Page 15 of Giorgio

“I am not hungry,” ignoring the place his father indicted, he went to the second pot of coffee and poured a generous amount before turning to face them.

“The fact that you are here so early speaks volumes. Ironing out my defense?”

“Nothing that dramatic.” Dario continued to sip his coffee, his face expressionless. He was an excellent ally to have under pressure because nothing fazed him.

“I am here in support of people I consider to be family. We spoke to Edoardo, and the young woman’s condition remains the same. Her vitals are good, so no cause for alarm. The brother is not making damaging phone calls, which is also a reason to be thankful.”

“Is it?” The bitterness in Giorgio’s voice belied that. “She is still unconscious, and we have no idea what is going to happen to her. I don’t care about the legal ramifications- “

“You bloody well should!”

He glanced at his father who was glaring at him. “I was wondering when you were going to start casting stones my way.”

“You went off…”

“Gentlemen.” Dario held up a hand, trying to squash the argument and dissolve the mounting tension. “We have enough to think about as it is. Let’s…”

The phone rang just then, causing all three of them to jump reflexively. Giorgio was closest to it and snatched the receiver off the wall almost frantically and pressed the button. “Yes?” He listened for a minute and hung up.

“Well?”

Looking at his father he murmured. “She is awake.”

*****

“Short term memory loss. She knows her name and the fact that she is American, but nothing else.”

“How is her frame of mind?” Giorgio asked tersely. All three men had traveled in one vehicle with Dario driving and made the trip to the clinic in record time. It had been a relief not to see paparazzi lining the perimeter fencing.

“Confused. Other than that, her vitals are good.” He stared at Giorgio. “She seems to remember someone talking to her last night.”

“I would like to see her.”

“Of course. Go right ahead.”

Leaving the other men in the room with the doctor, he made his way along the passageway and into the private room. This morning with the pale sunlight streaming through the drapes, it looked less gloomy and more presentable. The woman propped up on the pillows turned her head as soon as he opened the door.

The liquid dark brown eyes gave him pause for a second, his heart knocking against his ribs. They looked like melted chocolate and even the look of confusion in them couldn’t detract from the beauty. He felt as if she was staring straight into his wretched soul.

“Hi.” Forcing a smile, he advanced further, cautiously sitting on the chair at the side of the bed.

“The doctor said I was in an accident.” Her voice sent further awareness trembling through his body. It was husky and could be described as sultry.

“You were,” he wanted to take her hand, but he did not want to frighten her. “You don’t remember.”

She shook her head slowly. “What am I doing here?”

“You had an accident…”

“No. What am I doing in this country?”

His heart took another beating at her loss of memory. “You were on vacation.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I spoke to your brother…”

“I have a brother?”

“One who is very concerned about you.” Taking her phone from the pocket of his jacket, he handed it to her. Touching her finger to it, she stared at the screen saver.

“My brother and is that my dad?”

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