Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin

I walked behind the counter and had just started to refill ketchup bottles when my friend, Ax, walked in. After my last customer left, I counted out my money. Mondays were known for two things at Ma’s Diner: we poured lots of extra coffee and the tips sucked. A big thanks to Kendel Flaum for all your hard work. And gratitude to my daughter, Austin, who let me have her name - you’re not getting it back, so forget it. But keep the pom-poms, you never know when they might come in handy. Even though you looked ridiculous in those skirts. Jeff and Colter, my go-to guys, first readers, and favorite husband and son - you two put up with my nuttiness and were my biggest cheerleaders. To John Snethen, thanks for all your help on all matters legal and illegal. Boyer - it’s been fun taking this journey with you.

To my fellow chicks in the hen house, Larissa Reinhart and Susan M. To Kim Carruthers and Sarah Lovewell, my beta readers, thanks so much. To Ann Charles, a kick ass writer, thanks for reading and blurbing. Kathy Collins, Alta Durrant, Sara Attebury, Sarah Skolaut, Janice McClain, and Barbara Herrin thanks for reading for me and inspiring me to be better.

Thank you, Cheryl O’Donovan, for all your guidance. Butcher, an amazing writer and mentor - you’ve helped me more than you know. Thank you for your friendship and holding my feet to the fire. See what you started? To all my KCACG ladies - Kim Gabauer, Christina Wilson, Lindy Dierks, Paula Gill, Dawn Lind, and a special shout out to Heidi Senesac.

To Emily Collins, my swim buddy and fellow critter, thanks for NaNoWriMoing with me. I owe my thanks to a lot of people who helped make this book a reality.

Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin