The week seemingly dragged on and come Friday, Blair decided to work from home to allow herself time to prepare for that evening's gala.
"I'm so glad we're getting ready together, B! We haven't done this in forever," Serena gushed as the stylist piled her hair into an effortless updo. "You never have time for little old me anymore."
"I know, I know - I'm sorry, S, really," Blair apologized with her eyes closed as her makeup artist worked on the perfectly subtle eyeshadow to finish off her look. "You have my promise that after tonight, you and your wedding preparations will be one of my top priorities."
Serena couldn't help but laugh and roll her eyes in response. "One of? Jeez, some maid of honor you are!," Serena teased. "You know, you're really too hard on yourself. You never take any time to stop and smell the roses anymore."
"That's because roses give me migraines, S. You know I'm a peony girl," Blair parried. "And I'm so close to completing my five year plan that there's no time to deviate or relax. I'll be 28 in a few weeks and that means I only have two more years to achieve all my goals professionally before I can shift some focus to my social and personal goals."
"You're too much. And just what are those social and personal goals? Because looking back on the last decade since we graduated, there hasn't been a single notable date or accomplishment that wasn't somehow tied to your career. You're on the fast track for a burnout. How you've avoided it this long is beyond me."
"You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine, Serena," Blair reassured her as she stepped into her bedroom to finally get dressed. "Plus, if I was focused on dating then I wouldn't have the time to get ready with you tonight!"
"Oh my gosh, B. You look ah-mazing! Seriously - you're practically glowing."
"Well, nobody does black like Dior, and nobody does black Dior like Blair Waldorf," Blair smirked. "Thank you."
"Just think - if you gave yourself time to date, you could have a man to show you just how well you do black Dior instead of just my compliments!"
"I'm starting to think you're not okay with my third-wheeling your date with Nate tonight," Blair said skeptically. "I shared him with you most of high school, you can't share him for just one night?"
"B that's not it at all and you know it!," Serena defended. "I can't believe you'd actually go there. You know we love you and love having you as our third wheel. We just want more for you. We want you to be happy."
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. No hard feelings at all, you know that. Look, my third-wheeling tonight isn't going to extend past transportation to and from the gala. I can even get my own ride home in case you guys want alone time later! I'm going to be so busy once we get there schmoozing and catching up with people that you won't even have to think about me. Now let me see your dress!"
Serena emerged from the bathroom in a truly stunning Versace number in the most Serena shade of lapis that hugged her curves from top to bottom.
"Well, you really don't have to worry about me being a third wheel and getting in the way because Nathaniel certainly won't even notice me next to you in that. You look beautiful, S."
Serena's immediate reaction was to pull Blair into a tight squeeze of a hug and squeal.
"I'm just so happy we're getting all dressed up together! I've really, really missed you."
Blair smiled and squeezed her best friend back before checking the time.
"We better head down to the limo. We're quickly approaching the cutoff for being fashionably late."
Releasing her hold, Serena grabbed Blair's hand and pulled her out the door.
#
Arriving at Cipriani Downtown, Blair let herself actually be a little excited about the night ahead. She was looking forward to seeing her acquaintances, associates, and the few friends she held dear - and seeing what a figure Chuck was sure to cut in whatever tuxedo he donned tonight. She was excited to have the Non-Judging Breakfast Club all in the same place at the same time, with a likely guarantee of some time for just the four of them after the gala was concluded. But mostly, Blair was excited to announce her new program with the Bass Foundation. She'd kept it a secret - not even Serena knew about it - and she couldn't wait for everyone's genuine reaction to the unveiling.
After Nate checked all of their coats, they proceeded into the party and accepted flutes of champagne from a passing waiter before seeing Lily waving them over to where she was chatting with Rufus.
Greeting everyone with a kiss to the cheek, Lily took a moment to look over Blair and Serena's gowns before beginning to gush.
"I don't know how I could even be surprised at this point but you girls look positively radiant," Lily gushed. "And Blair, darling, it's been too long! You look wonderful. How are you? Serena mentioned you just finished up a big case over in Asia?"
"You're too kind, Lily," Blair bashfully accepted. "I've been doing well! Keeping busy now that I've made partner at the firm. I was just representing Tanaka Silk in a copyright infringement case in Tokyo. It took a few months but we were able to successfully issue an injunction on the brand that was trying to use a knock-off of Tanaka's signature pattern. How have you and Rufus been? Last I saw you two, you were headed for the Maldives."
"Ah yes, the Maldives. It was really so lovely. A great opportunity to unwind and get some vitamin D."
"Ladies. Rufus," Chuck interrupted. "Thank you for all coming tonight. I really appreciate your support."
"Charles! You look so handsome! I was wondering when we'd get to see you," Lily greeted as she pulled Chuck in for a hug and went on to cup his left cheek in her palm. "This is such a wonderful turnout - I'm so proud of you!"
"Well it's easy to draw in a crowd when three women as gorgeous as yourselves are in attendance," he flattered with a smirk before turning to hug Serena and then Blair.
"You look rather dapper, Chuck," Blair couldn't help but compliment.
"And you look radiant as ever. Black Dior? A Blair Waldorf signature," he observed.
"A grown-up version of my headbands," Blair replied with a warm smile.
Checking his watch and quickly glancing around the room, Chuck realized it was time to move to the dinner portion of the evening.
"I think it's time to move to our seats. I just have to check something with Gina and then I'll meet you all at the table, if you'll excuse me," he added before heading off.
#
A short while later, Chuck made his way over to the table with a glass of scotch in hand and took his seat next to Nate.
The group enjoyed comfortable conversation throughout the dinner and the NJBC even made plans to go to Victrola for drinks once the gala was over.
Soon it was time for Chuck to excuse himself to make his opening speech.
"Good evening everyone and thank you all for coming out to support the Bass Foundation tonight as we look forward to the upcoming year and our plans to continue giving back to the communities that have supported Bass Industries since my father first founded the company back in 1988. As many of you may know, the Bass Foundation was one of my first undertakings when I took the helm after my father's death. Throughout my life, Bart Bass always strived to give me everything and anything I could dream of wanting, but also wanted me to understand that these things included opportunities that not everyone would be lucky enough to enjoy. I thought that establishing a medium that would allow us to give back to the less fortunate would be a great way to pay homage to his wildly successful career and carry on a legacy that he would be proud of.
"Each year, we shift our focus and choose a new initiative as a way of spreading the love and reaching a new audience or community that we may not have helped yet. Offering new services, funding, and grants that open doors in ways that otherwise might not exist for those outside of our enclave in New York City and the businessworld as a whole.
"Each year, we put our heads together and try to come up with an initiative that will flourish. We try to pool our resources, tap talent that really has something to give and that everyone should be so lucky to gain access to. And this year is no different.
"I'm pleased to announce that the 2019 Bass Foundation initiative will be Dress to Impress, spearheaded by my lifelong friend and an incredibly intelligent and inspiring individual - please join me in welcoming Blair Waldorf to the stage," Chuck proudly beamed as he began clapping while maintaining eye contact with Blair until she reached the stage.
Back at the table, there was a collective jaw drop amongst their group as everyone was truly shocked by this revelation. Serena and Nate pulled Blair into a quick group hug before pushing her in the direction of the stage.
As she reached the podium, Chuck gave Blair a kiss on the cheek and then pulled her in for a warm embrace as well, whispering, "Knock 'em dead, beautiful," before turning over the mic.
"Thank you everyone! I'm truly honored to be given this opportunity. When Chuck approached me with the idea, I'll admit I was definitely surprised - surprised that he would trust me with such an undertaking and surprised that I hadn't thought of this myself first! Similar to Chuck, I've lived a life of great privilege, but we both have always strived to work hard and earn what we were given instead of just blindly accepting or even expecting it to be handed to us.
"While I obviously followed in my father's footsteps when I graduated from Yale Law, I also took many cues from my mother, designer Eleanor Waldorf. I've always believed that a large part of preparing for success is dressing the part, which is something my mother instilled in me from a young age.
"Being the daughter of a fashion designer, I've pretty much always had guaranteed access to a dream wardrobe; however, I'm very aware that not everyone has that advantage. That's why I'm so excited about Dress for Success. Over the next year, I'll be working with the Bass Foundation to forge partnerships with some wonderful labels in the fashion world and source professional wardrobes for those looking to enter the workforce without the money or access to prepare for interviews. In addition to dressing the part, I'll be building a team of mentors to coach those in need before interviews and help them network for job opportunities that they may not have previously had access to.
"Every dollar raised tonight will go towards the establishment and execution of the Dress for Success initiative. In addition to monetary donations, if you're willing to donate your time or services please let me know - find me here tonight, call me, text me, email me, whatever. Let's chat. Let's work together. Everyone deserves an opportunity, especially when they're willing to work for it.
"Before I turn over the mic to our guest auctioneer and supporter of Dress for Success, the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker, I'd like to thank you all again for your support. And to get everyone in the giving spirit, I'll start the donations with my own personal one - I've written a check for half a million dollars," Blair concluded.
Turning to hug SJP, Blair thanked her for her support. As a lowkey shareholder of Bass Industries and supporter of the Bass Foundation, Parker had been thrilled when Blair reached out to her to discuss the upcoming initiative and couldn't agree fast enough.
As SJP thanked Blair and started off the auction, Blair made her way back to the table where everyone was waiting for her with open arms.
"B! How did you keep this a secret from me?!," Serena implored.
"Blair, sweetheart, this is such a fantastic idea. Count me in - I'll definitely assist with some networking and monetary donations. Maybe we can go through my wardrobe and pull some items to donate," Lily began brainstorming.
"I know my career path was a little less than conventional, but if there's any way I can help mentor some kids about the music industry, I'd really love to help," Rufus volunteered.
"Maybe we can establish an internship program for The Spectator," Nate offered. "I can definitely use the help and I know you'll only send me the best."
"I told you this would be a great thing. I'm really proud of you and forever indebted to you for agreeing to spearhead this," Chuck praised.
For her part, Blair was completely overwhelmed with the supportive response at her table and beyond.
Beaming, she began, "Thank you guys. Really. Your support means the world to me and I can't wait to get this off the ground with all of your help. I hope I don't let BI down."
Chuck had flagged down a waiter and had them bring over a bottle of Dom Perignon '95 over to celebrate. As glasses were passed around the table, Chuck raised his own and toasted, "I'd like to raise a toast, to the powerful woman we've all been blessed enough to have in our life. I know you're going to take this initiative past all our wildest expectations and I'm forever thankful that I'll be able to bear witness to it all. To Blair."
"To Blair!," the rest of the table echoed.
#
The gala concluded with raising just over $6.5 million. High on the success of the auction, her peers' praises, and delicious champagne, Blair was ready to continue the celebration.
Bidding farewell to Lily and Rufus, the NJBC made their way towards coat check to continue on with their celebrations. Along the way, Pete Holmberg and his wife Helena intercepted.
"Chuck, Blair! Congratulations on the most successful Bass Foundation fundraiser yet!," Pete praised.
"Blair, you look stunning in that gown - is that couture Dior?," Helena added. "These men and women will be so lucky to have you guiding them."
As Blair confirmed, Chuck whispered to Nate to go ahead with Serena and they'd meet them back in the limo.
The Holmbergs had always been fans of Chuck. They were early supporters when he took over and Pete had always offered any insight and support that he could. Over the years, they had become familiar with Blair after meeting her as Chuck's date at a variety of BI events.
"Seriously though, I'd love to get involved," Helena implored. "I'd love to offer advice to anyone interested in entering the medical field and can definitely put candidates in touch with my friends and colleagues at both Lenox Hill and Hospital for Special Surgery. Let's get some time on the calendar next week to meet and discuss!"
"That would be amazing, Helena, thank you so much!," Blair replied.
"You know Chuck, you're always assuring us that Blair is just a good friend, but this girl is going places. You should lock it down and fast before someone else sweeps in!," Pete teased.
"I'm not worthy," Chuck half-joked.
"Petey, let's let them go. The night is young and so are they. I'm sure they have plans, an afterparty perhaps?," Helena urged. "It's well past our bedtime."
As they parted with hugs and kisses, Chuck wrapped an arm around Blair's waist and led her out to the limo where their friends were patiently waiting.