Every Single Secret(93)

Shannon O’Neill—I cannot thank you enough for understanding what I was trying to achieve with this one. Your support and incredible perception, smarts, and willingness to get on the phone and discuss cuckoo birds as a motif were a godsend. Rex Bonomelli, your cover was right up badass alley, and I thank you. To Kate Orsini, thank you for being the voice of Althea and Meg. You inspire me.

Special thanks to M. J. Pullen for your insight into the world of therapy and psychology, and to Charles Bailey and Brad Stephens for their advice concerning legal matters. And to my other beta readers/critique partners Kimberly Brock and Chris Negron. I count on y’all in a way that is probably not healthy. Thank you to Erratica: M. J., Becky Albertalli, Chris, and George Weinstein. And to the ladies of the Tinderbox Writers Retreat, who talked floor mats and ponytail holders. Also a huge thanks to the folks at Happy Writers Hour: J. D. Jordan, Ellie Jordan, Jane Haessler. A special thanks to Katy Shelton for her unwavering understanding and support, and to Henry and Kathleen Drake for always being my Birmingham home away from home.

Finally, to Everett, Noah, and Alex, thanks for your love and support and not minding when I don’t cook dinner. Rick, you’re perfect. Always us (but not in a creepy way).