Executive Engagement

Jane and Lydia share yet another look. They're not suspicious this time. They seem a little amused and a more than a little sorry for me.

"Why don't you take this one, Lyds?"

Weird. That's the first time I've heard Jane use that nickname.

"Just have fun with him. You'll get over it soon, promise. But, look, we're running late."

Now Lydia sounds heartless. They're trying to help, but whatever. I'll have to figure this shit out on my own.

I watch Jane and Lydia leave the dressing room.

Are they really this jaded? Or am I that damn naïve? Wait, isn't Lydia off today? Now I'm really confused.

"Hey!"

Wow, I did not mean to yell that loud, but Lydia and Jane both stop dead in their tracks. Lydia looks around, Jane doesn't bother at first.

"Isn't this your day off, Lydia?"

Now Jane turns around, not to look at me but to look at Lydia. They share yet another fucking look. Lydia turns back to answer me

"I'm guesting in Jane's show today."

Yeah, of course. I should be able to figure this stuff out by now. I'm ready for them to leave, but now it's Jane's turn to nag me about the same stuff she always does.

"I keep telling you, Lizzie. One girl-on-girl show can be like, a week of solo shows. Or more. And that's for each of us. Just give it a go sometime."

"You do keep telling me that. Well, alright. Break a leg, make that cash. Go get 'em, tigresses."

Now Catherine is hovering outside the door. I know they're running late, but Jane and Lydia just won't give up.

Lydia goes all earnest and tries to convince me.

"Even if we split three ways, the cash is still great. You know how well I do every time, right?"

"I appreciate your generosity, but we've been through this, Lydia. Remember? My rule?"

Lydia and Jane give each other one last look. This time with bright smiles. They both recite the rule to me in unison:

"No first times on camera!"

Damn, have I said it that many fucking times? I get a bit jumpy about Catherine lurking outside—she's about to get real impatient real fast. Luckily, they leave on that note, and they almost make it out the door before something makes Jane put the brakes on to call out to me from across the room.

"If this whole Darcy fling goes bust, you know where to find me."

I look at Catherine, and she's now staring straight at me. Fuck.

With Lydia and Jane gone, Catherine takes a few controlled, very unhappy steps into the room. She doesn’t break her gaze.

Goddammit, Jane. You couldn't resist saying one last thing to me, could you?

"Are you a Bennet Babe?" Catherine knows how to be scary, even with a simple question.

"Yeah. I am."

"Then why are you sleeping with Mr. Darcy? You know the policy about any men affiliated with the site."

"Is Mr.