Page 11 of Already At Risk
“And you know it’s a part of my job to grill you about your dating life.”
Excellent. Great. Just what I needed.
“There really is no dating life,” I admitted before my gaze wandered around the outdoor patio we sat at—one of my favoriteplaces on Tremont Street. Ivy covered the brick exterior of a century-old building that didn’t have enough seating inside to fit the busy flow of patrons that visited daily, and for good reason. They served stiff cocktails and knew how to make a good lobster roll, among other things.
“To be determined.” Collins flashed a smile when I looked back at her. “I’ll believe it after I ask my twenty questions.”
“That sounds like a waste of perfectly good dinner conversation.”
She ignored me. “Any dates since I saw you last?”
“None.”
“Match with any special guys, girls, people on a dating app?”
“You know I don’t have dating apps.”
I preferred to meet people in real life.
Like in little pubs.
And then drag them onto dance floors and into back hallways.
“I was hoping you’d give in and download one.” She drummed her fingers on the wooden tabletop. “We could use an addition to the family, give Christmas a little bit of excitement this year.”
“I’m telling Mom, Uncle Tony, and Pops that you think they’re boring,” I said, lifting a brow.
“I didn’t say that.” Her lips quirked. “I just don’t understand why you never bring anyone home.”
“Because there’s never anyonetobring home.”
“What about that hot actor that you went home with after Beau’s bachelor party? Mom wouldlovehim.”
My mom had worked in theater her entire life, so yes, she likely would. But that wasnotthe point here.
“First of all, I can’t believe Beau told you about that. Second of all, that wasyearsago, Collins.”
“So?” She shrugged. “Nothing wrong with rekindling a one-night stand. Shooting your shot.”
True. But I didn’t want to. There was only one late-night meet-up I wanted to rekindle, and she was off-limits.
“Oh, one of Nessa’s backup singers recently split with her boyfriend, and she’sgorgeous. Super sweet, too. Her name is Bryn. Maybe I should set you up?”
“Isn’t Nessa on tour right now?” One of my sister’s best friends was the wildly popular singer-songwriter, Wednesday Elevett. “That sounds…complicated.”
She shrugged. “Doesn’t have to be.”
No, thank you. Not interested.
“No, Lins. Dating’s just not my priority right now, and you know it.”
Collins rolled her eyes. “Itispossible to have a good dating life and a good career, you realize that, right?”
I considered her for a second, taking in her concerned expression. “I know. You’re proof of that.”
“Aw.” She brightened. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”
“As you should. But drop it, Collins. I’m focused on work, and I’m fine with that.”
