I grab the ball and pass it back to him.

Again—once, twice, three times, and swish. No kisses.

The first time he went to the line and didn’t blow a kiss, I thought he might’ve forgotten.

The second time I allowed myself to hope. That he’d stopped asking forgiveness from his mom. That he’d realized her death wasn’t his fault. That he’d somehow let go of his pain and rearranged himself into a boy who would never hurt me again.

Now three times, and the hope in my chest slides on its wings and starts flapping all over the place. I can’t help but think that there will be more between us. Much, much more.

But only the future knows.

I slide the menu into my back pocket, where I keep it for myself. And the game goes on. With us and only what belongs to us. Nothing else.

Acknowledgments

Book two. Say what? I feel so incredibly grateful to be putting more words into the world. For me, writing has always been an exercise of going deep within, extracting bits of my human experience, and shaping them into a universal story. The fact that people are reading my stories and connecting to them feels so rewarding. So, to all my readers: thank you, thank you, thank you! You don’t know how much you mean to me.

To my little family, Amina and Larry: you give my heart a home. A home filled with light and beauty and joy and kindness and peace. I’m so grateful to have you both. I love you.

Seneca Shahara Brand, aka Sha Love: I’m so lucky to have such a loving, artistic friend. Thank you for being so generous with your creative gifts. This book wouldn’t be the same without you.

Rochelle and Stan, aka Mom and Dad: None of this would be possible without your continued love and support. Thank you. I love you.

Loveis Wise: I love your name. I love the energy you put into the world through your work. Thank you for putting that energy into this book’s cover. It’s gorgeous, and Carli and Rex are perfect.

To my agent, Jennifer Carlson: Thank you for being my advocate. I am happy I have you.

To my editor, Virginia Duncan, and everyone at Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins: thank you for turning my words into a book and getting that book out into the world.

About the Author

PHOTOGRAPH BY SENECA SHAHARA BRAND

LIARA TAMANI is the author of the acclaimed Calling My Name, which was a 2018 PEN America Literary Award Finalist and an SCBWI Golden Kite Award Finalist. She lives in Houston, Texas.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

Books by Liara Tamani

Calling My Name

All the Things We Never Knew

Back Ad

DISCOVER

your next favorite read

MEET

new authors to love

WIN

free books

SHARE

infographics, playlists, quizzes, and more

WATCH