First and foremost, this book would not have existed without the love and encouragement of Daniel Ricchiazzi. You inspired me to write, but more than that, you inspired me to be the greatest version of myself that I could. Thank you for all that you are; I love you immensely.
Alison Lanier, now it’s your turn to write a book! You were my first writing partner as well as best friend, and it’s you who nurtured my early love of writing and never laughed at my half-baked stories (well, at least not all that much). Most of the humor in this book has some root in our adventures together. Thank you for always being there, just a phone call away, and accepting me just the way I am.
Dad, since I was a kid you’ve been the biggest supporter of my writing. I’ll never forget the walks we’d go on, the topic of conversation somehow always coming back to writing. I’m so glad you relentlessly encouraged me.
Grandpa Hall, you were one of the first people to point out to me that I might actually be a half decent writer. But more than that, you encouraged me to work at it. Thank you—I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
To Sunniva, thank you so much for the laughs, edits, and inspiring messages. Get your book out there so that our books can be friends! By the way, I’m still convinced that you’d make an awesome editor!
I owe a huge thanks to my mom, who’s the salt of the earth. You are the strongest woman I know, and I hope to be like you one day. Thank you for always coming up with creative solutions to problems, embracing my weirdness (because we all know who I inherited that trait from!), and geeking out with me over books.
To Teresa, you always give me more than I deserve and you are always the first person I call when calamity strikes. Thank you for never forgetting a birthday and always putting in the extra effort. As scatterbrained as I am, I do notice, and it means the world to me.
To Grace and Michael, I couldn’t ask for better siblings if I picked them myself. I love you to pieces my little string bean; you have the best personality out there. And Mike, thanks for always keeping things real … or at least real interesting.
Lastly, to Dan’s parents, you are both some of the kindest, most genuinely caring people I know. Thanks for rooting for me and raising the most wonderful son a girl could ask for!