Читать книгу Gina's Little Secret - Jennifer Taylor, Jennifer Taylor - Страница 9

12 December

GINA was dreading going into work that night in case Marco was still there. Although he should have been transferred by now, it depended on whether a bed had been found for him. It was a relief when she discovered that the end bay was occupied by another patient. At least she wouldn’t have to field any more awkward questions that night, although she wasn’t foolish enough to think it would be the end of the matter. Marco obviously suspected something was wrong and she knew him well enough to know that he wouldn’t simply give up.

Panic assailed her at the thought of the harm it could cause if he found out about Lily. If only she could predict how he would react, it would be so much easier, but that was something she couldn’t do. She had no idea if he would be thrilled or furious to learn he had a daughter, and no idea at all how he would feel about it in the long term. As she knew from experience, Marco could blow hot one minute and cold the next, and there was no way that Lily was going to be subjected to his mood swings.

Gina’s heart was heavy as she set to work. It wasn’t in her nature to be deceitful, but she had to do what she believed was best for Lily. Rosie was working again that night so they made a start on the obs. Julie was supposed to be on duty as well but there was no sign of her. Gina knew they wouldn’t be able to manage with a member of staff short and went into the office to phone the nursing manager to see if she could provide cover. She had just picked up the phone when Julie came rushing in.

‘Sorry! My car broke down and I had to leave it in the street and walk the rest of the way.’ Julie looked worried as she unravelled her scarf. ‘I hope it won’t cost a fortune to get it fixed. With Christmas just around the corner, money’s really tight.’

‘Fingers crossed it will be something minor,’ Gina said sympathetically. Julie had three teenage children and Gina knew how hard she and her husband worked to pay all the bills.

‘Fingers and toes,’ Julie agreed, grimacing. ‘Right, so what needs doing first? Obs?’

‘Please. It’s not quite as hectic as last night but we’re still pretty full. Go and put your coat away and then we’ll finish the obs. Bearing in mind that it’s Friday, I’m sure business will pick up soon.’

‘Bound to,’ Julie replied cheerfully. ‘By the way, is that dishy Italian doctor still with us? It would be nice to have a stunner like him to look at instead of the usual Friday night drunks.’

Gina dredged up a smile. ‘You’re out of luck, I’m afraid. There’s another patient in the end bay so I assume he’s been moved to Neurology.’

‘Pity. I could have done with a pick-me-up after the evening I’ve had.’

Julie laughed as she hurried away. Gina sighed as she went to check on Rosie. She didn’t want to keep thinking about Marco but it was impossible not to do so. It was the uncertainty that was worst of all, the fact that she had no idea what he would do next. Would he seek her out and try to get more information out of her about their past?

The thought made her stomach churn. Every time she spoke to him, she ran the risk of saying something revealing, and it was worrying to know how easily she could trip up. Quite frankly, it would suit her fine if she never had to see Marco Andretti again!

Marco spent the day resting in his hotel room. Despite his claims, he felt far weaker than he had expected when he had left the hospital. It was a relief when the porter showed him to his room.

He tipped the man and asked him to send up a pot of coffee. Although there were coffee-making facilities in the room, he couldn’t face another cup of instant brew. Gina was right—he did hate it—and the fact that she remembered such a minor detail seemed to highlight this problem he had. They must have been very close if she knew his likes and dislikes, so why couldn’t he remember what had gone on between them?