Later, when she’s back at her dorm and I’m cooking dinner with Gray, I text her a picture of a baby bat, and she texts me a picture of a ridiculous peacock, and . . .

I don’t know where this is going. Maybe nowhere. Maybe somewhere. Life is an unpredictable and strange thing like that, but.

But.

It’s also kind of amazing.

And I’m so glad I’m here.

RESOURCES

If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help available. Please reach out. The world is better with you in it.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 | suicidepreventionlifeline.org

The Trevor Project Lifeline:

1-866-488-7386 | thetrevorproject.org

Trans Lifeline:

1-877-565-8860 | translifeline.org

Crisis Text Line:

text HOME to 741741 | crisistextline.org

For more information on Co-Dependents Anonymous, the support group Jubilee visits to learn more about healthy relationships and setting personal boundaries, please visit CoDA.org

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many talented and hardworking people. This book would not exist without them.

A massive thank-you to:

My agent, Brooks Sherman, and my editor, Stephanie Pitts, who once again made this entire process a blast from start to finish. I am a better writer because of you both. Jen Klonsky for your support and insight, Lizzie Goodell for being my publicist extraordinaire, and Christina Colangelo, Bri Lockhart, Felicity Vallence, James Akinaka, Friya Bankwalla, and everyone at Penguin Teen and Putnam—Verona Comics truly could not have asked for a better home.

Jeff Östberg for once again bringing my characters to life with an amazing cover illustration. I am forever in your debt.

My writer coven, Karen Strong and Isabel Sterling—I would be lost without you two and definitely not still chasing that licorice candy. Becky Albertalli, my brain twin, for too many things to count, but you know. Roselle for just getting it. And Kelsey Rodkey for her eternal patience, advice, and beyond excellent friend and critique partner skills. Can you believe it’s a whole book later and you’re still reminding me to drink water?

Hannah Capin for her music expertise—anything I got right is because of her; anything I got wrong is on me. Sarah Grimes, even though Bucky is still mine, and the many writer friends who have been there for me this year—especially Erin, Meredith, Sophie, and my DVSquad pals.

And especially Shannon, my eternal BFF, and Jeff, who lets me steal her near weekly for horrible TV dates and laughter but is also a most excellent friend in his own right. My big brother and best friend, Dennis, for always, always being there—but stop saying we’re twins when I’m four years and 364 days younger. My mom and family for their unwavering support, and Brody, Olivia, and Joe for loving me even when I’m cranky and on deadline.

And also all of my readers—your support means the world. Thank you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR