“By the way, Mr. Legotti is back in the States and will be coming here tomorrow to sign the papers for the surgery, and, hopefully, has made his decision where to transfer her.”
Debbie felt a dipping feeling in the pit of her stomach. Her baby would soon be leaving. Robert picked up on her look.
“I know, it will be sad to see her go. If he keeps her in the Boston area, which I hope he does for Mr. Santini’s sake, we’ll be able to monitor her progress. If he takes her to New York, I’ll have to hand her records over to a physician there. You do remember, you’re not too attached, are you?”
“No, I’m happy with what we have accomplished. I hope her new therapists are ready for her. She’ll keep them busy.”
The next day Ric was on the way to see Gini. He was quietly humming a tune under his breath. Just as he turned the corner to go to her room, he saw Catherine walking toward him, crying.
“Catherine, what’s wrong?”
She hadn’t seen him coming and was startled. “Ric.” They hugged. “I just saw Gini for the first time.”
“Come on, let’s go sit down.” They went to the area with a couch and some chairs.
She wiped her nose and eyes. “She looks so bad. I can’t believe that’s my friend lying in that bed. I wouldn’t recognize her. Ric!” Her eyes filled with tears again. “How are you possibly handling this?”
“I try to keep happy thoughts, always. She’s actually improving.”
“Improving from what? Saliva flowing out of her mouth and her eyes half open. And her hands, they were so weird against her body. I walked over to her and touched her, but she didn’t move. So frail, so wounded, and that helmet.” She put her face in her hands and cried.
Ric moved closer to her and put her head on his shoulder. Deep down he had the same feelings, but he was not going to let his thoughts linger on what she looked like. What mattered was the beautiful woman he was in love with.
“Sorry.” She pulled away and blew her nose. “I know I should have come before now, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.
“People are asking about her, but Franco made it clear I was not to tell anyone what had happened. Everyone thinks she’s in Florida taking care of her babies. God, I wish she was.”
Ric took her hand. “He just doesn’t want the press to hound the staff here at the hospital. At some point, the public will know.”
“What do you tell everyone?”
“Oh, I’m vague. I try my best to stay away from people. I turned the entertainment part of my company here over to Carol and James. They know their business and don’t need me. I bury my head at my desk working on the Florida projects. I try to go to work and come home when there aren’t many people around. My neighbors are the worst to have to lie to. They all love her and wonder why we aren’t attending the neighborhood football parties. I just tell them she’s off taking care of herself. I’m pretty sure I haven’t fooled David, my next-door neighbor. But he’s a good friend and doesn’t ask questions.”
“This is all so sad. Gini was great at her job; I don’t even think of myself being her boss. We are close friends, and I miss her.” She looked at her watch. “I’ve got to get going.”
She stood, and together, they started down the hall.
“I brought her some flowers. No one was around, so I just put them on the table by her bed. I hope that was okay.”
“If not, the drill sergeant will remove them.”
“Drill sergeant?”
“Debbie, she’s Gini’s neurosurgical nurse; tough as nails. For some reason, I have rubbed her the wrong way from the beginning.” He made a face. “She doesn’t like me.”
The elevator light flashed and sounded. “She doesn’t like the charming Ric Santini? Hard to believe.”
He pushed the floor button once they were inside the car. “It’s true. She just puts up with me.”
“Is Franco here?”
“He’s living in their condo in Boston, but I think he’s in Peru right now.”
Catherine gave him a hug. “You don’t have to walk me to my car. It was good to see you, Ric. Please, keep me informed about Gini.”
“I will. Take care, and keep happy thoughts.”
“I’ll try.”
Ric turned around and started toward the elevator hall. Franco was just coming in from the other direction. “Santini!”
“Did you see Catherine? She just left.”
“I saw her. We didn’t speak. I think she wasn’t too happy when I called and told her to not tell anyone about Gini’s accident.”
“She was upset seeing Gini for the first time. As you know, they’re best friends.”
Franco nodded. “I have to go see Dr. Young.” He held up his satchel as he walked on down the hall.
“Mr. Legotti is here for his appointment,” Dr. Young’s receptionist announced through his phone intercom.
“Send him in.” Robert walked to the door to greet him. “Please, have a seat.”
The doctor took a few papers from his desk and handed them to Franco. “You need to sign these so we can surgically place the plate on the back of Ms. Anderson’s head where we removed the skull.”
Franco took the papers and then some time to read each word before he signed them. “Here you go. When will the surgery be?”
“I have it scheduled for
