'I want a Jack Torres chocolate cake and I want it to be perfect.' Lily Humphrey demanded into her cell phone as she stood over her stove, slowly stirring tomato sauce. 'Now, the guest list. Take the following names to the calligrapher I hope you've hired by now: Serena Cecelia van der Woodsen, Blair Cornelia Waldorf, Charles Bartholomew Bass, Jennifer Humphrey, Nathaniel Archibald, Daniel Humphrey, Vanessa Abrams, Eleanor Waldorf-Rose, Cyrus Rose, Eric van der Woodsen and Cecelia Rhodes.'

'That's it?' timidly asked Rebecca Nielsen, a young woman who was currently working as a temp for the notorious Levana Jordan, New York's very best and incredibly overpriced party planner. Rebecca had to deal with a lot of spoilt, demanding women but Lillian Humphrey was by far the worst of the bunch.

'Yes. I'm not filling my daughter's birthday party with society nobodies like you might expect, but with people she loves. Now, I'm thinking of a purple and green color scheme since Willow adores Barney. But everything else is up to Levana. Tell her to call me as soon as possible.'

'Of course Mrs. Humphrey.' Smiled Rebecca, secretly thrilled to end this hour-long conversation.

'Bye Becky.'

'Rebecca.' Answered the temp, trying to not let the annoyance show in her tone.

'Right.' Lily hung up before adding a pinch of salt to the mixture and stirring once again. She felt bad about treating Becca or whatever her name was so badly, but she wanted the very best party for her little girl and good things only come to those who demand them. Just as she poured the sauce over whole-wheat penne pasta, her husband burst in through the door.

'You're home early.' Exclaimed a surprised Lily, still working on their dinner. 'You always stay late at the gallery on Thursdays.' Rufus walked up to his wife, snaking his arms around her thin waist and kissing her on the cheek.

'I asked Vanessa to lock up. I wanted to see you. Is willow still awake?' he asked hopefully.

'Sorry sweetie, I put her to bed half an hour ago. We spent all day at the park feeding ducks, or in her case chasing them, and she was absolutely exhausted. But –' she turned in her husband's arms so she was facing his slightly disappointed face. 'Jenny and Eric left this morning to tour Yale, so we have the apartment all to ourselves.'

'Really?' he wiggled his eyebrows up and down, causing his wife to laugh and link her arms around his neck.

'Food first.' She quickly pecked him on the lips before turning around to resume cooking their meal.

'Why?' he protested whilst wrapping his arms around her tighter and resting his head on her shoulder.

'Because I actually cooked!'

'Exactly. Do you blame me for being scared at the prospect of eating it?'

'Shut up.' She giggled, playfully elbowing him in the side. 'Here – try it.' She stabbed the pasta with a fork before feeding it to her resistant husband.

'Mmm. Not bad Humphrey.' He grinned at her and she couldn't help but grin back. And she certainly could help but kiss him with all the passion she could muster. They eventually pulled back, panting.

'Rufus, I'm hungry.'

'Then let's eat.'

'I'm not hungry for food.' She smiled coyly before kissing him again.

'Oh.' His eyes filled with understanding and a hint of mischief. 'Not that I'm complaining, but what about the pasta?'

'I guess it's a good thing that we have a microwave.'