Chapter 37: The Full Monte, Part I

Chuck stayed awake past dawn reading recent articles in the Times, the Journal and Gossip Girl posts and coming to terms with this alternate reality that he been plunged into. As his eyes grew grainy from lack of sleep, memories of this reality emerged like islands and blurred with his old memories. It jarred him to remember two simultaneous timelines. There were several events that seemed to starkly distinguish the two versions of his life, at least from his perspective. In this reality Blair hadn't disappeared after the divorce; instead she stayed in a seemingly stable relationship with Humphrey. Although, clearly that wasn't a permanent pairing as she had just professed her love for him on the rooftop. Chuck's father had emerged from the dead, which of course he had not done in Chuck's other set of memories. Chuck had paid off Blair's dowry in this reality, whereas she had paid it off herself in the other version. There had to be other differences, he just needed to put all of the pieces together. If he wasn't so tired...

His phone buzzed, waking him from sleep. What time was it? Eight in the morning. He had slept too long. He had only meant to take a short nap. As he clamored to pick it up the phone, he wondered if it was Blair calling. He wanted more time to think through how he would talk to her. How he would explain...

Nate's voice was a welcome relief. Chuck was hesitant though; he didn't want to expose what had happened to him, at least not yet. He didn't relish sounding like a mad man.

"I heard about the press conference. The Spectator won't run it of course, but..."

"It's all over Gossip Girl. I know."

"I knew you would be disappointed. Your father's return had seemed too perfect. I was hopeful that it would be a good thing..."

"Nathaniel, when has my father ever impacted my life in a positive way?"

"Good point."

"Don't worry about me. To be fair, my father spent thirty years building this company from nothing, and I spent a few years mostly ignoring it or worse bleeding it. If Bart wants to run Bass Industries without me, I'll find something else to do."

"That sounds bizarrely mature. Should I ask what you did with the Chuck Bass that I know so well?"

Chuck's breath caught in his throat. He hadn't intended to sound out of character. He would have to be more careful.

"Nathanial, I appreciate the call, but I have a few things to do. I'll get in touch soon."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"If you're here for Ms. Blair, you're too late. She left a few hours ago with Ms. Eleanor. They went to Paris. Did you hear the good news? Ms. Blair will be taking over Waldorf Designs. She's very happy."

"I did know that. And I'm happy for her. Thank you, Dorota."

"Would you like me to let her know that you were looking for her?"

"No. No I don't think so. I would appreciate your discretion on this matter."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Blair swept her fingers across the swath of crimson cloth. She fell a bit sick. How was she supposed to do this? She wasn't a designer. Not really. So much would have to fall in place for all of this to work, and she had been submerged in bad luck recently.

Her mother had suggested that she start by finding a signature fabric to inspire her first collection. And she had been milling around little fabric shops around Paris all week with no luck. She'd just have to be more diligent. She was certain that something would stand out and grab her, if she just tried hard enough. Her phone chimed with a Gossip Girl post.

'Chuck and Jack Bass spotted getting off a private jet in Monte Carlo. Both Bass boys were recently expelled from Bass Industries. Does this joint venture mean the two have teamed up?'

Blair dropped the fabric she had been holding and took off in a run towards the train station. Monte Carlo was only seven hours away.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

It wasn't hard to find them. They were decked out in tuxes, sitting side by side at a high rollers table. She had managed to swing by a dress shop and a salon, to glam herself up in a full-length gown and pearls. She had been afraid that the gatekeepers guarding the door wouldn't permit her entrance unless she looked like she had money to spend.

Chuck's gaze was firmly directed at Jack, a half smile on his face, as he handed his uncle a shot glass. They toasted and downed the drinks before redirecting their attention towards the table.

Blair took a step forward and then another, the chips in her handbag clinked with every move. She knew it was very likely that Chuck would just reject her again, but she couldn't just let him slip away from her. Losing him was for forever was not an option.

She touched the back of a high backed chair adjacent to Chuck. "Is there a seat available?" she asked.

Jack had clearly partaken in one too many shots; his eyes were swimming under the weight of his indulgences. "Take mine, sweetheart. I should get back to my room anyway. I'm feeling a little out of surts." He hobbled off into the crowd.

Chuck looked frozen, his eyes on her. Blair removed the chips from her bag and placed them on the table. "You fought for me all year. I've come to fight for you."

The dealer leaned over the table, his eyes directed at Blair. "Will you be joining the game?"

Blair's eyes didn't leave Chuck. "You say I always bet against you. But this time I'm all in." She moved the chips into the empty space in front of her.

"Are you in, sir?" The dealer asked.

Chuck eyes stayed locked on Blair. He placed his fingers on Blair's chips and slid them back to her. "We're done."

Blair looked away. "Not enough," she whispered. "I was afraid..."

He reached up to touch her cheek, and pull her back into the sphere of his attention. "That's not what I meant. I just meant that we're done with games. I've always been yours. I shouldn't have made you wait."

She bit her lip. "Is there somewhere we can go to talk? I dropped everything to find you, I don't even have a room."

"I have one." His wolfish grin left no question as to his intentions. The dealer winked at him, and Chuck provided the man with a generous tip, before escorting Blair away from the table and towards a gilded set of elevators.