Nate wound a strand of Blair’s hair around his finger and breathed
in the scent of her perfume。 It felt okay； standing there； holding her。
It felt like something he could do。 For now； and maybe forever。 He
didn’t need Serena。
He nodded。 “I promise。”
And then they kissed—a sad； soft kiss。 In her head； Blair could hear
the swell of music signaling the end of the scene。 It had started out
a little rocky； but at least the ending was okay。
“e on；” she said； pulling away and wiping the mascara smudges
from under her eyes。 “Let’s go see who’s here。”
Holding hands； they left the ladies’ room。 Kati Farkas smiled
knowingly as she tottered past them on the way in。
“You guys；” she scolded。 “Get a room！”
“This band rocks！” Serena shouted at Vanessa over the pounding
drum and bass。 She wriggled her butt from side to side in her chair；
her eyes shining。 Dan was having trouble breathing normally。 He’d
barely touched his drink。
Vanessa smiled； pleased that Serena liked the music。 Personally；
she hated it； although she’d never tell her sister Ruby that。
SugarDaddy was all about people dancing and sweating and
shaking their bodies around； which was definitely not Vanessa’s
thing。
She’d rather lie around in the dark listening to Gregorian chants or
whatever。 Yeehaw！
“e on；” Serena said； standing up。 “Let’s dance。”
Vanessa shook her head。 “That’s okay；” she said。 “You go。”
“Dan？” Serena said； tugging on his jacket sleeve。 “e on！”
Dan never； ever danced。 He was bad at it； and it made him feel like
a goofball。 He hesitated； glancing at Vanessa； who raised her black
eyebrows； challenging hi