“It’s a pleasure, Mama. If there’s anything else, call the house.”
“Thank you, my darling. I’ll stay here with mama. Love you.”
“Love you too, my gorgeous.”
Mama and I were left alone to talk and pray.
JOE
The first thing I did when I arrived at Giovani and Alicia’s home was phone my parents. I informed them of the events of the evening and told them which hospital Giovani was at. I collected the few items for Ella’s father and headed back. Poor Ella was a wreck. I wanted to be with her, to comfort her.
My parents were with Ella and her mother when I got back to the hospital. My mother was holding Alicia’s hand, and my father was talking to the doctors. Ella sat quietly, staring into space.
“I’m back, my love. Any news yet?”
“No, not yet, but the assisting doctor says the operation is going well. Oh, Joe, I’m so scared.”
“Don’t worry, my love. Your father is strong. He’ll pull through. Can I get you anything?”
“Just hold me please, Joe.”
The hours ticked by as we sat waiting for news. I told my parents it was okay for them to leave, that I would call them as soon as we heard from the doctor. They left reluctantly, leaving me and my girls to it.
At four o’clock that morning, the surgeon came to give us a report. Giovani was doing fine, the operation a success. We were all so tired that we were slow in reaction to the good news.
“Can I see my husband, please doctor?” Ella’s mother stood as she looked pleadingly at the surgeon.
“Of course, Mrs. Lastra. He’s very tired and groggy from being under anesthetic for so long, but that’s normal. I have to insist that you keep the visit short, please.”
Alicia was halfway down the passage before the doctor was done speaking. I’d always admired the love Ella’s parents had for each other.
I called my parents with the good news, and after an hour with Giovani, we dropped Alicia off on our way home. My Ella was exhausted. It had been a very long twenty-four hours—none of it good.
“Let’s get some rest, gorgeous. I’ll call the university and tell them you need a few days off. You go up to bed; I’ll be there soon.”
“Thank you, Joe. For everything.”
Ella was exhausted. By the time I’d finished the phone calls and got to our bedroom, she was fast asleep. I called my office and told them I wouldn’t be in. I lay down beside my beautiful wife and fell into a deep sleep.
ELEANORA
I woke up around five o’clock in the afternoon. My head was still foggy when I went downstairs to the kitchen, every step of the staircase agitating my throbbing headache. Joe was sitting at the counter eating toast and drinking coffee.
“Ah, coffee. Need some badly.”
“Hey, Sleeping Beauty. I was about to send in the dwarfs to wake you. Come, sit. I’ll pour you a cup. Would you like some toast?”
“Yes, please. I’m starving. When did you get up?” He looked as fresh as a daisy. I felt like crap.
“About an hour ago. You were out for the count, so I came downstairs to do some paperwork. How are you feeling?”
“I’d like to get the registration of the truck that hit me.”
Joe laughed. “That bad, is it?”
“Worse. Has my mother called? How’s my papa?”
“He’s much better this evening. Your mama says his color is good and he’s lucid. Have a bath and a snack, my love. Afterward, I’ll go with you to see him.”
I was convinced that my husband was the sweetest creature on two legs. I was so thankful for him. After wolfing down my breakfast, followed by a hot shower, Joe and I went to see my father. He was awake when we got to his room.
“Don’t do that again, Papa! You scared us. How are you feeling?”
“Good morning, my little fireball. I’m well thanks, and how are you?” My father had a faint smile.
I chuckled as I took his hand. It was warm and soft, and I was eternally grateful that he was alive.
“And? How are you feeling, Papa?”
“I needed a full service, an oil change, and air in my tires—now I’m as good as new—a sport’s model.”
Joe and I laughed. My father held his chest and said “Ouch, don’t make me laugh, it hurts like a son of a bitch. Excuse my language, ladies.”
“Don’t worry, Papa. I’ve got your back.” Joe gave my father a thumbs up and a wink.
“How are you, Mama?” My mother had a spring in her step. She’d clearly recovered from her near implosion.
“I’m much better now. I’m just afraid your Papa is going to use this as an excuse not to mow the lawn and change a few globes.”
“You’re a terror, Alicia. I had to feign a heart attack so that I could come to hospital and rest, woman!”
We all laughed as my mother wiped away a tear. It was good to have my father back.
Chapter Nine
JOE
I sat at my desk, Gino across from me, spewing venom.
“You’re such a jealous dipshit! You won’t see anything my way. The business is making money hand over fist, and you keep convincing Papa not to invest. You think you’re smarter than us just because you have a degree, do you?”
“Gino, it has nothing to do with jealousy or vanity. The business you want us to invest in is a sinking ship. The financials do not support the actual figures the owner is hiding from you. He’s probably trying to get rid of it because the cops are wise to his schemes.”
“Bullshit! This isn’t over, Joe. You’re walking a tightrope.
