Twenty Boy Summer (22 page)

* * *

Frankie smiles, arching her broken wing eyebrow expectantly. In this moment, sitting on her purple comforter with the sun shining on us through the window, I realize that we
are
lucky -- lucky to be alive, just like everyone said.

I slip the necklace into my pocket and take a deep breath.

Don't move, Anna Reiley. Right now, everything is perfect.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My heartfelt gratitude to all who have given me the inspiration, the encouragement, and the opportunity to write
Twenty Boy Summer
and achieve this unbelievable dream.

To my editor, Jennifer Hunt, who believed in me enough to put up a fight and whose incredible talent for storytelling brought Anna Reiley's journey to life. Thanks also to T. S. Ferguson and everyone at Little, Brown who helped make
Twenty Boy Summer
a real, live book.

To Ted Malawer, my agent, who flawlessly navigated my stalker-esque e-mails and worked long hours to give me the best birthday news ever.

To Lighthouse Writers Workshop, especially Jenny Vacchiano Itell, for your invaluable guidance; Andrea Dupree, my steadfast cheerleader; and Mike Henry, who asked, "Have you ever considered writing for young adults?" Thanks also to Bill Henderson, Jay Barry, Rachel Miller, Meredith Sale,
GIS!
, and all of my writing friends for the critiques, the encouragement, and the literary shenanigans.

To Mom and Dad, who persuaded me to write my own stuff after the
E.T.
incident of 1982; my brothers, Steve Ockler and Scott "I'm not ashamed to read girly YA books" Ockler; my family-in-law, for the Million Dollar Bims; Amy Hains, who never doubted; and all who asked, "When can I read it?" Um,
now
? Now's good!

And to my husband, Alex, who said, "Bims, you're a writer!" Thanks for reminding me when I almost forgot. Here's to those double rainbows, my love.

Finally, I am forever grateful to my dear friends John and Margaret Moyer, and to all donor families. You have inspired this story. Thank you for saying yes.