Disclaimer: I only own the story specific characters I created. The originals belong to Cecily von Zeigesar and The CW.
Charlotte found her old riding gear tucked away in her treasure chest. She had the manor staff freshen it up while she ate breakfast and then set out for the stables.
"Hey, Handsome," Charlotte approached her horse's stall with several apples in her hands, "How have you been, Boy?"
Licorice approached her immediately, like she was a long lost friend he was quite happy to see. The apples probably helped. Her horse had always had a bit of a sweet tooth.
"Are they treating you okay?" Charlotte stroked his nose once the apples had been consumed. She grabbed a brush and brushed out his mane like she'd done so many times before.
"He's the gentleman of the stables," Charlotte's old riding coach, Sophie, approached her from behind. "He's quite popular with the mares."
"Hi, Sophie," Charlotte immediately was engulfed in her former trainer's arms.
"I heard you booked some time for a ride today, so I cleared my schedule," Sophie hugged her former student tight.
"You didn't have to do that," Charlotte pulled away.
"For my favorite student, of course I did," Sophie replied.
"Has he been behaving?" Charlotte turned to give her horse some much needed attention.
"Oh yeah," Sophie nodded, "He's one of the better behaved horses in the stables. Your father is making a fortune in stud fees."
"Yes, because he absolutely needs the money," Charlotte laughed.
"It certainly covers Licorce's boarding fees," Sophie stated, "And then some."
"Of course he's popular with the female persuasion," Charlotte rose up to kiss Licorce's nose, "He's a Bass."
"So what brings you to the stables today?" Sophie asked, "Not that I'm not thrilled to see you because I am."
"Problems at work," Charlotte admitted, "A coworker accused me of bullying, which I absolutely did not do."
"I never would have thought you capable," Sophie hugged her around the shoulders, "Charlotte Bass is incapable of such things."
"I've been put on leave until the investigate is complete," Charlotte replied, "I needed something to do, so a friend suggested riding. I didn't realize until he suggested it, but I do miss it."
"And I miss coaching you," Sophie smiled, "I still stand by my assessment, you would have done great things if you entered the competition circuit. World championships, Olympics…the sky was the limit for you and Licorce, but I know why you didn't. There would have had to be a lot of sacrifices on your part."
"I know I made the right choice," Charlotte replied, "Despite the whole suspension thing."
"So this friend who suggested a ride," Sophie prodded her one time charge, "Is he cute?"
"Gorgeous," Charlotte pulled out her phone to show a picture she'd snapped of the two of them the previous day.
"He's handsome alright," Sophie fanned herself a few times. "How's the rest of your family? Aiden, Brice?"
"Aiden graduated high school this spring and is currently enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America. I think he's teaching his teachers a thing or two about the culinary profession," Charlotte began.
"Aiden graduated high school," Sophie gasped, "Goodness, I can still remember him running around here when he was what, two, three?"
"He's quite the head turner himself," Charlotte looked through her phone to find a recent picture of her brother, "We're still trying to figure out where he got his height. He's a good five inches taller than Dad and Brice, and those dark eyes cause many women to swoon. He's had a bevy of beauties following him around for years. He doesn't have near the reputation as my father did at his age, but it's not for the lack of options."
Sophie looked at the picture Charlotte produced of her younger brother. "And Brice?"
"Brice is living with my grandfathers in France," Charlotte replied, "He's learning the wine business."
"What about Bass Industries?" Sophie asked, "I thought he'd join you one day."
"Senior year of high school he moved to France to be closer to his girlfriend. Her parents had separated, and she was forced to move to France with her mother. It was this whole drama, but Brice was able to convince my parents to move to France. While living on my grandfathers' vineyard, he fell in love with the business of it all. He's in his final year of school, and then he'll decide if he takes over the vineyard from my grandfathers' or start his own. If Mom has her way, he'll be starting his own somewhere closer to Manhattan," Charlotte explained.
"Someplace like the Hamptons," Sophie offered.
"I don't even think the Hamptons would be close enough for my mother's liking," Charlotte laughed, "She hates that he's been living so far away for so long."
"I can imagine," Sophie smiled.
"How about you?" Charlotte asked, "How are your girls? They must be what, ten and seven?"
"Good memory," Sophie pulled out her own phone and produced pictures of her daughters, both sitting atop their horses. "They're keeping us busy. It seems like Elyse is entering a competition every weekend, and Caiti is just about ready to start her own competitive career."
"With you as their coach, I know great things are ahead," Charlotte smiled.
"How about a ride?" Sophie suggested, "I've got two mares saddled and waiting for us."
"Yeah, that sounds like fun," Sophie set aside her brush. She stroked her horse's head a few more times. "I'll come back before I leave, Boy."
It was a leisurely stroll through the stable's acreage. Sophie and Charlotte spent their time catching after a few years apart. They fell right back into their usual banter like it had only been a few days apart rather than the few years it actually was.
"Did you want to go through the novice course, for old time sake?" Sophie noticed Charlotte glanced towards the arena set up.
"I don't know," Charlotte hesitated, "It's been awhile."
"Perhaps for you, but Duchess here is a regular," Sophie nodded towards the horse Charlotte was riding.
"Why not," Charlotte guided the horse towards the arena. She galloped around a few times to get a feel for the course before she guided her horse towards the first approach. It was like riding a bike, as Charlotte was up and over in the fence in the blink of an eye.
Sophie kept out of Charlotte's way as she watched her former pupil navigate the course. She watched with a mixture of pride and envy. Charlotte was by far the best student she'd ever coached and far more talented than she'd ever been herself.
With the last jump cleared, Charlotte guided her horse back to Sophie. "How'd I do, Coach?" Charlotte was slightly out of breath.
"Textbook," Sophie smiled.
"She's quite a horse," Charlotte leaned down to rub her horse's neck.
"You're quite a rider," Sophie added.
Charlotte smiled in reply.
After returned to the stable, Charlotte returned to give Licorice more attention. "I promise to visit more often."
After bidding a final goodbye to her horse and former instructor, she climbed into the waiting vehicle. She texted Eugenia to send the helicopter back to the Hamptons and then sent word to the Hamptons staff to prepare for her departure. The promise of a meal with Eddie was far too tempting.
"How was your weekend in the Hamptons?" Daniella greeted Charlotte upon her return.
"Relaxing," Charlotte replied, "We're having a guest for dinner tonight. Will you make sure the table is set for two?"
"Would you like me to send out for something?" Daniella gathered the belongings Charlotte was handing to her.
"No," Charlotte smiled, "My guest wants to do the cooking."
"No one other than Mister Aiden has ever used your kitchen," Daniella sputtered.
"It deserves a bit of use from someone who actually knows how to use it," Charlotte shed her coat and handed it to her housekeeper. She chanced a quick glance at the clock. She had a bit of time before her guest was due to arrive. "I'm going up to check in with my parents. If Eddie gets here before I come back down, please show him into the kitchen. I shouldn't be too long."
Daniella nodded as Charlotte took the elevator up to her parents' floor.
"Hello, Miss Charlotte," Dorota greeted her when she stepped off the elevator.
"Is Mom or Dad home?" Charlotte asked.
"Your father in his office," Dorota replied, "Mrs. Blair still working."
"Thanks, Dorota," Charlotte gave the family's long time housekeeper a quick hug before she ambled towards her father's office. "Do you have time for some company?"
"For my children, always," Chuck rose from his desk to greet her with a hug, "How was your weekend in the Hamptons?"
"Quiet," Charlotte replied, "Just what I needed. I noticed you took care of the paparazzi outside. How'd you manage that?"
"Word has it you've gone to France," Chuck replied, "It should keep them occupied for a bit. By the time they figure out you're back, the investigation will be concluded, and you'll be exonerated."
"Any word on how it's going?" Charlotte asked.
"Sounds like they should have everything wrapped up by the middle to the end of the week," Chuck replied, "You should know no matter the outcome, I've removed the head of your department from his position. He's been reassigned to a different division in a less pressure position. Apparently he's been struggling in his role for awhile."
"Who will be the new head of my division?" Charlotte inquired.
"Someone I know is more than capable, Octavia Washington," Chuck replied, "She's been running another division for quite awhile and has had great success. She graduated with highest honors from Howard University. She's one of the rising stars of the company, and she's received high marks from several key executives I trust. She'll be a good mentor for you."
"And everyone else?" Charlotte asked.
"There's going to be a complete restructuring of your division," Chuck replied. "HR has identified several problems which have flown under the radar until you joined the division. They are now being addressed. We're still going to wait on HR's report to determine the fate of a few of the employees, but moral should improve greatly when you return."
"I hope so," Charlotte nodded.
"Why didn't you tell me things were as bad as they were?" Chuck's eyes turned soft.
"I wanted to prove I could handle myself," Charlotte's voice broke slightly as she spoke, "I thought what I was going through was just the usual mistrust of the boss's daughter. I didn't know it was more until I spoke with HR."
"Charlotte, you have nothing to prove to me," Chuck told her with sincerity dripping from his voice and eyes, "Yes, you are the future of the company, but you don't need to step in right away and make a name for yourself. I want you to enjoy the work while you learn the company. You will put your stamp on the company one day, and you'll achieve success greater than mine. I have no doubt about that."
"I just really want you to be proud of me," Charlotte wiped at her eyes.
"I've been proud of you every day of your life," Chuck took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Thanks for saying that, Daddy," Charlotte smiled through the tears.
"I love you, Princess," Chuck replied.
"I love you too," Charlotte hugged him, "I'd better let you get back to your work. When do you think Mom will be home?"
"She had a late meeting with a buyer," Chuck replied, "I wouldn't expect her for at least another hour. Did you want to have dinner with us?"
"Tempting, but I've already made plans," Charlotte glanced at her watch, "I'd better get back to my place."
"How about we meet for lunch tomorrow?" Chuck suggested, "You pick the place, anywhere you choose."
"Anywhere?" Charlotte raised a curious brow.
"Anywhere," Chuck confirmed.
Charlotte immediately rattled off the most expensive place in Manhattan, which also had the reputation for being the hardest restaurant in the city to get a reservation, but she also knew for Chuck Bass, they would accommodate him.
"I'll let Eugenia know," Chuck reached for his phone to send his assistant a message.
"Night, Daddy," Charlotte kissed his cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'll text you the time," Chuck replied.
Charlotte returned to her penthouse to find Eddie already orientating himself to her kitchen. "Making yourself at home, I see."
"This is a nice kitchen," Eddie turned to greet her with a kiss.
"Aiden thinks so too," Charlotte wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him close, "How was your day at the office?"
"Uneventful," Eddie's arms wrapped loosely around her waist, "No more meetings with HR, which I took as a good sign. There's apparently been a pretty big shake up in Mergers and Acquisitions though."
"Yep, that's what Dad said," Charlotte bobbed her head, "Do you know anything about my new boss, Octavia Washington?"
"Quite a bit actually," Eddie released her and turned towards the counter to begin preparations on their meal, "She and I started at Bass around the same time. She's brilliant. She's an excellent leader and motivator, and she won't put up with anyone's crap. She also won't be intimidated by your father. She'll be a good mentor for you. You father is smart for bringing her in."
"Now all I need is for HR to exonerate me, so I can get to work," Charlotte replied.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you heard something within the next day or so," he began chopping up onion to put in the sauté pan.
"What are you making?" Charlotte asked.
"A family favorite," Eddie replied, "Pork burritos."
"Sounds good to me," Charlotte watched him work, "Do you need a hand?"
"Weren't you the one who said you were hopeless in the kitchen?" he raised a curious brow.
"Fair point," she chuckled, "I just feel guilty for sitting here while you do all the work."
"How about you find a good wine to go with our meal," he suggested.
"Something I can do," Charlotte hopped off her stool and went to her wine cooler, "How does a pinot grigio sound?"
"Sound good," he nodded.
Charlotte scanned her options and then pulled the one she thought would work best from the cooler.
"Does Charlotte Bass know her wines?" he inquired.
"My grandfathers own a vineyard," Charlotte reminded him, "My wine education started early in life. I'm not nearly the expert Brice is, but I certainly know a good wine from a bad one. Grandpere has some of the best wine in France."
"But you're not bias," he teased.
"I'm not the only one who thinks it," Charlotte glared at him, "Their vineyard has won several industry awards through the years."
"Does your entire wine collection consist of wines from your grandfather's vineyard?" he inquired.
"Just about," Charlotte nodded, "My grandfather has coached us well. Other vintages just don't taste quite like his."
"So not only are you a daddy's girl, you're a grandpa's girl," Eddie smiled.
"Absolutely," Charlotte beamed with pride.
Eddie continued to cook their meal while they traded banter.
Charlotte noted how comfortable the moment felt. She sat at the counter, watching him work on dinner, while they talked about their days. It was so normal, so comforting. The relationship was still so new, but she couldn't help thinking she could get used to this.
After dinner, they found their way into Charlotte's media room where they selected a movie and curled up together.
"When my parents were first flirting with a relationship they were worried they'd be boring, and boring would be 'Chuck and Blair holding hands; Chuck and Blair going to the movies'," Charlotte grasped Eddie's hands and tangled her fingers into his, "I don't know why they thought this would be a horrible way to spend a day."
"I don't either," he kissed her neck.
"I slept horribly last night," she admitted, "I couldn't get comfortable."
"I couldn't either," he smiled into her neck.
"Is it too soon to ask you to stay over?" she asked.
"Is it too soon to tell you I brought a fresh suit so I could stay the night?"
"Good," she settled against him and refocused on the movie. "We'll just need to make sure you leave before Daddy discovers you stayed over. He may claim he's okay with us, but no need to test his limits just yet."
"Agreed," Eddie chuckled.
TBC…