Chapter 2:
Blair awoke to an announcement on the intercom that she didn't quite make out due to her sleepy haze. She pulled her silk eyemask off and opened the shade to the adjourning window. She could see land below, and a few seconds later the pilot announced they were flying over
Chad and would land in a few hours. She got up to do her morning routine which included waking up Holly, doing her skincare, and getting dressed.
While she was eating her croissant with yogurt and fruit for breakfast, she made some last-minute notes to her script. In all honesty, Blair was feeling a bit nervous about some of the scenes. She and her love interest were to have a very passionate love affair, which called for some risqué scenes. It also seemed like her character had a few nude scenes, which Blair wasn't so comfortable with. This would be her first ever project where her character fell so deeply in love with someone, and engaged in such passion and intimacy with said man. That meant she would really have to act the part, which apparently made those adult scenes necessary.
She had the same reserves when she first read the script. Sure, she was pretty much on board from her first read, but when she brought it up to Amanda she was told that everyone in Hollywood did nude scenes. So Blair brushed it off and decided she would talk to Oliver about it when they would shoot those scenes.
She was starting to become more worried. How much of herself would she have to show? Why did Hollywood have to be so literal and visual now? Whatever happened to scenes that faded out before the lovers got to the real…activities? She rolled her eyes at herself and took out her compact mirror.
Blair stared at herself and felt more concerns come to her. Would showing her body derail her perfected good-girl image? Hell, would it be the only way to move up in the industry? God, another way this male-dominated industry is controlling our careers, and bodies. Blair was no prude; she knew what she liked in the bedroom and how to satisfy her partners. More often times than not, she surprised them with her preferences and libido. The only negative thing was that they hardly ever fully satisfied her. But having sex and acting it out for the whole world to see was a lot different.
"Good morning, Sunshine! You ready for today?" Amanda waltzed in and sat down across from Blair. "The pilot just told me we should be landing in an hour."
"Yep, ready as I'll ever be!" Blair lied through her teeth. "What's the agenda for today?" She tore a piece of her croissant and fed it to Holly.
"Glad you asked! We'll land at 11:00 AM local time, and a car will be waiting to take us to the Fairmont. We can grab lunch there, and then meet the team on set. You'll talk business with them, meet the cast, then we'll head back to the hotel around evening time. From there, dinner–I suggest room service since you'll probably have the jetlag kicking in, and then bed!"
"Thank you, Amanda. I trust you've booked an appropriate suite?"
"Blair, I've been your manager since the start of your modeling career. I think I know your standards."
"I know you do, and I'm so grateful for you, truly. I guess I'm just excited about this experience!" Blair subtly winced to herself.
"Don't worry about it, I'm excited for you! These next six months are going to change your life, I can just feel it."
Hopefully for the right reasons. "I think so too," she said with a slightly pained smile.
As Blair strutted down the tarmac in her Louisbuittons, she felt the bright sun on her skin and looked at the blue sky above. "This is going to be our home for the time being," she cooed to Holly. "Aren't you excited?"
Holly just blinked and twitched her nose. "Not to worry, Holly," Blair put her sunglasses on. "This new country may feel strange to you, but soon you'll tap into your feline bloodline and feel right at home with all the big cats!" Holly still looked unconvinced, which Blair related to.
They stepped into the car waiting for them followed by Amanda and began the drive to the hotel. The whole team was staying in various five-star hotels in Nairobi. A large number of the scenes were going to be filmed in the city's wildlife reserve, while others would be shot in other locations to get the best views. Amanda and Holly snoozed while Blair looked at the passing sights out of the window.
She watched some nature documentaries on the plane to get a preview of the animals she would surely see during her time in Kenya. She thought back to the lion mates that were featured, and how in love they seemed. Her thoughts drifted to her character and the powerful love she was going to act out. She wondered if she would ever find love that strong. It was a known fact that actors had it harder forming lasting relationships, which Blair could attest to.
Still, she couldn't help but yearn for a warm body on cold nights alone, someone who understood her completely, loved her unconditionally, and brought out a passionate fire within her. All this thought of romance made her wonder yet again who her costar was. She recalled Amanda's suggestion for the two of them to date. Don't get her wrong, she was content with her life the way it was. Blair was no damsel waiting for a man to come and sweep her off her feet.
The car pulled in front of the Fairmont while some hotel staff was waiting to greet them. The driver opened Blair's door and she stepped out to examine her surroundings. The city looked acceptable enough, and she appreciated the concierge already lifting her carry-ons onto the cart. Although she received that special customer service everywhere she went and expected it, she still smiled and thanked him.
Blair couldn't wait to check out the spa once she settled in; all that traveling made her back sore. She walked up to the front desk holding Holly because she never gave the responsibility of holding her to anyone else, except her father of course. "Excuse me, could you bring me to my suite?" she smiled at the employee. "Sure Miss," the woman smiled. "Name please?" Blair resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She always got a little testy after long flights, and didn't want to risk raising her voice. "Blair Waldorf," The woman typed on her computer while Blair examined her nails. She took a moment to admire the art on the lobby's walls.
"I'm sorry Ms. Waldorf, but it appears that you don't have a suite or room booked under your name."
Blair scoffed. "Well, your system is wrong. My manager booked this suite weeks ago. Better yet, search up Amanda Linfield. I'm sure your system put her name down as a mistake."
The woman mumbled under her breath and typed again. "No matches. My apologies, but it looks like you aren't staying in this hotel. Perhaps you got this one confused with a different chain."
"No, you don't understand," Blair said in a condescending tone. "My manager and I are staying in the best suites you have to offer. Amanda! Show her the confirmation you got."
Amanda rushed over from her spot talking to the concierge. "Blair, it looks like someone canceled my reservation somehow. I don't know how this happened!"
Blair turned her narrowed eyes over to the employee again. "Just what kind of ridiculous system does this establishment have? Obviously, we didn't cancel. Now, it is in your best interest to find us another suite."
"We are completely booked Miss," she uttered at the both of them. "Perhaps the Best Western ten blocks down will take you."
"Do you even know who I am?!" Blair raised her voice. "I can get you fired before your lunch break, don't even think–"
"Okay, thank you so much! Let's go, Blair, there must have been some sort of mistake. Bye now!" Amanda pulled Blair out before she could cause a scene.
"What are we going to do? How did this even happen?" Blair exclaimed.
"I have no idea, you know I'm always on top of things," Amanda bit her lip. "Wait, Oliver's assistant just texted me. She wants us to know that he's inviting the whole cast out to lunch!"
"Great, we have to go meet them before we even have someplace decent to stay. How am I going to impress him with all this stress I've already experienced in not even five hours of landing?"
"It's fine Blair, you prepare yourself on the drive there and I'll look for another hotel."
The concierge had already placed their bags back in the trunk, so the driver drove off after they climbed inside. Blair managed to push back her annoyance and focus on making an excellent first impression. She had already made talking points for Oliver that she had memorized, and was looking forward to meeting the cast. At least she wouldn't have to wait long to meet her costar. With all the secrecy surrounding him, he had better be almost as equally talented as herself.
Within half an hour, they finally arrived at the restaurant where the majority of the cast was waiting. Blair applied a fresh coat of lipgloss and mentally prepared herself for what was about to come. You're Blair Waldorf, there's nothing you can't do, and no one you can't impress. She said a short goodbye to Holly and followed Amanda out of the car.
They gave their party name to the hostess and were immediately escorted to the downstairs party room. Blair had her game face on: a confident smile with a smug undertone. The pair walked past the open doors to see about 20 or so people socializing. Blair scanned the room for Oliver, but was intercepted before she could get the chance.
"Blair, you made it!" She heard the excited voice call out to her from behind. She turned around and saw a smiling familiar face.
"Christy, what a surprise! It's great to see you again!" Blair smiled. Christy Reagan was one of the producers of the film, and coincidentally an old friend of her parents. She was a vision at 65 years old, looking refined and elegant. Even though she was from the Upper East Side, she didn't succumb to extreme botox, unlike some others. She might've also had some say in Blair getting cast, but overall, she got the part with her talent.
Christy and Amanda exchanged greetings and Christy turned back to Blair. Amanda left to grab some hors d'oeuvres.
"My, look at you, you're all grown up now! I still remember Eleanor mailing me your first modeling catalog. How time flies!"
"Ah yes, mother always was the most enthusiastic agent and manager. I think she was often more excited about her designs getting exposure than me doing the modeling." She laughed.
"Well, Eleanor has always been ambitious, but I know how proud you made her– still do. She told me how disappointed she was when she stepped down as your manager."
"She was disappointed of course, but I think she's moved on by now. She's been in Paris the past year, and she's very happy with Amanda."
"Yes, I must arrange for us to have tea sometime. The both of us have just been so busy, and this movie will certainly have us all booked. Speaking of which, I knew you'd be perfect for the role of Eliza! Just seeing you now, you're going to bring her life and the camera will love you."
"Christy, you're too kind. I just knew I had to play Eliza the second I read the script. I mean, she's so layered, truly the modern heroine this generation needs–"
"Here's our leading lady! Blair, when did you sneak in?"
That's Oliver! Don't panic, be professional. "Oliver, how lovely to see you! I just got here a few minutes ago, there was some trouble with our hotel so we darted over here." Blair took a moment to take in the wonder of Oliver Lawrence herself. He had grown out his hair and goatee since the last time she saw him a few months ago. His green eyes still had elements of warmth from what she remembered.
"Oh, you didn't know? I took the liberty of having my assistant book the whole cast at the same hotel. More efficient and practical, right?" Oliver raised his eyebrows.
"Oh. That's so kind of you, Oliver. I guess that explains it." Blair let out a short laugh.
"Yeah, I booked us all suites at The Empire. Just because we're in the wild doesn't mean we can't have our luxuries." Oliver snorted.
That comment kind of rubbed her the wrong way. "Yep! As long as there's a working spa, all will be well for me!"
"Same for me. Blair, we must get a massage together. We have so much catching up to do!" Christy smiled.
"Definitely, let me know when you're free," Blair responded.
The three of them began talking more about the characters, the scenic shots that were to take place, and their excitement to be in Kenya. Amanda joined them and thanked Oliver for switching their hotel. While they were discussing the hotel amenities, Blair's mind began to wander off. She was really tempted to ask Oliver and Christy who her co-star would be, and if he was already there. She scanned the room to look for any actors she may recognize, and saw one in particular. Amanda gave Blair the cast list a few months ago, but Blair frankly didn't care to look in detail. She skimmed it to ensure they hadn't chosen anyone she couldn't stand.
There was Lucas Hill! They had met at a movie premier a couple of years back and bumped into each other at other events. Blair would consider them acquaintances. She thought he was respectable and polite, not to mention easy on the eyes. He was wearing a white button-down with blue jeans. His sleeves were rolled up which exposed his strong forearms. Blair's eyes drifted up to his blue eyes and wide smile as he was laughing at what the person he was talking to said. He was such a classic handsome Hollywood actor with his dirty blonde hair, tall muscular frame, and perfect smile. She decided to go over there and say hello.
Before she could excuse herself, Oliver started talking about the cast. She heard him mention James, the character who her mystery co-star would be playing, and immediately perked up.
"Yeah, we both know how hard it was to find that perfect fit for James," Oliver said to Christy. "I'm confident in the choice we made though."
"I completely agree, Oliver," Christy smiled. "Him and Blair are going to shine!"
Blair was overwhelmed with curiosity at this point. "Who did you choose, if you don't mind me being so forward?"
"Oh! That's right, most people don't know yet. Well, he's–" Oliver began.
"Oliver, let's make it a surprise! He should be arriving here soon. I think he got held up with some business." Christy said.
Seriously? What could they gain from keeping everyone in the dark? We're all going to meet him soon anyways. It's very rude of him to be so late too. What could he possibly be doing that was more important right now? Blair plastered on a smile. "Yes, I suppose keeping it a surprise will keep the excitement alive."
"See, she gets it!" Christy laughed to Oliver. "Blair dear, the two of you are around the same age. I wonder if you've ever crossed paths."
Maybe Blair could play this game to get more insight on him. "Hollywood is a small world, perhaps you could describe what he looks like?" Blair batted her eyelashes. Amanda looked over at her and they exchanged a smile.
"I'll leave that up to Christy, she's the one who wanted to keep his identity a secret." Oliver chuckled.
"Yes, let me think. He is dashingly handsome in that old Hollywood way, I mean the ladies are sure to love him. He has one of the most defined facial structures this industry has ever seen, brown hair and the darkest eyes, dresses impeccably, and is ever so charming. He has this stigma that surrounds him, but he was so very polite and suave."
"What kind of stigma, exactly?" Blair questioned. She needed to be sure this guy wasn't some kind of psycho.
"Well, you know how the tabloids tend to over-exaggerate the exploits of actors. He just has a reputation of being unreliable and a bit of a playboy, but I don't believe those rumors. I pride myself on being an excellent judge of character, you know." Christy sipped her tea.
Unreliable playboy? This wasn't sounding good.
"Yes, I definitely had some reservations about giving him this role, but Christy made me see the light. I think we can use his reputation to our advantage, I mean think about all the press we'll get when we reveal who he is. I've never met a troubled actor that I can't turn their attitude around!" Oliver said.
"Oh Oliver, there's nothing for you to turn around with this young man! You can't believe everything you hear." Christy tsked.
"It almost sounds like you're talking about… no never mind. The idea is too absurd to say out loud," Blair laughed.
"Who Blair? You've got me on the edge of my seat!" Christy exclaimed.
"Oh, just one of the most disrespectful, impossible to work with womanizers, who has his 15 minutes of fame right now."
"Who? Just tell me dear!"
"Just Chuck Bass. I know, how outrageous is that?" Blair laughed.
"Not as outrageous as me not introducing myself sooner," a voice behind Blair emerged.
Shit. Blair lifted her eyes to Christy's amused ones and trailed over to Oliver's unreadable gaze. There was no way that voice was who she thought it was. Hollywood isn't that small!
Blair turned around and was startled when she met his intense gaze. His eyes were definitely dark, but she could see a little bit of gold in them. No one had ever looked at her like that before. She wanted to wipe that smirk right off his gorgeous, no, infuriating face!
"I'm Chuck Bass, and I believe I have the pleasure of being your co-star, Miss Waldorf."
She took his proffered hand and was again shocked when she felt sparks emerge. Did he feel them too? He brought her hand to his lips. She was offended by the forward gesture, but still shook his hand and smiled despite how uncomfortable she felt.
"It's nice to meet you. And you can call me Blair."
"With pleasure. Please call me Chuck, as we will be spending most of our time together."
"Yes, all that time…spent together," Blair drifted off.
"I look forward to seeing a lot of you, Blair." He gave her that intense look again that trapped all her senses.
Oliver pulled him aside to introduce him to everyone. Blair only had one thought. I'm absolutely, irrevocably, screwed.
A/N: Thank you for all the support this story has already received! I read each of your reviews like 10 times each because I can't believe you guys actually read my work, and liked it! I don't know how frequently this story will get updated since I am a student, but I will do my best whenever inspiration strikes me. I promise to finish this story, swear on all things Chair! Fun fact, I had originally planned for this story to be this super angsty one shot that was directly modeled after the Wildest Dreams music video. But after some thought, I just couldn't end with Chair being unhappy and not being together. So instead I came up with this lighthearted AU! I think I will do more Taylor song inspired stories in the future, since Taylor and Chair are my favorite obsessions. Again, thank you all for the kindness and interest you've shown already! XOXO, S