Green Stone Ring Read online

  He put his arm around her. Her body was still warm. “Gins, I think you have a fever.”

  She collapsed into him.

  “Let’s get you to bed. Do you have a thermometer?” He helped her to the bedroom.

  “In the linen closet in a wicker basket.” She was so cold, pulling the duvet all around her when she got in bed.

  When he took her temperature, it was 103.4. “Gini, you need a doctor.”

  “Josh.”

  “Who is he?”

  “He lives on the fourteenth floor.” Her words were slow.

  “How can I get hold of him?”

  She licked her lips and closed her eyes.

  “Gins, tell me how I can call him.”

  “There’s a list.” She closed her eyes again. He shook her gently. “A list by the landline,” she said.

  He found the laminated card with all the residents in the building. He took his finger to Dr. Joshua Turner, called him, and explained who he was and that Gini was running a high fever. Within minutes, the doctor came to the door.

  “Ric,” he said, introducing himself as he approached the doctor. “She’s in the bedroom.”

  There had been a vicious bacterial infection in the Northeast for the past few months. New York City was hit hard in December, with several dying. The first week in January, Connecticut reported over 20 percent of the population sick; since then a hundred people had died.

  Dr. Turner told Ric there was an elderly man in the building he was watching over while his sons were away. He had IV bags in his condo; he would bring one to Gini. The most important thing was to not let her get dehydrated. People with compromised immune systems seemed to be the most vulnerable. When Ric told him Gini had been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, the doctor became quite concerned.

  “We have to get her temperature down. She needs to be in the tub or shower with tepid water.”

  “I can do that,” Ric said.

  “Good. Dress her in something that opens in the front, so I can monitor her vitals. I’m going to call Mass General and see if we can’t get some antibiotics. You take care of the bath. I’ll do the rest.”

  Ric undressed both Gini and himself and stood in the shower with her. At first, she fought him, but then gave in to her weakness. Afterward, he put on a pair of front-button pajamas he found in her drawer. She said nothing other than her head hurt. He put on sweats and then got under the covers and lay next to her. The shower had worked; her fever was down to 101.

  “Breaking news,” the TV anchor announced. “It seems we have two crises. As well as the storm, reports are coming from area hospitals they are getting many calls about people with sudden high fevers. We all know of this illness and the deaths it caused in New York and Connecticut. Mass General is setting up a medical hotline number. It will soon be on the screen. Please, do not go out in the storm. If you are sick or have a sick person in your home, call the hotline. Here’s the number.”

  Dr. Turner returned with a rolling stand, an IV bag attached, and his doctor bag. They gave Gini aspirin and juice.

  “I called the hospital. They are working with the National Guard to get help to the sick people. I told them to bring the medication here. I can administer it. No need to get her out in the cold.”

  The storm raged outside the windows. Hard blasts of wind made the walls crack and the storm shutters shake. It was a complete whiteout.

  Through the following hours, Gini’s temperature spiked again, and Ric took her back in the shower. It was taking a while for the meds. They were using military vehicles and sand trucks to carry medical personnel around the city. The doctor and Ric monitored Gini closely. She mostly slept and complained of a headache.

  “Josh, I need to drive to California,” she said while he wiped her face with a cool face cloth.

  “I don’t think you’d get too far. There’s a fierce storm brewing outside.”

  She turned her head to the side and closed her eyes. “I need to go to California,” she repeated in a quiet voice.

  The two men walked to the kitchen, and Ric made them each a cup of coffee. “She’s had a rough day. She found out this morning that her mother died in Sacramento.”

  “Oh, my! That’s why she needs to go to California.”

  “Her family is waiting for her to hold the service.”

  “The infection seems to respond to antibiotics quickly if they are strong and administered close to the onset of the fever. She should start feeling better once we get the meds in her. I’m concerned about the hypoglycemia. When was she diagnosed?”

  “A couple of weeks ago.”

  The walls cracked and popped, and the wind and snow blew all night. Ric closed the shutters on the living room window, leaving only a small window in the master sitting area to see out of. But the snow was too intense; all he could see was a sheet of white.

  When Josh went to the parking garage to meet the doctor bringing the medication, the wind was so strong they had a hard time opening the door to get out of the storm. The meds included glucose to keep her hypoglycemia in check, a blood-sugar testing kit, and the antibiotics. He or Ric took her temperature every hour. She slept restlessly, constantly rubbing on her head. A little before five o’clock, she broke out into a heavy sweat. The fever had broken. Finally, Ric could get some sleep.

  Dr. Turner checked on Gini about six o’clock. He ran his hand all over her face; she felt cool. Ric was lying on the other side of the bed, asleep.

  “Josh,” Gini said quietly

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Much better, thanks. Thank you for taking care of me.”

  “I want you to take it easy the rest of the day. You can’t go anywhere for a while. There are probably two to three feet of snow out there, hard to tell with the drifts. I’m sorry to hear about your mother.”

  She closed her eyes and nodded her head.

  He pricked her finger and read the blood sugar level. It was normal.

  “I’ll be back to check on you later. Is there anything I can get you?”

  “No.”

  “I’m going to leave the IV in for a little longer. It has a glucose solution in it to help with your sugar. You just rest now.”

  “I will.” Her eyes were still closed.

  After he left, Ric turned over on his back without waking. She reached over, took his hand, and fell back to sleep.

  Ric fixed her breakfast later in the morning; the eggs tasted good. He cupped her face with his hands.

  “I’m glad you are feeling better.”

  “I need to get tickets to Sacramento.”

  “I looked online. They think they can get the airport open by tomorrow morning. I reserved our tickets for Sunday. They are refundable, so if that doesn’t work for you, we can look at others. I just thought the sooner I reserved, the better.”

  She swallowed a mouthfull of food. “You got our tickets? You’re going?”

  “I’m going with you so I can take care of you.”

  “Ric. My family… you, me.”

  “Don’t worry, sweets, I’ll keep out of sight. They’ll have no clue. Besides, the trip is perfect timing. Remember I told you about Michelle Walker? She bought a nightclub in Newport, Rhode Island, and wants me to help her promote the opening. We can drive to Reno sometime after the service so that I can meet with her. It’ll be a nice day trip, or we could stay there for a night or two.”

  Gini got tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Ric, for everything. I love you.”

  He put his hand back on her face, and she laid hers on top. He leaned over and kissed her.

  Chapter 13 – Mama

  Gini and Ric checked into the hotel she usually stayed at when she visited. It was just easier that way, rather than put family out; everyone had small houses. He requested two rooms with connecting doors. If anyone came to her room, they wouldn’t know he was there. While she was with her family, he would comfortably work in his small suite, which had an eating table and couch.

 
; After arriving, she called Cindy and told her she was going to take a short nap. She had already told her of her illness a few days before. The family gathered at Tony’s Italian Restaurant in the old neighborhood that evening. There were tears in the beginning, but then the conversation went to stories of Mama in the past.

  Tony the owner, third generation, came to the table. He gave his condolences. He and Elizabeth were classmates and had known each other all their lives. He told of a very bad time in the business when his parents were on the verge of losing the restaurant; he was in his mid-twenties at the time. Mama was still living with her family. She came in every day to make bread and desserts, for no pay.

  “That’s a true friend,” he said with emotion.

  The priest arrived, and they discussed the service. They all decided they would carry in one of Mama’s favorite flowers and at the end of the service lay their flowers on the casket.

  When they asked for the bill, Tony told them it was on the house in memory of Elizabeth.

  When she returned to the hotel, Gini told Ric what they had done for the evening.

  “Ah, Tony’s.” Tears came to his eyes.

  “Ric.” She snuggled close to him.

  “I have a fond memory of the place. When I turned eighteen, I was at your house. Mama couldn’t believe there wasn’t going to be any celebration with my family. She called my mother and asked if she could take her and me to dinner for my birthday. Of course, my mom declined but gave Mama permission to take me. There was a big football game that night that you and Franco went to. It was just her and me at Tony’s; one of the best birthdays I’d ever had.” He sniffed, wiped his eyes, and hugged Gini. “I loved that woman.”

  “Are you coming to the service tomorrow?”

  “I might try to sneak in so no one will see me. I’d really like to go.”

  The next day, the family arrived in limos and then gathered just outside the sanctuary doors. How Gini wished Ric was there giving her strength; she was so dreading the day.

  “Gini Anderson,” a woman called out. The high school friend ran to Gini and hugged her. “I’m so sorry to hear about your mother.”

  “Thanks for coming. We all appreciate it.”

  The woman reached over and grabbed Franco’s arm. “It’s so good to see you again, Franco.”

  Gini quickly pulled out of the hug when she heard his name. Franco, how… why… what was he doing here? No, he can’t be here; he’ll see Ric… no he cannot be here! she thought.

  He gathered her into his arms. “Babe!”

  From over his shoulder, Gini saw a man in a ball cap and sunglasses come in and stand off to the side. It was Ric. He looked at her and then quickly slipped through the doors to find a seat. She started to feel panicky.

  Gini pulled back, Franco’s strong arms still wrapped around her. “What are you doing here?”

  “Cindy sent me an email and told me about Mama. I couldn’t miss her funeral.”

  She looked at Cindy; Cindy smiled.

  Gini pushed away from him, unsure of what was happening.

  “We’re ready for the family to enter,” a man said.

  Franco had his arm around Gini’s shoulders, and with the family, they went to their seats. She didn’t have the strength to take it off. She just needed to get through the day.

  Father Gordon greeted each of them and patted their hand between his. When he got to Gini, he put his hand under her chin. A strong wave of sorrow ran through her. They sat down in the pew; she dropped her head into her hands, crying. Franco wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him.

  Ric could see everything that was happening from the back of the church. He should be the one holding and comforting her. He was fidgety in his seat, fighting the urge to get up, go to her and take her in his arms—demand that she be with him. He knew he couldn’t do that; he must keep to the shadows. In his mind, Franco was no longer in her life, but in reality, Franco was still her husband. She hadn’t said anything to him about ending things, and there was nothing Ric could do about it. He shouldn’t look but he couldn’t stop; his eyes took in every sign of their intimacy as it raked his heart. Gini seemed so comfortable in Franco’s arms, and it reminded him of the early years, how Franco adored her, how Gini seemed to glow with that attention, that protection. He had always been attracted to her, but he’d thought she needed Franco, that Franco was just right for her. It was all coming back to him.

  Of course it was a different time. He knew that Gini loved him now. But it was almost too much to bear, seeing her with him. He was desperate to leave, to go somewhere where he could hit a wall, protest loudly for them to stop, but out of his respect and love for Mama Elizabeth, he wouldn’t be rude and walk out.

  Father Gordon greeted everyone, prayed, and read scriptures. He talked about how wonderful Mama Elizabeth was, how much she had done for the church and its parishioners. “We are here today to celebrate Elizabeth Anderson’s life. We all know God has her now, and she will have eternal life.”

  Gini once again fell into tears, resting her head on Franco’s shoulder. He put his hand on her face and whispered to her.

  Ric cringed at the movement, the genuine show of affection by both of them for each other.

  The priest walked down to the front pew and gave the family Communion. Then he took Cindy’s hand and helped her up to a pulpit.

  “Elizabeth was my stepmother, but I can tell you she was the best mother I ever had. I didn’t meet her until I was in high school. Those were tough years for me. She was my glimmer of hope, my ray of sunshine that helped me find my way. She taught me how to love and be loved. Even though we weren’t blood-related, she was my mama.” She took a hanky and wiped her tears. Dwayne met her at the steps to help her down, and then he went to the pulpit.

  “My mama.” He sighed. “What a woman. Tiny in stature but, believe me, she boxed my ears many times to get my attention. She had two natural children, and a whole neighborhood she called her kids. I’m the lucky one that could claim her as mine.”

  Franco turned his head to Gini’s, still on his shoulder, while Dwayne was talking. “Are you okay?” he whispered.

  “I’m fine.”

  “I’d like to say a little something before you speak. She was my mama, too.”

  She looked at him and forced a smile. “I know. Yes, please, speak your piece.”

  When Dwayne was done, he walked to Gini. She and Franco stood up. Dwayne kissed her on the cheek and patted Franco on the shoulder. He took her flower and went to his seat. Franco and Gini went up the steps.

  “Elizabeth wasn’t my mother; I had a mother and grandmother.” He took in a slow breath and squeezed her hand. “And Gini wasn’t my sister, but it felt like it. Mama treated me like one of her own. She helped me out of some pretty serious stuff when I thought I was the toughest kid in Sacramento. I would not be the man I am today, running a successful business, without her love and encouragement. She helped me and my brother, Ric Santini, find our way.”

  Ric almost choked on his breath when he quickly took one. They were brothers.

  “Eventually, she became my mother-in-law.” He squeezed around Gini’s shoulders. “And Gini is now my wife. I will truly miss Mama Elizabeth. She was my mom.”

  He leaned over and kissed Gini.

  She stepped forward and stood silent. Franco stepped away from her to give her her moment.

  “This is so hard for me. I was so loved growing up. I had the best mama and pop in the world. They both taught me to be the best I could be. They showed me the love of a good family. And she encouraged me to be my own person. It has been hard the last few months to see her health failing. She was always so strong, but even in poor health and with a fading memory, she still loved everyone around her. She baked her cookies and famous breads for the people at the home, and they all loved her for it. She did think all the children were hers, hers to take care of and teach and love. Her heart was too big for such a small lady. I love you, Mama. R
est in peace.”

  Franco pulled her to him and kissed her on the cheek; they walked down the steps hand in hand. Ric stood up in the back. He had removed his cap but was still wearing sunglasses. She looked at him. He stood for a moment staring at her. He could no longer watch the tenderness between them. He had to leave and made his way to the door.

  She wanted to go to him. As he slipped out the door, Dwayne handed her flower back to her. After a few more words from Father Gordon, the whole family walked to the casket. Each laid their flower on top.

  Gini burst into tears and sank her face deep into Franco’s chest. There was so much pain in her heart, partly for her mama, mostly for Ric. He should have been with the family. He had just as much right being there as Franco. She had messed it up for him. Her cheating was messing up everyone’s life. Franco led her out of the church.

  Outside, she composed herself and started to walk to the limo. He wrapped his arm around her neck. “I’ll take you to Mama’s house.”

  The house was empty, ready to go on the market. The church took care of the whole reception, supplying the chairs and tables. Friends of the family were providing the food and drink.

  There was silence for the five-block drive from the church. Gini tried to compose herself, but there was a huge lump in her throat. When they pulled up in front of the house, and she saw all the people gathering, she leaned over with her face in her hands. She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer.

  “Babe.” He put his arm around her and leaned down to her head. “I’m sorry you’re so sad.”

  After a few minutes, she gained control, and they walked into the house. There were chairs set up all around the living room and dining room. Two long tables had food on them. She walked into the kitchen and went to the sink to look out the window.

  “Franco,” Dwayne said walking up to him. The two men shook hands and hugged at the same time. “I’m glad you’re here. Gini needs you.”