He had already read every magazine that held any interest for him, and now the lobby was deserted except for a gaunt, weary-looking man in custodial coveralls who dragged a mop across the marble floor. Ross would give it another hour; then he’d find someone with whom to leave her keys. He closed his eyes and lay back on the sofa.

Forty-five minutes later Eliana walked out of the ICU. She found Ross lying on the couch, his eyes closed. He was lightly snoring. She stood by him for a moment hoping he would wake at her presence. When he didn’t, she crouched down next to him. She realized that she had never really seen him up close. Even earlier that evening, standing in the doorway, she had not really seen him, as she had been too worried about Alessio.

His skin was clear but not without flaws and his face was rough with the shadow of beard growth. His hair, slightly curled, fell over his forehead. He had well-formed lips, full for a man, she thought, yet still masculine. Bello.

She reached over and gently touched his arm. His eyes fluttered open. It took him a moment to remember where he was.

“Hi,” she said softly.

Ross rubbed a hand across his face then sat up. “Hi. How is he?”

“He’s fine. He’s sleeping now.”

“That’s good,” Ross said, his voice hoarse.

“I’m sorry to leave you out here.”

“I have your keys.” He sat forward in the chair then extended his hand, smiling slightly. “I’m Ross.”

She smiled back as she took his hand. “This is a rather odd introduction. I’m Eliana.”

“Eliana. It’s a pleasure. Here, sit down.” Ross slid over on the sofa. Then he yawned again.

“I was up pretty early.”

“I’m so sorry. Thank you for helping me.”

“You’re welcome. What happened?”

“My son has asthma. He’s been congested the last few days and it triggered a severe attack. Usually the inhalers work, but tonight . . .”

She couldn’t speak and Ross saw that she was completely exhausted. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Then tears began to well up in her eyes. Ross put one arm around her. “It’s okay. It’s your son.”

She laid her head against his shoulder and began to cry. Now that the emergency was over, all of her fear released and bubbled forth and she sobbed for several minutes. Ross put his other arm around her, pulling her into himself. When she could finally speak, she said, “It was just so close this time.”

“It was,” Ross said softly. “But he’s okay now. He’s okay.”

It was a few more minutes before she regained her composure and wiped her eyes with her hands. Ross grabbed a Kleenex from a nearby dispenser and handed it to her.

“Thank you.” She dabbed her eyes. “I’m sorry, I don’t even know you.”

Ross smiled at her and she thought he had a gentle smile. “It’s okay, we’re neighbors. We americani need to stick together.”