We ordered, and Melissa launched into the story of her weekend conquest, her enthusiasm reminded me of how much she truly lived for romantic drama. The man was apparently a venture capitalist, divorced, with a penthouse and a yacht and connections to ‘everyone who matters.’
"And get this," Melissa said, leaning forward conspiratorially, "He's taking me to this exclusive event on Friday night. Apparently it's invite-only, super high-end. I'll probably meet celebrities."
"That sounds great,” I enthused, “I'm sure you'll have a lovely time."
"What about you? Please tell me you're dating someone. Your mom asked me about your love life when she called last month, and I had nothing to tell her."
My phone buzzed before I could answer. A text from Julian.
Julian:Color preference for Friday - emerald green or midnight blue?
My pulse quickened as I typed back.
Vivienne:Either would be beautiful. What do you think would work better?
Julian:Emerald. It'll make your eyes the focal point.
I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.
"Who's that?" Melissa asked, craning her neck to see the phone.
"Just a friend," I said, slipping the phone back into my purse. But the butterflies in my chest suggested it was much more complicated than that.
We finished lunch with Melissa dominating the conversation, as usual. She paid the check as promised, but I noticed she left a mediocre tip that made me surreptitiously slide an extra five under my coffee cup.
As we parted ways in the parking lot, Melissa grabbed my arm. "I'm glad we did this, Viv. I know I screwed up Saturday, but I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," I said, and meant it despite everything.
The drive back to school gave me time to think about the upcoming weekend. As much as I’d love wearing one of Julian Thorne’s creations, I was starting to overthink everything that had happened over the course of an unexpected evening.
My phone rang as I pulled into the school parking lot. Dad's number flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Daddy."
"There's my girl. How's my favorite teacher?"
The familiar gruffness of my father's voice instantly improved my mood. "I'm good. Just got back from lunch with Melissa, remember her from college?"
"The wild one? How's she doing?"
"Still wild." We chatted easily about my week, my students, and the weather. My father had retired from his job at the paper mill two years ago and seemed to genuinely enjoy having time to call his daughter in the middle of the day.
"Hold on, honey, your mom wants to talk to you."
"Vivi?" My mother's voice came on the line, warm but with that underlying tone that meant she had an agenda. "Sweetie, I ran into Carol Heathrow at the grocery store yesterday, and she mentioned that her son Danny just got divorced."
"Mom—"
"Now I know what you're going to say, but hear me out. You remember Danny, don't you? You two dated senior year of high school. He's doing very well for himself now—has his own accounting firm, just bought a house with a big backyard..."
I closed my eyes and leaned back against my car seat. "Mom, I'm not interested in dating Danny Heathrow."
“Well what about Steve Jeffords? He’s moved back and is taking care of his parents. They did have him later in life, so he’s helping them fix up the house, I’ve seen him out there mowing the lawn without a shirt, and he’s quite handsome.”
“Ugh, Steve Jeffords, he’s been married like five times already, do you really want me with someone who’s that fickle?”
“Well, no, I guess not, dear. Oh, what about Harvey Middleton? He always had such a nice strong jaw, and his parents want grandchildren as much as we do!”
