Page 116 of The Singles Club

“So, you become a head stylist. What’s your next goal?”

“Nothing. I work.”

Isabella slipped down onto the ottoman, giving me her stare-down. “How is that different than what you’re doing here?”

“I’ll be doing it in Paris.”

Isabella sipped her wine while looking over at Crystal, like they were some tag team for whatever they were trying to get me to admit. I had told them what happened with Justin and me, but I was hoping they would let it go and respect my decision.

I rubbed at my temples. “Guys, I love you, but whatever it is you’re scheming right now, stop. I’m moving to Paris tomorrow. I need a fresh start and to put all this behind me.” I let out a heavy breath. “Please, just let me have this, okay?”

Crystal wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “Okay. We’ll support you in whatever you need to do.” She nodded to the bottle. “Ready for that wine yet?”

“Did you bring chocolate?”

“Oh please, girl. I always have a stash.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a fun-sized Snickers. Usually, it would be the perfect size for me, but I was hoping she’d pull out a box of Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates. I ripped open the wrapper and shoved half the bar into my mouth.

The intercom buzzed, and I groaned as I pushed myself off the couch. I had been getting buzzed all day long from people wanting to check in or say goodbye.

“Hello?”

“Vivian, it’s me. Justin.”

My knees were about gave out underneath me as my stomach damned near dropped to the floor. I glared in Isabella’s direction. “Did you have something to do with this?”

Her eyes widened. “Me? Hell, no. I promised you I wouldn’t interfere again after the Giselle incident.”

I snapped my head in Crystal's direction.

She held up her hands. “Hey, don’t look at me. I have nothing to do with that.”

“Vivian, please. I’m not trying to change your mind. You had your say, but I ask you to please give me mine. It won’t take long.”

My finger hovered over the button. I wasn’t sure I was ready to see him.

“For fuck sake, Vivian, at least answer him.” Isabella crossed her arms. “I know it’s been hell for you, but it wasn’t a cakewalk for him either. Stop avoiding and let him have some real closure.”

She was right. If Justin needed closure, that’s the least I could give him.

“I’ll be down in a minute,” I finally said.

I grabbed the single jacket that hung in the front closet and slipped my arms through the sleeves before making my way down the stairs. My heart pounded faster the closer I got to the first floor. I stopped as I saw him standing on the stoop through the glass of the lobby doors. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his coat, his head down.

Take a deep breath and just go out there and talk.

Closure. That’s all he wants.

I hugged my jacket tighter around me as I opened the door. The chilly breeze blew right through me.

Justin spun around, and his mouth parted as if to say something but he closed it again before gesturing toward the car. “We can talk in there if you want.”

“No sense in forcing Max out into the cold. I don’t mind talking here.”

Justin rubbed the back of his head and stepped down onto the first stair. “Do you mind if we sit?”

“No, that’s fine.” I took a seat on the stoop, tucking my hands under my arms to keep warm.

He sat down next to me but made sure to let me have the space I needed. His hands hung over his knees, and a good ten seconds went by before he said anything. “I know my mother told you about Anna.”