Page 43 of The Singles Club

V: Example?

J: Okay, my first date. While walking along the sidewalk toward a nice bistro restaurant, the heel of her shoe broke, and she tripped… face first into wet cement. Didn’t hear back from her.

V: Okay, that’s bad.

J: My second date? We were walking along the harbor, and she sat on the railing to take a selfie… fell backward into the water. That date ended with an ambulance, police, firemen, and a crowd of onlookers on the scene.

V: Wow.

J: Need I go on, because they all have this disastrous theme… I gave up after a while and focused on work.

V: Statistically, it’s an anomaly to have that many consecutive bad dates. You’re due for some great ones.

J: You think?

V: Yes. You’re going to be fine.

J: Thank you. I truly mean that.

V: Not at all, it’s my pleasure.

J: Sweet dreams, Vivian.

V: You too, Justin.

* * *

Text

To: Isabella

From: Crystal

C: I have a crazy idea that just may get Vivian to believe in love.

I: It’s two in the morning, so this had better be good.

C: The only problem is that it would have to involve your boss.

I: Goodnight, Crystal.

C: Just hear me out.

I: I don’t need to hear you out. I know you. I know how you and your sisters scheme up all these little plans. I am not letting you suck me into this. I already lost a Hermès bag over your last idea. And this is my boss, my job, and how I earn a living.

C: Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s just that I’ve never seen Vivian like this over a guy before.

Five minutes later…

I: Vivian has fallen for guys plenty of times.

C: No, that’s passion. She’s all about lust and attraction, but with Justin, I have a feeling it’s more than that.

I: He’s not even her type, she said so herself.

C: Yes! And that’s just it. Maybe what she really wants is this Jimmy guy, but all this time she’s been with guys who aren’t like him. Did you see her face when she talked about him? I have three sisters, and I know that look. It’s still pretty early, but I think Vivian is starting to fall for him.

I: Yeah, about that. Guy next door. Adorable and funny… all adjectives I would not use to describe Justin Cooper. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good guy and a genuine person, but adorable and sweet? No.