Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

I was able to save the interior. I stitched it back together with an edging of new silk.

Marti didn’t need a new purse. The purse her daughter gave her needed some love and extra care.

Her hand slides along the interior to the zippered compartment. A soft smile curves her lips when she feels the card safely inside.

I know we won’t speak about it. To her, I’m little more than a stranger, but to me, she’s a woman I’ll always remember.

She reaches across the table to take my hand in hers. “This is a gift. Thank you.”

I squeeze her hand. “It was my honor to fix that up for you.”

“I’ll get that linguine.”

I know she shows her appreciation through food. I saw it when I was here with Rocco.

“I need to go.” I look into her eyes. “Thank you for trusting me with your purse.”

Her gaze locks on mine. “You’re an angel. Life is going to give you good things.”

I’m just a woman, unsure of what tomorrow is going to bring, but certain that I’ll get through it.

“I’ll take a rain check on the linguine,” I say even though I doubt I’ll ever step foot in here again.

This is where Rocco’s family gathers. I’ll never be a part of that.

“Where are you off to?” She pushes to her feet.

“I hear California is nice this time of year.”

“It’s nice any time of the year.”

I stand too. “Take care, Marti.”

She takes me into an embrace, her hand patting the middle of my back. “Trust your heart. Always trust your heart.”

I pull back. “Trust my heart?”

Her fingers skim over my chin. “I know a broken heart when I see one. Give it time to heal and then you trust where it takes you.”

“I will,” I say softly. “I promise I will.”

Chapter 55

Dexie

I scan the interior of Palla on Fifth until I find the friendly face I’m looking for. I head straight to it.

“Gina,” I say her name with a smile. “It’s good to see you.”

She jumps to her feet to wrap her arms around me. “Dexie.”

I knew when she reached out and asked me to meet her that it was about Marti’s purse.

She tracked me down on Instagram. She followed me. I followed her and here we are.

“Can I get you a coffee?”

I shake my head. “I’ve had three cups already today. I’m good.”