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hours on the steps, gossiping and pouring their hearts out to one another. The steps
     were the center of their universe. Blair had even had her going-away party inside the famous museum. It felt right that they
     begin their reunion there, instead of in Serena’s apartment.
    “I was hoping you’d say that.” Serena grinned, already crossing the street.
    They settled midway down the steps. It was surprisingly warm for December, and the museum entrance was crowded with people.
     Blair spotted two girls huddled over coffee a few steps below them, and for a moment, thought it might be Kati and Isabel.
     But when the blonde turned, Blair realized she was only about fourteen. She reminded herself that everyone had changed in the past few months.
    Some more than others.
    Serena rummaged through her oversize See by Chloé bag and pulled out a pack of Gauloises. She handed one to Blair.
    “So tell me everything,” Serena began, lighting both their cigarettes. “Starting with how and why you’re here.”
    “So…” Blair heaved a deep breath. After the horrendous few days she’d had, grinning stupidly as she played board games with
     Pete’s family and pretending everything was okay, she couldn’t wait to finally unload the truth. “I was at my boyfriend, Pete’s, house in Vermont for Christmas.” Blair nervously twirled her ruby ring around her finger.
     “We were staying there just for the holiday, before taking off for Costa Rica. I was so excited and everything was going so
     well. But then—”
    Blair paused as a cute trio of twentysomething guys approached. They stood at a distance of a few feet, shuffling nervously.
     Guys always approached Blair and Serena whenever they were together, and of course it was flattering. But right now, Blair
     wasn’t really in the mood.
    “Are you Serena van der Woodsen?” a lanky blond guy asked in a British accent.
    “I am.” Serena smiled, displaying her perfect white teeth.
    “I knew it was her!” his red-haired friend exclaimed. “Mind if I take a picture?” he pleaded, already removing a tiny Nikon
     digital camera from his khakis pocket.
    “Only if my best friend is in it, too,” Serena said sweetly. She threw her arms around Blair’s shoulders and stuck out her
     tongue. Of course she still looked beautiful.
    “Thanks, Serena!” the guys chorused as they walked away, crowding around the guy with the camera so they could check out the
     picture.
    “How annoying,” Blair grumbled.
    “It’s not so bad. It happens a lot, ever since Breakfast at Fred’s opened. It’s kind of cute.” Serena shrugged. “So, anyway. You were saying. About your boyfriend?”
    “He’s great,” Blair said quickly, taking another sip of coffee. Suddenly, she didn’t want to tell Serena about what happened
     in Vermont. After all, Serena was an internationally worshipped movie star. How could she possibly understand? “It’s amazing.
     A real relationship. Nothing like high school,” Blair added. “We’re thinking of moving in together for spring semester.”
    “You must really love Yale,” Serena said wistfully. She’d chosen not to go to Yale with Blair, and mostly, she was happy with
     that decision. But it was a little hard to hear about Blair’s perfect college life knowing she could have been right there
     with her.
    “I do love it. It’s just so nice to be surrounded by interesting people who care about what’s going on in the world. It’s
     just so collegiate, you know?” Blair said, still thinking about the British guys. Weren’t they a little old to be asking for autographs?
    An awkward silence fell over them. “Chuck’s having his New Year’s Eve party tonight,” Serena said finally. She wanted to tell
     Blair how lonely she’d been in New York without her, but it sounded like Blair was having the time of her life at Yale. She
     probably thought Serena’s life was pathetic. “I have to stop by another party first, but maybe we can meet up