Hot Desk: A Novel - 27

Writing a book is one thing, while bringing it into the world is something else entirely. I have been so fortunate to have such smart, committed publishing people seeing it through. Thank you to my agent, the lovely and talented Elisabeth Weed, and to my two editors: Alison Callahan at Gallery Books, whose passionate advocacy was nothing short of miraculous, and Lily Cooper at Penguin Michael Joseph, who made the book better every time she touched it. Thank you to my enthusiastic foreign rights agent, Jenny Meyer; designer of the perfect cover, Sara Wood; copyeditor David Chesanow; and the incredible team at Gallery: Sally Marvin, Lucy Nalen, Mackenzie Hickey, and Taylor Rondestvedt.

I appreciate the encouragement from my early readers: Rachel Dickerman, Jen Gates, Mary Beth Holcomb, Chris Jenko, Andrea Sarvady, Lucy Seward. Nina Premutico for sharing that text.

My women friends have sustained and enriched me for my entire life—in different cities, states, and countries. Uncontrollable laughter, long lunches, dinner parties, late nights, book clubs, dog walks, texts, emails, phone calls, and letters before that. I am thankful beyond measure for your kinship, advice, and humor. I love all of you crones.

To my best friend, Jen Gates: you are generous, gracious, and fiercely supportive. Dare I say you are the wind beneath my wings.

Thank you to my phenomenal parents, who gave me confidence and unconditional love—if you hadn’t provided such a happy childhood, maybe I would have written more books.

I have two wonderful brothers, one of whom happens to be a brilliant editor. Without Colin, there is no Hot Desk : thank you for the intellectual property, the nagging, and the threats. Doing this with you has been incredibly fun. I’m sorry you made me cut all the sexiest parts. Thank you for bringing Peter into my life, especially since he does everything.

Thank you to my other brother, James, for calm, wise counsel; for introducing my children to drunk cigs; and for bringing Ann, Rachel, and Jules into my life. Thank you, Rachel, for answering all my questions with your millennial wisdom, such as no one’s cell phone ever rings unless it’s an old person or spam.

Lucy and Isabel: being your mother is the most important thing I’ve ever done. I’m so proud of your empathy and spark. You are my favorite people.

Finally, thank you to my amazing husband, Bill. I’m sorry that when we first met you were under the impression that I was a person who might run with the bulls. You always champion me, you are my astute and most ardent reader, you make me laugh, and you bring the fireworks. Thank you for your family, including your parents, whose marriage is an inspiration. You make everything possible, my love. I am grateful every single day for our life together.