Page 132 of Immoral

"Not a problem. It's an honor." Her face drops, and she lowers her voice. "If...if you want to talk, let me know. I..." She looks at the floor then back at me, sighing. "Sometimes I have flashbacks. It can hit you when you least expect it. Killian made me see a counselor for a while."

Surprise fills me. I had no idea about any of that. "Did the counseling help?"

"Not the first one. But then I went to the one Gemma went to, and it did help," she confesses.

"I'm glad. The counselor helped Gemma, too?" Gianni also told me what Nolan's wife Gemma went through before they got married. It sounded like it was straight out of a horror movie.

"It did. She's the one who told me to switch. The counselor had a waiting list but made an exception for me since I was related to Gemma."

"That's good."

Arianna hesitates. I wait for her to speak. She chirps, "Okay. I'll let Silvio know you're ready, work on Gianni for tomorrow's show, and what do you want me to tell the chef to prepare for you?"

I laugh. "I can see why you're so good at what you do. I'm good with whatever the chef is preparing for the house."

"Should I instruct him to have it brought up here?"

I shake my head. "No. I want to eat with the family."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

She nods and walks to the door then turns. "Bridget is freaking out and wants to see you. Should I send her in?"

I consider it then shake my head. "Tell her I want to get past Silvio. I'll come down after."

"Okay." Arianna leaves.

Within minutes, Silvio knocks on the door.

"Come in," I instruct him.

He moves slower than I remember, but he's probably in his seventies. Wrinkles cover his face and hands. The glimmer I always noticed in his eyes is still there. He pulls the desk chair up next to the bed. "Cara, it's been a long time."

"Yes. How are you?"

He searches my face. I assume it's to see how I am. He replies, "I'm good. Old, but good."

I laugh. "Are you retiring anytime soon?"

"Already have. My sons run the practice now. The only thing I still do is take care of the Marinos. I told Angelo my sons will need to replace me soon, but you know how stubborn he is when new people are involved with his family," Silvio states.

"Ah. Yes. I can imagine Angelo's insistence you stay on," I admit.

He leans closer. "I'll tell you a secret."

"What's that?"

His lips twitch. "I'm glad. It gives an old man like me something to look forward to."

I swipe my hand in the air. "Come on now. You can't be over fifty, right?"

He chuckles, pointing at me. "And you just became my favorite Marino." His face turns serious. "Does any part of your body hurt?"

I almost say no but then stop. "He yanked my neck pretty hard. It's still throbbing a little."

"Can I examine you?"