Page 99 of The Singles Club

“We can both go if you want. Since you’re helping Leo learn to dance, you’re technically a part of the feature.”

I kissed the top of her fingers wrapped in my hand. “I’d love that.”

My mother’s ringtone filled the car. It was after ten, and she never called me this late. Every muscle went rigid as I answered her call.

“Hi, Mom.”

“I’m having a crisis.” My mother was on the verge of tears, and my heart was about to punch through my chest.

“What happened? Is Dad okay?”

“Yes, yes, your father’s fine. It’s my dress.”

I let out a breath. “Don’t scare me like that.”

“I’m sorry, I tried to call earlier, but you didn’t answer. This is a crisis for me. You know how I’m supposed to wear Great Nana’s wedding gown?”

“Yes.”

“I had it sized and fitted, but they screwed it up. I can’t zip it up all the way.”

“Take it back and tell them to fix it.”

“You think I’m going to trust them after what they did? The wedding is only a week and a half away.”

“Then we’ll get a new one.”

“You know what this dress means to me. My sister wore my mother’s dress at her wedding, and I was supposed to wear my Nana’s gown.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Let me sleep on it, and we’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Her voice was low, dripping with doubt.

“It will be fine. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I looked over at Vivian, who was twisting her necklace between her fingers.

“I could probably help,” she finally said. “I’d have to see it, but I’m sure we can come up with something to fix it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, we can head down Saturday.”

“What about the reunion?”

“I don’t have to be there. Becky is the one writing the feature.” Her finger still looped around her necklace. “Your mom’s gown is more important, and I’ll need enough time to get any alterations done.”

I pulled into my building’s parking garage and took my usual spot. I turned to Vivian, taking her hand in mine. “We’ll do this only if you’re comfortable with it. We never agreed to meet the parents yet.”

She tucked her hands under her thighs. “Do your parents know about me?”

“I’ve told them about you before, but at this point, they think we’re just friends.”

She looked over at me, her eyes pleading. “Would you mind if we don’t tell them yet and keep to our agreement to not tell anyone until we know for sure if we’re going to continue this?”

My esophagus felt like I’d just swallowed a brick. If Vivian was like this now, her move to Paris would probably drive us further apart.