Page 43 of Austen Persuaded

Jack was still smiling, but the light in his eyes seemed to dim a bit. “You do? I thought you were free for another week until you started that new job.”

“Oh, you got a new job? Congratulations!” I offered a generous smile.

“Yes, is that so hard to believe?” Viviana snapped at me. Or us. I wasn’t sure. “I do have a new job starting soon,andI do have things to do today.”

I reared back, and Jack looked stunned as well.

So much venom in her tone.

Is this still about Brandon, or something else?

Jack inhaled slowly. “I’m sure we didn’t mean to imply—”

“It’s fine,” Viviana interrupted. She closed her eyes and massaged her temples. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just, I do have a busy day ahead, so I don’t really have time to chat. And I wouldn’t want to interrupt your … well, whatever this is.”

I eyed Jack, who looked troubled, maybe even hurt.

And well he should.Vivis hisbest friend. What the heck?

She still refused to look at me. Still, I needed to try again. “Viv, I—”

“You two have a lovely breakfast,” Viviana said, her smile a little too bright, before spinning on her heel and making a beeline for the exit.

My jaw dropped as I watched her nearly collide with an older man in her haste to reach the exit door. When she was out the door, I swiveled back to face Jack, who looked stricken. That was my best guess, anyway. It wasn’t an expression I’d ever seen on him before. “Jack, are you all right? I’m—I’m so sorry. I think this is all my fault.”

He shifted his gaze from the cafe window slowly to my concerned face. “What? No. How could it be? You were friendly, just as you were last night.”

“She seemed really upset, much more so than last night,” I said quietly, eyes focused on my lap. “Do you think …”

“Do I think what?”

I opened my mouth and then closed it. “You don’t think she got the wrong idea, do you?” I gestured between the two of us with a grimace.

His eyebrows rose. “I hadn’t thought of that. Vivicanbe prone to leaping to conclusions a bit too quickly. But that seems far-fetched even for her.” He frowned and shook his head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t speak of her so. That’s unfair.”

He was unnerved in a way I hadn’t seen before. “I agree it’s unlikely. Even if she did jump to that conclusion, it’s not like she’d be jealous.” I laughed for effect, watching his reaction closely.

He shook his head slowly. “No, of course she wouldn’t.” His eyes were downcast, and I began to seriously wonder if he had feelings for his best friend. But then he sighed, replacing his expression with a more neutral one as he leaned back in his chair. “Odds are she’s just a little annoyed that I’m hanging out with the enemy—not that you’re the enemy, but—”

“I know what you mean,” I acknowledged. “Yeah, that’s probably it. Like you failed a loyalty test.” I tried not to laugh at the absurdity of it. I loved Viviana, but she could occasionally be petty. She probably had every right in this case though. “In any case, I hope my presence hasn’t caused problems between you two. I’ve messed up enough already when it comes to her.”

Jack’s face was full of sympathy as he shook his head. “Say no more about it. I’ve made mistakes too. I for one have enjoyed catching up with you. It’s great to hear about your internship. Did you mention last night that you’re teaching dance too?”

I grinned. “Yeah, Rafael roped me into it, likely temporary. At least it’s a paycheck for a little while. The internship is unpaid. Between the two gigs, I’m actually staying pretty busy, which is … well, let’s just say I needed that. Too much time stuck in my room, alone with my depressing thoughts, was not working out well for me.”

He nodded. “I can’t imagine that being alone with depressing thoughts is great for anyone, but especially not for you.” He sipped his drink and smiled. “I’m glad you’ve found some things to not only occupy your time but also make you excited about life. That’s important, you know?”

I smiled before taking the last bite of my sandwich. I could see why Viviana had treasured his friendship all these years. Though I suspected something was brewing there beyond friendship, I’d keep my theories to myself for now. I didn’t know Jack as well as Viviana did, but surely if he wanted to confide in me as a friend, he would.

“So, Jack—”

I paused as my heart nearly stopped.

My breaths became shallow as I gazed out the front window.

Is that … no, it can’t be.

It’s a huge city. Twin Cities. What are the odds?

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