The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig
Contents
Ryan Bailey
Overview
On the tour bus after the São Paulo show, Nora video-chats ex-boyfriend Ryan Bailey, who appears tipsy in Mexico while filming a sequel. He thanks her for framing their breakup kindly and promises to attend the LA Staples Center show. Nora confirms they are friends, realizes his philosophy image was PR fluff, and then arrives at an opulent Brazilian hotel greeted by fans.
Summary
On the band’s tour bus, Nora answers a video call from actor Ryan Bailey, a former boyfriend she once fantasized about. He shows her his villa in Nayarit, Mexico, explaining he’s filming a sequel and sipping a mezcal margarita. Ryan recalls Nora’s Jimmy Fallon comment that their relationship simply ran its course and thanks her, saying he’s in therapy and reflecting on life.
Ryan nostalgically notes their chemistry—joking there is more to life than fantastic sex—then drifts into cosmic self-help, even mixing up Newton and Darwin. He mentions training with an MMA coach and asks Nora to use a private nickname; Nora demurs, citing people around them on the bus. He promises to be front row at the final LA show at the Staples Center, and they agree to stay friends forever.
Before hanging up, Nora asks about his supposed love of philosophy. Ryan laughs it off, burps, and admits it was likely press talk, misnaming Heidegger as “Martin Hot Dog.” Deep down, Nora feels proud that this version of herself ended the relationship. They sign off, and Joanna, the manager, smiles reassuringly while Nora remembers looming obligations, including a podcast for a band she barely knows.
The coach arrives at a grand hotel outside São Paulo. Joanna describes it as a former palace attributed to Oscar Niemeyer’s more opulent style. As Nora steps out, a small crowd films her arrival, underlining the scrutiny and spectacle surrounding this life.
Who Appears
- Nora SeedOn the tour bus, fields Ryan’s call, keeps boundaries, probes his “philosophy,” and faces public scrutiny on arrival.
- Ryan BaileyA-list ex calling from Mexico; grateful for amicable breakup, spouts cosmic talk, promises to attend Nora’s LA show.
- JoannaManager who quietly supports Nora and explains the opulent hotel’s Niemeyer connection.
- RaviBandmate observing Nora’s call from the bus, drinking beer and listening in.