“That’s not going to be necessary.” Talk about a punch to the stomach. I wanted to give that dress to Sable as a Valentine’s Day gift. “Sell it to someone else.”
“Milo, that’s an exclusive dress. It’s really expensive.” She hopped out of the chair. “It isn’t something I can put on the rack, you know?”
“Then we’ll store it and I’ll auction it off at my mother’s charity gala.” I held up my hand because I didn’t want her to argue with me. “I don’t want to discuss this any further. Make arrangements to store it, and once we have a date for the gala, we’ll go from there.”
“It really is over between you and Sable.” She shrugged. “I told her that was for the best.”
“You what?” Could this day get any worse?
“She’s not your type.” Camila walked over to the window and looked out. “I knew that from day one.”
“I don’t have a type.”
Normally, I wouldn’t let Camila bait me, but there was a fight inside me that needed to be addressed. I couldn’t take it out on Sable without admitting my part in our breakup.
“You do.” She continued to gaze out the window, acting as if her schooling me on what I wanted in a woman was such a hardship for her. “I’ve seen the women you’ve been with. I’ve even helped you entertain a few of them.”
Regrettably.
“You like classy, sophisticated, submissive women who like when you spend money on them. Sable may be submissive, but she’s not classy or?—”
“Watch it.” I reached for her arm and turned her to face me. “We’re not talking about her, and I’m not going to let you insult her.”
“It’s alright that you made a mistake.” She pressed her palm to my cheek. “The important thing is that you realized it and you can move on now.”
“Put the fucking dress in storage.” I grabbed her wrist and removed her hand from my face. “Go back to the boutique and do your job.”
As annoying as she could be, she was good at making money. That boutique was a perfect front for me, and Camila didn’t ask any questions when I funneled money in and out of there.
A hard knock on the door caused Camila to jump. A second later, my father stepped into the office.
“Milo,” he said. "Are you done entertaining guests? Because we have business to tend to.”
“Yes.” I let go of Camila but held her stare. “Do you understand what I want?”
“I’ll make sure the dress is put into storage.” She retrieved her coat from the chair as she stumbled toward the hallway. “It’s nice to see you, Mr. Accetti.”
“You too.” My father widened the door for her and then closed it when she hurried out.
“Thanks for the assist.” I walked over to the cabinet where I stored the vodka. "She can be a lot.”
I poured the much-needed liquid into two glasses and handed him one.
“Please tell me you didn’t trade one distraction for another.” He raised his glass to me. “You have enough going on.”
“What do you mean?” I sipped my drink. “I’m focused.” That was a lie, but once I settled into business I’d be fine. “You don’t have to worry.”
“Don’t I?” He touched my collar. “You managed to get lipstick on your shirt, but Sable wasn’t wearing any.” He took a hearty chug from his glass. “Camila was.”
“Always so observant.” I brought my glass to my lips and finished the contents. “I said goodbye to Sable. I can handle Camila. She’s my business partner. Nothing more.”
“Right.” He set the glass on my desk. “I trust you’ll have it all figured out very soon.”
That was my father’s way of saying he was losing patience and I better get my head back in the game or he was going to get it there for me.
“What’s our next move?” I asked. “Whatever you need me to do, I’m ready.”
“I just heard from Sal Canucci.”
