To Nic Stone, my birthday twin, my book mom, and my dear friend, who keeps me in line, wraps me in encouragement when I’m low, snatches me up when I need it, and always tells me the truth. Your fierce advocacy, your friendship, your heart, has left a mark on me that can never be erased. You’ve helped me grow as a writer, a wife, and as a woman. Thank you! And in true twin-Cancer fashion, I’m crying (and you’re not, LMAO).

To Sabaa, for always encouraging me to trust myself. For listening to my wild ideas and assuring me I can chase each one. To Natalie, for always believing, cheerleading. For seeing what Rue could be from the very beginning, thank you! To Jodi, for wrapping me up in your arms and shepherding me and this book to shelves. I would not have survived bringing my second novel into the world without you! Working with you has changed my life! You’re a dream come true. <3

To Jessica Lewis, for holding me up through the low moments, for listening, for feedback, for sharing your editorial brilliance with me. For always being down for a middle-of-the-night plot brainstorm session, ha ha. You’re one of the most talented writers and beautiful people I’ve ever met. It’s an honor to call you friend. <3

To Steph Jones and Tami Charles, for sisterhood and laughs. For inspiration and encouragement, distraction, a place to vent. To my tribe: the QueenSquad, for all the glass we are shattering. For big dreams and even bigger accomplishments. Kris, thank you for holding me up during debut year while I was simultaneously editing this book. I very literally would have collapsed without your help. Kelis, thank you for always being there. For seeing more in me and Rue than I could ever dream.

HUGE thanks to Jarred Amato and the entire Project Lit community! And to Rue’s Crew, who shouted loud and proud for Rue from the very beginning! This book would not be so well-known without your support. Andonnia Maiben, Shelia Colón-Bagley, Kayla Stansbury, Holly Davis, Anikka Cosgrove, Runeda Scott, Justice Hill, Ebony Williams, Bayley Pepper, Laronda McCray, Holly Hughes, Jessica Richter, Tianna Peterson, Lori Harris, Asheree Vaughn, so many of you! Thank you!

To Jessica F., for friendship and laughs, cutesy Miles Marco Polos, dinner prep chats, for listening to me cry through my how many (?) ear infections. For reading, discussing, then reading again. For everything you give and everything you are. <3 To Jessica O., for being right there with me every time I needed feedback or wanted to bounce ideas. For dedicating entire days to speed-reading. I got to know you so much more as I was drafting and editing this book, and I’m so blessed by your talented writer brain and even more by your beautiful heart.