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Dino finished shaving his face and splashed on a little aftershave. He couldn’t stop smiling, feeling better than he had in months. Like a kid with a crush on the prettiest girl in school, Dino was walking on air. Today, Lindsay and he were spending the day together. Dino was almost lightheaded with anticipation. She brought out the happiness he chose to bury and chased away the guilt of his past.
Dino changed his shirt three times before deciding on the right one. It was important to look his best. He grabbed his sports jacket, straightened it, and gave himself the once over again in the mirror. Looks good. Dino raked his wayward bangs, revealing his thick brows and azure eyes. His hair was too unruly to stay put. Hm-m-m. Miss Julia’s right. I do need a haircut.
In his sweatpants, ragged t-shirt and bare feet, Hank stumbled around the kitchen trying to make breakfast. Finally finished with his primping, Dino entered the kitchen humming a light-hearted tune. A suspicious look crossed Hank’s face as he watched his friend grab a cup of coffee. Dino looked too good for a day helping around the shelter. It was easy to see his plans were somewhere else.
“What are you so happy about? And why so dressed up?” Hank asked, dishing some eggs onto his plate. He tried to give Dino some, but he stopped him.
“None for me, Hank. I ate breakfast last night after the show. But I never turned down bacon.”
“You don’t usually do that,” Hank said setting down a plate of bacon. “And why so cheerful? Did you hit the jackpot on the slots or something?”
Dino’s smile held back a secret. “Nothing Hank. Just glad to be alive.”
Hank joined him at the table with his coffee. He eyed Dino a little more. “No way. Do you think I don’t know the signs? You’ve got a woman on your mind, haven’t you?”
Dino smirked, took a gulp of coffee, and answered him. “So, what if I have?”
A hearty laugh leaped out of Hank’s lungs. “Ah, ha! I knew it. I thought I heard you come in later than usual. I bet that breakfast was with her. Who is she?”
Dino shoved a strip of bacon into his mouth to avoid the answer. Hank wasn’t going to let that stop him.
“C’mon, man, Tell me. You’ve got a date with her today, don’t you? Why else would you take so long getting all spiffy and shiny like a new car.”
Dino wiped his mouth and downed the last drop of his coffee. As he got another cup, he answered Hank.
“It’s a work date, that’s all. She got me a gig with this big fundraising party for the rich crowd, the Randolph Foundation. Ever heard of them?”
Hank leaned back in his chair; eyes wide. “Heard of them? Are you kidding? Julia Randolph Graham is old money. Her father Timothy Randolph owns half of Vegas and the land it sits on. That’ll all be hers one day. I know her husband Martin Graham is on the city council. Rumor is he wants to be governor. You got a job with them? How did you manage to do that?”
“Well, it’s sort of a weird story.”
Hank swallowed a bite of eggs with toast. “I like weird. Go on.”
“I met her when I was playing that little beach bar in Florida. She and I were even on the same plane. What’s weird is we just kept running into each other. I gave her my card and invited her to hear me sing at Caesars and I’d buy her a glass of wine.”
“So, she came to see you last night?” Hank asked anxiously.
“Yeah, but she brought her boss, Julia Graham. Everyone calls her Miss Julia.” Dino explained. “And that’s when I got the job.”
“That’s terrific! You could use exposure to the rich crowd. I hear those big wing-dings are really something.” Hank grabbed some more coffee. “Tell me more.”
“Not much more to tell. We’re spending the day together. Check out the musicians I’ll be working with, get fitted for a tux, haircut too, I guess. Later I’m going to dinner at Miss Julia’s house. Not bad, huh?”
“About time and yes, you need a haircut.” Hank said and rubbed Dino’s head making him smile. “I think God put you two together. She sounds just like what the doctor needed.”
“Maybe but I don’t care how it happened. I’m just glad it did.”
“That’s awesome! I told you Las Vegas is a city of second chances. What’s her name?”
Dreamy eyed, Dino spoke of the girl he was falling for. “Lindsay... Lindsay York. She’s Miss Julia’s assistant.”
Hank chuckled. “You like her, don’t you? Don’t deny it.”
Intentionally ignoring Hank, Dino finished eating and put his dish in the sink without a word. He leaned back against the counter. It was clear he was thinking of Lindsay. Dino’s smile was beaming. Hank hadn’t seen him look so happy since he arrived in Las Vegas.
“Yeah, I do like her, Hank. It’s funny but I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this. I mean, I’ve had my share of girlfriends, even lived with a couple here and there, but Lindsay has got something. I know we just met a few days ago, but dang it, Hank I just feel different this time.”
Hank’s heart lightened to see his friend so happy. He leaned back and crossed his thick arms over his chest. “Did you kiss her yet?”
Dino’s face wore a shy grin. “Yeah, I couldn’t help myself. If you saw her, you’d understand why. She’s really sweet, smart and...” his voice trailed off.
“And?” Hank arched an eyebrow.
Dino chuckled, a little more embarrassed as he described Lindsay. “And beautiful with long brown hair, this cute little nose and curves in all the right places. I can’t stop thinking about her. I know it’s crazy, but I feel so good when I’m around her. The bad stuff in my life fades away and all I see is her adorable smile. I think she feels the same way, but who knows, I could be reading more into this than is really there.”
Hank rose and gave Dino an unexpected bear hug. “I’m so happy for you, kid!”
Dino pushed his friend away. “Jeezze, you’re such an old softy. Don’t get so carried away, Hank. This isn’t a date today, it’s business.”
“Uh huh, sure it is. Just business, right. That’s why you’re as jumpy as a cat,” Hank teased.
Dino laughed and put on a smug grin. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. I don’t want to rush anything. If it’s meant to be then I’m taking it nice and easy.”
“Good idea. So, is she coming to get you?”
“Well, no. I told her to meet me at the church. I wanted to show her where we’re going to put the clinic. But more than that, I wanted her to meet you and Mark. I value your opinions. I don’t need to make any more mistakes in my life.”
“Sounds like a good plan. I’d love to meet her.”
Hank woofed down the rest of his food, then headed for his bedroom.
“Hey, where are you going?” Dino asked.
Hank shouted orders over his shoulder. “I cooked. You clean up. I gotta look presentable if I’m going to meet a fine lady like that.”
Dino laughed as he cleared away the dishes. “Will do. And don’t forget to shave. I don’t want your ugly face to scare her away.”