‘Do you have any idea how long it will be before I remember everything?’ Marco demanded. Maybe he would feel easier if he knew that in a week’s time, say, he would remember all about him and Gina. What was so frustrating was the fact that he had no idea when the details of their relationship would come back to him.
‘Sadly, that’s a question I can’t answer. It could be hours or it could be months.’ Steven’s tone was sombre. ‘To be perfectly frank, Dr Andretti, your memory might never come back completely. It’s one of the hardest things anyone who has suffered from amnesia has to live with, the feeling that there may be something he or she can’t remember. All I can advise you to do is to take it one step at a time and see what happens.’
Marco knew that it was good advice, advice he, himself, would have given a patient. However, it was very different being on the receiving end. ‘Surely there is something you can do to speed up the process!’
‘I’m afraid not.’ Steven looked a little taken aback by his vehemence. ‘Rest and relaxation are what will help most at the moment. That’s why I’ve arranged for you to be transferred to a private room. You should find it more peaceful there.’
‘No.’ Marco shook his head. ‘I have no intention of remaining here. I feel perfectly fine, quite well enough to leave.’
‘Oh, I really don’t think that is a good idea,’ Steven began, but Marco held up his hand.
‘I have made my decision. Physically, I am fit enough to leave, do you agree?’
‘Well, yes,’ Steven conceded.
‘Bene. So the only problem I have is my inability to remember everything that has happened in the past and as you have just told me, Dr Pierce, there is no knowing how long it will be before that issue resolves itself.’ He shrugged. ‘I cannot remain here indefinitely.’
‘I appreciate that, Dr Andretti. However, a couple more days could make a huge difference,’ Steven insisted. ‘With rest and relaxation, maybe some counselling, we could achieve a real breakthrough.’
‘I can rest at my hotel,’ Marco assured him, knowing the younger man had his best interests at heart. That thought reminded him of what Gina had said and he knew that no matter what else happened, he had to get to the bottom of this mystery. If he and Gina had been more than simply lovers, he needed to know!
The thought sent a rush of heat coursing through him and he cleared his throat, stunned by the speed of his response. Although Gina was a beautiful woman, he had met other equally beautiful women over the past few years and had never reacted this strongly. What was it about her that seemed to touch him on so many levels? he wondered. He had no idea but he couldn’t deny that she affected him deeply.
‘I appreciate your concern, Dr Pierce, but I assure you that I know what I’m doing,’ he said, forcing himself to focus on the issue at hand. ‘I shall leave this morning and go to my hotel.’
‘Do you remember where you’re staying?’ Steven put in quickly.
Marco named the hotel and smiled wryly. ‘I stay there whenever I’m in London, as I recall.’
‘I see.’ Steven looked resigned. ‘Obviously, I can’t keep you here against your will, but I do hope you’ll be sensible, Dr Andretti. If you experience any problems, please get in touch with us immediately.’
‘I shall.’ Marco smiled as he held out his hand. ‘Thank you for everything. You have been extremely kind.’
‘Just doing my job,’ Steven assured him, shaking hands.
Marco didn’t waste a single moment after the other man left. He drew the curtains around the bed and got dressed. His clothes looked decidedly worse for wear but as he didn’t have anything else, he put them on. He had no idea what had happened to his luggage. It was probably still in the back of the hire car, but that was the least of his worries. How long would it be before he remembered what had happened between him and Gina? A day? A week? A month? A year?
He shook his head. He couldn’t wait that long. He had to persuade her to tell him the truth, but it wasn’t going to be easy. All he could do was try to gain her trust—if he could. Something warned him that getting Gina to trust him was going to be an uphill struggle.
CHAPTER FIVE
12 December
GINA was dreading going into work that night in case Marco was still there. Although he should have been transferred by now, it depended on whether a bed had been found for him. It was a relief when she discovered that the end bay was occupied by another patient. At least she wouldn’t have to field any more awkward questions that night, although she wasn’t foolish enough to think it would be the end of the matter. Marco obviously suspected something was wrong and she knew him well enough to know that he wouldn’t simply give up.
Panic assailed her at the thought of the harm it could cause if he found out about Lily. If only she could predict how he would react, it would be so much easier, but that was something she couldn’t do. She had no idea if he would be thrilled or furious to learn he had a daughter, and no idea at all how he would feel about it in the long term. As she knew from experience, Marco could blow hot one minute and cold the next, and there was no way that Lily was going to be subjected to his mood swings.
Gina’s heart was heavy as she set to work. It wasn’t in her nature to be deceitful, but she had to do what she believed was best for Lily. Rosie was working again that night so they made a start on the obs. Julie was supposed to be on duty as well but there was no sign of her. Gina knew they wouldn’t be able to manage with a member of staff short and went into the office to phone the nursing manager to see if she could provide cover. She had just picked up the phone when Julie came rushing in.
‘Sorry! My car broke down and I had to leave it in the street and walk the rest of the way.’ Julie looked worried as she unravelled her scarf. ‘I hope it won’t cost a fortune to get it fixed. With Christmas just around the corner, money’s really tight.’
‘Fingers crossed it will be something minor,’ Gina said sympathetically. Julie had three teenage children and Gina knew how hard she and her husband worked to pay all the bills.
‘Fingers and toes,’ Julie agreed, grimacing. ‘Right, so what needs doing first? Obs?’
‘Please. It’s not quite as hectic as last night but we’re still pretty full. Go and put your coat away and then we’ll finish the obs. Bearing in mind that it’s Friday, I’m sure business will pick up soon.’
‘Bound to,’ Julie replied cheerfully. ‘By the way, is that dishy Italian doctor still with us? It would be nice to have a stunner like him to look at instead of the usual Friday night drunks.’
Gina dredged up a smile. ‘You’re out of luck, I’m afraid. There’s another patient in the end bay so I assume he’s been moved to Neurology.’
‘Pity. I could have done with a pick-me-up after the evening I’ve had.’
Julie laughed as she hurried away. Gina sighed as she went to check on Rosie. She didn’t want to keep thinking about Marco but it was impossible not to do so. It was the uncertainty that was worst of all, the fact that she had no idea what he would do next. Would he seek her out and try to get more information out of her about their past?
The thought made her stomach churn. Every time she spoke to him, she ran the risk of saying something revealing, and it was worrying to know how easily she could trip up. Quite frankly, it would suit her fine if she never had to see Marco Andretti again!
Marco spent the day resting in his hotel room. Despite his claims, he felt far weaker than he had expected when he had left the hospital. It was a relief when the porter showed him to his room.
He tipped the man and asked him to send up a pot of coffee. Although there were coffee-making facilities in the room, he