September 2014

Nate was a hands on editor. The sort that decided on the story and on the detail of the story. He had already planned out a fashion week arc, had already decided on sending two of his most capable staff to Europe to cover London. But ,as with the rest of his life, Blair Waldorf would change his trajectory, pointing him down a different path, like an efficient if exhausted air traffic controller.

"Hello stranger." Even sleep deprived his high school sweetheart was beautiful. He kissed her on the cheek and handed Dorota yet another gift for Henry. "You can't just buy the godfather of the year title Archibald."

"I know, I know, I've been swamped," he told her, taking a cheerful Henry from her arms.

"Huh. Fashion week?" She sat, gestured for him to follow.

"Of course. I hear you're keeping a low profile this year?" Blair shrugged.

"The company has enough momentum to keep ticking over for the year. I like to be involved but right now motherhood takes priority." She paused and he suddenly had the feeling that she was about to throw him a curve ball.

"What?"

"Well, having said that, I was thinking of expanding the company. In the future."

"Blair that's great." From his lap Henry gurgled approval.

"Hm. Have you been following the fashion news in London?"

"I was just starting to- "

"There's a very interesting designer who's making waves there. Just graduated from Saint Martin's."

"I know the school." Blair gave him a searching look.

"I thought you would. She's American. A talented one."

"And you want to poach her?" Blair smiled.

"I want to bring her back." She held up a file. The photograph on the cover made Nate's heart sputter.

"Jenny?!"

"The reason you know the school?"

"Of course." Dan and Serena had flown out for Jenny's graduation in June. But he would have known regardless. "You want me to convince her." It was a statement, not a question.