The Way to Game the Walk of Shame(82)

So much love for my writing buddies, Shayda, Rachel, and Ashley. Seriously, thank you for being there through all the querying, submissions, and meltdowns. For patting me on the shoulder and telling me everything will be okay. For reading and critiquing The Way to Game when it was still The Love Contract. For the late-night chats and brainstorming. And just being the most incredible cheerleaders anyone could ever ask for. I’m so glad to have met you guys. We’ll have our dream writers’ retreat one day!

My earliest writing started on a Harry Potter fan site. Specifically HE—Hogwarts Experience. There were countless hours of working on projects, writing fan fiction, and roleplaying with the best group of people. And I can’t bring up roleplaying without giving a special shout-out to Elana, Lifey, and Veronica. Thank you for helping me learn the importance of character bios and honing my guy voice. Or rather, Evan thanks you!

To my wonderful family and friends. It took me ages to tell anyone that I wanted to be a writer. And even longer to admit that I’d written an actual book. Even now, it’s hard to say that I’m an author because it still doesn’t feel real. There are times when all the doubts and fears still come creeping in. But then I hear the pride and joy in your voice when you tell people that I’m an author, and it makes all this worth it. Thank you for supporting me all these years. Even if you didn’t know you were.

I always tell people that I started reading in the first place because my sisters didn’t want to play with me when we were growing up and there was nothing else to do. (Which is totally true.) So in a way, Thuc, Quynh, and Kien, you guys are the true reason this book exists. ? But to be honest, you taught me so many things in life and you were always there for me. Whether I wanted you to be or not. And even though you nearly chased Quynh off on prom night, there’s no harm done now since we’re married. And it makes for a hilarious story. Not to sound overly mushy, but you really are the best sisters anybody could hope for.

To my wonderful parents. I barely know what to say to even show an ounce of how much I appreciate and love you. There could be an entire new book dedicated to you and it still wouldn’t be enough. I wouldn’t be here without your support and care. I wouldn’t even be here without you. Mom, nothing makes me happier than hanging out with you, watching Asian dramas all night. You always listen to me talk and ramble about everything and anything with a smile on your face. And, Dad, one of my fondest memories as a kid is when you brought home a boxful of books that you picked up at a yard sale or consignment shop for me. Even though you’re not with me anymore, I know that you’re still here to guide me with everything I do, every word that I write. I don’t know how I lucked out in having you both as my parents. ? Thank you both for raising me, teaching me the value of hard work, and pushing me to go for my dreams.

To Quynh, my husband, the true owner of the REAL Rudy. The first thing you ever fed me was pizza on April 28, 2003. Even though it didn’t have enough mushrooms, it was still one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. And we’ve eaten together A LOT since then. But that pizza will always be special to me because it was the first meal we had together. The beginning of our relationship and the start of my happily-ever-after. Thank you for being here for me. For the hundred trips to Barnes just so I can look at the books and get inspiration. For taking care of me while I struggle with edits. This book wouldn’t be a book without you. I wouldn’t be me without you. ?





List of reasons why Evan should be my fake boyfriend

? Improved reputation among everyone, teachers and adults. They love me (perfect grades and attendance, extracurricular activities which include Honor Society, student council, tutoring, yearbook, etc.) and the love will spill over to Evan.

? Help with homework/improve grades (although that shouldn’t be too hard, anything is better than his grades now).

? Help with college applications (probably too late because applications have been due for a while now). Community college?

? Research colleges with late acceptances.

? Find out if Evan has a pet. Offer to walk/wash it.

? Promise to clean his room three times a week. Or scrub his surfboard. Wax?

? Free legal work for the three years after graduation from Columbia.

? Bribe him with rare comic books. Note to self: Look up rare comic books

? Protection from girls?

? Because he actually likes me? IMPOSSIBLE





The Contract


In light of the recent events, henceforth the aftermath of The Party That Shall Not Be Mentioned (TPTSNBM), it has been brilliantly determined that in order to salvage what’s left of our reputations, a fake relationship shall be made between the two parties listed below along with the guidelines and stipulations that will be required of this “relationship.”



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find out Evan’s middle name?



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This agreement executed on the ____ day of ____________ 2016, between Taylor Elizabeth Simmons and Evan McKinley is a binding contract that will curse penalize the offending party when he breaks one of the rules. Punishments and penalty fines may be added to the contract later on if needed. Once a satisfying result has been reached and agreed upon, the two parties will amicably break up in public to officially sever the ties and dissolve this contract. Until then, they will abide by the rules listed below.