She squeezed my hand gently. “You sound important.”
I chuckled. “Not important. Just thorough.”
“So you’re basically the specialist they call when things get complicated?”
“Something like that,” I said as we stepped closer to the car. “And complicated cases are often the ones that matter most.”
Rachel was waiting by the car, briefing me on the day’s agenda as we settled in.
“We’ve got a four-hour drive to Milan,” she said, handing me patient files. “First, we stop at the hospital to see Mrs. De Luca.These are her latest reports. Review them before the visit.”
Nina glanced at the files, curiosity in her eyes. “What’s next?”
“After the hospital, you’ll head to dinner with your aunt. We’ll be back in Florence by nightfall.”
I nodded. “Sounds like a full day.”
“We always have full days,” Rachel replied.
As the car moved, Nina rested her head against the window, content. I felt a wave of gratitude.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She nodded. “I texted Inaya to take over for the day. It feels good to get a break.”
I kissed her cheek, holding her close.
An hour into the drive, I started reviewing Mrs. De Luca’s charts. Most of it was routine, but a few notes caught my eye. I’d need to discuss them with the team in person.
My phone buzzed, interrupting my focus.
“It’s Dillon,” Rachel said, handing me the phone.
I answered quickly, hoping it wasn’t urgent.
“Ronan,” Dillon’s voice came through, tinged with impatience. “Where are you?”
“Italy,” I replied.
“Did you just say Italy?”
I nodded. “Yes. I’m here for work. What’s up?”
“Work? Or Nina?” Dillon teased, but with a serious edge.
I smirked. “Can’t it be both? She’s right here if you want to say hi.”
Nina leaned in. “Hi, Dillon.”
“Hey, Nina,” Dillon’s voice brightened. “Well, that saves me a phone call. I’m actually calling to invite you both to a surprise birthday party for Azzaria. It’s in Greece.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I said.
“Great,” Dillon replied, relieved. “I’ll send you the details soon.”
We arrived in Milan, the city buzzing with its usual energy. As we pulled up to the hospital, the shift from personal to professional was immediate. I turned to Nina, who was lost in thought, gazing out the window.
Inside the hospital, I quickly changed into my medical gear. The familiar shift into my professional role was seamless.
