Page 94 of Austen Persuaded

My heart started beating even more quickly. “And now?”

“Now, he’s getting me a book deal with one of the biggest New York publishers. He’s been fantastic to work with. I thought he might hold a grudge from the past, but … I’ve seen no sign of it. And he’s never spoken ill of you. He’s been wonderful.” Viviana bit her lip and then smiled. “So, I approve.”

My jaw dropped. “Oh … uh. Thank you? But I don’t think I have a chance with him now. So …”

“Wait, why not?” Jane interjected. “I saw the two of you talking. He seemed pretty interested.”

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. “I broke his heart four years ago. He has resented me ever since. I don’t think he ha–hates me anymore.” I choked up as tears started to form. “But our chance has long since passed. He’s been dating Sofia.”

Viviana winced. “Oh, Annie, I’m so sorry. That has to be painful to watch. Does she know?”

“She knows only a little about our past, and I told her it was no big deal.”

“I’m getting the sense it’s actually a very big deal though.” Her expression turned somber. “That maybe … maybe I was wrong to persuade you to let him go.”

“To let him go where?” Jane asked.

I took a steadying breath. “He was graduating from college a year earlier than me, and he wanted me to go with him to New York to pursue his dreams.”

“While you were still getting your degree?” Jane made a face. “That’s not cool of him.”

“Right?” Viviana said. “That’s what I thought.”

“But I didn’t even know for sure what I wanted to major in,” I said quietly. “I probably could’ve transferred schools relatively easily since I was still technically undecided.”

We were all quiet for a moment, pondering this. Then Jane sat up straighter, her eyes bright. “This isPersuasion! Kylan issoCaptain Wentworth. Right, Viv? And Annie … well, she’s Anne. We have another real-life Austen on our hands, I think.”

Viviana’s face slowly transformed into an expression of wonder, then glee. “Jane, you genius. How did I not see this? You’re right. This issoPersuasion!” Then she frowned, the joy fading from her eyes. “Wait, does that make me Lady Russell?”

Jane winced. “I think so.”

I shook my head slowly. “I haven’t read any Austen since college, so I don’t remember that character. Regardless, I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you all because the real story here isn’t a happily ever after. He doesn’t want me. He’s made that clear.”

The three of us were silent for a long moment.

“Are you sure? Maybe he’s just afraid to get hurt again, so he’s hiding his real feelings,” Jane started.

“Or, like Wentworth, he doesn’t realize you still love him,” Viviana said, her hand over her heart as she sighed dramatically.

“Hedoesn’twant me. He’s dating my work bestie, remember?” I sucked my lips between my teeth. It hurt to say that aloud. Before they could reply, I waved my hands to stop them. “Can we talk about something else? Someone else’s turn? Jane, tell us all about your fabulous life in Duluth. How’s the shopping there?”

Jane burst into laughter, and as the seconds ticked by, Viviana and I looked at her curiously. “Sorry,” she said once she caught her breath. “It’s just … my life is anything but fabulous. Duluth is great, for sure. I love the city, always have. But not my life.”

I frowned. “Sorry to hear that. Want to vent or no?”

“She’s not really the venting type,” Viviana said. “Trust me, I’ve tried.”

“No point,” Jane said, waving her hand. “You all don’t need to hear the boring details. Because it’s boring. My life isn’t terrible or even bad, really. It’s just boring. Dull. I’m basically middle-aged, and I’m a proofreader. And I hate this word but I’m going to sayit anyway … lonely. I’m single, I don’t have children, I don’t own a home.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with that, if that’s how you choose to live—”

“It’s not though. I’m not single by choice. I’m not stuck in this job by choice. I’m not … ugh.” Jane stopped as she covered her face with her hands. There was clearly more, but we weren’t about to pressure her.

“Well, I think we’ve established that I’m a total mess when it comes to love, so I have nothing to offer on the single problem,” I said, chuckling. “But maybe I can help with the job thing. I recently reinvented myself. Maybe you just need to do the same!”

Jane eyed us warily. “I’m almost 40 though—”

“So?”

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