There was only today to throw yourself into without thinking about tomorrow, let alone forever. To keep you from thinking, there was liquor, an ocean's worth at least, all the usual vices and plenty of rope to hang yourself with. Love is a beautiful liar.
Paula McLainIn Paris, you couldn't really turn around without seeing the result of lovers' bad decisions. An artist given to sexual excess was almost a clichรฉ, but no one seemed to mind. As long as you were making something good or interesting or sensational, you could have as many lovers as you wanted and ruin them all.
Paula McLainYou are everything good and straight and fine and trueโand I see that so clearly now, in the way youโve carried yourself and listened to your own heart. Youโve changed me more than you know, and will always be a part of everything I am. Thatโs one thing Iโve learned from this. No one you love is ever truly lost.
Paula McLainI also liked to look around at the houses surrounding the park and wonder about the people who filled them, what kinds of marriages they had and how they loved or hurt each other on any given day, and if they were happy, and whether they thought happiness was a sustainable thing.
Paula McLainHow unbelievably naive we both were that night. We clung hard to each other, making vows we couldn't keep and should never have spoken aloud. That's how love is sometimes. I already loved him more than I'd ever loved anything or anyone. I knew he needed me absolutely, and I wanted him to go on needing me forever.
Paula McLain