Caterina says, “Can I have a minute with him?”
Teresa looks at her.
Something passes between them.
Then Teresa nods. “One minute. Then I’m telling everyone he’s awake before Vito kicks down another hospital door.”
Another?
I file that away.
Teresa leaves.
The room quiets again.
The machines continue their steady beeping.
The pain is fading now as the painkillers threaten to take me under.
I manage to stay awake only because Caterina is here, and I don’t want to leave just yet. I’ve already lost five days with her, even if I didn’t realize it, and I don’t want to miss out on the next few hours.
She sits again, close enough that her knees press against the side of the bed. She holds my hand with both of hers.
For once, she does not seem to know what to say.
That worries me.
Caterina Conti always has words. Sharp ones, smart ones, furious ones. Words that slice, deflect, challenge, charm, and command.
Now she only looks at me.
“Cat,” I rasp.
Her eyes snap to mine.
“You hurt?”
She inhales shakily.
“A few scratches. Bruises. Nothing serious.”
I stare.
“You… left room.”
Her mouth tightens.
“Yes.”
I close my eyes.
“Caterina.”
“Do not take that tone with me from a hospital bed.”
I open my eyes again.
She is angry now.
