Lisa Owens - Not Working

I wake early to go for a run before work, kissing Luke on the shoulder when I leave; in sleep, he puckers reciprocally.

Outside, the air is cool, but the clear sky promises a scorcher. The streets are in shadow as I set out, overtaking street sweepers and dodging early commuters. I head east toward the canal, and on every street — exploding from buildings and gardens and railings — bright purple buddleia sprays bop in the breeze: clusters of supporters lining my route to cheer me on my way.

I would like to thank:

Thomas Morris, Jessie Price, Kiare Ladner and Thomas Eccleshare, for early readings and astute feedback.

Jane Finigan, for instant and enduring faith. Also, David Forrer at Inkwell Management and Juliet Mahoney at Lutyens & Rubinstein.

Francesca Main for boundless passion, eagle eyes and invaluable guidance. Also, her brilliant colleagues at Picador.

Kara Cesare at Random House, and Martha Kanya Forstner at Doubleday Canada, for editorial savvy and vital encouragement.

My family, for a lifetime of love.

Simon, for everything.

LISA OWENS was born in 1985 and grew up in Glasgow and Hertfordshire. Not Working is her first novel. She lives in London.