Chapter 1
Blair Waldorf wore a smile on her face as she peered out the window of her personal jet. She considered it her jet since she got the most use out of it, even though it technically belonged to her father. She sipped on a bottle of Perrier and let her thoughts run wild as she saw the skyscrapers of New York City get smaller and smaller. It would be a while before she saw the sights of her home again, but she had a very good reason for embarking.
"Blair, I've just gotten word from Oliver! He says everyone is looking forward to having you on set, and they are just finalizing everything right now."
Blair turned to her manager and gave her an appreciative smile. "Thank you, Amanda," Blair took another sip of her Perrier. "Please, sit. And take a water, we're going to be in the air for practically a whole day. Hydration is important."
"Thank you," Amanda quickly reached out and opened a bottle. "God, I know. I just don't understand why this movie couldn't have been filmed on this continent for crying out loud. I don't know how I'm going to survive in Kenya for the next, what, like six months?"
Amanda turned to the window and smoothed down the flyaways coming out of her sleek black bun.
"You and me both," Blair sighed. "Don't get me wrong, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to be starring in an Oliver Lawrence film, especially this early in my career, but I don't know if my complexion will survive all the sun."
"Well worry not, even though we'll be secluded in the savanna, you'll have brands sending you more sunscreens and moisturizers than you'll know what to do with. Maybe you'll even befriend a nice zebra!" Amanda took out her phone and started scrolling through her emails.
"You're making it sound like I'll be so bored that I'll resort to talking to zoo animals." Blair scoffed. She suddenly felt a furry paw on her thigh. She looked down at the seat next to her and let out a short laugh.
"I said zoo animals, not spoiled, pure-breed cats." Blair teased as she lifted Holly up onto her lap.
Holly had been Blair's favorite thing in the whole world since Blair turned 16. That was saying a lot, considering the endless amount of couture in one of her closets alone. Blair had begged her parents for a cat ever since she watched Breakfast at Tiffany's for the first time at 5 years old. She wanted her own cat coincidentally named Cat, but her mother had been allergic. Her wishes finally came true on her 16th birthday, when her father surprised her with a Persian kitten. Blair fell in love with the full, blue eyes practically buried under the long white fur at first sight. She decided to name it Holly to honor her favorite film because it would be unoriginal to copy Cat's name. Both Holly and Blair adored one another. Holly only allowed Blair to touch her and would hiss and ignore everyone else. Even those closest to Blair were always on thin ice with her pet.
"I'm glad I at least get to bring something meaningful from home," Blair whispered as she stroked Holly's head. "We'll make sure you don't get hot with all your fur." Holly began to purr and nuzzled into Blair's hand.
"Amanda, is there any news about my co-star? Do I even have one yet?"
Amanda looked up from her phone and sighed. "The last I heard from them was that they're in the final audition stage and they have it narrowed down to two or three guys. All of them are A-listers though!"
"Ugh, you would expect a movie as big as this one to have the full cast already. And please, I don't act alongside B-listers or anything below. Hopefully he's professional and punctual enough so we can wrap quickly. And normal."
"Any other demands?" Amanda laughed.
"I just want this movie to go as smoothly as possible. Everything is already set up for it to be a huge success. I mean the script is incredible, the Oliver Lawrence is directing it, and not to mention, I'm the leading lady."
The difference between Blair and other refined actresses was that she hadn't changed since she came into the spotlight. She had been confident in her acting skills ever since she was a child. She also stayed elitist. But anyone coming from her background would surely feel the same. She came from old money, lived in a multi-million dollar penthouse on 5th Avenue, and had everything she could ever want and more. Ever since she could remember, all the adults she came across raved about her looks and told her parents to get her signed to a modeling agency.
Blair was a model up into her teen years but hated it. Well, maybe not hated, but certainly didn't care for it. She didn't like everyone keeping a strict eye on her appearance, especially her mother. More like mom-ager back then. Her agency, and mother mostly, regulated her weight which caused her a lot of…stress. She also didn't like the stigma that models were associated with. She didn't want people to think of her as some brainless face who could only pose in nice clothes. Blair knew she could amount to more in her life.
Throughout all her modeling years, she still went to regular school. As regular as the top private Ivy League feeder school in New York City. She got the lead in all of the school's productions and blew everyone away. She hadn't thought about taking acting seriously until a Broadway producer saw and spoke with her after one performance. He told her that she had real potential, and could have a future in the business. After that night, she pleaded with her parents to transfer to a top performing arts school. They relented after some time, and she made acting her top priority.
She had to work harder to be at the top of her acting classes, but that hard work paid off. She got into Julliard, and got her first professional acting job while in school. She also had clout from her modeling career which got her noticed. Looking back, her parents' connections to important people in the industry definitely helped her, but her talent is what made her stay in the business. Blair knew she was resented amongst some in the acting community for being a "nepo-baby", but honestly couldn't care less. Sure, she was fortunate to know the right people who helped her climb up the ladder of success, but she was a star. She put in all the work to be the best she could be, which is why she kept on getting big roles. She knew she was meant to be in the spotlight, and she portrayed each character beautifully.
She had just graduated a few months ago when Amanda got her the script for Wildest Dreams, the movie she was now starring in. She knew she had to have this role, and was prepared to get it by any means necessary. Oliver had already had her in mind from the recommendations her teachers gave him. He was one of Julliard's most generous donors, which is where he first got word of Blair. She beat out a small number of other actresses, including her all-time nemesis and competitor, Georgina Sparks. She had done a few chemistry reads with some auditioners for the leading man, but none of them was the right fit. One was almost cast, but then he signed onto another movie. The rest of the cast was complete, and the team was only struggling to find the role opposite hers. With time running out, they decided to skip the chemistry reads for the final men and just have one ready by the start of filming.
"Of course. You know, the media is talking. They say that this movie could win Best Picture, and it could secure you an Oscar for Best Actress!" Amanda gushed.
"Really? I certainly hope so. I do think this movie will make my career though. This is just the kind of film to add to my portfolio. And to cement me at the very top of the industry." Blair thought out loud.
"Yeah, but think bigger! An academy award is definitely within reach for you. The people love you, you're the It Girl and America's Sweetheart right now, and your status is already going up since news broke that you're starring in this movie. Right now, your name is one of the leading factors giving this movie buzz."
"You're right, Amanda! I don't see why I should doubt my abilities as an actress. I'll put my all into this movie, like I always do, which will secure me Best Actress! This is exactly why you're my manager." Blair was feeling that tingle she got when she had a goal in mind. She would get that Oscar.
"Oh stop it, you know I love you. Anyways, the only topic hotter than you right now is who your co-star is going to be."
"Ugh, don't even go there. Everyone knows the male counterpart is only there to make the female lead shine even brighter. He's just there to look handsome and provide a storyline." Blair rolled her eyes.
"Well Blair, finding the right actor for this role is just as important as finding the right actress. The both of you need to look good on screen together to paint the prettiest picture."
Blair glanced down to see Holly let out a yawn and subtly roll her eyes. I know, who cares about my mystery co-star, she smirked.
"Yes, well, as long as they choose a decent-looking man who can act, I'll do my part to make this movie a success in the box-office. He better not be as disgusting and pervy as that one supporting actor in my last movie. What was his name again?"
"Uh, I think it was–"
"Nevermind, it doesn't matter. I'm moving on to bigger and better projects, namely this one. As long as he and I can get along and have chemistry on screen, I'll get the recognition I deserve." Blair opened her Dior bag to get the latest Vogue out.
"What about offscreen?" Amanda questioned. Blair sent her a confused look. "Offscreen chemistry," Amanda clarified. "It would be fantastic press if you two dated."
"Amanda, you know I don't date my co-stars. I hardly even date in this industry. All the actors I've met have an ego problem, and the only thing we tend to have in common is a drama factor." She dated one actor briefly a little more than a year ago and swore them off ever since. Throughout their few months together, she felt like they were both putting on a show for the press. She'd rather leave the romance onscreen at this point in her career.
"Suit yourself," Amanda leaned back in her chair and turned on her phone. "Hey, look at this, there's a poll for Dangerously Hottest Actor."
"Let me see," Blair took the offered phone into her hand. "Is this all the gossip sites can come up with? I mean seriously, half of these– candidates aren't even hot."
"Really? I certainly wouldn't mind going home with one," Amanda licked her lips.
"Yeah, that'd be the most commitment you'd get from them," Blair snorted. "Trust me, I've met some of these guys and there's not an ounce of thought or common decency behind their eyes."
"Ooh, have you met this one? He's winning by a landslide!"
Blair squinted to see the man she was talking about. "That's Chuck Bass. We've never crossed paths, but I've heard plenty of talk about him. Mostly warnings."
"Yes! That is Chuck Bass! He's in the tabloids every day for throwing the most legendary parties, charming every girl in sight–"
"Showing up to set late, getting kicked out of clubs, boozing, and not to mention being seen with multiple girls a week. I don't need to meet him to know he's an entitled asshole with no talent." Blair rolled her eyes.
"Did you see that last movie he was in? He was really good. And really hot."
"What, that James Bond remake? It's not hard to play a character that's already been portrayed dozens of times. That's the problem with this industry; men are praised for every little mediocre role they get while we have to give our blood, sweat, and tears to be respected."
Even though Blair had a fairly easier start than most other actresses her age, she still had some poor experiences with men in power. She received countless sexist comments throughout her career, even back in her modeling time. There was one incident involving an over-eager photographer when she was 16, but fortunately, she got him fired and blacklisted with her parents' help.
"I know, he's a bad boy and men suck. Okay girl, I'm gonna catch up on some emails while I still have good reception. Shout if you need me, or anything in general!" Amanda smiled as she stood up to go into a private room.
"Sure thing, I'll be here."
Blair looked down to see Holly peering up at her. She got out a bowl and poured some water for her.
"This will surely be an adventure, don't you agree?" Blair whispered to her trusty feline.
"Meow," Holly responded. She placed her paw on the front page of one of Blair's magazines.
Blair lifted the magazine off of the seat to see what Holly was pointing to. She was greeted with the smirking face of the one and only, Chuck Bass.
"Don't tell me you're interested in that pig too," she stroked behind Holly's ear. She studied his face for a few seconds. She had to admit that the sharp angles of his face and the confidence his smirk oozed did make him attractive. Maybe even dangerously handsome.
"Thank god I haven't had to deal with him yet. And if I get my way, like I always do, it'll stay like that." She shook her head and pulled out her script. If she wanted to get nominated for Best Actress, there was no room for imperfection. She'd get to set tomorrow, blow everyone away, and get the full respect that she deserved. There was nothing stopping or distracting Blair Waldorf from the prize.
A/N This is my first piece of fan fiction I am ever writing! I started reading Chair fics about about 3 years ago, and have always felt inspired to contribute to the community. I love these two, and I have so many ideas for them! I'm also a big Swiftie, and the Wildest Dreams music video always screamed Chair to me. I'd really appreciate it if you left a review, but you don't have to! I'm just honored to have my work in the same category as all these other iconic and talented authors!