A/N: Hello fellow readers. I intended to have this chapter uploaded last month, but two sudden passings in my family/extended family made March an impossibly difficult month. Rest assured, my family and I are doing okay, but it really made me take a step back from writing for the month. I hope the wait won't be as long for subsequent chapters, but life can throw curveballs sometimes.

Also, thank you all for the support for this story. Every time I receive a notification for a story follow, review, or favorite wows me. I never assumed this kind of following would happen, but I'm extremely grateful. In the previous chapter, a couple reviewers pointed out a potential inconsistency in one of the plot lines (concerning Jenny). That was the one scene I was worried about before I posted it, so it felt good to receive constructive feedback that confirmed my suspicions. I have since went back to the first scene of the last chapter and revised it to improve clarity. Feel free to go back and re-read it.

Thank you for contending with my LONG A/Ns. I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 36: Do the Wrong Thing

Spotted: The Junior class returning from battle. After all the preparation, ammunition, and protection, our survivors have returned. Whoever said the battle didn't have casualties clearly didn't know what it was like to write longhand for three hours straight.

Three hours and fifty grueling minutes had passed, and Evelyn could feel it throbbing through her right hand. She rolled her wrist in circles and pressed her thumb to the heel of her hand. Despite all of the preparation for the SATs, there was one thing she didn't prepare for: how she would feel afterwards. Why didn't she think to schedule a hand massage after the test? Was that even a thing? As her hand throbbed, she thought it should be offered after any exam.

Just when she was about done forming her new innovation, she heard Dash call her name. Her movements were sluggish, brain fried, and all she wanted was for the throbbing to go away.

While everyone walked out of the building like zombies, Dash jittered as if he just drank a red bull. "How'd it go?"

"I don't want to sound too overconfident, but I think…it went pretty well."

Dash put his arm around her shoulder, and they followed the herd of students down the steps. "See? I told you. You had nothing to worry about."

"I don't know," Evelyn said. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "We will only know for sure when the results are released."

"Which won't be for a while, so let's forget about it," Dash said.

Evelyn lifted her heavy head from his shoulder and noted Eric and Jenny were waiting at the curb.

"How's everyone feeling?" Evelyn asked.

Jenny shook her head while Eric said, "not good. I panicked on the math section. Panicked, I tell you. I'm done."

Evelyn bit her lip to stop herself from smiling. As distressed as Eric was over the test, she knew he was overreacting. "Are you sure it's that dire, Eric?"

"Positive. I couldn't remember basic trig. We just did that last week! I choked."

"He's overreacting," Jenny said. "It's over. Let's not even think about it."

"In that case," Dash said. "We should go now if we want to be on time."

"Go where?" Jenny asked.

"To settle your debt with Thom's supplier."

"Wait, what—"

Evelyn held her hand up, flat palm facing Jenny. "Before you worry, know that this is a good thing. I was posing as you yesterday, which now that I think about it might be problematic if Thom is there."

"That's a good point," Dash said.

"What did you do?"

"We called Thom's supplier and apparently Thom owes him the money. You were Thom's responsibility, so because of that mix-up with Agnes and the other…stuff you were hiding at your place, the responsibility falls on him, not you. We were just going to clear that up right now."

Jenny stared at Evelyn, trying to process what she was saying. "So, you're saying I don't have to pay? I'm in the clear?"

Evelyn nodded. "Should this lunch go well, yes."

"Well, I need to be there, though right?"

"Um, well, he was talking to me, so he might be suspicious if he hears you speak," Evelyn said.

"Both of you should go," Dash said. "You were talking on behalf of Jenny, Evelyn. He knows that, so if you put two faces to what you said on the phone last night, then you have nothing to worry about."

"Yeah," Evelyn said. "Sorry, I'm so fried from the test, everything is just jumbled right now. Does that sound good Jenny?"

She nodded. "Let's do it."

"Eric do you want to come? For moral support?" Evelyn asked.

"Sure. I doubt I'll be helpful since I can't seem to remember trig though."

"Like we need you to remember trig," Jenny said. "Just your calming presence is enough."

"I'll call my driver to see where he is. Unless Ozzy took off, it should be a couple blocks away," Dash said.

He turned away and held the phone to his ear. Evelyn turned to Eric and said, "Speaking of Ozzy, did you see him in your test hall?"

"I didn't."

Evelyn pursed her lips. "That's strange."

"He may have been in the room beside mine though," Eric said. "There were two rooms full of other students with last names that started from T-Z."

"The limo should be here in a minute," Dash said. "Ready?" He directed the question to Evelyn.

She nodded. "Yeah." She wondered if she could go back in the building and ask if Ozzy signed in. That was a ridiculous question. He had to be there. Why wouldn't he be?

Maybe she was overthinking it. Just because he didn't want to be around her, or rather Dash didn't want him around, it didn't mean he was gone completely. Maybe he already left the test centre? He was never one to linger.

The limo pulled up in front of them. Evelyn paused, looked over her shoulder one last time, looking for that same familiar curly head. All she saw was a gathering of seagulls in the middle landing of the now empty steps.

Chuck sifted through papers in Jack's hotel room that afternoon. With exams now over as of this morning, Chuck wanted to focus his attention on business matters. One, he wanted to finally secure the Thailand project, and two, he wanted to persist and find out what his Uncle Jack and father refused to tell him. He didn't know where to start with the latter one, so he began his focus on the former.

"Well Chuck," Jack said as he hung up the phone. "We have good news and bad news. Which do you prefer to hear first?"

"Bad obviously."

"The board will be voting on the Thailand project on Monday."

"That's the bad news?"

"Yes. They could have done it yesterday, but Bruce decided he needed to watch his granddaughter's volleyball tournament instead. Priorities. Anyway, the good news is that I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it's going to get passed."

"That's great news," Chuck said.

Jack nodded. "Exactly. The only thing we don't know is who they will name in charge of the project."

"Well it has to be you, right? Who else has worked harder to get this deal off the ground?"

"Exactly nephew. I don't want to get cocky, but there really is no reason to choose anyone else. You might want to make a call to your travel agent." Jack winked.

Jack turned and began to pack up his things. For the past few months, he'd just leave everything out in the open, unorganized, but now he seemed to be putting things away.

"What are you doing?"

"Packing up. Like you said, I've done everything I can do. Now, we wait."

"Are you sure?"

"A business man always knows when to work hard, but he also knows when to play hard. I always thought that came naturally to you, no?"

"As natural as a thoroughbred."

Jack refilled his scotch and offered Chuck some more. He lifted his glass and said, "to Thailand."

Chuck clinked his glass with Jack's. "To Thailand."

"Okay," Evelyn said as they stopped outside the restaurant. "This is it."

"Really?" Eric looked in the front bay window. "I wasn't expecting a restaurant that was so…"

"Hipster?" Jenny offered.

"Wholesome. The juxtaposition is a little disturbing."

They stood outside a organic foods restaurant that none of them had ever been to. Through the bay window, Evelyn could see lots of fresh plants and flowers hanging in baskets from the ceiling, and or lining the walls of the narrow shop. The outdoor sign advertised the fresh, hormone-free beef, organic vegetables, and feature of the day. It was an unlikely place for two drug dealers to meet up, which Evelyn gathered, was precisely the point.

"He's probably waiting inside," Dash said. "I wouldn't want either of you to be late."

Evelyn turned to Jenny. "Good point. Are you ready?"

Jenny nodded. They marched up the steps leaving Dash and Eric to wait outside. Dash insisted they wait outside in case something bad happened, or if the police needed to be called.

Half of the tables were occupied, but Evelyn didn't find a familiar face sitting at one of them. Thom wasn't there yet, and Evelyn didn't know what Alejandro looked like. She didn't want to assume, but he had to be a bit darker in skin tone. Was he tall or short? What would he wear? Did he have facial hair?

The hostess appeared. "For two?"

"Actually," Evelyn said. "I think there may be a reservation?"

"Under Alex? For 3?"

"Yes," Evelyn said. "And now, it's for 4. Is that okay?"

"Of course. Let me grab another chair."

Once seated, Jenny began to drum her fingers on the table. "Are you sure this is going to work?"

"Have confidence, Jenny. If we don't know what's happening, we just have to fake it till we make it."

"I thought you were certain this would work out?"

"I'm certain that we can fake it as necessary. Don't overthink it."

The door opened and Thom appeared. His blonde hair was tousled, and he had dark circles under his eyes. His eyes narrowed when he saw them at the table. Evelyn waved at him.

"What are you doing?" Jenny said without moving her mouth.

"Being cordial."

Thom arrived at the table and didn't sit down. "What is she doing here?" He asked Jenny.

"She has a name," Evelyn said. "I'm the one who arranged this meeting. You might want to sit down and make yourself comfortable."

When Thom pulled the chair away from the table, it made a loud screeching noise. He sat and crossed his arms. Thom refused to look or speak to either one of them with his body turned away from both of them.

Evelyn exchanged a look with Jenny. She hoped Alejandro would arrive soon, or this would be extremely awkward. Evelyn looked at her phone to see several messages from Dash updating her that Thom was near and asking if she was okay. She quickly replied when the doorbell chimed. All three of them looked up. An older man with black hair and a perfectly trimmed beard appeared. He wore a light blue button town t-shirt with skinny crème colour pants held up by a brown belt. He wore no tie and his shirt was unbuttoned, revealing a patch of dark chest hair.

Thom immediately stood up straight with a serious expression on his face.

"Tomás." The man said. He shook Thom's hand and clamped his free hand on his shoulder. He then looked between Jenny and Evelyn. "I didn't realize you were bringing friends?"

"I didn't. Jenny decided to invite hers," Thom said.

"Actually," Evelyn said, standing up. "There's a reason for this. I'm the one who called you last night, Alejandro. I'm not Jenny, but this is Jenny." Evelyn motioned to Jenny beside her. "I'm her friend, Evelyn."

"Is this true, Tomás?"

"Yes," Thom mumbled.

They all sat down. Alejandro leaned back in his chair, and folded his right leg over his left, his right ankle resting on his left thigh. Jenny shifted her chair closer to Evelyn to give him more space.

There was an air of calmness to him. He looked relaxed, natural in the presence of strangers. His hair was parted down the middle of his scalp, and his curls were tucked behind his ears. His smile comforted her, but she couldn't place why.

"So how do you know each other?" Alejandro asked.

Jenny and Evelyn exchanged a look. Evelyn realized that Thom wasn't going to be forthcoming, so she cleared her throat. "Jenny and I go to the same school. We've been friends for the past year now. We met Thom at my boyfriend's birthday party actually. He used to be best friends with my boyfriend years ago."

Thom shot her a look with his brows furrowed.

"It is what they say, a small world," Alejandro said and turned to Jenny. "Where are you from?"

"Brooklyn. Born and raised."

"And what do your parents do?"

"My dad used to be in a band. Lincoln Hawk." Jenny rolled her eyes. "It's a forgotten band of the 90s. I doubt you've heard of them."

"I've heard of them."

"Really?"

Alejandro leaned forward to reach for a glass of water. Jenny, who sat closest to him leaned back to give him space, but Alejandro didn't seem to notice. "I have lived on this island you know."

Jenny was too shocked to comment.

"And you're mother?" Alejandro said.

"She's an artist. Painter mostly. She and my dad are divorced. I have an older brother who goes to NYU too."

Evelyn had sat in many meeting with her father, but Alejandro's approach was far different than her father's. Her father was punctual, direct, and succinct. She wondered how much personal information she was going to have to disclose with Alejandro. It worried her to give him that much information. Who knows what he could do with it?

He turned his attention to Evelyn. "And what did you say your last name was?"

"Bass."

"Bart Bass's daughter?"

She smiled. "The one and only."

Alejandro returned her smile. It calmed Evelyn, but she couldn't explain why. She expected complete hostility from Alejandro, and who knew what else. She began to wonder if Alejandro wasn't the norm in the business.

"Tomas, You've very quiet today."

"I have nothing to say."

Alejandro chuckled. "Relax chico. This isn't a court of law. We're just getting to know each other here."

They talked about other topics, mostly about family, school, and friends. Evelyn did notice that the conversation had been one sided. Alejandro offered no personal information about himself, and if he did, it was vague. Neither Evelyn nor Jenny thought to ask him either.

"So," Alejandro took a deep breath. I've been getting calls from unhappy clients," Alejandro said. "You have to know that I've been serving these clients and their families for years. They were very disappointed when they didn't get what they ordered."

"It wasn't my fault," Thom said. "She was the one who gave it to her model friend who took them all for herself. And she won't give me back the rest she had at her apartment."

"I don't think you understand, chico. You told me you could take on these clients yourself. The client's I'm referring to are not the same ones whose orders were given to Jenny."

Thom was silent and began to stutter, "But—but—"

"No buts chico. You can't blame Jenny for this. I put a lot of my faith in you. You said you could do the job. That doesn't mean you give responsibility to Jenny without me knowing. As for Jenny, we will not be requiring your services anymore. You are a smart girl, so when I say that you don't tell anyone this happened, you will do that, yes?"

Jenny nodded vigorously. "I-I won't. I promise."

Alejandro nodded. "You have a good friend you know. She was very concerned about you."

Jenny smiled. "I'm very lucky."

"If you tell anyone or violate anything, then there will be cause to take further action," Alejandro said. "But if we all choose to cooperate, then we shouldn't have a problem."

Jenny nodded vigorously. "You have my word."

"Now that's in order, I must leave. Tomas, we have more business to work through. Come along."

Thom's eyes widened. "Business?"

"Of course. What did you think this was a vacation?" Alejandro turned to both Evelyn and Jenny. "Thank you for your time, chicas."

"Thank you, Alejandro," Evelyn said.

He winked at her and waited at the door. Evelyn smiled. She reminded herself that she had to give him a thank you card and gift for this. He probably had a background check on Jenny and realized how harmless she was to let her off easy. At this level, she began to assume background checking from P.I.'s was normal.

Thom turned to both of them. "Jenny. Don't let him do this."

"Do what?" Jenny said. "You owe him. Just pay him."

"It's not that simple," Thom said. "Jenny if you don't do something…I'll…"

"You'll what?"

Thom's cheeks turned red and his shoulders shook. He whipped around and followed Alejandro out of the restaurant. Two strong men stood on either side of the open limo door. Thom looked from the limo and back in the restaurant. With clenched teeth, he pulled out his phone, typed a message to Gossip Girl and pressed send.

When Blair arrived at the Waldorf penthouse, the first thing she noted was the welcoming scent of lavender. After living in the Columbia dorms for the past year, any fresh smell was always welcome. Although Blair and Joy's dorm room was always neat and tidy, once she stepped out, she always smelled a mix of Indian food and stuffy rooms. Curry has its time and place (i.e. the dinner table), but not in one's bedroom.

Blair breathed in the lavender, her aching body aching finally relaxing back at home. The white marble floors were polished, and peonies were potted on the coffee table near the elevator. The only thing missing was her mother, but that was to be expected since she had been in Paris for the past couple of weeks.

Then, the sound of the piano began to play. Blair turned to the living room and saw Chuck at the piano. She approached as quietly as she could.

Chuck stopped abruptly.

"Please don't stop on my account."

He stood and kissed her.

"Chuck Bass: an enigma. Where did you even learn to play with a piano?"

"Gina. Lasted only a couple weeks. I learned it to woo her, and in turn, she made me a man."

"How smarmy of you."

He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "I do recall that it is quite effective."

Blair pulled her hand back. "And outdated."

"Potato potahto."

"I thought you were busy working with Jack this afternoon?"

"We finished. The board will decide on Monday."

"Oh? And what are the odds predicting?"

"Jack is one hundred percent certain it will go through. He even told me to book airfare he was that confident."

"Really?"

Chuck nodded. "How did the apartment tour go?"

"Excellent, of course. Joy was shocked at the place I found. It's a two-bedroom apartment near the north side of campus. It's a little small for my taste, but Joy made a compelling argument about the kitchen's size being larger than the other places we saw."

"That's all it took to convince you?"

"Well, she did suggest that I take the larger bedroom too. It actually has a nice view."

"From the Upper West Side? That's doubtful."

Blair slapped his hand away. "You'll see. Eventually."

'Where's Joy now?"

"She's with Simon. She's leaving for California in a couple days, and she wanted to make sure she sees him before then."

"Don't they live in the same state?"

"Yes, but she lives in Monterrey. That's pretty far from Los Angeles."

"They'll make it work. Just like us this summer."

"You don't think it's too early to celebrate?" Chuck said.

"Well, we could celebrate how I found my first apartment," Blair said.

Chuck took a step closer to her. "Dorota just left to do some errands before I arrived."

Blair pulled his hand toward the staircase. Blair yelped when he swooped her up, bridal style, and carried her upstairs.

Evelyn pushed the restaurant door open for Jenny. "See? I told you it would all work out."

Jenny passed through the door. "You were. Honestly, what can I do to thank you? I thought I was toast."

"I'll have to think about it and get back to you," Evelyn said. "But first, the peanut gallery has been waiting for us."

Eric and Dash appeared. "So?" Dash said.

"Should we call the cops?" Eric added.

"No," Evelyn said.

Jenny tucked her hair behind her ears. "It's all sorted out. I'm…"

"Debt free?" Eric said.

Jenny's cheeks reddened, and her eyes fell to the concrete. "Yeah. I'm sorry for bringing you all into this. I didn't want to put that burden on any of you, but I didn't have anywhere else to turn. I felt cornered."

"You should have come to us earlier," Evelyn said. "You can always come to me if something happens."

"You're right," Jenny said. "And now, it's all over. No more drugs. No more dealings with Thom."

"Just reigning Constance then?" Evelyn said. "With the SATs now out of the way, and the school year coming to a close, it shouldn't be too hard now."

Jenny nodded. "You're right. Speaking of Queen duties." Jenny looked at her phone. "There's a party tonight at Sera's brother's apartment. He's in Paris this weekend, and she said we could use the space for a post SAT after party. Would you all like to come?"

The last thing Evelyn wanted to do was to party that night. It had been such a long week, and all she wanted was to sleep. "Tonight?"

"Of course. Eric are you in?"

He shrugged. "Why not?"

Dash watched Evelyn for her response. "I don't know…" She began.

"Evelyn and I did have plans," Dash said.

Plans? Evelyn didn't recall there being any plans.

"It was for her birthday," Dash explained.

Oh. That was in a couple days. She'd completely forgotten. That also meant Jenny's birthday was a week later. "That's true, but we can come make an appearance?"

Jenny smiled. "Great! I'll text you the address and time when I'll be there. I'm going to go home and take a much-needed nap before it. See you then!"

Jenny rushed off to the nearest subway station. Eric pulled out his phone from his pocket and said, "I'll call Arthur to come pick us up. He's been making loops since this is a loading zone."

Once Eric turned to make the call, Evelyn crossed her arms. "We have plans?"

"Well, yeah. I know we're still in a…disagreement, but I wanted to make it up to you tonight. That is, if you'll let me?"

Evelyn let her arms drop to her sides. Could she really be mad at Dash forever? Sure, what he assumed was wrong, but they could talk about it and work through it. And who was she to refuse a surprise he planned for her birthday? He was always thoughtful that way.

"Okay. But we have to go to Jenny's party first."

Evelyn and Dash arrived when the party was in full swing. The apartment was small, but the sparse lack of furniture made enough room for everyone to either sit, gather in circles or dance. The bass was cranked up enough for the floors to vibrate, and Evelyn had to raise her voice for Dash to hear her.

"There is definitely going to be a sound complaint," Evelyn said in Dash's ear.

The song changed, and the floors stopped shaking.

"Or not," Dash said.

They both looked around the crowded room for a familiar face. "I thought this was a party for Constance and St. Jude's?" Evelyn said.

"I did to. It looks like anyone from all the prep schools were invited."

For the first time since she became known as Evelyn Bass, she felt like an outsider. There were so many girls staring at her with, what was that look, annoyance? Envy? Boys whose faces she didn't recognize challenged each other to see who could chug their drink first. They also looked at her with a recognition she didn't reciprocate. The only conclusion Evelyn could draw was that they saw her on Gossip Girl.

Finally, she saw Jenny in the centre of the apartment, flanked by her minions. "Let's go say hi to Jenny," Evelyn said. She tugged Dash until they were just outside Jenny's circle. Jenny, who earlier was deflated and nervous, looked radiant. She stood tall and was comfortably taller than all the other girls in her stilettos.

"Make room please," Jenny commanded when she saw Catherine blocking Evelyn from their circle.

"Sorry," Catherine said without looking over her shoulder. She leaned over to Sera and started whispering.

"Hi," Jenny said. "So glad you both could make it."

"Thanks," Evelyn said. She waved hello to all the girls who seemed genuinely pleased to see her except Sera and Catherine.

"Would anyone like a drink?" Dash asked.

"I would," Evelyn said.

"Martini?"

Evelyn noticed all the other girls held martini glasses. "Sure."

The other girls politely declined and Dash excused himself.

"Evelyn, you're so lucky," Lila sighed.

"Why?"

"Dash is so good to you," Lila explained.

"Yeah, I can't believe we never noticed him before," Kate said.

Jenny traced the edge of her martini glass with her finger.

"Lila's right," Catherine said. "You two are so…domesticated."

"Domesticated?"

"Yeah," Catherine said. "So committed. So serious. It's no fun!"

"Sounds like you're a bit jealous, Catherine," Jenny said.

Evelyn shot Jenny a look of gratitude.

"I'm not jealous. I'm quite content being…open." Catherine shrugged. "To each their own I guess."

Dash returned with a cosmo and a glass of scotch.

"Thank you," Evelyn said and took a sip. Domesticated? She would hardly call her relationship with Dash that serious. Sure, they've been dating for what, five months now? It didn't feel like eternity.

"Hey, Dash?" Catherine said. "Have you seen Ozzy today? I asked if he was coming to the party, but he never answered."

Dash paused. "No, I haven't actually, but I haven't been home all day. That's where he probably is."

Evelyn's brows furrowed. First Eric didn't see Ozzy at all in his SAT test room, and now Catherine couldn't get a hold of him? She could feel Dash's gaze on her, waiting for her to jump in, react, worry.

Instead her brows relaxed and she said, "Dash is probably right. Knowing his mom like I do, I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't let him use his phone."

Dash wrapped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. He looked very pleased that she finally agreed with him. Maybe that is what she was supposed to do. She wasn't single anymore. She had to take Dash's side first, regardless of what her gut was telling her. Was that the right thing to do?

Catherine shrugged. "With Ozzy, you always seem to know, Evelyn."

"Evelyn, didn't you say you wanted to check out the DJ booth?" Dash asked.

"Um, yeah. We'll see you later."

Dash led her away from the pack and said in a low voice, "Catherine sure seems to have it out for you."

"She's been like that all year," Evelyn said. She sipped her drink. "What do you think she meant by that? About Ozzy?"

Dash stopped walked, his eyes on the floor. "I don't know. That you seem to know him better than the rest of us."

"Well, I have known him longer, but now, who knows? I've barely talked to him in months."

Dash's shoulders relaxed. "Yeah. That's true. She's just trying to get a rise out of you. Ignore her."

Evelyn studied Dash while he scanned the room. Was he looking for Ozzy? He looked troubled every time he was brought up in conversation.

"Can you ignore it?" Evelyn said.

"Ignore what?"

"My friendship with Ozzy."

"That wasn't a friendship."

"Yes it was," Evelyn said.

"Purely platonic the whole way then? Because I do remember in the fall when you were all over him."

"What? No I wasn't," Evelyn said.

"You wanted to be until he rejected you."

"Dash…"

His eyes softened. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. It's just…I knew you guys had a thing before us, and I can't help but wonder if you're actually over him."

"Dash, you are being ridiculous. Just because Ozzy and I aren't together doesn't mean I stopped caring about him. You don't just stop caring about someone even though you don't see them."

"So you're telling me that if he also wanted to be with you that you wouldn't choose him over me?"

"I choose you." Evelyn said. "I chose you because I had feelings for you and only you. Has that not been clear for the past five months?"

"Yes," he said quietly. "Look, I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't have doubted you. It's just, it's hard because if something happens with Ozzy, he always comes first. When he's around…it just feels like there is this bond that you have with him that you don't have with me."

"Dash," Evelyn set her drink down and took his hands. "What has happened with Ozzy is in the past. Besides, I always thought that we had a bond that was special. At least, it was special to me because I've never had with anyone else before."

"No one else?"

She shook her head.

"Look, I'm sorry. I overreacted."

"It's okay," Evelyn said. She looked around the room to see more unfamiliar faces. "Do you want to get out of here? I really don't know anyone in this room."

"Me too," Dash said. "And I've technically grown up with all of them."

"Seriously? Not even one face?" Evelyn said as they walked to the elevator.

"Okay maybe a few, but it's not like I hung out with them afterschool during the few years I was living in Brooklyn. I was too far away."

"That's fair," Evelyn said. "Does your surprise have anything to do with Brooklyn this time?"

He chuckled. "No. I'll be honest, I was just thinking on my feet. I don't technically have a surprise. I just knew you didn't really want to go to this party."

"It's not that I didn't want to come to this party, but I didn't want to come for long."

"Same thing."

"That's too bad. About the lack of surprise." The elevator door opened and Evelyn pressed the M button. She looked at all the numbers of the building, thought of how this building was so much smaller than the building she lived in, or even the Palace. Her mind lingered on the Palace and she smiled.

"Dash?"

"Yeah?"

"I think I have a surprise for you that you'll like."

Bart finished pouring himself a drink when the elevator chimed. After a hectic week, he was looking forward to a night in, uninterrupted. He looked at Lily, who sat on the living room couch. She returned his gaze with equal perplexity.

He heard the clacking of heels against the marble floors and was met with Ruby Taylor. She wore a car length coat and clutched the gleaming chain of her purse tight.

"Ruby." Lily stood from the couch. "What a pleasant surprise."

"I'm so sorry for dropping by unannounced. Do you know where Evelyn is?"

"I think she is with Dash at a party," Lily said. "Did he not tell you?"

"No. I didn't see him this afternoon. I couldn't get a hold of Dash, and I don't have Evelyn's number, so…"

"Is something wrong?" Bart said.

She nodded, her eyes becoming glassy. "Ozzy's missing."

"Missing?" Lily said.

"I don't know where he is, why he left, nothing. All I know is that his cargo bag is gone, along with his best possessions, and I can't even reach him on his phone."

"Is there anything we can do?" Lily said.

"I don't even know what to do," Ruby said. "Why would he leave? I did everything I could to give him what he needed. Was that not enough? Did I not do enough? Am I…not enough?"

Lily wrapped her arms around her. "Do not blame yourself. Right now, we need to focus and track him down."

"I'll get my people on it," Bart said. "I've got connections with the NYPD as well. I'll have the best on the case. And I'll see if I can get in touch with Evelyn."

"Thank you," Ruby said. "If he's not okay…I don't know what I'll do."

Lily guided her to the kitchen. "Why don't we have a cup of tea while Bart makes his phone calls."

Ruby nodded and followed Lily to the kitchen.

As Bart dialled the NYPD, he said, "We'll find him, Ruby. No matter what." He held the phone to his ear, waiting for the dial tone to keep droning on.

He couldn't imagine what it would feel like if Evelyn or Chuck went missing. Sure, Chuck went on vacations, but he usually knew the general vicinity Chuck was. Not knowing would be the most terrifying feeling.

He texted Evelyn first. He doubted she would answer if she was at a party, but a part of him hoped she'd see it. He then called the NYPD. It was time to get to work.

"You're telling me this whole time you had access to a suite?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Not the whole time." She turned on the lights, revealing freshly painted red walls and sleek grey and white furniture.

"Is this your brother's suite?"

"It was. Is that a problem?"

"No," he said. He looked her up and down for the first time. Dash cleared his throat and approached her with slow steps. "What surprise did you have in mind?"

"This is it. Just finding a place where we could be alone."

"Kiss and makeup?" He was close enough to put his arms around her.

"Yeah. Something like that. Sit down."

He obeyed and Evelyn sat beside him. She bent over her legs and began removing her shoes. She just had to pick her one pair of heels that had an annoyingly difficult buckle. She had no idea where she was going with this or how far, but she knew she wanted, needed, to be close to Dash.

She stood in front of him, barefoot. Then, she pulled her tight dress up from her hips. Once the dress was hiked up high enough, she sunk into the couch, and hugged her legs on the outside of his thighs. His hands slid from steadying her waist to her bare thighs. She put her arms around his neck, her right hand finding the back of his neck, and quickly pushing his face towards hers. She kissed him without the gentleness that she was used to. Instead, it was demanding, raw, and aggressive. Dash matched her and kissed her back eagerly.

When his tongue slipped in her mouth, Evelyn moaned. His hands were all over her now, moving above and below her dress in whatever way he could manage. Evelyn unbuttoned his shirt and proceeded to push it off his shoulders.

"How far,' Dash said between kisses.

Evelyn pulled away, panting. "What?"

He licked his lips. "How far are we going here?"

Her eyes widened. "I-I don't know." In that moment, she certainly wanted it all, but in reality, they hadn't been that far. The more she would think about it, the more she would worry about it. What if it was bad? What if she did something wrong? So many possible scenarios raced through her mind. Something made her hesitate.

Dash stroked the outside of thigh, as he waited for a more concrete answer. Evelyn unwrapped her body from his and stood. She looked down at his shirtless torso, and her eyes trailed to his belt. Was she ready for that? How was she supposed to know if she was ready?

Suddenly, she heard her phone ping. Evelyn looked in her purse, curious as to what that could be, but Dash caught her attention.

He put his hands on her hips from behind and turned her so she faced him. He kissed her slowly, and deeply. It was a kiss that was full of reassurance and conviction.

"Let's go to bed," Dash said.

His fingers traced her spine, in search for the zipper to her dress. He pulled it down without breaking eye contact. Evelyn felt her skin prickle as his fingers touched the bare skin on her back.

"Dash…"

Her dress dropped to the floor, revealing a strapless bra and underwear. Dash continued to stare into her eyes as he unbuckled his belt and dropped his pants. Then, he peeled his socks off his feet.

He took a step toward her, combing his one hand through her hair, the other searing her waist.

"Evelyn…" His eyes bored into hers. "Do you want to…"

She couldn't bear the intensity of his gaze or give an answer. "Do what?"

He kissed her again, soft and slow. He had come a long way since she first kissed him outside of Victrola.

"All of it. Some of it. Whatever you want." He began to kiss her neck.

"But you want all of it?" Evelyn said with her eyes half-closed.

"I think that's obvious." He pressed himself against her so she could feel him. Her breath hitched. "You drive me crazy," he said into her neck.

He trailed kisses up her neck and to her mouth. He pulled back and said, "I love you."

Evelyn froze. Her eyes widened, and she was at a loss for words. The words tumbled out of his mouth so casually, so effortlessly, and suddenly she could see it all over him. The way he looked at her with a faraway gaze of affection, or knowing what her favourite drink was, or walking her to the SATs.

"Dash…"

Her phone began to ring again. This time, it wasn't a simple ping for a text message, but the continuous ring of an incoming phone call.

"Do you…" He began, his voice faltering. "You do feel the same way right?"

She was rendered speechless from his confession. Instead of stumbling over her words, she kissed him. She held him tight, pressing her body against his, willing him to feel the way she felt about him. She did, didn't she? How did her father define love again? By seeing an imperfect person perfectly. Dash saw her, surely. Maybe he had an insecurity about Ozzy, but she surely loved him in some capacity, but was it that same big love she'd seen from the likes of her brother and Blair?

Her phone kept ringing, and Evelyn broke from the kiss. "I should answer that."

"It can wait."

'But it keeps ringing. Dash, it'll take two seconds. Go…make yourself comfortable on the bed."

"Really?"

She nodded. Evelyn opened her purse and reached for her phone. When she looked on the CALLLER ID screen, her father's name appeared.

Evelyn cleared her throat and answered the call. "Hello?"

"Evelyn." It was her father. "Where are you right now?"

"I'm…" She pulled up her strapless bra. She felt the need to cover herself, feeling as if her father could see her indecency through the phone. "I'm out with Dash. We went for ice cream."

Dash fell back on the bed and chuckled. Evelyn shot him a look.

"There's currently a situation," her father said. "Ozzy's mother is with me right now, and we were wondering if you've seen Ozzy at any point today?"

"No, I didn't. I was in a different test room, but Eric didn't see him either. Why?"

She felt her stomach twist in knots. This couldn't be true. She braced herself for the worst news her father could possibly tell her.

"I don't want you to be alarmed, but Ozzy may be missing."

"Missing?" Evelyn's voice rose.

"Don't panic. We've called the authorities and they are beginning their search."

"Oh my God," Evelyn said. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes actually. Can you and Dash come to the penthouse? It might be best if we all retrace our steps from the past day or so."

"Of course," Evelyn said. "We'll be on our way."

Evelyn hung up. She took a deep breath and sat down on the couch. Her loose grip dropped her phone in her lap.

"What is it?" Dash said, sitting up.

Evelyn picked up her dress and started to put it on. Dash jumped from the bed and stormed toward her. "What are you doing?"

"Get dressed," Evelyn said. Her mind was racing, eyes blurring, and she struggled to put her arms through the sleeves.

"Evelyn. What's going on?"

"Ozzy's missing." She straightened her dress and attempted to pull up the zipper.

"Impossible," Dash said.

"His mom is at my dad's penthouse and they've called the authorities. They want us there, now, so get ready so we can go!"

So much for a romantic evening, D. Just when you thought you had E, O always pulls her back.

Blair walked into the Midtown Hilton hotel that evening. After shooing out Chuck to get ready, she found herself waiting for Chuck in the lobby. He had booked a hotel suite for the past couple days after exams finished to help with Jack, and he returned in the late afternoon for check out. Blair pulled out her compact mirror and checked her makeup as she waited for Chuck. She checked her new dress from Bergdorf's and hummed as she applied more lipstick.

Blair's gaze fell on another Bass who walked towards her, on his way out of the hotel.

"Jack? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be holed up in your room?"

"I prefer hiding in plain sight," Jack said. "Are you waiting for my nephew? He tells me there's an end of year party at your dorm?"

"Yes. But we're going out for dinner first."

"Very nice. My nephew treats you well?"

"Nothing but the best. How's work?"

"It's done. We'll find out on Monday the final result."

"That's great!"

Jack nodded. "Next thing you know, Chuck will be spending the summer in Asia."

"He told me. I've never been to Asia, but I'll have to check it out myself."

"That's quite the trip. You are a really loyal person."

Blair paused. She didn't like the tone of his voice. It was an accusatory observation.

"Some may say that," Blair said, measuring each word slowly.

"You'd do anything for Chuck, wouldn't you?"

"I would, and so would he."

Jack rubbed his goatee. "Anything?"

"Anything," Blair said without a beat.

Blair noticed Chuck emerge from the elevator. She didn't like the way Jack looked at her. He seemed to be probing her, investigating her motives. She couldn't shake the gross feeling his gaze on her made her feel.

"Chuck," she said. "Ready to go?"

He kissed her cheek in greeting. "Of course. Have a good night, Jack."

Jack slapped his arm. "You too."

Blair pulled Chuck through the doors quickly, still feeling the heat of Jack's gaze on her. Chuck stopped in front of the elevator door and rested his hand on the handle.

"Are you okay?"

"Of course. Why?"

"You seem anxious."

"I'm just anxious to get to dinner. I'm famished." She pecked his lips and produced a tight smile.

Chuck opened the door and she slid across the buttery seat. She didn't lie to Chuck. She had cooled down since she got in the car, so she was okay. It wasn't a big deal. Besides, the last thing she wanted was to get in the way of Chuck's business life. She'd keep her distance from Jack, sure, but she wouldn't forget the way he held on to her hand for longer than necessary when they first met, or way he looked at her before Chuck arrived.

She looked at Chuck, who gave Arthur directions. He looked distinguished, mature even in that suit. Jack's question played in her mind again and again. She would do anything for Chuck. She loved him. And he would do the same. She had no doubt.

Blair took Chuck's hand and laced her fingers with his.

Evelyn sped through her building's lobby without even acknowledging Dexter. Dexter looked perplexed, but she had no time for pleasantries. She traced back her steps to the last time she saw Ozzy. It was the night of the SAT destresser. They were in her bedroom, studying, until he was about to tell her something. She knew then that something was very, very wrong. Why did she convince herself otherwise? Now, he was missing, and there were so many opportunities where she could have done something about it.

"Evelyn, slow down."

"No," Evelyn said. She punched the elevator button with her thumb. "There's no time Dash. He's gone."

"I think you need to calm down. What if his phone is just dead? Ozzy's always done his own thing without really telling anyone. It's been what, twelve hours since we heard from him?"

"Twelve hours is a long time. Who knows where he is? That's enough time to leave the country."

"Evelyn, I think you're overreacting."

The elevator door opened. "Am I though? This whole time you've shrugged off everything to do with Ozzy. I told you months ago that something was wrong, but you didn't listen."

"Look, I don't think we should be jumping to conclusions."

"Like you did when Ozzy and I were studying in my room?"

Dash sighed. "You really know how to hold a grudge, you know that?"

"What grudge? It happened. You're being a hypocrite."

"And you can never let anything go."

The elevator doors opened, and Evelyn and Dash were immediately met with police officers. Her father spoke with one of the officers, while Lily held Ruby Taylor's hand. Her eyes were swollen, bloodshot.

Evelyn sped to her father's side. "Dad? What's going on?"

"Excuse me," Bart said to the police officer. "We've got people investigating. They are going to interview witnesses to see who saw him last. They may ask you a few questions."

"That's no problem. I'll do anything I can to help. How's Ms. Taylor doing?"

"Mrs. Montgomery is as you'd expect."

"Can I talk to her?"

"You can, but please be gentle."

"Of course," Evelyn said. She walked up to Ruby and laced her fingers together. "Ms. Taylor? I mean, Mrs. Montgomery? I'm so sorry to hear what happened. I came as soon as my dad got a hold of me. Please tell me if there's anything I can do."

"Thank you, Evelyn. It's certainly been a shock. At first, I was in denial, but the more that I looked…"

"That's understandable," Evelyn said. "On the way over here, I tried to process it myself, and I thought back to when I last saw Ozzy."

"When was that?

"Last Saturday, here actually. I tried looking for him this morning, you know, to wish him luck before the test, but I didn't see him. Did he not show up?"

"I did receive a call of his absence," Ruby said.

"Did you see him this morning?" Evelyn asked.

"Evelyn," Lily appeared. "Maybe now isn't the best time."

"I'm sorry," Evelyn said. "I just thought if we walked back through what happened we could have a better chance of finding him."

"Let's talk about it," Ruby said. "I'd rather do that then sit here and worry."

"Did you see him this morning?"

"He had breakfast, got ready. I wished him luck, saw him out the door. He left after Dash because he said something about Dash coming to see you before the test."

Evelyn's brows furrowed. "He was alone." Evelyn looked over her shoulder to see Dash talking to her father. "Dash? Can you come here please?"

"What's up?"

"Why didn't you go straight to the test with Ozzy this morning?"

"Because I wanted to surprise you. I knew you'd be nervous."

"So you took the car by yourself, so that he would have to arrange his own transportation?" Ruby said.

"Well…yeah. Ozzy told me it was okay."

"You shouldn't have done that," Ruby said. "That car is to be shared between both of you."

"Why would Ozzy tell you it was okay to take the car yourself?" Evelyn asked.

"We may have had a disagreement. It was nothing really."

"About what?" Evelyn pressed.

He glared at her. "Nothing. Stupid stuff like how he hogs the bathroom in the morning."

Ruby looked unconvinced. "Regardless of what happened this morning, Dash and myself were the last two people to see Ozzy, and neither of us know what happened as soon as he left the house. There is no lead there."

Evelyn crossed her arms and tried to think. There had to be another way to find something, anything to point them in a direction.

"Did you check his room?"

"Yes," Ruby said automatically.

"No really," Evelyn said. "Did you check every nook and corner?"

"Well…I thought I did," Ruby said.

"Did he leave a note?"

"No," Ruby said.

"I think we need to check his room," Evelyn said. "There's got to be something he left behind. He couldn't have taken everything with him?"

"Evelyn, this is a matter for the authorities," Lily said. "They will do their own thorough investigation."

"And how long is that going to take?" Evelyn said. "The longer we let this go on, the harder it is going to be to find him! Haven't you watched Dateline?"

Ruby stood and nodded. "You're absolutely right. I can't sit and wait here any longer. Doing something is better than sitting here idle. We'll go check to see if we find anything and we'll be back."

Lily pinched the bridge of her nose and waved her hand. She knew any argument she could make would be useless.

"Let's go," Evelyn said. She couldn't believe that she and Ozzy's mom actually agreed on something, let alone, be on the same page. Desperate times do bring together the most unlikely of allies.

"I'm coming too," Dash said. "I've been in Ozzy's room way more than either of you. I may know some things."

"Fine," Ruby said. "Let's go."

When Ruby opened the door to Ozzy's room, it looked like a vacant hotel room. The bed was neatly made, with a couple handprints ruffling it, there were no clothes or books on the bed or desk, nor was any sight of personal possessions. Evelyn remembered bringing Ozzy up to his bed on Valentine's day, but she didn't notice how bare the room was. He didn't settle in by adding any pictures like Evelyn did, no posters hung on his wall, nothing.

"How'd you know he wasn't here?" Evelyn said.

Ruby opened the chest at the foot of the bed. "He put his cargo bag in here."

Evelyn and Dash looked into the chest. It was empty.

"The same one with everything he owned in it? I remember it," Dash said. He chuckled.

"What?" Ruby said.

"Nothing. Just remembered a memory. I told him he needed my help the day you both moved in, and I took him out immediately."

Evelyn wandered toward the desk. "I know it looks clean, but I think we might as well start looking in everything."

"I'll check the closet," Ruby said.

Evelyn turned to the desk and sat down in the chair. There was a neat stack of SAT books, some seemingly unopened. She opened the top right drawer and saw pencils, a notebook, and loose papers. She picked up the notebook and opened it. Inside, there were a few of Ozzy's SAT practice essays. She started reading the first essay, which asked: Is it always essential to tell the truth, or are there circumstances in which it is better to lie?

Evelyn began reading his answer, much of it scratched out. It seemed like Ozzy was wrestling with this very dilemma. On the one hand, he argued that it is essential to tell the truth because it prevents ignorance, but on the other, he argues that there are circumstances where not knowing the truth grants a freedom from a lack of knowledge, or resentment. It was an essay full of confliction, and she could see in the margins his meanderings about his own lack of knowing family secrets. The notes were fragmented, but she could see that his ideas connected to his mother. Evelyn knew Ruby wasn't the most forthcoming about her past, but there was something else he was alluding to that she couldn't figure out.

Evelyn closed the notebook and kept it in her lap. It may be an invasion of privacy if she took it, but she was desperate to understand why he left. She opened the second drawer underneath and didn't find anything important. She turned her attention to the left side, where the top drawer was almost bare. Only an eraser and couple pencils rolled around in the drawer. Then, she opened the drawer beneath. She pulled out different binders, but something was behind it. She pulled out a yellow manila envelope. It was crinkled and folded in half. She opened it and found three small bags inside. They were pocket-sized and empty, but they seemed to be coated in a dusty powder. She sniffed it, but she couldn't place the smell. The bags smelled like a combination of nail polish and gasoline. She'd never smelled anything like it.

"Dash," Evelyn said. "I know this might be a dumb question, but what does this smell like to you?"

He came up behind her and his eyes widened. "How many bags are there?"

"Three. They're all empty though."

Dash picked up the bag and held it up to his nose. "I'm pretty sure that was cocaine. Not that I've ever done it myself."

"Cocaine?" Evelyn gaped.

"What is it?" Ruby said.

Evelyn rubbed her hand over her face. "Oh my God." She felt a dull weight in her stomach. Ozzy was doing cocaine? How did she not know this about him? Her hand curled around the bag in her hand and her shoulders began to shake. Even in her most extreme scenarios, she never pictured Ozzy doing this.

"What's in your hand?" Ruby asked Dash.

"Evelyn found this in Ozzy's desk." Dash said.

"Cocaine?" Ruby said snatching the bag from Dash's hand. She ran her hand through her hair. "How did I not know this?"

"I didn't either," Evelyn said dully.

Dash was silent. His eyes were fixated on the hardwood floors.

"Dash?" Evelyn said. "Did you know?"

"Um…well…he mentioned something about it in the fall."

"The fall?" Evelyn said, her voice rising. "You knew about this in the fall?"

"I didn't! I swear! He told me he used to do coke. He used the past tense and refused to do it. I guess, he changed his mind."

"When was he doing this? He never did this last year!"

"I can't remember if he said anything else," Dash said.

"Oh my God," Evelyn said with her head in her hands. "How could I have not known?"

Ruby stood as still as a statue. Her mouth was rigid, hands rooted at her hips. She bit her lip to stop it from quivering.

Evelyn took a deep breath and continued to search in the drawer. Now, she had to find him. It could be a matter of life or death for all she knew. She dug through the drawer, dug to the very bottom where she found an envelope. She opened it and saw that it was a bill from January. It was addressed from Stephens Detective Agency. When she looked closer, she noticed it was a bill from the same agency she used last week with Jenny.

"Ozzy hired a P.I.," Evelyn said.

"He what?" Ruby said.

"He hired a P.I. in January. It's the same agency I—I mean, my dad has used."

Ruby ripped the bill from her hands and read over it.

Evelyn pulled out her phone and found the phone number. She dialled, knowing it was unlikely Stephen would pick up, but she used his personal number.

"Hello?"

"Stephen? I'm so sorry to be calling you so late. It's Evelyn Bass calling."

"Uh, hi Evelyn. What's up?"

"I know this breaches client confidentiality, but this is an emergency."

"What kind of emergency?"

"One of my good friends has gone missing, and it appears that you had some business with him a few months ago. His name is Ozzy Taylor."

"That is true. However, I'm afraid it goes against company policy to discuss the business matters I've had with another client."

"I totally understand that, but this is an emergency. He's missing, and this might give us a lead as to where he might be. Was he looking for something?"

"Someone," Stephen said. "Look, given the circumstances, I'd have to be compensated really well to tell you this information."

"Name the price, and I'll pay it," Evelyn said.

"Very well. He was looking for his father."

"Father?" Evelyn said. Ruby snapped out of her daze and focused on Evelyn.

"Yes. I found him. He's from Mexico, but I doubt he went to search for him there."

"Why?"

"Because during my investigation, I probed to see if there could be any possibility to meet, and his father said he didn't want to see him. It was like he didn't exist."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "That's…"

"Harsh? I agree. But in his line of work, it may be the best for him."

"What does he do?"

"I suspected drugs, but he has other investments as well."

"Can you tell me his name?"

"No."

"Please? Just a first name?"

"Alejandro."

"T-Thank you Stephen for your help. I-I'll call you if I have any more questions."

"Expect a bill."

Evelyn hung up and folded her arms on the desk. She dropped her head.

"What is it?" Ruby said. "What did he say?"

Evelyn lifted her head. Her mind was spinning. There was no way the Alejandro could be the same one Stephen referred to. It was impossible. Too coincidental. Yet her mind wandered. Did he look like Ozzy? Did this women in front of her keep this secret from Ozzy all this time?

"Ozzy paid him to find his father."

"He what?"

"So," Dash said. "Do you think he's with him?"

"It's doubtful." Evelyn spun and stared Ruby in the eye. "His father lives in Mexico and had no interest in seeing him. Couldn't even claim he was his son."

Ruby looked visibly relieved. "So where could he be?"

"Anywhere," Evelyn said.

It was an evening of too many revelations for her to process. Here she thought she knew Ozzy better than anyone. She thought he'd told her all of his secrets like she told him hers. It was all a lie. He was no friend. He lied to her, and now he left her.

"So what do we do now?" Dash said. "Go back to your place, Evelyn, and give these items to the police?"

Should she just leave it to the police to figure out? What would that do? Out of anyone, she had the best chance of finding him. Didn't she? Or did she know as little as everyone else about Ozzy? No matter how betrayed she felt, she couldn't give up on him. She wouldn't give up on him.

"No," Evelyn said. "We need to go looking for him."

"Evelyn," Dash rested his hand on her shoulder.

She shrugged him off. "No. I'm not giving up. He could be anywhere Dash! And he could be doing anything!" She picked up the empty bag of coke.

"Exactly," Dash said. "So what makes you think you'll be able to find him?"

"There's no guarantee, but I can't sit here and do nothing. I can't live with that especially if something bad happens to him."

"Evelyn, I know you think you can take on other people's problems, but this one is too big for you. You can't fix this," Dash said.

"I'm not fixing it!" Evelyn said. "I just…need to know. I need to try at least."

"What do you think?" Dash asked Ruby.

She had been quite pensive for the past few minutes. She took her time before responding, "I think Evelyn's right."

"What?" Dash said.

"I think I know where we can start," she said.

"Really?" Evelyn said. "Then, let's go!"

"No," Dash said.

"Dash—"

"We can't all go," Ruby said. "In the case that your suspicions are correct, Dash, maybe it would be best if someone stayed at the house if he comes back. Philip should be home soon anyway, so someone needs to fill him in."

"Fine. Evelyn, you can stay then, and I'll go with Ruby."

"What? No way!"

"Actually," Ruby said. "I think Evelyn should come with me. I need you to stay here at home."

Dash was about to respond, but Ruby held her hand up to silence him. "I know it's not ideal, but I think the best way we can find Ozzy is if Evelyn is with me. I'll be waiting in the car."

"Evelyn," Dash said when Ruby disappeared. "You're not going."

Evelyn stood up and tucked the notebook under her arm. "Don't tell me what to do, Dash."

"I'm serious. You might not like what you see if you find something."

"I'll take my chances," Evelyn tried to maneuver around him, but he gripped onto her arm.

"Evelyn," Dash said, his breathing uneven. "Don't go."

Evelyn shrugged out of his tight grip. "If you love me like you say you do, then you'll let me go. This could be a matter of life or death."

"We both know that's hyperbole."

"Dash, just trust me." She kissed him on the cheek. "I'll be back. I promise."

Evelyn took a step toward the door and then another. Dash didn't stop her. She halted in the doorway and turned. "You know I'd do the same for you."

"I'd never leave you," Dash said.

"I know. But I'll never forgive myself if I don't go."

Evelyn turned away and looked back once more. Dash continued to glare at her, hurt and betrayal in his eyes. "I'll text you," she added, an afterthought. Then, she left the room, the house, the gate, and opened the door to the limo. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She was doing the right thing, wasn't she? For once in her life, doing the right thing wasn't clear. For once, both options seemed to be wrong.

"He'll come around," Ruby said. "If he can get over his pride."

Evelyn laced her fingers in her lap, squeezing both hands together tightly. "I hope so."

The limo pulled away from the curb, and the only light in Ozzy's room went out. In the shadows, Dash's figure watched the limo disappear from Ozzy's window. He waited for a long time.

If I were E or D, I'd be worried. In a city that never sleeps, a lot can happen in one night. Sweet dreams, kittens.

You Know You Love Me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

A/N: And there you have it! Ozzy is nowhere to be found, Evelyn/Ruby are ready to go on a mad hunt to find him, Jenny's in the clear, and C/B are sticking together despite some creepy vibes from Jack.

We are winding down to the last two chapters of part 2, and they are action packed! The next chapter is titled: "Petty Women". I will warn you, it's a big one.

Thanks again for reading, and please leave me a note telling me what you think!

Till next time,

XOXO EZ11