Better Off Friends

as close to another person the way I was with Levi.

I had been resisting this, but I couldn’t deny that it felt

right.

This was how things should’ve been for us. I think we both knew

that. I felt Macal an shiver slightly. “Let’s go home,” I said as I gave her another kiss.

Even though I didn’t specify which home we’d be going to, it

didn’t matter. This entire time I’d been thinking about where my home was. At first it was California, then Wisconsin. But in truth, home isn’t necessarily where you sleep at night.

It’s where you feel like yourself.

Where you’re most comfortable.

Where you don’t have to pretend, where you can be just you.

I had final y reached that place because Macal an is home to me.

276

So, as I was saying, guys and girls can be friends.

Best friends.

And what’s better than fal ing in love with your best friend?

Nothing.

You always have to get the last word in, don’t you?

You know it.

Yes, I do.

Yep.

Oh, Macal an . . .

Yes, Levi?

I love you.

I love you, too.

And there you are again, having to get the last word in.

But I don’t think you mind.

Not at al .

Good.





A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S


Blimey if I know where I’d be without David Levithan, the

Floyd to my Buggy (that’s a compliment — I swear!). I’m

so happy you said, “Hey, what about writing a book about a

guy and girl who are best friends. . . .” I’m honored to have

you as an editor, a friend, musical consigliere, and Target

chauffeur.

I’m much better off with the fantastic crew at Scholastic

behind me. I know how much work goes into getting a book

out into the world, and appreciate all of your efforts. Four

scoops of custard to Tracy van Straaten, Bess Braswell,

Emily Morrow, Stacey Lellos, Alan Smagler, Leslie Garych,

Lizette Serrano, Emily Henderson, Candace Greene, Antonio

Gonzalez, Joy Simpkins, Elizabeth Starr Baer, Sue Flynn,

Nikki Mutch, and all the sales reps.

Thanks to my agent, Rosemary Stimola, for sprinting the

distance with me time and time again.

I owe so much to my family, especially my parents for

enduring the torture that was researching Culver’s and

Friday night fish fries with me. And my siblings: Eileen,

Meg, and WJ, for always cheering on their baby sis. It means

the world to me.

I’m so grateful that I have wonderful friends who also make

excellent readers: Rose Brock, Jen Calonita, and Bethany

Strout. Your input made this book so much better.

In the words of the Almighty K. Clark, my life would suck

without: Chris Miller, who bravely drove on the wrong side of

the road during our trip around Ireland; Susan North and

Amy Miller, who let me crash at their places when I needed

peace and quiet; Mark Dowd, Amy Royce, Justina Chen, and

my Facebook friends for answering my questions about ACL

surgery; Macallan Durkin, who let me borrow her name. And

of course my wonderful author friends who’ve made what can

be a very solitary job into a community of awesome.

I’d be remiss to not acknowledge the brilliant Nora Ephron,

who not only gave the world Harry and Sally, but countless

other timeless characters and stories. I’ll always have what

she’s having.

To every bookseller, librarian, teacher, and blogger who

has recommended my books and every reader who has picked

up one of my books: I wouldn’t have this job without you. I

know every day how lucky I am to have it, and never take it

(or you) for granted. THANK YOU!