Page 50 of Austen Persuaded

I nodded. “I did assume that would be the case, and I’m eager to take on any and all responsibilities that will give me more insight into the whole process from start to finish. I do like a variety of tasks too, so I think juggling all of these different kinds of things will be perfect for me. I think you mentioned co-agenting as well?”

“Yes, that doesn’t happen right away, but as you get more experience, you may be able to take on clients of your own in collaborationwith an agent.” Sofia smiled and added, “It’s sort of a stepping stone to a full agent position.”

“That sounds wonderful,” I said. My cheek muscles were starting to feel tired.

When they asked whether I was currently employed and when I would be able to start if offered the position, I debated on whether to tell them about my Bookshop internship. Should I continue doing the internship if I become an agent assistant? Would that be taking on too much? I would look like a flake to Hakeem if I quit already, and that was a terrible start to my new career path. Plus, I wanted to do it—the internship was kind of my baby, and I wanted it, almost as much as this agent position. And I should be open about it with any prospective employer.

With that in mind, I told them about the internship and my plans to continue doing it, on the side. Clearly, the agency would be my first priority; the unpaid work at the bookstore would have to work around important agency business. If it became too difficult to manage both, I’d quit the bookstore role or delegate more of it to Sai or someone else. Sai, despite her initial frosty reception, seemed surprisingly interested in hearing more about my book club ideas lately.

After nearly two hours of questioning, the interview was over. Everyone stood to shake my hand as they filed out, and I was so sweaty that going home and showering seemed more appealing than it had in a long time. I noticed that Sofia was quite tall and Laina was quite short. This was interesting, as Sofia was a bit soft-spoken and Laina seemed anything but.

As I left the building, I reflected on the people I’d met. The two of them would be interesting to work with. I felt like Sofia could become a friend. Laina seemed almost hostile or at least reserved, which was a little concerning; I would need to get to the bottom of that. I really didn’t enjoy letting conflicts with friends and coworkers linger. I’d dealt with that long enough with my family over the years. Well, one person in particular. Ugh. Thinking about my mother wasnever a good idea, and today of all days, I didn’t want to dwell on that.

Ah well, it was a beautiful day, and I’d had a stellar interview … at least I thought so.AndI had my very first book club to look forward to tomorrow night. I was so excited I’d almost forgotten about baking cookies until late last night, when I remembered and wrote a reminder note for myself.

Mmm, cookies.

Chapter 14

As I placed the last chair in the circle, I watched Sai rearrange them unnecessarily. “I’m so glad you got your cast off in time to help me.”

Sai gave me a side-eye glance but said nothing as she continued arranging the chairs until they were perfectly spaced.

“I really appreciate your help. You don’t have to be here, so it means a lot,” I said, standing a bit closer.

Sai sighed loudly and stood upright. “Stop. It’s not about you, drama queen.”

I’m the drama queen?I suppressed a chuckle. “Right, it’s about … the store. Bookshop will benefit from this in sales, exposure—”

Sai rolled her eyes. “It’s about literature. Why do you think I work here? I’m not like you. I don’t care about money. I care aboutliterature.” Then, she dramatically turned in the other direction toward the snack table.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Being around Sai was difficult even on a good day, and she seemed agitated today. And her accusation—Do I seem like I just care about money?I had never felt like that sort of person. My mother was, certainly. But not me.

Of course, the business of books was abusiness, so there was that. Books had to be sold, and that involved money. I wanted to help authors make money. And all the people involved, but especially authors, because they were the real magic. And maybe they wouldn’t become rich—most of them wouldn’t—but they could make enough to live on, perhaps. Or enough to make them want to keep writing and producing their art for the world to read and enjoy. The real magic.

Lost in my reverie, I didn’t notice when a short, round woman walked up to the edge of the circle of chairs where I was still standing. “Hi, is this the book club?”

I smiled and stuck out my hand. “It is. I’m Annie, and I’m the host tonight.”

“Carlina,” said the woman, probably in her early 40s. “Oh look, I’m the first one here! I’m always early to everything. I like to get the best seat.”

I checked my watch and frowned. It was only one minute before 7:00, the starting time.

Shouldn’t more people be arriving by now?

Reading my mind, Carlina put a hand on my arm and then drew it away. “Sorry, I’m a touchy-feely type. Don’t worry, darling. I bet you’ll have a full house, but no one wants to be the first one to arrive since it’s a new group. Well, no one except me.” She cackled and sat down.

Sai returned and scanned the area. She gave me a scathing look and took out her phone.

At 7:01, two women wandered over with full shopping bags and excitement in their eyes. “Oh, are you having a book club?”

My face fell a bit when I realized they weren’t intended participants. “Yes, it is … the first meeting of a new book club. We’re waiting for everyone to arrive.”

The women looked at each other, communicating with their eyes and joined hands. Then, one of them said, “Do you have room for a couple more? We wouldloveto join. We were just talking about this the other day. We love books and we love talking.”

I nodded, trying to appear cheerful. “I think we’ll have room. We can always get more chairs.”

Or remove some, so it doesn’t look so pathetic.

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