Three cheers for Marley Gibson, the most loyal friend and outrageous critique partner, who took it upon herself to pitch this manuscript sight unseen and “had a feeling” about it from the start. I owe so much to my writing friends: Lex; CLW; Colleen, Elly, Jana, and Wendy; and above all, TARA. I am especially grateful to Cheryl Wilson, who gave me a home and a sense of my own strengths, and to Julie Leto, who got me into this whole mess and has always provided a shining example of the kind of writer I want to be when I grow up.

I am indebted to Jacki and Bob, who let me live in their house while developing the seed of this story and celebrated my sale as if I was one of their own. And props to the whole D.C. crowd for making me feel so at home.

All my appreciation to fellow Bulldogs Lauren, Nicola, and Mackenzie, and further gratitude and apologies to all my bright college friends and companions, who may or may not see themselves in these pages. Here’s a hint: if it’s good, it’s totally about you. If it’s bad, it’s about, um…someone else. And also, I bow to the loose lips of my secret sources. Thank you for not killing me after telling me.

And, finally, my most ardent admiration and love to my partner, Dan. You’re the person who made me believe I’d do it, and you’ve demonstrated your faith with every step and sacrifice along the way. Aspiret primo Fortuna labori.

About the Author

DIANA PETERFREUND graduated from Yale University in 2001 with degrees in geology and literature. A former food critic, she now resides in Washington, D.C.; this is her first novel. Bantam Dell will publish the second book in the Secret Society Girl series in Summer 2007.