A/n: This will probably be the last chapter for like two weeks, as I am leaving tonight for Independence Day festivities, and then I'll be away for a week and a half. Really, I don't know how anyone will survive without my constant updates, but I know you'll somehow find a way. Especially since the first two chapters were mediocre at best. Anywho, I've just realized that I didn't put a disclaimer on any of the earlier chapters, which is alarming for two reasons: There is now about an 87 percent chance that I will be sued, and they will most likely take me for all I am worth, which is currently about ten dollars. And, I usually like to put some sort of witty and slightly insulting remark in the disclaimer. I really do hate to miss out on such a good opportunity to display my comedic abilities, but ah well, it can't be helped now.

Disclaimer: Is it really necessary at this point?

As Lily Van der Woodsen entered the café (they had agreed to meet in Brooklyn, where there was very little chance of anyone from the Upper East Side spotting them) where she would be having lunch with Rufus, she wasn't sure what she was expecting of this meeting. She didn't know what she wanted out of a relationship with Rufus, and she would probably only end up more confused by the end of their lunch. Rufus had that effect on her. Just when she had everything under control, her children, Bart, et cetera, Rufus had come back into her life and everything she thought she knew became unclear once again.

Really, when she thought about it, even if she decided that she wanted to be with Rufus, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Yes, people would talk, her mother would probably have a heart attack, and Serena would be pissed. But it was only a matter of time before the next big scandal would come along, and people would soon forget that Lily had a boyfriend from the wrong side of the bridge.

Bart's reaction was a bit worrisome. You don't dump a Bass without good reason, even if you are Lily Van der Woodsen. But she was fairly certain he would find some twenty something model that would be more than happy to console him.

While the others people in her life might be difficult, Lily's true enemy was herself. She was scared of getting hurt, or hurting Rufus. The passion she felt when she was with Rufus was something she had avoided in her marriages, opting instead for comfort and consistency. He made her nervous, he made her feel young again, carefree and maybe a little irrational.

She put those thoughts out of her head as she saw Rufus enter the café. She was getting a little ahead of herself. They were only having lunch, and surely no decisions about whatever future they may have would be made today.

"How are you, Lily?" Rufus asked as he sat down across from her.

"Fine, fine. Sorry about my little meltdown. It seems I've been having a little trouble keeping it together as of late."

"It must be my presence in your life causing you to regress." He joked.

"Oh yes, that must be it, one look from you and I'm seventeen again," She said in a joking voice that she hoped was convincing, as he actually right, it was his presence that made it hard for her to maintain her put together persona.

"So, how's Bart?" He said his name in a way that clearly showed his distaste for the man.

"Oh, he's fine, probably off cavorting with some girl half his age. His son informed me that he was carting around some twelve year old just last week."

Rufus tried to hide his joy that Lily was not happy with Bart, but couldn't help but smirk and reply,

"Well, to hell with him then. To be honest, I'm surprised the old man can keep up with you."

"Well, sometimes he needs a break, but you'd be surprised at how well he does," was Lily's retort. Rufus grimaced at the thought,

"That is not really a picture I wanted in my head."

"Really? That's too bad, Bart is in impeccable shape for his age."

"Alright, Alright, I'm sorry I asked."

Lily smiled as she watched Rufus squirm at the thought of her and Bart together. The rest of the lunch passed smoothly, with the two exchanging witty banter. It was almost if no time had passed at all, and though it had been twenty years, they were still remarkably comfortable with each other. Before Lily knew it, Rufus was paying the bill and they were getting up to leave.

"Lily, the kids will be out Thursday night, probably with your kids, you should come over, I'll make you dinner. I know how you appreciate a home cooked meal."

"I don't know Rufus, your dishes have a tendency to not have enough salt. Besides, it would be a bit risky, I don't want the children finding out that we spend time together. Serena would have a fit."

At his crestfallen look Lily quickly changed her mind. It was just dinner, what harm could it do?

"You know what Rufus, that would be lovely. What time should I be there?"

"How's eight o'clock?"

"Sounds perfect. It was good to see you Rufus."

"See you Thursday." In a surge of courage, Rufus leaned over and pecked Lily quickly on the lips before closing the door to the cab she was taking back to the Upper East Side. Lily rode back to the palace in a bit of a daze, the same way she had after he had kissed her at Eleanor's party. God, and once again, she needed a drink. She felt both excitement and nervousness build over her upcoming dinner with Rufus. They would be alone, and she didn't really know what Rufus expected of her, but nonetheless, Lily Van der Woodsen felt happier than she had in a long time.

Naive UESers.. do you really think you can hide? Apparently Lily Van der Woodsen thought so when she met Mr. Lonely Boy at a questionable cafe for lunch. I'm sure they would say they were just friends, bonding over the trials of raising children, but i think not. Hey Lil, do you usually kiss your friends on the lips after a platonic lunch? And what about dear Bart Bass? Tsk tsk Mrs. Vander Woodsen, you better get your affairs in order quickly, because your secret is out.

xoxo

Gossip Girl