Page 95 of Austen Persuaded

“What am I going to do? I don’t want to go back to school,” Jane said, crossing her arms.

Viviana smiled gently. “There are lots of things you could—”

“What are you interested in? What is your dream job? I just met you so I have no idea, but surely you’ve thought about it,” I prodded.

Viviana nodded slowly. “If you could do anything, what would it be?”

Jane licked her lips and started to speak and then stopped. After a few long moments, she said, “There’s so much to love about journalism. I’m just tired of proofreading other people’s work. I think I want … to create. To—you know what? It doesn’t matter. It’s pretty unlikely at this stage of life, and anyway, I have obligations that would get in the way. Family. Personal stuff.”

Viviana and I raised our eyebrows. With a doubtful tone, I pressed on, “You have personal obligations that prevent you from pursuing a new career?”

Jane nodded, her voice becoming somber. “I do. My dad … he’s not well. I won’t bore you with the details right now, but suffice to say it’s a big consideration for me.”

Viviana lunged forward and hugged her, and I joined in.

“Sorry for prying or overstepping,” I said. “Especially when I barely know you.”

Jane laughed. “And me comparing your relationship with the head of your agency to a Jane Austen love story wasn’t overstepping? You’re fine, Annie.” Then she turned to Viviana with a growing smile. “It’s your turn, Viv. Spill.”

“Spill what?” Viviana asked, tilting her head uncertainly. “I’m practically an open book these days.”

“She got the guy, the exciting new job …” I pointed out.

“True,” Jane said, narrowing her eyes while also smiling. “But there must be something. How’s the bedroom—?”

“Amazing-but-that’s-all-I’m-going-to-say,” she said in a rush of words as she flushed, looking downward.

Jane and I laughed.

“That good, huh?” Jane said.

“‘Good’ doesn’t even begin to—” At our widening eyes, Viviana reddened further. “Nope, not going there.”

“Such a tease,” I said, and we all giggled.

After a pause, Viviana spoke up, “All right, there is one thing.”

We glanced up with eager expressions as Viviana filled another champagne glass and took several sips.

“I … am … oh, I don’t know—”

“Viv, just say it,” I said impatiently. Jane nodded.

She bit her lip, looking pained. “This cannotleave the room. I don’t even know if I’m thinking straight at all right now—”

“You’re not—we’re all hammered, Viv,” Jane said, laughing.

“Butnothingis leaving this room,” I insisted. “We all agree on that.”

“Fine,” Viviana muttered. “I’m thinking about proposing to Jack.”

“Proposing marriage?” I asked, my voice rising.

Jane giggled. “What else would she propose to her boyfriend?”

“Well …” I clamped my mouth shut and then smiled. “Viv! You’re getting married!”

“She’s getting married!” Jane shouted, and the two of us stood up and began dancing around in a drunken circle, hands clasped together until we fell in a heap onto the couch next to Viviana, who looked mortified.

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