V & V (wlw)

Chapter 19 - The one with the big break

Victoria could be heard before she was seen, thundering along the hallway and into the room, half dressed for work, one shoe forgotten in her rush. "What? What is it?"

Ron screamed again, no softer than the first time, pointing at her computer screen. Vic padded across the hardwood, making mismatched clopping noises on account of her singular sock.

She read the email. "That looks important. What does this mean?"

"Something good, I hope." It was the first time she ever saw progress for her novel, and Ron was terribly excited. "They want to talk in person."

Victoria smiled, warming Ron. "I'm proud of you. Congratulations."

Her appointment was the next day, so she stayed in the apartment and watched Victoria bustle around and get ready for her job.

"See you later. Text me if you head out." Victoria pressed a kiss to her mouth and left before Ron could pull her in for another one.

They had gotten into the habit of casual kissing, which would have been incredibly mundane to Ron if it had been with anyone who wasn't Victoria. They had been sleeping together for a while now, but the kissing was a recent development and Ron rather thought she liked it.

With nothing else to do other than be anxious for tomorrow, she contacted her friends to tell them all about it.

jess: Congratulations!

celia: omg youve waited for this for so long!!

ron: lets meet up? i havent seen you guys in a while

jess: Suuuure

jess: We have something important to talk to you about, actually

ron: what is it

celia: better to talk in person

If Ron hadn't been on such a high, she would have found her friends' reluctance worrying. But nothing could get her down.

ron: what about tonight? lets get dinner

They agreed on a time, and all that was left to do was the odd chores around the apartment. Ron was sure Vic would be fine if they didn't eat together tonight, but she texted to let her know just in case.

Dinner rolled around and Veron headed out in time to make their reservation. Jess and Celia were already there, waiting for her.

"So what were you going to tell me?" said Ron as she sat down.

"Hello to you too Ronnie, yes we've been doing well," said Celia, in her driest tones.

"Let's eat first," said Jess, which was another suspicious thing that Ron should have noticed but did not.

They started eating shortly after Ron had redone her greetings, and they asked about her book.

"I don't know if it's sure or not, but they liked the manuscript. I'm hoping."

Celia patted her hand. "I'm so happy for you."

Jess said, "I'm glad you have this to distract you from this next thing."

Ron paused, fork mid-way to her mouth. "What thing?"

Celia gave Jess the dirtiest look. "This is what you're going with?"

"With what?"

Jess ignored Ron, telling Celia, "Does it matter? We have to tell her one way or another."

"All I'm saying is that there could have been more gravitas to the delivery – "

"Hi, I'm still here." The other two stopped bickering and gave each other the same worried glance before Celia spoke.