I looked to the clock. I had to finish packing, had to hit the road soon, if I wanted to make it before dark. “I’ve got to get moving,” I told her, leading her back to the front door.
“Some advice, Harper?” she said as she stepped outside.
“Shoot.”
“If you don’t want someone else to dig it up, delete the account. Make sure nothing’s on your computer. Pretend it never existed. If someone else comes by? Pretend you’re not home.”
And then she started walking away, down the steps, back to her car.
“Don’t worry,” I called after her. “I know how to stay quiet.”
She gave me a quick, uncertain look over her shoulder as she opened her car door.
Like she had forgotten, already, what great pretenders we all were here.
The things we had feared—and the things we had become.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who helped guide this book from the spark of an idea to the finished product.
My agent, Sarah Davies, whose wisdom and guidance I have relied on at every stage of the process, for each and every book. Thank you for believing in these stories.
My brilliant editor, Marysue Rucci, for the sharp insight, feedback, and support, from initial idea to the very last draft. And to the entire dream team at Simon & Schuster, including Richard Rhorer, Hana Park, Elizabeth Breeden, Maggie Southard Gladstone, Kassandra Rhoads, Jackie Seow, Marie Florio, Laura Wise, and so many others who have had a hand in bringing this book into the world. I’m very grateful to you all!
Thank you to Elle Cosimano, Ashley Elston, Megan Shepherd, Beth Revis, and Carrie Ryan for the brainstorming sessions, the early reads, the encouragement along the way, and the friendship.
As always, thank you to my family for everything.
And lastly, to all the readers. Thank you.