Page 66 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

She might pick up a fork and jam it on the top of their hand.

Yikes.

What happened to not having any claim on him?

“Guess it’s our last drink of the night,” he said. His name was called, so he walked away to Dr. Green again. She knew he was being introduced around.

It was all good for him.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, Mom. How come you’re here with me and not by Dad’s side?”

“Because your father is rubbing elbows with donors and I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room.”

“I’m going to talk to a few donors now and then my work here is done.”

“Where is Luca?”

She put her glass to her lips and pointed a finger. After her sip, she said, “Dr. Green is showing him off.”

“He’s doing his part, you do yours.”

“Heard,” she said, then made her way toward her father. Might as well piggyback off of him.

“And here is my daughter,” her father said. “She’s one of the pediatricians on the island as some of you know.”

“That’s right,” she said, shaking the hands of the men in front of her. She wished there were at least one woman in this group. “I’m giving the island a try now. Much of the money raised in the past few years has gone towards training and technology there. They are always looking for ways to make hospital stays easier on staffing and patients.”

“Sounds like it’s money well spent,” one of them said.

“It is, but there is always more that can be done. We never seem to have enough to meet the needs and give the best care possible, but our ranking increases yearly.”

“You don’t have to sell me,” another man said. Older than her father and spending way too much time with his eyes anywhere other than her face. “I’ll get my checkbook out now.”

She smiled and patted his hand. “We appreciate your generosity.”

Two minutes later, she was shaking her arms off and making her way back to Luca.

“You look ready to bolt.”

“If we don’t leave now, I might have to point out the first person for you to throw a fist at.”

“Who?” he asked, looking much more serious, his head spinning around the room.

Whoa. Didn’t see that coming.

And did it ever get her juices flowing.

Now she needed to leave for another reason.

“Sorry. Bad joke. Not really, but I can’t point him out to you. He’s old. It wouldn’t be a fair fight.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, still not budging.

“Positive. Let’s go now and get our ride back.” They moved toward the coat closet, she got her jacket, he pulled it out of her hand and held it while she slipped it on.

“Your shine has gone away.”