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The next day after the gala, the angels were busy preparing for Ciro and his final strategy to wreck the lives of their assignments. In his role as Hank’s assistant at the shelter, Mark/Arthur was dishing out food as usual while the street pastor prepared to speak to his captive audience during breakfast. Still a little sleepy from getting in late from his gig at the gala, Dino plodded down the stairs to join Mark/Arthur in the kitchen. He had finished his living quarters upstairs next to the clinic and recently moved in. It was time to give Hank back his house and make it on his own. There were a few minor touches left to do, but it was livable. When he didn’t feel like eating take-out food or his cooking, Dino could always get a hot meal downstairs. Mark/Arthur greeted Dino with a ‘good morning’ while checking the oven to see if the biscuits were done.
“Anything I can do?” Dino asked, yawning and pouring himself a cup of coffee.
“I could use some help with the clean-up, if you aren’t too sleepy?”
With one more large yawn morphing into a nod of his head, Dino agreed. Arthur chuckled at him, trying to focus and come alive. The angel was always astonished how much time mortals spent sleeping, spending half their lives in this unconscious state. Oh well, the Creator knew what He was doing.
“How was the party last night? I bet you wowed them with your performance, didn’t you?”
Dino yawned again, pouring cream into his coffee. “Things went great. I wish you could have been there. It was a lot of fun. Did you know there are a ton of rich people in this town?”
“Yes, this town has its share of wealth. I wouldn’t have fit in with the crowd. Money never meant that much to me.”
Dino sipped his hot coffee carefully. “You’re too modest, Mark. People like you are the real wealth of this world, giving to others like you do.”
Mark/Arthur appreciated the compliment with a smile. “Thank you. Sit and have some breakfast before everyone gets in line.”
Dino sat down at the kitchen table and Mark/Arthur served him some bacon and eggs. Dino dived in and ate a few mouthfuls before continuing his story.
“Miss Julia raked in a bunch of money for her causes. She’s even agreed to fund the clinic. I asked her for help and told her what I was planning to do. She agreed to buy us the equipment we need.”
Mark/Arthur stopped cooking and turned to face Dino with a big smile. Of course, Arthur the angel knew all about last night. He acted surprised.
“That’s awesome, Dino! Good for you! See what I mean about having faith?”
“Yeah, I’m beginning to see what you mean.”
“So, were you able to be with Lindsay at all last night?”
Dino sighed, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “We got to dance a little and spend some time together. She came with that guy Preston. It was some prearrangement date. She says she’s not dating Preston anymore, but he sure thinks so. Preston said they were getting married, but Lindsay denied it. He was acting like a real jerk, rubbing it in my face just because he was escorting her to the party.”
Mark/Arthur sighed. “Some people just don’t know how to act like adults. I don’t think they are getting married. I’m sure he said that just to make you jealous.”
“I don’t think so either.” Dino said. “If that wasn’t enough, Preston got all touchy-feely, kissing her in front of me. He’s a real ass. I wanted to punch him so bad.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry that happened. Poor girl. It seems like a very strange arrangement, this thing between him and her. It sounds like to me there is more to the story. Have you talk to her about it?”
Dino shook his head. “No, I don’t think I should force the issue, at least not yet. If she wants to tell me, she will. Lindsay knows she can trust me.”
“I agree. Give her some time.”
Mark/Arthur glanced over his shoulder to see Dino lost in a memory. His mind was somewhere else.
“You should have seen her, Mark. Lindsay was so beautiful. I couldn’t stop looking at her.”
Mark/Arthur grinned. “I bet she was gorgeous. Oh well, you were working and so was she. It wasn’t the time. There will be more opportunities.”
Dino finished his coffee and got another cup full.
“Well, you’re right about other opportunities. Lindsay is coming over today to help paint walls. Miss Julia gave her a few days off, a reward for doing a fantastic job with the party. That adorable girl wants to spend her day working with me. But I don’t mind. Painting walls will be paradise if she’s there.”
Dino’s glowing smile was priceless. Arthur was pleased at the change in attitude.
“That’s great. I like that girl. She’s a sweet as an angel. Don’t pass up a good thing, Dino. When the Father opens a door, it’s best you walk through it.”
“Yeah, she’s sweet alright. I’m fortunate she likes being with me. I’m not sure where I stand with her though. Lindsay could do so much better than Preston.” Dino frowned, thinking. “Can’t say I’m much of a catch either.”
“Don’t put yourself down. Obviously, she thinks you’re special. Preston is a selfish man who only sees what he wants to see. Lindsay knows that.” Mark/Arthur nudged Dino with his elbow. “You like her more than a friend. Don’t you?”
Embarrassed, Dino grinned, now caught with his feelings showing.
“Yep, I do. I’m just happy to be near her. She’s like sunshine, warm and inviting. Who knows what the future will bring? I never thought I’d be here in Las Vegas entertaining, and I never thought I’d be putting together a medical clinic. Now look at me. As Hank is always saying, God works in mysterious ways.”
“That He does,” Mark/Arthur said and looked up. “He knows what’s best, always.”
Leaning against the door frame from the kitchen to the dining room, sipping his second cup of coffee Dino watched Hank welcome the street people inside, giving them handshakes and smiles. Dino admired the work his friend did, so selflessly showing great love for his fellow man.
“Look at him, Mark,” Dino motioned with his head in the direction he was staring. “Hank’s amazing. He’s not the same man I knew once. I guess anyone can change, even a tough son-of-gun like Hank.”
Mark/Arthur left his post with the other volunteers in the kitchen and joined Dino at the door. He smiled proudly watching Hank shaking hands with two men in tattered clothes and showing them where to get food. It was apparent they spent their lives on the street. He would take in anyone who needed a hot meal. If they were veterans and wanted to stay, they would need to be interviewed, cleaned up and agree to strict rules with lots of counseling.
“Yes, he’s one of the best souls I’ve met in many, many years. It only goes to prove; the Father can change lives when we open our hearts to His love. It’s people like Hank that give me hope for mankind.” Mark/Arthur put a fatherly hand on Dino’s shoulder. “You’re one of the best too, Dino. I’ve seen quite a change in you these past weeks.”
Dino grinned shyly. “Thanks Mark. I’m trying to do better. You amaze me too.”
“How so?” Mark/Arthur asked, arching one eyebrow.
“Well, you’re always so positive. You never have an unkind word to say about anyone, even screwups like me.”
“You’re not a screwup, son. You’ve just lost your way, just like most of the people who find their way to Hank’s church. But I think that’s changing. The clinic is looking good. You and Lindsay are seeing each other on a regular basis. Soon you’ll be ready to open for business.”
Dino shook his head, chuckling. “See that’s just what I mean... always positive Mark. I swear if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were an angel in disguise.”
Smiling as if he had a secret, Mark/Arthur shrugged his shoulders.
“What can I say, it’s just part of my nature.”