Author's Note: Here is the next chapter. I know there hasn't been too much N/J interaction thus far but I promise the next chapter will be much more focused on them. Thanks for reading, leave me feedback to let me know what you think!

Chapter 2

"So you're telling me that in the entire city of Chicago, there hasn't been a single guy who has caught your eye?" Vanessa asked incredulously, tossing one of Jenny's dresses onto her bed.

Jenny rolled her eyes, "You asked if I was hooking up with anyone, not if anyone had caught my eye," Jenny replied.

It was Saturday afternoon and Vanessa had come over to the loft to borrow a dress for Serena's birthday party that night. Neither Jenny nor Vanessa could quite figure out why Serena had invited Vanessa but Jenny was happy to have the extra company. Afterall, she had successfully avoided any and all society events for the past two weeks but her step-sister's birthday party seemed inescapable.

"So there is someone! I knew it. Spill," Vanessa said, temporarily distracted from the task at hand.

"I've been there for nine months; I've gone on some dates. It's not a big deal," Jenny answered, trying to sound nonchalant but feeling anything but.

Vanessa raised her eyebrows but the blonde ignored her. Jenny was clearly trying to sidestep the conversation. If she wasn't in such dire need of an outfit, Vanessa would have pushed the topic further but she decided to let it drop…for now.

"So, uh, where's Dan?" Vanessa asked. Things had been a little weird since their whole semi-relationship and full-breakup last year but she was trying to get back to the way things used to be, with Dan and Jenny.

"He took Serena out to lunch for her birthday," Jenny responded. Dan and Serena were 'back on' and from what Jenny could tell, they were back to their typical star-crossed, destined-to-be relationship.

"Oh okay. Well I should get going. Tell Dan and Rufus I'll see them tonight," Vanessa said snagging a purple halter dress and walking towards the door.

"Okay, see you there," Jenny said. She laid back on her bed. Dan probably wouldn't be back to change for another hour or so and Rufus was already with Lily helping her set up for the party. It was being held in the grand ballroom of Chuck's hotel, which didn't go over well with Rufus…or Dan…or Eric. The three men in her life had pretty much founded the 'We Hate Chuck Bass Club' in her absence which was complicated by the fact that both Lily and Serena were just as loyal to him as they were before the 'incident.'

Jenny let out a loud sigh. She was NOT looking forward to being in the same vicinity as Chuck, or Blair for that matter. She had seen Blair briefly at the van der Woodsens' the week before and she was still pulling the daggers out of her back that B. had shot at her.

"Oh well," Jenny mumbled to herself. "Have to get this public humiliation out of the way eventually." She hopped up and began poking around in her closet for an acceptable outfit.

When Jenny and Dan arrived at the hotel, the party was already in full swing. Lily had really outdone herself this time. The entire room had a golden glow which was perfected by a ten-foot fountain in the center of the room.

"Beats renting out a bowling alley I guess," Jenny joked.

"Uhhhh, yeah," Dan replied, eyes wide. "I'm going to go find Serena. Are you okay?" he asked, giving Jenny's shoulder a light squeeze.

"Sure," Jenny replied. "You know me, I'll just go hang out by the refreshments."

Dan chuckled and walked off to find the birthday girl. Jenny looked around the room before spotting the bar and making her way towards it. Her dress swished against her legs as she walked. It was a light pink dress with a sweetheart neckline. Her outfit wasn't quite as glitzy as some of the other girls but she could take a full breath in it so she figured it was an even trade.

A diet coke was within reach when Blair's minions stepped into her path. Well, ex-minions, since Blair had graduated from Constance.

"Little J. We were wondering when you were going to surface."

"Yep," Jenny replied. "I heard there was free food." She tried to step around the trio but Nelly Yuki blocked her path.

"C'mon J, we've been dying to hear why you left. Just between us girls, what was it? Unwanted pregnancy, drug problem, DNA test confirmed Lonely Boy is in fact your real brother?" Penelope quipped.

Jenny was confused. Why were they acting like they didn't know about her and Chuck?

"All of the above I guess," Jenny replied. "Glad to see you girls are still bff's. See you in ten years!" Jenny pushed past the girls, ignoring the snarky comments they shouted after her. She let out a breath as she finally reached the bar, but she had lost her desire for a drink.

"Jenny! You look absolutely wonderful dear," Lily said as she and Rufus approached her.

"Thanks Lily. The party looks great," Jenny replied.

"What? This little thing. We really just threw it together, right dear?" Rufus joked, clearly teasing his wife for her extravagance.

"Yes, well, it is a special occasion," Lily replied.

Jenny smiled at Lily and Rufus. Her dad really did seem happy with Lily in her world. It's too bad Jenny hated it so much.

"I think I'm going to get some air," Jenny said, trying to excuse herself.

"Are you feeling okay sweetie?" Rufus asked, concerned.

"Oh, I'm fine," Jenny lied. "I'm just not used to so many people. I'll be right back."

Jenny took a deep breath as she stepped out onto the terrace. It was a beautiful, clear night, as if even nature was acknowledging the sanctity of Serena's birthday. Jenny chuckled at the thought. Music from the ballroom wafted out into the night air and sounded soft and calming. Jenny closed her eyes and allowed the notes to lull her.

"Enjoying the party?"

Jenny's eyes shot open and she turned towards Chuck, who was leaning against the railing on a portion of the terrace covered in shadows.

"Chuck," Jenny said tersely. "I didn't realize anyone was out here."

"Just enjoying the view," Chuck murmured, taking a step towards Jenny. Instinctively, Jenny stepped back and Chuck stopped. "That and hiding from some of my critics," Chuck admitted.

Jenny could tell he was talking about her dad but she didn't respond.

"You look good Jenny."

"Don't Chuck—" Jenny began.

"I didn't mean anything by it," Chuck replied, raising his hands defensively. "You look more like yourself is what I meant."

"Thanks," Jenny said, looking way. She did not want to be having this conversation. Her stomach turned just thinking about the last time she and Chuck were alone together.

Silence hung between them until Chuck broke in.

"Look Jenny, I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything Chuck. Last year was a mistake but it was our mistake. You didn't force me to do anything, despite what my dad and brother may think."

It was true. Chuck had taken advantage of a younger, vulnerable, less experienced girl but he had been vulnerable too. And ultimately, she knew he hadn't meant for it to happen, or for Jenny to become so messed up as a result.

"Sure." Chuck said, not sounding completely convinced.

"Well, isn't this cozy?" Blair said from the doorway.

Jenny cringed hearing her voice.

"When you too are done with your date, it's time for Serena's cake." With that, Blair turned and walked back into the ballroom.

"Awesome," Jenny muttered before following suit. "Best. Night. Ever."

About an hour later the party was winding down and Jenny was searching the room for Eric, her ride home.

"You don't waste any time do you?" Blair asked, walking up behind her.

"There is nothing going on between me and—" Jenny began but Blair cut her off.

"I don't need details Little J." Blair said, hesitantly glancing around them.

Jenny paused. Blair seemed self-conscious, even more so than usual.

"I ran into your mini-me's earlier Blair. Imagine my surprise when they asked why I left town. I was sure Gossip Girl would have released a blast before I even boarded the train." Jenny stated watching Blair carefully. "You didn't tell anyone did you?"

"Like I would humiliate myself purposely," Blair snapped. "Chuck's poor taste reflects on me too you know."

"Look Blair, I know your pride is hurt, okay? But you have made it clear, repeatedly, that we are not friends. And you and Chuck were broken up, which had nothing to do with me. I have a list of people I owe apologies to but you're not one of them."

Blair stared at Jenny. Something was going on inside her head but Jenny couldn't quite tell what.

"You—"

"Blair!" Nate said interrupting her, "Serena is looking for you."

Blair looked at Nate, then back at Jenny. She turned and walked away without another word.

Jenny let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

"Everything okay?" Nate asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Yeah," Jenny said, wanting to change the subject. Nate swooping in to rescue her was a pattern she didn't want to revisit. "Enjoying the party?" she asked.

Nate smiled, but before he could answer they were interrupted by a tall blonde.

"There you are," she said placing her hand on his arm. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Sorry," Nate said. "I was talking to Dan and Serena and then Serena asked me to find Blair."

"This isn't Blair," the blonde said jokingly.

"No, this is Jenny," Nate said gesturing towards her. "Jenny this is Juliet, my date."

"Nice to meet you," Jenny said, shaking Juliet's hand.

"You too," Juliet smiled. "Are you ready to go?" she asked Nate.

"Yeah, let's go. I'll see you later Jenny."

"Sure," Jenny said. "See you later."

Eric approached and offered Nate a smile as he and Juliet walked away hand-in-hand.

"Who is that?" Eric asked Jenny.

"Nate's date Juliet," Jenny replied. She suddenly felt exhausted. "Are you ready to go?"

"I was ready thirty minutes ago," Eric said. "I thought we were meeting outside."

"Ugh," Jenny threw her head back dramatically. "Let's get out of here."

Eric laughed as Jenny grabbed his hand and drug him towards the door.