Page 48 of Austen Persuaded

“Oh, the horror,” I said with a giggle. “At least it’s not a Christmas movie. Speaking of horrors, you have heard about poor Ellen, right?”

“PoorEllen?” Viviana’s tone was doubtful.

“I know she kind of took advantage of us, and she didn’t take my quitting very well. But I feel bad for her, don’t you?”

Her face clouded over with resent. “Why would I?”

My eyes widened. “Oh my—you didn’t hear? Have you been on social media, like, at all?”

Viviana shook her head. “I needed a break. I didn’t even read any of my emails or messages from Ellen as I was so furious at her.”

My jaw dropped. “I’m in awe … I tried to go off the grid for a while, but I was too weak.” It had been easy to avoid social media when I didn’t care about anything and had been holed up in my room, but once I’d returned to the living, avoidance wasn’t as easy. I’d heard about Ellen’s self-destruction by texting another Bolder editor I’d occasionally gone drinking with in the past. “OK, but anyway, so she was having an affair with some no-name guy at the gym. Her husband found out and not only confronted the gym guy but also got in touch with the gym guy’s wife. The wife just happened to be one of those influencers on Instagram and TikTok with literally millions of followers. Within hours, the story was everywhere. Ellen had to resign, and she’s said to be taking a spa vacation somewhere. Can you believe it? I mean, I feel for her, but … I also don’t.”

“Wow, that is insane. I actually wondered if there was a gym guy on the side. There was a weird late night in the office one weekend … but anyway, just wow. She kinda sold me out to Greg by telling him my dad was a famous writer, but still, I do feel sorry for her. That’s a hefty consequence for one bad decision.” Ah, sothat’swhy Viviana was furious with Ellen. I was just relieved that she didn’t suspectme of divulging her father’s identity to Greg—I might not get the friendship thing right all the time, but I knew better than to dothat.

“No kidding. If only all the two-timers paid such a price. Like the jerks we dated. But let’s not go there … Hey, are you ready to check out too?” When she nodded, I added, “Good, because I need to update you on my life. I finally found a good guy, if you’ll allow me a humble brag. It’s been hell not being able to talk to you all this time!” I smiled. I couldn’t wait to tell her about Charlie, because he was surely better than any boyfriend.

But my friend suddenly looked pained.

“Viv? Are you OK?”

Shaking her head, Viviana sputtered, “Yes—I mean—no. That is, yes, I’m OK, but I just remembered I’m not done shopping.”

I offered a gentle smile, trying to set her at ease. Something was off. “Oh, no problem. I can tag along while you finish and gush about my new guy.”

“No!” She looked truly alarmed now. “I mean, I would love that, but I, well, it’s just not really the right time. I still have a lot of things to buy.”

Realizing I was staring at her small shopping basket, Viviana mumbled, “I should probably go get a cart, actually. Since I need a ton of stuff.”

I spoke slowly, trying to keep my tone even. “It’s fine, Viv. You can just tell me if you don’t want to talk. Remember, bluntness? You can start now.”

“No, it’s, it’s not that … I just—it’s not the best time. It’s hard to explain.” She looked flustered.

I stepped forward and enveloped her in another hug. “It’sfine, Viv. We’ll catch up another time, I hope. I’m just glad we got to talk. Really glad.”

She offered a small smile. It looked painful, but she was trying. Really hard. And that’s what mattered. This might not be easy, but we were both trying andthatmattered. I smiled back in relief—our friendship might not be great right now, but we would be OK.

I smoothed my skirt as I strolled down the hallway, giving one last smile to Rainn as we approached the HR offices. For this interview, I’d elected to wear the navy-blue pantsuit, but I’d sprung for a new pair of heels. It was a professional investment, I’d told my roommates (and myself). I looked amazing. Well, as amazing as anyone could look in a business-style suit that was almost never flattering to anyone.

“You’re going to kill it, Annie,” Rainn said, turning to grin at me as we stopped outside the room where I’d be interviewing. He pointed to a small waiting area with several chairs.

“I think I’ll stand, actually,” I said, smoothing my skirt again. I was alittlenervous. Confident but nervous. If this job didn’t pan out, there would be other opportunities.

The most exciting thing at the moment wasn’t this agency per se. It was the job. Literary agent. I’d spent the last 24 hours researching what agents do—and what their assistants do—and I was enthralled, to say the least. It was everything I never knew I wanted. I was born for this job. I justknewI had to do this.

Now I just had to sell myself to some strangers. I was pretty good at that.

“Thank you, Rainn. This means a lot.” I smiled and gave him a partial hug. “Now go. I’ve got it from here.”

No sooner did he walk away than the door opened, and a tall, athletic-looking woman opened the door. “Annie York?”

“I am she,” I said, smiling.

“We’re ready for you. Come on in,” said the woman. “I’m just going to pop down to the kitchen for a moment.”

“Oh … sure,” I said, maintaining my smile. Odd, but OK. I walked into the room, and before me sat eight people on one side of a long rectangular table, all staring at me.

“Wow, OK. A lot of you today. I mean …” I said.Foot in mouth. Foot in mouth.“You’ll have to excuse me. I’m not normally this eloquent.” Pause, blank stares, dead silence. “Hi, I’m Annie York.”

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