Chapter Eight- Heart Flutters
[Blaire's P.O.V]
I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was on high alert right now, I mean its been officially seventy two hours since I have moved into Humphrey's loft and I've slowly but surely planned to make renovations. Of course Humphrey has no idea about this but most guys never know about the art of making the home liveable, all they care about is that the beer is cold and the pizza is on the way or so I've observed. It was when I was changing my books out for class that I received a text from Serena wanting to talk. Usually I would take that as quick girl talk over a five star lunch, but with me living with her ex-boyfriend, whom I also happen to be sleeping with leads me to be on edge a bit. I did my best to dodge her messages but her persistency wore me down until I just had to suck it up deal with the fact that my world could be caving in on me any second. Hailing a taxi back to my place, the whole time I gave Darota specific instructions on packing up my stuff at the loft just in case I had to make a comeback to the penthouse just to mend my friendship with Serena due to her heartache over my betrayal…note, this is only if Serena found out but if she suspects then I must lead a life of inconsistency. As you can I've dabbled in a few of Humphrey's movie selection where the espionage and mystery are at the heart of the movie with a subtle underlining of romance as a secondary theme. Pulling up in front the hotel building I take deep breaths just replaying how this all could go down and what I would say to her…I keep envisioning her crying and calling me obscene names that I so rightly deserve for all the deeds I've done behind her back. Stepping off the elevator I quickly spotted Serena sitting on the sofa flipping through our bible, Elle Magazine, the French version of course, when she sets eyes on me she starts beaming of happiness….oh, God…she could be a happy killer, you know smile then stab type of thing like that damn leprechaun movie Humphrey made me watch. That bastard could be setting me up I immediately begin to think just as she throws her arms around me.
"I'm so happy to see you" Serena declares "I feel like we're constantly missing each other, your coming in and I'm going out or your going out and I'm coming in" she said as she lead me back to the living room area
"Well that is the life of a student slash junior editor" I reply nervously "So what was so important? Not that our talks aren't important" I asked her
"I have the best news for you, I knew as soon as it happened that I had to tell you about It" Serena smiled happily
"Okay, what will I be happy about? Has Chuck fallen into a volcano or has he slid into hell?" I asked her
"No, it has nothing to do with Chuck or could be the antidote to Chuck" Serena said
"There'd likely be a antidote to cancer before there being one to Chuck, note that when he was born the AID's epidemic really picked up" I replied
"Blaire" Serena laughed as she wanted so desperately not to be thrown off track by our bashing of Chuck
"Okay, okay. I'll lay off because believe it or not I'm in a better place now. A more serene place that is nothing but positive vibes" I smiled
"That's great to hear because I have scored you a date" Serena said excitedly waiting for me to jump up and down with her but the part of that didn't like be set up by my best friend left me sitting
"What possessed you to do that? A date, I don't need a date. I'm overwhelmed with work and school…dating is not on that list" I babbled
"B, you need to get over Chuck and the only way you'll do that is you start playing the field" Serena said, which was easy for her to say because she was in a dating professional league as much as she's been play
"So you solicit me off to the highest bidder?" I asked her as another thought just hit me "Please do not tell me this guy is one of Ben's friends? Because I swear to God that you will be banned from this penthouse if you tell me so" I then declared
"First of all, I'm not stupid…as much as you make fun of Ben, I would dare set you up with anyone he knew. Second, will you let me explain how the date came about" Serena said
"Or how the ultimate betrayal took place" I replied but then I thought maybe betrayal isn't the best word at this time because betrayal could be in my vocabulary if she ever knew
"I was out shopping with Eric and while we were walking we ran into Simon" Serena smiled as I racked my brain trying to think of what Simon she was talking about until it hit me
"Simon Helstrum" I said "He was like my grade school crush besides Nate of course, but I ultimately liked Nate more after that whole Valentine debacle" I went on to babble
"Exactly. Well if you check your phone, you'll soon see just how much Simon has remained the same" Serena smiled at me as I looked on at the text she sent me and I had to admit that Simon was looking pretty hot from what I last remember of him
"Wow, he looks the same" I smiled
"I know, right? Well we were talking and all he kept asking about was you. So I gave him your information and he should be calling you soon, but then I didn't want to take the chance on that so I just told him that you'd be out tonight at the Windsor" Serena said
"Windsor, the food is exquisite there" I had to admit "I still don't know about this" I then sighed
"Why not? B, you deserve to go out and have some fun. I mean it would probably lift your spirits if you got some because they do say that when you go on a break that it effects the mood of one" Serena said as I seriously had to question that bit of knowledge but then again this was Serena…the professional dater
"I really don't see the panties dropping" I replied "You must have me mistaken for you" I then laughed as Serena just hit me on the arm playfully "S, I don't know…I mean I appreciate it but I don't want Simon thinking I'm some sort of loser who has to have her it-girl best friend set her up on dates" I then said
"B, I will single handedly find you the next boyfriend that will transform into the love of your life, who will then become your husband that adores you completely" Serena said
"And I hope to have that happen in that order, but I'm still a little skeptical about this. I mean this is Simon Helstrum we're talking about" I told her
"I promise you that it will all be perfect, you have my promise" Serena smiled happily at me, making it harder for me to say no until I just had to suck it up
"Okay, we can go" I said finally giving into her
[Dan's P.O.V]
Gripping on tight to my pillow, a part of me knew that it would be within my best interest to get up because my luck could only go so far with my class be cut short, which allowed me time to come back and catch up on my sleep. Reluctantly getting up from my bed, I begin to play with my hair as I'm not quite use to the hair cut that Waldorf suggested for me, but I do have to admit that I do like it a bit short as opposed to growing it out. Heading into the kitchen, I begin to think I'm seeing a mirage as I see Darota cleaning up last nights dishes. Rubbing my eyes yet again as I then realize that I'm bare chested and Darota is here….that doesn't even sound like something I want to be fully awake for. Quickly making my way back to the bedroom, I grab a tank top and immediately head back out to get to the bottom of what I'm sure has Waldorf written all over it. The clearer my vision becomes, the more I see that I have new shiny wood that looks like stuff you'd see in the mansions where the old creeky wood use to be. Then I notice that there are furniture pieces that are in the loft that once never were,….I must have been out of it for a long time because I could swear it looks like the walls have been painted. Dammit Waldorf…I told her to keep things the same.
"Darota, what task does Blaire have you up to?" I ask her
"Ms. Blaire wanted me to supervise the workers" Darota replied
"I'm afraid to even ask. She probably drugged the coffee this morning so I would be knocked out" I said as I walked over to the fridge "You want one?" I asked Darota as I held up a beer
"No, I don't drink and clean" Darota told me as I couldn't help but laugh
"I don't think the vacuum cleaner will start swerving if you have one" I tell her as I hand her one. For a moment she contemplated it but once she realized it would be a while since Blaire would come back the bottle top quickly flew off "Don't you think you should start showing Blaire tough love, I mean she should be doing her own laundry" I then told her
"Ms. Blaire still needs much guidance when it comes to life chores" Darota replied
"Yeah, but she'll never know unless she actually tries it. Blaire uses you as her crutch so that she won't have to" I said
"You seem pretty hard on Ms. Blaire?" Darota asked me
"I'm not hard on her, I just…I just see this potential in her that I wish she would live up to sometimes" I then said
"Are you sure that's all it is Mr. Humphrey?" Darota asked "Ms. Blaire has informed me of your arrangement" she said
"I'm aware of that. Look, I all ready know what your thinking and I'm not out to use her…we're both being adult about it and we're handling this maturely" I tell her as she just gives me a look
"If a man and woman choose to partake in the romp, then they must be aware of the consequences" Darota said
"No, no, no. Blaire is on the pill and even then we still use protection" I told her
"Consequences of the feelings. The romp may start as pure physical gain but it transform into heart flutters" Darota said
"Our romping isn't turning into heart flutters. I mean I think highly of Blaire as you can tell, but my heart isn't fluttering for her…it's a stable heart beat" I told her
"You can't protect the heart, the heart always becomes infected with the newest disease" Darota said as I became more and more confused as to all these choice words she used from romp, to hearts fluttering, and comparing love to a disease
"Darota, I can guarantee you that my heart is not infected. In fact, while sleeping with Blaire, I have found numerous girls attractive" I laughed
"And yet you still come home to Ms. Blaire, so much so that she has decided to move in with you" Darota said as I realized that she did have a point. I was meeting girls but I wasn't exactly taking advantage of the situation
"Because I'm a gentleman. I believe in getting to know the girl then taking her out before taking part in the romp" I replied
"Then I question your belief that Ms. Blaire is not worthy of your gentlemen behavior" Darota said
"No, I am a gentleman to Blaire…when she lets me. Look, I care about Blaire and I would never hurt her. I'm not Chuck nor do I strive to be" I told her hoping that it would ease her mind
"It broke my heart to see Ms. Blaire hurt like that after Mr. Bass had declared his love to her. I just hope that this arrangement will help her realize the ultimate goal is to find true love and happiness" Darota said as it caused me to think just as Blaire made her way inside. Quickly stashing her beer in the sink, Darota went back to pretend cleaning
"Darota, what in the heavens are you doing here?" Blaire said pretending like she had no idea that Darota was here in the first place as I just took one final sip of my beer before tossing it into the trash can
"You can stop, I know everything" I told her
"Everything? What do you mean?" Blaire replied still playing
"Ms. Blaire, he knows everything" Darota told her as Blaire just looked her wondering why she couldn't be discreet while I just laughed at the two
"Is this like a tag team sort of thing, I mean I know you two have this whole scheming history together…but your slipping a little" I said
"What are you spewing now Humphrey?" Blaire asked as put her stuff down before taking a seat on the sofa
"What happened to the open mind?" I asked her
"My mind is open" Blaire replied
"You've basically packed up Darota and moved her here, I mean how are you ever going to learn the basics of surviving on your own if you constantly call on Darota to do it for you?" I asked
"Darota is family, she's dear to me…she even teaches me how to do these so called basics you speak of" Blaire replied
"Is that while your flipping through Elle magazine?" I asked her with a bit of laughter in my voice as she couldn't deny what I was saying was true nor could she try "Darota can visit as much as she wants but she remains a visitor and nothing else, if you need your designers to be washed you call upon Tide, if you need your dishes to be washed then you call upon Dove, and if you need our room to be cleaned then you call upon your own two hands" I told her
"But Ms. Blaire won't survive" Darota replied sadly as a troublesome look came over Blaire
"Is this a challenge Humphrey?" Blaire then smiles wickedly at me as if I was one her schemes
"This isn't a challenge…this is just for your benefit" I said "If you want to make it a challenge than make it amongst yourself" I laughed
"Well since Darota is here by declared a visitor, I guess I will make chit chat with my visitor….Darota, how was your day?" Blaire asked using the new rules to kick off conversation
"Everything went smoothly as you wanted. Your dress is all ready laid out for your date tonight" Darota replied happily enjoying her visitor status but failed to read Blaire's facial expression that warned her not to speak any further
"Date?" I then asked as the room fell silent
"Yes, Simon Helstrom" Blaire told me as a part of me just froze "Serena ran into him today and she set things up" she said
"So what it's a double date or something?" I asked unknowing to the fact that Darota was watching us closely
"I guess, I mean where ever Serena goes Ben tends to follow" Blaire shrugged
"That's cool. I mean you did always say that we needed to still date to find a normal relationship outside this" I said trying to understand why something felt off within myself as I was saying these words to her
"Yeah, I was just a little scared that you might be upset that Serena set the whole thing up because I know how you feel about her" Blaire told me
"I don't hate Serena, do I hate her relationship with Ben, very much so" I replied but still the issue wasn't Serena, it just felt like it was something else that I couldn't pin point
"Good. What do you have planned for tonight?" Blaire asked
"Work then laundry, you see I do my own and I actually set aside a night for it" I teased her "And speaking of work, I have to go" I said wanting to tear away from this awkward feeling that I was getting just listening on to her plans for the evening. Getting up from my stool chair, I walked over towards Darota to give her a hug "Always a pleasure to have you as a visitor. Come back this weekend, we'll do shots" I told her
"Darota is not doing shots with you?" Blaire replied
"She's a visitor, she can do whatever she pleases" I smiled at Blaire knowing that I had won this battle and no challenge could take down the final say of my word
[Blaire's P.O.V]
Sitting across from Simon, I can admit that I'm finding myself acting like a school girl again realizing how cute he truly was. The Helstrum family had always been known in the Upper East Side for their major contributions to the arts so it was no surprise that Simon was fluent in all things art. Occasionally at dinner he would mention a French piece that only few knew of and it just left Serena clueless as to what he was even talking about. Ben held his own in a few of the conversations as did I, but it continually dawned on Serena that she was the odd one out. Simon is perfect, I mean it was like the perfect guy all rolled up in one for me and in my head I was praising Serena for making this date happen. After dinner had finished we all hung around the bar and talked further while Serena did all she could to tear Ben away but he just didn't seem to catch the hint on the matter. I had dropped a few suggestions for the couple to head home due to their early mornings but still Ben stayed. Serena has problems on her hands because its clear that Ben is into all things intelligent and artsy while she's into fashion shows and all things Marc Jacob, that in itself was a classic case of never working out…note to self, remind Serena that her jail bird relationship is not going anywhere.
"So Blaire, what are your plans for the Hamptons this year?" Simon asked
"Oh, I'm not sure I'll be going this year. I've got a heavy load with school and work" I replied
"Work? Where do you work at?" Simon asked
"I work at W magazine. My first issue is even coming out soon, I organized it from head to toe or at least had input to the Senior Editors" I said
"That's interesting. I never pegged you as the working type?" Simon told me "In grade school you always just stood back and got your minions to do your work" he laughed
"Yeah, but its life and I have to grow up. Besides its actually fun taking part in the creative process of a magazine" I smiled as I spoke highly of my work
"You do know that the life of magazine tends to run only a ten years" Simon said "Have you looked beyond it? Going into your mother's business" he asked
"Why would I? I mean I love my mother's work but I'm not her" I replied
"No one wants to be like their parents but the work they've laid down makes it easier to carry on to the next generation. My father has invested in so many of the great arts in this state and just all over, and working with him I feel as if I'm getting more personal knowledge than if I were to be working at a said magazine" Simon said making a quick tease of a joke towards the end that I didn't quite find funny
"Yes, but I feel empowered when I know I made my money, my way and not from my mother" I said
"Look, its just thought. I respect that your working and your doing something with your time as opposed to sipping cocktails" Simon smiled
"My time? This is my career, this is something that I want to continue to do" I told him
"That's great. I'm happy for you" Simon said giving me a fake smile that only one Upper East Side could tell from another
"And you? Your plans would be what for the Hamptons?" I then asked after I managed to flick of the irritation bug he landed on me by his previous statements
"Well my father is hosting a gala at Shadow, so it'll be mostly business" Simon said sounding even more and more like a snob
"The Shadow, that's a very quaint place" I smiled as I took a sip of his fun wondering if I should poke fun to see how much of a snob he really was "That's like some Olive Garden type of restaurant, right?" I then asked him trying to conceal my smile
"Olive Garden….wow, no. It's not the Olive Garden, sweetheart" Simon laughs to himself in disbelief that I could be this out of touch with all things that are sheek. Of course I know what the Shadow is you imbecile, my father and his lover frequent there so much that I'm beginning to suspect he really lives in the Hamptons now instead of France like he swore "You know much about the Reinlot?" he asked
"Oh, I love a good wine" I lied, the Reinlot was a renovate playhouse that most people attended whenever they wanted to live up the Victorian lifestyle in the Hamptons "Better than this new Bevmo they keep advertising" I said adding the icing on the cake as he was literally beginning to freak out in his mind that I could be that clueless
"Blaire, your joking right?" Simon asked me as I just faked a smile trying to play up the cute girl routine who was dumb as a box of rocks. He seemed a bit relieved once Ben and Serena had made their way over towards us as they were getting ready to leave
"All right, well we had a wonderful evening and I hope to hear from you soon" Ben told Simon as if they were buddies while Serena looked liked and still looks like she had less than a wonderful time
"Yeah, it was great to meet you. I will certainly look forward to seeing those pieces with you" Simon replied…okay, I'm bored all ready. Now is time to go back to classic Blaire with a touch of the new Blaire. I'll make this quick and painful with few casualties because frankly I think Simon should receive his rude awakening
"That's so sweet of you, for you two to arrange another meeting…to sip over a glass of wine or two while with million dollar pieces hanging before you" I complimented the two as Serena just looked at me strangely knowing that I had that look on my face that spelled trouble
"We had a lot in common, and I appreciate an art lover…who knows what the Rienlot is" Simon said muttering the last part thinking I didn't hear, so now I'm going in for the kill because frankly he's annoying me
"Yes, the gentlemen and the felon…that in itself is art" I replied as Ben's eyes nearly bulged out at me as Simon coughed up his drink
"What?" Simon asked me
"Don't confuse the bidding amounts with his prison number is all I can say" I said leaning over to hand money to the bartender before grabbing my purse and jacket
"Blaire!" Serena said angrily
"Yes, I know, how could I? but frankly…Simon is a stuck up snob with old beliefs, who clearly thinks less of Ben now that he knows who he really is" I told her and Ben as I put on my jacket "I mean really? Could you be anymore of an asshole" I told Simon
"I can see I'm wasting my time here" Simon said as he signaled for his driver to get the car ready before he tugged at his wallet
"Don't worry, I got it" I told him "I make my own money and I like making my own money and not depending on mommy and daddy for it. Now if that makes me stupid then I'm glad to say that I'm stupid because if dating you has to mean I have to down play what I want for myself then your not worth it. I've been there, and done that…frankly your not even worth my time." I scolded him as Serena could help but be impressed a bit by me sticking up for myself
"I think we're done here" Simon said before he walked away
"I'm sorry for using you as collateral damage, but he was a jerk" I told him
"Yeah" Ben sighed "Thanks I guess" he then said before looking over to see Serena's appreciative eyes.
[Dan's P.O.V.]
Looking on at the latest edition of W magazine, I can't help but think that Waldorf did a pretty good job. I mean its pretty obvious which stuff she had input on because her Waldorf touch always has a flair but it's actually pretty good. I had barely remembered that her signature W magazine edition was coming out, so as soon as it popped into my mind I headed down to the local news stand and picked one up along with a cup of coffee as I headed back to the loft. Flipping through the pages I couldn't help but feel like I knew it so personally from my hours of being an intern to hearing all the crazy tasks that Waldorf would tell me about. This was really good, and I was proud to say that I knew someone that had a hand in putting together W magazine. I really don't know what to make of the awkwardness that I felt when Blaire had told me about her date tonight, I guess I never really thought she'd go out and find someone that quickly…I mean she's head turner but its still Blaire we're talking about, she can make you laugh one moment then make you want to bang your head up against a wall. Then I had what Darota told me circulating around in my head all evening long and I just couldn't manage to shake it. Sex is just sex between us and I'm not going to pretend like it doesn't change things but I'm not one to believe that it will morph into true love. I have a new found respect for Blaire but this awkwardness isn't love…I know it. Heading into the building I begin to make my way upstairs and I'm surprised to hear rummaging going on within the loft along with music. Immediately I think that Blaire has secretly sent Darota back to finish up some stuff but it wasn't Darota, it was Blaire attempting to do laundry or doing laundry was the case. Quickly placing the magazine amongst the others that way it didn't look that obvious that I had made a special trip to go get it before I made my way over towards her.
"Where were you Humphrey? I thought you got off at five" Blaire asked me as I closed the door behind myself "I need you to teach me how to fold" she said coming out with a load of her clothing
"To fold?" I asked
"I'm aware of how to but I don't know the art of it, and I figured since you've had to do manual labor your whole life then this task should be a piece of cake to you" Blaire said flashing that teasing smile of hers
"Yeah, okay…what are you doing back so early?" I asked as I set my coffee down on the counter then walked back over to help her fold
"Date ended early" Blaire replied
"Oh, so the guy was a jerk" I laughed "What was wrong with him?" I then asked
"He was a snob" Blaire said
"A snob, in the Upper East Side….you don't say" I replied sarcastically as I tossed the paired socks into the corner of the basket
"He was cute but then he started speaking. Seems to be the story of my life" Blaire sighed
"Story of your life?" I laughed in amusement by that statement
"I'm glad my sorrow brings you laughter. I mean this is my dating life Humphrey. I don't want to spend the rest of my days being your sex partner" Blaire told me
"And you won't, but I wouldn't go dramatize tonight as the example for the rest of your life" I told her "Blaire your beautiful. You're a stop a turn and stare at for hours type of beautiful, and your insanely smart with a touch of smartass added to the mix for entertainment purposes, you'll find someone" I replied hoping that I didn't seem stalkerish
"Is that a compliment Humphrey? I mean was that your natural compliment or a forced one?" Blaire asked with a slight laugh on her face
"C'mon, you know your gorgeous" I laughed
"I do" Blaire laughed as she liked me complimenting her since it didn't happen often. I had never really noticed her laughter but it seemed to be like the sweetest melodies to my ears which was strange since I had heard laugh millions of times before…oh, God…what is wrong with me? I begin to ask myself "It's just nice to hear it sometimes" she smiled
"Hear what?" I asked hoping that she hadn't noticed me thinking about her laugh
"That I'm gorgeous…those were your quotes" Blaire pointed out
"Yeah, they were. I think your love story is coming, you just have to be patient" I said
"Thanks" Blaire smiled "So am I doing this right? This whole folding thing?" she then asked
"Yes, your doing it right" I laughed as we continued on with folding and poking fun at each other "What exactly are we listening to?" I asked her
"This Humphrey, is music" Blaire replied
"Oh, and what do you call what I listen to?" I asked
"Whining" Blaire quickly replied
"You sing any of this music that we're listening to?" I then asked her
"Yeah, no. I'm not a singer nor will I claim to be" Blaire laughed
"Why not? I've heard you sing in the shower…it sounds pretty good" I told her
"That's shower singing, not the real deal. Besides my singing is like your strumming" Blaire pointed out
"Aw, but I can play. I just choose to strum, but if it takes me playing to get you to sing than I will choose to strum for you" I said tossing my final sock into the basket before heading over to grab one of my dad's guitar from his collection he left behind. Taking a seat on the sofa, I begin to strum and I have to admit that it doesn't sound so good at first.
"And as I suspected, you suck" Blaire smiled as I just patted the seat beside me
"Come over here" I asked her
"No, I'm finishing up my laundry that you complained so much about" Blaire replied
"Well we'll finish that after this" I told her
"Humphrey, I'm not singing for you…I can't sing" Blaire replied "Now help me" she demanded as I just kept strumming trying to tune the guitar before I found the right tuning
"Row, row, row your boat" I sang completely ignoring her complaint to help her "C'mon, you know this song" I laughed
"No, I do not" Blaire said
"Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream" I sang
"Your so corny" Blaire groaned as she stormed over
"And take it from the top" I said happily as I was getting the hang of the guitar now as I was playing like a rock God or in my mind I was rock God
"Row, row, row your boat. Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream" Blaire sang unenthusiastically
"We should do the lead and follow thing, where you start out and I trail" I laughed
"Your so dumb" Blaire said unable to control her laugh
"Row, row, row your boat" I sang
"Row, row, row your boat" Blaire then followed behind
"Gently down the stream" I sang
"Gently down the stream" Blaire followed
"Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream" I sang finishing up my verse
"Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream" Blaire finished off the song and I got to rock it out towards the end which caused her to laugh out loud
"I can't believe we just did that" Blaire laughed hysterically and once again it was like a melody to me that was like the sweetest of songs to my ears
"It was good" I replied with the biggest of smiles on my face "C'mon lets do the one about the spider" I then suggested
"I don't know that one" Blaire replied as I could tell that she was getting into this "Ooh, we should sing How Much is the Doggy in the Window" she suggested excitedly