The Education Of Hailey Kendrick Part 17

"Yep. You were crazy about me from the start. You needed some shaking up, and I was just the guy to do it."

"You got me. As soon as I saw your prowess with the floor buffer, I was yours."

"Chicks dig men with mechanical skills. Evolutionary."

I rolled my eyes. "I'll have you know I don't need anyone to buff my floors."

"Very true. That's one of the things I like about you." Drew smiled. "I always went for the independent type. That, and I find plaid skirts and knee-highs hot."

The bell tower chimed the hour. A few Evesham students started to rush for cla.s.s.

"I have to go."

"I know. You better buckle down. If I'm going to show you all the dive bars that offer karaoke around Yale, you're going to have to do your part and keep your grades up so you get in."

I took a few steps toward the dorm, but then turned back. Drew was still standing by the truck. It reminded me of how my mom would always wait to make sure I got inside safe when she dropped me off someplace. An idea came into my head.

"Hey!" I called out to him. "You want to come to a party later? My friends are throwing a thing, and I want you to meet them."

"Sure. Count me in."

"By the way, you're going to have to wear a costume."

Drew's eyebrows pulled together. "Dress up? Like what? I don't know-"

"What's the matter? Are you afraid?" I held my arms out, using my crutches to wave around the quad. "You gotta live life, suck the marrow from its bones!"

Drew laughed. I headed back toward the dorms. It was going to be a busy day, and I didn't want to miss a moment of it.

I didn't plan to miss another moment of the rest of my life.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

A writer without a reader is a lonely thing, so the first thank-you goes to you for reading this book. With so many good books and not nearly enough time to read them all, I appreciate your taking the time with mine. I want to say a particular thank-you to two of my teen readers, Valentina Misas and Abi Coale. Not only did they read my books and write to tell me they liked them, they spread the word to all their friends on Facebook and in school hallways. I couldn't ask for a better promotion team. I think you guys are awesome. To everyone else who wrote to tell me they liked my books-thanks. You made my day, sometimes the entire week.

I am so fortunate to have a great team behind each of my books. My agent, Rachel Vater, picked me out of the slush pile and has cheered me on since. The entire team at Simon Pulse is fantastic. Thanks to Cara Petrus (cover design G.o.ddess), Annette Pollert, Anna McKean, Amy Jacobson, and Emilia Rhodes. Special thanks to my editor, Anica Mrose Rissi, who is not only an editorial genius, but shares my love of shoes and dogs. Thanks for all your guidance, insight, and willingness to put up with me and my tendency to use Canadian spelling and stick u u's into every other word. I hope I can write books with this team for years to come.

My friends and family continue to support my dream of being a writer and are just darn fun to have around. Big thanks to Avita Sharma, Shannon Smith, Jamie Hillegonds, Serena Robar, Alison Pritchard, Laura Sullivan, Shanna Mahin, Joelle Anthony, Brooke Chapman, Joanne Levy, Carol Mason, Robyn Harding, Lynn Crymble, Jeanette Caul, and Melissa Mills.

I couldn't do any of this without my husband, Bob, who not only provides technical support, cooks meals as needed, and is never jealous of my legions of imaginary friends, but can also always make me laugh. This journey wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you. To my dogs, stop chewing my shoes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR.

EILEEN COOK spent most of her teen years wis.h.i.+ng she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. When she was unable to find any job postings for world-famous author, she went to Michigan State University and became a counselor so she could at least afford her book-buying habit. But real people have real problems, so she returned to writing because she likes having the ability to control the ending. Which is much harder with humans.

You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and dogs, and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

Also by EILEEN COOK

What Would Emma Do?

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood