Chapter One
Getting to know Ben
Visits to Ben in the hospital was part of my daily routine. He smiles warms my heart and I think me
being there comforted him. He’s coming along nicely with healing and a little therapy. “I decide to
take some R and R at the cabin when I get out of here, Love” He tells me . “I want to you to come visit
me there, you already know where it is.” he says with a smile. “Maybe we could sponge bath each
other? I’m gonna need to extra tender loving care during my re-cooperating.” he tells me. I smile at him
and the thoughts start to come inside my head.
Balancing my career and life with that, not so good. I am not used to hiding my life from people. Until
I have “the talk” with him, this is the way it has to be. I know now he was the caller on Radio line, but
we haven’t discuss anything else. I decided to wait till he is better and he has not questioned my
absences yet. I have to do some juggling and a few favors called, thank god for Molly but I think I can
do this for now.
Molly is a godsend for me. A truly good friend. I tell her my dilemma. My heart being torn between
having a regular life again and one that I chose for myself . At the time I thought was best for all the
right reasons, but now I question it. How can I leave what I chose, to be distant, let no one get close
again, to this most loving and giving man that I have met. Can I leave what I know and and join his?
Will he even understand why I chose where I am now.?
Ben’s family come and go, mentioning that is looks like he’s in good hands to me. Alfredo and Ben
talk in Italian in front of me, then always apologize for it. I don’t mind at all. They are co-owners in the
restaurant so they have to talk business. “It’s just business, Love” Ben tells me. I have a sneaky
suspension it’s more than that. They talk , then smile and look at me. Yeah, just business, huh!
Ben’s dad visit everyday. He is such a hoot. Always flirting with me, as Barry said he would. He calls
me “Emelia” which I think is the Italian equivalent to Amelia. He hugs me like I’m already his family.
His dad brings food to Ben almost everyday. I’m sure it’s from the restaurant. The smells are so
enticing. He is such a sweetie and I really like him. Ben eats good and that is all that matters. His
strength is returning.
Alfredo brings the wife and child on one occasion. She stares at me as if I was a ghost or something. I
don’t think she likes me much. I keep my distance when she is there. She talks in Italian the whole time
so I don’t have to join in the conversation. This is probably best . Alfredo always never makes me feel
uncomfortable when he is here. He speaks Italian , but also in English. He is such a sweet man.
After a week, they decide to let Ben go home. He is thrilled at getting out of the hospital. Alfredo
makes sure the car is ready in front of the hospital to whisk him away to the cabin. I follow in my own
car. Ben is still bandaged and requires dressing changes daily and therapy for the movement to regain
in his arm. They arrange a nurse to come visit at the cabin for that.
