Chapter 19
Michael
On the way to the hospital, I look over at Zaira. I can’t help but revel in the fact that she wants to come back, but at the same time, I’m so fucking scared. I’ve hoped for this, even prayed for it, but never did I believe it would really happen. If Gallardi hadn’t intervened, she’d be in Italy right now, isolating herself even more from me. In a way, I guess I should thank the son of a bitch.
Fuck that shit. He’s turned my life upside down. His day will come. Fucking Romeo Gallardi will lose everything, including his life.
We get to the hospital and Ricco drops us off at the front entrance. “I’ll go park. Wait for me in the lobby, please.” He literally begs me. I know I am a bodyguard’s nightmare. I’m not cautious and rarely do what I’m told, but for some reason, I follow Ricco’s instructions. He’s been under a lot of stress too, and the last thing he needs to worry about more than usual is my well-being.
A few minutes later, Ricco comes in the front door with a look of surprise. I don’t think he expected me to wait for him as he asked. Good, at least I keep him on his toes. We proceed to the fourth floor and head to my father’s room first. He’s sitting up in bed, and Mom, Alex, and Gina are sitting in the guest chairs. They all turn as we enter, and I can tell by the looks on their faces they are surprised to see Zaira with me.
“Mikey, Zaira,” my father says, and he’s got the biggest smile on his face. I can tell he’s feeling much better today. Or he’s just pleased to see Zaira and me together. Probably both.
“Hey, Pop. How are ya feeling?”
“Good. I think I might get to go home today,” he says and looks at Zaira. “Come over here, young lady.”
“Hello, Domenic.” She smiles. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“Give this old man a kiss, sweetheart. I’m still your father-in-law,” he teases.
She leans in and kisses him on the cheek.
“Now don’t linger, young lady. My wife is sitting right there.” Oh yes, he’s definitely feeling better.
Zaira turns toward my mother and says hello and gives her, Alex, and Gina each a hug. “It’s good to see you all,” she says.
“So you’re going home?” I ask.
“Well, if that damn doctor signs my release papers, I am. We’ve been waiting for over an hour now.”
“Patience, Pop. He’ll get you out of here. I have a feeling Dr. Siegel will be glad to get rid of you.”
He laughs. It’s nice to see he’s doing so much better. I was worried when I saw him go down. I may be running the family now, but I’m not ready to do this without him.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s what your mother keeps telling me.”
I walk over and give my mother a kiss. “You doing okay, Ma?”
“I’ll be much better when we get this grumpy old man home, but yes.” She smiles. “I’m doing much better.”
I turn toward Alex. “Where’s Marco?” I ask, wondering why he’s not here. I normally don’t question him, but after this whole thing with Darius, I can’t help it.
“He’s on the john. I already sent him home to pick up Pop’s Escalade. He’ll drive us back.”
“Oh.”
We spend several minutes with my family waiting for Dr. Siegel to return to release my father. When he does, Pop has all his things packed and he’s ready to go. When they leave the hospital, Zaira and I head down to ICU and check on Hawk.
When we get to Hawk’s room, things aren’t as uplifting as they were in my father’s. The girls arrived, and everyone except Ice is in the waiting room. The girls have been crying, and Rebel and Spike are trying to be strong. Something must have happened. I walk toward Rebel and ask, “Any news?”
“It’s not good. Dr. Siegel says his heart rate keeps dropping. If they can’t control it, the prognosis goes from bad to worse. They’ve given him medication, but it doesn’t seem to be working.”
“Is he awake?”
“He’s been in and out of consciousness all morning.”
“Fuck, man, I’m so sorry.” I sigh. “Is there anything I can do?”
