A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s

Special thanks to my second family, the Coverts—Chris, Mary, Margaret, Jonathon, and Caroline—who always welcome us with open arms. It’s no secret you are the example I strive to follow. I thank you for the Tupperware reference—always—and for “Annoy Them With Music.” You are true treasures for all of us. Thanks, by the way, for lending me a couple of names for this manuscript. Where would this story be without Maggie Lee and Miss Lina?

To Alix Reid: Another excellent collaboration! And to think it all began as a conversation at Counter Coffee Shop in Forest Park—I feel cooler just saying I’ve been there (snap, snap, snap)! Thank you for believing in this concept, and for helping me rearrange the structure. Again and again and again. I love working with you.

Andrea Somberg, I’m forever grateful for your guidance. You’re the best agent EVER! Thank you for taking the time, and paying attention . . . and for putting up with my often long-winded emails. Commiserate with Alix. I’m not known for my brevity.

To my kindred spirits at David Heigl Design Group: thanks for understanding when the words take precedence over Vintage Blue Toile and Caesarstone.

Aiden: I enjoyed meeting you on the Jersey Shore years ago when you were a little boy. I named Aiden for you, although he grew to be nothing like you. Say hello to your cousins, your grandma Sue, and your Auntie Dom and Uncle Jason for me. The next time I’m in Jersey, I’d appreciate hearing another of your ghost stories.

Samantha, there’s a little of you in every heroine I write. Chatham Claiborne stole your seat at open studio. Thanks for sharing it with her. It was through your intense study of art this past year that I was able to channel the artist Chatham Claiborne came to be. She Snapchats in your fashion, she’s incredibly thoughtful, and she shares your ambitions and your lively spirit of survival. By the way, does Chatham’s Homecoming dress sound familiar?

Madelaine, my every heroine has attributes of yours, too. Chatham Claiborne borrowed your wardrobe—and your haircut! You gave her such style that I often envisioned you as I wrote her. She’s a born leader, a survivor, and a giver beyond reason. She wouldn’t hesitate to help her friends, and neither do you. Your talent with pencil rendering definitely influenced Chatham’s. I’m sure she’s listening to twenty one pilots as she’s sketching.

Joshua, your triumphs fleshed out a character who’s been throwing ropes in my brain since before you dropped your call with Bruce in San Antonio. Your sense of responsibility, as well as your recklessness, filled the lungs of these pages, and they’re now breathing. You never quit, and your history proves it. I appreciate all our Q&As about high school football, and I hope I’ve done the sport decent justice. I appreciate your dimples and take pride in seeing them more often now that we’ve found our forever.

To my readers:

See you next time IN WICKER PARK.