Page 89 of Austen Persuaded

I gasped. “Sotheyfound out before me?”

“She didn’t tell us you were promoted. We knew when we heard ‘news,’ it had to be that,” Rainn said, an oddly shy grin on his face as he looked between Sofia and me.

I crossed one leg over the other, a thoughtful expression on my face. “But Sofiacouldhave been calling you here to comfort me because I didn’t get the job.”

Rafael burst into laughter, and to my absolute shock, Rainn and Sofia joined in. After he stopped laughing and wiped his damp eyes, Rafael looked at me in disbelief. “Oh, come on. You had to know the job was yours. Like they could really pass up the opportunity to promoteyou. There’s no one better thanyou.”

“I love you guys,” I said, warmth flooding through me. “But you’re a bit biased. I thought the promotion was a long shot, honestly. But … whatever. Who cares. You guys, I did it. I did it!” I jumped out of the chair and nearly bowled them over with a long group hug, and when I finally tore myself away, I found Sofia waiting for one as well, which I was happy to oblige.

“Sofia,” I said. “I couldn’t have done this with you. Any of this. Ah, ah—don’t say anything. You don’t get to object. You’re an awesome mentor. Own it, girl.”

She eyed me thoughtfully and then smiled. “You’re so right. We’re both brilliant, you know. And these guys know it too.”

Rafael nodded, grinning back at us. After a moment, Rafael nudged Rainn, who jumped back.

“Oh, hey, sorry, I zoned out a bit,” Rainn muttered.

Rafael gave him a strange look before turning back to us. “So, we’re of course throwing you a big party to celebrate. Joel’s parents’ house, Friday night.”

My eyes widened. “Oh, I don’t know if I—”

“Don’t bother arguing. You don’t have time to plan a party, I know, but you can make time to go to one, girl. You love parties.Don’t you worry about anything—we’ll handle all the planning and invite some friends. We’re going to tear it up one last time before you get serious as our new Agent Annie.”

“That has a nice ring to it,” Sofia said, biting her lip with a smile. “Should we invite anyone from here or—”

“Eh, I lean toward no,” I said quickly, “Or at least very few. You’re my only cool friend here, Sof. At least, the only friend who isn’t more of a rival. And Rainn … I guess you could invite your buddies in IT or HR if you want.” I tried to think of a way to say ‘don’t invite Kylan’ without sounding rude or suspicious, but I came up short. Hopefully Sofia would realize the last person I wanted to celebrate with was my college boyfriend. Ex-college boyfriend.

Chapter 22

Alas, it was too much to hope that Sofia wouldn’t bring Kylan to the party as her plus one. Sighing, I watched him enter the large poolside backyard area set up for the party at Joel’s parents’ house.

They’re probably dating, after all, so of course he’d be Sofia’s plus one.

My thoughts were glum as I sipped my first cocktail of the humid summer evening and averted my eyes. I always loved parties, so this feeling of wanting to skip out was unpracticed.

Rainn nudged me with his elbow. We were sitting at the small outdoor bar, while other early arrivals, mostly friends of Joel and Rafael, were lounging poolside. “Who’s the woman on his arm?” His voice was a strange mixture of worry and intrigue.

I reluctantly glanced back toward the door. “I have no idea. But there’s Sofia too. Maybe it’s his sister?” I stared at the unfamiliar woman, whose sandy blonde hair was swept back with an orange hair tie that matched her simple, flowy sundress. Simple but classy—I had to approve. “Yeah, look! She has his smile.”

Rainn squinted. “Really? I don’t see it. And when does that guy ever smile anyway?” He gave me a sympathetic look. “I guess before …”

I shook my head, giving him a warning look before returning my attention to the new arrivals. Joel was shaking their hands as Rafael made introductions.

It has to be his sister. But why would he bring her?

AreSofia and Kelly becoming close?

For one alarming second, I felt moisture start to pool in my eyes.

Stupid, stupid.

“So how much redecorating are you going to have to do?” Rainn asked. “You moved into her office today, right?” I couldn’t help but smile at this change of topic. Laina’s last day was yesterday, and I’d wasted no time moving into my new space.

“Assuming you mean Laina’s office, it needs a massive makeover. She had horrible taste. Maybe not in books, but definitely in office decor. Though I’m not feeling perfect harmony with her client list either. Sofia said occasionally some trading happens in this situation. I imagine sometimes the clients look elsewhere too, if they aren’t keen on being transferred to a newbie agent.”

“Ah, what’s this drivel I hear?” Rafael’s voice came up behind us. “I’m sure you’ve gotten to know her old clients somewhat. Anyone who knows you even a little would want to keep you, Annie.”

I inhaled sharply and glanced around, worried that Kylan might have overheard that. I breathed out a sigh of relief though when I saw Joel leading him and his guest toward the other group by the pool.

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