But the possibility that the investigators might find his mother or father soon stopped him from making a commitment he might not be able to keep. If he tracked down his parents and one of them wanted a relationship, he would relocate if he had to.
“Fausta—it’s enough that you want to do this, but your family does too much charity for you to incur such an expense for one facility.”
“This will come from my own personal fund, so let me worry about that. Try to imagine what you think the children would want in today’s world. What would mean the most to them?”
He took a deep breath. “I’ll reflect on it and tell you on Monday when we have dinner. Have you decided where you want to eat?”
“Yes. It’s down in the university district. I’m sure you’ll love it if you haven’t been there before. Now I’m going to get off the phone and give you room to breathe. See you Monday.”
His hand tightened on the phone. “Fausta?”
“Si?”
The last thing he wanted to do was hang up. “Thanks for the phone call.”
“You’re a busy doctor. I promise I won’t make a habit of bothering you. Buona notte.”
CHAPTER FIVE
THE DOMO GRILL featured a live band made up of university students while the clients danced.
The place was always crowded. Over the last few years Fausta and her friends had spent many an evening here. She knew the owner and most of the staff. They treated her like they did everyone else and made her feel totally comfortable.
“If it isn’t the deliziosa Fausta! I see you’ve brought another lucky admirer with you. When is it going to be my turn?”
“Buona sera, Fabbio. We want your signature chicken Parmesan sandwiches with basil and melted provolone, and beer,” she said to the fun-loving, cheeky waiter.
“Local or imported?”
“Local,” Nico declared before she could speak for him. When the waiter moved away Nico said, “The guy meant it.”
She laughed. “Maybe, but I happen to know he has a wife and baby at home. Fabbio is putting himself through college by working two jobs. I’ll leave him a big tip.”
His eyes played over her. “Want to dance?”
This was one time she couldn’t wait to get in her partner’s arms. She smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.” Fausta had purposely chosen this cantina so they could get closer to each other.
They got up and walked over to the packed dance floor. Every woman in the place fastened her eyes on gorgeous Nico in his silky blue sport shirt and trousers. No man compared to him. He
put his arms around her and pulled her close. She’d wanted this for so long. After Dego had left four years ago, she never expected to desire a man again.
Fausta inhaled the scent of the soap he’d used in the shower. They moved around other bodies as best they could to the soft rock music. This was heaven with her head against his shaven jaw, his hand splayed across her back as if she were precious to him.
She knew she’d fallen fathoms deep in love with Nico. The man was perfect to her and the fire for him was growing out of control. When he eventually danced them over to their booth, she didn’t want to let him go, but she had no choice. They sat down and started to eat.
His penetrating eyes watched her. “The food and beer are excellent. I can’t believe I haven’t eaten here before now.”
“If you’d attended college in Domodossola, this would have been one of your hangouts.”
“No doubt.”
She finished her sandwich. “Have you decided what kind of gifts I can have sent to the orphanage?”
“After holding you in my arms, I confess the mention of orphanage donations is the last thing on my mind.”
Heat filled her cheeks. “I keep thinking about that place.”
“All right—since the students attend public school, I think it would be wonderful to set them up with a few computers that can be used at playtime this summer. The nun we met at the orphanage was using one, but I’m sure that’s the only one. It would mean a company will have to go out to install them.”