Chapter 16

“We’ll see you tomorrow to move Jack out.” Bobby headed toward the door.

“Was anything salvageable from Beau’s apartment?” Jack asked.

“Sorry, Jack, I went over and checked to see how that crew was doing. There was nothing.”

Carlo heard Keith on the way out ask Bobby sotto voce, “What about the photo album?”

“Those memories are in the trash where they belong,” Bobby said definitively. And then Carlo and Jack were alone.

Carlo took Jack in his arms. “Our new life is almost ready to begin.”

* * * *

Mama and Papa arrived at six, ready for the hospital. Mama had a stuffed bear, just as Jack predicted.

“It’s so sweet to meet you, Giovanni. Show me the bambina’s room.” Mama had a spring in her step.

“This is nice.” Carlo picked up the magazine and showed her the furniture and the illustration with roses and vines on the wall. “Our Fran, Junior’s wife, is an artist. I’ll send Fran over here before the shower on Monday. She’ll have it done by Friday.”