As always, I owe deep gratitude to those who have helped make this possible:
A huge thanks to the readers who have taken this journey with me. If you’ve made it this far, you are my people! Some of you have been waiting for this book for a very long time. I did my best to make it worth it.
To all My Imaginary Friends, both old and new, thanks for being there.
My editor, Monique Patterson, and the entire team at St. Martin’s, including: Mara Delgado-Sanchez, Meghan Harrington, and Beatrice Jason. It takes a village to put these book-children out into the world. I appreciate everything that you all do.
My agent, Sara Megibow, an incredible cheerleader, guide, and friend.
To my writer friends, Nakeesha, Cerece, Cynthia, and Denny, who regularly hold me up, inspire, and challenge me, I don’t know what I’d do without y’all.
My family, who knew I was a writer before anyone else did, and gave me the tools I needed to grow.
And to Jared, who is always willing to wrangle dogs and slay trolls so I can live my dream.