Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
She smiled, a bit wistfully. “You were my first. The one who made me a mother. We had so much time together, just you and me. Those memories are precious to me.”
“But what about Savannah?” I asked, my voice a little hoarse. “You two are so close.”
“We are,” she admitted. “And I love her dearly. But that doesn’t change how I feel about you. You and I have a bond that’s different. Unique.”
I stared at her, processing her words. “So, I’m your favorite?”
She laughed softly and then looked me directly in the eyes. “Yes, Vinnie. You’re my favorite. But if you say those words to your brother or your sister, I will deny them.”
It felt like a secret, something just between us. In that moment, despite the ache in my head and the sickness in my stomach, a warmth spread through me. It was like a piece of that old bubble was still there, just for us.
From that day on, whenever I saw Mom with Savannah or taking care of Mikey, I remembered her words. It didn’t matter if we didn’t have as much time alone anymore. That special bond we had, the one we built when it was just the two of us, was still there, strong and unbreakable.
And every time I saw that twinkle in her eye when she looked at me, I knew she remembered too. Even when she was busy with my siblings, even when life got chaotic, I knew I held a special place in her heart.
It gave me strength, knowing that no matter what happened, no matter how much things changed, I would always be her favorite. That was enough to carry me through the toughest of times.
And times were tough. Leaving my mother and my siblings was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I never should have left. I missed seventeen years with my mother…and now she’s lying on an operating table, her chest split open, with doctors cutting at her heart.
I sit in the sterile waiting room, the harsh fluorescent lights making everything look even colder than it already feels. My legs are bouncing up and down, a nervous habit I can’t seem to control right now. I stare at the wall, trying to make sense of everything. It’s been hours, and each tick of the clock feels like a hammer striking my chest.
When Mom told me I was her favorite, it felt like she gave me a piece of her heart to hold on to, something just for us. And now, that heart is on the line, fragile and exposed.
I think back to the times I spent with Dad, learning the ropes of the family business. Those moments were supposed to prepare me for the future, but now they just feel like a distraction from what really matters. I remember the nights spent in the study, Dad teaching me about deals and negotiations while Mom was upstairs with Mikey, trying to soothe him. It felt like I was being pulled in two directions, my heart torn between my responsibilities and my longing for those simpler times with Mom.
The waiting room is filled with other anxious faces, each person wrapped in their own worries, their own fears. I feel so alone, even though we’re all here together. Savannah’s head is on Falcon’s shoulder, and I can see he’s whispering soothing words to her. The nurses at the desk murmur softly to each other, occasionally glancing our way with sympathetic eyes.
I close my eyes and try to focus on my breathing, but all I can think about is the way Mom used to sing to me when I was little. Her voice was soft and sweet, a lullaby that could chase away any nightmare. I wish she could sing to me now, tell me that everything will be okay.
Time is suspended. An hour could have passed, or a day. I rub at the headache behind my eyes when—
“Mr. Gallo? Ms. Gallo?”
I jerk abruptly into a stand. “Yes? How is our mother?”
The doctor—I don’t remember his name—smiles. “She’s stable. The surgery went well. She’s in recovery now, and you’ll be able to see her soon.”
Relief floods through me, and my knees go weak. I sink back into the chair. Savannah weeps in Falcon’s arms.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Falcon says. “Thank you so much.”
As I wait for the moment I can see her, I hold onto the hope that Mom and I will have more time together. More moments, more memories, more love. Because no matter what happens, I’ll always be her favorite, and she’ll always be mine.
25
RAVEN
I jump out of the car and run into the hospital, leaving Jared. He’ll follow me, I’m sure, but at the moment all I can think about is Vinnie. How he needs me.
“May I help you?” the volunteer manning the reception desk asks.