Debbie was furious for a couple of days. But there didn’t seem to be any more attention drawn to them when they were out, even though Debbie had heard and seen other reporters talking about the wonderful couple and how they had just disappeared from the city. She wanted the stories to stop because they were putting a lot of focus on Gini and Ric. But the press was relentless, constantly reshowing Gini and Ric together, then the recent picture of Gini hugging close to Debbie in the market checkout line. And to make it worse, some of the reports were not kind, questioning why Gini was with another man—carrying his babies—when she was a married woman. Debbie was very uncomfortable about all the press on an old story. She didn’t want Gini to be hurt or gossiped about. Since there had been no evidence when they went on their walks that people recognized Ms. Anderson, Debbie figured the public was not interested, just the press.
Then three days later, Debbie and Gini were stepping out of the elevator to take their daily walk. Howard came running toward them with his arms spread out. “Stop. Go back up. In front of the building is a crowd of reporters. They want to speak to Mrs. Young. I told them they couldn’t come into the building, so there they have stood out there all morning.”
Debbie peeked around Howard’s head to see out the front door. Two people had their hands on the glass and were looking in.
She put her arm around Gini’s shoulders and turned her to reenter the elevator.
Gini was thrusting her tongue. “No, be… uff, walk?”
“No, baby, not today.”
“Be… uff, rain.”
“No! We’re just… we’ll bake cookies for Robert. Yes, that’s what we need to do, bake.”
“Need… uff, walk, ever… day.”
“Gini.” Debbie squeezed her tight as the elevator went up. “Not today, please, not today.”
Gini could tell Debbie was upset about something and, confused at what Howard was trying to tell them, she decided to try to make Debbie happy.
That evening Robert told Debbie the media had been all over the hospital asking questions.
“Did you talk to them?” she asked.
“No, John and I lay pretty low all day.”
“This is crazy, Robert, being all penned up in our home, and you in your office by some stupid news-hungry paparazzi.”
“You’re right. I’m going to talk to Gini. We need to speak about this; it’s time.”
It was decided they would hold a news conference at the hospital in a controlled environment. When Catherine emailed Robert about the story, she requested she be a part of the news conference. He agreed.
The meeting was in a small classroom used for training. Long tables went from wall to wall, so Gini would be protected behind them, separated from the media.
Debbie was concerned about Gini being so visible, but Gini seemed to understand what was happening, and she wanted to be with Robert when he talked to the reporters.
The day arrived, and Robert led Gini in from an office only accessible from behind the tables. Debbie and Catherine followed them in. There were only six reporters.
“Hello, my name is Dr. Robert Young. And this is Virginia Anderson Young.”
Gini looked up at him. “Be… uff, hus… ban.”
There was a quiet gasp in the room when she spoke.
“How bad is your brain damage, Ms. Anderson?” a reporter asked.
Gini smiled and leaned into Robert. Then slowly spoke, “Bain… uff—”
Janet had seen the story on Gini’s accident and wanted to watch the press conference. She and Ric were sitting on the couch. As he listened, he leaned on his arm on the sofa end. His other arm was around Janet, his fingers gently rubbing up and down the side of her head.
Robert interrupted Gini and told reporters—using appropriate medical terms—what exactly had happened to her and how it affected her speech, mobility, and sight.
“We are happily married and expecting our first child.”
“Jess… eeca.”
Ric lowered his arm, putting his hand on Janet’s small baby bump. She laid her hand on top of his, loving the feel of his long warm fingers next to her skin. Being so interested in the streaming news event, she was unaware of Ric’s emotions.
“Mrs. Young is having a good life,” Robert concluded.
“Will she be going back to Washington DC and working with Ms. White?”
Debbie shook her head. How stupid could that guy be, she thought. After what Robert had just described, wasn’t it obvious?
“No, she will be raising our daughter with me here. Thank you so much for your time,” Robert said. He turned with Gini, and they left the room. Debbie followed.
“Ms. White, will Ms. Anderson be working from here on the children’s health bill?”
“As you can see, Virginia is living a different life now. Please, I beg of you, leave her and her family alone. She is very happy.”
“Where are Ms. Anderson and Mr. Santini’s twins? Does he have custody?”
“The babies were killed in the accident,” Catherine said.
Ric moved to the front edge of the couch and put his face in his hands.
“Oh, babe,” Janet said, putting the tablet down.
He stood when she touched him. “I have to get out of here.” He rushed to leave, his motions frantic.
“Ric, where are you going? I’ll go with you.”
“No.” He slammed the door behind him.
“Please, let them have their peace. Mr. Santini is living in Florida with his new wife. This story is over.” Catherine turned and left the room.
From their Lauderdale-By-The-Sea condo balcony, Janet saw Ric walking the beach.
He had slipped off his shoes and was slowly strolling at the water’s edge, trembling—his emotions totally out of his control. His children had died in that horrible accident on
