Nate was standing in the foyer of the Spectator rooms. Gazing the decoration over. Blair and Carol outdid themselves. The rooms looked amazingly good. The event would start in two hours, still some time left to get ready and set everything up. He still couldn't believe that they would celebrate his victory today. Not only he was finally owning the magazine himself, but also the Gossip Girl story had landed a huge success and sales numbers were never better. He couldn't be any better today. Well he could, if a certain girl would stand at his side, but that was out of the question. For the past two weeks he hadn't heard from her or seen her. Since New Year's eve she was avoiding him. Even when Blair had invited them all for a brunch, she didn't show up. Jasper came alone, saying that Jenny had too much to do in the atelier to take some time off.
He invited them both for tonight's event, and so far he was sure they would come. At least that's what Joanna, Jenny's assistant, had responded. Nate tried to remain calm during the last two weeks, but he was barely able too. He was more than sure that Jenny still loved him. The kiss proofed it, but she went immediately back to Jasper. And that really pissed him off, she acted as nothing had happened between them. He couldn't stand this games anymore. All he wanted was to be with her, and he was very positive that she wanted it too. At least he thought so when they kissed. Now he wasn't so sure anymore. It should be easier, shouldn't it?
"There you are, I was already looking for you", Blair said when she walked up to him, "so everything is decorated for later. The huge party can take place. You excited?"
"A little, yeah. I can't believe this is all mine now. It's kind of crazy… and scary", he admitted to his best friend.
Blair smiled friendly and hooked her arm in his, dragging him towards his office room. "This has been your magazine long before you became officially the only owner, and you always did a great job… and you will still do so in future. I have no doubts in you, neither has Chuck", she replied sweetly.
"You're my friends, I expect you to be on my side", he scoffed smirking.
"Well, we try too. How about starting with this?", she remarked and pointed her hand towards his desk.
Nate followed her gaze, but couldn't tell what she meant. He gazed at her in confusion. "What is it? That's just my desk and he has always been in here", he made clear.
Blair chuckled. "True, but not with that sign!"
Nate took a closer look at his desk. In the middle, close to the front, she had placed a new name sign, saying in big black letters Nathaniel Archibald, beneath CEO of The Spectator.
"Blair, this is amazing. Thank you!", he answered and pulled her in a tight embrace.
"You're more than welcome. And you better be careful, my husband can get quite jealous if he sees me with another man", she laughed out happily.
"I take that risk. He knows I want someone else", he countered playfully.
Blair got out of his arms, looking her friend over. He was wearing a dark gray Armani suit which suited him more than well. She totally understood why women were attracted to him, including that young blonde university girl.
"Have you heard from her since your encounter? Chuck told me", she asked concerned.
Nate shrugged and walked over to one of the chairs in front of his desk, he sat down. "No, didn't hear anything from her. Not that I expected too. She made it pretty clear that she doesn't see an 'us' which is funny by the way she kissed me back. Honestly Blair, I don't get it. She definitely feels something for me. It's obvious, but for some reason she won't admit to herself. I thought the bracelet would help. If I show her how much she means to me, how much she always has… but it didn't change a thing. I don't know what to do anymore. And time is running against me, if they really want to marry in two months", he replied defeated and sad.
Blair gazed at her former childhood sweetheart. It was heartbreaking to see him so sad and broken. She had seen him miserable before, but not like this. This was a whole new level, which truly scared her.
"You really love her? It's not just some unfulfilled desire, is it?", she asked right away.
He looked up at her in surprise and disbelief. "Of course not!", he immediately exclaimed. "You really think I would do that to her? After all I send her through. Blair, I know it's crazy and hard to believe, especially after I rejected her so many times. But I really love her! I want to be with her, just her! She means the world to me. It just may have took me too long to realize it, and I may have lost her forever now."
Blair sniggered slightly, and patted him on the shoulder. "It's not over until she says 'yes, I do' and honestly neither Chuck nor me see that day coming. She will come to her senses. Maybe it will even be tonight", she said confident.
"If she even comes", Nate muttered and gazed back on the floor, remembering how fast she left him behind on New Year's eve.
XoXoXo
Eric walked in to the loft and gazed bewildered at Jenny. He had come over to pick his best friend up for the big event, but it seemed as she wasn't going at all.
"Uhm, you know that the event has no dress code, but don't you think that that is a little extreme", he questioned when looking her over again. Jenny was only wearing sweatpants and a huge hoodie. Her hair in a massive mess.
"I'm not going. I have too much to do for the presentation in five days. Dan and Jasper will excuse me", she stated and went back to work. Eric just rolled his eyes and followed her to her working desk. He gazed all the fabrics and sketches over. She must have worked like a maniac lately.
"You know, you can always talk to me. Yes, I heard you when you said that all is fine, but honestly this doesn't look like it. Jenny, what's going on?", he asked concerned, looking straight at her.
"Nothing, I just have a lot to do and can't take time off to party. Pretty sure he'll understand", she gave back directly.
Eric had always a lot of patience when it came to Jenny, but tonight it was just annoying him. Her attitude was going massively on his nerves. "You can't be serious. It's his most important night, and you won't even go to support him. Jenny, you're his friend, and I'm sure he would like to see you there tonight. Whatever happened between the two of you, can't you push it aside for at least a few hours?", he begged her, appealing to her friendship. "Come on, he was always there for you."
Jenny sank down on her chair, gazing at her friend. "E, it's not that easy. After what happened… I just can't. I'm sorry." She turned her attention back towards her work.
Eric sighed in frustration. "You know, I never forced you to tell me what happened that night at the party, but now… I want to know. You guys didn't just talk, right? So what? Did he kiss you?", he asked right away.
Jenny tensed up during the last question. Why can't he give it a rest? Why can't he just accept I'm not going and leave me alone?
"Jenny, so he kissed you. Where is the problem?", Eric pressed on.
Jenny looked at him wide eyed. "Where the problem is, E?!", she called out flabbergasted. "I'm engaged to Jasper! He kissed me, without my permission. He knows I'm engaged, and he told me he would let me go. And then he kisses me!"
Eric needed to hold back a laughter. It was too crazy and hilarious. There was a time when Jenny would have given everything if Nate would kiss her. Now he did and she freaks.
"So? I really don't see the problem, Jen. He also told you that he loves you, didn't he? Gave you that bracelet, that you're wearing by the way", he pointed at the golden bracelet around her wrist. "Why are you still fighting him? Everyone can see how much you mean to him. And you still feel for him too, you wouldn't react like this if it wasn't the case. So, spill it – why are you holding back?"
"I'm holding nothing back. Why is everyone assuming I'm still into Nate? That's ridiculous", she spat out. Trying to concentrate on her sketching, but failing immensely on doing so.
Eric only chuckled. "Sure, you feel nothing for him", he replied lapidary. "You don't care that he loves you, neither do you care that he gave you that bracelet. Which you probably only wear right now because what… it's cute? Does Jasper know you're wearing it?"
"Why should he? It's just jewelry", Jenny gave back dryly. Her heart was racing like a Nascar. Thankfully Eric couldn't see or hear it. This bracelet was way more than just jewelry, it was pretty much the world.
"Just jewelry? If you say so, then you clearly won't mind to dress up and come with me to that party. I don't want to be all on my own, and you can need a break from whatever you're doing there. And before you even think of it, I don't take 'NO' for an answer. It's just a party, Jen. Tons of people. I bet you won't even see him. So, … drag your pretty, little ass up those stairs and get dressed. I'm not leaving this place without you, and I doubt you want me to take you out like that."
"Eric, seriously, I have to get this done", she retorted halfhearted. She had avoided Nate since their encounter, but she also longed to see him. To her own surprise and dismay, she had ended up dreaming of him. Thankfully not calling out his name while doing so, at least she hoped so.
"Jenny, you can't stay in here forever. Sooner or later you will have to face him again, if you like it or not. And honestly, I don't get where the problem is. You both want to be with each other, so why not? Don't tell me you didn't like it when he kissed you. Now imagine what else he would do with you, if only you let him", Eric answered smugly while wiggling his eyebrows.
Jenny rolled her eyes at him. "Not helpful E, totally not helpful!"
"I totally think it is. Honestly, I really think you should sleep with him. Get it past you. There is this unanswered question between the two of you, this tension that just won't vanish. So why not going for it? Too scared that you may end up falling all over for him again? Newsflash: there is no reason too, you already did", Eric pointed out and plopped down on one of the kitchen stools.
Jenny was totally annoyed by him. He couldn't be serious about it. "I'm not going to sleep with him. This won't solve the problem, it will only make it worse", she explained.
"Whatever the problem is… 'cos with all honesty, I don't think any of us know what the problem is in the first place. Why don't you want to date him? Except of getting your heart broken again", Eric questioned with curiosity.
Jenny gazed down on the floor. Is there a reason left? He told me he loves me. He also gave me this wonderful bracelet. So what's holding me back? Really just Jasper? "I don't know", she replied truthfully.
Eric eyed her once more and got up. He walked over to where she was seated on her table, and pulled her in a tight embrace. "You know I'm always here for you, whatever you decide to do. But just so you know, I think you'd do better by trying it once more with him. So it didn't work out the first time. But now he knows what he wants, and I believe him about it. Don't get me wrong, I like Jasper. He's a nice guy, but he isn't Nate. And you can tell me as much as you want that you don't care, but I see you do. That Shayenne girl really pissed you off. Stop denying your feelings and stand to them. Now… go, get dressed."
Jasper wasn't even sure why he came at all. This was a party of one of Jenny's friends. One he barely knew, and definitely didn't want to get to know. Especially as he was pretty sure that Nate was totally in to Jenny. So why should he waste his precious time here at this party when he could spent it with Jenny instead. But she had begged him to go and bond with her friends, so he had agreed to it. Although he really believed in that it was a stupid idea. Neither did he want to become friends with them, nor would they want to become friends with him. Now he was at this stupid party and tried to get into conversations with these people who seem not to care at all.
"Dan, so what is this exactly about? Your book?", he questioned out of boredom. Not that he cared at all.
Dan chuckled slightly. "No, it's about Nate becoming the only owner of this magazine and reaching the highest sales figures since it was published first. Which has to do with my book though. But it's all about Nate tonight", Dan explained him, "by the way, it's really nice that you came even without Jenny coming in."
Jasper nodded. "Yeah, she begged me too. Said it would mean a lot to her, so how could I say no?", he replied friendly.
Dan started to laugh harder, clapping Jasper on his back. "Welcome in the world of stupid men following their girl's every wish", he mocked him a little. Jasper liked Dan quite much, but at certain times he just wanted to slap him. Now was one of them.
He wanted to reply to his words when he saw Jenny walking in with Eric. This was quite a surprise, as she said that she had to work so much. They walked up to Dan and him, and greeted them when finally arriving.
"I thought you needed to work?", Jasper asked astonished by her presence. Not sure if he was happy to see her or not. Somehow he was, as he wasn't alone anymore. But somehow he wasn't, as he didn't want her in any close distance to Nate.
"I still have to, but Eric convinced me that I also need to take breaks and live my life", she replied sweetly, kissing him shortly on the lips. "So, how is it so far?", she asked in return.
Jasper only shrugged. "Can't say. I barely know someone, and nothing really happened yet." He gazed her over. She was wearing a short black miniskirt matched with a light purple vest. His gaze fell on the golden bracelet on her wrist. He hadn't seen that one before. "You got yourself new jewelry?", he questioned curious.
Jenny froze while looking around. Damn it, I forgot to take it off! "No, it's already quite old. I got it from my grandma a few years ago. Just don't wear it that often as it disturbs while sketching or sewing. I don't even know why I put it on tonight. Just grabbed something", she explained as casual as possible.
He took it in a little closer. "It's beautiful. Any specific meaning to the charms?", he kept questioning.
Jenny tensed slightly up, gladly unnoticed by Jasper. Dan and Eric shared a knowing look, wondering what she would tell him about it.
"Yeah, they have, but it's very private to grams and me. I might tell you one day, but not tonight", she said kindly, kissing him on the cheek once more.
Eric couldn't hold back a huge grin forming on his face. Interesting how fast Nate became a grandmother.
"It's really wonderful. If it has such a personal meaning, you should wear it to the wedding", Jasper suggested, not knowing the real meaning behind the bracelet. Eric and Dan nearly choked on their drinks, Jenny's eyes grew wide.
"What?", she barely brought out.
"Well, it obviously means much to you. And if it's already older. You know what they say: something new, old, borrowed and blue."
Eric was barely able to hold back a laughter. He only gazed at them amused. "Yeah, that's a great idea Jasper! I can get you some new earrings to it, and surely Blair or Serena will borrow you a matching chain. We only need something blue now. But we sure will find something too", he took on Jasper's thoughts.
"I'm more than sure we will", Dan pointed out. "Serena and Blair will definitely go into overdrive for finding the right dress and fittings, so you'll look stunning as hell. Talking about it, there comes my beautiful lady with… with Shayenne. Wow, looks like it's getting serious with Nate."
Jenny's head shot round to look at the two girls coming up the floor. Jasper also looked in their direction, surprised to see Shayenne here. He was pretty sure that she had only been a distraction for Nate. Maybe he was wrong. Serena hugged Eric and Jenny to welcome them.
"Wonderful that you managed to convince Jenny to come. Dan told me you have to work, it's great that you were able to take a break", she addressed towards Jenny, and smiled friendly at the young blonde.
Gazing her over, only to remain hanging at her wrist. "Is that…?", she started to ask but didn't get far when Dan cut her off.
"Babe, you wanted to show me that sign that Blair got for Nate. Shall we?", he questioned, and motioned with his eyes for her to follow him.
"Yeah sure. I think Chuck was looking for you anyways", she answered and turned to follow her boyfriend into the direction of Nate's office.
Shayenne shortly looked after them, only to turn her attention towards the remaining people. She smiled friendly at Jenny. "Your outfit is very stunning. I like the purple vest. Is there a matching suit or is it just a single piece?", she asked curiously, while admiring Jenny's frame.
"Oh, it's just a single piece. It was only a short piece of the material left. I wasn't even sure if it was enough for any kind of clothing. But gladly it worked", she responded kindly and gazed the blonde girl in front of her over. What is Nate seeing in her?
"Well, it looks very good with that black skirt", Shayenne replied. "Would you mind to excuse me, I'll see if I can find Nate somewhere."
Jenny looked after her when she left. Eric held back an amused smile and handed her a champagne glass. Jasper had placed his arm around her waist and stroked with his thumb slightly her side. Shayenne was right, she looked very good tonight.
"You know, I was thinking that we could get away for a few days. Just the two of us, a lovely hotel…", he whispered in her ear while kissing her neck.
"What? Are you crazy? Fashion week is next month, and do you have any clue what it takes to plan a wedding? There is still so much to do. I can't take off, not even for a single day. I should be at home working, but Eric was right – I can't work all the time. So I took three hours off, but that is all", she exclaimed outraged.
Jasper raised his hands in surrender. "It was just a suggestion. I thought it would be nice to get out for a bit, to relax", he explained his train of thought.
Jenny sighed, she had overreacted. Of course it was a sweet idea. "I'm sorry, it's just so much at the moment. After our wedding we have all the time we need to get away. I promise", she replied, and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
Eric had listened to their conversation, as much as he could. He wasn't sure if he liked the fact that Jenny was talking about their wedding. But she was his best friend, and he had promised her earlier to support her. No matter which decision she would take, he hoped for Nate.
XoXoXo
Nate took a champagne glass from the waiter. He gazed over the room, it was filled with friends, co-workers and customers. He never liked to hold speeches, but now was time for one. Shayenne was standing next to him, smiling brightly at him. He had invited her over, but still he hadn't managed to tell her the truth. He took a spoon from the dessert table and got everyone's attention by patting it to the glass. He cleared his throat and spoke up to his guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Spectator. I am more than glad that I am allowed to welcome you tonight as the new and only owner of this wonderful magazine. The past weeks have been very tough, to say the least. But after all it's a brand new start ahead of us. I clearly would have never made it without the amazing staff here at the Spectator. They literally worked their asses off, to keep our magazine running. I am honored to work with such devoted and passionate people. I can't thank you enough for standing with me in times of trouble", he said while gazing at his assistant Carol, who sort of became more than his right hand lately. She held every piece of the magazine together.
"Also I need to give a huge thank you to my amazing friends. Knowing to have you guys at my side, is more than I ever could have asked for. I would have never made it this far, if you hadn't been with me all along. You're truly my family." He smiled at Chuck and Blair, Serena and Dan, Eric, and finally Jenny. His gaze remained on her.
"I really hope you know what you guys mean to me. Success is clearly an amazing thing to achieve, but it's worthless if you don't have anyone at your side to share it with. I'm blessed that I do have my wonderful friends and staff with me on this journey. And I'm more than blessed that I'm allowed to celebrate this night with all of you. Cheers to a new start!"
Everyone raised their glasses and said Cheers in unison before taking a sip of their drinks. Nate still smiled and looked at Jenny. She had returned his smile and greeted him with toasting her glass in his direction. Shayenne took a step closer to him.
"It was a wonderful speech", she told him, while giving him a bright smile.
"You think? It was nothing special. Just some thoughts", he waved it off. It were just some words that he had in mind, nothing more.
She got on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "I liked it, and your friends did too."
Nate smiled down at her, taking her in a short embrace. "Thank you. Also for being here tonight", he whispered in her ear. He looked over her shoulder, only to end up looking straight into Jenny's furious eyes. If I was only holding you right now, beautiful!
He pulled back again and led her over to Chuck and Blair. "You guys mind to keep her a bit company? I have to greet a couple of our customers and don't want her to get too bored", he questioned his friends.
Blair smirked at him. "Of course we will. Make your round and talk to everyone. We know that there are some important matters to be discussed, so go for it", she replied to his request and linked her arm with Shayenne's. "I'll show her a bit around."
Nate had talked to pretty much everyone on the party during the past two hours, except for one certain girl. Whenever he tried to approach her, someone had gotten in between wanting to talk to him. Or in worst case Jasper led her away after seeing him coming closer. He really started to hate that guy.
He was on his way from his office towards the restrooms, he urgently needed a short break. He went into the corridor leading to the toilets when he caught sight of a scene he didn't expect to see. Jasper was standing in the corridor. He propped himself from the wall with one arm, a brunette standing right in front of him. Their foreheads leaned against each others. She was definitely feeling very comfortable.
They were in a deep, silent conversation. Nate took a step back around the corner, still eying the scenery in front of him. He couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he was quite sure that they knew each other. Their body language told him so. Both were relaxed and peaceful. Before he could wonder where they knew each other from, Jasper leaned forward and started kissing the girl. First only shy and tenderly, then it turned way more passionate and fierce.
What the fuck! You've got to be kidding me! He really would have loved to walk over and punch that bloke unconscious, but that wouldn't be very smart. When Jenny finds out about this, she will dump him in an instant. No chance in hell that she will forgive him. He watched a bit longer, 'til they finally broke apart. Jasper stroked her hair and cheek once more, before letting go of her and entering the toilets. Nate immediately turned around and went back towards his office to find Jenny. She needed to know. Hopefully she would believe him.
XoXoXo
Jenny was standing all alone close to Carol's desk. She was watching the people around her. Jasper had gone to the restrooms and only God knows where Eric went. Great friend he is. First he drags me here, and now he is nowhere to be found. She still didn't feel well being here. But she had agreed to stay at least three hours. How long was she here now? She was thinking about going home when Nate stepped in her way. He was looking damn too good.
"You have a minute for me?", he asked right away when he approached her. Jenny gave him a genuine smile, although she felt more than uncomfortable with him.
"I don't think it's such a good idea", she replied truthfully.
"Just a few moments. I swear I just want to talk", he made clear.
She gazed him over. He seemed alarmed and not as relaxed as he was during his speech. "Fine, but really just five minutes. I was on my way out."
They walked into his office room and Nate closed the door behind them. Jenny had walked half into the room, not taking a seat as she wanted to make clear that she wasn't staying long. Nate remained behind the door, looking straight at her.
"So, what do you want to talk about?", she asked right out.
"First I'd like to say how glad I am that you came. I know that after what happened it probably wasn't easy, and I'd really like to apologize for my behavior on New Year's eve. It's just… being near you… I don't know, I just stopped thinking. I shouldn't have done that. But I meant what I said though…", he still looked her straight in the eyes.
Jenny could see that he was telling the truth. "Apology accepted, but you better make sure that it doesn't happen again."
"It won't, unless you want to", he smirked at her, causing Jenny to blush. "But that wasn't the main reason I wanted to talk to you. We're friends, right?"
"Uhm, yeah, of course we are", Jenny replied, wondering where this conversation would lead to.
"And we can talk about everything?", Nate continued carefully, knowing that she wouldn't like to hear what he had to say.
"Of course."
"And you do trust me?"
Oh dear, is he serious? Do I trust him? I used to, but now… with everything that happened. I really don't know anymore. "Nate, why do you need to know all of this?", she questioned instead. Avoiding to give him an answer to his question.
"I need to know, Jenny. Cause I don't think that you'll like what I have to tell you. And I need to make sure that you trust and believe my words", he insisted on getting an answer from her.
It only scared her more. What the hell is this all about? She eyed him curiously. Trying to figure out what he wanted from her, but she found herself just as clueless as before.
"Truthfully, I don't trust you anymore. At least not that much that I used to. Too much got broken between us, Nate. Things that I don't think we can ever fix again. I mean, we can be friends, but it will never be again as it was during my sophomore year. So I don't know if I can believe your word. I want too, but I just don't know. It depends on what you have to tell me", she replied honestly, still looking straight at him.
She could see that he had tensed up a little when she said that she doesn't trust him anymore. But it was only the truth. She wouldn't lie about it. She still liked him, probably way more than she should. But she didn't trust him, which was one of the main reasons she wouldn't go back to him. She can't be with someone she doesn't trust. And next to that, she loves Jasper.
Nate remained silent for a while, thinking about her words. She didn't trust him anymore. He couldn't blame her at all. After everything he put her through. He wouldn't trust himself either. Nevertheless she needed to know what he just witnessed. She was about to get married to a guy who was making out with some random woman. God knows if there was more between them than that.
"Look, I understand you. And I only have myself to blame for the fact that you lost your faith and trust in me. I wished I could change all the awful things that happened between us, that I could erase them and fill them instead with happy moments. But after everything we've been through, I really hope that you at least believe me that I always wanted the best for you, Jenny. I always wanted you to be happy. And I still want that today, that's why this isn't easy now…", he sighed heavily and turned his gaze down to the floor. How do you tell the girl you love that the guy she is with is a damn liar? This wasn't easy. "Jenny, please don't get this the wrong way. This is not me being jealous, I'm really telling you the truth here."
Jenny eyed him curiously. She still didn't know what Nate wanted to tell her, but he was dead serious and seemed to worry a lot how she would take it. And obviously it had something to do with Jasper and her. Why else should he say it wasn't about him being jealous.
"Just spill it, Nate. I'm sure I'll survive it", she retorted playfully.
Nate sighed once more. He hated to be the one giving her bad news. Especially as he didn't know how she would react, or even believe his words. I prepared to confess what he just saw.
"Well, I was on my way to our restrooms and walked into the hallway leading there. When I turned around the corner I saw Jasper standing there. It wouldn't have been a big deal, but he wasn't alone…", he stopped and monitored Jenny intently. She had stiffened of the mentioning of Jasper's name and that he wasn't alone. Nate decided to continue.
"He was leaning towards a brunette and they were… they were kissing. Jenny, I swear I didn't make this up. This is no attempt of winning you back. I wouldn't sink so low to hurt you like this only to get you back. It really happened", he finished truthfully.
Jenny looked him in the eyes. She couldn't believe what he was saying. He had hurt her so many times. Would he lie with this? Was he really walking down this road to get her back? Even though he said it wasn't about winning her back, she couldn't believe him. It sounded to her more like a last desperate try to break them up.
"I can't believe you're doing this!", she screamed out frustrated and angry. "I mean, you stand there that calm and then you tell me straight in the face that my fiance kissed some other girl. Are you really that desperate, Nate? And you wonder why I don't trust you. Damn! You just lied straight into my face!"
Nate had known that this wasn't going to be easy, but not that she would totally block him off. Hearing the nasty truth about someone you love is never easy, but denying it in such a way.
"I told you it's not about winning you back. And that's the truth, Jenny. You can think about me whatever you want, but I'm not lying about what I just saw! I don't want you to be hurt, 'cos I did it too many times myself. Would you rather not know about your future husband seeing someone else?", he replied through gritted teeth. Nate had to work hard to remain calm. It was so absurd that she really thought he was lying to her.
Jenny flinched on his last question. To hear Nate say the words future husband somehow make her freak inside. She was about to get married to Jasper soon. Was she really ready to be a bride? Not even to think of a wife.
"Whatever…", she snapped back, "I'm not going to listen any longer to your stupid accusations. Jasper wouldn't do that to me. He LOVES me! I'm leaving now."
Without any further word or look at him, she walked towards the door. Nate stepped aside to let her out. He knew it wouldn't be smart to block her and keep her from leaving. She was too mad right now, and he definitely didn't want to fight with her. Not now, not ever. Her comment about Jasper loving her, hurt him more than he had expected. She never believed my declaration.
XoXoXo
Jenny stormed out of his office, gazing around to find Jasper. The second she got sight of him, she walked straight over. Brushing by Chuck and Blair, who immediately knew that there was something up. Something happened, and it wasn't good.
Jenny stopped in front of Jasper, who looked at her bewildered. "We're leaving, now!", she demanded and went towards the exit. Jasper was totally taken aback, and just followed her. When he had left her earlier she had been in a good mood, but now… what the hell had happened? Jenny hailed a cab as soon as she was outside.
"You mind to fill me in why we're leaving so sudden?", he questioned curiously. Gazing directly at this beautiful blonde in front of him. He could see that she was fuming. Why is she so angry? Did Archibald cross her way? "It is Nate, right? Did he try to hit on you?", he demanded to know.
Jenny slit in the back of the cab and looked at him incredulous. "No, it wasn't Nate. Not exactly. Did you kiss a girl close to the restrooms?", she interrogated him.
His eyes went wide. Damn, busted. I should have known it wasn't smart to kiss Alina there. "What?", he exclaimed. "Of course not. Jenny, I love you. Just you! Who said that I kissed some other girl?"
He already knew the answer to his question, but he wanted to hear from her. Jenny gazed out of the window, thinking about his words.
"It doesn't matter who said it", she turned her gaze back to him, "the only thing that matters is if it is true."
Jasper tried to remain calm. He didn't want to ruin things with Jenny. Alina meant nothing. They had met before Jenny, and stumbled into each other recently.
"So you're believing his word over mine now? Nothing happened. I didn't kiss anybody. Can't you see that he is trying everything to get to you? That's why I want you to stay away from him. He doesn't care to hurt you, only to get you. What kind of a friend is that?", he tried to turn the spotlight on Nate, knowing all too well that he told her.
"I don't know what to believe anymore. Yes, he did hurt me in the past, but he never did it on purpose. Sometimes he didn't even know how much he had hurt me with his actions. And no, I don't believe him over you. In fact, I don't even trust him anymore. But I do have the right to ask questions. I don't know… I don't think that he would make up a story like that. Maybe he thought it was you. Maybe the guy looked similar…", she mused about Nate's reason on telling her that story. She didn't want to believe that he hurt her on purpose only to get her back.
"Maybe. Or maybe he is just a damn dick playing with your head while not giving a fuck about your feelings", Jasper replied bluntly.
Jenny glared at him. He didn't know Nate that well, he had no right to judge him like that. Even if he was talking out of jealousy. "Drop it. You said it wasn't you and I believe you. I just want to go home and get this evening past me", Jenny said tired. Still not knowing what to think of that entire night and what Nate had told her.
Chuck and Blair were back at their new house. It wasn't decorated to the fullest yet, but they could already live in it. Some of Chuck's clothes were still at the Empire, where Nate now lived on his own. Chuck had gone straight to the living room. He had poured himself a scotch and sat down on the couch, while his wife had gone straight upstairs to change her clothes.
She walked down the stairs and remained standing on the last step, gazing towards her husband. She was only wearing a bra, panties and stockings. All covered by a see-through robe. Chuck nearly choked by the sight of his woman, causing Blair to giggle.
"Like what you see?", she asked seductively.
"You can bet on that", he replied huskily. "So, from the way you look, I assume that you want to put your wish into motion. Are you sure?", he questioned his wife, remembering a conversation from two days ago.
Blair stepped down and walked over to him, placing herself on his lap. "I'm totally sure", she assured him, "we're married and we love each other. It's just a logical step. And… it's not like it didn't happen before. We could be parents already."
She thought back of her first pregnancy, which came to an abrupt end thanks to Trip. Her eyes saddened just by the thought of it.
"No, sad memories tonight. And you're right. There is nothing holding us back anymore. I couldn't think of a better way to share myself with you. You know that I would do everything for you, right?", Chuck stated sweetly.
Blair smiled at him, nodding her head. "I had a clue, or maybe a few more. So, which room would you like to inaugurate tonight?"
"Each and every one", Chuck smirked smugly. He pulled her even closer and started to kiss and suck on the skin behind her ear lap. Blair shrieked in surprise and pleasure. She always loved the feeling of his lips on her bare skin. He knew just damn to well how to make her feel good.
If one thing was for sure, Chuck Bass had definitely ruined her for any other man existing. She sure had liked Louis, maybe even loved him, but never in the way she loved Chuck. Same was with Humphrey. Ugh, why do I think of Dan now, gross. I wonder why Jenny stormed out earlier that quick. Something must have happened with Nate.
She brought her hands up to Chuck's face and cupped it. Placing a long, desire full kiss on his lips. After breaking apart she looked him straight in the eyes. Seeing his love, lust, desire, want towards her. I'm so blessed to have him in my life. I'll never let go of him again. Neither should Nate on Jenny.
"You know babe, we really have to talk to Nate tomorrow morning. Something happened between Jenny and him tonight. I don't think it was about Shayenne. It was something else, and we need to find out what", she mused while Chuck had started to attack her neck and collarbone with his kisses again.
"You really want to talk about these two blind and stubborn idiots now? I have way better things in mind", Chuck replied huskily, his breathe tickling over her soft skin.
Blair shivered slightly. "We can skip that for now, but tomorrow…"
"…will be tomorrow. And it's still a few hours to go 'til then", he remarked through his kisses.
XoXoXo
Nate had gotten a text from Chuck and Blair earlier to come over for brunch and bring some of Chuck's stuff along. He had just stepped out of his town car when Blair already opened the door of their new house. It was so weird to him that they had a house now, not to think of that they were married.
Of course he was happy for his two best friends, but still... so much had changed within a few weeks. They really had grown up now. This was the best proof. To his dismay was Jenny close to take the same steps. He shook his head to get her out of his mind.
"Good, you're already here! That's perfect. Don't just stand there on the side walk, come on in", Blair called out and stepped aside to let Nate through the door and into their home.
He walked up the steps, kissed Blair on the cheek Hello and let himself in. He gazed around the rooms. It looked beautiful. Still a lot of boxes were unpacked, but even though Blair's touch was viewable.
"It looks beautiful Blair. When you're done moving it will clearly be a nice place to live", he stated happily, although he already had started missing his best buddy around him.
She smiled brightly. "Yeah, there is still so much to do, but we're getting there", she replied while gazing around. Then looking closer at her friend. She placed a hand on his arm. "And don't forget, you're always welcome here. Our door is always open for you."
He looked down on his former high school sweetheart and saw her genuine smile. He returned her smile and nodded. "Thanks Blair!", giving her a short kiss on the forehead.
"I really hope you're not trying to hit on my wife, Nathaniel. That really would put an end to our friendship", Chuck said jokingly while joining their conversation.
Nate held up his arms in surrender. "I would never, man!"
"Good that you had time to come. We thought after last night you might be busy with phone calls and meetings", Chuck changed the topic to the main theme they wanted to talk about.
He made his way into the dinning room, followed by Nate and Blair. They had decorated the table only slightly, but the brunch buffet could feed an entire football team. Nate gazed the table over in astonishment.
"You're expecting some more guests?", he asked curious.
"No dear, just you. And sorry for the less decoration. Not everything is unpacked yet", Blair excused that the table looked more like a second class restaurant.
Nate let out a deep laugh. "Don' worry Blair, I won't mind. I just hope that you don't expect me to eat all that. Unless you want to roll me out of here."
"I didn't know what you would like to have for brunch. I mean, I knew your favorites ones, but it could have changed since. So I ordered from everything a little, just in case", she replied reddened.
Also Chuck had to chuckle on her order. "And here I thought my wife would only please me from now on. Should have know that I was wrong about it with an Archibald around", he said mockingly with a hurt face expression.
"Oh shut up, both of you", Blair retorted annoyed, "just sit down and let's eat."
"Yes ma'am!", Chuck saluted and sat down, causing Nate to burst out laughing even more.
"You're both crazy, I hope you know that", he barely brought out through hysterical laughter.
"What so ever. Being crazy is not so bad at certain times", Blair answered right away, "have you done anything crazy lately?" She gazed questioning at him, hoping he would understand her inquiry.
As much as Nate had enjoyed this banter between them, he immediately knew what she was referring to now. "Blair, I don't want to talk about this now", he said strict.
"Keeping it inside you, won't help either, Nathaniel. And maybe we can help", Chuck joined in the topic. He gazed intently at his friend.
Damn it, I should have known it wasn't just a friendly invite. There is always something on the agenda with these two. "Fine, as you obviously won't let me go until you know. I somehow got into a fight with Jenny last night", he confessed to his friends.
Blair sighed. "Nate, how could you? The plan was just working fine."
"The plan sucked, Blair. I mean, yes, she may have been jealous but it didn't change anything. She's still with him. And I didn't fight with her on purpose. I saw something she should know, so I told her. But as she doesn't trust me anymore, she didn't believe my words", Nate replied furious and frustrated.
Blair and Chuck changed a look, not knowing what their friend was talking about. Chuck was the first to speak up. "Mind to fill us in. What did you see that she didn't believe?"
Nate took a sip of his orange juice to swallow a piece of his waffle. Remembering the time when he was staying at the Humphrey house. Damn it! "Quite simple", he started explaining, "I went to the toilet, saw Jasper in front, making out with some brunette. I went to find Jenny, told her what I saw and she didn't believe a single word. Although I told her twice that I didn't make it up to get her back."
Blair had listened in silence, over-thinking his recent words. "And you're sure it was Jasper?", she asked to clarify.
"Yes, Blair, I'm more than sure. I'm not blind!", he said exasperated.
"Ok, ok, no need to freak out. I just wanted to make sure", she said soothingly.
Nate relaxed, he didn't even realized that he had tensed up in the first place. "Sorry Blair, I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just so... so frustrating. She doesn't trust me anymore. How am I suppose to win her back when she doesn't believe and trust me? She's getting married soon, I'm running out of time...", he ruffled his hands through his hair in despair. "I thought my declaration and the bracelet would do the trick, but I guess it was all for nothing."
"No, don't even think that, Nate. She was affected by it. I saw it with my own eyes. She is only massively scared to get hurt again by you. After everything that you guys been through and sorry to say... that you put her through. It's somehow understandable. Nevertheless, we need to find a way to take her fears away", Blair mused.
"And how do you want to do that? 'Cos I have no clue. I tried, I really did."
Chuck looked at his friend. He really hasn't seen Nate in such a state before. Not after he found out about Blair and him, not during his encounter with Serena, not ever. Chuck had witnessed Nate and Jenny for a long time. It always surprised him that Nate never was willing to walk down that path. But he finally understood why he treasured her so much. Jenny was to Nate, what Blair was to him.
"We'll find a way, Nathaniel. Neither one of us wants to see her marry that British dude. Even Dan said he would rather see him gone today than tomorrow", Chuck tried to ensure his best friend that he'll soon be with the girl of his dreams.
A sudden ring of the bell got them out of their conversation. All three looked puzzled towards the door.
"Didn't you say you weren't expecting anyone?", Nate asked bewildered.
"We don't", Blair replied confused, "I'll shortly check who is on there."
She stood up and walked over to see who was interrupting their brunch. She opened the door and was even more surprised to see the person outside waiting.
"Jenny?", she let out in shock. "What are you doing here?"
"I need to talk to you, right away", the young blonde replied and didn't even wait for Blair's invite. She marched right in.
Jenny stopped when she entered the dinning room. Seeing Nate and Chuck sitting on the table wasn't what she had expected. She turned to Blair, who had followed her stunned and wordlessly.
"Sorry, it's a bad time. I should have called first. I'll come back later", Jenny said cold.
Nate had tensed the second he had heard Blair say Jenny's name. Now to see her so enraged didn't make it any better. They couldn't even be in the same room anymore.
"Don't worry. I was on my way out anyways", he said and got up. "Chuck, Blair, thanks for the brunch. We'll talk about the rest another time. I have to get to the Spectator. Have a nice day."
He placed his napkin on the table and turned to go. Walking past Jenny without looking at her or saying anything was the hardest. When he reached Blair, he kissed her on the cheek slightly and mumbled an apology. She squeezed his hand shortly in return.
After he had shut the door of the house behind him, Blair turned to Jenny again. "What the hell was that? Is it going to be like this from now on whenever you meet?", she questioned outraged.
"Excuse me, I wasn't the one who told him to leave. I said, I would come back later again. He went on his own", Jenny defended herself, not even knowing why.
"Ladies, why don't we all come down now and have a bit to eat. Jennifer, you're hungry? Blair ordered for twelve at least, we can't eat it all on our own. Like to join us?", Chuck asked friendly and calm. He held out his hand to the table.
Jenny smiled at him. "Thank you for the invitation Chuck, but I won't stay long. I only came to ask what's wrong with Nate."
"What do you mean? I can't follow", he gave back.
Jenny rolled her eyes annoyed. Was he really going to play this game? "Don't try to fool me Chuck. Of course you know what I'm talking of", she snapped.
"I don't think I can. We only had brunch with Nate and discussed my move out of the penthouse. Whatever happened between the two of you wasn't our topic", he lied without regret. After all it was for a good cause.
Jenny frowned, not sure if she shall believe his words. "Whatever... so what's his problem? Why can't he leave me alone and let me be happy?"
"You really ask this questions? Isn't it obvious?", Chuck asked in return not answering her.
"What do you mean?", Jenny replied.
Chuck sighed heavily. Was she really this stubborn and unknowing? "Jennifer, I think we already told you more than once – he LOVES you! He can't just let you go because he is madly in love with you. It's very sickening. I've never seen him in this state before. In fact, it's very disgusting. So could you do us all a favor and just stop denying him."
Jenny glared at him. She turned to Blair. "Do you think the same?"
"Honestly, I don't understand why you try to deny your feelings. It's obvious that you still love him. So why not giving him another chance? Yes, he messed up in the past. But Jenny, Nate matured as well in the past years. He knows now who he wants. I always believed that his relationships never worked because of his love for Serena, but in truth it was his hidden love for you that was always in the way. I know he hurt you, but you need to find a way to get past that. For your and for Nate's sake. You two belong."
Jenny looked at her friend. "I can't believe this. Do you want to know what he did last night? He told me that he saw Jasper kissing some random girl!", she exclaimed. "How dare he to just spread lies about my fiance. I don't care what he wants, I don't care what you think. Jasper and I are engaged and we are about to get married! And if you guys are really my friends, as you say you are, you would respect that and stop pushing me towards Nate."
Without a further word she turned around and stormed out of the house, leaving a flustered Blair and Chuck behind. Blair gazed after her and turned her look then to Chuck.
"Wow, I didn't see that one coming. I really thought she would give in at a certain point. Damn it, it's going to be way harder to convince her than I thought", Blair admitted to her husband.
He nodded in agreement. "She was always a stubborn girl, but that stubborn. I don't know, maybe we are wrong and she really is truly in love with Jasper."
Blair looked at him with wide eyes. "You can't be serious!", she let out. "You really want to watch her marry him and see Nate suffer?"
"Of course not, my love. But she seems very determined to marry him. And nothing had worked so far. I really thought Shayenne would do the trick, but Nate is right – the plan sucked. She may have been jealous for a bit, but she still wants to marry Jasper", Chuck sighed and massaged his temples. "You should be her maid of honor. That would give you time and closeness to talk to her again", he suggested.
"Good idea, but after this scene... I doubt that she wants me", Blair gave back weakly. She was still a little shocked that Jenny had questioned their friendship. True, they recently rekindled, but Blair really just wanted the best for her.
"Well, go and apologize. Make amends. Be the greater person and admit that you have been a bad friend recently. Tell her you'll accept her decision and will stand by her side no matter what", Chuck stated.
Blair sat down on his lap and kissed his nose shortly. "How come I deserve such a wise man?", she questioned and kissed him on the lips the next time.
Chuck chuckled against her lips. "I really don't know Mrs. Bass."
XoXoXo
Serena woke up to the smell of waffles and fresh coffee. She smiled when she gazed around Dan's bedroom. It was so typical him. She stretched out and got slowly up. Before she was able to get fully up, Dan stepped in the room with a tablet in his arms.
"Happy anniversary!", he said with excitement.
"What is that Dan?", Serena asked surprised, looking curiously at him.
He put the tablet on the bed in front of her. Coffee, juice, waffles, toast, and fruits were waiting to get eaten. Dan smiled brightly at her.
"You don't know? It's our third month anniversary. I thought we should celebrate it a bit. Don't worry, no presents. Just a delicious breakfast and us. And hopefully we won't get disturbed over the day, so we can just be for ourselves", he explained to a wordless Serena.
She smiled even bigger at him. "That sounds just wonderful, Dan. But didn't you make lunch plans with Jenny?"
"I had. But I canceled them. She understood just fine and wishes us all the best. We'll see them tomorrow with Eric for lunch", he gave back.
"Wait what? Eric is still staying? I thought his train was leaving tomorrow morning. I wanted to bring him to central station", she replied astonished.
"Guess he changed his plans. Jenny said he would come along", Dan shrugged.
"That is so great. I really hope he will stay and transfer to Columbia. It would be so great to have him in town again", she squealed out. "But for now, I would like to concentrate on this wonderful breakfast and our anniversary. Do you think that the waffles and toast would also taste good at a later time?", she asked innocently.
Dan eyed her curiously. "Why? Do you have somewhere to be?"
"No, but I'd rather do something else than eating right now", she said seductively and wiggled her eyebrows.
"Oh, ooh. Pretty sure I can heat it up later on. Or we just make them new."
Oh dear, what kind of hidden agenda does Jasper has with this Alina girl? And who is she? Jenny questioning the friendship of Blair and telling Nate that she doesn't trust him. Is their a chance for them to set things straight? ... Guess you'll have to wait til the next chapter ;)
Thanks once more to all of you who follow this story and comment - it really means a lot. And yes I know, Jenny is quite annoying not standing to her feelings and rejecting Nate over and over, but hey... he did the same to her, didn't he? Don't worry sweets, this is still a NJ story and there is more to come. Chair won't give up on them ;)
Hope you enjoyed reading, leave me your thoughts. Have wonderful rest-weekend and good start into the new week!