I wasn't sure about Brandon at first. Maybe it was the way he introduced me to the cocktail waitress at The District... a night that likely included Keith and Phil Shane. Hot damn!
He grew on me and I ended up admiring him. I don't think he ever knew that, though. I'm not sure I did.
Brandon was the catalyst for one of my favorite stories. A bunch of people from this message board made the trek to my area for 66ers opening night many years ago. Derek had qualified for at least a share of a jackpot at San Manuel earlier in the day. So, naturally, Brandon, Derek, James, and myself left in the middle of the game for the casino.
"If I win this hand of blackjack, we're going to Vegas" said Brandon
He was dealt a six. Dealer showed a ten. I don't remember the rest of the hand, but he won. Nobody seemed thrilled, but nobody said no.
Nobody had a change of clothes, a toothbrush or anything.
We rolled into Vegas at some absurd hour. 5am maybe? Ended up at a roulette table... picking numbers like 27, 15, 16, and 40.
I had worked somewhere for more than ten years. Rarely missed a day and until then, always had a good reason. I had to call in sick after 7am. I went outside, made the call, and the woman the answered asked if it was windy where I was. Bye, I said. Fun fact that I didn't remember until last night. I didn't want to leave my car in the stadium lot. Instead of going home, I left it at my work a few blocks away. So, I called in while my car was at work.
I had never done anything like that and never would have if it wasn't for Brandon. More good times are coming to mind,but this one is the most memorable for me.
See you at Frankie's Tiki Room, Brandon.