When I emerged, Nina’s eyes locked on me, and a smile spread across her face.
“What happened?” I asked.
She smirked, her gaze full of admiration. “Sei sexy.”
I smiled at her compliment and kissed her softly, savoring the moment. As I pulled back, Rachel approached with the patient files.
“We should head inside,” Rachel said, handing them to me.
I gave Nina a reassuring smile. “I’ll be right back.”
Nina stayed in the waiting area due to patient confidentiality. I walked with purpose, following Rachel down the corridor to Mrs. De Luca’s doctor. He greeted me warmly.
“Dr. Romano, good to see you,” he said, shaking my hand.
“Good to see you, too. I have a few concerns about Mrs. De Luca’s charts.”
We moved to a private examination room where the doctor updated me on her status. I made mental notes, considering adjustments to her treatment plan.
Entering her room, I greeted her with a warm smile. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better than yesterday, Doc,” she replied weakly.
I made a few notes. “That’s good to hear. I’ve reviewed your charts, and I’d like to discuss some of your symptoms and medication side effects.”
I conducted an exam, talking with her doctor about the inconsistencies I’d noticed. She mentioned some nausea and fatigue, which were expected but needed attention.
“We may need to alter your medication,” I explained. “I’ll confer with your doctor to make sure we handle it.”
She nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Dr. Romano.”
I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “We’ll keep an eye on things.”
After finalizing the details with the doctor, I rejoined Nina and Rachel in the hallway. “How did it go?” Nina asked.
“Good. We have a solid plan. Now, let’s see my aunt.”
I turned to Rachel. “Please have those notes ready in a document for her primary doctors. We may need to adjust her treatment soon or have her transferred to New York.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Rachel replied.
The drive to my aunt’s flower shop was filled with quiet moments and Nina’s growing excitement. As we arrived, Nina marveled at the peonies displayed at the entrance.
“This place is beautiful,” she said.
“It is,” I agreed, a sense of nostalgia washing over me. “Aunt Rosa has a real talent for this.”
Inside, I called out, “ZiaRosa!”
From the back of the shop, a petite woman with silver-streaked hair appeared, her face lighting up as she embraced me. “Mio figlio! It’s so good to see you!”
“It’s good to see you too, Aunt Rosa,” I said, hugging her tightly. “And we also have–”
Aunt Rosa’s smile widened as she turned to Nina. “The lovely Nina! It’s wonderful to see you again, dear.”
Nina blushed but smiled brightly. “Wonderful to see you too, Signora Rosa.”
“I keep forgetting you’re Italian!” Aunt Rosa exclaimed, leaning in to kiss her cheeks. “Meravigliosa!”
