Authors Note; Please, please review. I'm feeling dishearted and jealous of all you people with lots of reviews - although i know it's only my first chapter. Anyway, any constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated. This chapter is longer and Nate makes an appearance. O, and thanks to Larnie Lovegood for reviewing!
Chapter Two; Rose.
Scarlett emerged from the shower late the next morning, hair gleaming, feeling fresh and wrapped up in a rich cotton towel. She was thinking positively and knew even now that today was going to be productive. She'd successfully got through her first meeting with Chuck Bass. Luckily for her he remembered as much about her as he did about the blonde waitress she seen seeking out of his room this morning.
She dropped her towel and focused all her attention on her wardrobe. Brunch as she well remembered was as perfect a moment as any to make an impression.
Chuck had questioned his father at dinner the previous night, much to the amusement of Serena and Eric, but discovered nothing. Her fathers name was Marcus a business associate, an important business associate. He'd googled both Scarlett and Marcus and come up with nothing, he'd checked Gossip Girl every hour on the hour until midnight and still nothing. So he'd decided to head to the Palace Bar for a Scotch. Which had soon led to many more and a large breasted blonde girl moaning passionately underneath him. Nonetheless this had done little to distract him from his thoughts and it wasn't only the blonde waitress who had been left disappointed.
Scarlett seemed almost invisible and if not that certainly illusive. As Chuck lay sprawled out on his king-size bed he wondered if she'd turn up to brunch this morning. If she did he was almost certain that her boys' jeans and retro top would not go unnoticed by the other Upper East Siders especially Blair Waldorf. 'It was about time for some drama' Chuck thought out loud whilst displaying a slight sneer 'it was just starting to get boring around here.'
An hour later he was dressed in a pink and white pinstriped silk shirt, and contrasting lime green bow tie. His hair perfectly styled and aftershave applied liberally, retrieving his Bretling Roadster from the drawer and complimenting himself on his attire he swiftly left the suite without a backward glance. If Scarlett did arrive he was more than certainly going to ensure that Chuck Bass was a name not to be forgotten.
After several outfit changes and hair adjustments Scarlett concluded that if she wasn't ready now then truthfully she was never going to be.
Chuck was disappointed. It took a lot to get Chuck Bass disappointed but it seemed that Scarlett had struck one too many cords in him. He'd honestly believed that she would turn up, I mean why wouldn't she? She was new and as far as he was concerned needed his 'help'.
Hearing laughter he glanced up, by the steps stood a tall blonde wearing a simple white summer dress and heels, her brown legs looked toned and alluring, yet it appeared Nathaniel Archibald had once more stolen the beauty from underneath his nose. Since the breakup with Blair Nathaniel seemed to now relish the single life – being a fair competitor for even Chuck. Chuck downed his drink and made a beeline for the two of them, he was in desperate need of some company.
The summer dress looked perfect even Scarlett had to admit and this fine young man in front of her; well he hadn't changed one iota. Slightly more intriguing that she remembered but definitely still reliable, friendly and trustworthy she could see why Chuck hadn't extinguished this friendship with so many of his others. As he turned to introduce his friend into the conversation Scarlett stood speechless for what felt like too long, quickly she regained herself.
'Yes. I do believe we've already met.' She serenely stated 'Nice to see you again Charles.' Her composure betrayed nothing and neither did Chucks.
'Aaah, yes Scarlett. Nice to see you could come.' Chuck said softly 'And please call me Chuck all my friends do.'
Nathaniel remained oblivious to the atmosphere between the two and reading the situation completely wrong believed this was his cue to leave.
'Well lovely to meet you Scarlett. I suppose I'll see you at school tomorrow.' He kissed her lightly on the cheek a trait he had adapted from Chuck over the past few months and turned to leave.
'Yes nice to meet you too. I'm sure you will, maybe you can show me around?' Scarlett was acutely aware of Chucks change in poise and unfortunately for her so was Nate.
'I believe Mr Bass here would be a much better tour guide' He winked none too subtly at Chuck and made his leave.
Fabulous just fabulous Scarlett thought to herself.
Chuck was going to kill Nathaniel next time he seen him not just for the wink but more so for the fact he'd been left alone with this girl, this 'Scarlett' and he felt unnaturally out of his depth. As soon as he'd seen her he'd felt a tightening around his stomach and he just couldn't seem to shift it. Maybe it was just shock; I mean there was no way he had expected to see her looking like this, what happened to the 'hippy chick' he'd seen in reception? Acknowledging he had been silent for too long he regained his previous line of thought.
'So you're going to Constance?' Chuck asked causally.
Scarlet captured his gaze 'Yea. There's no need for the tour though I'm sure I'll be just fine on my own.'
So she was blowing him off already. Even if he didn't want to admit it there was something about this girl that impressed him. He studied her for a second capturing her line of sight.
'O I assure you, you will not want to miss out on the Bass tour.' He steered her in the direct of the strawberries she had been gazing at so fondly.
'I can imagine.' She replied rolling her eyes. 'What does that include, the janitors closet, an unused classroom and the back of the bike sheds?'
Chuck smiled fondly for the first time. Whatever this girl was or wasn't she was quick he'd give her that. Picking up a strawberry he offered it to her and watched the display of emotions on her face, he knew what she was thinking and that drew him to her even more. Finally she decided to take it, as she bit into it Chuck tried to repress the urge to stare.
'Actually i was thinking more, the swimming pool, gymnasium and of course the back of my limo.' Chuck replied his eyes flashing 'But i can make exceptions just this once if you'd perfer.'
After devouring her strawberry she looked Chuck straight in the eye . 'Aaah, but i'm no Blair Waldorf, Mr Bass.'
Chuck was stunned into to silence. So she knew about him that much was clear and apparently was acutely aware of his bachelor lifestyle. Yet it appeared this was not a deterrant to her, collecting himself once more he replied haughtyily;
'Apparently not. And like i said call me Chuck.'
'O i will.' Scarlett replied suggestively.
Before Chuck could reply they were promptly interrupted. With the arrival of Lily, Bart and Marcus.
'Nice to see you's too are getting along so nicely.' greeted Bart 'Scarlett i'd like you to meet my dear wife Lily, although i am sure you will already have made an acquitance.'
'Scarlett..' Lily questioned shocked.
'Lily lovely to see you again.' Scarlett hugged her tightly.
Chuck was lost in his own world. A previous acquitance? The conversation continued around him.
Lily was stunned. She was beatuiful, sexy, seductive. She just couldn't believe that this was the little girl who used to play with Serena and Blair.
Scarlett Rose.
