Pivot Point (Pivot Point, #1)(84)
I open my mouth to answer, but the question comes again, in Laila’s voice. “Are you okay?” She has a hold of my arm and shakes me a little.
The wide hallway of the hospital is back. I take a deep breath, confused. That felt like a Search, but … no. I look between Laila and my dad. They both stare at me expectantly. “I’m fine. I’ll be fine. Yes, I want to go home with you, Dad.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As with most babies, this one would not have come into the world without a team of specialists. First, I’d like to thank my agent, Michelle Wolfson, because this book would just be another manuscript in my documents folder if she hadn’t believed in it. She is my anchor in this industry; I don’t know where I’d be without her to hold on to. Thank you, Michelle. Also, a special thanks to Sarah Landis, possibly the best editor in the universe, whose love for my book helped me believe in myself. And my copy editor (who would probably tell me I shouldn’t have started that sentence with and. Or maybe she’d tell me that’s an old rule. See? I need her.). Thanks to all the other people at HarperTeen who helped make Pivot Point a reality.
I’d like to thank my entire family, especially my kids—Hannah, Autumn, Abby, and Donavan—who allow me to share their time pursuing my dream; my husband, Jared, who supports me in all I do; and my parents, who instilled a love of books in me that only grew as I did—thank you for being amazing parents. I miss you, Dad. And Mom, your strength is an example to me every day.
This book wouldn’t have even made it to the query stage without my amazing readers, who’ve stuck with me since the beginning. Your advice and friendship are invaluable to me: Stephanie Ryan, Heather Garza, Chris DeWoody, Rachel DeWoody, Candice Kennington, Jenn Johansson, Natalie Whipple, Renee Collins, Julie Nelson, Linda Cassidy-Lewis, Tricia Sutton, Ed DeFranco, Kevin Ryan, Melissa Braithwaite, Rachel Braithwaite, Nicki Broby, Jenny Weech, Heather Hague, Misti Hamel, Brianne Seamons, and Elizabeth Minnick. And to all my other readers, who are too many to name, who read parts or all of early manuscripts (you brave souls).
It’s not often you get a best friend who is also a writer, and a sister who reads as much as you do. So, an extra thanks to Candice for being the best friend a girl could ask for in and out of the writing world. And my sister, Stephanie, who reads every word I am willing to write and always makes me feel like a rock star. Your support means the world to me. To Jenn for talking me down from ledges and Natalie for picking me up when I’m down. To Renee, who wouldn’t let me give up, and to Julie, who finds all my unfindable errors.
Finally, I’d like to thank my friends who remind me that there is life outside of writing (I still struggle to remember this, but I try): Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Rachel, who share my love of chick flicks. And Brittney, Courtney, Emily, and Mandy, who motivate me to work out.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kasie West lives with her family in central California, where the heat tries to kill her with its 115-degree stretches. She graduated from Fresno State University with a BA degree that has nothing to do with writing. Visit her online at www.kasiewest.com Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins authors and artists.