This is the fifth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV before continuing.
2015
“I didn’t think you would show,” Devon said as Chandra approached, hoisting a champagne glass in one hand.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“I thought you were too busy running around the world promoting your own book.”
“Busy? Yes. Too busy to come to the book launch party of a friend? Never.”
“Thank you.” Devon inclined his head toward Chandra in a little bow. Then he said, “I meant to congratulate you, by the way. I hear Shadow is quite the success.”
“Thank you. It is, actually. I just got off the phone with my agent. She said she’s getting requests to publish my book in French and Spanish.”
Devon’s eyes widened and he raised his eyebrows. “Ooh la la!”
Chandra giggled. “I know! It’s a lot for me to take in right now, but it’s also very exciting.”
“So when is the movie coming out?”
Chandra shoved Devon playfully on the shoulder. “Please. I can barely handle all the book tours, signings and translation rights now, much less a movie deal.”
“Sounds like that deal isn’t far behind, though. Have you thought about who will play Rutis?”
“One thing at a time. Besides, even if I do get a movie deal, I highly doubt they’ll let me have a say in casting.”
“Don’t be so sure. If the sales of your book are high enough, they’ll bend over backwards to get the movie rights from you. Play your cards right and you could be writing the screenplay, directing and starring in your own film.”
Chandra laughed so hard champagne almost came out her nose. “Now you’re really shooting for the stars. I don’t think anything could sink a movie faster than pretending I can act.”
“Nonsense, people love you. They’ve already flocked to see you on television and to sign their books for them. I have no doubt they’d pay to see you on the big screen.”
“You may not doubt it, but I certainly do. What about you? I didn’t come to your book launch to talk about my book. Will we see you on the big screen when Humanity In An Inhuman Age gets released?”
“I think it’s a bit soon for that. My book has only just been published. There hasn’t been any time for sales, much less talk of movie rights.”
“There’s always time for sales. From what I hear, your book has done pretty well in pre-order sales.”
“Where did you hear that?”
Chandra shrugged. “The publishing world is pretty small. People talk.”
Devon’s eyes narrowed and his shoulders straightened as he stared at a spot behind Chandra. “I see. Well, the publishing world would do well to hold its tongue.”
Chandra snorted. “If that’s what you want, you’re in the wrong business.”
To be continued …