by Jo Leigh
Still, it wasn’t a reason to be rude. “You’re doing a beautiful job, Orlando. It’s even better than I’d imagined,” she said.
“Thank you. I’ve never worked with this tin before. It’s really nice. I was looking at some tin ceilings online. They used to be really popular.”
“Yes, I debated doing the ceiling here. Although it would probably overwhelm the space, especially with the stainless steel appliances.”
“You should talk to Luca tomorrow. He’s got a really good eye. And we’ll be putting in the countertops in the morning, so, you know, you’ll get a better feel for what would work.”
“Luca’s coming tomorrow?”
Orlando nodded. “Sal said he’s taken over the project.” He went back to placing the glass rectangles on the wall, while she tried hard not to freak out.
Luca was taking over for Tony? For the day? For the rest of the job? He hadn’t said anything about that to her when they’d spoken this afternoon. Was that the reason Tony was taking her to dinner in the city?
She was sure, given Orlando’s history working on her house, that he hadn’t gotten things mixed up. For Luca’s name to even enter the conversation meant something was going on.
She left the kitchen and made her way upstairs in a daze. When she’d asked Tony yesterday if she’d scared him away by talking about her future, she’d never imagined... And, God, now the restaurant made sense. Taking her to neutral territory was the perfect place to end things with her.
What else could it be? Perhaps he’d seen the light when she’d told him about her horrible neighbors. In the beginning Tony had been so certain she’d bought the house for the sole purpose of selling it. And if he didn’t see a future for the two of them, he might think that her flipping the house would be for the best.
She poured more whiskey and drank it down in one gulp as she thought again about how he’d left last night. He’d walked out along with Ben as if they’d never made plans. After she’d closed the front door, she’d waited, her insides in knots, expecting his knock. But it never came. She’d gone upstairs alone, crawled into bed. Hell, she really had scared him off.
Maybe she should flip the damn house. Why bother making a home where she was so clearly not wanted? She’d make a hell of a profit, sell it to someone who didn’t care about fitting in. She had all of Manhattan to choose from for a new home. At least in the heart of the city, she’d be able to find people more like her.
She picked up her empty glass and poured herself another. When she sat down on the couch, she could barely breathe. She’d known the end would come, but not like this. Damn her for letting her feelings for Tony grow. She should have nipped this in the bud after their first night together.
But seeing him tonight? Being forced to listen to all the reasons it made sense for Luca to take over? She couldn’t. Not when the reality was twisting her into a mess of sorrow and nerves.
She took another hefty drink and didn’t even cough as the single malt burned down her throat. Her purse was in the bedroom, and she got her cell phone out before she chickened out. The urge to text him was tempting. She wasn’t entirely sure she could hear his voice without completely falling apart. But no, she was made of stronger stuff than that. She’d just have to keep the call as brief as possible.
It still hurt to hit the speed-dial number.
* * *
TONY SAW IT was Catherine calling, and he immediately saved his spreadsheet, no longer caring much about the budget projections. “Hey,” he said, wondering if she was running late. “What’s going on?”
“Something’s come up at work,” she said, her voice different, more clipped and businesslike. “I have to cancel our dinner.”
“What? No. I thought...” Damn it. He needed to talk to her tonight. Luca was already planning on showing up at her place tomorrow. “Can I come over when you’re done?”
“I have no idea when that would be. Maybe we could go tomorrow night. This business should be over by then.”
“Look, I was hoping... There’s been a change. Luca is going to be taking over your renovation starting tomorrow, and I wanted to talk to you about it.”
“Taking over for good?”
“Yeah,” Tony said, surprised at her mild reaction. “But I want to explain why. In person. Tonight.”
“Well, that’s...quite a big change, but I’m sorry, I can’t discuss it now. I’ve got people waiting for me. You’ll have to tell me tomorrow.”
“But I don’t want you to think—”
“I’m sorry. I have to go.”
“Okay,” he said, but she’d already disconnected. This was not good. He’d planned everything out so she’d understand that he wanted more between them than a job contract and a brief affair. She hadn’t even sounded that upset, although that could be explained if there were other people with her. She’d been rushed. He didn’t understand the details of her job, but this wasn’t the first time she’d had to cancel plans at the last minute.
There was no reason to get crazy. He’d talk to her tomorrow. Straighten everything out as soon as possible. Now that he knew what he wanted, he couldn’t wait to get started.
* * *
TONY HAD CALLED her four times. Two messages before the meeting and two during. She’d let the messages go to voice mail and hadn’t listened to them. Not that she wouldn’t; she simply couldn’t let anything personal derail her. The meeting had been too important.
That she was in this situation at all wasn’t like her. She could practically hear her mother’s reaction if she ever found out. Never show your hand. There’s no advantage in letting anyone see your weaknesses.
Those lessons had been a major part of Catherine’s education. It wasn’t until she’d gone away to university that she’d really had the opportunity to examine the values of her parents, and eventually to decide to create her own code for living.
The question now was whether to revert to her old self, the self her parents approved of, or continue on her current path, knowing what real heartache felt like.
Her imagination hadn’t been up to the task. She’d never really been in love before, although she’d mistaken other things for it. Companionship. Acceptance. Flattery. Hormones.
Twenty-eight years old was far too late to realize how a heart could break. How physical it was. She had entered into this...thing so blithely, swayed by Tony’s good looks and charm. In hindsight, it had been a childish choice. She’d know better in the future.
At least now she knew what she was going to do. She’d even taken a rare afternoon off as personal time. As the taxi pulled up in front of her house, she prepared herself to meet with Luca. The conversation wasn’t going to take long, and after, she’d finish packing her bags and go check in to The Four Seasons hotel she’d booked. The idea of staying, knowing Tony would never be back, was too much to handle. Besides, she wanted to step up the renovation, no matter what the cost.
As if to solidify her plans, the first person she saw once she was out of the cab was Mrs. Masucci, standing on her stoop. The woman looked right at her, and Catherine nodded politely. There was no acknowledgment of the courtesy. Of course there wasn’t. It took all Catharine’s willpower not to call out a greeting in Italian.
The moment she walked into the house, she felt the difference. Luca was there; she could hear his voice in the living room, just beyond the foyer. He must have heard the door shut, because he came to meet her, smiling, holding his hand out. He wore a loose blue, button-down shirt over pressed jeans. Nothing Tony would wear. In fact, all she could see were the differences.
She took his hand, grateful that they’d started off on the right business footing.
“It’s nice to see you again, Catherine. The house is looking great. I really like what you’ve done with the restoration.”
“Thank yo
u, but I didn’t do much. It was very nice of Tony to fill in for George. He’s done an excellent job. Why don’t we go upstairs, so we can talk.”
He nodded, and she led him up the stairs and offered him a seat on the couch. “Can I get you anything? Coffee, soda?”
“I’m good, thanks.”
She sat on the other end of the couch and went right for it, not daring to hesitate. “I’d like to make some changes as to how we’re going to proceed. I’ll be moving into a hotel after we’re done with our chat so that Sal and his crew can start work on this floor in earnest. If you could, please notify Ben that I’ve made my final decision, and that I’d like the minimalist roof garden. I’ve already seen the plans, and I approve of them.
“Also, if you could find out where Dave Rattigan is on the outdoor staircase, that would be helpful. I’d like to cancel the order if he hasn’t started. If not, I’ll pay for the work already done, but I won’t be installing it.” She inhaled deeply, struggling to keep her cool. “I’d also like all the furniture and accessories that are left on this floor to be moved to the basement level...” Her voice cracked, but she’d be damned if she’d blow it now. “And I’ll make arrangements for putting them in storage.”
She could tell he’d seen her falter, but he quickly reverted to a businesslike stance. “Does this change of direction have anything to do with the quality of our work?”
“Not at all. Paladino & Sons have done everything we agreed upon. I just no longer wish to spend as extravagantly. I’m happy with the current restorations, but I won’t be looking to do more, now that the bathroom glass wall is finished.”
God, she needed to end this conversation as quickly as possible. Her hands had started to tremble. “I want the house to be appealing, but not over the top. I let myself get carried away, when there’s no need.”
“Okay. No problem. I’d like to schedule a walk-through with you. Make sure we’re on the same page.”
“Fine.” She pulled her planner from her briefcase, gripping it tightly. “Can you do it tomorrow morning?”
“Of course.”
“Great. Thank you.” She stood. “I’ve got to finish packing, so if you don’t mind...”
He got a business card from his wallet. “Feel free to call my cell phone direct if you need anything else.”
She nodded. Watched him go down the stairs. Ran her hands down her skirt and headed to her bedroom. The moment she saw her two suitcases open on the bed she burst into tears.
* * *
THE PACKING WASN’T going well. Not just because she’d been crying for half an hour, although that had a lot to do with it. Also, feeling like an idiot for crying so long was definitely having an effect.
There had been a couple times in her life when she’d wept over a relationship, but those were dripping faucets compared with Niagara Falls. She’d always thought that girls who completely fell apart over men were ridiculous. Childish. Lacking in self-esteem.
She’d been such a clueless idiot.
What had finally stalled the waterworks had been an errant thought. One that wasn’t filled with self-pity. She’d remembered that Tony had wanted to meet with her. To talk to her. Explain why he was calling things off. Like a grown-up.
Pity that in the throes of her drama she’d deleted all his texts and voice mails.
She sniffed, blew her nose again, made herself go into the bathroom and look at the damage she’d done to her face. It was swollen and blotchy and looked as if she was at the tail end of a serious cold. Makeup could hardly hide her state. She should text him. Make arrangements to meet him tomorrow—
Oh, God. What was the matter with her? Once Luca told him about her change of heart, Tony wouldn’t wait. And he wouldn’t be sending a text. He’d call and, if she didn’t answer, he’d show up in person. In fact, knowing him, he could be at her door at any moment.
She started throwing things into her bag. Whatever she forgot she’d pick up later. She had every intention of meeting with him. He’d made an honorable effort to have a face-to-face with her. But right now she had to get out of there. When they finally talked she had to be prepared. Composed. Not a tear left to shed.
Although making him wait for another day seemed like a cruel thing to do to someone who’d done nothing wrong. For 95 percent of their acquaintance he’d been wonderful.
She didn’t want to be this person. Now, instead of just hearing what he had to say, she owed him an apology for taking the weasel’s way out of facing the facts.
It was three thirty when she climbed into a cab and headed for her hotel. During the short ride she decided she didn’t want to put this off any longer. If not for her heart’s sake, then for her own self-respect.
By the time she was safely in her hotel room, she’d calmed down. Her skin wasn’t as blotchy anymore and she made up her mind to meet with Tony today and listen to everything he had to say. After he was finished, she’d be gracious, apologize for not calling him sooner and wish him all the best. She hoped he wouldn’t ask to still be friends. That wouldn’t be possible.
She got out her phone and almost hit speed dial. Swallowing hard, she fished out Luca’s business card and found the number for Paladino & Sons. From now on it was just business between her and Tony. Thankfully, the receptionist answered. “Can you tell me if Tony Paladino is working in the office today?”
“Yes, he is, although he’s with a client at the moment. Can I take a message?”
“Would you happen to know if he’s going to be with clients for the rest of the afternoon?”
“No, it looks like he’ll be free from four to five thirty. Would—”
“Thank you,” she said, then disconnected. She could be there at four thirty. Hopefully, the receptionist would still be there. But it didn’t really matter. This meeting was just business. Catherine was still a client, after all.
* * *
“FOR GOD’S SAKE, why didn’t you call me after you left Catherine’s?”
Luca had just entered Tony’s office. As soon as he closed the door behind him Tony’s gut clenched.
“I knew you were in with a client and it was kind of hard to leave a message.”
“Just tell me what happened.” Tony had to force himself to stay in his chair and not shake his brother until he talked.
“Okay. Jesus, this isn’t easy.”
Luca sat in his usual seat across from Tony, but he was fiddling with a pen, which was something he did only when he was nervous. “She wants to cut everything back. The minimalist garden, no outside staircase. No more restoration.”
“Did you tell her I—”
“Me? I acted like a contractor, Tony.”
“Did she say why?”
“Not really. Blamed it on getting carried away and spending foolishly, something like that.”
“Fuck.” Tony rubbed a hand over his hair. “She hasn’t answered any of my texts or calls. I tried to explain that I just wanted to take the business part of...us out of the equation. It seemed reasonable, but...” Tony shook his head. Feeling helpless wasn’t something he dealt with very well. And with her not talking to him the only thing he could come up with was that she never wanted anything more than what they had. “I know she’s out of my league, but I was starting to think it didn’t matter so much. Although why wouldn’t it? She’s a goddamn heiress to some crazy fortune, and I’m—”
“Worth a fortune, too.”
“I told you before why we couldn’t make it work, and I was right. I got my hopes up, that’s all.”
“So?” Luca frowned. “That’s it?”
Tony blew out a breath, his wayward thoughts and fears making him nuts. “I have to talk to her.” He got to his feet. “If she won’t answer her phone I’ll break down the damn door if I have to.”
“Um, you’ll h
ave to settle for calling her again.”
Something in his brother’s voice stopped Tony just as he made it around the desk.
“She was packing when I left,” Luca said. “She’s moving into a hotel.”
Tony’s heart nearly quit on him. He stared at his brother. “Which one?”
“Didn’t say.”
Tony muttered every curse word he knew. In every language he knew. Catherine would’ve appreciated it. If he hadn’t lost her...
Gina buzzed in. “Tony. Your folks are here. Are you two talking about something naughty or can they join you?”
Tony closed his eyes. The last thing he wanted was to see his parents. Why the hell were they even there? He was just about to ask Gina to tell them he’d be tied up for another hour when he heard the doorknob turn. Could his day get any worse?
19
JOE OPENED THE DOOR. “Luca, you’re here. Theresa, did you know?”
“No. It’s good, though. We just came back from taking a walk and we thought we’d ask you to dinner. Both of you.”
“Thanks,” Tony said, “but I can’t leave right now.”
“We’re not asking you to,” Joe said. “We can go when you’re done. We’ll rest a bit. She made me walk two miles.”
“That’s great, Dad.” Luca stood up. “Ma, sit here. Dad, take the other chair. You want something to drink?”
Tony wanted to tell all three of them to get the hell out of his office. He didn’t give a shit about dinner or something to drink. His insides were twisted with fury at himself and every minute the anger got worse. It had gotten to the point that he didn’t know how long he could remain civil.
He should have waited until he’d talked to her before switching out with Luca. He should have found out if she was even interested in him for more than sex and a few laughs. How could he be thirty-three and still this stupid? “Dad, come sit in your chair.”
