You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 12

After a long day of reunions, Dean returned Chrissy and Jamie to their new home. Jamie was exhausted and Dean carried him into his new bedroom. Chrissy stood in the doorway as Dean tucked him into bed, giving him a kiss on the head, "Missed you, sport."

Dean turned and saw Chrissy in the doorway. He walked toward her and grabbed her hand leading her to her new living room. "Hey, pally," he wrapped his arms around her, "How you holdin' up?"

Chrissy burst into tears, "God, I missed you. And with Noni... Oh, Dino..."

"Chrissy," he ran his fingers through her hair. Her frame felt so small and weak, "Are you taking care of yourself?"

"As much as I can."

"Do you get out at all?" Dean asked.

"Not really... Jamie's my priority."

"You need to get out... Meet people. Hey, bring Jamie over to the house tomorrow. The older kids are going to look after the little ones for the night so Jeanne and I can go out with some friends. You'll come with us."

"Dino, these are your Beverly Hills friends... I'm not going to fit in. I wouldn't know what to wear."

"Even better. You and Jeanne will go shopping together tomorrow then, my treat."

"Dean! I'm just a regular gal. I'm not going to-"

"Fit in? You're my friend. You fit in just fine. I'm not taking no for an answer. You're moving out here and you need to have other friends and acquaintances."

Finally, Chrissy agreed to go shopping with Jeanne and then out with Dean, Jeanne, and their friends in the evening.

The next day was full of hustle and bustle as Chrissy shopped for something to wear to the shindig that evening. That evening, Chrissy drove Jamie and herself over to Dean and Jeanne's house. She was nervous, but she felt confidant in the dress she was wearing. Dean greeted her at the door with a kiss on the cheek. Jeanne quickly met them and the three of them drove off to their party.

When they arrived, Chrissy's eyes nearly popped out of her head when their host greeted them at the car, "Hey, pally."

Frank Sinatra shook Dino's hand. Then he kissed Jeanne on the cheek. He offered his hand to help Chrissy out of the car, "I'm sorry. I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before."

"Chrissy... I'm a friend of Dean and Jeanne. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sinatra." Chrissy nervously smoothed the front of her sparkly blue dress down.

"Chrissy, a friend of Dean's is a friend of mine. Call me Frank, please... or a son of a bitch if the situation requires."

Chrissy chuckled and let out a little snort which in turn caused Frank to let out a laugh that Dean and Jeanne hadn't heard in a very long time.

"Chrissy, if you'll excuse me, I have to go greet a few more people. Please don't leave until we get the chance to become more acquainted."

Jeanne, Dean, and Chrissy went into the house. Dean pulled Chrissy aside quickly, "Look, Chrissy. Be careful with Frank... He's one of my best friends, but he's bad with women. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Okay," Chrissy replied quietly.

Jeanne nudged Dean, "He's coming."

Frank approached Chrissy, "Chrissy, come with me. I'd like to introduce you to some of my friends and show you around."

"We'll come too!" Dean said.

"What are you, her mother? You're fine, right?" Frank asked dryly.

"Yes," Chrissy laughed.

"He acts like I bite."

Frank offered his arm to Chrissy and began leading her around his home, introducing her to people and showing her various places. The night grew late and Dean wanted to go home. He went to find Chrissy, but found her sitting out on the balcony alone with Frank.

Before barging out, he stood and listened for a few moments...

"My son, Jamie... He's everything to me. It's been hard. Of course, I've had Dean and Jeanne, but..."

"It's not the same as having a life partner. I get it. I was married to Ava for a short period, and it was constant turmoil... How is a person to live like that? Well, you can't. I've never shared this before, but I tried to end it several times because of our blowout fights. I just couldn't take another failed marriage."

"My first husband left me because we had a stillborn baby. 'Weak bitch' were the words used."

Dean watched as Frank's hand reached for Chrissy's. He felt a pang of jealousy surge through his body.

"Chrissy, I haven't felt this comfortable talking to anyone in a long time...Forgive me if I'm being too forward, but would you like to have dinner sometime soon? It could even be pizza. I could bring a pizza to your house for you and Jamie."

"Maybe I've had a glass of wine too many, but that sounds nice."

"How about tomorrow?" Frank asked, "Maybe around 6 in the evening?"

"Sure," Chrissy smiled.

Dean cleared his throat, "Chris, are you ready to head back to the house?"

"Oh! Yeah, I guess I should be going. I'll see you tomorrow, Frank."

He kissed Chrissy's hand, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Jeanne's waiting downstairs for you. I'll be right there," Dean said.

"Bye, Frank," Chrissy smiled.

He gave her a wave, and then looked at Dean. Once Chrissy was gone, Dean grabbed him by the collar, "So help me Christ, you hurt her, Frank... I'll beat the hell outta you."

Tears filled Frank's eyes which Dean noticed and released his grip. "So that's all that you see me as now too, huh? Some scum who needs to be kept away from women."

"Frank, no... it's just Chrissy. She's been through a lot."

Frank was tipsy and he couldn't control his tears any longer, "I've been through a lot too, you know. That's why it was nice talking to her. She listened and understood."

"Okay, Frank." Dean patted him on the back, "Just be good to her, okay?"

"I will. Hey, Dean?"

"Yeah?"

"The kid, Jamie... What's his favorite sport?"

"Baseball, last I checked. Why?"

"No reason. Night, Dean."