Ric took Debbie to both places. He admitted he thought Gini’s place was a better situation since it was all on one floor and the condo had two parking places, so they both could park their cars there. His house had room for only one car off the street because the old garage was too small for a reasonable-sized car to fit. Debbie was impressed with his Mercedes. He was a nice man with impeccable manners, opening and holding the doors for her.
On their way back, they had a conversation about Gini being a lobbyist. Debbie told him they had seen videos of her and Catherine White speaking, and she saw pictures of the two of them—Ric and Gini—on the morning show and society page.
“We went to some fun parties. I remember the Junior League Ball. Oh, Gini looked so beautiful that night. That was our first night together.” He smiled at the memories.
“So why is there no news story about her accident?”
“That’s Franco. Somehow, he swept it away. He made it a non-story.”
“Why? Shouldn’t her public know?”
“At first, I thought it was Franco being a bully again, but he explained he didn’t want the press all over the hospital and nagging Dr. Young. And I think they would have if they’d known. I’m glad they weren’t interfering with her treatment. She never went by her married name. I don’t think people even knew she was married to Franco. When she was hurt, she was registered as Virginia Legotti. And I guess there’s a story out there about her taking time off to raise her family.”
“And you? Don’t you get a lot of questions?”
“I keep under the radar.” He looked at her. “You know, couples do break up.”
“You said bully. You think Franco’s a bully?”
“He was somewhat of one in high school. He had a rough time when he was a kid, never knew his dad, and his mom and grandma didn’t care what he did as long as he didn’t bother them. They lived in the bad part of the neighborhood, so he had to be tough to defend himself from the gangs. Thank goodness for Gini’s mom, Mama Elizabeth, she got him off the streets and saved his life. He’s smart and was a star athlete in high school. Even though he was considered part of the popular crowd, his only friends were Gini and me. Ha, and my only friends were Franco and Gini. I was far from popular, a total nerd.”
“You, a nerd? I find that hard to believe.”
“Oh, believe me, I was like a fish out of water. I’m beginning to realize Franco is a loner and always has been. He claimed Gini as his girl at the age of twelve. I think with her constantly at his side, he didn’t have to deal with the peer pressure of dating or having someone to go to parties with. I know he loves her, but he was never romantic. However, I guess they had hot sex once they were married.”
Debbie moved uncomfortably.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to go there.” He had a playful look. “Anyway, he could be mean if someone crossed him. Nobody messed with him. But he has a huge heart, especially when it comes to children.
“And then there’s Gini. She had a lot of friends. Everyone loved her and her mother. Kids went through their house like trains go through a train station. Mama Elizabeth treated every child like her own. We were a strange lot back then.
“I guess you can see, however, from the day he said goodbye to her, that Franco deeply loves her. He just has a hard time showing or sharing his feelings.”
“Yeah, well, he should get some help.”
“Debbie, I want you to know he thinks a lot of you, as do I. I’m so glad you will be taking care of her. I mean, you’re like a junkyard daw—” He stopped, realizing what he was saying.
“Hahahaha. A junkyard dog. I’m really that gruff?”
“I meant that as a compliment. I know no one is going to get past you. You will always protect and care for Gins. I know that.” He reached over and squeezed her shoulder.
So, Gini’s place it was. That’s where Debbie and Gini were moving. She left it up to Lisa when she joined them. Once again, when Debbie told Lisa they were moving into Gini’s condo in Boston, her tone was casual, and she didn’t ask for Lisa’s input. No discussion at all as to whether Lisa wanted to do that or not. Gini was so important to Debbie—maybe the most important person of all. It hurt, and she realized she was tired of being hurt. Lisa faced a difficult decision.
Debbie asked Ric to move Gini’s office equipment and furniture out of the room across from the master into the library area on the other side of the dining room between the other two bedrooms. The room across from the master was small but perfect because it was close to Gini if she needed anything at night.
Lisa helped Debbie pack up her things from her house, and Ric arranged to have them moved to the condo.
Lisa and Debbie were just finishing up putting a few new things in the kitchen cabinets.
“When are you bringing your things over, Leesy?”
“Ah, about that.” Lisa walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Boston Harbor. “I… I’m.”
She turned and looked at Debbie. “I’m not moving here.” She stood up straight.
“That’s okay,” Debbie said, still reaching into the shelves. “You’re probably right, it would be better if you move in after Gini’s here. Too much going on all at the same time.”
“No, Debbie, I’m not ever moving here.” Lisa spoke quietly, but her tone
