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“I’m glad you feel that way, Tony, and I appreciate the sentiment,” she answered. “I’m doing well. I’ve bought a house, I’ve adopted a cat… I spend most of my days working, others visiting the children at the clinic. I’m learning to live on my own, which is good. I actually enjoy solitude.”
He laughed softly. “You always did. The heart of a true artist. I just hope you’re not too lonely.”
Her thoughts flew to Gerard. “Not too lonely, no.”
“I’m glad to hear that. You’ve given that clinic a lot of time and money, so I hope you’ll see some R O I.”
She rolled her eyes. There he was. This was the Tony she knew, the one who would never change.
“There’s no return of investment for charity, Tony. I don’t expect anything. I simply want to see some progress in their research, and I’m glad to say they’re on the brink of a huge discovery.”
“Really? What do you mean?”
“One of their physicians invented a serum that treats some cancers quite successfully. It needs a bit more work, but I hope to see his treatment available and on the market soon.”
“That’s great news,” he said, sounding impressed. “Let me know when that happens, and we’ll see if we can import it here to Italy.”
“I will, but there’s still a long way to go before Gerard gets all of the necessary approvals in place.”
“Gerard?”
“The doctor who invented the serum.”
“Oh. You’re on a first name basis with this genius, are you?”
There it was. The jealousy. Linda wasn’t up for it tonight.
“It’s a small place. People are all on a first name basis,” she lied. “The staff are close, like a family really.”
“I see.” He sounded slightly more relaxed. “Well, I’m glad to hear they’re making progress. You were right about—”
“Tony, what are you doing,amore?”
A girl’s voice whined in the background. She didn’t sound old enough to drink legally, but Tony liked them young and stupid—just like she’d been.
“Congratulations again,” he said. “I’ll be in touch. Goodnight.” He ended the call.
Linda put the cellphone down, her amusement lightly tinged with bitterness. Tony’s unfaithfulness had been the reason she’d left him. If it hadn’t been for that she might’ve fought harder to save their marriage, but she wouldn’t tolerate adultery. Discovering he had a mistress had devastated her. She hadn’t rested until she’d found the proof she’d needed. Two days later, she’d filed for divorce.
“Best decision I ever made.”
She reached for the cookies and took a drink of milk. She started to open the package when her phone rang again.
She grimaced. Tony must’ve sent his young lover on some false errand to buy himself a few more minutes. She picked up the phone without checking the display.
“What now?” she barked.
“Uh… Is this a bad time?” Gerard asked, his voice hesitant.
She smacked herself in the forehead and bit her lower lip to stifle a curse, before taking a calming breath.
“Gerard, no, of course not. I’m so sorry, I didn’t know it was you. I should’ve checked the caller ID.”
“Were you expecting someone unpleasant?”
“Not exactly. It doesn’t matter. How are you? How was your day?”
“It was great. I called to tell you my mother has invited us to dinner tomorrow evening.”
