Then I Saw Your Face

Linda

Weeks went by, and I didn't see Danny Reagan at all. Detective Reagan closed the case, Willow, of course, being completely innocent. I never saw Willow after that case, and to this day have no idea how she knew me.
I was working at the hospital, feeling a little sad. Next week, I was going to King General's hospital for a better (and higher paying) job. Apparently, I was one of the best nurses at St. Vic's, so King General's wanted me.
I was excited and surprised to see Danny at the hospital. I asked him how he was, and was well aware how my voice sounded worried. Then, the unthinkable happened! Danny asked me out and I said yes! Of course, both of us denied it was a "date-date". After all, we were just going to celebrate the outcome of the case.
I told Tina and Melanie about the celebration with Danny.
"It's not a date!" I argued with them, which I probably should have seen coming.
"Is there food involved?" Tina wondered.
"Yes."
"Will you dress up?" Melanie wanted to know.
"Yes."
"Do you like this guy?" Tina leaned on the nurses desk.
"Yes."
"Then it's a date!" They exclaimed together.
"It is not a date. Just.... two people enjoying a meal together. No kissing or flirting or undressing. Just a guy and a girl.... eating food and enjoying each other's company..... oh, gee, it's a date!" I somewhat lamented. A date was going to be much harder than two friends grabbing dinner.
**********
So Tuesday the twenty second I stood in front of the full length mirror, analyzing my outfit. I wore a somewhat form fitting white dress with decorative buttons, the skirt hem hitting mid thigh. I chose to braid my hair, and decided on a white hat. With skin colored heels and big sunglasses, I was ready. It was the summertime, so I was going to need my sunglasses.... besides, I just really liked sunglasses.
I cocked my head to the right, trying to decide if the skirt was too short. I decided no, that it was just fine. Even if it wasn't, it was too late because the doorbell rang. I breathed in an encouraging breath, smoothed my skirt, and walked to the door. Hand on the knob, I asked, "who is it?"
"Jimmy!"
"Jimmy? No!" I wined, opening the door for him. Ladies and gentlemen, my brother, James O'Shea. All his life he's been a trouble maker, and all his life he's shown up where and when he's really not wanted! "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Linda, I need your help."
I sighed, weighing my options. "Is it difficult or time consuming?"
"I just— whoa-ho! Who're you trying to impress?"
"What? No one."
"Yeah, and no guy'll be affected by that dress."
"There's nothing wrong with this dress. It's cute and it's sensible and-and.....and it's white."
"Who's the guy?" Jimmy sat down on the couch.
"There is no guy! Now please go."
"Alrightie. Who's the chick?"
"There is no chick! Now go before he gets here." I somewhat sang angrily.
"Oh, so there is a guy."
"Whaddaya want, Jimmy?"
"Cash. On the barrelhead."
"How much?"
"1 K."
"A thou- Jimmy, you know I don't have cash like that. If I did, do you think I'd be living in this hell hole?"
Before Jimmy could answer, the doorbell rang again.
"Keep quiet!" I sneered at him, taking in the same encouraging breath as earlier.