Friday night came and I had nothing better to do other than scroll through the many messages that Lorenzo had sent me. Since the night at the club I was aware that Lorenzo wasn’t seen out really except from training or race days.
A part of me was pleased than Lorenzo wasn’t wasting away his life by doing drugs or getting pissed with his mates. It warmed my heart that maybe just maybe he was doing this for me.
I was scrolling through the messages because after all the messages he had been sending me I hadn’t received another one since Tuesday and I thought that was quite strange.
There has been nothing in the news about him or the family since Wednesday which slightly had me alarmed.
I took that as a sign that Renzo had given up with me and I don’t really blame him because I never replied to his numerous attempts of trying to contact me. So, I guessed it was all my doing but I needed him to understand that I wasn’t his personal whore to fuck or whatever.
I knew my parents would be disappointed if they were alive and here with me today. To let myself be treated like that.
Lorenzo managed to take my heart with him that night. I saw the pain In his eyes as I rejected him and I knew that I wasn’t talking with the same Lorenzo I met on that mountain.
He was cocky but still friendly, he had the kindest heart when I met him I don’t really know what changed. Or did I meet the fake Lorenzo, the one he let people see.
Trying to distract my mind from the man I grabbed my headphones and decided on making dinner for myself tonight, I was in need of a tomato-based pasta bake. I need some ingredients though.
I drove myself to the nearest grocery store that had my favourite type of foods in. I grabbed a basket and went around grabbing the things I needed alongside a few extra delicacies that I would enjoy tonight,
Passing one of the isles I had to stop in my tracks. The familiar blonde hair of Marcia caught my attention immediately. The usual stylish Marcia was toned down in jeans and an oversized hoodie.
I took a few seconds to look at her and I guess she felt my gaze because she turned her head and widened her eyes.
I smiled at her already making my way over to her. I slowed down to a stop when I notice the fake smile she was giving me. Ata closer distance I could tell she was not in the mood I could also see redness under her eyes. Has she been crying?
“Hey, tin” she began to say lifting her head. I dint even let her finish when I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her in for a hug. I was shocked when she immediately started to cry into my shoulder her tears soaking my shirt.
“honey, what’s wrong” I mumble to her leading her into a quiet corner of the store. She brought her hands up wiping away the tears. She wasn’t trying to hide it anymore.
She could barely say a word and I understood. She must be in such pain. I dumped my basket on the floor before grabbing her trolley and wheeling it to the nearest cashier. We needed to get her out of here.
“you don’t have to do this” she whispered stepping behind me as I placed the items on the belt for the lady. “any bags,” she asked me. I thanked her, taking a few. I think she realised I was in a rush because she scanned the items really quickly.
I grabbed Marcia’s hand and walked us out of the store. Once we made it outside she told her driver to leave handing him a few notes.
Once we settled into the car she burst into tears again. I didn’t want to force her to tell me but as a friend I wanted her to know she could trust me.
“I’m sorry about this, I haven’t been able to really breath in a long time” she explains to me. I dismiss the fact that she just apologised for showing actual feelings.
“well here is your moment, I don’t care if you soak my car let it out” I reassure her placing my hand on her back giving her soothing strokes. I was trying to think of what she could be crying about.
I hope it isn’t her fiancé, I swear if I found out that he hurt her.
“my dad is sick Tina” he starts off by saying. Her voice was so soft I barely heard her. “he hasn’t been right for weeks” she adds fiddling with the material of her jeans.
Shit, not Nathaniel. He has always been healthy. There was never ever any problems with his or his wife’s health.
I think she knew it was coming because she leant into my side letting my arms wrap around her hoping to comfort her as best as I can.
“I’m so sorry marcia, how are you really feeling,” I ask her wiping away the fallen tears. I get a painful stake to my chest as the words really reach me. Nathanial seemed so healthy I didn’t notice any sort of illness.
“it’s really hard Tina, I mean you’ve got through it twice you understand right,” she asks me finally looking at me in the eyes. Yes, I’ve had pain but I actually think she’s suffering more.
“I don’t think it’s the same “her head snaps up to me almost surprised at my answer.
“look, I lost my parents at a young age. Yes, it’s painful to lose both parents like that but you’ve had your dad through so many more years. You’ve graduated with him by your side. Hes supported you through your life. Your pain is not what I feel marcia” her eyes never left mine.
She took every word I was saying. She shook her head.
“I don’t agree but I get what you mean” she answers back. She’s too sweet honestly.
After a while, I persuaded her to let me take her to see him. She said I could drop by and I was thankful for that. I was worried about the family but most importantly I wanted to see how Lorenzo was doing.
When I arrived at the hospital and linked with marcia, she led us up to the room where Nathaniel was staying.
As we reached the room marcia stopped when she saw Loretta and Lorenzo talking to a doctor. I pushed her to go join them and she didn’t hold back. She rushed over begging for answers.
Lorenzo took her into his side and rubbed her back and placed a kiss on her head. My eyes swelled with pride. There he is. My loving Renzo.
Abruptly Loretta bowed her head her hand placed on the doctor’s shoulder. Lorenzo and marcia closed their eyes before embracing each other.
“Thank you so much doctor, you have been amazing for my husband thank you” I could just hear Loretta’s faint voice. Her normal strong voice completely gone.
I let the family have a moment to themselves as I decided a couple hot coffees would help with the good news and the stress they have had.
After balancing the coffees in my hands, I made my way back to the room. Loretta was sitting outside comforting marcia when she lifted her head at my entrance.
“Tina, oh I’m so glad you’re here.” She says rushing over to me. Before she could wrap her arms around me I felt warm hands meet mine and the cups of coffee were taken from mine.
Renzo took each one before sitting down next to marcia.
“I’m sorry to intrude but I met marcia earlier and brought her here,” I tell Loretta as she wraps her arms around me.
She squeezes me hard almost as if she’s telling me off. “nonsense, just because my son can’t appreciate you doesn’t mean you’re a stranger to us “she informs me sending a nasty glance over at her son.
“How is Nathaniel,” I said quickly changing the subject. I was worried about him I wanted to make sure he wasn’t going anywhere soon.
She sighs “he will be okay. Old man doesn’t remember his age and stressed himself too much. Gave me a bloody heart attack” Loretta mumbles the last bit placing a hand on her chest.
“you can go see him if you want, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind,” she says pulling me with her to the room.
Before I could walk in I felt a tug on my arm. “can I speak to you” he calls out catching the attention of Loretta too.
“wait your turn boy” Loretta scolds him before pulling me into the room rather harshly. “stop man handling her mom,” he says his jaw clenched. Loretta must have realised it as she kissed my wrist lightly.
“sorry darling, just so frustrated with that boy” she mumbles pulling the curtain away so we could see Nathaniel finally.
She left me with him much to my relief. No doubt she’s about to have a strict word with Lorenzo.
When the curtain was pulled back I stepped through and made my presence known.
“Kristina?” he questioned readjusting his eyes to see me. I smiled own at him pulling up a chair and sitting down. I noticed that he was on his phone just before I walked in. God, if Loretta saw that.
He looked okay but he definitely looked worn out.
” Hey boss man ” I say grinning at him meanwhile sneakily grabbing his phone. He watched me do it and could only laugh.
” are you angry at me too ” he commented sitting up slightly. I noticed how tired and worn out he looked laying in the bed. It wasn’t surprising to see his room filled with flowers and cards.
I shook my head. “No, but you need to calm down. Scared the shit out of your whole family and mine ” I tell him. Even though I have only known him for a few weeks I do care about Nathaniel and would hate for Marcia and Lorenzo to go through half of what I did when I lost my parents.
He closed his eyes briefly. ” I know, I’ve been in control all my life Tina and frankly I don’t know how to turn off” I know. Easier said than done.
” don’t turn off just live your life peacefully. You have a great family who will be taking control so just let them and try to enjoy your life with Loretta. I think you both deserve it” I reason with him.
He seems shocked by my words.
” you know better than me that having Renzo in control will send me to an early grave ” he even laughed at the end, probably thinking of the stress that will come with that.
” I did think that but I think this has been a wake up call. He’s been amazing for them out there today” I inform him since he’s probably not aware of what’s gone on outside these walls.
” you’re sticking up for him, you must really like my boy then ” he says chuckling.
I smiled at Nathaniel as a I placed my hand over his. More than you could imagine.