To Mitch Therieau. Thank you for loving me, reading all of my work, and hardly batting an eye when you find me on the floor wailing about my uncooperative characters. You give me the stability to dream and the kind of steadfast love I hope to capture even a glimmer of in my stories.

To Christine Lynn Herman. You believed in me first, and without you, I wouldn’t be tearfully writing these acknowledgments. Over the years (!), you have guided me with wisdom, humor, brutal edit letters, and occasional tough love. You are a fantastic mentor, but more than that, you are a cherished friend. Here’s to many more years of writing books we have zero chill about.

To Alex Huffman. We’ve been together since day one, and every day since then, I’ve marveled at how lucky I am to call you my friend. You are a rare, beautiful soul who makes the world brighter just by being yourself. Thank you for our three-hour-long calls about life, art, anime, and our fictional children. This book wouldn’t be what it is without you, and hell, neither would I.

To Ava Reid and Rachel Morris. Where do I even begin with y’all? Ava, thank you for saving my life multiple times with your comments and memes. Rachel, thank you for all the hours we’ve laughed, cried, and played video games together on my couch. Thank you both for adopting me, loving me, and making California finally feel like home. The GSJ squad has made me a better writer and a better person.

To my critique partners, who have touched my life and work in profound ways. Emily Feldman, without you I would not have survived AMM and everything that came after. You’re going to take the literary world by storm. Courtney Gould, there’s no one else I’d rather be publishing twins with. Thank you for never letting me wallow, for writing books that make me weep, and for your graphic design skills. Cat Bakewell, your kind heart and stories give me hope that this world can be better. I can’t wait to hold your books in my hands. Zoulfa Katouh, I’m so glad I crashed into your DMs. Your warmth, generosity, and talent inspire me, and your comments never fail to make me cry from laughter.

To Katie Stout, Elisha Walker, and Audrey Coulthurst. Y’all kept me sane while I was writing this book and working full time. You are all immensely talented, side-splittingly funny, and all-around gems.

To my mom. You are one of the most practical people I have ever met, but you never once discouraged me from pursuing my dreams. I love you so much!