I’d like to thank the star makers, dream breakers, and soul takers who made this book possible:
The wonderful Molly Ker Hawn, for believing in me. My editor, Katherine Jacobs, who treated Joss, Chris, and the Montauk kids with love and care. The entire Roaring Brook team, especially Claire Dorsett, Jill Freshney, and Elizabeth Clark.
Wendy Nelson Tokunaga, who critiqued my earliest draft. Whitney Gardener and Kathleen Glasglow, for sharing the debut journey with me. Everyone at On Location Education, for the nonstop adventure. The cast and crew of Boardwalk Empire, for all those days at the beach. Rhoda Fine, Hollywood’s favorite teacher, for her friendship and her stories. Oona Laurence, Stefania Owen, and the unstoppable mother/daughter duos I’ve been lucky enough to work with, especially Evy and Ryann Shane, who insisted I write a book in the first place.
My family and friends, especially Aloha LeBlanc, Gail Crawford, Tracy Borelli, William Fielding, Jasmine Glennon, Lily and John Fielding, Marina and Ciceron Opida, Rachelle Peñaflor, Xander and Rebecca Peñaflor, Bill and Gladys Fielding, Ninette Limpo, Jeannie Stratos, Stella Watala, Lidia and Joe Szelwach, Keri Pinzone, Sandra Weitzman, Gladimyr Sully, and Tanya Rubins, for rooting for me and celebrating so hard.
My brother, Joseph Peñaflor, for wondering when I was going to do this. The answer is now. My loving parents, Joe and Sarah Peñaflor, for always cheering the loudest even when instructed to hold all applause until the end. I love you. My sweet little Vera, who sat beside me, and my husband, Rob Szelwach, for more than I can say.
Thank you all.
We’re happy now.