Before I Forget His Name novel · Chapter 13 of 24

Chapter 13: The Man Who Said No

Adriano's POV

The oncologist met me in the corridor with the door pulled shut behind her.

"It's not unusual after a cluster like this," she said. "It may come back in a day or in a month. It may not come back."

"Tell me what I can do."

"Don't make her feel tested. Answer what she asks. Don't hand her feelings she can't check."

I nodded.

Bruno stood against the wall with his hat in both hands, and I did not look at him.

Every plan I had ever made began with me giving an order.

This one began with me being told no.

I went back in and sat on the edge of the second chair, because I had no right to the bed.

Livia watched me. She had her scarf on again, and the subway token lay in her palm.

Philip stood at the window with his arms crossed, ready to throw me out if she asked him to.

"Philip says you're not a stranger," she said. "He says I should ask you."

"Ask me anything."

"Who are you?"

My voice came out level and slow.

"My name is Adriano Scalise. I'm thirty-three. Your father worked for my father, and when your parents died a court made me your guardian until you turned eighteen. You stayed in my house afterward."

"Are you my uncle?"

"No."

"Are you my doctor?"

"No."

She waited, and I understood she would wait as long as it took.

"Less than a week ago we became lovers," I said. "Before that, for six months, I was cruel to you, and I'll tell you why when you want it."

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