Page 110 of The Singles Club

“I’ll watch them like a hawk, especially for the cutting.”

I folded the flap and stuck in the first pin, lining the rest down until her zipper stopped.

“You’re really good at this. Do you want to be a designer one day?”

I let out a huff. “No. I have an eye for what works with people—their shape, style, and personality, even down to the impressions they want to convey in business or at events. There’s a psychology behind it too.”

“Like a personal shopper?”

“More like a fashion stylist, but if I did work only one on one, which I very much enjoy doing, I would say personal stylist.”

“Justin did say you helped him.”

“Just with a suit. He closed the deal.”

“Is that what you’re going to do in Paris, be a fashion stylist?”

“I’d start out as an assistant stylist, and then work my way up to head.”

“Do you plan on living in Paris for good?”

I hesitated. What were my plans? Everything seemed to hang in the air until Justin and I really talked it through.

“I’m not sure yet,” I finally said.

“Do you hope to have a family one day?”

These were tough questions she was spitting out, and I knew I was being interviewed for the position of potential daughter-in-law.

A week ago, I’d probably have said, “Not my thing.” But after yesterday with Caden and Justin there beside me, I wasn’t so sure anymore. If I could pull off a relationship, maybe motherhood could be the next step…

“I’m open to that.” I stuck in the last pin. “There, all done.”

She left to change out of the wedding dress as I slipped the cover over my hand mirror and packed up the rest of my things. When she came back, we carefully laid her wedding dress into the garment bag and zipped it up.

“I promise I’ll take good care of it,” I said.

“Thank you.”

Before I had the chance to grab the hanger, she reached for it and hung it on the closet hook. “Vivian, would you mind if we talked for a moment?”

By the look in her eyes, I could see this wasn’t going to be an easy talk.

Now the palpitations were starting.

“Sure.”

She sat down on the edge of the bed and patted a spot next to her.

“Justin told me this morning why you two didn’t want to tell anyone about… seeing each other. I understand, and I’m sorry if I seem a little standoffish towards you. Please know that’s it’s not because I’m some jealous mother type who doesn’t think any woman is good enough for her son.” She choked a bit on the last words and sucked in a deep breath before letting it out. “I do like you. You’re kind, funny, sweet, and obviously talented at what you do. You came all this way to help me, and I appreciate that very much.”

Why did I feel a big “but” coming?

“The reason I’m uncomfortable is because I’m not sure you know what you want… but Justin knows what he wants.”

My mouth opened, and I wracked my brain on how to tell her that was between us in the nicest way possible.

“We’re honest with each other, and we’re working it out together.”