Elizbeth Baizen

"Effy," Lucas started, "you could be Mary herself, but the press wouldn't care." You could be a saint of the UES and still get dragged through the mud by the elite, much less the media. "But I trust you."

Effy knew how easy it could be to fall from grace. She had seen Carter do it. And many others had fallen down the same path. That wouldn't be her, no matter what she had to do. "Thank you, I do have much more experience at this game."

Caisson's smirk stretched into a grin as she played dumb. They both knew that she knew exactly what kind of wine that was, but whatever persona he had met in that wine cellar was staying buried behind the pristine Elizabeth Baizen. In all honesty, he wasn't sure which version of her was real–sometimes even convincing himself that their time during the blackout was a fever dream–but that mystery was what had him hooked. "Of course... Can't wait to see what you get up to in two months."

Elizabeth didn't enjoy that Caisson saw right through her. The persona as the darling of the Upper East Side had been curated for years. She had messed up by letting him in even a little bit, someone she knew that couldn't be trusted. But it had been fun, felt nice to just let a little control go. "I am sure you will be watching."

Nilay shrugged one shoulder and returned the glass of wine to a passing tray, holding on to her own. "Alright. Let me know if you change your mind and I'll flag down another tray." It was very rarely that she had ever seen Elizabeth drink, but this was definitely one of the wilder party's she had attended and she was a little concerned about her friend's comfort. "Are you doing okay? You don't usually make an appearance at these things."

"I won't, but thank you for the offer." Elizabeth wasn't drinking, at least not that anyone here would see. She had a few ideas on how to have fun tonight, drinking wasn't needed. She knew she had to pretend not to be enjoying it all. "I'm good, mostly fascinated by how badly these girls want Jesse. It's not my scene, but I got invited by the host herself, and it would have been rude not to show up."

Lucas had never intended to be here. He'd been contented to make appearances at the art gallery and calling it there, but people weren't playing by his rules tonight, and that could so easily include his darling sister. He knew he'd have to keep an eye on her, not for her sake, really - but for his. He knew Effy's act as well as she knew his. They were both incredible at their craft. "Please," he responded as he handed her a flute. "It's just apple cider, but it looks the part. The water... well, rumours have been started from less." He glanced over the crowd, surveying for trouble and opportunity, as always, "you'll be careful, won't you?"

Effy had come to this party to mix things up, even if she couldn't enjoy it like everyone else was, so far. She had her ways of making fun. She looked around the party, allowing Lucas to hand her the flute. She took a sip. "Maybe in the hands of someone else, Elizabeth Baizen would never drink." She looked across the party, Jake in one of the hot tubs, Jesse Walker being hit on by another girl, Sapphire and Juliette doing shots. All the attendees were having their fun. "Me? What would I be doing? I would be worried about myself, especially with those two around." She pointed at Caisson, then at Sapphire. "Gossip Girl mentioned you twice with them."

"You gotta stay hydrated," Jesse grinned in response. Admittedly, he had been a little apprehensive about coming to Juliette's party but he totally didn't have to be. It had been so nice, it felt like everyone here wanted to catch up with him. Plus, with his mom watching baby Lexa, even Alex got to have a fun night out. Everything was awesome, you know?

Elizabeth smiled at Jesse. She could tell that he was having a good time. It was written all over his face, she thought he deserved it. Jesse had been through enough lately, and if a couple of the more friendly members of the Upper East Side wanted to mend his heart. Why not let them?

Here's the thing... Not everyone had welcomed Georgina with open arms when she decided to be a better person. That was to be expected, of course. And she'd gotten pretty good at handling rejection, at getting back up and trying again. Elizabeth Baizen was one hurdle she couldn't quite get over though. She hadn't liked Gigi when she'd had her disastrous fling with Luke. She didn't like her now. So, Georgina grinned and bared it, and tried again.

Elizabeth didn't trust Georgina, no matter how differently she acted. She had seen the way Georgina had acted for years, destroying lives and reputations. All of which would be fine had she not involved Elizabeth's brother. Lucas could do what he wanted, but she didn't like it when he got pulled into drama that could blow back onto her.

Latife was far from shocked that Nilay's teatime bestie was already being boring as fuck, but she still huffed. "Lighten up, Lizzy! I mean, look at them... They're practically juice boxes if juice boxes made you hurl and sleep with inappropriate people. I know, I know, something you wouldn't know anything about. You'll be happy to know that Ni's here too," she added with a grin and clapping her hands together.

Elizabeth had expected to see Latife here. She knew how much the other liked to be at these parties. "I'll leave the juice boxes for you, sounds much more your speed than mine. I was looking for her, I wanted to catch up with her." She smiled at Latife. "I always have fun, just not in the same way everyone else does." Most people would assume she meant by being the perfect Elizabeth Baizen, but really, the fun she got was getting away with stuff.

The second Elizabeth Baizen had walked into the room, Caisson's eyes had been on her, watching her every move as she exchanged pleasantries with other guests. What the hell was she doing here? If anything, he would have expected her to make an appearance at the gathering at the art gallery, but no, she was at the hot tub party where every surface was lined with shots. He really needed to stop making assumptions about this girl.

Elizabeth should be at the art gallery, listening to someone droning on about art and the importance of every piece. But she had taken the invitation here, knowing she had to keep it together. Too many eyes, too many phones, and definitely too many people she couldn't trust. She would find her chance to have some fun. She always found her opportunities.

"I know, I know... I'd miss me too." @tfrstarters

"Oh, we always miss you, Robbie. Nice to see you back in the city."