Jess asked, and how could I disappoint?


Chapter 2: Hartford, part 2

Lily threw back a small bottle right after she grabbed it out of the mini bar. She hadn't even looked to see what it was. Whatever it had been, she could feel the alcohol burn it's way through her throat, leaving a bitter aftertaste in her mouth. Just what she needed after the meeting she had tonight.

Maybe she should've walked away when she still had the chance. Turned that car around before she even reached the exit, stayed in her hotel room in the first place. It all didn't matter anymore.

The only thing she could comfort herself with was the fact that he hadn't seen her, not tonight.

--

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm just here to enjoy the music, not that I need to explain myself to you." Lily turned her head back to the stage.

"You want him back, don't you." Lilly let out an irritated sigh.

" Weren't you supposed to be in Hudson?"

"You didn't answer my question." Lily raised her hand, in front of her face, letting the back of her hand, with the sparkling ring on the fourth finger show to the person opposite her.

"Do you see this ring Alison? Do you have any idea what it means?" The woman tried to reply but Lily cut her off. "Oh that's right you don't! Sorry, I forgot." The sarcasm dripped from her voice.

The blonde in front of her snorted and pushed the hand away. " Like that ever meant anything to you before either. I know you Lily van der Woodsen."

" Bass, van der Woodsen-Bass."

Alison gave her a sickeningly sweet smile, well it made her sick anyway.

"So you married. Again."

Just this once Lily decided not to answer the comment. Not wanting to waste her energy on a woman she didn't want to talk to in the first place. She downed her drink and simply walked away. Heading for another dark corner to hide in. There was no chance in hell that Alison could chase her away. Not this time.

--

Between staying away from Alison and trying to avoid Rufus' gaze she hadn't enjoyed her night out just as much as she'd wanted. Not that she'd expected much of it, of course. But still, it was a little disappointing.

She grabbed in the mini bar again, and pulled it back when she realised there was no liquor left in the fridge, the only thing left was bottled water. And that wasn't going to do it.

Maybe the bar on the ground floor could provide her need for alcohol. Slightly stumbling she made her way to the elevator. Before she even got there, the doors started to slide open and she heard a familiar masculine laugh. Quickly she dove towards the door to the stairwell, hiding behind it until Rufus and a few band members passed by.

Lily let out a relieved sigh, glad she'd avoided a disaster waiting to happen. Taking a small peek in the hallway she noticed that they'd apparently found their room. Finally she could continue her path to the bar. She hurried inside the elevator and kept pushing the buttons until the doors finally closed. Suddenly a hand appeared between the doors.

"Wait! I've forgotten something in the bar."

The doors opened again and the man stepped inside, he reached for the right button but he noticed that it was already lit. He turned around and smiled at the woman behind him. Lily smiled back, a little forced smile. Then he looked over his shoulder again.

"Well I'll be damned. Tiger Lily!"

"Simon, how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that!"

The man grinned. "Once more, as usual."

"It's good to see you." The two embraced. "How many years has it been?"

"Oh I don't even remember. How have you been doing Simon?"

" You know, touring, got married, had a child."

Lily gasped. " You got married? Which woman was crazy enough to tie the knot with you?"

"Someone you might remember."

"Who?" Lily thought back for a second. "Tell me it wasn't Anna."

"Sorry to disappoint you."

"Ha I knew it! I told her!"

"So how have you been Lily? I heard you had two kids? And that your daughter was dating Rufus' son? Sounds a little like deja-vu doesn't it."

The smile disappeared from Lily's face. "Yes, well. As long as they're happy. And Dan seems to be good for Serena."

Simon looked at her noticing the troubled look on her face. Suddenly he thought of something.

"Does Rufus know you're here?"

Lily's head shot up. "He doesn't and you're not telling him."

"Why?"

"Just do me a favour."

"Alright, everything for my Tiger Lily."

Lily's voice got a little threatening "Simon.."

The two continued their evening down in the bar. Catching up on all those years and remembering all the great memories they had together. Time seemed to pass very quickly and it was heading in the early hours of the morning when they returned back to their rooms.

"Give me a call when you're in New York."

Simon smiled. "I will. And we're playing in New Haven next week so if you have some time."

Lily returned his smile. "I'll see what I can do. Good night Simon." After she closed the door Simon replied.

"Night Tiger Lily."

"I heard that!"