Disclaimer: I only own the story specific characters I created. The originals belong to Cecily von Zeigesar and The CW.
No excuse is worthy of how long it took to get this chapter together, but my muse has taken an extended holiday. Hopefully it will return soon. I hope you enjoy this newest chapter.
"Ms. Charlotte Waldorf-Bass," Eddie read on Charlotte door as he helped her move her meager belongings from her old office to her new office the first day in the office after the holiday. She'd spent the first two hours of her morning with HR going over paperwork for new position she was taking, "Your father moves quickly."
"He was probably looking for excuses to stay in his home office over the holiday break," Charlotte snickered as she keyed herself into her new digs, "He did say that Mom was driving him a bit batty."
"I guess there is no turning back," he chuckled as she opened the door.
Charlotte gasped in surprise. Her office was lushly decorated, with framed pictures of her family and friends on the walls, her framed degree prominently placed on one of the shelves.
"You didn't know about this?" Eddie glanced around.
"I kept getting teased about the lack of personal touches of my old office," Charlotte set her satchel on the desk and motioned for Eddie to set the box he carried right next to it.
"Looks more fitting of the executive you are," Eddie smiled as she sat in the high backed leather chair.
"HR told me that my badge has been updated with the executive break room access," she smiled, "You'll have to show it to me at lunchtime."
"It's a date," he leaned in for a kiss, "I'll see you later. Be brilliant."
"You too," she tugged on his tie and brought him back for another kiss.
After organizing her belongings, she glanced through the personnel files of her new employees. True to her father's warning, most of the people she'd be supervising were going to be older than her, some were even older than her father. Finally gathering her courage, she emerged from her office and began to make the rounds with her employees, trying to get to know names and faces along with what they were currently working on. A few of the employees seemed eager for a new supervisor, but Charlotte could tell there were many who didn't trust her abilities to do the job. She would have to work hard to prove them wrong.
Charlotte returned to her office after her meet and greets and got to work. She'd been studying her new division since her father told her of the promotion, so she knew what work needed to be done. She jumped right in on her tasks, and was elbow deep in the material when there was a knock at her door. She looked up to see her mother in the doorway.
"How do you like your new office?" Blair stepped into the space.
"It's incredible," Charlotte smiled, "I didn't know you were coming to the tower today. I thought you had meetings at the loft all day."
"That's what you were supposed to think," Blair smiled as she took a seat across the desk from her daughter, "I'm actually having lunch with Eugenia. She's quite eager to plan her daughter-in-law's baby shower."
"Oh, that sounds like fun. I want in on that," Charlotte replied, "Abby was so nice to share her life experience with me a few days ago."
"I'll let Eugenia know," Blair stated, "How are the first few hours of being a boss?"
"Okay, I guess. I have to earn everyone's respect by knowing what the heck I'm doing," Charlotte replied, "Octavia has offered to help me learn the ins and outs of it. We have a meeting set up for this afternoon."
"It's smart of you to use the resources available," Blair replied, "A weaker person wouldn't accept help. They would just attempt to make it up as they go, not always with the best results."
"Sort of like what Dad used to do when he started running the company?" Charlotte asked.
"Yeah, probably something like that," Blair laughed, "Yes, your father is a success now, but in the first few years, he made plenty of mistakes."
"But he was the boss, so they were his mistakes to make," Charlotte theorized.
"Sweetheart, do you remember us telling you about how your father tried to acquire my business right after we got engaged?" Blair asked.
"Yes, it may not have been the best thing at the time, but eventually he made the right move," Charlotte stated, "You're line is one of the most coveted in the industry, and it instantly put Bass on the fashion map. It also led to the significant diversification of Bass's financial holdings."
"When I was ready for him to take over the business, it was absolutely a brilliant business move, but at the time he first attempted it…Sweetheart, it could very nearly have ended our relationship," Blair explained.
"I didn't know things went that far," Charlotte frowned.
"He took some questionable steps that almost put me out of business," Blair replied, "The point in me telling you about this is that everyone makes mistakes, even your brilliant businessman father. He's not going to expect you to be perfect as you learn."
"Yeah," she sighed heavily, "I guess mostly I need to prove to myself that I can do this. I know I'm a decade or two away from running things, but it's still a daunting prospect."
"Just do your best, Sweetheart," her mother told her, "Your father and I will be proud of you no matter what."
"Thanks, Mom," Charlotte smiled.
"Don't forget we're having a farewell dinner for Collette tonight," Blair reminded her daughter as she rose from her chair.
"I will absolutely be there," Charlotte replied, "Gosh, Brice is going to be a mess with her gone."
"At least he'll have his work to focus on," Blair replied, "And your father has offered to fly them both across the ocean as much as they want. It helps that Brice will have to go to France sporadically for his new position anyways."
"It's still not the same as being together every day," Charlotte replied, "God, if that was me and Eddie, I think I'd go crazy."
"I know exactly how you're feeling," Blair returned to the chair she'd just vacated, "When your father went to Japan, I thought I was going to lose my mind. I didn't know how to be in a relationship without him being by my side every day."
"You figured it out," Charlotte stated.
"Yes and no," Blair frowned.
"Let's not go down the rabbit hole," Charlotte realized where her mother's thoughts were taking her. She was remembering what happened to bring Chuck back to New York, when she was attacked by her boss.
"Goodness, no," Blair took a deep breath.
"Was that the worst it ever was between you and Dad?" Charlotte asked, "After what happened?"
"It was definitely the darkest period of our relationship, but it also when our relationship became the strongest," Blair replied, "As dark as it was, I wouldn't go back and erase it because of how much stronger our relationship became because of it. When your father is being his irritating self, sometimes I'll reflect back on that period and remember how amazing he was. He really forced me back into reality, back into living. I shutter to think what would have happened if we hadn't been together. I'm not sure I would have ever gotten through it."
"You would have," Charlotte assured her, "You are the strongest woman I know."
"Thankfully I'll never have to find out," Blair smiled as she glanced at her watch. "I'd better get going, or I'm going to be late for lunch. Did you want to join us?"
"Rain check?" Charlotte asked, "Eddie was going to give me a tour of the Executive Lounge, now that I'm entitled to see it."
"Between you and me, I expected better," Blair snickered, "It's basically just a break room."
"That's disappointing," Charlotte frowned, "Maybe I need to have a talk with the boss. If they're going to make it exclusive, shouldn't it be worth while."
"Good luck with that," Blair laughed, "I promise you the perks get better as you climb the ladder."
"I hope so," Charlotte smiled.
"Be brilliant, Sweetheart," Blair stepped around the desk to kiss her daughter's forehead.
After Blair left, Eddie arrived shortly after.
"You just missed my mom," Charlotte grabbed her lunch, "She's having lunch with your mom to discuss Abby's baby shower."
"That's not going to be co-ed, is it?" Eddie cleared his throat nervously.
"If my mother and your mother are planning it, no," Charlotte replied, "It will be the most girly thing you'll ever see."
"Let's hope your right because I don't know if I could see my brother playing the guess which candy bar poop is in the diaper," Eddie chuckled.
"I'd pay a lot of money to see him try," Charlotte laughed as they left her office. She smiled at a few of her employees as they were also leaving for their lunch hours.
"How awkward is it?" Eddie asked when they made their way to the Executive Lounge and found a table to eat. As her mother had mentioned, it wasn't all that different from the other employee lounges, it was just a bit more exclusive in who was admitted.
"How awkward is what?" Charlotte asked.
"The situation with you and the employees you now supervise," he explained.
"There's a bit of skepticism," Charlotte replied, "I have the job because my last name is Bass, but that doesn't mean I can't do the job well. That's fully what I intend to do."
"That's exactly what I want to hear," Eddie replied. "Before I forget, my mother called me today. Every winter she and Dad take some time off from work and head somewhere a bit warmer and work on a Habit for Humanity housing project. Mom wanted to know if you wanted to join us."
"Ooh, that's where they build houses and give them away to people who really need them, right?" Charlotte winced, "I'm not sure that's going to be my cup of tea. I'd totally get in the way and slow down everyone's efforts."
"I figured you might say that, but I also think you should know that your parents joined us once," Eddie replied, "Neither one got in the way. There are lots of things that can be done that doesn't include pounding nails or using power tools."
"Like what?" she challenged him.
"Well, I'm guessing you could help paint or work the lunch line or a bunch of other things," he offered, "It's a lot of work, but it's also very rewarding. We build homes for people to raise families."
"Can I think on it?" Charlotte asked.
"Sure," he bobbed his head, "If it will help talking to my mom, that might be a good idea too. She can give you a rundown of everything that goes on and what tasks take little to no previous experience."
"Yeah, that's a good idea," Charlotte replied, "And I do like the idea of getting hands on into the work to help people. Too often we just write a check."
"This definitely isn't that," Eddie replied, "And you'll get to see a bit of my world."
"Your world?" she repeated.
"Yes, how my family lives," he elaborated, "Not to say that your family's world is bad…"
"It's just different," Charlotte assured him she took no offense to what he was saying, "And I like the idea of spending time doing things you enjoy. We'd take what, a week off?"
"Yes," he bobbed his head, "I know it feels like we just got back to work, but by about March, you're going to be ready for some R&R."
"You know that usually includes some tropical beachside locale with fruity drinks, right?" she teased.
"Okay, fair point," he chuckled, "I'll make a deal with you. You go with me on this adventure, and I'll take you to the tropical island of your choice where there will be a plethora of sand and fruity drinks with those cute little umbrellas."
"And you in a speedo?" she teased.
"How about board shorts," he hooted with laughter.
"I'm still talking to your mom before I commit," she smiled.
"Fair enough."
Eugenia looked perplexed when Charlotte stepped off the elevator onto her father's floor, "Charlotte, do you have an appointment with your father?"
"No," Charlotte assured her, "I finished a meeting a few minutes early, so I hoped you'd have a few minutes to chat."
"Is this about Abby's baby shower?" Eugenia's eyes lit up in excitement, "Your mother mentioned you wanted to help."
"I absolutely want to help, but no this is about something else. Eddie asked me to join you guys when you go on your Habit for Humanity retreat," Charlotte replied.
"Oh, wonderful," Eugenia replied, "You'll have so much fun."
"I'm actually still on the fence about going," Charlotte leaned against Eugenia's desk, "You know as well as anyone how inept I am in those types of things. I don't want to get in the way of the good work everyone is doing."
"Pfft, that's not going to be an issue," Eugenia assured her, "There are plenty of tasks a novice can complete. Even your mother found ways to be helpful when she joined us for a week."
"I somehow have a hard time seeing my mom on a construction site," Charlotte replied.
"It was a peculiar sight," Chuck emerged from his office upon hearing his daughter's voice.
"How in the heck did Eugenia talk you and Mom into such an endeavor?" Charlotte asked.
"I'd tell you the circumstances behind it, but it would probably have you cringing like you usually do," Chuck smirked.
It took Charlotte a moment to realize he was thinking about something sexual, "Oh…ew."
"Yes, just like that," he chuckled.
"And you with a tool belt? Seriously?" Charlotte asked.
"Your mother and I found ways to be helpful," Chuck replied.
"Yet you never helped again," Charlotte countered.
"Because your mother and I decided it wasn't for us," Chuck replied, "We still gave it a try. I think you'll enjoy it."
"Char, it's about more than just the physical act of building. You develop a camaraderie with the people you work beside, and really you get more appreciation for the gifts you've been given," Eugenia chimed in, "Both your parents vocalized that after their experience."
"Very true," Chuck agreed.
"Can you promise that I'll be assigned a task that I can't mess up?" Charlotte asked.
"I can personally guarantee it," Eugenia winked at her.
"Okay, I'll give it a try this year, but if I'm a train wreck, I'm never going again," Charlotte replied.
"That's fair," Eugenia smiled, "I'll add you to the list."
"And I'll make sure you have suitable accommodations and a massage therapist on retainer for the evenings," Chuck added, "You'll likely be sore after your days of hard work."
Eugenia chuckled as she recalled how sore her boss was after his week of hard work.
"I'd better get back to my office," Charlotte glanced at her watch.
"I'll walk you down," Chuck offered as he guided his daughter to the elevator after giving his assistant a look to let her know to clear a few minutes in his schedule. The pair was so in sync that it didn't take anything more to translate his request. "How's the first day as a supervisor?"
"Okay, I guess," she shrugged, "I've met with everyone briefly to get to know them and what they were working on. Would it be a horrible idea to invite each one to lunch individually to get to know them?"
"If you feel that's the best way, I will encourage you. Make sure to expense it to the company," Chuck replied.
"Okay," she bobbed her head.
"How did your meeting with Ms. Washington go?" Chuck asked.
"It went well," Charlotte replied, "She gave me some really good advice. She's actually how I got the idea to take everyone out for lunch. She recommend that I get to know everyone on a personal level."
"I'll defer to Ms. Washington's instincts," he bobbed his head, "She's done well in every division she's been assigned, even the ones that are in complete chaos when she arrives."
"Like Acquisitions," Charlotte offered.
"Believe it or not, Finance was as much of a dumpster fire when she first arrived, perhaps even worse," Chuck responded, "I put you there because I knew she was able to right the ship."
"So you're easing me in," Charlotte replied.
"I'm setting you up for success," Chuck countered, "Confidence is a powerful thing. You lost a bit of it after the shenanigans in Acquisitions, and I take a lot of responsibility for that. I didn't do my homework before. I've learned my lessons. You still need to do the work to succeed."
"I like that you're still looking out for me even though I'm a grown woman," she smiled as the door opened to her floor.
"I will always look out for you," he followed her into her office as heads turned from those at their desks, "What do you think of your new accommodations?"
"I like it," Charlotte took a seat at her desk, "Feels much warmer than the last office I had."
"Your mother insisted on it," Chuck took a seat across the desk.
"You're drawing a crowd," Charlotte motioned towards the open door and the gathering of people huddled together, glancing in their direction. "Don't you ever wander around the building and check into random divisions to see what's going on?"
"Have you seen my schedule?" he chuckled, "I don't really have the time."
"Yet you're here with me," she pointed out, "Take a walk around, Pops, rub elbows with the common folk, learn some names."
"Pops, okay," Chuck hooted with laughter, "I don't know if you've ever called me that before."
"You're changing the subject," Charlotte crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes in his direction, "Seriously, Dad, get your hands dirty on occasion. You'll get a greater appreciation for your perch in the penthouse."
"Interesting idea," Chuck gave her words a bit of thought. Only his daughter could put the idea in such a way that made it make sense to him. He wouldn't tell her, but the few hours he'd put in with Eddie just before the holidays had actually felt good.
"How about you give the crew a bit of a thrill?" Charlotte snickered, "Go play nice."
Chuck glared at his daughter, "I need to get back up to my perch in the penthouse. I'll see you tonight at Collette's bon voyage dinner."
Charlotte bobbed her head as she returned to her work. Before she knew it, her first day as a supervisor was over. She called it a victory that there were no conflicts within the group on her first day.
"First day in the books," Eddie appeared in her doorway, "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes," she finished packed her satchel, "I'm surprised you are though. Weren't you burning the midnight oil before the holidays?"
"I told you I was able to reset my priorities," he leaned against the doorframe, "The department senior VP and I had a long talk today about my job expectations. Apparently I was doing too much."
"That was painfully obvious," she told him.
"Yes, I know," he chuckled.
"Are you joining us for Lettie's farewell dinner?" she ambled towards him.
"Only if I'm welcome," he replied.
"Oh, you're definitely welcome," she tugged at his tie as she guided him towards the elevator, "And I talked to your mom today. I'm joining you at the Habitat for Humanities project."
"You won't regret it," he tossed his arm around her shoulder and hugged her close.
"And let's hope you don't either," she gave him a sparkling smile.
"I can't believe I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning," Collette frowned as everyone sat around Chuck and Blair's dining room table.
Aiden had outdone himself making all of Collette's favorite American dishes, since she'd be without for quite awhile.
"You'll be back before you know it, Sweetheart," Blair told her.
"And I'm flying to see you in two weeks," Brice chimed in.
"It's not the same," Collette continued to frown.
"We go through this every time Brice and Collette leave for France," Charlotte whispered to Eddie.
Collette clearly heard her words as she responded with, "Yeah, but this time I'm going alone. That's going to totally suck."
"Did you want me to go with you, Sweetheart?" Blair offered, "At least then you won't be so lonely on the flight. I'm sure I can make up some excuse the CEO will buy about my needing to travel to Paris for something. It is the fashion capital after all."
Chuck snorted in response as Blair tossed him a wink.
"No, it's okay," Collette sighed heavily, "I'm a big girl. I can travel on my own."
"You'll be flying back all the time to plan the wedding," Charlotte stated.
"Speaking of which," Collette smiled at her fiancé, "Brice and I have set a date."
"Already?" Charlotte's eyes widened.
"Yes, we've decided to get married the first weekend in June," Collette announced.
"This June?" Blair gasped.
"Yes, this June," Brice confirmed.
"Wow, that's really soon," Aiden replied, "You're not trying to beat the clock, are you?"
"No, I'm not pregnant," Collette rolled her eyes.
"Lettie and I agreed that we'd like to get married as soon as we're able," Brice gave her hand a squeeze, "We realize it's going to be a bit of a scramble to plan, but it's what we want."
"Then we'll scramble," Blair replied, "Have you decided on a location?"
"Actually, yes," Collette smiled, "We'd like to get married in the Hamptons."
"At the castle?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes," Collette nodded, "Brice and I first met on that beach. We thought it would bring things full circle."
"Oh, god, that's going to be so beautiful," Charlotte gushed, "The gardens are heavenly at that time of year."
"We know there are some expectations considering the family's societal status, but Brice and I would really like to keep things on the smaller side. It's already going to be a challenge to expect my parents to be on their best behavior. I'd rather not broadcast their dysfunction for everyone to see," Collette explained.
"We can handle small," Chuck spoke before his wife could voice any objections, "And whatever needs to be done to coordinate things, we'll be more than happy to handle things here."
"Thank you," Collette gave a grateful smile to her soon-to-be father-in-law.
"I'll get started interviewing wedding planners immediately," Blair made a mental note to herself, "And I'll make the wedding designs my top priority. I'll need your measurements as soon as possible. I have some connections in France who should be willing to help there."
"Thanks, Blair," Collette replied. "Change the subject please. I'm going to start crying."
"Char is joining me and my family at the Habitat for Humanity project in New Mexico in March," Eddie chimed in.
Everyone turned towards Eddie like he'd suddenly grown a second head.
"Does Charlotte know what's involved with Habitat for Humanity?" Aiden was the first to find his voice.
"She does," Charlotte spoke for herself.
"Look, Charlotte, don't take this the wrong way, but what in the heck are you going to do to not get in everyone's way?" Brice asked.
"Brice, there are plenty of ways for someone with Charlotte's lack of experience to be helpful on a project like that," Blair chimed in, "Your father and I certainly did."
"Yeah, once," Brice snorted, "And you never went again."
"Because we discovered it wasn't for us," Blair countered, "We at least gave it a try. It certainly made us appreciate our privilege on an entirely different level. It's also one of the reasons your father and I make philanthropy such a high priority."
"You should come with us, Brice," Charlotte suggested.
"I'm not so sure my new employer is going to allow me to take time off so soon after my hiring," Brice replied.
"Which is code for you're a wimp," Charlotte replied.
"Yep," Brice confirmed.
The entire family laughed in response.
After the dinner dishes were cleared away, there were many hugs for Collette before everyone retired for the evening.
"I can't believe you told my family that I'm volunteering," Charlotte dressed for bed.
"Collette needed a change of topic," Eddie was sitting at the end of the bed bending over to remove his loafers. "I didn't overstep, did I?"
"You certainly accomplished the subject change," Charlotte stepped towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck, "And no, I would have told everyone eventually anyways."
"These family dinners still take some getting used to," Eddie admitted, "It's so normal."
"We are normal people," Charlotte reminded him, "Yeah, we've got money, but Mom and Dad wanted us to grow up as normal as we could. We never had a nanny. Mom and Dad were always the ones to care for us. Obviously Dorota helped, but my parents were always the first and second people to wipe up my tears when I fell and got a booboo or my feelings hurt. I guess in my circle of friends we were considered abnormal, but I'll take that over what they all went through. Their parents were never around, arguing with each other when they were, or putting down my friends. I'll take what I have any day over what my friends went through."
"Yeah, I liked my upbringing too," Eddie agreed.
"I think your parents were a great influence on mine," Charlotte smiled, "Is it weird that I think of your parents as my aunt and uncle when you and I are dating?"
"It would only be weird if they were actually your aunt and uncle," he chuckled, "Our families are close. There's no crime in that."
"Thank goodness for that," she pecked at his lips. "Let's go away for the weekend. Friday after work, we jet off somewhere sunny and sandy."
"You're going to hate me for saying no, but Abby's about a month away from her due date, and I'd rather be close just in case she goes into labor," he caressed her cheek.
"Why would I hate you for that?" Charlotte asked, "That's actually amazingly considerate. I'm the inconsiderate one. I hope Abby doesn't go into labor before her baby shower next weekend."
"I'm sure she isn't the first woman to have a baby shower after the baby is born," Eddie chuckled.
"True," Charlotte replied, "How about you help me pick out what to give her for the baby shower?"
"Deal," he pecked at her lips again.
"It's getting late," Charlotte glanced at the clock, "Work tomorrow."
"Yep, that is what being an adult is about," Eddie chuckled.
"Kinda sucks sometimes," Charlotte sighed as she released him and went to the bathroom to remove her makeup and go through her nightly routine. She then curled up with Eddie and drifted off to sleep.
TBC…