Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

I lean a hip against the side of my desk and repeat my last words. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She tugs on the green silk scarf around her neck. “What do you mean you have no idea what I’m talking about?”

I shrug both shoulders.

Her gaze bounces from my face to the wall behind me. “Rocco called me late last night and told me to drop my interest in your company.”

He did what?

“I told him to go to hell,” she goes on, “I’ve always viewed myself as the best partner for you. No one understands the beauty of a designer bag more than I do.”

She twirls her handbag around.

“I had my offer ready to go.” She moves to settle into a chair in front of my desk. “Rocco told me about what Suzanne is offering you. I can’t match that.”

I haven’t heard a peep out of Suzanne since I had lunch with her and Rocco.

“What is she offering me?”

Rhoda crosses her legs at the knee. “Are you seriously telling me that you don’t know about this?”

“I’m dead serious.” I rest my head in my hands. “Please, Rhoda, tell me what the hell is going on.”

“You haven’t talked to Rocco or Suzanne about this?”

I look up at her. “No. I haven’t.”

“I let the chicken out of the coop.” She pushes to stand. “It’s not my place to tell you what I know.”

“Please sit.” I motion to the chair she just rose from. “This is my business. It’s my life. Who I partner with is my decision. I have a right to know.”

She tosses me a brisk nod. “You’re right.”

I watch in silence as she sits back down.

She runs her hands over the front of her navy blue pants. “Rocco told me that Suzanne will take you under her wing. Dexie Walsh will become a subsidiary of Belese. You’ll use their manufacturer and your bags will be in the Belese boutiques right next to Suzanne’s bags. You’ll retain creative control. The numbers work in your favor Dexie. You trade a portion of equity for a royalty. It’s a strong offer.”

It sounds like a dream come true.

“Working side-by-side with Suzanne is just what you need.” She manages a small smile. “The California sunshine is a bonus.”

“California sunshine?” I question with a knit of my brow.

“You’re moving to California.” She looks at her handbag. “That’s where Suzanne’s studio is so you’ll be learning the ropes there.”

I pinch my eyes shut. Rocco wants this for me? He wants me to move across the country?

“Promise me you’ll act surprised when Suzanne calls you.” Rhoda’s on her feet again. “I didn’t mean to spill the beans and ruin anything.”

“You didn’t ruin a thing.” I push to stand. “Will you see yourself out?”

She purses her lips together. “I still have an offer at the ready, Dexie. If anything changes and you want to stay in New York and work with me, I’m a phone call away.”

“Thank you, Rhoda.” I breathe out a sigh. “I’ll remember that.”

She walks out of my office, without a single glance back.

Once she’s out of view, I pick up my phone and call Rocco.