Parker reaches down, smoothing her husband’s hair back. “He got the remote that night for sure after that.”

Regardless of what wins or losses might be ahead of them, one thing is clear. The couple once coined America’s Childhood Sweethearts have won the biggest thing of all—each other.

Acknowledgments

Sometimes, it feels silly writing different acknowledgments for each book because my process—and the support that comes with it—is often the same (and I’m so grateful!). I’m starting this one differently. I’d like to thank my friend, Colleen Butler, first. I came to her with a vibe, one scene idea, and a song and told her I want to write a story with all this and call it The Americana Playbook. She told me go for it, I took that energy (and added a prayer or two) and here we are.

My greatest loves: my husband, Hamza, you get me over the finish line every time. And my kids—Aous and Céline—I don’t necessarily write these books for you, but I write them so you can see that anything is possible with hard work and support.

Thank you to my family, and particularly my Mom, who always encouraged me to write, and the Breakfast Club, who are without a doubt my biggest fans. Thank you to my editorial team—Jeanine and Nancy—you take the messiest drafts and make them better every single time. To my readers turned dear friends—Simone, and Ellen—your enthusiasm is unmatched and so appreciated. My “colleague” Jihan—two things can be true at the same time: I couldn’t have written this book without you, and without you, this would’ve been written a lot faster. Regardless, you were instrumental. Thank you to The Author Agency for helping me get the word out about my work.

This book would not have been written without a team of sensitivity readers and survivors of the Troubled Teen Industry—Serena, Lois, Joe, and Caitlyn. You inspired me with your strength, you helped give Parker a voice, and my hope is this little book opens ears to the stories of more survivors.

And to you all, dear readers, whether you’re new or old, or read an ARC, I do this for you. Thank you for giving me fuel to never stop telling stories. I promise I won’t.

Also by Cathryn Carter

Fourth Down Blitz

Fourth Down Fumble

When You Wish Upon a Wideout

Off Court Fix

Tides That Bind

About the Author