with the Star Wars ringtone, have Hollywood A-listers as regular clients, and be trying for a baby, she would’ve laughed and said, ‘What the hell are you on?’ But sat in the bustling IKEA bistro in Brooklyn, her heart swelled with happiness. She opened her journal and picked up her pen.
I don’t have to wait until tomorrow to know what I’m thankful for today.
Smiling at the page, she pressed pen to paper.
December 31, I was AM grateful for:
1. our two-year ‘meet cute’ anniversary.
2. True love with the kindest, sexiest, most wonderful man I’ve ever known.
3. Peeing on a stick this morning & watching two miraculous little lines appear (then doing it again just to be sure!).
I can’t WAIT to tell Tarquin tonight.
Acknowledgements
Thank you so much for reading Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye!
This novel was supposed to be released a year earlier, but after the unexpected and premature death of our beloved Schipperke, Zoey, I had to step away and grieve. For me and my husband, Zoey was our world, our little girl, and her loss broke us. For months, I was unable to read, let alone write (both, my therapist tells me, are common signs of deep grief), and I decided to give my heart time to heal. I’m still not quite there yet, but at least my writing mojo returned, and now here I am with another book I’m really proud of.
I’d like to thank the kind, generous souls who were there for me in the immediate aftermath of Zoey’s passing: Heather & Bill, Val & Tony, Jason, Therasa, Maria, Sheila, Gabby & Rosie, Sally & Bruce, Michal, Vicki, Charlotte, Cristina, Esther, Nicole, Kristin, Alison, Lynsey, Simone, Sally T., Len, Rose-Anne, Charles, Tammy, Alicia, and Susan. I cannot express how grateful I am for all of you. Your hugs, messages, and cupcakes were so appreciated during this most difficult year of my life. Love you all.
Much cheaper than a plane ticket, I hope Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye feels like a sweet escape. London owns my heart (40+ visits and counting), while New York is my first travel love (and home of my meet cute with my British husband!). Scotland’s Orkney Islands, however, are in my blood. I’m proud of my Orcadian ancestry and treasure the time I spent on the Mainland, South Ronaldsay, Lamb Holm, and Hoy in 2018. It’s really weird setting foot somewhere for the first time and feeling like you’ve come home.
I’m proud to be an own voices author, too. I’ve had anxiety, panic attacks, and depression since I was a kid, and I’m grateful to have this platform to inform and (I hope) help remove the stigma around such issues. Mental health matters today and every day.
One of the themes of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is gratitude, and I’d like to thank the following people for their support and help.
To my husband, Darren, this year has been unlike any other. I don’t know how I would’ve carried on without you. You’re my best friend, my anchor, my nacho-maker, my editor, my book designer, and Zoey’s dad. Always. Xoxo
Katrina, sending all the love to you for the gift of Charlie. I love our Floof Dragon to the moon and back (even if he did chew my cherished Grease soundtrack from the ’70s).
Michal, remember telling me your story about being stuck in IKEA during a blackout? And now it lives on with Leia & Tarq. Thank you for being so awesome (I’m glad you made it out okay).
Esther, we finally hung out in London! I know Manchester is our usual stomping ground, but I had a blast researching locations with you. We ate far too many cakes, but it was worth it, right? I’ll never see ‘cake carriage’ without thinking of you. Love ya!
Vicki and Charlotte, my theatre pals, comic con accomplices, and two of the most genuine, funny, and beautiful women I’ve ever known. I love you both. Pride & ladies’ toast forever!
Cristina, I so admire your beautiful way with words and am forever thankful that Ben Whishaw brought us together. Thank you for your bookish help. Lots of love (and cuddles for Thorin).
Cheers, hugs, and allll the British chocolate to my brilliant beta and sensitivity readers, with a special shout-out to Jennifer for guiding me through accessibility. Thank you so much!
Nicole Caliva, I love your photo of my Tarquin and Leia. They are the perfect cover stars (and it’s even sweeter that they’re a real-life couple). Thank you!
Caitlin, you are the most accommodating editor and such