Nikky Hurlock,

PR/PA

Fan? I’m not a fan. What in my message made her think I’m a fan? And this guy is not James Patterson or Danielle Steel to have a PR/PA answering his emails for him.

I reply.

Could I possibly speak directly with Mr. Delphy? He might have a different answer once I tell him all the details.

I buy a cup of coffee from the gas station and sit in the parking lot for a few minutes before getting back on the road. If she says no, I can try social media, I guess. Otherwise, what are my options? Stalk him?

Ten minutes later, just as I’m about to leave, my phone beeps. A new email.

The book tour for June After Midnight is approaching. If you’re in any of these locations (schedule attached), you can definitely stop by and say hello. Ethan is a lovely and friendly author who always takes time to talk to his readers.

Nikky

A lovely and friendly author. Sure. If you say so.

The attachment is the tour flier. Thanks, that’s not helpful, is it? Already had this, and I don’t want to wait until the book is out to talk to him. I waited a year to find out what happened. That’s enough waiting.

“I heard back,” I say as soon as Alisa picks up.

“What did he say? Did you find out Max’s name? Address?”

“No. Delphy didn’t even answer my message himself. He had an assistant answer.”

“OK, and what did they say?”

“It’s confidential, and if I want to talk to him, I should go to a book signing.”

“I was afraid that might happen. Sorry, Maya. So, are you going?”

“The first one is on June 17. I’ll lose my mind until then.”

“We’ll hopefully get the book in the meantime, so you’ll have that to keep you busy.”

I pause. A thousand crazy ideas going through my head. “I wonder—”

“Yes?”

“Do you think it would be completely insane if I went there?”

“For his book launch?”

“No. Now. He lives in Carmel, doesn’t he? How hard can it be to find him?”

Silence.

“You think it’s crazy, don’t you?”

“A bit. On the other hand, I know how much this means to you, so it’s less crazy from that perspective. That day is all you’ve been talking about for a year. People get over these things much faster. The fact that he’s still so important to you and now this book… maybe it’s a sign.”

“I was thinking the same thing. The day I decide to leave David, boom! It happens.”

“Wait, what? You left David? When and why didn’t you tell me?”

“Wow, yes, you don’t know. With all this Ethan Delphy excitement, I just—”

“What happened?”

“He sort of proposed. In his own way.”

“That’s ironic, isn’t it? I never imagined it would take a marriage proposal for you to dump him. Are you OK?” she asks.

“I am. I actually am.”