4x19 - Petty in Pink

[bunniefuu]

Gossip Girl here-- your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite.

I'm assuming you are cousin Charlie.

I'd like to stay.

Why don't I show you your new room? I know you don't wanna hear from me, but Dan Humphrey kissed Blair Waldorf.

You said that you were responsible for a fire in one of your own buildings.

I've had that man's death on my conscience for 20 years.

Someone d*ed? Why do you think the security guard was in the building? He was trying to save my wife.

My dad always said she never tried to contact us, but I can't help but wonder, since he lied about so much other stuff I called the D.

A.

Ten minutes ago.

Once I go on record with the truth, no one can hold this against us anymore.

We can build our futures together.

Now that I know I'm ready, I realize you're not.

I think I just met a real-life prince.

Will I ever see you again? You can always come find me.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but ask any Upper East Side girl to show you her most prized possession And we bet the box is Vivier, not Cartier.

Miss Blair, you have not taken off the shoes since it arrived.

You must rest your feet.

There's no time for rest.

Didn't you read Louis' note? He wants to spend the day with me, and we still haven't picked out the perfect dress.

Where's Serena? At Van Der Woodsens'.

Miss Serena been very good daughter since miss lily get sentenced to house arrest.

Well, now she's gonna be a very good friend because I'm going to raid her closet.

But the truth is just because the shoe fits, doesn't mean you want to wear it.

Hey, mom.

We're back from our tour of the best pastry shops in Manhattan.

I did a linzer tart taste test.

I had three espressos and then I picked a fight with a barista.

Then I have the perfect place for you to channel your energy.

Laryssa is out running errands, and I need someone to help me clear this out before everyone gets here.

By "this", do you mean the spoils of your online shopping safari? And by "everyone", you mean, uh-- I invited the planning committee to help put together the gift bags for the pink party.

I figure it's the least I can do, and it'd be nice to hang with the girls.

And they're--they're coming? Why wouldn't they? Well, I just thought that, you know, with the-- nonsense.

They're my friends.

Eric, do you mind helping mom? I, uh, need to talk to Charlie about something privately.

Thanks for the movies.

You wanna come over later and join us for some screenings? Um you know what? I might--I might have a thing.

A thing? That's intriguingly vague.

Another development in the complicated non-friends hang-out situation? No, that situation has figured itself out.

It's official.

We're, uh, we're just friends.

Uh, no, the thing today is actually a job.

I got a call from the editor of "Paris Match.

" Read my blog in "w," wants me to do some additional reporting on a story for them today.

Dan, that's that's fantastic.

I know.

I know.

I know.

I should be, uh, happy, but it--the piece seems kinda sleazy.

The editor got some tip that this European Prince is gonna be in town, wants to do a day-in-the-life story, like what a royal does in New York, and the guy doesn't like the media, apparently, which in this case is me, so that means I gotta follow him.

And we're talking staking out his hotel.

Provided this Prince isn't rolling with Lindsay Lohan, I don't know what he has to hide.

I think it's a great opportunity.

Well, uh, let the record show I put up a Valiant fight.

Uh, speaking of fights, where do things stand with you and Vanessa? Have you guys talked? Uh, yes, only to reiterate the fact that we have nothing to talk about.

You know, I was angry with Vanessa, too, but you guys have been friends your whole lives.

That's not something you give up without some thought.

This say "sexy and smart.

" No, it says "let's get dinner and make a sex tape.

" Keep looking.

Hello? Bonjour, Blair.

C'est Louis.

Did you get the package I sent you? Of course I did.

Although I-I must say I was a bit surprised.

I-I thought you'd never wanted to see me again after the way I left you in Paris.

No, not at all, unless the reason you left Paris is still in your life.

Uh no, no.

He isn't.

Um, that's over.

Then we are both free with, I hope, a perfect day ahead of us.

Exactly, and you are in my country now.

I'm going to introduce you to all the best New York has to offer.

Tell your valet to press your suit, because following an afternoon of museums and cafes, we're going to the pink party, an exclusive gathering of New York's elite society.

I'm afraid No one but you can know I'm here, Blair.

Is that okay? Of course.

I've recently learned of a few places that nobody like us would ever be caught dead in, so I'm going to create you a new itinerary and text you how we should meet.

A très bientôt, impatiente de te voir.

Moi aussi.

What's with the emergency text? We're gonna be late for class.

Oh, I'm not making it to class today, which is why you'll be taking notes for me.

But it's nearly finals.

What's more important than school? Miss Blair has a date with-- actually, I'd rather not say who just yet.

I'm taking a page from Gwyneth and Chris.

The relationship means too much to me to be dissected by the masses.

Hand me that m.

C.

L.

Cuff I gave you for Christmas.

Oh, perfect.

If she won't say who it is, I know someone who can find out for us.

Okay, so the idea is that we search the "Gossip Girl" archives for evidence of Dan and Blair sneaking around so you know for sure if Vanessa's telling the truth? That's the basic idea.

And I'm sorry.

I'm still new at this.

How is that better than just asking them? Well, because if Vanessa is lying and it isn't true, then I'm a horrible friend for believing her, but if it is true, then they're horrible friends for not telling me.

Right there.

They went out of town together.

Oh, that doesn't mean anything.

They went to cornwall to find Juliet because she drugged me and tried to convince everyone I was crazy.

Sure 'Cause that happens.

They were spotted seeing a film Dan lives at the film forum, and Blair was obsessed with that orangutan.

It could be a coincidence.

Hey, Upper East Siders, word is that b.

Is headed for a secret rendez-vous.

Question is, with who? Okay, are you ready to help me out, Upper East Side style? First, I need to teach you how to use the "Gossip Girl" spotted" map.

Hey.

Dan's standing outside of some restaurant called Veselka, but he's definitely acting weird.

Veselka, and guilty-weird or hungry-weird? The man loves his pierogies.

You know, I'm not very good at this.

Maybe you should just come down here and see for yourself.

See, I can't.

That's the double-edged sword of "Gossip Girl" I'd be spotted.

Okay.

He's going inside.

Stand by.

Someone else just arrived in a town car.

Humphrey! You have to leave.

No one can see me here, and although you fall under that moniker, I still need you to go.

Me? Wh-what are you doing here, deep in N.

Y.

U.

Territory? Iv you've developed a passion for Ukrainian food, then I think we did spend too much time together.

Actually, I'm on a date.

You can handle that, right? We're just friends.

Date away.

Okay.

You didn't see me here.

Okay.

Hi! I'm sorry, Serena, but it's Blair.

She's inside with Dan right now.

I think I think they're on a date.

Poor s.

Apparently, Blair and Dan's boots are made for walking Right all over you.

Look who it is! Blair and-- Serena! Louis! Bonjour, Serena.

Nice to see you.

Excuse us.

It was so romantic.

My Vivier arrived with a note from Louis.

Usually I'd make him wait a standard 48 hours before going on a date, but I make exceptions for royalty.

And you bring royalty to Veselka.

Believe me, I'd rather be at Petrossian, but he's here in secret, so he has to keep a low profile, and what's lower than this? Look, Serena, you can't say anything to anyone.

As much as I'd love to tell the world, this must remain a secret for now.

I won't say a word, but I do expect a full report.

Of course.

It'll start like this.

"Once upon a time" A girl kept her date waiting too long.

Go, go, go.

So what happened? Blair wasn't with Dan.

She was with a guy named Louis Grimaldi.

They met in Paris last summer.

But I saw Dan go in.

You've met so many people in such a short amount of time, anyone would get confused.

I remember him.

I'm telling you, it was Dan.

Look, you did great.

We have confirmation that Blair wasn't with Dan and that Vanessa was lying.

Mission accomplished.

You ready to go uptown? Um you know, actually, can I meet you later? I was hoping I could check out N.

Y.

U.

While I was down here.

Yeah, of course.

Have fun.

All I know about my mom is that her name is Avery thorpe, and she had me when she was 22.

Maybe you should talk to Chuck about this.

He went through something very similar.

I'm not ready to discuss this with anyone but you.

Do you think this will be enough for the private investigator to find her? Yeah, it's worth a call.

Single malt for breakfast? Takes the edge off the coke.

I'm gonna go make that call.

Is there a problem? With Raina, no.

But when you're ready to talk about whatever's up with you, let me know.

Hi.

Ah, the warm greeting of a friendship off the tracks.

Come on, Vanessa.

I'm--I'm making an effort here.

Apologies for being thrown by your sunny attitude.

You've made it pretty clear that you're done with me.

I know I have, I know I have, but I was with my dad today, and I swung by Veselka.

Listen, I'm right by campus.

You wanna grab some coffee? So all my heartfelt attempts to save our friendship had no impact, but the aroma of cheese and dough turned you instantly sentimental? They do say smell is the sense most associated with memory.

Well, I'm--I'm heading to school now, but I have class.

I could do drinks later tonight.

Hey, what are you doing by N.

Y.

U.

? Don't you have off Fridays? Yeah, I do, but I got this writing job down here, uh, and then I realized it was a conflict of interest, so I quit, and, uh, now I-- well, why don't I explain everything to you tonight? Okay.

I'll, um, I'll see you then.

All right, good.

Oh, hello, darling.

How are you? Oh, I'm fine.

Fine.

So is someone else bringing the items for the gift bags? I'm so sorry, Lily.

Helping out was a lovely thought, but with the party for the breast cancer research foundation being tonight, we felt it would just be easier to do the gift bags at Blaine's during prep.

Well, I'm disappointed, of course, but the success of the event is the, uh, priority.

Would you mind asking Vanya to send over the food? I would hate for it to go to waste.

You know how the trumps love their tea sandwiches.

Of course.

Ahem.

I'm fine, really.

Hey! Where are they going with those scones? Uh, my guess is Blaine Tr*mp's.

I think your mother may have underestimated the impact of her sentence on her social standing.

The only thing thicker than blood is the ink on "page six.

" Where's Raina? She went back to her hotel.

I think your whole, uh, Howard Hughes routine is starting to freak her out a little bit.

It's actually starting to freak me out, too, man.

Talk to me.

I saw what you two were looking at this morning-- the tattered box, old photographs.

Is Raina looking for her mother? It's a mistake.

You have to stop her.

Look, man, I know what happened with your mom was painful.

But at least you got some answers.

Raina deserves the same, and she can handle it.

You don't know that.

Raina's been away at college, living a high-profile life which anyone could follow online.

If her mother wanted to get in touch with her, she would have done it by now.

Raina just lost her father.

Do you really think she's ready to be rejected by her mother all over again? I'll talk to her.

Andrew, it's Chuck bass.

I need you to find out everything you can about the fire at the Kinberg building.

I need to know Was Avery thorpe there that night? I was so focused on getting the perfect outfit that I didn't realize it was freezing outside.

Will you go get me a cardigan from upstairs? Is everything okay? That was Lucien, my royal advisor.

I'm afraid I've been found out.

My parents have been informed, and Lucien's on a plane now to escort me back to Paris.

I don't understand.

Just because you wanted a weekend away in New York? The truth is, I'm here to see you.

I've mentioned you many times since the summer, but my parents don't approve.

You are a commoner.

Well, have they have seen Princess Stephanie's husbands? I'm not a circus performer.

You're anything but common.

But the royal birthright has many strings attached.

When my advisor discovered I was in New York, he hired one of your friends to follow me.

I will see to it personally that Penelope is deported to a desperate third world country, preferably someplace with Sharia Law.

It was a man.

He saw us at Veselka.

Dan Humphrey? He--he wouldn't do that.

Lucien probably made him a very good offer.

I was a fool to think I'd be allowed to follow my heart, even if only for a few days.

Go back to your hotel and put on your suit.

I know who can fix this.

Hey.

Meet me at Paul Smith in half an hour.

You know why, and you should be ashamed of yourself.

How did you find out? I always find out.

Just be there.

Charlie may be new to the city, but apparently she already knows how to get around.

Who needs a map when you can just follow the cheater? Blair, I swear I had no idea.

Some magazine editor called me out of the blue to hire me to write an article on your Prince, and I backed out the minute I knew he was with you.

Oh, you should have been suspicious the minute someone wanted to pay you for your writing.

That wasn't an editor.

It was one of Louis' royal handlers, and your desperate need for literary validation cost me the greatest date of my life.

Well, I'm sorry.

I know you are, and that is why I'm giving you the opportunity to make this right.

Louis told his handler, Lucien, that he came to New York for a charity event tonight, and Lucien doesn't believe him, so when he comes to pick Louis up from the party to take him to the airport.

We are going to convince him that Louis is a casual summer acquaintance, and you and I are madly in love.

Why would he believe that? We are going to stage a private intimate moment for Lucien to stumble upon.

When he realizes that Louis was telling the truth and he has nothing to worry about, he'll go back to Paris, leaving Louis behind for me.

No way.

I thought you were my friend.

I am, which is why I'm going to point out to you what a bad idea this is.

For starters, Serena's gonna be at this party.

She's staying with lily tonight.

Fine, then everyone else in the world will be at this party.

We'd have to tell Serena about the plan.

Absolutely not.

You and I faking a kiss-- do you really wanna have that conversation with Serena? Can't be half as painful as this one.

Think ahead, Humphrey.

What if Serena tells Chuck, who, though up till now, quiet about our misbegotten make-out, decides to speak up in the face of this latest insult? When you bring Chuck into it, you're far more convincing.

Okay, fine.

You're paying for the tie.

What about "it's a wonderful life"? That'll cheer mom up.

No, no, she's in a dark place.

She has to work out her issues with "The Godfather" or "Taxi Driver.

" What about "intolerance"? That pretty much sums up this situation.

I was hoping to find one sympathetic pink party planner to advocate on your mom's behalf, get the party moved here from the trumps' so she could be a part of it.

You know, I might live on the Upper East Side, but I have no pull here.

Now if the pink party was at CBGB's I hate to break it to you, but CBGB's is a clothing store now.

You know, now that I think about it, there is a way we could get the party moved.

All you'd have to do is make a slight moral compromise.

Eric, I know what you're talking about.

I'm not doing that.

Not doing what? Bubbles mas intosh, the co-chair, tried to kiss Serena in the ladies' bathroom at the pink party last year.

Using that information would be crossing a line.

I wouldn't ask you to do that.

What if I was willing to cross that line? I want the party moved more than anyone, but it's not worth resorting to blackmail.

Yeah.

Y-you're probably right.

So, "Psycho" or "Silence of The Lambs"? All right, make the call.

Where are you guys heading? Nate told me what you said, but I got a call from my P.

I.

, and he thinks he may have found my mother.

It turns out she wasn't trying very hard to hide.

In fact, she-- she lives in Jersey, same name, right age.

I have an address for her.

I have to at least talk to her.

Have you figured out what you might say to this woman? Do you want me to come along? I know we've been on opposing teams for a while, but I've been through this.

Maybe I could be helpful.

Actually Yeah.

I'd appreciate that.

I really hope it's my mom, Chuck.

Me, too.

Louis is going to store his suitcase in Blaine Tr*mp's Butler's pantry.

When Lucien arrives, you and I will rendez-vous there.

Okay, I need to get going.

You clear on the plan? Uh, yeah, I think I'll be fine once I figure out what a Butler's pantry is.

You're a cater waiter.

You know exactly what a Butler's pantry is.

Where is my cell phone? O.

M.

G.

They moved the pink party.

Who moves a party? It's not who that should concern you.

It's where--lily's.

So that's it, then, right? No.

The plan is still on.

In front of my dad, lily, Serena? Not in front of-- under the nose of.

We just need to be careful.

I'm gonna call Louis and tell him it's a go.

Meet you there.

Screw this up, it's your head.

Sorry, lonely boy, but it looks like this is going to be a "surrender the pink" party for you.

Lily.

Hi.

Check out the diamonds on that lady.

They're almost as big as my face.

A gift from her husband-- "sorry I slept with the au pair" earrings.

Have you seen Dan and Blair? No, and what do we do when they get here? It's not like they're gonna be holding hands in front of everyone.

Oh, the thrill of a secret affair is the sneaking around.

Trust me, they won't be able to resist slipping away for a moment together.

And when we see them slip away? You follow them, record what you see, and send it to "Gossip Girl.

" Their secret ends tonight.

Just make sure to text me once Lucien arrives.

Of course.

Thank you for this, Blair.

I just wish you didn't have to go to these lengths for me to stay.

It is saying a lot that I have to kiss Dan Humphrey to protect you.

You're going to kiss him? Don't worry.

He's just a friend.

I'll go up first.

I can't believe the ladies agreed to move the party.

After the frosty treatment I got from Anne this afternoon, I was sure it was just me and my ankle monitor until fall.

I can't believe we pulled this off.

Thank you so much for helping.

Oh, no, don't thank me.

Thank bubbles.

As if we'd want to be associated with a criminal.

She's an embarrassment.

We all agreed she's not to be in any photos from the event.

Okay, Blair, is it Jason Simos? He's my boyfriend, Jessica.

A handy at greenhouse doesn't make him your boyfriend.

Maybe Serena knows who Blair's secret boyfriend is.

No, but the curiosity is k*lling me.

Okay, I'll tell you.

Not you.

Scatter.

I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they find out it's the Prince.

You are not to breathe a word of this.

Normally, you'd have to sign a nondisclosure agreement.

I'm only grandfathering you in because of Serena.

That him right over there? Don't understand why you guys are ignoring each other.

That's because you're from Florida.

Oh, hey, it's Dan.

With a really nice tie, too.

Blair, did you know he was coming? I'm sorry.

I stopped listening as soon as I heard the word "Dan.

" Excuse me.

I can't believe it.

She just lied to my face, even after I gave her the opportunity to tell me.

It's not like I'm dating Dan or wanna get back together with him, but the fact th the two of them have been hiding this from me, and she's supposed to be my best friend? It didn't seem like she was lying.

What if she really is with the Prince? Then she won't mind it if you flirt with Dan.

Maybe this was a mistake.

Look, if you're not ready, we don't have to do this.

We can leave right now.

I'll handle it from here, okay? You jump in when you're ready.

Excuse me.

Hi.

May I take your order? Actually, we're here to see you.

Is your name Avery Thorpe? I'm sorry.

Do I know you? That's what we're trying to find out.

My name is Raina, and I think you may be my--my mother.

I'm sorry, sweet heart, but that's not possible.

I know it's not easy to acknowledge these things when you're put on the spot.

If you don't wanna be bothered, we can go.

I've never had a child.

It's not that I didn't want one.

Just wasn't in God's plan.

I'm so sorry, but I'm not the woman you're looking for.

You were right.

It was a mistake to look.

And as far as I'm concerned, my mother is dead.

No, no, don't let Sarah Palin ruin it for you.

Alaska is amazing.

I don't know, but between "into the wild" and that Werner Herzog movie with the grizzly, I don't think it's for me.

Excuse me.

This is Dan Humphrey, Serena's ex-boyfriend, which makes him off-limits to you, and you should know better.

Certain people might see you, misunderstand, and think the two of you are here together.

I need to speak to you about your behavior, privately.

What do you do when cornered by a bear? Uh, go fetal.

Cover your neck.

For someone who's just a friend, you sure are good at choreographing reasons for us to kiss.

Oh, it's because I'm willing to suffer for love.

Whatever you say, just no getting hands-y.

Thank you.

Oh, Anne, there you are.

I just wanted to say thank you so much for having the party moved here so that I could attend.

Oh, please, lily.

At least I was quiet in my humiliation.

I didn't blackmail people and force them to come to my home.

She had nothing to do with it, Anne.

It's all my doing.

I have to say, I'm surprised.

I thought we were friends.

Why? You don't know how to be a friend.

You shut me out when I called off my divorce to the captain.

There's not a woman in this room who didn't take some pleasure in your downfall, myself included.

So enjoy the party, lily.

This will be your last.

Oh, and you may wanna adjust your dress.

Your monitor's showing.

I'm so sorry, lily.

Are you okay? When Lucien walked in to get the bag, I saw the look on his face.

He totally bought it.

You're very convincing.

Thanks, I guess.

Blair Waldorf and Dan Humphrey? This is even better than my parents' divorce.

Please tell me it's true.

Uh Yes, it's true.

Dan is my mystery date, and we couldn't be happier.

Now we have to find Serena and explain this.

Hey, what's all the commotion about? Everyone finally found out about Dan and Blair.

But it isn't true.

They're just putting on an act to protect me.

Maybe that's what she told you, but they've been secretly seeing each other for months.

You shouldn't be surprised.

She lied to you in Paris, too.

I'm sorry.

Serena, wait.

I can explain.

I'll be right back.

Uh-oh.

Lily may be wearing her dancing shoes, but it looks like she's about to make a run for it.

Hey, I'm headed over to Raina's.

I just don't want her to be alone tonight.

I know you disagree, but I think she should keep looking for her mom.

She looked.

It wasn't her.

Give it up already.

So the first lead didn't pan out.

She has to stop.

Russell's parting gift to me was a story about my father.

You remember how I told you my dad was responsible for that fire in his old building? Russell owned it, too.

They were partners.

He says his wife was there that night, and she d*ed in the fire.

How do you know he's even telling the truth? I don't, but today when that woman wasn't Raina's mother, I realized how desperately I wanted her to be.

So maybe I do believe it.

What are you gonna do? Try to find out the truth.

Serena, that video wasn't real.

I mean, we did--we did kiss, but it was staged.

Okay, even if I did believe you, what about the other time you guys kissed? Was that for Louis, too? Uh it meant nothing.

It was like kissing my brother, I just mean, we really wanna be with Chuck.

I don't understand.

How did you end up in a kiss in the first place--any kiss? We both were alone in the city over Christmas break.

And we ran into each other at the movies.

And then it kept happening after the break, only we started making plans to meet.

And even worse, enjoying it.

But you guys are my two closest friends.

Why couldn't you just tell me that? I was hoping it would go away.

I was humiliated, which is why we kissed.

To make sure nothing else was going on to complicate us or--or hurt you.

And? Biggest regret of my life.

I mean, that's a--come on.

That's a little bit an overstatement, but, yeah, it was not a good kiss.

So you guys have been lying to me and sneaking around for months so that you can hang out as friends? Exactly.

Friends.

Yeah, I swear.

Just--yeah, friends.

Well, I'm really glad you two found each other because you sure lost me.

I have to go.

I'm really sorry, S.

I guess I was in denial.

I didn't want to admit that I'd begun to understand e Humphrey appeal.

The only appeal Dan ever had to you was that he was mine.

You would see it that way, because it's always about you, isn't it? I'm sorry to break it to you, but Dan and I have a real connection.

We did things like visit the DIA and debate Chabrol versus Rohmer-- things that we could never do with you.

Yeah, I'm--I'm sure you and Dan had a really deep connection, that is until a Prince came along.

Of course, because that would be an even bigger thr*at to you.

What's that supposed to mean? You prefer when you are the one in the spotlight, but it's my turn now.

You can have a taste of what it's like to be in my shadow for once.

Now if you'll excuse me, my Prince awaits.

Lily Humphrey? Ma'am, you're violating the terms of your incarceration by being down here.

Ah, there you are.

It took you long enough.

I'm sorry? My apartment is teeming with women throwing back champagne cocktails and toasting my misfortune.

Honestly, it's worth risking an orange jumpsuit not to have to face another Botox bitch in a pink cocktail dress.

This is my way of saying could you please do me a favor? I'm here to arrest you.

Yes, well, there was some confusion about the perimeter-- whether the alarm was for the apartment or the building.

In the meantime, there have been horrible noise complaints from the neighbors.

I really think we should do something about that.

Hey.

Have you seen Louis? Ah, the Prince.

I can't find him anywhere.

I don't know who that is.

Have you seen my mother? Hey! All right, everybody.

The party is over.

Time to grab your Judith Leibers, ladies.

Looks like the Upper East Side's smoothest criminal has just given you the boot.

I am so sorry about tonight.

Don't be.

First of all, it was so sweet of you to move the party for me.

And I needed to hear those things that Anne said.

The fact is, maybe I could use a little time to reflect on my actions and what got me here.

There is nothing more appealing to me than staying home with you, watching a hundred movies and never seeing those women again.

Well, good, because I can promise you that's what we'll do for at least the next nine months.

Or six, for good behavior.

I totally understand if you don't want to see me, but I just wanted to tell you in person how sorry I am for recording you.

It was probably for the best.

I saw the kiss.

I think you really like her.

Yeah, you might be right.

I've been trying to convince myself that I could handle being friends with her, but I realize tonight that I can't.

I know from experience what it's like to watch from the outside as someone else walks away with the person you want.

Yeah, I just never thought that the person I want would be Blair Waldorf.

Neither did Serena.

She just thought some girl named Vanessa was messing with her.

Wait.

Vanessa told her about the kiss? Not Chuck? She left her a message, saying she overheard you and Blair talking about it? All right.

I've taken up enough of your time tonight.

So thanks for hearing me out.

No, actually, you know what? Hold on.

Do you, uh Did you wanna stay? Thanks for coming back for me.

I just stood up in front of everyone who matters in New York society and said I was dating Dan Humphrey.

I committed social su1c1de for you.

But Serena told me you've been having an affair with him.

She misunderstood.

We've been friends.

That's all.

You have to believe me.

You're the only man in my life now, the only man I want there, anyway.

I believe you.

You do? But being together means going against my family, and if I'm going to take a stand, I need to know for certain that you feel as I do.

I do.

Are you ready to go public, my family be damned? I'm ready if you are.

There they are! You can never really know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.

Salut, Jean Michel.

It's Serena Van Der Woodsen from Paris last summer.

I was with Blair and Louis tonight, and it made me think about you, wanna call you and catch up, and, you know, see what's going on in your life and Louis'.

At first, it might not seem like the most natural fit What's in there? That used to be my sister's room and then it was a nursery, then it was Vanessa's room, and now it is my office.

It's a pretty versatile living space.

Uh, you know, check it out if you want, but I gotta get this.

Hi.

I figured if you were b*at, we could just hang here.

Actually, I was planning on standing you up.

I know you told Serena about the kiss with Blair.

I was gonna tell you tonight to explain why I left the message.

I wasn't trying to hurt you.

I honestly thought something must be very wrong if you were kissing Blair Waldorf.

And since you weren't talking to me, I thought you might listen to Serena.

Vanessa, I know we've been friends since we were little, and we both like pierogies, and my dad really misses you, but just to be clear, so there's no misunderstanding down the road, we are not friends anymore.

Is everything okay? Yeah.

Yeah, it is.

But walk around in those shoes long enough, and you'll discover you just might like it.

Your dad gave me these security tapes after the kinberg building b*rned down and asked me to lock them away.

This one's from 8:00 P.

M.

the night of the fire.

What's on it? Bart, having an argument with a woman--Avery thorpe.

Then Avery goes into the building alone, and Bart hurries away.

Okay.

So? Moments later, the building goes up in flames, and Avery thorpe is never heard from again.

Just don't get too comfortable, kids, because you never know when the other shoe is going to drop.

X.

O.

X.

O.

, Gossip Girl.