Page 42 of The Singles Club

Isabella made a face. “Who the hell is Jimmy Stewart?”

“He’s the guy next door,” Becky said. “Sweet and funny, kind of adorable in his own way. All heart.”

“Then Justin’s safe,” Isabella said. “Totally not Viv’s type.”

I fumbled with my necklace, my throat tight. “No, not my type at all.”

Crystal’s smile faded, and she cocked her head as if she could see right through me. Thankfully, she let it go and changed the subject.

I tried to keep up with the conversation but found myself dazing often. I wondered if Justin had found someone that sparked his interest or set a date yet. From that profile bio and considering he was drool-worthy, I could imagine him getting a ton of messages.

This should be a good thing.

I mean, it’s not like I’m going to give up Paris for him or any man… and even if I weren’t moving to Paris, Justin and I would never work. He wants the whole kids and marriage thing. Me, I’m not built that way. I mean, I wish I was… but I suck at the attachment phase of love when it comes to relationships. I’m great at lust and even attraction. I love the passion… but once that starts to wear off—and italwaysdoes—I move on. Like Mom always says, “Never get too close or allow yourself to become vulnerable. Best to end it before they get a chance to break your heart.”

As much as I wanted to argue with her, she was statistically right. Affairs affected 1 out of 2.7 couples. In the U.S. alone, there was a divorce every 13 seconds. Which meant there was an average of 277 divorces per hour, 6,646 divorces per day, 46,523 divorces per week, and 2,419,196 divorces per year.

And yet so many still believed in this fairy tale called love.

* * *

Text

To: Vivian

From: Justin

J: I know you’re out, and I wouldn’t normally bother you, but having a little crisis.

J: I mistakenly accepted a date for tomorrow. A classic matinee movie on Boylston… and I’m at a loss here.

One hour and 22 minutes later…

V: Just saw your texts. It was loud in the bar, but in a cab now.

J: Hi, I’m sorry. I’m not usually this desperate. With business, I’m calm and relaxed. And as you say, charming ;)

J: But with this, I feel like a pubescent teenage boy… and it’s really embarrassing to tell you all this.

V: I think it’s adorable.

J: Funny.

V: I do. Honestly.

J: Well, I’m glad one of us is enjoying it. :)

V: Were you always like this around girls/women?

J: No.

V: What happened?

J: A long story, but let’s say that after a year of not dating, then moving to Boston, my best friend convinced me to get back into the dating scene. A fresh start. I went on seven dates, and all of them were disasters. Doesn’t help the confidence meter all that much.

V: Disaster is a strong word. It couldn’t have been that bad.

J: You’d be surprised.