Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

“Has it been two years since Irena passed?” Suzanne’s brow knits into a frown.

“Three.” Rocco hangs his head.

Suzanne reaches over to squeeze his hand. “If he’s happy, I’m happy too.”

Good for her, because I’m confused as hell.

Suzanne must read minds because she squares her attention on me. “I’m sorry, Dexie. Did we lose you? We were just talking about Rocco’s dad and his second and third wives. Don’t mind us.”

I stare at her, trying to absorb everything she just said. I’ve never felt more like a third wheel.

Grabbing for my clutch, I stand. “I’m going to use the ladies’ room. If you’ll both excuse me.”

Rocco pops to his feet, reaching for the back of my chair as I stand.

“Let’s get a bottle of that Shiraz you sent for my birthday last year.” Suzanne waves at the server. “We’ll toast to Pop’s happiness.”

I try to steady my thrumming heartbeat with a hand to the middle of my chest. “I’ll be right back.”

No one responds as I turn and walk away.

Chapter 48

Rocco

“Walk with me?” I pose the question to Dexie on the sidewalk outside of Sérénité. We had a delicious meal, talked about Suzanne’s daughter and finally rose from our chairs when Rick called to ask me where the hell his wife was.

I had texted him on my way to the restaurant to see if he wanted to join in on the fun.

He declined because he’s rooting around Brooklyn looking for a space to open the next Belese boutique.

“I’m headed to Bryant Park,” I add as I watch her scan the traffic passing us by.

She was mostly silent through lunch, picking at her food and checking the screen of her phone at regular intervals.

I know her work at Matiz was on her mind because she excused herself a second time to take a call from Shona.

Something else was gnawing at her.

“I’ll walk with you.” Her gaze drops to the watch on her wrist. “I need to stop at my office before I go home.”

It’s an out she needs, so I don’t question it.

She tucks her clutch under her arm and starts in the direction of the park. She’s dressed exquisitely today. The red pencil skirt she has on hugs her ass like a glove. The black blouse she’s wearing is sheer and cut low in the back. The black heels on her feet are sky high.

I’d label the look conservative except her black bra is visible and her hair is tumbled in sexy waves.

She gave me the once-over when I got to the restaurant. I appreciated it. I dug out a suit for this along with a black dress shirt.

My goal wasn’t to impress anyone but Dexie.

The sounds of the city surround us. Horns honking, people talking, and sirens in the distance.

“How do you know Suzanne?” She turns to look up at me as we slip past a woman pulling a wagon filled with groceries.

“I went to high school with her husband.” I inch to the edge of the sidewalk when a group of uniformed school kids pass us with two adults in tow. “I’m their daughter’s godfather.”

“They have a daughter?”