Welcome to My World

Chapter 2

Caroline was riding high on the sparks between her and Dean, but when she entered her room, her heart sunk, "Where are you going, Ethel?"

"Home."

"Why?" Caroline asked tears filling her eyes.

"Our friend, Cathy, was right about you. All you care about is fame! I should've known better than to come out here with you!"

"What on earth..."

"You were so gaga over Dean Martin you barely paid attention to me."

Caroline was stunned, "You can't possibly be mad at me... you would've done the same. It's Dean fricking Martin."

Ethel huffily grabbed her packed suitcase and stormed away, "Goodbye forever."

Caroline stepped into the hall, "Ethel!" She refused to look back. Conveniently, Dean was walking toward Caroline holding her wallet which she forgot she gave to him. She was crying by the time he reached her.

"What the hell was that about, Baby?"

"Jealous, I guess... she was upset that we were talking."

"She seemed to be having a nice time with Sammy and Frankie."

Caroline began to sob, "She was my best friend and now I'm all alone..."

"You're not alone... you've got me," Dean's voice vibrated from his chest as he hugged her. He walked her into her room and sat on her the edge of her bed holding her as she cried. Finally, she fell asleep from exhaustion and the bit of alcohol she had. Dean tucked her into bed and ever the gentleman left her a note saying, "I'll see ya in the mornin', Baby. Noon brunch in the hotel."

Caroline held the note to her chest and could almost faintly smell Dean's cologne on the paper.

Meanwhile, Dean and Frank were fighting in their hotel suite. "Listen, I'm fine with you bringing her along, but I'm not fine with you bringing her into our act and not setting expectations here."

"What the hell does that mean?" Dean said with his temper flaring.

"I mean you bring her in, you fall in love, break up, cause scandal, and then goodbye Dino and Frankie."

"I'm not going to fall in love. She's way too young for me and it's just business."

Frank poured himself a drink, "Hey, do whatever the hell ya want, Dino. She's a nice gal, but romance and business don't mix. I saw the way you looked at her. She's young, beautiful and you're sad, lonely, and about to turn another decade of being alone. I'll tell ya, Dino, for someone who acts as cool and calm as you, you're terrible with women."

"The right one just hasn't come along..."

"Look, I'm not trying to be an ass, but I just don't want you to get hurt. You're much more tender hearted than you let on..."

"She won't ever love me anyway. She's almost half my age. Strictly business..."

Caroline got dressed in a blue and red plaid dress with matching navy heels. She applied her makeup to her pale skin being sure to apply her strong red lipstick. Then she fooled with her long curly tresses that were chestnut brown with the slightest tint of red to them. Finally, she flicked some mascara on her eyelashes to accent her big green eyes. Taking a look at herself in the mirror, she smiled, "Screw you, Ethel," she said aloud. She then walked confidently down to the restaurant inside the hotel to meet Dean and likely Frank and Sammy as well to discuss offers. Dean stood outside the restaurant to greet her, "Hiya, Baby. How are ya?" he kissed her cheek leaving her cheek tingling from the sensation.