"How's the deal going?" I asked.
His gaiety suddenly vanished. "It almost went through," he said. "But someone pulled out at the last minute... again."
"Oh well," I tried. "Maybe there's someone else who could help."
No response.
"Wouldn't it be great," I continued, "to have the Centre across the street from UCSD? Parking sure wouldn't be a problem anymore. And picture a meditation room overlooking the ocean—a meditation room large enough to hold everyone."
He nodded.
"Imagine Guru coming to San Diego and visiting us at the new Centre!"
"That would be nice," he admitted.
"Remember Richard," I added, working in a quote from Atmananda, "whatever you really want you will get."
"You're right," he said resolutely. "I'll just keep trying."