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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.”
