“Oh, no,” I exclaim, genuinely saddened by the news. I’m also surprised because you never know what it’s like inside the mind of a writer. The words that make it to print usually come after so many that never see the light of day, but very few people are around to discuss the unknown parts. I feel privileged to even be having this conversation with him. “Do you mind if I ask what was wrong with it?”

Nas shifts again, staring at the glass of Chardonnay in front of him. “It just didn’t develop like I thought it would. Sometimes you plan for one thing, but another happens that messes it all up, so instead of trying to course correct, I decided I’d scrap the whole thing and just start with something fresh.”

“Wow, okay. Did you have a title for it already?”

“No,” he answers quickly.

“What was it about?”

“It … I don’t like to talk about the ones that don’t work out, but I’m really excited for what I’m going to do next. I think I’m going to write a sequel for The Patient. It’ll be my first sequel.”

“Oh, my god! Really? That’d be awesome, because the way The Patient ended! I love the relationship between Ava and Malcolm, but I’m convinced Ava set her boyfriend’s place on fire, even though she denied it. It’d be amazing to see how that story continues with the two of them.”

“I agree. I had a great time writing they’re story, and while it’d be a little different from the way I’ve written in the past, I’m excited for the challenge, because Malcolm is a therapist, and he can’t be hooking up with his patients. So, it’s an ethical dilemma that he must overcome, and that doesn’t even include Ava’s mental health issues. It’s exciting to think about from a writer’s standpoint.”

“Yes! I love it, Nas, and I can tell you’re excited about it. You should see the way your face lights up. It’s adorable.”

“Adorable? Well, that must be something you bring out of me, because I’ve never been called adorable before.”

“Oh, good. I like being the first to do it. It makes me special.”

“You most definitely are,” Nas says with a smile that tells me how much he means it. It’s amazing seeing this different side of him outside of the Kingdom, and I love it.

“Well, all you need now is a little inspiration and you’ll be good to start writing,” I say, and Nas gives my hand a gentle squeeze.