| |
The majestic rotunda ballroom with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic golf course views was the perfect setting for this social event of the year. Mingling among the crowd at the party, a senior woman, otherwise known as Adrian, stopped to listen to Dino performing. Along with the quartet of musicians, Dino was a hit. People, mostly women, crowded around his piano, smiling, chatting and enjoying the good-looking crooner. He made each lady, old or young, feel special.
Lindsay was watching from a distance. She was proud of Dino, delighted Miss Julia’s friends approved. Preston was busy tagging along with his father as they worked the room of celebrities, investors and entrepreneurs. He left Lindsay alone, which didn’t bother her at all. She came with him because Preston wanted to impress his father. This so-called date was a commitment she made to Preston before they broke up. Lindsay kept it because she was just that kind of person.
Lindsay warned Dino she would be with Preston, but not to take it the wrong way. Dino hoped it didn’t mean anything to her. What they had shared lately was creating a deep bond between them, and they both wanted it to develop into more than friendship. But she was not his girlfriend and Dino knew he had no right to be jealous. Anyway, he was trying not to be. Dino said he understood but he didn’t have to like it.
Jonas Beckett may have been a lying, thieving and ruthless businessman, but he wanted respectability. Lindsay gave that to his son. She was a class-act woman he hoped Preston would settle down with and not a flashy gold-digger. Lindsay would make an obedient wife and give Jonas grandchildren, heirs to his legacy.
Dino spotted Lindsay watching him and gave her his bright smile, mouthing the words “you look beautiful.” With a flirtatious wink, he made her laugh. She replied by blowing him a kiss. Dino caught the air kiss and pretended to put it in his pocket. Anyone who might have seen the two people would swear they were lovers.
One person/angel did. The senior woman/Adrian witnessed the tender moment and sighed. How sweet. Sitting on the couch beside the young woman, the angel in disguise struck up a conversation.
“My, my that young man is an exceptional singer. Such a smooth voice and handsome face. I love those jazz songs too. Don’t you, my dear?”
“Yes, I do. Dino is an amazing entertainer. He loves making the audience happy. He’s got a wonderful voice, and he’s such a wonderful man.” Lindsay looked starry-eyed. It was obvious she liked Dino very much.
The senior woman/Adrian held out a hand. “My name is Ruth. What’s yours?”
Lindsay shook Ruth/Adrian’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Lindsay. I work for Mrs. Graham. Thank you for attending the gala.”
“My pleasure. My husband, Jonathan, and I are from... out of town.” Ruth/Adrian said, considering it an inside joke to himself. Very far out of town. “Since we were in the area, we decided to mix business with pleasure and come to the party. This is quite the lavish affair, I must say, especially the entertainment. I could listen to that cute guy all night.”
“Me too,” Lindsay said and glanced once more at Dino. The couple shared a secret smile. Ruth/Adrian caught them.
Lindsay blushed. Quickly she regained her composure before the obvious attraction she had for the piano man was showing too much.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how do you know Councilman Graham and Miss Julia? I saw you and your husband arrive and was wondering who you were. The guest list grew so much in the last week, it surprised even me.”
“Miss Julia is known everywhere as a giving and loving soul, a real saint, who tries to help others. We like to be around righteous people like her. When she needs money for some worthy cause, we’re happy to contribute.”
“And Mr. Graham?”
Ruth/Adrian hesitated. The angels could easily recognize who was under the influence of their sinful, selfish desires.
“Well, his reputation is well known too, if you know what I mean.”
Lindsay agreed. “I think I do.”
“I never understood what Julia saw in that man,” Ruth/Adrian said, shaking her head. “It’s certainly not his discretion, that’s for sure. Can’t keep his pants zipped I heard.”
Lindsay couldn’t help but chuckle at the sarcastic remark. She had formed her own explanation.
“Mr. Graham does have his weaknesses. High society tends to ignore such faults because everyone has their own dark secrets to hide. It’s a game they play, pretending they’re too important to obey the rules. I’m used to it. I love working for Miss Julia. She’s a mentor as well as a good friend. An amazing person, a little eccentric but that’s what’s so charming about her. Julia loves her husband despite his faults. I admire her for keeping her vows if he can’t. Maybe it is true, love really is blind.”
Martin might have a tainted reputation but being married to Julia was his ticket to respectability. Most of her elite friends tolerated him for her sake.
“Hm-m-m you could be right, Lindsay. Like I said, Miss Julia is a saint.”
Once again Ruth/Adrian caught Lindsay staring at Dino. He was singing a love song, obviously directed toward her. Music was his way of showing his true feelings.
Ruth/Adrian nudged Lindsay. “I can see you like him, perhaps a little deeper than friendship?”
Lindsay’s shy smile said it all. “Well, we’re friends, but....”
“I’d say by the way you and he are looking at each other, friendship could blossom into something much more. You’ve kissed, haven’t you?”
“Uh, well once, but it was just a goodnight kiss.” Embarrassed, Lindsay quickly hid her feelings behind small talk. “Dino performs at Caesars in that glamorous new nightclub. He’s got quite a fan club these days. When he’s not there, he’s working at his friend’s church and shelter for veterans, helping them get a fresh start. They’re renovating an old casino bar into a small medical clinic for the poor. The preacher, Hank, owns the place. The clinic is upstairs over his church. You won’t believe it, but Dino is not just a fine musician and singer, he’s a doctor too.”
Ruth/Adrian put on a dramatic facial expression for show. “Really? That’s wonderful. How’s it going? Is the clinic built?”
“No, not yet. They’re struggling since they ran out of money. There’s nothing left to buy the expensive medical equipment and supplies. Also, they need to hire a nurse, but no money.” Lindsay’s smile dropped. Again, her eyes found Dino. “Dino’s a talented man, being both a doctor and a musician. He just needs a break. Life’s been tough for him. I wish I could do more.”
Ruth/Adrian saw Dino give Lindsay a special smile again and a little wave. “Such a delightful smile... just for you. Have you talked to Miss Julia about Dino’s ambitious endeavors?”
“I have but she hasn’t answered me yet. I can’t approach her again about this without Dino’s commitment. I want to, but...” Lindsay stopped.
“But what? I can’t imagine Miss Julia would turn down this charming man if she knew how much he needs help. You should try again.”
“Maybe. Right now, he’s struggling to decide if he’ll be practicing medicine again,” Lindsay added. “I don’t think he wants that news spread around, at least not yet.”
“Really? Why so?”
“Dino had a very tragic thing happened to him and he quit medicine. Miss Julia knew him when he was a physician but not why he left it. She doesn’t approve of quitters. How could she trust him with her money if he won’t commit to being a doctor again? I think that’s why she hasn’t given us an answer yet.”
Ruth/Adrian looked puzzled. “But you said he’s starting this clinic for the poor. That’s right up Miss Julia’s alley. She would help. I know she would.”
“I know she would too but until Dino decides to oversee the clinic, nothing will happen. I’m trying to encourage him.” Lindsay sighed longingly. “I have a feeling he wants to be a doctor again, but something is holding him back.”
Ruth/Adrian patted Lindsay’s hand. “You’re in love with him. By the way he looks at you, I’d say he feels the same.”
“Oh no, I don’t think so. We’re just good friends,” Lindsay protested, surprised to hear such a suggestion coming from a person she just met. Do my feelings show that much?
“Trust me dear, I’ve been around for centuries and I can tell when two people are in love. It knows no boundaries, no time limits. Love comes when you least expect it. Love is built on a chance. Take that chance, Lindsay. Don’t pass it up by hiding behind your fears. There’s nothing two people in love can’t accomplish together. Start with being honest with each other and go from there.”
Lindsay blushed again and put her head down shyly. “I don’t know. Maybe. But he has things he’s got to work out first.”
Ruth/Adrian leaned forward, speaking gently. “So do you, don’t you? Tell Dino the actual reason you’re with the wrong guy. He deserves to know everything about you, just like you know all about him. Stop being afraid to tell him.”
Lindsay felt uncomfortable and surprised.
“I... I... don’t know what you mean, Ruth.”
“Yes, you do. Remember one thing my dear girl, relationships begin with honesty.”
Lindsay straightened her spine and took back her professionalism. This woman could draw out Lindsay’s deepest feelings, and it was not like her to reveal so much, especially not to a stranger.
Ruth/Adrian understood what Lindsay was feeling. She was afraid of getting hurt again, trusting another man. She was afraid of what Preston might do to Dino and what Jonas would do to her father. Fear was pushing away love.
As if on cue, Preston interrupted the moment.
“Hey Baby, I’ve been looking all over for you.” Preston leaned over and tried to kiss her lips. She turned in time and all he got was her cheek. Acknowledging the senior woman sitting next to his girl, Preston put out his hand to introduce himself.
“Hello ma’am. I’m Preston Beckett. I just met your husband, Jonathan. He’s quite impressive. Really knows his stuff when it comes to business deals. My father wants to talk to him some more. We’ve got the best deals in Vegas.”
“Nice to meet you, Preston. I’m Ruth,” Ruth/Adrian said coldly. “Yes, Jonathan is quite astute and wise. No pushover though.”
“No ma’am, that’s not what I meant at all. Beckett Real Estate and Property Management only works with distinguished buyers and sellers like him. What brings you to Las Vegas, Ruth? Business or pleasure?”
“A little of both. We’re conducting our Father’s business.”
“Oh, is your father looking to invest here?” Preston asked, taking a seat next to Lindsay, now interested even more.
The disguised angel wanted to laugh out loud but didn’t. If only you knew what you ask, human. Our Father is quite invested, and he owns everything.
“You must talk to Jonathan. All that business talk hurts my head.” Ruth/Adrian giggled. “However, attending this gala was high on our to-do list. I love a splendid party like this.” Ruth/Adrian graciously smiled at Lindsay and patted her hand. It made her feel at peace having an angel touch her, even if she didn’t know it.
“Right now, I’m getting to know this lovely young woman, Lindsay, and listen to the amazing music Dino is playing. He’s very good. Don’t you think, Preston?”
Preston glanced over at Dino, who was busy talking to four attractive women hanging around the piano and flirting with him.
“Oh, that guy? Yeah, I guess if you like piano singers. Las Vegas has lots of them. Just fly-by-night kind of guys, picking up chicks and free drinks.”
Lindsay quickly came to Dino’s defense. “That’s not true, Preston. Dino isn’t like that. He’s a very talented person with a kind heart. He loves entertaining and making people happy. Mr. DeMarco wouldn’t headline him in his new nightclub if Dino wasn’t worth it.”
Preston chuckled nervously, now embarrassed in front of the wealthy businessman’s wife he had just met. “Ah, c’mon, sweetie, I know you like the guy, and he did you a favor by filling in at the last minute, but guys like him will never be anything but broke. He’ll leave you when things get tough, drained of money and your self-respect. Not like me. I can give you a future, financially sound. What can he give you?”
“Please Preston, you’re being rude in front of Ruth. She doesn’t want to hear that kind of talk.”
Ruth/Adrian once again patted Lindsay’s hand and once more the inner peace returned. “It’s all right, Lindsay. Preston is entitled to his opinion, and I am entitled to mine. I’m sure he only wants what’s best for you. Don’t you, Preston?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Feeling pleased with himself, Preston nudged Lindsay. “See she agrees with me.”
“Well, not entirely, Mr. Beckett. I see your side. But don’t you agree it is Lindsay’s choice to do as her heart tells her to do? As they say, the heart wants what the heart wants. True love is not always looking for financial security. It also can’t be predicted or controlled.”
Ruth/Adrian stood and so did Preston out of respect. She/he turned to face him. The look in those amber eyes of a heavenly being made him swallow hard. When an angel examines a human’s soul it can be alarming, even painful. Sin doesn’t like to be drawn out into the light.
“I wouldn’t throw stones if I were you, Preston. Wealth and power are no guarantee of happiness. Some of the wealthiest people I’ve known didn’t have two pennies to their name. Yet they were the happiest. Love, family and doing good are where you should focus your attention and leave greed behind. Never judge unless you are willing to be judged by the same standards. I see goodness in Dino’s eyes and love in his soul for others. He will accomplish much. I would suggest you try doing the same, Mr. Beckett.”
Preston was speechless. Being put in his place by a woman was embarrassing. Before leaving, Ruth/Adrian gave the young woman an affectionate hug. She softly spoke so only Lindsay could hear.
“Take care, my dear. Listen to your heart and make wise choices. Don’t be afraid to do the right thing. You can never tell. You might find a prince in a pauper’s clothes.” The steady look coming from the angel’s eyes gave Lindsay strength.
“Thank you, Ruth for your advice. I promise I’ll talk to Miss Julia about the clinic again.” Lindsay paused. “I’ll also think more about taking a chance. You know, the one we spoke of?”
The angel caught the hidden meaning. “Good! Now I must find Jonathan. Have a wonderful life, dear.” Ruth/Adrian left Preston and Lindsay alone.
An embarrassed Preston stammered a weak “I’m sorry” to Lindsay. She didn’t care. Instead, her gaze was on Dino. He saw it and beamed. Preston caught the looks Dino and Lindsay were giving each other and fumed. He’d show Lindsay just what Dino was made of, and it wasn’t all that goody stuff the old lady said he was.
Seeing Dino was looking again in their direction, Preston pulled Lindsay to his chest and kissed her in front of him. Lindsay didn’t want to make a scene and ended the kiss as soon as she could. When she looked back at Dino, he wasn’t smiling. He lowered his gaze, feeling as if she betrayed him. Preston took her hand and pulled her toward the piano where Dino was sitting on the bench, downing the last of his whiskey. He needed it after seeing the girl he was falling for kiss her old boyfriend.
“Hi there Dino,” Preston said blustering like a proud peacock with Lindsay on his arm. “It seems everyone likes your crooning.”
“Thank you, Preston,” Dino said with a chill in his words.
Preston gave Dino the once over with his eyes and chuckled. “Looks like you clean up pretty good too. Nice, rented tux, and even a haircut. Boy, Miss Julia sure knows how to make a stray cat look respectable.”
Dino wanted to smack the cheap smirk off Preston’s face, but he wasn’t worth the trouble. He was only trying to make Dino look small in front of Lindsay. Instead, Dino gave Lindsay his sweetest smile, sure to make Preston jealous.
“Yeah, thanks to this lovely lady and her discerning tastes, we had a great day together making me look respectable, as you put it. Isn’t that right, Lindsay?”
Lindsay returned the compliment with an admiring smile. “A class act like you doesn’t need much.” She turned to Preston. “And the tux is Dino’s not a rental.”
Preston scowled. That was not what he was hoping to achieve. He wrapped his arm around Lindsay’s waist and pulled her to his side. “My girl said you were hot stuff. By the looks of your little fan club of women, I guess you are. Super way to pick up chicks.” He hugged Lindsay closer and gave her a peck on the cheek. “MY girl likes you. Don’t you, sweetheart? But then she always was a pushover for a charity case.”
“Lindsay? Are you all right?” Dino asked, ignoring Preston’s insult. He was concerned. Preston was showing off and embarrassing her.
“Yes, I’ll be fine.” She turned to the man holding on to her waist and peeled his hands off. “Preston please stop being a jerk.”
“What do you mean, Baby. I just thought you’d like to say hello to your piano guy, maybe put a couple of bucks in his tip jar. Here, I’ll do it for you.”
Preston took a couple of five dollar bills out of his money clip and stuffed them into the jar sitting on the piano. He grabbed a glass of wine off a passing waiter’s tray and chugged it. His sneering smile was just for Dino. That’s all you’re worth piano man. But Dino pulled the money out of the jar and shoved it into Preston’s breast pocket.
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
Undaunted, Preston’s grinning face was malicious as he formed the next lie.
“Guess what, piano man.”
“What, rich boy?” Dino asked, crossing his arms over his chest, his ire growing.
Preston pulled Lindsay close to his side once more. “Lindsay and I are getting married and we want you to play at our wedding.”
Dino’s brow shot up in surprise. His cynical eyes turned toward hers. Has she been lying to me? “Married?”
“No, we’re not,” Lindsay shook her head no. “He doesn’t mean it, Dino.”
“Baby quit joking around. Didn’t she tell you? Sure, we’ve had our difficulties, but Lindsay knows she belongs with me. I can give her anything she wants. Can you?”
“No, I didn’t know. Congratulations Lindsay. I hope you’ll be very happy,” Dino said in a solemn tone.
“Dino, he’s wrong. He’s just pulling your chain.” Lindsay ripped herself from Preston’s grip once more. “What the hell is the matter with you? Are you drunk? We’re not getting married.”
“Funny, that’s not what you said last night... in bed,” An arrogant Preston continued the ruse, and nuzzled Lindsay’s neck. She pushed him away again. It made him laugh as if she was playing with him and not mad. Preston addressed his next lie to Dino. “Trust me, buddy, she’s one passionate lady, but then you’ll never know. Better luck getting laid by one of the other ladies here. This girl is mine.”
“Oh, my gosh! Preston, that’s enough.” Lindsay was shocked at such an obscene thing to say. “I wasn’t with you last night or any night. We aren’t together.”
Dino’s deep blue eyes zeroed in toward Lindsay looking for a straight answer. Preston sounded very convincing. Lindsay shook her head no, eyes begging for Dino to believe her.
Preston chuckled, sinister and satisfied. He doubts her. Good. He put one finger to his pursed lips and made a shushing sound.
“Oops, I let the cat out of the bag, didn’t I? I forgot we’re keeping it a secret until formally announced.” Preston stood behind her, his hands on Lindsay’s smooth shoulders. He gave each one a small kiss. Lindsay tried to pull away but couldn’t. Preston’s hands caressed her shoulders and slender arms, making Dino cringe with jealousy.
“M-m-m you are so soft, Baby. I love the touch of your skin.” Satisfied he had tortured Dino enough, Preston released Lindsay. “Well, I’ve gotta go. See you later, Baby. Enjoy listening to your piano man. I’ll come get you when it’s time to leave. I can’t wait to get you home...” Preston smiled at her wickedly. His hand toyed with the spaghetti strap until it fell off her bare shoulder. “And out of that sexy dress.”
“Stop it!” Lindsay pushed Preston’s hand away and put the strap back in place on her shoulder.
That’s all Dino could take.
“Leave her alone,” he ordered.
Dino gritted his teeth but held back from any physical action. Making a scene by knocking Preston’s lights out would accomplish nothing but embarrassing Lindsay. Dino controlled his anger. Punching Preston might not have solved things but it sure would have felt good.
Seeing how mad he made the singer, Preston grinned. He knew Dino couldn’t do a thing to him while he was working.
“Just playing,” he said. “Lindsay likes fooling around.” Beckett kissed Lindsay’s cheek and walked away giving the singer a little wave.
“Bye, bye Din-O. Sing pretty for the girls now.”
Lindsay’s face was flushed a rosy pink, embarrassed beyond words. Tears were filling her eyes. Dino reached out his hand to comfort her, caressing a silky cheek.
“Hey, forget him. That guy’s a class-A jerk. I don’t believe a word he said.”
Lindsay’s lower lip quivered. She couldn’t speak and quickly left for the ladies’ room to get control of her emotions.
Dino felt sorry for her but wondered how she could tolerate such a childish man. He wanted to believe her, not him, but was unsure. Why does he treat her like he owns her? Why does she let him?
Ciro and Arthur had been watching the exchange, waiting for the right time to intervene. The dark angel wore a triumphant grin. He was proud of Preston. Young Beckett had managed to put doubt in Dino’s head about Lindsay. Doubt is a powerful tool in Ciro’s arsenal of weapons against good.
“Not bad huh?” Ciro gloated. “I told you Preston will be mine one day.”
Arthur gave his arch enemy a sneering glare and dismissed his jab with a flitting hand gesture. “Go rain on someone else’s parade, you ol’ troublemaker. Begone!”
With lips wearing a smug grin, the demon left still enjoying his small victory.