Emma Jean Lazarus Fell in Love (12 page)

Oh no.

Emma-Jean hurried away. She would be sure to avoid Brandon in the coming weeks, or until she could be entirely sure that the epidemic of spring fever had passed.

As she walked through the crowd, she heard something, a rhythmic chorus, chanting her name.

It was her friends.

She looked at them with surprise. They were smiling at her, and waving, beckoning for her to join them.

And then a warm feeling came over her, though it seemed to have nothing to do with the temperature in the gym. The feeling came from within her, and it grew stronger as she made her way toward her friends, who continued to call her name.

Their voices swirled around her, encircling her like the soft silk of her sari, lighting the air around her like the sparkle of her father's eyes.

As she stepped into their midst, she felt their hands on her shoulders, the girls' kisses brushing her cheeks. She closed her eyes and smiled. And for a moment she couldn't hear anything, not the music or the giggles or the shouts.

All she could hear was her own poetic heart, beating steady and true, echoing with possibilities.

Every day—every hour—I feel grateful for the blessings of my life, including the opportunity to be a part of the world of children's books. For this, I am deeply grateful to Lauri Hornik, whose editorial wisdom, unflagging support, and friendship have made this book a source of ongoing delight and excitement for me. I would like to thank the entire team at Dial Books, especially Mary Raymond for opening all those library doors, Kristin Smith for her beautiful Yellow Warblers, Regina Castillo for her keen editorial eye, and Shelley Diaz for all of her help. I would not be writing children's books if it were not for Gail Hochman, the finest agent a person could hope for, who offered words of encouragement way back when and whose embracing attentions would give anyone confidence. Nancy Mercado helped bring Emma-Jean into my life in 2007, and her guiding spirit remains with me. I am ever grateful to my friends and colleagues at
Storyworks
magazine, particularly Deb Dinger, who has been my beloved friend and creative partner for more than fifteen years. To Stefanie Dreyfuss, I am grateful for your friendship and daily words of support. To my parents, Karen and Barry Tarshis; my husband, David Dreyfuss; and my children, Leo, Jeremy, Dylan, and Valerie, I love you all more than I could ever express in words. And to my Nana, Jennie Ross, happy ninetieth birthday.