Oblivion ✓

22| Surviving

THIRD PERSON

"You found a therapist?" Vito asked, a little skeptical—and rightly so. He looked at his brother across the table. They were having dinner that evening, and Josephine had just mentioned that she had an appointment with her new psychologist tomorrow. "Have you checked his references?"

Domenico gave him a disparaging look and continued eating. "He has no criminal record, if that's enough of a reference for you. I thought that was a good start."

Valentino quickly lowered his head to hide his grin. It was hard to break Vito's patience, but Domenico always made it look so easy. He had mastered what his younger brothers had been struggling with for a long time, and he made it seem uncomplicated. Matteo and Riccardo also followed the conversation with interest. Matteo was curious that, for the first time in this family, therapy was being discussed openly, while Riccardo simply enjoyed watching his older brothers in discord. Vito's brows furrowed. "I strongly suspect you're joking."

"And you suspect wrong," Domenico replied. "Tiny agreed, so why should we stand in her way?"

He knew he had checkmated Vito, and Vito knew it too. Still, he was sure Josephine would have agreed to anyone they suggested. How could Domenico act so carelessly? Perhaps the psychologist was completely unsuitable. Maybe Josephine wanted a woman instead! A female influence certainly wouldn't be wrong; after all, she was surrounded by men here. Had Domenico discussed this with her beforehand? "What time is the appointment?"

"At 10 a.m.," Josephine answered quietly, sipping the shake that Maria had made for her. Vito pulled out his cell phone and checked his calendar before typing in the appointment.

"I thought we weren't allowed to use cell phones during dinner, or has that changed?" Valentino asked innocently. Josephine hid her irritation; she had often seen Domenico in particular using his cell phone at the table, but for him, the rules seemed more like guidelines.

"Perché i miei genitori non potevano fermarsi dopo di me?" [Why couldn't my parents stop after me?] Vito murmured quietly.

"Because perfection takes practice. That's why I'm the youngest," Matteo answered confidently, receiving little encouragement from his brothers. Riccardo snorted contemptuously, Valentino punched him in the side, and Domenico kicked his leg under the table.

"No, that's why we have Josephine now. No pressure, but the family's hope is on you." Valentino winked at her. To no one's surprise, Josephine blushed and looked bashfully at her plate, while Matteo said something derogatory to Valentino, which Vito immediately stopped. Eating together, Josephine had learned in the last few weeks, meant just as much to the Marini family as discussing things. It was never quiet.

_____________

Micheal Bradford was, to put it mildly, nervous about his next appointment. Although there was always a certain amount of tension before seeing a new patient, this time felt different. The man on the phone had insisted it was urgent to start the sessions as soon as possible, but aside from that, only sparse information had been given. He vaguely knew the reputation of the Marinis and wasn't sure how to handle it. Could he treat the girl the same way he treated his other patients? And what did "urgent" mean? An incident had been mentioned, but the background had not been explained further.

These were the same questions that had been bothering him ever since the call. His husband had suggested he cancel the appointment, but Micheal doubted this family could be easily dismissed—especially when it came to a family member. His eyes fell on the clock again. They would be there soon if they were on time. As a precaution, he had scheduled the following appointment during his lunch break, just in case it took longer, but they arrived precisely on time.