That’s when a gust of city wind hit the tripod and the phone. The feed wobbled once, then fell from portrait to landscape mode. Rinn’s clear, aligned shot had been tipped over.

Everyone in the comments were furious. They were screaming at her, but they were screaming in text, and Rinn didn’t have her phone with her anymore so she had no idea. No idea that her perfect shot had been unaligned and that she and Imogen and Danny were no longer on camera or in frame.

That their secret hiding place really would belong to them and them alone.

And then Eli thought about all of Rinn’s clever plans and Imogen’s love of machinery and Danny’s love of math, and the casual blowing over of the camera didn’t seem so accidental anymore. It seemed beautifully staged. A different kind of plan. A way for this moment to be shared and, also, theirs alone.

Danny had said it would stay a secret.

“Perfect,” he said. And Eli meant it. No conditions, no clauses. Just perfect.

Eli closed down the live feed. It was just a sideways video of a construction site now.

Off camera, three girls were burying their secrets. Maybe one day they’d dig them up. Maybe they wouldn’t.

But the city would guard their memories, regardless. Waiting, until they were ready.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book started with an idea, a very simple one: what if Empire Records was in a bookstore and what if the central characters of the story were the three girls. That was my in. That was my through line. But when you write a book about an independent bookstore, you start to think about all of the little pockets of community that you encounter.

To my editor, Kat, who has gone on this ride with me three times now. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Every book with you is work, yes, but it’s joyful work and it’s purposeful work and I feel like I learn so much about writing, about books, and about myself. This book was so hard for me to get through, but your notes made me feel like it was possible. You’re a goddamned hero. Thank you.

To my agent, Lauren, for every time she’s found my books a home. You have believed in all of my angry, messy girls from the beginning. You never doubted them for a moment—and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thanks for giving Imogen, Daniella, and Rinn a space to shine. Whenever I see my books stacked in a row, I think of you giving me a shot and taking on my work and I’m just filled with gratitude and wonder.