You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 1

December 1945

"Ugh," Chrissy Jones groaned as she tried to gather her wits. She needed to run or scream or something. Her latest boyfriend was drunk and beating the tar out of her in an alley outside some nightclub.

Suddenly, the door swung open and a voice yelled, "What's a matter with you?" She felt the man being pulled off of her.

"Are you alright?" the voice asked her.

She couldn't see, "I... I... can't see," she stuttered.

"I'm gonna pick you up, alright?"

She moaned as he moved her into his arms and carried her back inside the nightclub out of the frigid winter air. The man had people running in every direction to help the young girl. When the ambulance finally arrived, he rode with her to the hospital.

He sat quietly in her room while they ran tests on this girl who they had discovered by her identification was named Christine Jones.

Finally, after a long time of waiting, she moaned and began to open her eyes, "Hi, you."

The man smiled at her, "Hey, Baby. Are you feeling better?"

"Like hell, but thank you. I remember you were the one that helped me. What's your name?"

"Dean Martin," he replied.

"Why do I know that name? Have we met before?"

"Nah, I was performing in the nightclub that I found you outside of. You really should find a new man. Men shouldn't treat women that way."

"I know..." Chrissy nodded.

"Do you have any family? Anyone I can call?"

"My grandmother. She lives around here."

Chrissy scribbled a number down on a piece of paper and handed it to Dean. "Hey, thank you again..."

"No problem. Hey, what's your name?"

"Christine, but I go by Chrissy."

"That's a beautiful name."

He went off to find a phone and returned a few minutes later. "Your grandmother is on her way."

"I'm so sorry. I should've warned you that she doesn't speak much English."

"Parlo anche italiano," he smirked.

"You're a savior. How is it possible that you find me at the right moment and you can speak Italian to my grandmother?"

"I'm just smooth," he laughed, "Listen, I have to get home to my kids. My wife's... well never mind that's another story, but I'm going to leave you my number. I'd like to hear from you again sometime."

"When I'm better, I'd love to have you and your family over for dinner as a thank you."

"We'd love it. Take care, okay?"

Chrissy and Dean smiled at each other. Little did they know, one lousy night was the beginning of a lifelong friendship.