial resources than you do. If the band starts making any serious money, of course we will fund band activities from band income."

"Does anyone have anything to add? I'm getting hungry." Mike's stomach rumbled.

"I'd just like to thank Xiang Ling again, for saving me," Linda spoke up. "I'm lucky to have such a capable band mate."

"I think we can all agree on that." Danielle nodded. "So what gastronomic delight do you have planned for us tonight?"

"Oh, nothing special, something quick and easy."

Xiang Ling moved to help Mike in the kitchen. Mike put out some bowls of snacks and glasses. "Help yourself to some nibbles. Water is on the house."

"No booze tonight?" Linda queried.

"It's a dry house tonight. I don't really want everyone drinking too much and sleeping over again."

"Fair point. Our behaviour hasn't been ideal on past occasions."

Xiang Ling donned her kitchen gloves and commenced peeling potatoes. Mike measured out some spices and fetched a large saucepan from the cupboard.

Once Xiang Ling had made sufficient progress slicing the potatoes into thin strips, Mike started heating some oil in the saucepan. Mike tipped in the mustard and kalonji seeds and they started popping vigorously in the hot oil.

"I'll never work out how you make such tasty food, so fast, with so few ingredients," Danielle commented.

Mike added the potato strips and fried them for a few minutes. He then added turmeric, chilli, some water and placed a lid on the saucepan, leaving it to simmer. Meanwhile, Xiang Ling had chopped up some sweet potato and measured out some frozen peas into a bowl. Mike placed the sweet potato in a steamer and commenced cooking it.

"Let's sit up at the table, it will be ready in a few minutes."

Linda sat next to Ian. Danielle sat next to Xiang Ling. Mike sat at the head of the table.

A kitchen timer went off and Mike got up, added the peas to the steamer and gave the potatoes a stir.

"Mike's house is just so comfortable, we're spoilt. We get meals like this on the regular before band practice, Ian," Linda confessed.

"You never cook for me when I visit," Ian complained.

"You're not pretty enough to bother with." Mike joked.

"So that's how it is."

"You're getting fed now, stop complaining."

Mike plated up the food. Xiang Ling rose and carried some of the plates to the table.

Ian notice Xiang Ling didn't have a plate.

"You're not eating, Xiang Ling?" Ian queried.

"No, I have special dietary requirements for a medical condition. I had some food on the way home and I'll have some more later this evening."

"Oh, I'm sorry for being nosy."

"Don't be, I'm sorry for making you feel awkward. It's a real nuisance for me in social situations."

"This is good." Danielle commented between mouthfuls. "What is it called?"

"Indian Dry Potatoes."

"How do you think the band is coming along, Ian?" Linda asked.

"Your live performance is very polished. I think you all mesh well musically. The crowd energy at the Anime Music festival was phenomenal."

"Do you think we can be successful?"

"I think you're a little bit niche to have huge commercial success, but your j-rock anime tune niche is getting bigger. It's very popular these days."

"When is the next band practice Mike?"

"I think we can give it a break for a bit while Xiang Ling and I work on some new songs. How does Friday sound?"

"That sounds good."

"I should have some news about our remuneration for the gig on Monday. I'll be in touch with everyone," Danielle informed them.

"Thanks for the meal, Mike. I'll get going now." Ian stood up.

"Yeah I wasn't planning on keeping everyone long. I need to get some rest myself."

"With no booze it's not much of an after party, I think I'll get going too." Linda followed Ian.

"Seems like the party is over. I'll talk to you on Monday Mike." Danielle left the table. "No need to see us out, we know the way by now."

"See you all on Friday." Mike started clearing the table.

***

Mike was working in the studio when Danielle called.

"Hi Mike. I've got the money from Animaga. It's pretty generous, about twice what we made on the Anime Music Festival, even deducting Ian's wages and the admission tickets."

"That's great! I guess it was a larger venue and they filled the house."

"Yes, but they had larger overheads for venue hire."

"Linda will be chuffed, she's made some reasonable income from these two gigs. Almost worth her while being in the band."

"Unfortunately there isn't an anime event every week."

"How is the social media looking?"

"Views and subscribers are climbing steadily. I'll be putting more concert footage up. I've got some good photos from Animaga. Unfortunately Ian couldn't film much for us this time. It would be good if we could get more original songs out there."

"Xiang Ling and I should be finishing a couple this week."

"It might help us if we pay YouTube for promotion. How do you feel about that?"

"Whatever it takes."

"Good, I'm glad you're being pragmatic about this."

"Strangely enough, I feel I need to make this a success for Linda's sake."

"I just want the fame, I've already got the fortune."

"If I've gone to the trouble of making something I want it to be heard."

"I'll let you go. I'll give Linda a call now."

"Bye."