One of the cameramen had spotted her, and she heard a flash go off. Someone ahead of her called out her name, and she smiled. Then she heard her name from the opposite direction, from over her shoulder. She turned around and her smile dropped away.
Max was standing on the sidewalk in his white T-shirt with a look on his face that made her want to cry. She took a step toward him and then stopped, unsure if he only wanted a final glimpse of her and was hoping to remain unrecognized. Then he began to stride toward her on his strong legs, his face as determined and serious as it had been when he was flying the plane. When he reached her he put one hand on her waist and one hand on the back of her head. He brought her mouth up to his and kissed her for the first time. She could feel the strength of his jaw in the kiss, and as her heart floated upward, she pressed back with equal force. Another bulb sizzled behind her, but still he let their breath mingle for a few seconds more.
“Can I see you soon?” he asked when he pulled back. There was such uncharacteristic yearning in his voice.
“You know how to find me,” she said simply, and gave him a wink.
All was briefly calm on the street; he flashed her that exquisitely rare smile once and then he was gone. She could hear him running back to his car and the motor starting up, but she had already turned around and lifted her arms to greet the gathering crowd. There would be singers looking for a big break and debutantes in tiaras who wanted special tables and newspapermen begging for quotes. The taste of Max’s mouth was still on her lips, but she couldn’t dwell there. The day had been beautifully long, but it was going to be a longer night.
Acknowledgments
I am very grateful to have such wonderful friends and editors in Sara Shandler and Farrin Jacobs, who work so hard to turn these books into the best versions of themselves. Many thank-yous also to Joelle Hobeika, Josh Bank, Les Morgenstein, Elise Howard, Catherine Wallace, Kristin Marang, Sasha Illingworth, Beth Clark, Marisa Russell, Christina Colangelo, Lauren Flower, Liz Dresner, Aiah Wieder, Melinda Weigel, and Laura Lutz. And thank you, Hawkes, for the use of the spare house in old rum-running country to write in.
About the Author
Anna Godbersen was born in Berkeley California, and educated at Barnard College. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her online at www.annagodbersen.com.
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Also by Anna Godbersen
BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS
THE LUXE
RUMORS
ENVY
SPLENDOR
Credits
Jacket photo © 2011 by Karen Pearson/MergeLeft Reps, Inc.
Copyright
Beautiful Days
Copyright © 2011 by Anna Godbersen
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