“It’s not like I’m going anywhere.” I suppress a laugh. “Look. I’ll have Elena draft a temporary live-in addendum.” I’m already reaching for my phone on the tray with my good hand. Texting with one thumb. “So you can stay close to Ben’s room. But in an actual bed.”
“The small room on her floor?” Jess asks.
“Works for me.” I finish the text. Send it to Elena.
My phone buzzes almost immediately. Elena confirming receipt. Probably already drafting the paperwork. Another buzz.
Get well soon, Marco.
Ben yawns. Huge. The kind that makes her whole face scrunch up.
“See?” I gesture weakly toward her. “She needs sleep. Real sleep. Not hospital chairs.”
Jess sighs. But she’s nodding. “Okay. We’ll go tonight. But if you need anything... anything at all... you call.”
“Deal.”
Jag moves from his position by the door. “I’ll arrange transport. Have the townhouse ready.”
He’s already texting. Coordinating with Niamh probably. Making sure everything’s staged for their arrival.
Good man. I should give him a raise.
And just like that, I’m out.
The next morningI wake up and Ben and Jess aren’t here. Instead, a new nurse stands close to my bed. She’s got that calm efficiency that reminds me of the bestsouschefs.
“Mr. Fiore.” She sets down a supply kit. “I’m Yanelis Cruz. You can call me Neli. I’ll be handling your home care when you’re discharged. But the hospital asked me to meet you and your family now. Set some routines.”
“Did Gianna hire you?” My COO.
“How’d you guess?” she says.
I nod. Try to sit up. Pain flares.
She helps adjust thebed instead.
“What time is it?” I ask. “Where’s Ben?”
“They should be arriving any time now,” Neli says.
“We’re right here.” Jess appears with Ben in tow. Both looking more rested than yesterday.
Good.
Neli crouches down to Ben’s level. “You must be Benedetta. I hear you’re very good with stickers.”
Ben nods solemnly. Frederick is clutched tight beside her.
“I saw all the stickers you put on your father’s bed.” Neli pulls out a sheet of gold stars. “I need a ‘Chief of Stickers’ on my team. Think you can handle the job?”
Ben’s face lights up. First real smile I’ve seen since the attack.
“I can do it.” Ben takes the stickers reverently. “Frederick can help.”
“Perfect.” Neli stands. Turns to me. “When we do dressing changes or any procedures that aren’t appropriate for little eyes, Ben will be my assistant. She’ll organize supplies outside the room. Count stickers and so forth. Very important work.”
Brilliant. Keeps Ben involved without traumatizing her.
