Page 36 of Nobody's Girl

“He has no need to worry,” Sofia was a little annoyed but she didn’t know if it was at Ivo or Clemence. Maybe both. Why would Ivo confide in his ex-girlfriend about his current girlfriend other than to complain? Her jaw ached and she realized she was clenching her teeth. Clemence patted her hand.

“He was projecting. I think this thing with his mother has him all messed up. Adria keeps telling him the cancer isn’t spreading, that she’s being treated by the best in the world, but still, Ivo worries.”

The shock of hearing that Ivo’s beloved mother had cancer rippled through Sofia. Another thing he hadn’t told her, but had clearly confided in Clemence about. What the fuck?

Then she felt ashamed. He had known Clemence for years, Sofia for only a few months. Of course, Clemence was close to Adria too, and, Sofia reminded herself, this really wasn’t about her. She shook herself.

“I didn’t know, but I hope Adria is okay.” Sofia picked up her tea cup, steading her shaking hands. What the hell was the matter with her lately?

Clemence nodded, but her eyes were sad. “I do think she’s hiding how much pain she is in, even from Ivo and Walter.”

Sofia sighed. “Clemence, maybe I should go see her, offer my help. I mean, I don’t know her that well, but…”

“I think she would like that.” Clemence rummaged in her bag for a piece of paper. “I have her room number here somewhere. She’s staying at the George V.”

Sofia blanched. George V. Where her step-father was staying. No matter about him, this is more important. She took the piece of paper from Clemence, thanking her. “Perhaps I should call first?”

“Why not surprise her? I know she’s bored out of her mind, waiting around for tests and treatment. The chemo is leaving her exhausted and she doesn’t go out much because of, well, she’s Adria La Loggia. She’s used to presenting herself in a certain way. Sick isn’t one of them.”

Sofia’s heart ached for the other woman. “Poor thing. Maybe I’ll take her some flowers, fresh fruit?”

“A lovely idea. Listen, I hate to cut and run, but I have a doctor’s appointment myself. Can we meet next week?”

Sofia nodded. “Of course. If there’s anything I can do to help you, don’t hesitate.”

Clemence gave her a strange smile. “You’re sweet. Take care of yourself, Sofia.”

“You too.”

Sofia watched the other woman walk away, wondering what that weird smile was about. She turned the piece of paper over in her hands. If Adria La Loggia wasn’t feeling her glamorous self, maybe Sofia could help her out with that.

She went home and opened her laptop. A little pampering would do Adria the world of good. She would maybe appreciate the bonding time with her son’s new lover. Sofia couldn’t deny that she was a little intimidated by Ivo’s glamorous parents.

Now that she had some money in her new checking account, Sofia wondered what would be appropriate. Maybe start small. Flowers, some fine chocolates…Sofia hissed in frustration. What if Adria hated cut flowers, or chocolate? What if Adria was insulted by her naive attempts to cheer her up?

The house phone in Desi’s apartment began to ring, and Sofia blinked in astonishment. She was stunned Desi even had a houseline anymore. She ran lightly. Barefoot, to pick it up.

“Hello?”

“Desiree?” A warm older male voice. Walter.

“Hello, Mr. Zacca, no, it’s Sofia. Desi’s not here at the moment.”

“Oh, Sofia, how are you, my dear? I was actually looking for my son. I don’t suppose he is with you?”

Sofia smiled. Walter Zacca sounded so much like Ivo, it was impossible to feel nervous around him. “He’s working at the moment but his cell phone should be on.”

“I just tried to reach him, and Clemence too, but neither was answering. Could you ask him to call me when he gets in?”

“Of course.” Sofia hesitated. “Mr. Zacca, may I ask you something?”

“Call me Walter, dear, and of course you can, fire away.”

“Mrs. Zacca, I mean, Ms. La Loggia…I would like to make her feel more comfortable while she is getting the chemotherapy, and wondered if she would appreciate me organizing some kind of pampering session, a massage, or a facial, or even just some flowers?”

There was a silence on the end of the phone. Sofia frowned. “Mr. …Walter, are you there?”

“Adria has cancer.” It sounded like a statement, but in an instant, Sofia realized it wasn’t. It was a question. Walter Zacca had no idea his ex-wife, his best friend, was sick.