First Impressions
Parts 9-10
By Kellie
"Buzz told me that you're living in the boarding house. Why would you want to live there, especially with your family's..." Michelle paused as she tried to find the right word.
"Reputation," Danny interjected. "Michelle, there are a lot of reasons why I left my family and moved into the boarding house. I guess one of the main reasons was that when I would meet someone like you ..."
"The name Santos frightened them off," Michelle finished.
"Basically, yes. When I finished college, my mother expected me to join the family business. I had been raised to do that." Danny began. "I worked for her for a while, but I resented the fact that I had never gotten the chance to chose what to do with my life. One day I decided I'd had enough, so I took a room in the boarding house and left."
"Danny, that all sounds a little too simple when you considering your family's line of business," Michelle said as she looked up at Danny.
"Well, I left a few details out."
"I kind of figured that part out." Michelle paused and looked over at Danny. "I have one more question."
"What's that?"
"Considering the fact that I've ended up angry time we've met, why did you show up at my house this morning?" Michelle inquired.
Danny's eyes locked with Michelle's as he spoke, "From the moment you left Company after we first met yesterday afternoon, I haven't been able to get you off my mind. I can't explain why. All I know is that I want to get to know you."
Michelle sat in silence for a moment digesting everything Danny had just said. "Well, since I've had my chance to ask you a few questions, I guess I should give you the same chance. What do you want to know about me?"
"I want to know if you will spend the day with me," Danny replied.
"Danny, I can't. I told you before you dragged me out of my house that I had plans today," Michelle said as she looked at her watch. "As a matter of fact, I need to get home so I can get ready."
"I believe I told you your plans had changed," Danny countered.
"Danny, it would be rude for me to stand up my friends without any kind of explanation," Michelle replied.
"So your plans are with some friends, I'm not causing you to stand up a date."
"No, you wouldn't be causing me to stand up a date. Hey! Wait a second." Michelle rose to her feet and crossed her arms. "That was your plan all along! If I had been going on a date, you were planning to make sure I stood the guy up!"
With a sharp sigh, Michelle turned on her heel and started walking at a determined pace towards the nearby playground. She saw Harley and Lizzie playing with Zach in the sandbox. She waved at the trio when Lizzie shouted, "Hi Michelle."
Michelle took a seat on one of the swings and sat silently as she watched Harley and the kids play. She sensed that Danny had followed her and looked up to see him leaning against the swing set post.
"Well, I guess you don't know how to take a hint about getting lost," Michelle remarked.
"You're the one who took off before I could explain."
"At this point, I really don't care to hear anything you have to say," Michelle said as she began to slowly push herself off on the swing.
Danny walked around so he was behind Michelle and began to push her on the swing. After several minutes of silence, Michelle spoke, "You wanted to explain, I'm listening."
"Michelle, I didn't have any kind of plan in mind. When I was at the hospital last night, the nurse at the desk, Lillian, told me you were off today. I want to spend time getting to know you, so I showed up at your house. As for your plans, I guess I'm used to getting my own way. When most people realize who I am and who my family is, they usually go along with whatever I want to do. I just assumed you'd drop your plans for me."
"Danny, I'm not everyone else. I have my own life and it's not ruled by the whims of other people."
"You're right and I'm sorry. I guess you want me to take you home now so you can meet your friends."
"That would be nice," Michelle replied as she brought the swing to a stop.
Danny walked silently beside Michelle as they headed towards his car. As he opened the door, Michelle asked, "Danny, would you like to join me at the beach this afternoon?"
Michelle watched as Danny's face lit up before he answered, "Miss Bauer, I'd love to join you and your friends at the beach." ______________________________________________
Danny stood by the edge of the water watching as Michelle played volleyball with an assortment of her friends and acquaintances. Michelle's friends and classmates from med school had been polite to him, but it was crystal clear that they knew exactly who he was. Bill Lewis had stopped short of saying that Michelle was too good for the likes of a Santos. Danny looked over towards the lighthouse. "Shit," he muttered under his breath as he spotted his brother, Mick. Danny glanced back and saw the Michelle was still occupied by her game, so he headed over to see why in the hell Mick was on the beach.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my long lost brother. Long time no see," Mick said as Danny approached.
"Mick," Danny replied, "what brings you to the beach? It's not exactly your usual hangout."
"Bro, the beach isn't your usual hangout either. Anyway, with your new found dislike for the business, you really wouldn't want to know why I'm here."
"Just as I thought, you're here to deal."
"Why else, brother dear," Mick whispered as he put his arm around Danny's shoulder. "Now, I suggest you go back to enjoying the view over there before you scare my client away."
Danny shook his head as he left Mick and headed over towards the beach chair where Michelle now sat. "Who was that?" she asked as he sat down in the sand beside her chair.
"That was my brother. So who won the game?" Danny asked.
"My team, of course. So are you going to introduce me to your brother?" she inquired.
"Michelle, you don't want to know my brother; I know I don't," Danny remarked.
"What exactly does that mean?"
"Michelle, you know what my family does and I've made it pretty clear that I don't want to be a part of that life and Mick is a part of that. Trust me when I say, you don't want to meet him."
Michelle could tell by Danny's tone not to push the issue. They settled into an uncomfortable silence. As they sat there, Bill came up, "Michelle, we're all heading to grab a pizza. Do you and your guest want to join us?"
Michelle looked over at Danny as she answered, "Not this time, Bill. After the late shift I worked last night, I'm tired. I'm just going to get Danny to drive me home. I'll call you later."
"Okay. I'll talk to you later," Bill replied. He nodded at Danny as he walked over to join the group heading towards the beach parking area.
As soon as Bill was out of site, Danny spoke. "Michelle, you didn't have to brush off your friends because of me."
"I didn't brush off my friend for you. I really am tired. As I recall, someone showed up unannounced at my house this morning, which forced me to get up earlier than I had planned," she replied firmly.
Michelle started to stand, when a strange voice startled her.
"So, this is why you're hanging around the beach, bro. She's quite a looker, let me know when you get tired of her, I'd love to get a piece of her action," Mick snidely remarked.
Danny jumped to his feet and knocked Mick to the ground. "I don't ever want to hear you talk about her like that again."
Mick pushed Danny off and they both rose to their feet. Mick lunged at Danny as Michelle screamed, "Stop it! Both of you, just stop!"
Danny moved to the right and caught Mick's leg with his foot. Mick went crashing to the ground. "You're not worth it, Mick!" Danny yelled as he grabbed Michelle's hand and they headed towards the parking lot. Michelle looked back to see Mick sitting on the beach with his head in his hands.
"What's going on between you two?" Michelle asked.
"Mick's a strung out asshole. Let's get out of here." Danny replied.
As they were getting into the car, Danny and Michelle heard a gunshot ring out from the direction of the beach.