Page 39 of Austen Persuaded

“Um. We should probably exchange contact info this time,” he said, his mouth twitching.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing. “Yes, sir.”

“Actually, here’s my email address. Just send me your resume for HR.”

I rubbed my feet after removing my ballet flats, grateful that the classes I was teaching didn’t require pointe shoes. Still, my feet weren’t used to dancing this often; they hadn’t been for years. Suddenly my phone buzzed.

Unknown number

Annie, this is Hakeem. Got HR approval.

Annie

YAY!

I mean, thank you. I’m so grateful for theopportunity.

Hakeem

Your internship starts today. Send me a summary of your ideas and a proposed description of the intern position by tomorrow morning.

Annie

Yes, boss.

I couldn’t suppress my squeal of excitement, not caring that a few dancers and their parents were still in the building.

This could be it, the big break.

I was going to start by organizing a book club—maybe several—and for that I needed publicity. Maybe local authors. Book signings. A book festival? Kids’ events with costumes for their favorite characters?

Oh, I know,howabout a local writers’ group? Writers love hanging out at bookstores and talking about writing. Like Jack and …

I felt an ache in my chest.

Viviana.

I miss her.

I sighed as I finished gathering my things to leave.

Would showing up at board game night tomorrow help or hurt the situation with her?

I needed to make things right.

Chapter 11

We were face to face.

Viviana stood in the doorway, clutching the edge of the smooth wooden door tightly.

I stood next to Jack, who was smiling brightly, probably trying to ease the tension he no doubt anticipated. We were about to enter Jenn’s townhouse for Sunday game night. From his other side, a slim arm stretched across Jack’s shoulders, and his sister smiled. I’d honestly never seen two siblings get along as well as he and Belinda did. Sure, they teased each other a bit, but I’d never seen them arguing or angry with each other. Not for the first time, I wondered what it was like to have a loving, caring family. I used to like to believe my father was a wonderful, loving parent, but long after he was gone, I finally admitted to myself: Nope, he wasn’t a great dad either. He didn’t even love me enough to stay. And I didn’t care if my thought was unfair.

Focus.

Say something!

Don’t make it weirder.

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