This has got to end~ A Gossip Girl Novel

Chapter 9: Invites Only

"No way. You like Jane Austen too?" Dan asked with an expression of utter surprise.

Jaleesha scoffed "Duh Humphrey, who else can write so perfectly about the greatest queens of all time? Most of my knowledge on the social hierarchy was gained by just reading those books."

Dan chuckled with obvious glee. Most people he was friends with didn't share the same interest in books. Jane Austen mostly addressed the female crowd, but her books meant a lot to him.

"You know you don't have to be embarrassed Humphrey, I think guys read the stupidest things." Jaleesha said while examining her nails.

Dan continued to drive silently, thinking over Jaleesha's reassuring words. For once ,he felt understood.

"You know... Jane Austen is having a meet and greet at the grand hall in downtown Manhattan next week" Dan said.

"Of course I'm aware of it, I'v already reserved myself 15 tickets."

"Fifteen tickets? Why do you need so many?"

Jaleesha looked at Dan in disgust, "I want to have an intellectual conversation with my favourite author. Not a barbaric crowd screeching her name and clawing down my back for a signature. Most of her work is obsolete, so I'm sure there song be that many people there even though Jane is only 28 she's an old soul, understand me Humphrey?"

Dan nodded his head in agreement, but was itching to ask Jaleesha a question.

"Well uh actually I tried ordering a ticket and they were sold out..."

Jaleesha stuck out a deliberate pout and spoke in a mocking tone " Aw poor old Humphrey".

Dan signed loudly, enough so Jaleesha would here each whoosh of air.

"What. You want me to give you a ticket?" She asked with her narrow eyes and challenging glare faced at him.

"No... Not at all its not like you have a spare ticket or anything" Dan muttered giving up.

Finally his dank car slowed to a crawl as they inched along the city traffic. Jaleesha's building was just feet away.

"Well, we're here" Dan said dejectedly.

He had to admit that he really wanted to continue their conversation, but Jaleesha was obviously itching to leave his rusted old shack.

He pulled to a stop in front of her busy lush apartment complex when she stepped out she signalled for him to roll down his windows.

"I'll give you a ticket Humphrey. But only for two reasons. One I don't want to owe you anything and two, I don't ever want to see this car again"

With that, she bounced away, with a slight smirk on her face.

Dan drove away and tried to remain calm. Still he couldn't force away the disbelief and excitement he was feeling.