Chapter 21 - La Même Histoire
Schuyler made her way through the fancy hallway of a modern looking building in the Village. Its sides were paned in tinted glass windows, the interior was accented with stainless steel and more glass. She passed various Red Blood mothers gushing about their children and plastic surgery secrets in the lobby outside the luncheon. Schuyler picked up her pace, hoping to avoid being recognized by any of her classmates.
There was no doubt rumors would have circulated about her and Jack from the previous month. And it most likely was all negative and hateful.
Schuyler wore a dress Bliss had picked out for her on their shopping trip. The navy dress had a plunging neckline too revealing for Schuyler's comfort, so she wore a plain white shirt underneath it. Her palms were starting to sweat, so she wiped them flat on her skirt, which reached just above her knees. Fortunately, everyone in the lobby ignored her as usual, so she easily slipped by the congregation and entered the luncheon.
The ornately decorated banquet hall was bustling with New York elites and the caterers serving them. Round white-clothed tables took up the majority of the large room, with the center open for a dance floor. Serene classical musical played by a live quartet and grand piano countered the busy atmosphere of the brunch. Schuyler spotted Mimi and Trinity, chatting up a storm with another Blue Blood family. Jack was behind them, having small talk with a fellow Duchesne Senior.
Bliss had given her a phone call early in the morning, sounding urgent and out of breath. Schuyler searched the crowd for her friend, hoping to see what had caused such a mood. The red head came into focus, beckoning Schuyler impatiently. Seated at her table were also BobiAnne and Jordan. All three were dressed impeccably, donning individual strings of pearls.
Schuyler didn't even get a chance to say hello, when Bliss pulled her down to the seat next to her. The girl had bags under eyes, her red hair messily put up in a bun.
"You look terrible." Schuyler quietly told her friend, who was leaning close to speak herself.
"I didn't get much sleep." Bliss grumbled, she eyed the banquet hall then back at Schuyler. "Guess who paid me a little visit last night?"
Schuyler blinked, slight thrown by the question. When Bliss figured she wasn't going to play the guessing game, she leaned into all the way over and whispered into her ear. "Dylan."
"What?" Schuyler's surprise came out louder than she expected and was promptly shushed by Bliss.
Before Schuyler could ask again, Bliss stood and pulled Schuyler out into a hallway. It was virtually empty, except for a few stragglers making their way back to the luncheon from the restrooms.
"What is going on?" Schuyler asked when it was clear.
"I woke up and he was there. I think he was there to warn me. Sky, we have to go look for him." Bliss implored.
Schuyler grabbed Bliss by the shoulders. "Bliss, do you hear what you're even saying? Dylan is a Silver Blood. He tried to kill us."
"He came to see me Sky. There still has to be some good in him or he would risk coming to warn me." Bliss pointed out vehemently. Her eyes darted across Schuyler's face hoping to find agreement. "I miss him."
Schuyler frowned. She knew how hard it must be for her, to be unable to be with the one she cared about. "I know. But we can't go chasing after him. He's with the Silver Bloods now. And if he wants out, he's going to have leave himself."
Bliss nodded, blinking back the water in her eyes.
Schuyler shifted Maryjane heels. "And I know how frustrating it must be for you. Our love lives needs some serious help."
Bliss choked out a laugh, and her raven-haired friend joined in. "What we need are some normal boys."
"I don't think 'normal' will ever be enough for us." Schuyler smirked.
Lunch was served and it was as fantastic as Schuyler expected. The main course was a delicious roasted turkey sandwich on Ciabatta bread served with creamy artichoke soup. A row of tables stood at the side of the banquet hall, never empty of hordeuves, sweets, and finger treats.
Feeling very satiated, Schuyler sat back and enjoyed the live music. But to her surprise someone lightly tapped her shoulder. She looked up a found a dirty-blond haired young man looking down at her, lips curled in a shy smile. He was in her year at Duchesne, a Red Blood. A quick glance showed there were two of them, the other boy looking expectantly at Bliss. Schuyler's boy reach out a hand, palm up, in invitation. It seemed he and his friend wanted to dance.
"Oh no. I can barely move." Schuyler patted her stomach, trying unsuccessfully to turn down the offer when Bliss stood and accepted her partner's hand.
"Oh come on!" Bliss encouraged.
Begrudgingly, Schuyler was pulled onto the dance floor, but she pasted on her most welcoming smile. The friendly looking boy, whose name she soon learned was Nathan, was actually a great dancer. Schuyler did her best to keep up, blushing when her foot stepped on his. Nathan chuckled at her flustered state and swiftly eased her in time with his steps.
The pleasant music was easy enough to follow once Schuyler found the right tempo. As they waltzed, she looked around her and saw that Bliss was having a good time, chatting with her partner. She wished she could carry a conversation with Nathan, but her concentration could only take so many processes simultaneously.
Nathan didn't seem bothered by the lack of concentration and was content on waltzing and occasionally watching her. It was bit unnerving whenever her eyes met his. She did the first thing that came to mind, which was to smile. He took it as an invitation and his hands lowered ever so slightly on her back.
Thankfully, the song was over, before his hand could travel any lower. She was about to pull away, but Nathan didn't seem to want to let go. The next song started up and he started moving them again. Schuyler's mind raced for an reason to excuse herself, but was saved from the trouble.
"May I cut in?" It was a male voice behind her. She didn't have to turn around to know it was him.
Her current partner was well familiar with the social totem poll. Nathan gushed about the lacrosse team's great season last year before obliging Jack. He gave Schuyler a friendly handshake and left her on the dance floor with Jack before she could say 'thank you'.
"I thought we're just friends?" Schuyler was glad to have been saved from another dance with Nathan, but it didn't mean she wanted one with Jack. She didn't want to dance period.
"Do friends not dance?" His eyes lit up with amusement as he offered his hand.
She shook her head indignantly at him, but the effect was ruined as she still accepted his hand. As they closed the distance between them, Schuyler whispered, "Thank you."
"I thought Nathan was a superb partner." He poked back quietly, only for her to hear.
"He had wandering hands." Schuyler's nose scrunched up, remembering Nathan's flirting.
"I saw." His voice had gotten lower, it almost came out as a growl. Schuyler swore it sounded like one. She wondered why Jack was watching her anyways.
Schuyler looked around her and found they were being watched by those around them. She concentrated on his steps, hoping not to step on his feet. The band played harmoniously together and a singer crooned a beautiful french tune.
They moved across the dance floor, shifting in place with other couples. He twirled her around and pulled her back to him. To her surprise, the motion-singular and fluid-didn't cause her to trip.
"You don't have to come to the party tonight." Jack finally spoke up again as he dipped, her back arching and her head tipping back.
When she rose back up, she answered him promptly, "And what if I want to?"
"Then come, I'll clear it with security." Jack replied, knowing Mimi would have a strict guest list.
"What, you're not going to try and change my mind?" She was definitely surprised by his lack of highhandedness.
"Oh no. I've learned that is an impossible task by now." He chuckled.
"I'm doing this for me. I can't let Mimi step all over me, I have to make a stand at some point." Schuyler admitted.
"All I ask is for you to stay out of trouble." Jack sounded very much like Lawrence.
"Me? Trouble?" She feigned innocence. "Not to sound immature but, she the one that always starts it."
"And that's why I'm asking you to be careful."
After a moment, Schuyler leaned in closer so only he could hear, "Bliss saw Dylan last night."
Jack stiffened, "Is she alright?" He glanced around the room for Bliss. She was back at her table chatting with the boy she shared a dance with.
"She's a bit shaken, but should be alright. Its just really odd behavior from Dylan. She wants to go looking for him." She looked up at him.
Before he could comment, the song ended and everyone applauded. The singer bowed gracefully and left the stage. The pianist and guitarist stayed, playing another song.
Jack didn't look amused at hearing about chasing after Dylan. Schuyler thought it was bad idea as well, but that wouldn't stop Bliss if the girl had already made up her mind.
"Please tell me you didn't agree to such a notion."
Schuyler held up a hand. "Trust me, I'm not going to be on some wild goose chase anytime soon." She was about to ask if he had any new intel on the Silver Blood, but she caught a certain blonde Blue Blood heading their way.
"Heads up, my 2'oclock. I'll see you tonight." Schuyler quickly muttered before fleeing back to her table.
The harbor smelled of the sea on the breezy summer night as Bliss and Schuyler stepped out of their town car. The salty air wafted around them and the sound of the river swished nearby. An extravagantly large yacht sat docked before them, its entire exterior was lit up and the festivities had already begun. A red carpeted walkway led a line of invitees to the yacht's dock entrance.
"I don't know Mimi comes up with these parties." Bliss wondered. "She had only a week to plan this."
"Money opens up a lot of doors." Schuyler offered sagely, grinning as she eyed the long line of people. They were all dressed semi-formally, sticking to the nautical themed party, as instructed by the invitation. The line of party-goers were dressed in a pattern of similar colors, following the nautical theme guidelines. Navy blue and white seemed to be the popular choice of the night.
Three security guards stood at the entry breezeway, trying their best to efficiently admit people in. Various other security guards stood on the dock, eyes cautious and alert. Mimi's Bonding Cocktail party was harder to get into than the Oscars.
Schuyler wore a short white ruffled skirt. Her shirt was a dull silver halter, with thick braided straps. For warmth, she wore a black leather jacket, one that Oliver helped pick out. To finish her outfit, she wore the necklace Jack had given her. For the first time, she wore it out in the open.
Bliss adjusted the strap on her platform wedge. Her white dress billowed in the wind, its hem reach just past her knees tastefully. She waved good-bye to her driver as he drove off.
A red carpet beckoned them and they dutifully took their place in line. Schuyler watched the activity on the yacht, looking up to gaze at the enormous ship. String lights adorned the outside of the yacht, setting it in a nice glow. Music could be heard from the top deck, as well as a few a dull chatter.
Schuyler took a deep breath. She probably wouldn't even run into Mimi or Jack at the party, given how many people were invited. Well, here goes nothing.