ficwhatfic | The Price Legacy - Side Story

After a huge fight with her mother, Dina relies on Johnny Zest for comfort.

Dina didn’t know where else to go. She debated on turning around and returning home, but her mother likely wouldn’t allow her inside. She couldn’t run and talk with Marci at her and Joshua’s house. If she knew Don, and she did, the Price/Hay household was going to be his first pitstop after Katrina inevitably threw him out. None of her other friends were available, and even if they were, she couldn’t picture herself turning up on their doorstep and humiliating herself by explaining what went down.

There was only one person who wouldn’t judge her so harshly…

Dina: “Hey. I’m sorry, can...can I come over?...No, I… I’m not okay. Please tell me you’re home right now.”

Dina Caliente traveled to Johnny Zest’s trailer in Bedrock Straits.

The moment he let her in, she broke down into hysterics all over again. He was at a loss of what to say, but he comforted her as she cried in his arms.

When she was calm, he gently guided her to the couch. She explained the gist of her situation to him. He was never the type to hide his true feelings, so observing the shock on his face, and hearing his unfiltered opinion regarding the matter, deeply shamed her. Johnny didn’t outright condemn what she did, but it was still embarrassing relaying what went down between her and Don, and the things her mother said upon discovering their betrayal.

Dina: “I wasn’t...no, I knew exactly what I was doing, but I didn’t care how Katrina was going to feel at the time. I only cared about myself. I wanted to upset her, and Don...I don’t know, I really thought he liked me, but…”

Johnny: “(snort) You and half of the Springs’ population, doll. You ought to hear what they say about that nincompoop around here. The guy’s an urban legend! I’m surprised no one’s run him out of town with torches and pitchforks yet.”

Dina: “I know, I know! Trust me, Nina and I heard all the stories when he moved in, but I was all, ‘Those bimbos just have nothing better to do than harass him, he seems so nice, poor guy just has bad luck, blah blah blah.’ He was just so good at playing the victim! It’s so stupid, isn’t it? I really thought Don Lothario was trustworthy.”

Johnny: “Eh, what are you going to do, huh? You live and learn. You probably won’t let it happen again, I wager.”

Dina: “No! Never again! It shouldn’t have happened at all. I let that jerk get between me and my mother, and he wasn’t even worth all that trouble. I...I know what Katrina said was wrong, but maybe I should go back and try to--”

Johnny stared at her, aghast, and immediately cut her off.

Johnny: “What? No, no, no! Dina! Listen to yourself! Are you nuts?! You kissed your mother’s boyfriend!”

Dina: “Why are you taking that tone with me? I thought you said you weren’t going to judge me!”

Johnny: “I’m not! I’m just being realistic! Do you really think that woman is going to be in the mood for a conversation that doesn’t escalate into a catfight? You go home now, I may as well go out back and start digging out a grave plot for you! Give the old gal some time to cope before you reach out!”

Dina: “Maybe you’re right, but...where am I supposed to go, Johnny? I can’t get a place on short notice, and I’m not about to rent a room at the cheap hotels in this city.”

Johnny: “You mean you don’t want to stay at the luxurious Oasis Spring Value Inn, where the roaches and bed bugs won’t even touch the complimentary breakfast buffet? I hear their moldy frozen waffles are to die for.”

Dina: “Ungh. Gross. No thanks! My skin crawls just thinking about it.”

Johnny: “You can always stay the night here and figure the rest out in the morning.”

Dina: “Maybe, if you don’t mind. I can ask Nina to run my pajamas and essentials over. Do you have any extra sheets and a pillow for the couch?”

Johnny: “Oh, don’t be silly! Take my bed.”

Dina: “Johnny, no! I’m not kicking you out of your room.”

Johnny: “You’re not kicking me out! I’m offering it. I am not about to let a lady such as you sleep out here on my cheap couch from the flea market when I’ve got a perfectly good bed. Take my word for it. Your back will thank me later.”

Before Dina retired to Johnny’s room for the night, Nina dropped off her pajamas, a change of clothes for the next day, and essential items such as her toothbrush and makeup. She would’ve hated to overburden Johnny with requests for a separate toothbrush or a pair of sweatpants for bed. His trailer was bare enough, to begin with, and she felt incredibly guilty for putting him out of his bedroom for the evening and making him sleep in his depressing living room.

Even so, she managed to sleep through the night without a problem. Johnny’s twin-sized bed wasn’t as comfortable as her mattress back home, but it was fine.

When she woke up, Dina was in better spirits. She was glad Johnny talked her out of going back home. It was odd waking up in a bedroom that wasn’t her own, especially when she wasn’t sleeping with the man who owned the place, but at least she didn’t have to worry about her mother’s mood or Don’s whereabouts.

Dina remembered the first time she walked inside Johnny’s trailer and her initial impression about the place: it hit too close to home. When she was a child, Katrina constantly struggled to keep her and Nina in the same apartment for more than several months due to financial straits. More often than not, they stayed in shabby buildings in desperate need of repairs that their mother simply couldn’t afford. It wasn’t until years later when they were in high school when Katrina finally earned enough to afford a comfortable home for them.

Although Dina took offense at Johnny’s assumption she was only interested in men of a certain status, there was an ounce of truth in his words. No matter how much she claimed otherwise, her upbringing was the sole reason why his living situation made her uneasy. The thought of marrying into poverty and moving in a trailer turned her stomach; the way she saw it, her mother fought tooth and nail to give her and Nina a better life, so why should she willingly downgrade?

All her life, she expected trailers to be cramped and filthy. As it turned out, she was wrong. His interior wasn’t much to look at, but it was very clean and tidy; he didn’t have much in his tiny abode, but he took care of his belongings. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to her, really. Johnny used to be a Landgraab. He denied having much in common with his family, but he clearly took pride in his appearance, whether it was his wardrobe or his home. It was a shame: a man like Johnny deserved better than a sad trailer in a working-class neighborhood with very little amenities and attractions.

Dina expected to be alone in Johnny’s trailer, but she heard the radio playing in his kitchen.

He was home, pulling eggs out of the fridge.

Dina: “What are you doing here? I thought you worked in the mornings.”

Johnny: “Normally I do, but today is my one and only day off for the first time in five weeks. Are you hungry? I’m just whipping up some scrambled eggs and toast.”

She took a seat on a stool.

Dina: “Sure, I’ll have some eggs. No toast, though. I’m on a diet.”

Johnny: “I’m sorry - you’re on a what now? Did I just have a stroke? A diet? You? Nonsense! You’re already skinny! Cutting out carbs? Why would you torture yourself on purpose like that?”

Dina: “I wanted to eat healthier! And honestly, it was originally my mother’s idea. We started the keto diet a few years ago. I’m not as strict with it as she is, but…”

Johnny: “Come on, live a little! Make this your cheat day. You had a rough night. Besides, your mother’s not here, is she?”

Dina: “Hmm...true. Just one piece, okay?”

Johnny: “I’ll set two aside for you, just in case.”

Dina: “I didn’t know you could cook, Johnny. Don’t take this the wrong way, but…”

Johnny: “Let me stop you right there, Dina. I know what you’re going to say. The former rich boy who can actually work a fully operational stove? Believe it or not, that’s such a stereotype! Some of us like to cook!”

Dina: “You say you like to cook, but I’m curious. Do you know what you’re doing? Did you cook by yourself, or under the supervision of your butler offering 'suggestions'?”

Johnny: “I’m wounded, Dina! I’m a pro in the kitchen!”

Dina: “You’re not the first rich kid to tell me that. Don cooked once at our house, and we got so sick, he was banned from the kitchen.”

Johnny: “Low blow! I am nothing like that fool! Why not have a little more faith in me and be a little more appreciative? I’m making your breakfast, aren’t I?”

Right on cue, as he was lifting the pepper shaker to sprinkle on the eggs, the top came right off and spilled pepper all over the pan and his stovetop.

Dina: “You were saying?”

Johnny: “Uh...this one is for me. I love piles of burnt pepper with eggs and toast on the side.”

Over breakfast, Dina relayed the rest of the story to Johnny with a clearer head, as well as her personal grievances.

Dina: “--and she had the nerve to call me a floozy and an empty-headed whore! I mean, hello? Look in the mirror! Who told her to chase after guys my age? Flirt with my boyfriends? Date people that she knows I find attractive just so she can pretend she’s younger than she really is? Don isn’t even the first! He’s just the one who lasted the longest! And let’s not even get started on what’s wrong with him, because we’ll be here all night! I really thought Don would at the very least stand up for me, more than he actually did! ‘Oh no, don’t believe her, she didn’t mean to call you those names,’ ‘No, Dina, you threw yourself at me, I was the innocent party here!’ I. Literally. Can’t. Stand him!”

Dina: “Ugh. I’m so sorry for the whining. I don’t mean to complain so much, I really don’t. And I know I’m not innocent, either. You must think I'm such an idiot right now. I’m just so angry and hurt. I thought Don and I were getting along so well, and my mother...I knew she loved Nina more than she ever loved me, but last night just confirmed it for me. I just don’t know where to go from here. What do you think I should do?”

Johnny: “Dina, I already told you, I’m not judging you. You already got enough of that from Katrina. If you ask me, you were long overdue to get out of that house. Take it from a former Landgraab and look at what happened with me. You don’t learn to stand up for yourself now, she’s just going to keep disrespecting you, and it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. All you can do is say you’re sorry and keep your distance for now. Let Kat and Don sort out their own crap.”

Dina: “That makes sense, but...where do I go? Literally? None of my other friends have a space for me, and I don’t know if I can afford to move in somewhere on such short notice.”

Johnny: “Uh. Hello? Look no further than Johnny Zest for the solution to all your problems! I’ve got enough space for you. Just ask your sister to bring the rest of your stuff here later.”

Dina: “I don’t know, Johnny...we’re both a little too old to put up with roommates. You’re going to want your own privacy sometimes, same as me.”

Johnny: “Dina, I’m never home! I work too much. If I’m not performing at the lounge, I’m pulling doubles at the coffee shop. I come home to eat, sleep, and shower. And you work in the evenings, don’t you? We can go a whole week without seeing each other. We’ll just be two ships passing each other in the night! Trust me, if privacy is what you want, you’ll get it here. This neighborhood is as dead as Mitchell Kalani’s career.”

Dina: “I see. Would I pay for rent? How much do you need?”

Johnny: “Don’t stress about that! It doesn’t cost much to live here. You can help out with groceries if you want, but I can handle the rest. Let me worry about my own bills, seriously. I just want to help you out.”

Dina: “No rent. Huh. It’s a tempting offer. I could save up for a place fast...and I’ve never been on my own, separate from my family, not like this. Are you sure? You don’t have to do this for me.”

Johnny: “I want to, though! If I couldn’t afford to take in another person, I wouldn’t have offered. Besides, I can’t turn away a lady in need, and you’re my friend. What kind of louse would I be if I let you walk out of here with no place to rest your head for the night?”

Dina: “You’re too nice, Johnny. Thanks. You have no idea how relieved I am. I definitely made the right choice coming here and talking with you.”

Dina: “So, if I’m going to board with you...is it okay if I fix the place up?”

Johnny: “Hey! What’s wrong with my place?”

Dina: “Nothing! It’s just...so dark. Too dark. You don’t even have a proper lamp here! Why do you even keep a candlestick in the living room? Where did you pick that up, at the flea market?”

Johnny: “Well, look who wants to be fancy! It was all I could afford at the time! And it adds character, don’t you think? Sets the mood? It’s hip to the jive!”

Dina: “Hip to the...who even talks like that anymore?! Look, I don’t care how neat it looks! It’s a fire hazard, and you deserve a nice space! You’re lucky to have me, really. I’m actually good at interior decorating. Ask Marci! The twins’ nursery room? Her husband and I did that; I picked the color scheme, and he painted. Give me a week, and you won’t even recognize your place.”

Johnny: “How much of an overhaul are we talking here, Dina? I’m not exactly Mister Moneybags anymore. I couldn’t help you even if I wanted to.”

Dina: “I’m not expecting you to pay for it! If you refuse to take my money, it’s the least I can do. A little inspiration and just elbow grease can really turn this place around! Please, Johnny? It would give me something to do...and I promise, if you hate the new look, I’ll stop and change it right back to how you had it.”

Johnny: “Alright, if you insist. Who am I to crush your inspiration? Just don’t get too carried away.”

Dina: “I promise to run all my ideas by you, but I won’t propose anything too outlandish, or feminine for that matter. How would you feel about flowers and throw pillows, though?”

Johnny: “Oh, I don’t care about any of that! You can decorate my whole trailer with pink and lace and it won’t ruin my life. Just don’t turn the trailer into a minimalist nightmare. I grew up in one. It saps out your soul.”

Dina: “Ew, no! Nothing like that. Your place will look very homey once I'm done with it.”

***

[Several weeks later...]

Dina excitedly waited for Marci to answer her call. When she heard the other woman’s voice on the other end, she barely let her get a greeting in.

Dina: “Hey! Did you get the pics I sent you?

Dina: “Be honest. How’s it look?”

Marci: “If you hadn’t told me that was Johnny’s trailer, I would’ve said you were fucking with me. I almost didn’t recognize it! I dig it. He’s cool with the changes though, right?”

Dina: “He seems okay with it! He hasn’t complained yet. Between you and me, this didn’t cost as much as you’d expect! I know how and where to bargain hunt, who to hire to redo the walls at the cheapest rate...and more importantly, I know how to wrangle the store associates into giving me discounts.”

Marci: “(snort) Okay, Karen.”

Dina: “Oh, I would never harass those poor workers! I meant flirting! Also, that thrift store you recommended was amazing! I saved so much money on the artwork and decor.”

Dina: “And I found the most perfect set of quilts and sheets there, too! You should see how my bedroom came out. Remind me to take pictures later.”

Marci: “You mean Johnny’s bedroom, don’t you?”

Dina: “I still feel so bad intruding on his space, but he insisted he was all right with getting a daybed set up in the, um…’living room’ if you can call it that. He claims it was more comfortable than his last bed. Actually he’s been so supportive of my contributions to the trailer. I think he totally gets that I needed the outlet. He’s very sweet.”

Marci: “That’s Johnny for you. He’s too nice to tell anyone ‘no’, especially you.”

Dina: “Hey, so...have you talked to Don lately?”

Marci sighed dramatically on the other end.

Dina: “What?”

Marci: “Dina, don’t do this. Don’t put me in the middle. You want to talk to him? Then call him and yell at him yourself. I did plenty of that already.”

Dina: “I don’t want to talk to him! Nina said he’s living with her and Katrina again. I was just curious if you knew anything else. Never mind how that makes me feel. Sure, let’s forgive that pathetic excuse of a man but not your own daughter! Does that even make any sense? How is he any different from me? And what is even his deal anymore? He’s probably just using her at this point so he doesn’t have to work! He’s sooooo transparent! I mean, how could he go back to her after what happened between us? Does he have no shame?”

Marci: “Even if I knew what was going on with them, it’s not my place to say anything. I don’t like him being with your mother any more than you do though if that helps you feel better. They’re both bad together.”

Dina: “Really? You never used to care about their relationship one way or another. What’s changed?”

Marci: “Uh…”

Dina: “Aww! Marci Price, are you...mad at my mother, on my behalf? That’s so sweet! Even Nina keeps pushing me to forgive her! I really appreciate that.”

Marci: “Yeah well, it’s pretty fu - ughimsorryholdon - ”

Dina heard Marci drop her phone. She sat up, alarmed when she heard the other women coughing and hacking. Was she throwing up?

Dina: “Marci? Marci! Sweetie, are you okay?”

Marci: “Oh, I’m doing swell. Don’t mind me, just hanging out with my old friend, the toilet. We go way back. I’ve spilled so many of my stupid feelings into this thing. And my breakfast burrito just now.”

Dina: “Wait a minute…”

Dina: “Do you have me on speakerphone in the bathroom? While you’re busy puking?”

Marci: “... Yeah.”

Dina: “Ew! Marci! That’s disgusting! And rude!”

Marci: “I am so sorry, Dina! Next time I projectile vomit all over myself, I’ll politely give you a heads up! I wouldn’t want to be rude, you know!”

Dina: “I’m sorry, I just… why didn’t you just hang up?”

Marci: “It’s not like I expected it. Nausea hits me in waves. One minute I’m fine, the next...ugh.”

Dina: “Do you need me to come over and help with the twins? I can be right there on the double.”

Marci: “No, no…Josh is home today. He had to call off work because I can’t stop throwing up. So fucking embarrassing.”

Dina: “Oh, that’s rough...are you sick or something?”

Marci: “Yeah, or something. Who knows? Listen…”

Marci: “I’m gonna have to call you back. You understand, right?”

Dina: “Of course! If you need anything, let me know!”

Later in the evening, when it was dark outside, Dina stood by the front door and waited.

Johnny hadn’t turned up at the trailer yet - which was odd. After he worked his day job, he usually rushed home, showered, shoveled food in his mouth, and rushed back out the door to perform at the lounge. True to his word, a Johnny sighting was rare and fleeting, as he was always on the move. She was hoping to catch him on his way into the trailer, but now, she was getting worried. Did he make other plans? Was he already performing at the lounge?

Dina stepped outside, to see if he was coming up on their block. She looked down and gasped.

He was lying on the ground, at the bottom of the stairs.

Dina: “Oh my god! Johnny!”

Dina managed to wake him up and get him back on his feet.

Johnny didn’t fully wake up until he was lifted onto his bed.

Dina: “Johnny. Johnny, can you hear me?”

She watched him stir and look up at her.

Dina: “Good. You’re awake. Listen, the lounge called--”

Johnny: “Oh crap! The lounge! You got coffee in the pot? Let me just drink some of that and--”

He couldn’t even finish the sentence before a coughing fit overtook him.

Dina: “I told them you couldn’t perform tonight. You can’t work in this condition!”

Johnny: “Sure I can! I can’t deprive Oasis Springs of my flare and stage presence. Who are they going to get to replace me? Mitchell Kalani? The guy who yells obscenities and sports euphemisms into his mic throughout a full set? His ‘college bro’ persona will only carry him so far, Dina. The world needs class, and I’m here to…”

Johnny coughed again. This time, it sounded as though it hurt his chest. It was deep and wet. Dina left him alone for a moment and searched his cabinets for medicine.

Dina: “Where do you keep your pills? Please tell me you have some! Do you even have a thermometer around here?”

Johnny: “No…I…(cough) lost my medical kit after the trailer flooded last summer. Been meaning to replace it, but…I keep forgetting.”

Dina returned to the bed. She leaned down, bringing her head closer to him.

Johnny: “Wha...what are you doing?”

Dina: “I’m going to press my lips against your forehead to check your temperature. Katrina used to do this with me and Nina whenever we got sick.”

Johnny: “I told you, I’m not sick, it’s just allergies--”

Dina: “Shush. Hold still.”

She pressed her lips against his sweaty forehead.

Dina: “Goodness! You’re burning up! There is no way you’re going to perform like this AT ALL for the rest of the week! Tomorrow we’re going to call the lounge and tell them you’re too sick to perform!”

Johnny: “Dina, no...I can’t do that. I can’t afford to slow down. I’m already striking out with the critics and the hecklers alike. If I stop now, they’re going to assume I burned out. I’ll lose what little clout I got left.”

She got on the bed and faced him, pressing a cool hand to his warm cheek.

Dina: “I’m overruling you, mister.”

Johnny: “Dina--”

Dina: “Johnny, I hate to break this to you, but you are so burning out right now. I see it all over your face. You’re pushing yourself beyond your limits. This illness is your body telling you to SLOW DOWN. You need to REST. You can figure the rest out another day when you’re healthy enough to return to the stage. I mean it, if you go to your show tomorrow, I’m never talking to you again.”

Johnny: “Wow. We’re resorting to threats and ultimatums now, are we?”

Dina: “I don’t want to, but…”

Johnny: “Alright, doll. You win. I don’t like it when you’re mad at me. I’ll call them first thing in the morning.”

Dina: “Johnny, I’m starting to get scared for you. You barely get any sleep, you’re losing weight, you’re constantly pulling doubles at this coffee shop…do you really have to work two jobs like this? Can’t you ask the lounge to give you a raise?”

Johnny: “I’ve got no choice, Dina. My main dream is to be a comedian, but let’s face it: it doesn’t pay all the bills. You should know, right? Katrina must’ve struggled when she started out. It’s the way our business works. You don’t go around asking for more money if you’re not drawing in the crowds. Until that day comes, I have to keep my full-time job.”

Dina: “It’s starting to wreck your physical and mental well-being, though. I found you tonight, but what about next week, or the week after that? What if I’m not here to pick you up and carry you back inside where it’s safe? You know how easy it is for people to die of hypothermia in the middle of the night around here, or catch pneumonia.”

Johnny: “I understand your concerns, Dina, but if I slow down now though, I may as well be admitting defeat. If I just wanted the easy way out, I would’ve never walked away from my family to pursue my dreams. I learned the hard way, if you want to get anywhere in life, you’ve got to work hard for it with or without people in your corner. I might be having a hard time now, but I just know it’s going to pay off in the end. Who knows? Maybe I’ll draw some inspiration from my suffering. Everyone loves a good sob story, don’t they?”

Dina: “You know what? No! I won’t stand for this!”

Johnny: “Dina--”

Dina: “Johnny Zest, it’s no wonder you’re having a hard time coming up with material! You’re burning the candle on both ends! If you want people to take your dream seriously, then you’ve got to devote your entire being to it! You can’t do that if you’re busy pulling espresso shots at a coffee house during the day and showing up at your shows on two hours of sleep! You want to be a comedian, not a barista!”

Johnny: “What do you propose I do about that? I can’t quit my job.”

Dina: “Sure you can! It’s not like you did a blood ritual with them or anything! If you’re that worried about the money, then I’ll start paying rent and contributing to the bills around here - and do not argue with me, mister! I won’t take no for an answer! You’re quitting tomorrow!”

Johnny: “I should at least give them my two weeks notice--”

Dina: “No way! They’re a COFFEE HOUSE! Not an office! You’re expendable! They can hire a high school kid to replace you! Just call them and say you’re not coming back, and let them figure out the rest! Or ghost them! Who cares? Do whatever you’re comfortable with, but you’re not going to make another frappe or mocha latte ever again!”

Johnny: “Damn...where were you several years ago, when I got kicked out of my condo and dug through the dumpsters for food? If only I had a friend like you in my corner, who actually believes in me. It’s, ah...been rough, striking out on my own. Some days, I doubt I can have an impact...that my parents were right about me. I’ve thought about throwing in the towel sometimes.”

Dina: “I’m glad you didn’t. Someone told me once, you shouldn’t waste your time on anything that brings you down, that you should just pull the plug and move onto something else. I don’t think that advice applies to every situation...but it certainly does here. You have talent and charisma, Johnny. You just lost focus there for a second. I promise you’re going to see a huge difference when you finally focus all your creative energy in the right outlet.”

Johnny: “Thanks, Dina. I guess I really needed to hear that. Are you sure you want to pay the rent and bills? I can still contribute, but…it won’t be as much as I could pull in with both gigs.”

Dina: “Don’t worry about the money. I can afford to help out. Let’s just focus on getting you back on track, and we’ll go from there.”

***

True to his word, Johnny quit his day job and focused on his material.

After a period of rest and relaxation, he slowly reverted back to his goofball, happy persona, ready to take on the world and perform again. He was getting far more sleep and putting his regular weight back on. When he wasn’t entertaining in the evenings at the lounge, he spent his free time writing new skits on Dina’s laptop and using his personal microphone to practice performances in the trailer.

Dina was his biggest cheerleader. Every step of the way.

It was nice having Johnny around the trailer more often. Although they were always friends, she got to know him more in-depth, which she really couldn’t do through casual conversations in group outings. Like herself, he enjoyed dancing, so much so that he often blasted music on their stereo when he was home. His taste in music was a little old fashioned, though.

Dina: “I haven’t heard this song since my grandfather played it for me, and even he thought it was released before his prime. You are such a fuddy-duddy deep down in your soul, aren’t you? I bet if I look in your pockets right now, you have caramel candies ready to go.”

Johnny: “Don’t knock the classics! They’re classics for a reason!”

Johnny became her new candid taste tester, too. He was nowhere near as blunt and eager to drink multiple cocktails as Don used to be, but he was always honest and offered valuable feedback on how to improve her drinks. If life in the Landgraab dynasty taught him nothing else, it left him with highly refined taste buds.

Dina: “So, what did you want to do on your birthday tomorrow? We can invite some friends over, or have a night out on the town.”

Johnny: “I’m good! I don’t really celebrate my birthdays.”

Dina: “What? That’s crazy! Birthdays are fun!”

Johnny: “For you, maybe. When I was growing up, my birthdays were nothing more than a sorry excuse to throw another fundraising event with the most boring food imaginable, and I always wound up inviting other rich kids my age who would stop over my body if I was lying dead in the streets.”

Dina: “Well, in the REAL world, birthdays are a great excuse for your friends to shower you with personalized gifts and sappy letters and eat lots of cake with you - or get stupid drunk, depending on your definition of fun! We can have a night out on the town or invite people over for a picnic outside. Come on, what do you say?”

Johnny: “We can do that when it’s your turn to have a birthday. Me, I just want to kick my feet up and relax and not have to worry about a thing.”

Dina thought it was a shame that Johnny didn’t want to celebrate his special day. Sure, it wasn’t a transitional period of his life, but every birthday was significant for a reason. She pictured it: sad rich boy Johnny bored out of his mind at an elegant party, wanting nothing more than to order a pizza or hang out with his real friends outside the Landgraab estate. When was the last time anyone truly got him a gift and made him feel loved and appreciated?

The next day, she surprised him with his gift.

Dina: “I mean it, Johnny! No peeking!”

Johnny: “They’re shut! I told you, you didn’t have to get me anything--”

Dina: “Oh shush! It’s your special day! And I just had to get you a very special gift. Now, open your eyes.”

Dina removed her hands from his face. He gasped at the sight of the blue acoustic guitar in front of him.

Johnny: “Holy crap, Dina, this is…is that…?”

Dina: “It was signed by Dusty Starlight himself. I remember you saying he was your favorite rock star in grade school...which I thought was hilarious considering your love for the oldies. You have no idea how hard it was to flag him down for an autograph. Marci nearly ran him over in my car. We all laughed about it later, I swear. So, do you like it?”

Johnny: “Like it? Do I like it, she asks! C’mere, you!”

Dina giggled as he lifted her up in his arms, with her feet off the ground, for a tight hug.

Dina: “Oh my! I’ll take that as a yes?”

Johnny put her down, grinning sheepishly.

Johnny: “Sorry. Got a little too excited there. You really didn’t have to do this for me, Dina. I mean it. You already did so much for me. I’m never going to be able to return the favor, not anytime soon.”

Dina: “Oh, honey. It’s a gift. I don’t expect anything...except maybe a performance or two once you’re done tuning it. I wanted to repay the favor, for getting me out of a crappy situation. I feel so much better being here, with you. You were a true friend to me, Johnny. I know I didn’t have to get you anything...”

Dina: “...but you’re such a sweet guy. You deserve nice things.”

The last few months were some of the best days of Dina’s life.

She was no longer anxious, wondering whether her mother was going to make a pass on her boyfriends or criticize her life choices. She wasn’t waiting on some loser guy who was never going to appreciate or notice her. She stopped constantly comparing herself to Nina and asking herself why Katrina never seems to criticize her so much. None of it mattered.

She never anticipated moving into Johnny’s trailer home was going to have a positive impact on her life, nor did she realize how much she was going to help him. They couldn’t help but grow closer to each other.

Dina: “Do you listen to nothing but the oldies and show tunes?”

Johnny: “What’s wrong with that?”

Dina: “I just never pegged you as a music snob. Sometimes you switch it up with, like...stuff from the eighties, but that’s it. I think I played my favorite music for you once, and you looked so disappointed with me. I haven’t felt that judged since Marci caught me watching my favorite reality shows.”

Johnny: “I’m not a snob, though. You can like what you like! This is just a personal preference. I don’t really get modern music anymore. Anything past the early eighties is a waste, if you ask me. Put the radio station on, and you hear nothing but digital crap generated by an algorithm, with autotuning and sound bites from other songs. Not here. This music was crafted by musicians or polished entertainers in their prime, with raw emotion and actual instruments. Pop music these days, it’s...cute, but too polished. It lacks personality. It lacks heart.”

Johnny: “If you really want romance, at its most authentic, this is what you turn on. We can change the channel though if you hate it so much.”

Dina: “I never said I hated it. Actually, it’s really grown on me.”

Johnny might’ve been a goofball, an old soul, the scrappy underdog, the black sheep in the Landgraab family. He might’ve been living in a trailer with nothing but a pipe dream and a couple of dollars in his pockets. Slowly, she was starting to understand he was far greater than that. Beneath the jokes, he was loyal, kind, and thoughtful. He never judged her or put her down, nor did he put down her own ambitions. She knew he would never hurt her on purpose, not if he could help it...and she really needed that type of companionship.