1978 (#9) - Casey's relationship problems and the conflicting relationship with Nikki

As time goes by, the relationship between Snapper and Casey grows stronger and stronger, so much so that the smile on Snapper's face seems to have finally put the pain of Chris' abandonment behind it. Snapper confides to Casey all of his past experiences, and the woman comforts and cheers him up. Soon Snapper begins to realize that his feelings for the woman are evolving rapidly; however, he notes with regret that Casey seems distant and rejects him, making him realize that she is not interested in anything further than a friendship. Snapper seems very disappointed, but at the same time he doesn't seem to want to insist. However, it is the encounter with Casey's eccentric younger sister, Nikki Reed, that makes him change his mind. While Snapper is convinced that Casey is interested in another man, Nikki confesses to Snapper that her sister is not interested in any man at all, and precisely the problem is that she never was interested in anyone. The woman is in fact convinced that Casey has serious relationship problems, finding herself a virgin at her age because she never has had a love story, choosing to take up all her time at work to avoid establishing personal relationships; problems, that probably come from her childhood, since Casey has been abused by their father in the past. Snapper, completely surprised by Nikki's confessions, then convinces himself to stay closer to Casey and give her support, despite the girl's rejection by minimizing it and denying Nikki's version of the supposed abuse. In contrast, Casey is rather worried about Nikki's messy and completely unregulated life. Snapper, convinced not to move away from Casey, in order to gain the woman's trust, manages to find a job for Nikki through Brock, getting her hired at The Allegro; Casey in fact, really appreciates Snapper's thought and understands how he is a sincere and kindhearted man.