Page 153 of The Art of Ruin

“She was very persuasive.”

“I’m leaving now,” Matteo announces, standing abruptly. “I can’t watch this happen in real time.”

“Good decision.”

He points at me accusingly while heading for the door. “You’re happier lately. It’s weird.”

The office door slams behind him before I can answer.

Casey’s quiet laughter filters through the phone again. “You know,” she says thoughtfully, “for terrifying mafia businessmen, your family is surprisingly dramatic and emotional.”

“It’s mafia-adjacent for your information.”

Her soft laugh makes me wish I was home so I could kiss the smile on her lips.

“My apologies. I’ll make sure not to make that mistake again.”

I lean back in my chair, loosening my tie slightly as her voice settles into the edges of my day like something familiar now. “What are your plans tonight?” I ask.

There’s a pause. “Nothing much. The usual. Why?”

“Spend the evening with me.”

Silence.

Then a softer voice. “Like a date?”

“No, not like a date. An actual date.”

“Is that a good idea?”

“Tesoro, we’re happening, and that starts with a proper date.”

“Is that so?”

“It is.”

“It’s hard to say no to you, Adi.”

“Then say yes.”

She laughs again quietly, and Christ, I think I could spend the rest of my life chasing that sound.

“Okay, yes. What are we doing?” she asks.

“You’ll find out when I get home.”

“Very mysterious.”

“You’ll survive.”

“Debatable but eating all the chocolate brownies will help.”

I smile despite myself, grabbing the file I’ll need to finish later before standing from the desk.

Outside my office window, Manhattan glows beneath falling snow and evening lights.

For the first time in years, I find myself impatient to leave work.