You Knew Me When

“W
hat exactly does this mean?” Katherine appeared infuriatingly unruffled by the news, entitled almost.

“It means the house is yours, along with all of Luella's belongings.”

“So we sell it?” Katherine arched one perfectly groomed eyebrow.

“If you want.” He looked somewhat deflated. “Oh, I almost forgot. There's a bit more to this.” He shuffled through another pile of papers. “Here it is. Yes, that's right. Per Luella's last wishes, the two of you will need to clean out the house, split up, sell, or donate her possessions as you see fit, and make sure the house is in tip-top shape, should you want to put it on the market. Then and only then you can divide the money between you.” He studied both of them carefully.

“That's preposterous. I can't stay in Vermont to clean out and fix up a house.” Katherine shook her head. “I'd be happy to pay someone to do it.”

“Fine by me.” Laney's jaw clenched. How
dare
she throw her money around, even if it did make things easier on both of them?

“Oh no. That won't be possible, I'm afraid.” Richard Newman wagged his index finger back and forth. “Luella was quite clear in writing and when I spoke to her, on more than one occasion. She specifically wanted you ladies to do this together.”

“Not possible.” Katherine huffed.

“At least we agree on something,” Laney confirmed.

“Maybe this will change your mind.” He scribbled something on a notepad, mumbling numbers to himself at the same time. One final flick of his pen and he looked up again, smiling triumphantly. “The house is worth one-point-four million dollars. Along with Luella's belongings, that means each of you stands to walk away with well over a half million after taxes. Now, how does that sound?”

Neither Laney nor Katherine said a word. They both just stared straight ahead.

“This is good news, ladies. Great news, really.” He narrowed his eyes and tapped his pen on his desk. “Luella said you were the best of friends.”

“We used to be.” Laney sniffed.

“Actually”—Katherine's voice softened just a little—“we used to be sisters.”

Published by the Penguin Group

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First published by New American Library,

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Copyright © Emily Liebert, 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

REGISTERED TRADEMARK—MARCA REGISTRADA

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

Liebert, Emily.

You Knew Me When/Emily Liebert.

p. cm

ISBN 978-1-101-62047-2

1. Homecoming—Fiction. 2. Female friendship—Fiction. I. Title.

PS3612.I33525Y68 2013

813'.6—dc23 2012051780

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

Before I became an author, I was an avid acknowledgments page reader, consuming the lists of names as if they held the secret to my literary success. Now that
You Knew Me When
, my second book, has published and I'm working on my third, I understand that—in some ways—publishing a book is like being a parent. You simply can't do it alone.

Alyssa Reuben, my beloved agent and dear friend, you deserve as much credit for the evolution of this novel as I do! Throughout the process, I was blown away by your fierce dedication, keen editing skills, and ability to read draft after draft (after draft) with a renewed sense of purpose. You told me over and over (which clearly I needed to hear) that we would sell this book! And we did. Well, let's be honest: YOU did. Not only did you sell
You Knew Me When
, but you landed me a two-book deal, for which I will forever be indebted to you. I look forward to being your favorite author (fine, my words not yours) for many, many years to come.

Huge thanks also go to Jason Yarn and Laura Nolan at Paradigm.

This novel would not have been a reality without my editor extraordinaire, Kerry Donovan, at New American Library/Penguin. I have never, in my many years as a writer, worked with an editor as smart, perceptive, and supportive as you are. You have a unique and outstanding ability to take a “complete” book and see exactly how, with very specific nips, tucks, and additions, it could be a million times better. Thank God for that! I can't wait to work on my next novel together and many more after that.

Thank you to everyone at New American Library and Penguin who contributed to the birth of this book: copy editors, publicists, graphic designers. . . . The list goes on.

Not to be forgotten, my fabulous publicists Sarah Hall and Julie Chudow along with the remarkable team at Sarah Hall Productions. You are all dynamos and, without you, who would know about this book? You've worked and continue to work tirelessly on my behalf. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Many, many thanks to my outstanding partners in this effort. After all, these days it's not just about the writing! A heartfelt thank-you to Erin Giddings and Leo Reyzis at Zoya for all of your hard work in developing the
You Knew Me
When
collection of nail polishes named after the leading ladies in this book. I can't wait until everyone is wearing them this fall! The sincerest thank-you to Alessandra Meskita, the most talented fashion designer I know, who poured her heart and soul into creating five dresses—three also named for the characters in this book and two named after me—to wear to my launch parties. You are a genius. Thank you also to Marc Bagutta—your eye for fashion design is truly remarkable.

And now a special thank-you to the people in my life—friends and colleagues alike—who've supported me throughout my career: Kerry Kennedy; Mariah, Cara, and Michaela Kennedy Cuomo; Andrew Cuomo; Tom Yellin; David Goffin; Dean Waters; David Eilenberg; Ken Gillett; Jason Corliss; Sara Haines; Jodie Boies; Zoe Schaeffer; Jayne Chase; Vanessa Wakeman; Jene Luciani; Monica Lynn; Lisa Lineback; Mindy Smith; Holly Alexander; Jill Kargman; Jennifer Heitler; Blake Harris; and Lauren Becker—best intern ever! To my friend, fellow author, and one-woman-literary-support-system Shari Arnold—you read multiple drafts and gave honest feedback—THANK YOU!

Jessica Regel, you will always receive a heartfelt thank-you in my acknowledgments. You took a chance on me, which is everything.

This book is about best friends, which I know a thing or two about, because I have the best of the best: Melody Drake. How many years has it been? I won't date us. You're the only one who really gives it to me straight. And I love you for that and so many other reasons.

Thank you to my in-laws, Mary Ann Liebert, Peter B. Liebert, Peter S. Liebert, and Karren Liebert, and to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sara and Alex Liebert.

Without my family, I would be nowhere. My parents, Tom and Kyle Einhorn, tell me how proud they are of me practically every day. I love you both more than words can express. Zack Einhorn—you're an amazing brother and friend, and I'm so proud of your growing success. My grandmother Ailene Rickel is one of my best friends and my biggest fan. I love you a million times over. Thank you also to my grandmother Pat Einhorn— I love you!

And, finally, to my three boys . . . Lewis, you are my love and you are the most wonderful husband and father to our “little men.” I couldn't do what I do without your endless support. Jaxsyn and Hugo, my sweet pumpkins . . . I love you to the moon and back.

For what it's worth, I'm sorry for everything.
It doesn't have to be this way.
I miss my best friend. I miss my sister.