Page 91 of Plotting Summer

“Yeah, apparently, she posted about it in a private Facebook group for local librarians last night around nine. The original post seems innocent enough. It’s a picture of her holding up a copy of Secret Crush, and the caption reads: Best night ever for this Sunny Palmer fan. I got to meet her! And can I just say, her real-life story is better than fiction. As is the man who inspired Trenton. *fire emoji* I can’t say more since she hasn’t revealed her identity to the public yet, but it’s coming. So get excited!”

“So how did someone figure it out from that? It doesn't seem like that much to go on.”

“I’m not exactly sure. Even with the GPS settings on the pictures, which pull up Seaside Oasis, it must have taken quite a bit of sleuthing. But one of the group members—a Lilah York?—seemed to be the one to do it. She copied and pasted the original post along with her conclusions, and it spread from there.”

I exhale a long, slow breath, staring at the phone in my hand. “Do we change our course now?”

“I don’t think so. We're fortunate since the leaks aren’t malicious in intent. If we release our own announcement to verify your identity, we can start to paint the narrative before someone else does.”

“And how does one paint a narrative?” I ask hesitantly.

“Kind of what we discussed last night. Interviews—lots of interviews, especially at first—social media videos where you introduce yourself and talk about your story. You need to explain why you’ve decided to share your identity with the world now after remaining anonymous for so long. Stuff like that. Be open and authentic. And it wouldn’t hurt to have … Tristan is the name of the guy you used for Trenton’s inspiration, right? The one you’re dating now?”

I glance at him, my cheeks heating. “Yeah.”

“Well, readers are going to go ballistic when they realize the two of you are together in real life, so if you could get him on board, it’d be great to utilize the relationship as much as you’re both comfortable with.” With Bridget’s accusation still fresh in my mind—that I’m using Tristan to advance my career—I inwardly cringe at Maven’s word choice. I’m not in this relationship to utilize it to my advantage. Not even a little bit.

“Let me talk to him and I’ll get back to you.” I don’t look at Tristan, because I don’t want him to feel pressured to agree to anything. Honestly, I’m not even sure how I feel about it. I’m just getting used to having him to myself. I don’t know if I’m ready to share him with the world.

“One last thing. I know you’re not going to like this, like at all, but I really, really think an impromptu book tour for this upcoming release could be huge. And I don’t just mean success-wise, though that’s a given, but it’ll be a way for you to get in front of your readers and connect. Many of them have been waiting years to meet you. If I can be so bold, this is an important moment to step out of your comfort zone and let them get to know the real Sunny Palmer. For you to get to know them in return.”

“Isn’t it too late for something like that?” I ask, hoping she’s neglected to consider the logistics. “My release is in a couple of weeks.”

“Not for Sunny Palmer. In fact, I’ve been brainstorming some different venues we could potentially use, so please, think about it.”

“I will. And I’ll call you right back.”

“Am I good to post the announcement in the meantime?”

My stomach balls in a clenching, uncomfortable mass. “Yeah. Go ahead.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be in touch.”

I hang up the phone, attempting not to panic. The whole world will soon know that I’m Sunny Palmer. “So …”

“Heath and I are going to go get Lucas up and let the two of you have some time to talk things through,” Tala says. “But can I just say, really quick, that I think you should do it. All of it. The book tour, the videos, everything Maven said. You’ll be amazing, Capri. And before you say no, I’m just going to put it out there that I can come along as your emotional support human if you need me to. I’ll have to bring Lucas, but I’m sure Heath wouldn’t mind, especially once the kids are back in school.” Tala glances at her husband, nodding her head in encouragement. “Would you, honey?”

Heath looks as though he needs a little more convincing. “Tell me how good I smell.”

“How about instead, we go get you in a shower?”

“We, huh?” Heath gives a victorious smile. “I like the sound of that.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Tala says, pulling him from the room. “We’ll be upstairs if you need us.”

“Yes, we will,” Heath calls over his shoulder.

I’m covering my growing smile. “I’d apologize, but if you’re going to be sticking around, you’ll have to get used to them. They’re gross.”

“If I’m sticking around?” Tristan's brow is lifted. “Are you doubting me again, Capri Sun?”

“No.” I set my hand on his bearded jawline. “It’s just we haven’t been dating very long, and I don’t want you to feel pressured into any of this. It’s a lot.”

Tristan’s eyes narrow, but his mouth twitches at the corners. “Are you going to force me to take time to consider it? Because I already know my answer.”

I pin him with a look, knowing exactly what he’s going to say. This is so Tristan of him. “You don’t have to do this. Any of it.”

“What if I want to? What if I can’t think of anything I want more than to be at your side through all of this? The world needs to see you, Capri. And I want to be there when they do. I want to be holding your hand and calming you down and telling you that you’re enough and that they’ll love you exactly as you are. That even when you can’t see it, they’ll be falling in love with you. Like I am.”