Stealing Luca's Heart (9 page)

“You don’t know Luca, so you have no idea. He’s a massive celebrity here. I would never give him the satisfaction of saying this in front of him, but just so you know. He’s got worldwide fan clubs that follow his rugby games. I mean, my cousin has his own calendar for God’s sake.”

She about swallowed the words, “A calendar?” “Oh, he’ll tell you that it was to help raise money for cystic fibrosis research. But still, there he is wearing his wet jeans and a smile, holding his rugby ball in the river. What a laugh!” Gabi giggled, slapping the steering wheel. “Everyone played jokes on him for ages after that one.”

The image of Luca with no shirt popped into her brain before she could stop it. Yeah, she would have donated to that charity.

Gabi had left the rural airport road and was entering downtown Queenstown. Ally still couldn’t believe how stunning the area was. Surrounding them was the vast Southern Alps mountain range. To her left, the mountains seemed to spring up from the edge of a crystal clear lake.

“That view is breathtaking, Gabi,” she said, looking out her window. “Those mountains are incredible and so close to the airport.”

“Those mountains are called The Remarkables. There are a couple of ski resorts up there. Below the range over there,” Gabi said, pointing to her left, “is Lake Wakatipu. Our property line is just over that ridge.”

“Really?” She couldn’t begin to fathom what that land must be worth. Priceless, no doubt.

“I don’t know how much you know about the Queenstown area, but it’s a world renowned hotspot for winter skiing and summer adventure tourism,” Gabi told her, pulling up to a stoplight. “Thank God, since that’s how I make my living.”

She brushed her windblown hair out of her face. “What do you sell?”

Gabi turned to her, eyes lit up. “Fun! You’ll see tomorrow if you’re up for it. You need to experience the River Rage firsthand to appreciate it,” Gabi grinned.

“So that’s what your Jeep logo and shirt are all about? It sounds interesting.” She was envisioning the Six Flags Log Flume. “I can tell you love your job, Gabi. You’re lucky.” Ally noticed a River Rage flyer on the seat next to her and picked it up. Underneath the photo of a boatload of screaming tourists was “Gabi Tetari-Hill, Owner”. She guessed Gabi’s mom must want them to remain attached to the Tetari family name.

Looking at Ally and nodding, Gabi said, “I really am.” The light turned green, and they were moving again.

Ally stared up at the looming mountain range. “So, your property starts at the end of the lake and then where?”

“It’s hard to describe since you don’t know your way around, but there’s a map at my aunt and uncle’s that can give you a clear picture of the farm. I won’t lie. It’s a vast area.”

Ally continued to be mesmerized by her surroundings. She knew Tara came down here skiing. She said everyone skied during the day and hit the bars at night; it was all very cosmopolitan.

The red Jeep had entered the town center and was maneuvering through Queenstown’s major artery. There were modern shops and restaurants sitting just on the edge of the lake. To the right was a rock face that slowly gave way to roads and then to tidy, older colonial-style homes weaving their way up the mountainside.

“The people in those homes up there,” Ally said, pointing up the hill, “must have priceless views.”

“Yeah, but the roads get a bit dodgy in the winter. But you’re right, though, not a bad view anywhere. If you get the chance, there’s a gondola ride just past the hospital that takes you up the mountain for an amazing view of the area. On the way you’ll see bungee jumpers and parasailers below you on the cliffs. There’s also a great restaurant and a luge ride up at the top. I think the luge at our place is scarier and longer, however.”

She thought to ask about what a luge was and decided it could wait. The streets were full of people enjoying the summer afternoon. There seemed to be locals and tourists, but many of them looked like healthy college students. There was a long line of people boarding an old steamship—maybe a dinner cruise, she guessed.

She had never realized how much there was to do in this area. There were signs welcoming backpackers and tour groups, signs for
Lord of the Rings
tours, gold panning, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, jet boating on River Rage, trekking trails, and quad bike tours. No wonder Tara said it was the adventure center of New Zealand.

Gabi finally pulled into the Lakes District Hospital and parked close to the front door. “I’m going to go back into town and get us some takeaways since it’s going to be a while until dinner. What would you like?” Gabi asked.

“Takeaways?”

“You know, like fish and chips or a burger?”

“Oh. That’s really nice of you. Whatever you’re getting, I’ll take the same. I’d give you cash, but I haven’t had a chance to hit the ATM yet for New Zealand money.”

“Don’t even think about that.” Gabi looked offended. “But if it would make you feel better, there’s a money machine in the hospital lobby. Simone should be with your dad. I’ll be back shortly.”

“Thanks, Gabi!” she hollered as Gabi pulled back out and onto the main road.
Why do I feel like a ball being passed around?
She looked up at the hospital and realized she forgot to ask what floor her dad was on.

Ally walked through the automatic front doors and spied the information desk. An older woman behind the desk greeted her. “Hello, dear, what can I help you with?”

“I’d like to find the room for a patient named Cal Edwards.”

“Cal Edwards,” the woman repeated typing into the computer. “Yes, he’s in room two twenty-five, second floor. Go down this hall,” she said, motioning to the hall on her left. “The elevators are just down there.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you Canadian?”

“No, American.” That was funny; she’d never been confused as Canadian before, but knew the accents were similar.

She made her way down to the elevators and caught the door as someone walked out. After pressing the button for the second floor, she took a few deep breaths. When the door opened, she decided it would probably be appropriate to go to the nurses’ station to see where the room was. She stepped out of the elevator, and as she began to debate whether to go right or left, she heard someone call her name.

“Ally?”

She turned to see a tall woman striding toward her. Her hair was long, blonde, and underneath a beige cowboy hat. She wore a white tank top, faded jeans, and worn flip-flops. This had to be Simone, but she didn’t look old enough to be Luca’s mother.

“I’m Simone Tetari,” she announced, drawing Ally in for a tight embrace. “Oh, I’m so glad you made it safely.”

It had been a while since she’d felt a mother’s hug, and her voice caught in her throat. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Tetari. I can’t thank you enough for everything,” she managed, stepping back.

“It’s Simone, please,” she said, looking directly into Ally’s eyes while still gripping her shoulders. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Look, we’ll talk about all that in a bit. I know you’ll feel much better once you see your dad. He’s awake now and waiting for you. Let me warn you, though, he’s a little mad at all of us for encouraging you to come straight here. But there was a time when we weren’t sure where things stood. You’ll have to forgive us, but better to be safe…”

“No forgiveness necessary. Thank you for helping me arrive here so quickly. I’m glad I’m here.”

Satisfied with that answer, she released Ally. “Good. Then let’s go catch him while he’s still awake.” Simone gestured down the hall.

She liked Simone immediately and comfortably fell into stride with her as they hurried down the hallway, turning into a room on the right. Simone stood outside the door while she walked in and rushed to her dad’s bedside.

Chapter 8

Ally gave her dad a gentle hug. She’d been surprised by the array of blinking and beeping machines next to his bed. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected. Yes, she did. Her first thoughts were that she’d walk in and he’d look like a switchboard with cords everywhere. Thankfully, she was glad to see that it didn’t look too bad. He had tubes in his nose, bandages around his left elbow, and a wire snaking out from under the blanket. His face was pale, and the laugh lines around his eyes appeared deeper.

“Ally, I’m not on my deathbed, for God’s sake. Give me a proper hug,” he growled, grabbing her tighter. Finally, he released her and looked deeply into her eyes. “How are you? You’ve got to be exhausted. I told them you didn’t need to come. I’m fine, but nobody listens to me,” he said, scowling toward the door. “The next thing I hear is that Luca is flying you down here, on his private plane, no less.”

The way her dad said Luca’s name gave her the impression he didn’t care for him. “Yeah, it’s been quite the adventure.” She pulled up a metal chair that was next to his nightstand to sit close to him. “Well, perhaps you have friends that care about you enough to realize that when I heard you were hurt, I’d have come immediately anyway. Besides, twist my arm to spend an extra couple of weeks in New Zealand,” she mused. She was glad to hear the irritation in his voice. That was a good sign. Turning serious again, she asked, “The question is, how are you doing, really?”

Cal shook his head. “I’m as good as can be expected after being shot in the damn elbow and bashing my skull up against a slab of limestone.” He looked off as if collecting his thoughts. “I wasn’t catching anything but rays while I was out fishing with George, so I walked back downriver to see how he was doing. Just as I could see him, I noticed something moving off to the right, up the mountain a ways. Then I hear a shot go off, and I felt a pain in my arm. I felt lightheaded, and that’s all I remember,” Cal said, looking puzzled.

“You were shot in the arm?” She had seen that in the paperwork that Saren had given her but hearing it firsthand gave her a chill. “Lucky it was just your arm, Dad.”

“Believe me, I’m well aware of that. My arm was down by my side. It was pure luck that the bullet missed an important organ. The doctors think it was a .22 rifle, and the round struck just above my elbow, which they say causes a lot of bleeding. They say that’s why I passed out. Lucky George was right there so I didn’t drown. He pulled me out, tied my arm off with his belt, and got help out there within minutes.”

“You are very lucky, Dad. This could have been much worse.”

“You’ll be glad to know the doctors ran lots of tests to make sure there weren’t other injuries. We’re still waiting for my brain scan results to come back. I think the wheels started turning to get you and Tara down here when I arrived unconscious. Just in case, I guess.”

She could tell he was putting on a brave front. His voice was shaky, and it seemed to be a strain for him to sit up. Hopefully, the test results would be in soon.

“Have you talked to Tara?” She hoped Tara was home by now.

He nodded. “I did, not too long ago. She’s just a couple hours away by plane and could be here fairly quickly if my condition turned south. She knows you’re here.”

One of the machines her dad was hooked up to started a slow beeping sound, and Ally looked at her dad with concern. He waved it off.

“Is she coming down?” Ally asked.

“She’s coming down tomorrow night to make sure what I told her was the truth. I think she plans on calling you later tonight when you’re settled. The day after, she has to fly back to Auckland and meet her netball team on their way to Melbourne. What a way to have a family reunion, huh? Sorry about all this, pumpkin.”

She lowered her eyes. “It will be great to see her and for all of us to be together, even briefly.” Ally’s voice trembled slightly. The hospital suddenly brought back memories of her mother.

Cal motioned for her to sit on the side of the bed. “Hon, come here.”

Ally stood and carefully lowered herself onto the bed, taking her dad’s extended hands. “I know how you must have felt hearing that I had an accident. Honestly, it was the main reason I didn’t want you girls to be told. I didn’t want to upset you both. I’m sure you put up the brave front, but I know how you must have felt.”

She nodded, holding in the emotions. She didn’t want to have this conversion about Mom right now. “So, what’s your recovery time? When can you leave the hospital?”

“The doctors are saying that I can leave the hospital in a few days if the brain scans come back negative. They don’t want me flying for at least a week. Which is fine,” he said, reaching his hand out for the glass of water on the nearby table. “That still gives us time to make the meeting.”

She reached over and helped him take a drink. After a long sip, she placed the glass back on the table and sat in her chair.

“I wasn’t leaving until the conference was over. Simone said she made arrangements for me to stay back at their place when I leave here. I’m thinking that when I get over there, we’ll just see how I feel at that point.”

“Sounds like you’re lucky to have such well-connected friends,” she said dryly.

“You know, they’re really good people, Ally. They mean well. They can also be a lot of fun. You’ll see what I mean since it looks like you’re stuck here now too.

“I’m not here to have fun, Dad. I’m here to take care of you and get you home.”

“Do I look like I need a babysitter? I know you would love nothing better than to eat hospital food with me and sleep in that metal chair under your butt. I’ll be out of here in a day or two. Until then, you might as well enjoy yourself. You don’t know when you’ll have the opportunity to be back in this area. If it makes you feel better, stop and see me at lunch tomorrow.”

“Dad…” How could she possibly play tourist knowing he could be suffering brain trauma?

“Listen, I’m truly glad that you’re here,” he interrupted. “It’s a comfort knowing that you’d drop everything and fly all the way down here. You’ll be needed when it’s time for me to get back to Iowa. Someone’s got to carry my bags.” He smiled, watching her pained reaction. “What I really want is for you to use this as an opportunity to relax. You can still go to the conference and even use my VIP access. We both know you’d love to still make the meetings. We can talk about all that later.”