Disclaimer: I own nothing except a great love for CB and the many inhabitants of the UES
A/N: Wow!!! I cannot believe how long it's been since I last posted, but I promise you that I've been quite the busy little bee. I've got a few chapters set to go. The reason I wanted to get a little ahead of myself is because of a little sumthin sumthin else that I've got raring to go for you guys. Remember I said something about a CB/Bro (HIMYM) crossover…well that took over a lot of my attention while I tried to get the story sorted out in my head. Posting the first chap for that today as well. It's called Crash Into Me. Check it out. I've had the most amazing time working on both stories. So I'll stop talking/writing now and let you get to reading. As always thanks for all the love (and patience). You guys are the best. Kisses to Wifey and my girls :D
Mini-recap: When last we left off, Blair took a little ride with her all too flirtatious doctor who it seemed was up to no good. What tricks did he have up his sleeve? Who could he have been consorting with to get Blair off on her own? Lil J makes some decision about her life after the fire and she gives some advice to her old pal Vanessa. The guys, are up to their necks in mystery and intrigue especially with the mad doctor McCarty resurfacing and putting Chuck that much closer to the answers he's been wanting. And the Archibalds…Vanessa gets hit with two big shocks as she finds out just how Carter used her to get at Nate and Nate's quite literally kicked her to the curb. Okay…so I think we're all caught up, no? Now read on bbs.
ஐChapter 31ஐ
Blair looked away from her former doctor, her confusion evident. She took a step back, not sure what to think, as his words hung between them, leaving her wary and very much on high alert.
"Wait." He reached out to stop her.
She glanced around the deserted ice cream parlor. Everything felt all wrong.
Blair knew this place. She'd come with Serena often enough when they were younger. This was the place where her parents had brought her to break the news that they were splitting up and why. As if she were the same five-year old to be placated with sprinkles and cherries. On more occasions than she could be bothered to remember, she and her army of mean girls would descend after school, holding court. She knew this place.
Only it was different now. Empty of people and sound.
It wasn't dilapidated and defunct, changed and made useless by the years she'd lain in bed, unaware of the life marching on without her. No, it was clean and obviously still patroned. Being that it was New Year's Eve and the city was crowded with even more tourists and partygoers than usual, the establishment should've been crowded with people. So where in the hell were they?
Her eyes drifted to Will's face again, very real fear creeping into her voice as she took another step away from him. "What is this?"
"I asked him to bring you here, B."
"Serena?!" The brunette whirled on her best friend. Somehow the other woman had slipped in and come to standstood directly behind her. "You scared the crap out of me. What in the world is going on here?"
"A surprise of sorts." Serena smiled at her best friend, looping her arm through Blair's. "Doctor, thanks a lot for your help."
"No problem."
"Mommy!"
"Girls." Two small bodies launched themselves at her legs, knocking her into Will.
"Hey, guys. You need to be careful with your Mom." He cautioned.
"No, they don't. They're fine." Blair didn't know what the hell was happening but her daughters' presence made it an extremely good thing. She gathered them closer, throwing an arm around their shoulders.
"You need to take it easy. You're not back up to full strength yet."
"I won't break." She gave him a meaningful look. He needed to back off. Blair had enough people treating her with kid gloves without adding her our children to the list.
"Right. Look, I should be going. I'll be in touch, though." Will promised, turning to Serena before taking his leave. "Make sure she takes it easy. Even if you have to sit on her, will you?"
"Consider it done."
"Traitor."
Moments before, she'd accused Will of setting her up. For what nefarious deed she couldn't imagine now but he'd actually been helping her best friend. Who still had yet to answer the question as to how in the hell they'd all ended up there. Well, she knew the how. Her best friend had planned it, but now she couldn't understand the why.
"S, are you going to start talking?"
"Wouldn't you prefer that the girls show you instead. This was actually their idea you know. We talked about it this morning while you were in the bathroom." Serena revealed.
"Oh, really?" Blair looked at each girl in turn, drinking in her fill of them and knowing that it would never quite be enough.
"They thought you looked…sad and wanted to cheer you up."
Brown eyes flew to blue, questioning. Had she been that obvious? Vacillating between her anger and an incredible sense of loss. This time not simply because of the five years just gone from her life, but mourning the relationship with her mother that never was…that would never have the chance to be.
"Come on, Mommy." Kat tugged her along with Evie taking up the rear to push Blair along.
"Someone want to clue me in on this surprise."
"It's our list." Evie finally said.
List? What lis…
"Auntie S, said that we could do some of the stuff on the list we made when you woke up. Just until Daddy gets home because then we're supposed to…" Evie drifted off with a squeak. She glared over at her sister, one hand coming up to rub the back of her head.
"Katharine. That's not the best way to cut your sister off when she's going to say something that she shouldn't." Blair tried not to smile, reaching out to smooth dark curls.
"Hmm, really? Because if I recall, B. You used to do that to me all the time" Serena accused, laughing. "Come to think of it…you still…"
The brunette shook her head, "Sorry, S. I'm sure that I don't know what you mean. I was an angel."
"Ha," Her friend scoffed, the little girls watching the two old friends with growing interest. "Girls, remind me some time to tell you about all the ways your mommy used to love torturing your dad."
"Now. Tell us now."
"Ow! Blair." The blonde yelped and turned on her best friend who regarded her with an all too innocent expression, one hand coming up to massage her scalp. "That's just great. Very grown up."
The girls laughed, "Mommy, that wasn't nice."
"My hand must have slipped. Sorry, S." Blair stuck out her tongue when the twins looked away. "Now, would someone please fill me in on our little agenda for the day. Ice cream and the other stuff from our list and then 'later when Daddy get's home, we're supposed to'…" She stopped off, motioning for Evie to fill in the blanks.
Kat clapped a hand over her sister's mouth.
Her twin shook her off, "Hey, I wasn't going to say anything. Just that we had to wait for Daddy."
"Oh, sorry."
"Nice try, B. Now who wants ice cream?"
Hands flew up and the foursome wandered over to claim a table in the deserted store.
"Where in the world is everyone?"
"Well, apparently, your list was very specific and in case you didn't know your daughters can be as insistent as you ever were when it comes to little things like details." Serena said.
That was right. On that first day when she was finally getting to know here children, holding them close they'd made their list. Almost at the top had been the intent to do something as simple as take them out for ice cream. They'd stuff themselves silly and the staff would cater to them and only them because they'd have their Daddy rent the entire place out.
Blair had laughed, in awe. They had Chuck wrapped tight around their little fingers and he was all about spoiling them silly.
What else had been on the list? So much. Too much missed and left for them to make up for. God, the things they had on that list would take a lot longer than the few hours they had to get through.
Bliss. She'd wanted to take them out for a day of pampering at the day spa. A treat she used to live for whenever Eleanor asked her along. And the pond. She'd wanted to take them to see the ducks. She wanted to indulge in a day of shopping, dressing up and trying on everything they could get their hands on.
Serena called out and suddenly there were people everywhere. Taking their orders.
Kat and Evie were comparing notes. Challenging one another to see who could stuff down the most without getting sick first.
Unable to help herself, Blair met Serena's eyes and burst out laughing. "Guys, how about we try not to make ourselves sick, huh." Serena said.
"Yes. Listen to Auntie S. It kind of defeats the purpose of treating yourself." Blair added. She wanted to say more, thinking of what she used to do to herself, all in the name of striving for control and perfection. Now was probably not the time for that particular conversation. "So what's next?"
"Blair, would you quit it." Serena said, "We're not saying anything."
"Meaning there's something to be said." Fine. That was just fine. She'd lull them into complacency and then see which of the three slipped up first. Blair watched them, speculating odds. "That's not what I meant, Serena. I wanted to know what you three have planned for us after this. Shopping? Bliss?"
"Auntie S says we need to get pretty for tonight." Kat said.
"Hmm…sounds good." Blair nodded, diving into her sundae with relish. Sounded as if Chuck had other plans for them besides simply curling up in front of the TV to watch the mayhem in Times Square. A reprieve of sorts before she ended up at the private hospital.
The day had started off on crappy footing but things appeared to be looking up.
She glanced at her children. The duo eating one spoonful after another at a pace that would've surely had Blair cradling her aching head. But they seemed to feel it not at all, chocolate syrup smeared around their mouths and brown eyes laughing.
And that was all she needed. Confirmation that she'd done the right thing with her mother.
Eleanor who?
~ஐ~
She'd been meeting up with Serena. Not Eleanor. That thought should've made him breathe easier, but it only reminded him of what the coming night would bring.
How was he supposed to lay this on her?
"Sorry, baby, but your mother's an evil bitch. Let's party." Yeah that was going to work.
God, should he wait until after her welcome home party and she was already suspicious, so how did he avoid the subject until the whole damn thing was over.
Then there was the fact that Eleanor was supposed to be there. Woo-fucking-hoo.
His phone vibrated, offering a welcome distraction. Another text from Joseph letting him know that his girls had arrived at Bliss. This was good. Serena would keep Blair busy, while Lily and Dorota were at the apartment handling last minute details.
A simple affair for Blair's nearest and dearest. Ringing in a new era and new year for the Waldorf-Bass-Van der Woodsen family. Eric was bringing his boyfriend along. Serena had invited Dan and Jenny. Blair's three dads and Eleanor. And Dorota had even mentioned something about inviting her gentleman friend.
"Mr. Bass, we should be landing shortly." His pilot's voice came over the intercom.
Even as the wheels touched down, Chuck was on the phone. "Humphrey. It's me. What's that noise?"
"Don't ask." Dan answered, sounding wound tight. Music booming in the background.
"You might want to turn that racket down, Humphrey, because if McCarty slips out on your watch…"
"That is McCarty, Bass."
"Oh."
"Oh? Oh, he says. This guy has been at it for almost two hours straight. Twice your staff has been by to ask him to turn it down. And he does…for like five minutes."
"Is that Pearl Jam?"
"And Alanis Morrisette before that. This guy has issues. Who the hell is he?"
Chuck cleared his throat. Telling Serena and Nate was one thing but he didn't need anyone else knowing the true nature of his connection to McCarty. Most especially Dan Humphrey boy reporter. As far as he was concerned, he'd already entrusted the other man with more than enough secrets.
"It doesn't matter who he is. Only that you keep an eye on that room until I can get there."
"Fine, but would it be too much to ask you to hurry the hell up."
"Sit tight, Humphrey." Smiling despite himself, he hung up before the other man could say another word.
He'd be there soon. Long enough to get some much needed answers out of that quack before the man found out what life was like when you crossed a Bass. Humphrey made it sound like the good doctor was having a ball. That was good. He'd always favored the idea of allowing the condemned a final meal.
Chuck started to call Nate, thinking that maybe it would've be a bad idea to have a cop on hand after all.
~ஐ~
This was probably the worst idea she'd ever had. Second thoughts came rushing in the moment she slipped into the cab and gave the driver her destination.
Head back to Jenny's, she kept telling herself. Like you don't have enough trouble. He doesn't want to see you. She understood that he was angry. He had every right to be, but just where the hell did he get off locking her out of her own home.
Nate's actions and discovering Carter's hidden agenda spurred her on, robbing her of the sense and logic that she'd found earlier during her conversation with Jenny. If forgiving her at the moment was too large a thing to ask, then a key to the house would have to suffice.
All attempts to catch him on his cell phone ended up the same. With her carrying on a one-sided conversation with his voicemail. Calling his phone at work netted the same results.
She eventually made it through to a few of his co-workers and was given the brush-off. At first she'd just thought they were all being rude assholes, but a quick cab ride to the station had made the truth all too clear. They all knew something was up and they blamed her.
Vanessa was given the cold shoulder at every turn. It seemed that her husband was better liked by his fellow officers than he believed. Vanessa wasn't sure how much they knew about the state of her marriage but they were closing ranks on her.
It was Nate's partner who finally informed her that the younger man had gone home for the day. Vanessa was pretty sure that he only gave her that tidbit to get her out of his hair.
Next, she had the pleasure of listening to his phone ring endlessly at the Palace and getting hung up on by the staff. She had to hand it to Nate's best friend, his people were polite to a fault, even when they were in so many words telling you to go fuck yourself.
Any other day this all might've acted as further determent. All signs were letting her know that tracking down Nate wasn't the best of ideas. Seriously, what was she going to do. Wrestle him for the key. Tell him that he was being insanely unfair.
So there she was, sitting in the cab outside the Palace, her disgruntled cabbie waiting for her to either get the hell out or give him a new destination.
"Lady. We can't sit here forever."
"Hey, you still get paid either way."
"I got a life, too. You're my last fare." He muttered.
"Right. Sorry. I'll just take the subway or something. Thanks."
"Whatever, lady." He pulled off the moment that the door click shut behind her, as if she might change her mind and dive back inside.
Which was very insightful of him because she was picturing that very thing even as he sped away.
Well, she was here. Might as well go up. She started across the courtyard, waved at the vaguely familiar face of the doorman and got no further. He stepped directly into her path. "Sorry, Mrs. Archibald."
"Oh, come on. You're kidding, right?"
"Sorry, ma'am but this one comes right from the top. You're not allowed on the premises." He said, smiling over her shoulder and tipping his hat at the guests entering behind her. Guests who couldn't have failed to hear his words.
For the umpteenth time that day, humiliation burned through her. "Well, that's too bad. Please tell my husband that I'm here."
"I can't. Our instructions were very clear. You have to go."
"No, I don't."
"You don't want to cause a scene, Mrs. Archibald and I don't want to have to call the police."
Vanessa couldn't help laughing at that. She actually couldn't stop laughing. Hadn't she made the same threat to Carter back at the brownstone. She'd been bluffing, of course. She was more than certain that this doorman was doing the same. Her making a scene was one thing but calling in the police and making the entire situation at least ten times worse wouldn't go over well with the Palace's moneyed, elite residents and guests.
Seemed she'd learned quite a few things being married to an Archibald after all.
"Call him now. I swear that I'll leave and won't set foot back near this place again anytime soon. I need to speak with him, though." Vanessa said, "I know you work for Chuck Bass and his word is law but just do this one thing…"
"The mandate came at Mr. Archibald's request."
She'd known that, but hearing the doorman actually say it was different. Another rejection. All day with the cold shoulder and people acting as if they hated her guts. When was it going to be enough.
Her vision blurred and her cheeks were wet, drops splattering her coat and hands before she even realized that there was only a metaphorical thundercloud hovering overhead. Great now she was crying, she rifled through her purse for a clean tissue.
"Here. If you would just…" The doorman motioned her off to the side.
Vanessa sniffled, blowing her nose into the handkerchief. "I won't cause you anymore trouble, okay. I understand that you're just doing your job. My best friend is staying here, too. Can't I just go u…"
He shook his head.
"Fine, I'll call him. How about that. Do you know if Dan Humphrey is back?"
"Mr. Humphrey returned four hours ago, ma'am."
She sighed, "Good. Let me just call him. Then I'll get out of your hair." Feeling like the proverbial dog slinking away with her tail between her legs, Vanessa shuffled off further to the side, struggling to catch her breath and sound normal before her best friend could pick up.
She frowned when he finally answered, Black Sabbath pounding away in the background. "Dan?"
"Vanessa?" He yelled into the phone, causing her to react by quickly yanking the thing away from her ear.
"Ow."
"Sorry."
"It's okay. What is that?" She asked.
"Room next door."
"Well, that's kinda rude."
"Tell me about it." Dan agreed, "So what's up?"
Vanessa was quiet, trying to consider just how to answer that question.
"Hey, you still there?"
"Oh, I'm here." She glanced away from the doorman. Turing her back against speculative eyes of guests who'd watched their earlier exchange. Tears rose in her throat despite her best efforts. "Could you come down?"
"Um. Actually." He hedged, "I—yea. Now's not the best time."
She frowned, sure that she'd heard him wrong or that he'd misspoken. "Dan."
"I'm sorry. Trust me and I can…"
And there she went again, tears running freely. God, rejected even by her best friend when she needed a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on. This had to be some kind of record. "Dan, please. You just have no idea what the past few hours have been like for me. Carter came by and he pretty much said that he used me to get back at Nate for God knows what. I mean what could Nate have done that would've made any of this equal things out."
"Shit…"
"I know this is my life or it was but I don't get these people. I think…no I hate them. And Nate pretty much kicked me out."
"What?!"
"I don't mean literally. He changed the looks and now the fucking doorman won't even let me come upstairs to yell until my head doesn't feel like exploding. I don't have anywhere to go and I need to talk to my best friend…who's apparently reading the same 'to hell with Vanessa' script as everyone else today."
"V, you're not making any sense."
"What is?" She muttered. "You know what…forget it. Just forget it." Vanessa snatched the phone away from her ear, wanting to fling the thing into the farthest corner of the courtyard.
"Wait…don't hang up. I'm coming down. But not for long. I'm taking care of something for Chuck."
"Of course you are." Because the world had flipped on its ear. When Nate hated her and Dan was doing favors for Chuck Bass. Insanity.
"Don't move, Vanessa. I'm serious."
"Where am I going?"
Upstairs in his temporary suite, Dan was already on his feet and reaching for his overcoat. Just a few minutes. That was all he needed to check on Vanessa and make sure she was okay, then he'd come right back up.
Maybe he could talk the staff into letting her come back up with him. Wasn't like this McCarty person was going anywhere, the guy was too damn busy deafening everyone within earshot.
Dan slipped out into the hallway, glancing at the door across the hall. He brushed past two maids near the elevator, both were plugging their ears. They caught sight of Dan at the same instance and frowned as he approached.
"Sir, you shouldn't be up here. This floor is…ugh restricted." The women shared a look.
"I'm a guest." He assured them.
They shook their heads, looking at one another again and then back at him.
Oh, come on. God, sometimes he was sure that the staff was just as elitist as the UESers that he'd known over the years. What so he didn't look like he could foot the bill for a $4500/per night suite and therefore didn't belong…well they had a point but he could be slumming it as far as they knew.
"You shouldn't be here. This entire floor has been closed off." The other maid said.
Oh. Oops. "Right. Sorry. I'm a friend of your boss' and he asked me to come up and check on something." He explained and their expressions shifted almost immediately into all out skepticism. "Look, check with the concierge…the name is Humphrey. H-U-M…"
"That won't necessary. We apologize. It's just that strict orders were given that no one else be allowed on this floor or to disturb Mr. McCarty."
Chuck had isolated their quarry. Quick thinking, Bass.
"Good. That's good. Mr. McCarty is an extremely special guest and he shouldn't be bothered. That's what Mr. Bass wanted me to make sure of."
They nodded, seeming to have finally accepted his words.
Dan glanced over his shoulder, down the hall to McCarty's closed door. Chuck had gone all out and still hadn't given him anything as to where the doctor fit in with everything else they knew. How he was connected to the fires?
Did Chuck think this was the arsonist? Dan shook his head almost immediately, the other man wouldn't have invited the firebug to stay, not with a hotel filled with guests and employees. Who was he, though? Could he be dangerous in some other way? Was that why Chuck wanted him keeping an eye on the man?
Dan cleared his throat, "Um. I actually talked to Mr. Bass a few minutes ago and he suggested that maybe that the staff should steer clear for the next little while as well." He lied and quickly added, "Chuck'll be here within the hour. His plane just landed. You can wait for confirmation from the man himself if you'd like."
Neither woman had anything to say to that. Instead they shared one last quick look before heading for the service elevator, leaving Dan standing alone in the hallway.
He looked back at McCarty's door. The music inside was still going strong.
First V and then he'd haul tail it to finish out his misadventures in babysitting. Whoopdee friggin' doo. He wasn't leaving though until Bass filled him in on just what the doctor knew.
~ஐ~
He'd napped and showered but still felt like hell. Even Chuck's little hangover cure didn't seem to be doing the trick. He'd really done a number on himself the night before.
Nate wandered over to the mini-bar, he grimaced at the sight of half-empty liquor bottles. The very thought of touching another drop anytime soon made him nauseous.
Sighing, he shook his head.
That was something at least that he could take comfort in. He wasn't turning into a full-on drunk. That would've gone over just great at work and his failed marriage would be fodder enough for the round table at the next Vanderbilt/Archibald family gathering.
Nate's ringing cell phone grabbed his attention. The trill no longer felt like claws gripping tight onto the surface of his skull. Guess he was feeling better after. He wondered if it was his soon-to-be ex calling again. Making a mental note to change his number as soon as humanly possible he picked it up.
It wasn't her after all.
"Chuck. Hey, what's up, man."
"I don't know. You tell me. Here I thought you were at work and I've got my staff calling me saying otherwise. Nonetheless, I heard you've had quite the full day."
"Look, man. I'm sorry if I overstepped. I know you're probably still pissed at me about the bar."
"Nathaniel. Just things…that's all they are. Easily replaced. You're my boy and if trashing the bar or your suite is what you need to do then I say have at it." Chuck drawled. "My concierge tells me that you gave some special instructions barring Vanessa."
"I also changed the locks at the Brownstone. Overkill?"
Silence reigned on the other end then Chuck made a choking sound followed by coughing laughter.
"Oh, I'd say most definitely not overkill, dear Nathaniel. Rather a good start. It took you long enough." His best friend finally said after he caught his breath. "In that same vein, I should probably let you know that I've gotten no less than two calls from my people there. It appears that your wife is downstairs as we speak."
"What?"
"I'd just as soon as let them call in the police and have her escorted from the premises, but I figured it best left up to you. So what do you say? Ready to take that extra step." Chuck asked.
For the briefest of moments, Nate actually considered giving Chuck the go-ahead but relented in the end. "No. That's fine. I'll get rid of her. She's probably been by the Brownstone by now and couldn't get in."
"You sure?" His voice rose over the deafening sound of engines.
"Positive." Nate frowned, trying to place the sound. "Where are you, anyway?"
"About to leave the airfield. I should be there shortly. Look. Why don't you call me back after you deal with your little problem and we can discuss another situation that we've got going on over there." Chuck said.
"Yeah. Okay." Nate agreed. "Sounds good to me."
"See you in thirty and Nathaniel?"
"Yeah?"
"Stick to your guns. Don't get pulled in by bullshit excuses and crocodile tears."
"You don't have to worry about me, Chuck." Nate assured, remembering his earlier encounter with Carter. The bastard's wink and smile, fueling him anew, "Not anymore. Listen, I'd better go."
The two friends hung up. A brutal smile stretching across his handsome features. Vanessa couldn't have picked a worse time for her little visit. He'd finally calmed down, his nerves soothed and anger assuaged with distance. Time to think on his next course of actions in cutting himself off from the life he'd had with her.
Going after Carter was to the be next order of business. His first instinct had been to let Chuck handle the son-of-a-bitch but this time he wanted…no needed to take Carter down on his own.
~ஐ~
The bitch had looked him right in the fucking eye and hadn't raised the alarm. There'd been nothing of recognition in her eyes when they'd wandered blindly over the occupants in the courtyard. His was just one face among many, blending in with the rest.
Hers was the last face that he'd expected to see though. He'd been on guard, ready to duck away if Archibald or that nosey ass reporter popped up. Instead he'd almost bumped into her.
She didn't see him, though. Not really. Likely too caught up in whatever internal bullshit drama she and Richie Rich had going on. Worked just fine for him.
The doorman nodded but didn't really see him either. Dude was probably busily ticking away the hours until he could punch out. The rich jerks he had to cater to probably nothing but a blur of faces to hold on to his sanity.
He didn't tip his head as he walked past. No, he walked in there as if he owned the place. The staff mere props and furniture. Anything short of that would make him stick out like a sore thumb. His partner had coached him.
Once he was inside, he followed Georgina's instructions to the letter. Never veering from the path that she'd insisted. He caught sight of the dark-haired one. The reporter.
Still had a score to settle there. Vanessa Archibald seeing his face was one thing but if Humphrey spotted him, the guy might just finger him as the person who'd cold-cocked him and left his ass for dead.
His movements fluid and manner casual, Henderson ducked out of sight. He need not have worried, the other man was as distracted as Archibald's bitch wife, muttering with every step. Guy looked wound tight but none the worse from their previous run-in.
Pity. Oh, well. There would be time enough and another day to take care of the fucking reporter. Right now, though. He had other worries.
That thought in mind. The off-duty cop bypassed a bank of elevators flooded with light and chattering guests, staff pandering with every breath. Instead he headed for the hidden service elevators.
~ஐ~
Cursing fluently as he stepped on the elevators it took Nate a moment and the full attention of his fellow occupants before he realized that he'd spoken allowed.
Face burning, he murmured a quick apology to the woman glaring at him and the young child who watched him with an awe-filled expression. He recognized the speculative gleam in the child's eyes from spending so much time around his goddaughters. The kid couldn't wait to get to some quiet corner where she could practice Nate's colorful spiel.
The woman hurried off the moment the elevator door slit open. She didn't look back but the kid did. Flashing him a quick smile, her two front teeth missing and eyes bright with anticipation.
Oh, he was going to hell.
He was hallway across the lobby before the concierge fell into step at his side.
"Sir…"
"Where is she?"
"The courtyard."
"Thank you, Frederick. I'll handle things from here."
"Yes, sir." Taking his cue, the other man fell back. Nerves in his eyes that the wouldn't let show in that cool and calm demeanor.
Nate figured that he'd caused enough of a ruckus the night before. The bar had been closed during those early morning hours while the staff cleaned up the messed he'd made. Poor Frederick had sounded almost grateful when Nate had asked him to bar Vanessa from the premises. Guess the man figured "no cheating ex-wife" meant no more temper tantrums liable to damage his hotel, from the barstools to the atmosphere.
He'd talk to her now. Let her know that just showing up whenever she felt like it was unacceptable. Threaten her again with his attorney and a restraining order.
The doorman tipped his hat, pulling the door open as he approached. The man glanced nervously from Nate to the man and woman embracing only a few yards off.
He waited to the heat of jealousy and anger seeping into his bones, even if it was just Humphrey. An innocent hug between friends. Nate didn't give a damn. Not anymore. Dan. Carter. Whoever was welcome to her. Right now he just wanted out.
"I'm such an idiot. He's been so persistent and then he showed up at the house. I honestly thought he was starting to fall for me." She hugged her best friend as if holding on for dear life.
"Whoa. Is that what you wanted?"
"Dan! That's the last thing I could want." Vanessa muttered against Dan's shoulder. "Then again maybe that would've been better than finding out that I was just a tool he wanted to use against Nate. God, what's wrong with these people and how did we let ourselves get mixed up with them."
Nate folded his arms across his chest, listening. So Baizen had gone after her with purpose. It didn't change anything. Not really. She couldn't have known. What mattered was that she'd slept with another man. She'd slept with Carter.
That smug expression that Carter had been wearing earlier suddenly made sense. Oh, he and that son-of-a-bitch were going to talk. Sooner rather than later.
"Looks like you had the right idea, after all. You cut Serena completely out of your life and you're better off for it. These people ruin lives for the fun of it. Too rich and too bored for their own good."
Nate cleared his throat, "And you're completely innocent of blame in this entire scenario, right?"
"Nate. Man, why don't you go back inside. I've got this taken care of."
"Dan, don't you get tired of being told to butt out?"
"Yes and it's really a waste of breath on your part." Dan shrugged, casually positioning himself between the estranged couple.
"It's fine. Look, Nate. I'll leave. I just need the keys to the house." Vanessa said.
Nate shook his head, looking at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having the locked changed in the first place?"
"I just want my things. You can have the house. I don't need to be there."
"I'll arrange for your things to be sent to you."
"When?"
"I don't know. After the holiday."
"And want am I supposed to do until then?"
"Vanessa. I really couldn't care." Nate said. "Now, are you leaving or should I be calling my lawyer about that restraining order?"
"What happened to you? When did you become such a cold son-of-a-bitch? What? Did Chuck give you lessons?"
"No. Thanks to you I learned that one on my own. Now, was there anything else?"
Dan intervened once more. "Guys, look. In the interest of keeping things civil why don't I go and pack some things up for Vanessa. You go back to Jenny's. I'll bring them to you," he looked between the twosome, Vanessa's face red and angry while Nate seemed the picture of cool satisfaction.
"Sounds fine to me. I left the keys upstairs."
"Vanessa?" Dan turned to his friend.
"Yeah. Okay."
"Good. Now we're getting somewhere." Dan clapped his hands together. "So, V. I need to finish up here and I'll call you as soon as I get to the brownstone and you can tell me what you need."
She nodded, her eyes glued to Nate's. Gone was the loving couple he'd known. Instead they were squaring off like two contenders, ready to take chunks out of one another. Just the tip of the iceberg of things to come, Dan couldn't help thinking and suddenly Chicago didn't sound like such a bad idea after all.
Vanessa broke contact first, walking away without another word. Both men watched her slow progression across the courtyard and outside the gates.
Dan spoke first, "Was that really necessary?"
"What?"
"You humiliated her and locked her out of her own home."
"She brought it on herself. Now could you drop it?"
"No. Look, I don't know how much you heard earlier but Carter…" Dan tried a different tactic.
"It doesn't matter. I mean, don't get me wrong. Carter will get his but he didn't force her into anything." Things would be so different if that were the case but she'd gone to the bastard more than once. All on her own. "Now would you drop it or don't you want to pack that bag for her after all."
"I'm done." Dan finally said, "Just don't do something that you're going to regret later."
Nate sighed, "Like you taking off after senior year."
"I went away to college." Dan retorted half-heartedly. "But I regret not settling things before I left. And it took years before Serena and I could actually be friends again. Don't make the same mistake with Vanessa. Maybe you guys won't ever work things out but my dad once gave me some really good advice about the bridges we burn. I didn't listen. You should."
Nate opened his mouth to speak but snapped it shut after a moment. He sighed, "The keys are upstairs."
"Right…wait. No, I can't leave yet. Chuck had me keeping an eye on some guy upstairs."
"What?"
"Yea. Some guy. McCarty." Dan said, watching the curious mixture of disbelief and recognition in the other man's face. "You know who he is."
Nate didn't answer. "Um, if you're supposed to be keeping an eye on the man then what the hell are you doing down here."
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Nathaniel." Chuck's bored tones, belied the censor in his expression when Dan glanced up guiltily.
Oops. "Vanessa was here and sorry but my best friend took precedence over your mystery guest. Sue me."
"For what? Your stamp collection. Thanks, but no."
"Look, I've been stuck in that room for the past four hours. Trust me, this guy isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He's having too much fun taking advantages of the amenities." Dan said, "Good thinking giving him his own floor, by the way."
"I thought it prudent. McCarty used to say that he worked best when he was relaxed and somehow that translated into hours of thrash metal or Whitney. Whichever caught his fancy in the moment." Chuck told them.
"You seem to know a lot about this guy's habits. Who is he?"
"None of your concern. Thanks but I'll take over from here." Chuck said, turning on his heel. "Nathaniel, with me."
"Oh. Yeah. I don't think so. I didn't just sit through hours of that mental torture to walk away without getting any answers." Dan said, trailing behind the two best friends as they started inside the Palace.
Chuck didn't answer. In fact he pretended that Dan hadn't even spoken as he launched into a brief recounting of his encounter with Georgina.
"Damn. So it wasn't her after all."
"Nope."
"You're thinking McCarty might be able to give you a lead."
"Something. At least tell me who this Olivia George might be."
"Olivia who?" Dan demanded. "And what does any of this have to do with the fires."
Chuck stopped right there in the middle of the lobby, hissing. "Keep your fucking voice down."
"Well, start answering my questions."
"Chuck, why not just tell him?" Nate spoke in hushed tones. "He already knows about the fires and if you're thinking is right and this is all connected then he's bound to find out anyway."
"Exactly."
"Can it, Humphrey." Chuck glared. He understood the reason in his friend's words but that didn't mean that he had to like it. He left the two standing there, turning back only when neither started to follow. "Well. What the hell are you waiting for? You want to meet the bastard or not, Humphrey?"
Dan fought the urge to smile.
The three men were all quiet on the ride upstairs.
"I'd hate to wake up and find that anything I'm about to tell you has made it into the morning edition."
"You haven't read anything about your father or the Franklins, have you?" Dan said.
"No. Best keep it that way." Shoving his hands into his pockets, Chuck started in, sketching out just who Dr. Felix McCarty was and his connection to Blair's miraculous recovery. He gave only the most pertinent details and considered the rest to be, none of Humphrey's damn business.
The elevators doors opened onto McCarty's floor.
Dan braced himself, his ears still ringing a little from the earlier punishment but nothing came. All was silent.
ஐTBCஐ
A/N: Worth the wait? Yea or Nay?….a few of you guessed Serena as the marionette pulling Dr. Feelgood's strings. Blair gets to enjoy her first day out of the hospital with her bestie and her girls. Chuck takes comfort in that his bodyguard is watching out for her and who does he set on McCarty but Dan. Vanessa confronts Nate and Nathaniel stands his ground. The boys come together and Chuck is on the cusp of getting the answers he's been waiting for. Henderson lurking about and waiting to muck things up. Will try updating in a day or two. After next week I'm going to have A LOT of free time on my hands so no more long waits like this last one. As always, let me know what you're thinking. Love to all *kiss*
Courtneyஐ