“He’s a newlywed.” He winks. “Give him space, Rocco.”
I have been, but I know my dad better than anyone. Life has taken its bitter toll on the man. He’s chasing his happy-ever-after with April, his third wife.
My prayer as I watched him marry her was that he’d take his last breath before she draws hers.
That’s his wish too.
“Are you headed to bed?” I want his company, but I know his schedule.
“If I hit the hay now, I’ll get a good three hours.” He drops both hands to his hips. “I pulled the early shift.”
“Don’t let me keep you.”
He nods his chin at me. “It was good to see you happy tonight. I hope I see more of that.”
I turn back to the window. Happiness comes at a price I’m not sure I’m willing to pay.
“Night, Rocco.” He starts toward the spare room. “Go to bed before I get up.”
Crawling into my bed with its sheets scented with the fragrance of Dexie Walsh is all too inviting. I follow my brother out of the living room, walk into my bedroom and slam the door shut.
If I can’t have her in my bed, I can chase away the nightmares with a dream about her.
Wishing won’t make it so, but I can sure as hell try.
Chapter 45
Dexie
Standing at my window, I let out an audible sigh.
“What’s wrong?” Sophia glances at me from where she’s sitting on the couch. “Did the fish not sit well with you either?”
I steal a glance at her over my shoulder. “What?”
She rubs her stomach. “I think the fish tacos we had for lunch were bad.”
They were fine and delicious.
I sneak one last peek at Rocco’s window, but he’s not there.
“I can make you a tea.” I walk to the kitchen. “Peppermint tea always settles my stomach.”
“Can you make it iced?” She fans herself. “I think your air conditioner is down again.”
The roar of it blowing should have been her first clue that it’s working just fine. “You’re just too hot to handle.”
She barks out a loud laugh. “Look at me. I look horrible today.”
She looks incredible. We’re both dressed down in red T-shirts and white shorts. I accused her of planting a hidden camera in my apartment when she picked me up for lunch.
We look like twins save for the color of our hair and eyes and her height advantage.
“Get my mind off my nausea.” She watches me make her iced tea. “Do you have a deal in place yet?”
“I have something better.” I plop two ice cubes into a tall glass. “I have a meeting with Suzanne Belese.”
“Seriously?” Her voice rises in pitch.