You Know You Love Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

shoulder. She no longer smelled like Chanels Cristalle like she always used to. She
     smelled like honey and sandalwood and liliesher own essential-oil mixture. It was very
     Serena, utterly irresistible, but if anyone else tried to wear it, it would probably smell
     like dog poo. Shit. I missed you like crazy, Nate, she said. I wish you couldve seen the
     stuff I pulled. I was so bad. What do you mean? What did you do that was so bad? Nate
     asked, with a mixture of dread and anticipation. For a brief second he imagined her
     hosting orgies in her dorm room at Hanover Academy and having affairs with older men in
     hotel rooms in Paris. He wished he couldve visited her in Europe this summer. Hed always
     wanted to do it in a hotel. And Ive been such a horrible friend, too, Serena went on. Ive
     barely even talked to Blair since I left. And so much has happened. I
    can already tell shes mad. She hasnt even said hello. Shes not mad, Nate said. Maybe shes
     just feeling shy. Serena flashed him a look. Right, she said mockingly. Blairs feeling
     shy. Since when has Blair ever been shy? Well, shes not mad, Nate insisted. Serena
     shrugged. Well, anyway, Im so psyched to be back here with you guys. Well do all the
     things we used to do. Blair and I will cut class and meet you on the roof of the Met, and
     then well run down to that old movie theater by the Plaza Hotel and see some weirdo film
     until cocktail hour starts. And you and Blair will stay together forever and Ill be the
     maid of honor at your wedding. And well be happy ever after, just like in the movies. Nate
     frowned. Dont make that face, Nate, Serena said, laughing. That doesnt sound so bad, does
     it? Nate shrugged. No, I guess it sounds okay, he said, although he clearly didnt believe
     it. What sounds okay? a surly voice demanded. Startled, Nate and Serena tore their eyes
     away from each other. It was Chuck, and with him were Kati, Isabel, and, last but not
     least, Blair, looking very shy indeed. Chuck clapped Nate on the back. Sorry, Nate, he
     said. But you cant bogey the van der Woodsen all night, you know. Nate snorted and tipped
     back his glass. Only ice was left. Serena looked at Blair. Or at least, she tried to.
     Blair was making a big deal of pulling up her black stockings, working them inch by inch
     from her bony ankles up to her bony knees, and up around her tennis-muscled thighs. So
     Serena gave up and kissed first Kati, then Isabel, and then she made her way to Blair.
     There was only a limited amount of time Blair could spend pulling up her tights before it
     got ridiculous. When Serena was only inches away from her, she looked up and pretended to
     be surprised. Hey Blair, Serena said excitedly. She put her hands on the shorter girls
     shoulders and bent down to kiss both of her cheeks. Im so sorry I didnt call you before I
     came back. I wanted to. But things have been so crazy. I have so much to tell you! Chuck,
     Kati, and Isabel all nudged each other and stared at Blair. It was pretty obvious she had
     lied. She didnt know anything about Serena coming back. Blairs face heated up. Busted.
     Nate noticed the tension, but he thought it was for an entirely different reason. Had
     Chuck told Blair already? Was he busted? Nate couldnt tell. Blair wasnt even looking at
     him.
    It was a chilly moment. Not the kind of moment youd expect to have with your oldest,
     closest friends. Serenas eyes darted from one face to another. Clearly she had said
     something wrong, and she quickly guessed what it was. Im such an asshole, she scolded
     herself.
    I mean, Im sorry I didnt call you last night. I literally just got back from Ridgefield.
     My parents have been hiding me there until they figured out what to do with me. I have
     been so bored. Nice save.
    She waited for Blair to smile gratefully for covering for her, but all Blair did was
     glance at Kati and Isabel to see if theyd noticed the slip. Blair was