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“Rocco mentioned doing a film there,” I said casually.
She bounced on her seat. “Maybe I can be an extra? I’ll even take a leave for that.”
I smiled. “I’ll definitely ask him.”
“Yeah, what’s the use of having a producer brother-in-law and not getting some friendly perks,” she half-joked.
Chime.The door and my phone rang at the same time.
“I’ll get the door,” Cassidy suggested, springing to her feet.
“I’ll answer my phone,” I added in a cheery tone. “Hello?”
“Hello, Bella.” Rocco’s deep voice came through the line, and my heart lifted.
“Rocco,” I sang out.
“I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.”So much.
“How much, or should I ask, what do you miss?” he said in a deep, intimate tone.
“Too much. Everything. I wish you were here. Are you coming back?” My voice raised octaves.
“As soon as possible, or I’ll send for you here.” He exhaled long.
“You sound tired.”
Cassidy returned, and I mouthed Rocco, pointing to my phone.
She waggled her eyebrows.
Isla came in behind her with garment bags. “Isla’s here?”
“I know. She reminded me that I was missing something important in New York. How about you and Cassidy attend the New York Film Festival premiere of The Age of Sin tonight?”
The movie was still getting award buzz.
I held the phone away from my ear and called Cassidy. “Hey. Rocco wants to know if we can attend his movie premiere tonight?”
“I’m already there,” Cassidy joked and waved her hand.
“Cassidy wants to go,” I told him, then walked over to one of the factory windows and leaned against the wall to give us more privacy. “Are you sure? I mean, wouldn’t they rather have you there?”
“You’re a Marini now, which makes you an extension of me.”
Rocco was sure about everything, but it was hard to know when he was upset or disappointed. “But this is your big night.”
“Yeah, well, I can only continue if I get the support to make it happen…I wish I could go, but now George wants us to spend time at his lodge. He’s putting me through the wringer.” His voice strained.
“It sounds awful, Rocco. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll get the money; maybe I can set a better date to buy them out.”
Even I knew it would cost him maybe double if the studio were a success, and with Rocco’s track record so far, it would. However, he had enough on his plate.
He groaned. “I have to go.”