Page 18 of The Singles Club

Crystal thumbed toward the vase. “But don’t forget you still have that to deal with.”

Oh yeah,that.

“How many days until I have to get a date?”

“After today? Three.”

I thought for a moment and picked up the phone. I had an idea that just might work.

* * *

Justin

Isabella buzzed me.

“Yes?” I asked.

“You got a reply from Vivian.”

“She called? Why didn’t you put her through?”

She let out a devious chuckle. “Justin, you have no idea who you’re dealing with. That woman will never call you unless you call her first. Trust me.”

“What was her response?”

“She had a package delivered, just before I was ready to pack up and leave.”

“Bring it in before you go.”

“Do I have to?”

I laughed. “Yes, you have to.”

She groaned before hanging up. A few minutes later, she swung the door open with a package in hand and an exaggerated pout on her face. “I should just give her my Hermès bag now and get it over with.”

I held out my hand. “The package, please.”

Her shoulders sagged, and she placed the box in my palm. “You’re gonna call, and shewillconvince you to go on that date.”

“You have that much faith in me?”

“It’s not about that. Vivian has something you want, and you have something she wants. And if I’m honest, you should take her offer.” She handed me a sticky note. “This is Vivian’s number.”

“What do you mean? What offer?”

“Vivian called and asked me more about Rajesh and his business… and I told her only because she’s really good at what she does. She’ll make sure you look the part for that meeting. She always helped Lucas like that.”

“Who is Lucas?”

Isabella stared at me as if I’d told her a spaceship landed in my backyard. “Don’t you know who she is?”

“I’m not sure I follow…”

“Vivian Hall. The one who was engaged to Lucas Freeman about four months ago?”

“I thought she didn’t believe in love.”

“She came up with that theoryaftershe broke it off with him.”