nessa suffered in silence； wondering what she was going to do
without a Natasha。 For a moment she imagined buying a wig and
playing the part herself； getting someone else to shoot it for her。
But it was her project； she had to film it。
Just then； someone nudged her arm and whispered； “Do you mind if
I try when she’s done？”
Vanessa turned to find Serena van der Woodsen standing beside
her； a little breathless from running across the park。 Her cheeks
were flushed and her eyes were as dark as the twilit sky。 Serena
was her Natasha； if ever there was one。
Daniel bolted upright； forgetting his injuries and his line。 The crack
pipe rolled to the ground。
“Wait； we’re not done；” Marjorie said。 She prodded Dan in the arm。
“You’re supposed to kiss my hand。”
Dan stared at her blankly。
“Sure；” Vanessa told Serena。 “Marjorie； do you mind giving Serena
your script？”
Serena and Marjorie traded places。 Dan had his eyes open now。 He
didn’t dare blink。
They began to read。
“I have been looking at you for a long time；” Dan said； meaning
every word。
Serena knelt down beside him and took his hand。 Dan felt faint； and
he was grateful he was lying down。
Whoa。 Easy boy。
He had been in lots of plays； but he had never felt that thing called
“chemistry” before with anyone。 And to be feeling it with Serena
van der Woodsen was like dying an exquisite death。 It felt like he
and Serena were sharing the same breath。 He was inhale and she
was exhale。 He was quiet and still； while she exploded around him
like fireworks。
Serena was enjoying herself too。 The script was beautiful and
pas