Page 47 of An Irresistible Force (Vancouver Vice)

“Yes.” Amanda smiled. “I’d like that.”

20

What Makes You Happy

Amanda

“Okay,that barre class was my favourite so far,” I told Cynthia as we left the gym. So far we had done classes in cycling, rowing, and aerial yoga. She had specialized outfits for every class, while I wore the same tank, sports bra, and leggings combo. I suspected she went shopping for each new session.

“Of course you liked it, you did ballet for years. But you’re also in an extraordinarily good mood tonight. Why?”

“Can’t a person be in a good mood? It’s probably all those happy-making exercise endorphins.”

Cynthia eyed me suspiciously. It was such an exact copy of her daughter’s expression whenever she saw me that I laughed, which only confirmed Cynthia’s opinion that I was giddy.

“It’s him, isn’t it? Lucky! What’s going on between the two of you?”

I smiled. “Nothing. Nothing is going on... but we are going to the Heart and Stroke gala together. Just as friends, of course.”

She clapped her fingertips together. “A date with one of Vancouver’s most eligible bachelors. It’s about time.”

“It’s not a date. And what are you talking about?”

“You have a tendency to date guys who are below you. If there was a list of Vancouver’s most eligible bachelorettes, you’d be on it.”

“Me?” I was completely stunned.

“Of course, you have it all. You’re cute, funny, and you have a career—”

“A temporary job,” I corrected her.

She waved that away. “And you’re part of the right crowd.”

I sniffed. “In other words, I have money.”

“Well, of course money. How do you think they make up these lists? Some good-looking middle manager isn’t going to make it. Did you know your brother was on the same list as Chris last year?”

“Greg? Are you serious?” Greg was a sweetie, but no way. His hair always needed combing, and he was so clueless about women.

“I am serious. Which just goes to show that if there were a list of women, you’d be on it.”

On one hand, why wasn’t there a list of eligible women? But on the other hand, a list of rich single women seemed like the kind of thing that con men would pin up on their bulletin board.

We reached the coffee shop where we went after each session to negate the effects of the exercise. After we settled in with our tea and cookies, I spoke up. “You know, I have to call you out on this eligible bachelor thing. Eric Fairburn is not good enough for your sister, but I should date Chris? That means that only rich hockey players are worthy? Come on, Cyn. You’re better than that.”

“I don’t know how you can compare the two of them. According to James, Chris is a legend in Vancouver. He was the team captain and had a long NHL career. And he’s extremely attractive.”

I arched an eyebrow at that remark.

Cynthia made a face. “Okay, Eric is attractive, if you like that obvious blond, muscular look. But he doesn’t have any of those other qualities.”

“He’s the leading scorer for the Vice and a potential captain from what I hear. And I work with the team, so don’t put down the AHL.”

“Ugh. Owning the team is completely different. Stop defending him. I have my prejudices, and I want to keep them.” She shook her head and then smiled. Cynthia had a sense of humour underneath her polished veneer, even though it was buried pretty deep. “Anyway, you’re trying to change the subject. You have a date with Chris! Aren’t you excited?”

I gave up on arguing about the “date” status and admitted, “I am. It’s totally ridiculous, but I feel like it’s a dream coming true.”

“What’s he like?”

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