Page 10 of The Singles Club
“That I won’t divulge. A friend must keep some secrets.” I smiled. “The name’s Vivian, by the way.”
“I’d share mine, but apparently, you already know it.”
“I’m sure there’s a lot more to know about you.”
His gorgeous jaw shifted. “Hmm.” Then, surprisingly, he went back to his phone.
Huh.
“So, am I going to get a business card, or do I have to crawl back to your assistant with my tail between my legs?”
“As much as I would love Isabella to lose this bet, I can’t, in good conscience, give it to you.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you haven’t really won. It was a nice introduction to get my attention, but without it, I wouldn’t have even looked your way.”
So, he was a challenge. I always loved a good challenge.
“Alright, since we’re being completely honest with one another and it’s obvious you care nothing for games or cliché lines to get your attention, may I be frank with you?”
He grabbed his brandy and turned my way again. “I’ll bite.”
“ThisReservedsign, it isn’t a date, correct?”
“No.”
“And since you’re a workaholic, I’m guessing you’re meeting with a client or a business associate?”
“Isabella could have told you that.”
“She could have, but she didn’t, and it wouldn’t matter if she did. I’m just offering you some professional advice.”
“And what is this advice?”
“Your whole look. You’re trying too hard.”
His brows scrunched together. “How do you mean?”
“Who is your client?”
“Forgive me, but who do you work for?”
“I’m in fashion, I work for Carlos Vega.”
“And how do I come off as trying too hard?”
“You’re at a bar on a Friday night and dressed as if you’re about to give a eulogy at a funeral. Your silk tie, Armani suit, the Rolex… and even your Berluti leather oxfords. It’s as if you Googled “expensive executive wardrobe” and just threw it all together. Nothing of it speaks to any sort of personality. You’re just another exec in a suit trying to fit in, when in reality, you own your own business.”
He was silent a moment, his eyes cutting through my own. He tapped his brandy glass with his index finger before taking a sip. “And if you were my personal stylist, what would you suggest I do now?”
“What does your client do?”
“Technology. He has a lot of people interested in investing in his new app. I’d like to close a deal with him.”
“Young?”
“Yes.”
