So much gratitude to my very patient and very smart editor, Alessandra Balzer. Thank you for shepherding this story through its many iterations. I feel so lucky to get to work with you and the rest of the incredible team at Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins. Thanks also to Kelsey Murphy for her sharp eye and all of her help. Additionally, thanks to Jenna Stempel for designing another jacket that I absolutely love.
Many thanks to all of my friends who held my hand and offered guidance during the drafting process of this book. In particular: Emery Lord, Kate Hattemer, Kim Liggett, Becky Albertalli, David Arnold, Adam Silvera, Kristan Hoffman, Alexandra Perrotti, and Erica Kaufman. Thank you to Kayla Whaley for reading an early draft and providing invaluable feedback.
I’m forever grateful to everyone who helped take care of Lillian so that I could meet my deadlines—Kirsten Hahn, Linda Warga, and Kathleen Warga. And of course my mother, Patricia Nazek, who indulged all of my ramblings about possible plot points.
Much love to all of my family. I’m very fortunate to be the recipient of so much support. Gregory, Lillian, and Juniper: I love you more than words can say. You’re my little big world.