Wow, I’ve always wanted to get a chance to write my own acknowledgments page as a published author. I hope I get this right!
First, I have to thank Sarah LaPolla—who always managed to believe in me and keep me motivated during this roller-coaster ride called publishing. Thanks for seeing my potential in the slush pile—I wouldn’t be here without you.
To the incredible Natalie Lakosil—thanks for taking me on as a client and helping me navigate the world as a debut author. You’ve asked questions about my writing that truly helps me get to the soul of my story.
To the amazing team at Alloy: Viana Siniscalchi, Josh Bank, and Sara Shandler, thanks for making this girl’s dreams come true. You have given me a voice throughout this process and allowed me to put so much of, well, me into this story. I’ll never forget my trip to New York to start this journey with you—and I still covet that whiteboard wall.
To Andrew Eliopulos, my wonderful editor, it’s taken us a few years but I’m so grateful that I finally get to work with you. You knew exactly the type of story I wanted to tell and stretched me so much as a writer that I’m still recovering. But seriously, it has been an honor receiving your insight for this novel.
To all those lovely hands that contributed to the final creation and promotion of this book: Rosemary Brosnan, Bria Ragin, David DeWitt, Shona McCarthy, Lana Barnes, Valerie Wong, and Aubrey Churchward—thank you times infinity. This book wouldn’t be what it is without your talents. If I left anyone out, please blame it on my head and not my heart.
To my wonderful cover artist, Shane Ramos, thanks for translating my ideas into a powerful image. You brought Jay and Nic alive for me.
Now, on a personal note, thank you to my parents—Tammy and Shelton. I was a strange kid (probably still am), but that never bothered you. Thanks for reading to me, buying me Lisa Frank notebooks, and pocket thesauruses to expand my vocabulary. I won the lottery with parents like you.
To my son, Easton—I started this book with you in my belly and am now ending it with your little sister in my belly! Thanks for being so patient with Mama when she had to sneak away to finish up revisions. Everything I do is for you.
To my cousin/sister/roommate/best friend and godmother to my children, Marquita Hockaday—you are a superhero. Thanks for picking up the slack when I’ve been too busy, too sick, or too much in general. I honestly wouldn’t know how to change a light bulb if it wasn’t for you. Thanks for always having my back. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to read your beautiful words.
To my cousin, Patricia Hockaday—you were my first role model. I’ll always remember those nights when you, Quita, and I would stay up late writing stories in our notebooks and reading them aloud to each other. You helped to ignite my love for reading and writing.
To my aunt, Pamela Hockaday, AKA PaPam, you’ve always been one of my biggest cheerleaders. You’re the best second mom a girl could ask for.
To my grandmother, Margaret “Peggy” Hunt (formerly Murphy). You were a huge inspiration behind MiMi. Thanks for watching over me. Rest in Power.
To my sister from another mister, Racquel Henry. I admire your creativity, your diligence, and your resilience. Thanks for being an incredible writing partner—and an even better friend.
Finally, to all the kids from Bad News. I got you. I see you. I am you.