Made of Steel

37. Crisis

Cassandra Reid

I look at the clock one more time as my patient's mother chatters non–stop, as if we were lifelong friends. This is my daily routine. Women of Florence want to know me and like me for the simple fact of being married to Adriano Di Lauro. It's annoying and although on many occasions it's not hard for me to smile or keep thread of the conversation going, today I just pray her talk ends and she lets me go to the cafeteria. As usual, it's past lunchtime and I'm starving.

"Well, my husband is waiting for me outside". The long–awaited words finally arrive. "I guess we'll see each other at the next consultation... or maybe", she doesn't give me time to answer, "we could meet one of these days for a drink".

"I sure do", I dismiss her a bit quickly without losing my smile. "I'll find some free space in my calendar and call you. Goodbye, beautiful". I place one last kiss on my laughing patient. Seeing that little face is worth resisting her mother.

"Perfect". Although her tone sounds impersonal, she can't hide her gleeful expression as if she's just received the best Christmas present. "See you soon, dear. I'll wait for that call," she adds before leaving.

'Dream about it'

I let out a long breath leaning against the door frame as mother and daughter disappear from my field of vision.

"Busy day?" my secretary asks from her desk.

"You have no idea", I answer in the middle of another snort. "I'll go to the cafeteria".

"Okay, I'll keep next appointment until your return".

"Thank you, Gia". I blow two kisses into the air. "You are so sweet".

I go straight to the cafeteria and order my Super Burger with fries, then I grab a Coke from the vending machine before sitting down at the table in the corner. Luckily, the place is not very crowded. Now my colleagues look at me as if I have two heads and it makes me uncomfortable to eat under such attention.

"How is the most sought–after doctor at Palermo Hospital?", My best friend asks as she sits down across from me.

"Hungry", I reply with my mouth half full.

"I can see. You can't keep skipping meals, Cassie", she chides me. "You will end up getting sick".

"It's not my fault!", I exclaim excitedly before going back to the drink. "I love my job, but I'm seriously thinking about leaving parents out of the office. God, what a bummer!"

"You have to get used to it and set your own limits", she says. "Schedules exist for something. Your problem is that you are too good and it is impossible for you to say 'no'".

'You're too good, cara', my husband's words under the shower suddenly come to mind.

'Am I?'

My cell phone's sound interrupts our conversation. Seeing the mansion's number on the caller ID, I put fries down and pick up.

"Mrs. Di Lauro", Vivi doesn't give me time to answer. Her voice sounds quite agitated and that sets off my internal alarms, "I can't communicate with Mr. Di Lauro, you must come home as quickly as possible".

"What's wrong Vivi?", I ask, feeling my stomach churn. Something tells me situation is serious.

"It's Ella..."

She doesn't need to tell me anything else to rush out for my stuff. I don't even give explanations, I feel like I move in automatic mode and I can only think about my girl. It is Leah who gives due reasons and helps me get to the car, where the bo are waiting for me. At last I find an advantage of having them.