Memories Without Him novel · Chapter 11 of 24

Chapter 11: What I Said in the Car

I ate the pastry.

It was a lemon one, my favorite, and Aldo knew that.

He watched me chew and smiled.

"You've got color back," he said. "Marriage agrees with you."

"It's only been a few days," I said.

"A few days is enough for some people." He winked at Vincent. "I knew in one."

Vincent poured the coffee.

His hand did not shake, and I admired him for it.

"Aldo," he said. "How long have you been my father's man?"

"Thirty years, boss. You know that."

"And mine?"

"Seven, since the old man passed." Aldo spread his hands. "What is this, an anniversary?"

"I'm taking stock," Vincent said. "A man gets married, he thinks about who he can count on."

"Well, you can count on me."

"I do," Vincent said, and he lifted the cup.

I watched Aldo drink.

I kept my eyes on his hands, the heavy gold watch and the neat nails.

Those hands had held my mother's casket.

I wondered what else they had held.

"Now," Aldo said, setting his cup down. "About the surgery."

I went cold.

"I called a man this morning. Best neurosurgeon in the city. He has a private clinic on Park Avenue, no press, nobody who talks."

He smiled.

"I could move you there by Friday."

"Mount Sinai is fine," I said.

"It's a good hospital, honey. But with your name and Vincent's? Everyone will be watching. Let me handle it. Let me take care of you."

"The surgery is in two weeks, at the hospital where the doctor I trust works," Vincent said, mildly. "I'll be in the room."

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