Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

She can’t know the spear that runs through me from her words.

Alone. I go to the park alone every week. I was hoping today might be different.

“I know the way,” I assure her with a nod of my head. “I’ll see you at midnight.”

“Midnight, she repeats back before she sets off across the street.

I stand in place, watching until she seamlessly blends into the pedestrian traffic. When she disappears from view, I finally exhale.

Bryant Park waits so I set off toward it, alone again.

Chapter 49

Dexie

The Internet holds at least some of Rocco’s secrets.

Irena Jones, mother and wife, was taken too soon.

Those are the words of the archived obituary I found online for Rocco’s stepmother.

When I sat behind my desk at Matiz, I flipped open my laptop and typed the name Irena Jones in the browser.

She was in her mid-fifties when she passed three years ago. There’s no explanation for how she died or the mention of a charity that those grieving can donate to in lieu of flowers.

It was just a simple posting on a website about a woman who had a loving husband, a daughter, and three stepsons, Rocco Jones included.

I cued up a search for April Jones, but the results ranged from a porn star to a pop singer, so I gave up.

If Rocco wanted me to know details about his family, he’d share them.

It makes sense that Suzanne would know all about it since they’ve been friends for years.

A loud bang from the apartment across the hall draws me to my feet. I’ve been home for almost three hours. After Matiz, I stopped to buy some fruit and then took the subway here.

Rocco wasn’t home then and since I’ve been focused on working on Marti’s handbag, I haven’t glanced back to see if he’s there.

I do now.

He’s standing in front of his window, wearing the same gray suit he was earlier.

I look down at the cut-off denim shorts and black tank top I’m wearing.

We’re as mismatched as we can be.

I move closer to the window, knowing he’s staring right at me.

My phone chimes so I pick it up from my bed and scan the screen.

Rocco: I’ve never seen a lovelier vision than this.

Words hold so much power.

I type back a response.

Dexie: Was the suit today for me?

He tilts his head back, eyeing me from head to toe before he looks back at his phone.