The woman next to me has dark hair and pale skin. She is dressed like someone who just got off work and is having a drink before heading home. I can sense her relief that the day is almost over.
After half a drink, she glances up at me and smiles.
I return the smile.
She looks away and looks back.
I take out my phone, type out a message, and slide it across the bar.
Hello. My name is Quentin.
Acknowledgments
When I sat down to write this, I realized I had no idea where to start. I’ve never written acknowledgments before, but what I do know is that many, many people worked very hard to get this book into your hands. I can never thank them all properly, but I’ll give it a shot.
My agent, Barbara Poelle. Without her, My Lovely Wife would not be a published book. Turns out she is as disturbed as I am (maybe more so) and crazy enough to take a chance on a nobody like me.
My editor, Jen Monroe. She made this book better, caught all my mistakes, and refused to let me get away with anything. My heart jumps every time I see her name in my inbox, but that’s a good thing.
My publicist, Lauren Burnstein, who has done things I never thought possible. I am pretty sure she has magical powers.
My marketing team, Fareeda Bullert and Jessica Mangicaro, who have gone above and beyond to make sure everyone has heard of My Lovely Wife.
Everyone at Berkley, I am so grateful you decided to publish this book, and grateful for all the time and resources you have dedicated to it.
My friends, critique partners and fellow writers, without whom I would be nowhere. Starting with Rebecca Vonier, who would not let me give up on this book. I never would have finished it without her, nor would it be a published book. Marti Dumas, who points out all the story and character problems and is always right. Laura Cherry, who notices every little thing and tells me about it. And Hoy Hughes, who started the original writer’s group where I met all these wonderful people.
There are many, many others who have taken the time to read and offer opinions of my writing (most of it was bad). I won’t even try to name every person, because I will forget someone, but you know who you are.
All the bloggers, writers, reviewers, and everyone who has found themselves with this book in their hands. First and foremost, I am a reader. I am grateful for the joy that books have brought me and grateful anyone would want to read my words.
I can’t leave out my day-job boss and longtime friend, Andrea, who has always been supportive.
Last but definitely not least, my family. My mom, who is always there for me no matter what crazy adventure I’m on. And my brother, who made me tough.
About the Author
Samantha Downing currently lives in New Orleans, where she is furiously typing away on her next thrilling standalone. My Lovely Wife is her first novel.
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