I had left her in my bed when I hastily dressed and took off. I told her it was a family issue because that’s what this is. It’s an issue that my family has dealt with far too many times.
“Is that Chloe?” My dad cranes his neck to look at the screen of my phone.
“No, Pops.” I kiss his forehead. “Let’s go see April.”
He leans against me. “I promised myself I’d never love again. My heart can’t do this, Rocco.”
The pain he’s in is palpable. I feel it in every cell of my body.
I can’t do it either.
Chapter 52
Dexie
Rocco: Everything is fine.
I reread the text Rocco sent me three days ago.
It’s the last I’ve heard from him.
He hasn’t picked up when I’ve called him. My texts since then have gone unanswered and his apartment has been dark since I let myself out the other morning, locking the door behind me.
I step forward when the elevator doors fly open.
“Dexie.” Rhoda approaches me. “I was just about to leave.”
“What are you doing here?” I look past her to where Shona is seated behind the reception desk.
I treated myself to an expensive coffee at Palla on Fifth because I needed to get out of the office and my stomach hasn’t been able to handle food.
There’s a weight in it. It’s a sinking feeling that whatever is happening in Rocco’s life is going to change mine forever.
“I came to congratulate you.” She claps her hands together.
I m
otion for her to follow me down the hallway. I offer a Shona a weak smile as we pass her desk. “Am I right to assume you’re here with an offer, Rhoda, and you think I’ll be accepting it?”
She follows me into my office, waiting until I close the door behind us.
“You’re joking, Dexie.”
I turn to face her. She’s dressed as impeccably as ever. The designer handbag on her shoulder is a new piece from a collection just released last week.
I know I shouldn’t allow my personal feelings to impact my business decisions, but I’m miffed that she hasn’t tested my product out. If she’s as interested in my handbags as she says she is, why isn’t she using one?
I pop up a brow. “Joking?”
She thins her lips. “Did you promise Suzanne you wouldn’t say anything until the ink was dry on your contract?”
“Suzanne Belese?” I ask while my brain tries to play catch-up with her last question.
“Your new partner.” She cocks both brows.
I shake my head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Rocco told me.” She slaps the top of my hand. “Technically, Rocco convinced me to back off so you’d accept Suzanne’s deal. I have to admit, it’s the best choice for you.”