Page 98 of Frayed Bonds

As I enter his room he seems a lot more lively than he did last week and I can breathe easier already but when he pins me with a hard stare I shudder in my boots. Growing up with Luciano Vitale as a father, not many things can terrify me, but I don't usually do things like meet with my girlfriends’ fathers, I don't even do girlfriends.

“Mr. Farina, good to see you're looking a bit better than last week,” I say, extending my hand to shake his.

“Feeling much better, thank you for making time for this. I know you're a busy man.” Although his smile is soft and tired, I can feel the seriousness in his tone.

“Ambrose, I wanted to say thank you so much for last week, the nurses mentioned you helped Valerie get me here in time. I might not be here right now if it wasn't for you, so I’m eternally grateful for that,” he says, a sombre tone to his voice.

“Of course, I’d do anything for Valerie, and yourself in turn.” I nod and pull a chair closer to the side of his bed taking a seat.

“That’s why I called you here.” He starts fiddling with his hands in his lap. “I can see she has someone like you in her corner and that does put me somewhat at ease, but I overheard her on the phone discussing some financial matters, and I’ve found a few letters of demand for payment in the house hidden away. It worries me, especially if things were to go wrong with me at some point.”

I swallow the lump forming in my own throat at his words and all I want to do is tell him to stop speaking like that for Valerie's sake. “I understand your concern, Mr. Farina. I’m here for her for as long as she’ll have me and I’ll do whatever it takes to support her.”

“I trust you, Ambrose, I can’t always be there so I need to know she has someone reliable by her side.”

“I’ll make sure she’s taken care of Mr. Farina, you have my word.”

“Thank you, Ambrose.” He nods before he picks up the book he was reading and sinks further into the bed as if we didn't just have the most serious discussion ever about his daughter. A part of me wonders if Valerie’s ex-husband was given a similar speech at some point or the other.

“I’ll be back in a few hours with Val to see you,” I say, rising to my feet. “Do you need anything?”

“No I’m quite alright, I’m not one to hide things from my daughter but could you please keep this conversation to yourself?” he asks and I nod agreeing instantly.

When I head into the hallway, I walk straight towards the nurses station where I’m currently getting gawked at and I can’t help but flash them my signature smile.

“Ladies,” I greet.

“Leaving so soon Mr. Vitale?” A young, blonde nurse asks and I give her a curt nod and turn my attention back to the nurse that helped us last week.

“Uhh…” I scan her chest for a name tag. “Grace, is there any possibility you could tell me which health insurance Mr Farina is with? Valerie asked me to give them a call about updating some details.” I smile, hoping she won’t see through my lies.

“It’s Vitality Insurance, Mr. Vitale.”

“Thank you ladies, see you all in a few hours.” I smile and head straight out to my car. Once I’m outside, I dial Adriano's number and he answers on the second ring.

“You’re pushing this shit with Valerie too far, Ambrose,” Adriano answers. No hello, nothing, but I assume that also means he’s alone.

“I have something I need you and Augustus to take care of.”

Chapter forty

Valerie

“Ihope to never have that much vomit on my shirt again until I have children.” I laugh as I stand. “But I’m glad you're feeling better, Papá. Let me get you some more water before we go.”

“Grazie, Fiore Mio.”

“So, he was here?” I hear some females whisper as I’m filling up my papá's water jug. I look up and notice a blonde nurse I haven't seen before talking to another brunette. “Yes, this afternoon, and he’s right there in room 202. He’s so fucking hot.”

I freeze and watch both of them walk towards the main nursing station where they have a perfect view of my papá’s room and Ambrose as well.

What was he doing here this afternoon? I wonder as I head back to the room.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Papá.” I kiss the top of his head.

“Have a good evening, Fiore Mio, good to see you again Ambrose.”

“Likewise, Mr. Farina,” Ambrose says, shaking my papá's hand.

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