Page 88 of The Singles Club

I gave her a soft smile. “You don’t have to be nervous around us, we don’t judge here.”

“Okay.”

The waiter brought over Giselle’s and Isabella’s drinks. Giselle took a tiny sip of her wine. “So, about the guy I’m crushing on. How do I get him to see me as more than just an office manager?”

“First off, don’t do your nervous thing. Keep the conversations shorter. In fact, the best thing to do is to ask questions and let him talk—but don’t interrogate him. Your goal is to help him feel comfortable enough to reveal more of himself to you over time, not all at once.”

“Wait, let me write this down.” Giselle started typing on her phone. “This is good.”

I internally groaned. Time for a different strategy. “Tell me about this co-worker of yours. What attracts you to him?”

She set down her phone and wriggled in her seat like a schoolgirl in love. Isabella and Crystal eyed each other, and this whole thing suddenly felt a bit unsettling.

“Well, he is very handsome and confident, although he does work too much.”

I tilted my head, drawing my eyebrows together in suspicion. “What does he look like?”

“Dark blonde, brown eyes… oh wait, maybe green?” She waved it off. “I did see him smile a few times. He has a really great smile.”

“What’s his name?” I asked under a shaky breath.

“Justin. He’s my boss, well, the owner, really.”

I glared over at Isabella, who was avoiding all eye contact as she took a sip of her martini.

I forced a smile Giselle’s way. “Excuse me for a moment, I have to use the ladies’ room.” I stood up and nudged Isabella. “Come with me?”

“No, I’m okaaaay,” she spilled out as I pinched her arm. “On second thought, I have to go.”

I half dragged her into the bathroom. “Do you mind telling me what this is about?”

“What?”

“What are you and Crystal trying to pull?”

“Why are you so bothered?”

“Because Justin is a friend, and this is…” I searched my brain for the right phrase. “A conflict of interest.”

“A conflict of interest?” Isabella crossed her arms.

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you his dating coach?”

“Was, and this is different.”

“How?”

“Because…”

I have feelings for him.

“Do you love him?”

I set my hands on my hips, trying to keep my stance. I was in the right here, Isabella and Crystal in the wrong. “You know I don’t believe in love.”

It’s just chemicals. All in the mind, right?