A few weeks after the fire, Devin moved in with Melody. And one night, after only mentioning it once, she came home to a small, wiggly puppy that rushed to greet her at the door. She’d scooped him up, named him Noodles, and when she went to bed, she made love to the man who made her happier than anyone she’d ever known.
And a few months later, on the night following the opening, she laid casually in the lap of the man she’d love for the rest of her life. With a dog in her lap, a game on TV, and Devin sipping a beer, everything was finally right with her world.
Acknowledgements
This book has been a long time coming, but I’m so excited that it’s finally here.
To my Mom, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. You are truly the greatest person I know. To my little brother, Steven, I am so in awe of you. You’re the coolest kid in the world. To my Dad, from whence my iron will and strong sense of self comes, thank you. I love you. To my character inspirations, Jazzmyn, Ashley, and Cne’, thanks for being such bright, funny, wonderful human beings. Justin and Jordan, thanks for answering my many basketball questions. Darron, thanks for taking my random questions about police work. To my sisters in Delta, thanks for being such amazing examples of the complexity of black womanhood. You all continue to inspire me.
To Sharon Chester, reader of all books and listener of all podcasts, thanks for giving me pointers and sharing your thoughts.
To the staff at Cru Wine Bar on 2nd Street in Austin, thanks for the Wi-Fi, the wine, and the ever-welcoming writing corner you’ve provided me.
To Mrs. Worth, who first made me believe I could write, thank you.
To the authors I love most, Nora Roberts, Kristan Higgins, Sue Monk Kidd, Lauren Day, Sister Souljah and Toni Morrison: THANK YOU.
To God: Wow, dude. You are the best. I am so undeserving. I love You.
Finally, to everyone who did me the honor of reading my first book. I cannot express how much I appreciate you, and I truly hope you enjoyed it.
Until Next Time,
Jayna
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