Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN WHO WOULDN'T WALK AWAY
Emily expected never to see Vincent Romano again.
She had returned to work at Rosy's the next morning, tied on her apron, and resumed pouring coffee for truck drivers.
But three days later, Vincent walked through the diner door.
Alone.
Rosie raised an eyebrow.
“Well, look who's back.”
Vincent smiled faintly.
“Morning, Rosie.”
Emily approached with a coffeepot.
“Black?”
He nodded.
“You remembered.”
“It's my job.”
He sat at the counter.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he said:
“Luca asked about you.”
Emily froze.
“He did?”
Vincent nodded.
“He wanted to know if the cookie lady was coming back.”
Emily laughed softly.
“Cookie lady?”
“He doesn't remember your name yet.”
“That's okay.”
Vincent looked at her.
“He's speaking again.”
Emily's eyes filled.
“I'm glad.”
He hesitated.
“Would you consider visiting him?”
Emily looked down.
“Mr. Romano—”
“Vincent.”
She smiled nervously.
“Vincent. I'm not a therapist.”
“I know.”
“And I don't want him depending on someone who can't promise to be there.”
Vincent studied her.
“That's fair.”
Emily sighed.
“I'd like to see him. But we should make sure it's appropriate for him.”
Vincent nodded.
“We can speak with his therapist.”
She smiled.
“Then yes.”
May you like
Vincent looked relieved.
For a moment, he seemed less like the powerful man people whispered about and more like an exhausted father who had finally been offered hope.
