Thank you all for the overwhelming positive response to this mini fic! I swear I have the best readers in the whole world. All the reviews, faves and follows made my week. Here is part two. I hope you enjoy it. Only original characters belong to me. Happy reading!
Blair had had an extremely busy day. From the time she dropped the children off at school she hadn't stopped. She glanced down at her agenda which had been completed except for her final meeting. The financial team had requested an emergency conference. She had decided to fire Robert Minton after it; two birds one stone. She was still upset about his betrayal and Chuck being supportive of him didn't help matters.
She entered the meeting room glancing down at her phone. "All right everyone, let's make this quick. I'd like to get home-" it was then that she looked up and saw Chuck sitting at the end of the table.
She was confused for a brief second but she quickly pulled herself together. "What are you doing here?" Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him.
"Blair, take a seat." He gestured to the chair at the opposite end of the table in front of her.
"I will not have this meeting with you in the room." She crossed her arms in front of herself.
"Blair, sit down."
Blair's heart skipped a beat as she heard her mother's clipped tone from behind her. She turned to face her feeling completely blindsided and shocked.
Eleanor Waldorf breezed into the room taking the seat that had been meant for Blair. She glanced over her shoulder at her daughter. "Now Blair."
Blair clenched her jaw as she reluctantly took the seat to her mother's right. Her mind was racing. What in the world was her mother doing here? She had a very strong suspicion that Chuck was the reason for her untimely arrival.
Chuck didn't take his eyes off of her as she sat down. He felt a perverse sense of pleasure when he noticed her wince slightly. Clearly the spanking he had given her that morning was still painful. He smirked at her.
Eleanor slipped her glasses on as she flipped open the manila folder in front of her. "Let's get this underway. I'm exhausted and I would like to see my grandchildren before bed." She looked at a very nervous Robert Minton, who was sitting to Chuck's right. "Bob, would you please get us started?"
He nodded before clearing his throat. "Of course. Thank you, Eleanor. If everyone would open their folders you will find a detailed plan for financial solvency inside. I will carefully walk you through it step by step."
Everyone opened their folders while Blair and Chuck locked eyes. Blair was beyond furious and Chuck knew he was going to pay big time. He was the first to break eye contact glancing down at the graph and proposal in front of him. Hopefully by the end of this meeting she would understand it was all being done out of his love for her and their family.
In the end what was decided was that Chuck, using his private funds, would be a silent investor. This kept Waldorf Designs from underneath the Bass Industries umbrella and allowed it to maintain its current employees as is.
Blair offered zero input as she knew that between her mother and Chuck things had been decided. She signed the papers she was told to sign and an hour and a half later things were wrapped up.
Eleanor announced that she would head to the house with Blair and Chuck. When Blair began to make some protest about having work to finish Eleanor gave her a look before saying, "Let's go."
Blair stood there and watched her mother turn and leave the conference room. Her face had turned a deep shade of pink.
Chuck picked up his briefcase sighing. He crossed the room and reached out placing an arm around her waist. He was actually starting to feel a bit sorry for her. He knew this was all completely overwhelming. "Hey, let's go home and have dinner with our children."
She suddenly became aware of him. She shoved his arm from her waist. "Don't you dare touch me."
Chuck was genuinely shocked. He knew she was going to be angry but she was furious. "Blair, come on…" He could see tears beginning to fill her eyes. "You have to realize that what I did was-"
"What you did was undermine me and my authority to everyone in this room today. Not to mention calling my mother behind my back." She finally looked at him. "Did you sneak out of bed last night to rat me out or did you wait until early this morning?" A tear slipped down her cheek.
"I didn't rat you out. I knew Eleanor was the one person that could get through to you. Blair-"
She scoffed wiping a tear from her cheek. "You always were the master at exploiting my weaknesses." She bent down grabbing the folder. "Congratulations. Job well done, Chuck, you win." She left the conference room heading to her office to grab her things.
Chuck sighed as he followed her out. Eleanor was waiting near the door. She glanced over at Chuck. "She'll get over it. You did the right thing, Charles."
Chuck forced a small smile. "It doesn't feel like that at the moment."
Eleanor, nonchalantly, waved a gloved hand in his direction. "She's always been impulsive. She thinks nothing is impossible. When she wants something she gets it. We've all been guilty of indulging that and now it's caught up with us. We should've told her no once in a while."
Chuck nodded glancing back towards Blair's office. "That's one of the many things I have always loved about her though." He was starting to regret his decision in calling Eleanor. She never really understood Blair. All those things she saw as flaws were what made Blair so unique and so special to him.
Blair came out of the office slipping on her coat. Chuck started to approach her to help her when she glared at him. He stopped in his tracks.
She plastered a false smile on her face. Eleanor tightened her collar before nodding once and opening the door to leave. Blair followed and Chuck, picking up Eleanor's overnight bag, headed out to the waiting limo.
The ride to the house was nothing less than tense. Eleanor asked about the children and school. Blair answered politely before asking her mother how long she was planning on staying. Eleanor responded that she wasn't sure but maybe a week or two. This caused Blair to shoot Chuck a very unpleasant look. Chuck in return told Eleanor to stay as long as she liked; they were happy to have her. Meanwhile Blair continued to glare at her husband.
The children were thrilled to see their grandmother. She handed out chocolate from her favorite Parisian chocolatier informing them it was for dessert.
Blair had to admit it was nice having her mother there in the sense that she and the children did all the conversing so there was no need for Blair to make small talk. She sipped her wine barely touching her dinner.
When Jane, the housekeeper, came in to clear Eleanor stopped her from taking Blair's plate. "You've barely eaten two bites. You need to eat something."
Blair, having had her fill of parental guidance, handed her plate to Jane and stood up. "In case you haven't noticed, Mother, I'm thirty-seven years old and quite capable of feeding myself." She pushed her chair in. "Now, I've had quite a trying day so if you will all excuse me I'm going to take a bath." She glanced at her three children who were all staring at her. "Finish your desserts and then its baths and bedtime. I think we've all had enough excitement for one day." Without another word she left the dining room.
Jane re-entered the room with dessert and coffee. Everyone remained silent as they finished their meal. Cordelia only had three bites before pushing her cake aside. She was too worried about her parents to eat sweets. She asked to be excused.
Chuck watched his daughter leave the room before noticing that she had left her chocolate behind. Cordelia was never one to forget sweets of any kind. Clearly something was upsetting his little girl and he knew exactly what it was. There was one thing Chuck couldn't stomach and that was his children being anything less than completely happy. And that he was the cause of their upset made it a hundred times worse. He and Blair would have to put all this aside and fix their problems; the sooner the better.
He left the children to prepare for bed and went to check on Blair. He entered the master bedroom and noticed the bathroom door shut. She was clearly still in the bath. He knocked once before turning the knob. He was relieved to find it unlocked.
The room was warm and steamy. Blair was lying in the oversized marble bath with her head resting on her bath pillow. There was a washcloth across her eyes. She reached up with a bubble covered hand to lift the cloth slightly. Turning her head she spied her husband and sighing dropped the cloth back over her eyes.
"I'd like some privacy, please."
Chuck rolled his eyes. Ignoring her he took a seat on the wide edge of the tub. "Blair, we have to talk."
"Actually we don't." She made no effort to remove the cloth or to sit up.
He felt a surge of annoyance and took a deep breath trying to supress it. "Look, I know you're angry and I guess in some ways I get it."
This got a reaction from her. She sat up sloshing water as she tore the washcloth from her eyes. "In some ways? Oh thank you for being so understanding." She was being completely sarcastic. "The great Chuck Bass overflowing with compassion."
And just like that his attempt at restraint was gone. "That's enough, Blair."
She stood up grabbing the towel from behind her wrapping it around her as she stepped out of the tub. "For once I couldn't agree with you more."
He watched her grab her robe from the hook slipping it on before dropping her towel and storming out of the bathroom. He quickly followed her. "What the hell did you want me to do? Nothing? Stand by while the company was dissolved? Would you be happy then?"
She furiously tied her robe before turning to face him. "I wanted you to stay out of it and let me handle it. I haven't needed your consulting services for the past fifteen years and I certainly didn't need them now. I had a plan to close boutiques and reduce the overhead. This is my business and it was my problem to fix." Her cheeks were flushed a bright pink from the bath as well as the anger.
"That's putting a Band-Aid on a gushing wound. It wouldn't have worked." He sighed. "What does it matter how it was fixed anyway?" The fight was leaving him. "My money is your money."
"But it isn't really, is it? It's you bailing me out yet again." She held up her hands. "I need you to sleep in the guest room tonight."
"I am not sleeping anywhere but here with you." He slid his hands into his pockets.
"It's not a request, Chuck." She crossed her arms.
"Your mother is here."
"Yes thanks to you. You have two other rooms to choose from; take your pick but you are not sleeping here. Let Jane know what you decide so she can make sure there are fresh towels."
"I will not be treated like a guest in my own home, Blair." He took a step towards her.
She ignored him. "I'm going to read to Ned. It's late and he needs to get to bed." Turning she left the room.
Chuck sighed; that certainly didn't go the way he had planned.
The next week was miserable in the Bass household. Blair and Chuck were barely speaking to each other. Chuck had refused to sleep in the guest room which meant that even their bedroom had become a battle ground. Eleanor still being in town wasn't helping the situation. Blair was always on edge when her mother was there but it was compounded by her current martial situation. Even the staff was walking on eggshells more than usual.
Chuck and Blair were basically trying to out spite one another. It was a constant back and forth battle. Blair conveniently forgot to tell the housekeepers to pick up Chuck's tux from Dior which led Chuck to show up unannounced at Waldorf for a financial strategy meeting. When Blair asked him why, as a silent partner, he was there he had rested his hand on her waist pulling her close before whispering against her ear that he was just protecting his investment. He gave her hip a pat before smugly taking a seat and adjusting his tie. Blair silently fuming sat at the complete opposite end of the conference table and made a mental list of all the ways she would make him pay. And so it went on and on.
The breaking point was Blair going out with Serena who was newly single after a breakup with some boyfriend or another. They went to the opening of a club at one of Chuck's rival competitors.
The next morning at breakfast Chuck exploded when upon turning the page of The Post he saw his wife and sister splashed across Page Six at said club.
"What in the hell is this?" he held the paper aloft.
"Language, Charles," Eleanor reprimanded him before taking a sip of her coffee.
Blair leaned forward feinting obliviousness. "Did we end up in the paper?"
Cordelia had jumped up from her chair pulling the paper from her father's grasp. She gasped, "Mommy, you look so pretty."
Blair glanced at the photo Cordelia had brought to her side. "We do look rather smart, don't we?"
"This isn't funny, Blair." Chuck was scowling at her. "How do you think it looks to have my wife photographed at Thomas Markham's opening? The man is a swine and a competitor."
Blair handed the paper back to her daughter. "Tom was a perfect gentleman. He gave us the VIP treatment all night." Blair picked up her glass taking a sip of her orange juice raising her eyebrows at Chuck.
"I'm sure he did; having you at his club was an excellent way to stick it to me. This is my business you're messing with and I won't have it." He reached out grabbing the paper from Cordelia, who scowled angrily at him.
Blair snorted in a very unladylike way. "How does it feel?"
"This is completely different." He glanced at the photo again. He hated to admit it but she did look beautiful. He scanned the photo again realizing just how much of her cleavage was showing not to mention her thighs.
He shut the paper angrily. "And the fact that you're dressed like…like a…"
"Like a what? I'd choose your words very carefully, Charles Bass." She glared at him.
"Well, you're not dressed as a respectable wife and mother, that's for sure." He barked for Dorota, who must have been right behind the swinging door because she rushed in immediately.
"Yes, Mr. Chuck?" She came to his side glancing from his full coffee cup to his barely touched breakfast.
He shoved the paper at her. "Take this to the trash."
Dorota didn't hesitate as she grabbed the paper and headed out of the war room. Chuck shoved his plate away. "This is about loyalty, Blair, and what you pulled last night is anything but."
"This from the man who went behind my back. Where was your loyalty to me?" She pointed to herself.
Chuck slammed his hand down on the table. "That was loyalty; loyalty to you, to Waldorf, to this family. I've been nothing but loyal to you for the past twenty plus years." He was practically shouting.
The children had all stopped eating turning to stare at their father. It was rare he ever raised his voice or acted out in anger and they were completely baffled by the behaviour.
Chuck glared at Blair. "I stood by while you played princess with that schmuck of an ex-husband and all the months you hung out in Brooklyn and do I need to mention the amount of loyalty I showed Waldorf the last time-"
"Alright, that's enough airing of dirty laundry." Eleanor stood up. "Children, come with Grandmere and help me pack. Your parents need a few minutes to compose themselves."
When Cordelia hesitated, turning to look at her mother red faced staring down at the table and her father angrier than she had ever seen him in her life, Eleanor took her hand.
"Come on, darling." Eleanor led her granddaughter out of the dining room.
Chuck sat back in his chair sighing. "The little war games were one thing but this is quite another."
Blair raised her eyes to meet his gaze. "I refuse to feel guilty for enjoying a night out with my best friend. You had no right bringing up all that other stuff in front of the children." She pushed her hair back over her shoulder before standing up. "I have to have my dress fitted and hair done this afternoon. I'll drop Ned off at Cameron's on my way. Can you pick him up at three or should I have Jessica do it?"
The fight had gone out of Chuck. "I'll do it."
"Thank you." Blair had gone into shut down mode.
"Blair, I'm…" he trailed off.
"I'll be ready to go at six-thirty." She left the room.
Chuck closed his eyes running his hands over his face. He needed a drink. Was nine-thirty on a Saturday too early?
Chuck slid into the limo next to Ned as Samuel closed the door. Chuck watched his son buckle his seatbelt.
"Did you have fun?" he asked as the car pulled away from the curb.
Ned nodded, "Yeah."
Chuck looked over at his son once again. Ned was usually a chatterbox. "Everything okay? Did you and Cameron get along?"
"When are you and Mom going to stop fighting?" He was staring down at his hands.
Chuck sighed reaching out to put an arm around his youngest child. "Ned, your mom and I are having a disagreement. Sometimes even married people argue. It doesn't mean that we don't love each other. Do you understand?"
Ned glanced up at his father. "I guess. I just don't know why you can't fight like normal people."
Chuck wrinkled his brow in confusion. "What do you mean 'like normal people'?"
"You know, like scream, throw things and yell in Polish and then make up."
Chuck chuckled softly. "Someone has been spending too much time with Dorota." He kissed the top of his son's head. "I think we need to make a pit stop."
Ned looked confused. "Where?"
Chuck smirked at him as he pressed the intercom button and gave Samuel the change of address.
Ned's entire face lit up. "Are we going to buy my scooter?"
Chuck sat back. "We're just going to look. I can't make any promises."
Ned smiled at his father adoringly and Chuck knew without a doubt that they would be walking out of Paragon Sports with a brand new state of the art motorized scooter. Blair was going to kill him but he didn't care. They were the cause of their son being less than happy and if a small token could bring him some joy then there wasn't anyone, including Blair Bass, that could stop him from providing it.
Ninety minutes and two thousand dollars later they were back at the house with the scooter, pads and new helmet in the trunk. Ned had made a very convincing argument in the store as to why he really deserved it. He spoke about his good grades and extracurricular achievements and Chuck didn't really have an objection so he told the salesperson to wrap it all up.
Ned was bursting as he rushed into the house to get his warmer coat. Chuck promised to take him over to the park to try it out for a half hour.
Blair had entered the foyer to see what all the fuss was about.
Ned was bright red in the face and absolutely beaming. "Dad's taking me to the park to try out my new scooter." He didn't even look back as he ran up the stairs to his bedroom.
Blair turned to look at Chuck and knew without even asking that he had done exactly what she had said not too. She rushed to the front door pulling it open. She watched as Samuel removed a brand new electric scooter from the limo.
She closed the door none too gently. "He's not riding that."
"The hell he's not." Chuck was scrolling through his phone or at least pretending too.
Blair felt a rush of anger. "Chuck, we said no to the scooter and we have to stand by that. You can return it or I'll donate it but under no circumstances is he keeping it."
Chuck finally lifted his head to look at her as he slid his phone into his pocket. "You said no to the scooter and I didn't argue. There's a difference. He was upset about us fighting and he made a very convincing argument for being allowed to have it."
"Oh stop it. You did this to annoy me."
"Not everything is about you, Blair."
Ned came running back down the stairs. "I'm ready, Dad."
"Go put the pads and helmet on. I'll be right out."
Ned quickly gave his mother a hug. "Bye, Mom."
Blair ruffled his hair as he turned towards the door. "Be careful. Don't go too fast and wear the helmet at all times."
Ned agreed as he rushed out the door. Blair's eyes were welling up with tears as she looked at Chuck again. "This is low even for you; using our children as ammunition."
"Unlike you right? You just happened to forget to notify me of Cordelia's school speech the other day." He slid his gloves back on. "We'll be back in a half hour or so." He turned leaving her standing in the foyer.
Blair wiped at her eyes as Chuck shut the door.
"What in world are you two doing?" Eleanor, who had been standing in the hall, stepped into the foyer.
Blair took a deep breath. "Mother, I'm really not in the mood for a lecture right now."
Eleanor shook her head as she stared at her daughter's back. "That's too bad. You're letting business come between you and that's not a good thing, Blair."
Blair whipped around to face her mother. "I'm not the one who started this."
"It's done and over with; move on." She took a step towards Blair giving her the classic Eleanor Waldorf stare. "And you more than most people should understand how hard it is to be a pawn in your parents' disagreements. Leave the children out of it."
Blair felt a tear slip down her cheek. She wiped it away. "I don't want them upset."
Eleanor pulled her daughter into a brusque embrace and patted her back. "He loves you and you love him; so fix it." She pulled back. "It's a good thing I'm leaving tonight. I think there's enough going on around here without the stress of an added houseguest."
Blair was about to protest but stopped herself. "We'll miss you."
Eleanor laughed softly. "No you won't." She put her arm around Blair's waist. "Let's go have some tea before I leave for the airport."
They walked out of the foyer and down the hall.
Blair didn't know what was wrong with her or why she was having such a hard time letting this go. But she had to try and make more of an effort; for her children's sakes if not for her own.
Chuck and Blair were attending the City Harvest Spring Fundraiser dinner and dance. They got ready in relative silence. Blair felt somewhat less tense knowing her mother was safely on board the Bass jet and headed back to Paris. It was one less thing to have to worry about.
They said good bye to the children and headed out.
About ten minutes after they departed Cordelia grabbed Ned and headed to Henry's room. Closing the door she turned to face her brothers.
"What's all the secrecy about, Cor?" Henry asked from his bed where he had been reading "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" for school.
"This is about Mom and Dad and how we're going to get them back together." She sat down on the edge of the bed shoving Henry's feet over. "I don't know about the two of you but I can't go another day like this. Breakfast was awful."
Ned shrugged. "Dad said it was a disagreement and not to worry about it."
Cordelia looked at her little brother sitting on the floor. "You were part of the problem."
"What did I do?" He looked offended.
"Getting that stupid scooter after Mom said no." Cordelia scowled down at him.
"Who am I to turn down a gift?" Ned rolled his eyes.
Henry shut his book. "Stop arguing. What do you have in mind, Cor?" Personally he was tired of the bickering as well.
"We need to get them in a room together so they can talk."
"They've been together plenty. They don't talk; they argue and then one of them walks out." He tossed his book aside. "Personally it's ridiculous."
Cordelia thought for a minute. "We need to get them in a place where they can't leave. Where they'll have to stay and work it out." She was quiet again as she thought about her options.
"What about the limo? Sam could refuse to pull over until they resolve things," Ned chimed in.
Henry shook his head. "That won't work. Sam is way too loyal to Mom and Dad; he can't be bought."
"Dorota," Cordelia interrupted with a smile, "Dorota is just as annoyed as we are and she knows them better than anyone."
Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Dorota stepped in. She had been concerned at not finding Cordelia or Ned in their rooms and she had an uneasy feeling; nothing good ever came of the Bass children holed up in a room together.
"What are you guys up to?" She placed her hands on her hips staring at her charges.
Cordelia stood up and approached her beloved housekeeper. "We need your help getting Mom and Dad back together."
Dorota closed the door and crossed the room. She slid and arm around Cordelia. "I know what to do."
Cordelia hugged her tightly and suddenly the fear of Christmas in Florida or anywhere else dissolved away. Dorota could fix anything and her parents weren't any different. Cordelia knew that all would be right soon enough; Dorota was on the case so how could it not be.
Blair was watching her husband have a very intimate conversation with Kathleen Hendricks. The woman was always after Chuck and tonight was no exception. Suddenly Serena appeared by her side sipping a glass of champagne.
"What's going on with you two tonight?" Serena looked from Blair to Chuck and back at Blair again.
Blair reluctantly pulled her gaze from the nauseating twosome. "What? Why do you think anything's wrong?" She downed her martini looking around for a waiter to get her a refill.
Serena placed a hand on her hip. "Well, let's see. First, you have barely exchanged two words with each other the whole night-"
"It's a party, S, it's rude to spend the night conversing with your spouse." Blair passed her empty glass to a passing waiter asking for another.
Serena ignored her and continued, "Second, Chuck who normally doesn't leave your side, allowed you to dance not once but twice with Clifton Rogers."
Blair scoffed, "Allowed me? Chuck Bass doesn't grant me permission to do anything."
Serena rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean and lastly the two of you clash horribly. Chuck's red accents are garish next to this gorgeous periwinkle Zac Posen you are wearing. Something is definitely off."
The waiter returned with Blair's martini. She took a long sip. "Other than Charles Bass being a boorish oaf everything is fabulous."
Serena pushed her hip into her best friend. "Talk to me, Blair."
Blair sighed. "He interfered at Waldorf Designs and I'm sincerely upset about it. Sometimes being married to him is hard."
Serena put her arm around Blair giving her a squeeze. "Hey, you two are the most solid couple I know. Don't let your stupid pride get in the way of that. You know Chuck; he likes to solve his family's problems. It's who he is. Look how he stepped in with my horrible divorce. Without him who knows where I'd be. It comes from a good place."
Blair wrinkled her brow as she watched Kathleen place a hand on her husband's arm. She sighed. "Deep down inside I know that. I just need a few days to lick my wounds."
"Come on, let's mingle. I heard its bad etiquette not to converse with other guests." She laughed as she led Blair in the opposite direction of Chuck. Some space would probably do them some good.
Blair took one last glance back towards her husband before following her sister-in-law. She'd seen enough for one night.
Lily approached Chuck who was sitting at a table having a scotch with Nate and few of his other friends. She rested her hand on his shoulder.
He turned to see who it was and immediately stood up. "Lily, it's good to see you." He placed a kiss to her cheek.
"How are you, Charles?"
Chuck slid his hands into his pockets. "Good. Everything's good."
Lily raised her eyebrows or at least tried too. "Really? Because you missed brunch last Sunday and Cordelia asked me about divorce and custody. What in the world is going on with you and Blair?"
Chuck shook his head. "Cordelia is being dramatic. Blair and I are not getting a divorce. We've had a bit of a misunderstanding that's all. You know Blair; she has to make me pay a bit before she forgives me."
Lily sighed. "Chuck, you and Blair have such an amazing relationship and an incredible family. Don't let these little things come between you. If you do they may become big things in the future. What you have is a once in a lifetime thing. You need to make up with your wife."
Chuck staring at the floor finally looked up at his adoptive mother. He knew she was right. "Thank you, Lily."
She gave him a soft smile. "I will see you at brunch tomorrow then?"
He chuckled lightly. "If I allow my wife out of bed."
Lily shook her head swatting his arm gently. "See that's what I'm talking about." She laughed as she placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm going to head home. I'll see you and Blair and my beautiful grandchildren at eleven-thirty."
Chuck nodded. "Good night."
As he watched her cross the room he felt his cell phone vibrate in his jacket pocket. He reached in glancing at the screen. It was the home number. No one called out on that except the children or the staff. He hoped everything was okay.
He answered it. "Hello."
"Daddy!" It was Cordelia and she sounded very upset.
"Cordelia, what's wrong?" Nate looked up at Chuck. He could tell from his face it was something serious and he stood up coming over to Chuck.
"Daddy, I tried calling Mommy but she didn't answer. Ned fell and Dorota thinks his arm is broken." She was starting to cry.
"Why didn't Dorota call me? Is she on her way to the hospital with Ned?"
"No. He's really, really upset and he's refusing to go. He's worried Mom will be mad at him because he was riding the scooter."
"Fuck," Chuck tipped the phone turning to Nate, "Ned's had an accident. I need to find Blair. Can you say our good byes?"
Nate slapped him on the back. "Of course. Is he okay?"
"I'm not sure. Dorota thinks he may have broken his arm." He was already scanning the room for Blair.
"Go find Blair and let me know how he's doing later."
"I will." He started to cross the ballroom. "Cor, I'm going to get Mommy and we'll be home just as soon as we can okay? Tell Dorota to wait for us to get there."
"Okay, Daddy. I love you," she sniffled.
"I love you too, princess. Don't cry; he's going to be fine. See you in ten minutes or so."
He disconnected the call and texted Samuel to bring the limo around as he continued to look for Blair. He finally spied her and rushed over to her.
"Blair," he reached down taking her arm.
Immediately Blair knew by the look on his face that something was seriously wrong. "What is it?"
He was starting to lead her over to the coat check. "Ned has had an accident. He's fine but Dorota thinks he may have broken his arm."
"He was on that damn scooter wasn't he?" She could feel her blood pressure begin to rise. "I knew it was dangerous. He's had it for what, six hours, and he's already hurt."
"Blair, this isn't the time for that." He shoved their claim tickets at the girl behind the counter. "Hurry please," he told her brusquely. The woman rushed to find their coats and was back in thirty seconds. He gave her a twenty thanking her before grabbing them and rushing Blair out.
He wrapped Blair's coat around her shoulders as they hurried down the stairs and to the waiting limo. Chuck told Samuel what had happened and asked him to drive as quickly as possible. Within seconds they were heading uptown.
Blair was pulling out her cell phone. "I cannot believe this happened." She dialled the house and when no one answered she dialled Dorota's cell and again no answer. "Why isn't anyone answering their damn phones?"
Chuck staring out the window rolled his eyes. "They're probably preoccupied with Ned. He fell, Blair, he isn't bleeding or unconscious."
She threw her phone back into her bag. "Oh really and how do you know he isn't bleeding or that he wasn't unconscious after it happened? Hmm?"
He turned glaring at her. "Are we really going to fucking argue about that now?"
She gasped. "Don't you speak to me that way. I'm your wife."
He raised his eyes at her. "Oh so now you're going to play the wife card."
"What does that mean?"
He turned slightly to face her as he leaned in. "Well you haven't been acting very wife-like the past week, have you?"
She gave him a shove as she moved away from him. "We are not going to discuss that right now."
He sat back in his seat. "Now seems like a good time seeing as you're barely speaking to me these days it's hard to find any other time to address it."
"If you think I'm going to have sex with you while you're undermining me and acting like a complete ass then you're crazier than I thought." She crossed her arms in front of her.
He was about to respond when the car came to a stop in front of the house. "This isn't over," he said as he opened the door holding it for her.
Chuck shut the door and addressed Samuel, "Can you wait inside while I assess the situation? We'll probably have to make a trip to the ER."
Samuel nodded. "Of course, Mr. Bass."
Blair and Chuck rushed up the stairs and into the house. Cordelia was just coming down the front staircase.
"Mommy, Daddy, I'm so glad you're home." She hugged her mother tightly.
Blair kissed the top of her head. "Where's Ned?"
Cordelia was now hugging her father. "He's in your room."
Blair started up the stairs followed by Chuck and Cordelia. "Why is he in our room?"
"He was upset and wanted to wait in your bed." Cordelia explained.
Blair practically ran into their bedroom crossing the sitting room into the bedroom. Chuck was right behind her.
She glanced around frantically looking for her son but he wasn't there. She looked at Chuck. "Where is he?" She was panting slightly.
"Maybe the bathroom." They both rushed over opening the door only to find it empty.
"Dorota!" Blair yelled entering the bedroom again.
Suddenly their bedroom door slammed shut. Blair stopped in her tracks turning to look at Chuck once more. "What is going on?"
They both heard a click followed by another click. They both rushed to their bedroom door. Blair turned the doorknob but the door stayed firmly closed.
"Dorota, open this door immediately!" She twisted the knob frantically. "Do you hear me?" Looking down she noticed that the door knob had been reversed so it could be locked from the outside.
"I hear you, Miss Blair, but I'm sorry I'm not opening this door until you and Mr. Chuck work out your problems."
Blair slapped the door hard with the palm of her hand. "I'm warning you, Dorota, you will not be employed come morning if you do not unlock this door."
"I'm not too worried about that."
Blair could picture her lifelong housekeeper rolling her eyes. "I mean it this time."
"Mommy, this wasn't Dorota's idea. It was mine, Henry and Ned's. We're tired of you guys fighting all the time."
Cordelia sounded as if she was going to cry. Blair's heart ached. "Cor, darling, open the door and Mommy promises that she will make up with Daddy, okay?"
"You're just saying that to trick me. Dorota and I are going downstairs now."
"Cordelia, let Mommy out and you can have that horse you've been wanting. Okay?"
There was silence for minute and Blair was confident that she was getting through to her daughter.
"I'd rather have you and Daddy be friends again than a horse."
Blair sighed as she rested her head against the door. "Cor…"
"There's plenty of food and drinks for you guys," Dorota explained.
Blair could hear them heading down the hall. This wasn't the first time she had been locked in somewhere to work out her differences with someone she cared about. She knew Dorota wouldn't cave. They were stuck and they were being forced to confront their issues; whether they wanted to or not. Blair had a feeling it could be a long night.