"Tell me what?" I asked nervously. Did Jessie hear Gina tell me the whole story? Wasn't she quiet enough?

"We're getting married!" Jess announced as he gave Gina a great big hug and a kiss right before my eyes.

"That's wonderful!" I shouted as though I hadn't known.

"And I want you to be my best man!"

I wasn't sure why, but suddenly, I felt a huge knot in my stomach as if I was the one getting hitched.

"Ahh! I could see you're shocked or worried, maybe. Don't. It won't be for a while. We haven't even made any arrangements yet. In fact, you're the first person to know about it."

Gina gave Jessie a quick kiss on the lips and gently pushed him away. "Why don't you boys relax in the living room while I make some lunch for us."

"Oh, you don't have to fuss on my account. I should be going anyway."

"Nonsense! I usually make lunch for Jess and me. I'll just make one more sandwich. Do you like grilled ham, tomato, and cheese?"

"Sounds delicious!"

Jessie opened the refrigerator. "Have a beer."

We sat in the living room and caught up on recent history.

"She's some doll, eh Karl?"

"She is quite a catch at that. How did she end up falling for the likes of you? No offense, but..."

"Hey! If I didn't know you were joking, I'd..."

"I'm sorry, Jess. But really, she's quite a knockout if you don't mind me saying so. I wouldn't think she would even be in your league."

"You underestimate me, my friend. Besides, women don't think the way men do. I don't think they're concerned about 'leagues' like you are."

"Well, I'm not so sure. Some woman can be pretty fussy, depending on what they're after."

"Gina's not after anything but my heart. And she already has it!"

A pleasant shout came from the kitchen. "Sandwiches are ready! Don't get up. I'll bring them out!"

"Ahhh! Delicious dear!"

"Oh, you suck up! You haven't even tasted them yet. I'll just put them right here on the coffee table. Help yourselves, gentlemen. I already had mine."

"Thank you, Gina." I took a healthy bite. "Mmm, they are delicious!"

"And she's a good cook. Don't judge her cooking by the sandwiches alone. She makes a fantastic veal piccata."

"So, what is Gina's story anyway?"

"Oh, she had a terrible relationship several months back, or a year ago, now I guess. It was what you might call an abusive relationship. The guy was a downright creep."

"Then you came along?"

"I guess so. Gina was working as a nurse at the hospital. She's such a caring person. I was so broken, literally, after the accident, she felt a huge desire to help me. I guess she decided to adopt me as her rescue puppy."

"Lucky you!"

"Well, like they say, behind every cloud..."

"...there's an angel?"

"I was going to say 'silver lining.' But I like your take better."

Story and Illustrations Copyright © 2021 by Michael DeFrancesco