Ellen, for helping clean the filth, sift through the trash, count the change, and sell the condo. Love you, lady.
To my dad, who I doubt will ever read this book. Some might read this and wonder many things about you . . . and about me. The past few years have been a constant struggle. And yes, there have been times I’ve sat and wondered why . . . why am I doing all I am doing, and how did I ever get to this place? But the bottom line is always very simple. I love you. You have always been good with your grandsons, and that’s what has mattered to me most of all. You and I do not see eye to eye on many things, but we have somehow come to a place where we can laugh at our differences or at least say our piece and move on.
Except for that stupid car.
Seriously? WTH?
But in the end . . . I do love you. And am here for you.
Now to Tim.
I honestly cannot think of the last few years and not see you. You were, without a doubt, the most unexpected light in all of this crazy. You held my hand when I cried so many times, I lost count. You stayed on the phone with me for seven hours as I crawled my way through traffic until two in the morning when I finally pulled into my driveway in San Diego. You have given me a mantra that I try to repeat often: “In the worst-case scenarios, the worst case almost never happens.” Your friendship with me cost you your friendship with my father, and for that I am truly sorry. I can’t thank you enough for the countless hours of unselfish time you dedicated to me and my father. Not only when liquidating the shop but moving him out of the condo. You even put up Christmas lights. Never once did you ask anything in return. You go around telling everyone you hate people . . . but I’m here to tell you, people love you. My family is blessed to know you. With every inch of my being . . . thank you.
And one more tiny word to the reader . . .
My dad was married five times, not four.
See . . . this is a work of fiction.
Catherine
BOOK DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Do you think the title fits the story? If not, what would you have named the book?
What do you think the main themes of the book are? How do friends and family factor into those themes?
Early on, we see protagonist Brooke break up with live-in boyfriend Marshall. Have you ever had to break up with a long-term love? What was the catalyst?
The book takes place in a post-pandemic reality. What do you think the author got right and what do you think has changed （or will change）？
Brooke’s relationship with her father is complicated by a thorny past, yet she continues to support him. Do you agree with her choice to take care of him? Why or why not?
Dating someone with children can be difficult. How do you think Luca and Brooke handled their relationship around Franny? Are there things you would have done differently?
What was your favorite aspect of the story? What emotions did it evoke?
Have you read other books by this author? Which one was your favorite?
If you could ask the author anything about the story, what would it be?