Page 70 of Meet Me in Montreal

The other woman giggled, putting her hand over her mouth to hold in the sound. “I’m so glad you said that. I didn’t want to be the one. She seems to like complaining.”

“Yes,” Vanessa confirmed with feeling. “Were you with Virgil?” She gestured to their surroundings.

“Oh no. I did come hoping he would be free for lunch, but he’s so busy.” Ling rolled her eyes and grinned, shifting from foot to foot. “I decided to have a swim before I go back to work. It’s not too far from here. I’ll eat at my desk as usual.” She paused, her head to the side while sizing Vanessa up. “But I can wait for you if you’d like to have a quick coffee down the street. If you don’t have other plans.”

“Coffee would be great.”

“Okay. I’ll be in the lobby when you’re ready.”

Despite the decidedly unrelaxing time she’d had with Zoe, Vanessa had to admit her skin felt amazing after the mud bath and the steamy shower. Too bad she couldn’t have relaxed and truly enjoyed the entire experience. If only Zoe had kept her mouth shut. If only she had stood firm and told her she would rather have gone to the spa alone.

She’d meant it when she said she’d like to spend some time alone. A good introvert functioned best after a battery recharge. Still, she was curious about Ling. She wanted to know what sort of woman could capture the attention of a fun-loving guy like Virgil and apparently, the obvious interest of an otherwise staid and faithful man like her brother.

A bit later, dressed in her puffy-sleeved goldenrod shirt and slouchy bell-bottom jeans, Vanessa found Ling in the lobby right where she’d said she’d be. Ling was in a button-down no-nonsense blouse and pencil skirt, her face made up again and ready for work.

Ling kissed her cheek, and they took off. The air outside smelled like oncoming rain, but the skies were clear with only afew fat milk-white clouds. As they walked, they remarked on the concert and what Ling’s musical tastes were.

“Metal,” she said simply, making Vanessa’s eyes widen. “Oh, I love this shop.” She pointed at a cute boutique they were passing called Lula’s. “I buy a lot of things here. Virgil told me we’re going to the casino tonight. You don’t have to get really dressed up, but I like wearing something nice when I go. You should stop in there if you have time today. Wish I could shop with you but work-work-work.”

They reached the café she’d mentioned and went in to order their drinks and light snacks. Vanessa had to have another croissant but with chocolate this time, while Ling requested a bagel. The Montreal variety, Vanessa discovered, was lighter and sweeter than its New York cousin. Delicious…but she still wanted the croissant. Once seated, they each arranged their goods on the table and commenced eating.

“Before I came up here, all I could think about was eating croissants,” Vanessa said, looking at her chocolate-chipped treat. “I have had at least two a day. I can’t get enough of them. So buttery and flaky and rich.”

Ling grinned. “Don’t tell my Parisian friends back home, but I do love Montreal’s more.”

“You’re from Paris originally?”

“Yes. I was born there. I moved here to go to McGill. My parents are from Taipei. That’s how we know Virgil’s family. We all go way back.” She ate more of her bagel, her eyes resting on Vanessa’s face. “What about you and your family? You’re from New York.”

“Mm-hm, my brother Bobby and I were born and raised in the Bronx.” Trying to pretend she wasn’t, she studied Ling’s face at the mention of Bobby and didn’t know how to feel when she detected a deep pink flush creep across the other woman’s cheeks.

“He’s very impressive. Especially working with newborns. They’re so delicate. I heard him mention he and Zoe have a baby of their own?” Ling was looking down into her coffee cup.

“Yes, Everly. My niece is the cutest baby in the world, but you know I might be biased.” Vanessa took her phone out and showed her the screen capture. It was Everly, laughing about something like she’d just heard the funniest story ever. “It’s only been a few days away, but I miss her.”

Ling smiled at the photo with warmth. “She’s beautiful.” Her laughter was light, breezy, as Vanessa showed her another photo, this time of Everly’s scrunched face after tasting a lemon.

“Thank you. Although I guess I can’t take credit for how cute she is. What about you? Kids, nieces, nephews?”

“Oh no. I’ll have some, if that’s what Virgil wants. It’s all my parents talk about.” Her grin was quick, practiced. She took another sip of coffee. “I heard you’re an attorney at a very important firm. How long have you been practicing?”

“Three years. Not long. But it feels longer.” Vanessa shrugged, then smiled big. Like she was supposed to.

“Wow, only three years. You must work hard.”

“Hard enough, I guess,” Vanessa allowed.

“Hm. Marriage to a handsome man and a great career. Your family must be very proud of you.” Abruptly, Ling bit her bottom lip and stopped speaking. Then she glanced at her watch and sat up straighter. “Well. I need to get back to my office. I’m going to work-work-work and leave on time so I can get ready for our casino night.” She stood up, leaned over for two kisses, one on each cheek, European style. “We should exchange numbers. It would be great to see you if you ever come back to Montreal, or if I come to New York for work.”

“I’d like that.”

They did the exchange, and then Ling waved as she left.

Well, that was short and sweet. Vanessa stayed to finish her coffee and croissant at a leisurely pace, then left to wander on her own. The comments from Zoe and Ling had stirred up all the questions she’d been trying not to ask herself as the time sped by, the questions about marriage and work.

It was Thursday already. She had until Saturday to tell Santino she…she what? That they were going back to New York and signing? Or they were going home with each other, their marriage resurrected, polished off and shining like new?

And what about the trial? Was she going to do as she was told, trade in more of her soul for a tiny office with her name on the door? She hadn’t worked on trial prep since Santino showed up. It was troubling and maybe telling that she’d barely thought about it at all.

---