“Baby, don’t be sad. Friday will be here soon.”
“I know. I’m trying. You’ll have a great time in Vancouver,” I said enthusiastically.
My hands remained around Danny’s neck keeping us close.
“I’ll be working really hard.”
“It’s going to be an amazing experience. Everyone will be impressed that Steve’s son takes his job so seriously.”
“I do take it seriously. I may have this job because of Dad, but I’m going to prove to everyone that I deserve it.”
“Of course you deserve it. You’re smart, conscientious, and hardworking.”
“And I already have a fan club,” Danny smiled. I rolled my eyes.
“Steve and I are so proud of you. Danny, I respect you so much.”
“Baby, I love you. You’re going to be great at your job too.”
“I hope so. I want Dad to be proud.”
“Of course Mike will be proud. He’s lucky to have you. You’re an amazing woman, Elizabeth.”
My insides wanted to explode from joy. I squeezed his hand. I was glowing.
“Daniel, I love you so much,” I squealed.
“Daniel, c’mon! I can’t be late to my own meeting,” Steve yelled down again.
“Be right there, Dad!”
“You’d better go.” I said tentatively.
“Yeah. I don’t want Dad getting angry.” Danny smiled at me. “I’ll call you tonight, baby. Let’s Skype. You’ll think I’m there.”
“Not quite.”
“Use your imagination. I will.”
Danny pulled me to his chest. His arms wrapped around me and my hands clasped tightly around his neck. This would be our last kiss and we made it count.
“I’ll see you Friday,” Danny said when we finally parted.
“I love you, Danny.”
“I love you too.”
“Steve’s waiting.”
I smiled at Danny, wanting to make a good memory. He quickly kissed me again and smiled a warm, encouraging smile.
“I’ll call tonight. Have fun with the girls.”
I nodded as we slowly parted and Danny walked toward the stairs to the plane. One solitary tear slipped out of my eye and down my cheek as I watched him.
Three steps later, Danny bounded back to me.
“I forgot these,” Danny said while picking up his backpack and laptop. “One more kiss,” he ordered, and I happily obliged.
Danny grinned as we parted. “Gotta go,” and he ran for the stairs.
I watched the flight attendant pull the heavy door closed. Only then did I return to the Porsche. I sighed and leaned against the side of the car, my arms folded across my chest shielding me from the chill I felt inside. I smiled and waved to the plane, certain that Danny could see me from the window. He had to see me smiling.
The plane soon taxied down the runway. As it lifted off into the clear, sun-drenched sky, tears fell from my eyes. “Friday will be here soon enough,” I told myself.
Then I smiled, pleased that for the second time this year I had successfully started a new life. I climbed into the Porsche, started the engine and began my drive back home to Malibu. I had dinner guests to prepare for.
To Be Continued…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in New York City, I was always a California girl at heart, obsessed with sports cars in a town with no parking. I couldn’t wait to leave. So I did.
After graduating from Vassar College where I studied Psychology and Economics, I headed to Los Angeles. Then, after a brief stint in Washington, D.C., to earn my MBA, I headed back to the beach, and became a film production accountant, working on films you’ve probably never heard of.
I wrote my first novel at the age of six, and didn’t write another until Hollywood Princess. I’m a news junkie and a baseball addict who loves a good love story. There are too many tragedies in the world. Why not provide an escape?
Now living in Connecticut, I’m married to a New York-based film producer. We have three children; two are not yet old enough to read this book, though one keeps trying to peek.
www.danayannlevin.com
www.facebook.com/DanaAynnLevin
twitter.com/OfficialDLevin
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