Page 87 of The Breaker
I stopped by the hospital and sat at Rocco’s bedside.
He was knocked out, the TV still on in the corner.
I got comfortable in the chair and put my feet up on the edge of his bed as I watched the screen. It was some soap opera where a cougar was having an affair with her stepson, and there was lots of drama and spice ... pretty entertaining.
Aurelia texted me.I’m sorry to be clingy, but when are you coming home?
I’d been working all week. Collapsing into bed just to sleep for a couple of hours before I was back on the streets again. I hadn’t had a chance to call or text much.Be as clingy as you want, sweetheart. You know I’m into it.
God, I miss you.
A warmth like sunshine filled my veins. I loved it when she wanted me. Loved it when she needed me. And I loved that she was so transparent about it.I miss you too. I’ll probably head home tomorrow. Just gotta tie up some loose ends.
Okay. Let me know when you leave.
I will.
How’s Rocco doing?
He’s asleep right now. I’m at his bedside.
Will he be able to leave the hospital soon?
I think so.
The conversation died, so I slid the phone back into my pocket.
A couple minutes later, Rocco blinked a few times as he stared at the TV, the soap opera coming into view. “They haven’t gotten caught yet?” he asked in a raspy voice.
“Her husband just found the text messages. Think he’s gonna confront her.”
“You think he’ll blow her head off or just divorce her?”
“I don’t think they blow people’s heads off in soap operas.”
“Well, they should. That’d be great television.” He released a heavy sigh as he pushed himself up in bed, then clicked the button to make the top half of the bed lift to support him. “How long have you been here?”
“About an hour.”
“You’ve been watching me sleep for an hour? Fucking creep.”
“I was watching the show.”
“Right.” He turned his head to look at me. “Doctor said I can go home tomorrow. Thank fucking god.”
Then the timing was perfect. “Cosa Nostra and I are leaving tomorrow.”
“How long will you be gone?”
I stared at him.
He stared back.
It took a couple seconds for it to click, and when it did, his eyes changed. “You aren’t coming back ...”
“No.”
He gave another sigh before he lifted himself farther up.
