You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 38

"Frank Sinatra? That better not be the Frank on this list," Dean said as he reviewed the order of the first Dean Martin Show.

"What are you talking about?" Greg Garrison asked. "You approved these guests months ago. We've already advertised."

"You might as well put Jerry Lewis on the list."

"That would make for great views..."

"It was a joke, Greg. Don't even think about it. Fine, let Frank do his Doo-Bee-Doo-Be-Do nonsense on his own."

Greg was done arguing so he agreed and Dean went home.

It had been a few months since Angela had passed, but Guy, Bill, Josephine (Bill's wife), and their children were visiting so they could attend the taping of Dean's first show. It had become very apparent that Guy was crippled by Angela's death, at least to Bill and Chrissy. Dean was either so worried about his show premiere that he didn't notice, or he was avoiding noticing until his premiere was through.

Chrissy was cooking dinner one evening when Bill walked in, "Hey, can I assist?"

"Sure, Bill! Come on in!"

As they cooked, they made small talk, "Thanks for making room for all of us here. I know Dino and I aren't all lovey toward each other, but it means the world to be here to support him."

"Of course!" She hesitated before speaking again, "Bill, I'm overstepping, but you and Dean should talk sometime about what kind of grief you're experiencing... And how your father is declining too."

"You noticed too? I thought it was just me worrying since we just lost Mama."

She nodded sadly, "He's aged ten years."

"Has Dean noticed?"

"I'm sure he has. He hasn't mentioned it. I think he's trying to keep his head screwed on straight for the premiere, but after it's done, you two should talk."

"Hey, what's for dinner?" Dean asked, walking into the kitchen and kissing Chrissy.

"Spaghetti and meatballs."

"Yum. Hey, guess what asshole is going to be on my show?"

"Frank?"

"Mmhmm," he replied as he tasted a spoonful of sauce, "Just like Mama's."

Chrissy patted his shoulder. "Well, it's not a big deal. You and Frank are going to move past this eventually."

"Maybe, I don't know."

"Hey, how about you and me go out for a drink tonight?" Bill spoke up.

Dean glanced up, surprised. The two brothers were close, but not in a way that they talked constantly. "Sure, Pally. I'd like that. Chris, do you mind?"

"Of course not!"

That evening Dean and Bill went out for a drink. The two brothers made casual conversation at first until Bill finally asked what was on his mind, "Dean, how come we don't talk that much anymore?"

"I thought you were pissed when I moved away."

"I was, but it was because I missed you."

"I miss you too, Billy."

"With Mama gone, we need to talk more. I've barely been able to understand the grief I feel."

"Same here... and Pops."

"He looks bad, huh?"

Dean nodded sadly, "I should've known. He adored Mama... He can't live without her."

They sat quietly together and enjoyed being in one another's company. The two of them talked about many a thing before Bill said, "So, Frank? I thought you two were like the best pals ever?"

"Well, we were, but he's made some bad choices. He's got a woman who is taking advantage of him; he was nasty to Chrissy; and he's not putting his children first... I'm just mad at him. He's being stupid."

"It sounds like he needs a friend more than ever right now."

"Doesn't it?" Dean said quietly.

"You should talk to him, Dino. If he's still signed on to do your show despite not speaking, I think it means he at least wants to talk."

"You know you're pretty smart sometimes."

"There's a reason I'm an engineer and you're a singer," Bill laughed. "One of us got the brains and the other got the talent."

Dean laughed, "I got damn lucky is what I got."

Bill patted his brother's shoulder, "I think we pay Frank a visit."

"Now?"

"Yes. You're all worked up about the premiere anyhow. Wouldn't it be better to get it over with?"

Dean nodded and sighed.

Bill drove him to Frank's. Dean climbed out of the car and walked slowly up to the front door. He knocked and waited.

Barbara came to the door.

"I'm here to see Frank."

"He doesn't want to see you," she said.

"Frank!" Dean yelled past her.

A moment later, Frank appeared at the door, "She said you didn't want to see me."

Barbara's face turned red.

"I never said that. Come on, let's go outside."

They stood outside of the front door. Frank offered Dean a cigarette which he gladly accepted.

"Who's in the car?"

"My brother, Bill. We were out having drinks and he said he'd drive me here. How are you feeling?"

"Getting better every day."

There was a silence.

"I'm sorry," Frank said.

"You know I was going to say the same thing," Dean laughed and took a long drag on his cigarette. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry to Chrissy too. I need to tell her that. I just haven't known how to... after what I said..."

Dean nodded, "She'll forgive you in a heartbeat."

"I'm sorry about your Mama too." Frank stepped toward Dean and gave him a hug.

"I know you are," Dean sniffled as Frank gave him a pat on the back.

"You know I'm here for you, right? Always, no matter what other nonsense is going on... You're my brother... and I love you, Dino."

Dean was crying. It was all the emotion of losing his mother, slowly losing his father, and nearly losing his best friend; it was too much loss to cope with. His voice shaky, Dean quietly replied, "And I love you too, Pally."