Blair's champagne glass almost slipped from her hands as she stared wide-eyed and confused at the words her leggy friend had just spoken to her. Chuck. Chuck Bass was in town. It couldn't be.
"Blair!" Serena said forcefully interrupting her thoughts. "Are you okay?" Serena asked, concerned showing in her features as she witnessed the color drain from Blair's face. The blank expression Blair wore wasn't a good sign either.
"Are you sure?" Blair whispered, finding it hard to catch her breath and speak.
"I'm sure. The devil himself, dressed in Armani, is in the Van der Bass suite as we speak," Serena stated, keeping hushed tones in case Nate overheard. "I couldn't believe it when I saw him. I felt like strangling him where he sat. He had that same stupid, smug expression he's always had. Oh gosh, B, I'm so sorry. I hope this doesn't ruin your night."
"Huh? Oh God, no! No I won't let that, that...that man ruin my evening. Let's just forget about him. It's not like I have to deal with him," Blair said, not really believing the words she spoke but trying to reassure herself nonetheless. She wouldn't think about him tonight.
The evening went along with not much excitement. Blair mingled with her friends, picked at the food as it passed along with the waiters, danced with more people she could keep count of and drank. She did the latter part far more than what her propriety allowed. But she needed the alcohol. After the bomb Serena had dropped on her, Blair needed something to help ease the tension she felt building up inside of her.
By the time the party was finished, Nate and Serena had to carry Blair to her limo and accompany her home. Blair made a fuss about them babying her too much and rejected their offer on seeing her inside. She said she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself thank you very much. She had seen her fair share of empty alcohol bottles, and yet she was still in one piece. Serena unwillingly parted ways with Blair at the entrance of her building, asking the doorman to watch Blair as she made her way into the elevator. At least once she was in the elevator, she was bound to reach her apartment safely.
Blair staggered along the hallway and reached the elevator. Thomas, the doorman, pressed the button to her suite on the 18th floor and bid her goodnight. He didn't dare offer to take her upstairs. Every one of the employees had suffered the wrath of Blair Waldorf in the past, and it wasn't something they wanted a repeat of.
The ride was quick to her apartment, and as she stumbled into her darken hallway Blair felt the weight of the evening hit her. Letting out a loud moan she collapsed against the doorway leading into her living room. Sprawling on the floor she let her head fall back and fought back the painful memories brought on by the news that Chuck was back in town. It had been almost two years since she had seen or heard from him. She had managed to make a clean break from him and thought that she had managed to get over him and the whole fiasco. Apparently she hadn't. Hearing his name said out loud today by someone other than herself had her heart racing erratically and the nerves threatening to consume her. She didn't want to see him again, couldn't afford to see him again. All the newfound peace and tranquility she had found within herself would be shot to hell. No she needed to avoid Charles Bartholomew Bass at all costs.
She let her head rest against the wall for a little bit longer.
"Well I see the time apart has not boded well with you, Mrs. Bass."
The sound of the oh too familiar voice made Blair gasp and stand up hurriedly. The quick movement, mixed with double her weight in alcohol coursing through her system caused her to stumble forward in her failed attempt at standing up. Before she could balance herself, Chuck's hands reached out and grabbed her preventing her from slamming into the hardwood floor.
"Wow, I've heard I could sweep a lady off her feet, but I never thought it was literal," Chuck said sarcastically as he held Blair a little too close for comfort. He felt it the moment he held her against his chest. Her soft skin, her delicate scent, the warmth of her body pressed up against him. He truly was a fool.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Chuck?"
Hmph. No niceties. Well he really hadn't expected any, but this was just plain unladylike.
"I missed you too, Mrs. Bass," Chuck answered sarcastically.
"Don't call me that! God, that was a mistake that we thankfully corrected a long time ago. And get your hands off of me," Blair slurred as she struggled to get away from Chuck.
She managed to pull away and walked carefully to the couch. She plopped herself on the couch, not wanting to fall over in front of him. It had suddenly become hotter in the room, and the alcohol in her system was making her entirely too unsteady. Or maybe it was Chuck's presence. Whatever the case she needed to put some distance between them fast.
"Was it now? Well you see that's where you're mistaken, Blair."
Blair's head was spinning. She couldn't believe her luck. Tonight out of all nights, Chuck Bass had decided to reappear into her life. Tonight when she was drunk out of her mind and couldn't maintain her composure. She couldn't deal with him.
"What are you talking about you jerk?" Blair spat. Screw being proper and civil.
"My, my you have some tongue on you there, wife."
"Stop calling me that! You and I are over. Done. Finito. End of story."
"As I said, you are mistaken. I've come back to see my loving wife. You and I, sweetie," he said sarcastically, "we're still married."
Author's Note: I just wanted to thank everyone who takes the time to read and review all of my fanfics. All your comments mean a lot to me. I enjoy making enjoyable stories, and knowing so many people are reading and enjoying them keeps me writing. Hope you're liking this fanfic so far. I'm having a good time writing it. R&R and any suggestions are welcomed as well. Thanks everyone!