Page 30 of The Singles Club

“It also helps that Paris is the fashion capital of the world,” she continued. “And the parties alone are worth it.”

“But the Paris inCasablancawasn’t about fashion or parties… it was about love.”

Vivian hesitated, then looked out the window, her fingers twisting at her necklace. “A love that never worked out in the end. She got on the plane.”

There was a sadness in her voice, and I couldn’t help but feel there was more to Vivian than she revealed to anyone.

“She left to help stop a war,” I replied, “not because it was what either of them wanted.”

“We’re here, Mr. Cooper.” Max got out of the car and opened the door on Vivian’s side. I scooted over and got out after her.

We walked down Hanover Street, where the familiar smell of pastries, bread, and garlic hung in the night air.

“Is there a place you haven’t eaten yet?” she asked.

“On Hanover? Probably not… I’m not sure there is a place I haven’t tried in the North End yet.”

“You come here often, I take it?”

I tucked my hands in my pockets. “Probably about two or three times a month.”

“Alone?”

I paused at her question, remembering our little honesty pact. “Yes.”

“May I ask you something personal?”

“You can ask, but I can’t promise I’ll answer.”

“That’s fair.” She wrapped the shawl tighter around her. “You’re young, handsome, and you do well for yourself. From what Isabella tells me, you have your fair share of women come on to you. So how is it you have gone two years without a date?”

I scratched the back of my head. “It’s complicated.”

“Trust me, I understand complicated.”

“Ah yes, you have the whole love and attraction thing figured out.”

“I don’t believe in love, remember?”

“Yes, you believe it’s chemical.”

“And psychological, but you’re diverting. Why haven’t you dated in the last two years?”

“Pass.”

“How about this: if I guess correctly, you nod.”

“Alright.”

“The last woman you were with broke your heart, and instead of dating again, you compensated your time with work.”

“No.”

She stopped in her tracks and looked up at me, taken aback that she didn’t get me on the first go. “You’ve never had your heart broken?”

I swallowed. “I never said that, but heartbreak is not the reason I haven’t dated in two years.”

We walked on, and I could tell she was deep in thought. “Are you opposed to marriage and family?”