“I guess it happens all the time. Bree is used to it.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s right.”
“No, but there are worse things according to Bree. Truth be told, she’s ready for her mother to leave. Too much togetherness is not a good thing where they’re concerned.”
“But she’s her mother.”
“You’re looking through a lens of my mother. I get it. I did it too.” I shrugged. “Not all relationships are created equal. Bree loves her mother. She can’t spend too much time with her, though, because Sylvia is never going to be the mother she needs. It’s better not to have that repeatedly thrown in her face.”
Dad considered it then nodded. “Basically, you’re saying I have to deal with the mess I made myself.”
“Yup.” This time, when I smiled, it was legitimate. “Maybe—and this is just a thought—you could date somebody who you can talk to but won’t end up stalking you next time.”
His expression was dry. “I’ll take it under consideration.”
TWO DAYS LATER, I MET MY AGENT ANDmy editor at Garibaldi Savannah. Lenore Baker, my agent, had arranged the meeting. I had no idea if it was a good or bad thing—I’d sent them my completed manuscript a week before—but I was prepared for the news either way.
I hadn’t been lying to my father when I said I’d come to terms with what my future would look like. I no longer blamed Bree for what had happened at the conference. Sure, she wasn’t perfect. I’d done all the real damage myself, though. If I’d just calmed down that day, everybody would have forgotten what had happened within a week. I’d created my own problems.
Carly Pitt had edited both of my previous books, so my eyes were on her after we placed our orders. “So, you’re probably wondering why we flew here to see you,” she said, half laughing.
“I’m a little worried,” I said.
Her eyes opened wider. “Oh, no.” She looked stricken. “It never occurred to me that you would think this was a bad meeting. Far from it.”
The fist that had been wrapped around my heart loosened. “So, it’s a good meeting?”
“A very good meeting,” Lenore said. “They love the book. I do too.”
“We wish it had come faster,” Carly added hurriedly. “But we’re happy with what you turned in. We don’t think edits are going to be a big deal.”
That didn’t surprise me. “I’m glad.”
“There’s talk of a production company sniffing around,” Lenore said. “I don’t have anything firm yet, but I know Netflix is trying to expand their fantasy offerings. I think there’s going to be an option offer.”
I tempered my excitement. It was nice to have the interest. Options weren’t a sure thing—I knew a lot of authors who had received option money and had no television show or movie to go with it—but just being wanted was enough for me, at least for now.
“That sounds great.”
“The publishing house wants you to do a book tour too,” Lenore added.
That gave me pause. “Really?” Being alone on the road as I did a fifteen-city stop for press wasn’t my idea of a fun time.
“Really. The thing is, the summer author series has been such a big hit there’s talk of pairing authors from different publishing houses for releases.” Lenore cast Carly a significant look.
“It’s a way to save money,” Carly explained. “You only need one PR rep instead of two. Cars and hotel accommodations can be cheaper.” She took a deep breath. “In this market, everybody is looking for ways to save money.”
I didn’t particularly want to do a signing swing. It was part of the game, though. “So, who are you going to pair me with?” Hope welled. “Nathan?” It was a long shot, but I would gladly take it.
Carly chuckled. “Actually, we’re sending Nathan out on a similar trip, but his book will be released three months ahead of yours. Your author works for a different publishing house.”
“Who is it?” All I could picture was Amy Ryan. Fate wouldn’t be that cruel, would it?
There was something smug about Lenore’s smile that I couldn’t quite place. “Bree James. You know her, right?”
I froze in place, my hand halfway to my glass of water. “What?” I said before I could think better of it. I sounded like I was about to cry.
“You two didn’t break up, did you?” Carly asked in alarm.
