The scent of citrus and sandalwood floods my nostrils as Serena throws her arms around me the second she bursts through the penthouse elevator. Even though we saw each other over the holidays, it feels like being reunited with a long-lost sibling. I take in her appearance and realize she's somehow even more beautiful than I remember.

"So, catch me up on everything that's happened while I've been gone." She demands as soon as we're sitting around my kitchen island with mimosas in front of us and full breakfast spread.

I start with the basics, "Well you managed to miss the most sinfully boring wedding of the year which would be Isabel's. But epic drama ensued at Kati's when she tried to outdo Isabel and they literally nearly came to physical violence over whose wedding has the tallest cake. Extensions may have been shed and tears definitely were."

"No," Serena says, eyes wide with wonder. "How did I miss that? B, I feel so behind." She looks a bit crestfallen so I decide to cheer her up.

"You'll fit right back in. Let's see, what's the first social event coming up?" I open up my calendar app and roll my eyes at the filled up Friday nights. With the excitement of Serena's arrival, I completely forgot to deal with that.

"What's up?" Serena surveys me and I look up.

"Oh nothing," I say vaguely. "So tomorrow night I'm having this super fun work mixer you could come to. It has the makings of all ragers; balding execs, office politics, etc."

Serena's eyes light up with mock excitement. "As amazing as that sounds, a few friends from my old agency asked to get drinks tomorrow night. Maybe I can meet up with you after though?"

"I don't blame you, I'd rather hang out with a bunch of hot models too. But at least we have today together. Shopping? I need a new dress for tomorrow." I ask even though I already know the answer.

As we navigate the expansive racks of silk, chiffon, and embellished dresses that afternoon, I glance over at Serena. As always, her hair is shimmering, her skin looks glowy, and her outfit which took her all of 3 minutes to put together has that effortlessly chic thing going on that I can never achieve. I bite my lip, thinking. "Hey S, what would you wear to look sexy but like you're not trying to be?"

She turns sharply, eyeing me suspiciously. "Why do you ask? Someone you're trying to impress?"

"No one in particular," I lie.

"Liar." She says, narrowing her eyes. "But maybe this one?" She holds out a black high neck mini dress with a lace yoke.

"Hm," I eye it, taking in the short hemline.

"I know, it's a little short but it's balanced out by the neckline. Just try it." She thrusts it at me before I can protest further. She ends up being right, it's just right so I find myself checking out with it and a pair of lace-up black sandals to go with it.

"Whoever your mystery guy is, he won't be able to resist you wearing that." Serena says as we walk out of the store.

"Thanks, S. Should we go somewhere else to find you something though?" I say feeling bad she's walking away empty handed.

She shakes her head adamantly, "Let's go back to your place and talk more. That sounds like perfection right about now."

Monday morning I walk into work in the black dress paired with tights and a blazer which I plan on ditching right at 5 PM. I press my crimson lips together in nervous anticipation as I pass the receptionist's desk. "Good morning, Nelly."

"Morning Ms. Waldorf." She chirps back, peering at me from behind her oversized frames.

"Stop." I hear a dramatic voice come from behind me and feel a hand placed on my arm. "Where did the real Blair Waldorf go and how can I make sure she never comes back because I am loving the new Blair."

I roll my eyes as I turn to face Georgina, my best work friend. "Shut up, Georgie." I look around to see if she's caused a total scene. Luckily it looks like she hasn't since everyone is still sporting the same void expressions with empty, hollow eyes that are so common on Monday mornings.

Georgina lowers her voice a few octaves, "Now, I wonder who this little number could be for?" She flicks her long, dark hair back and her ice-blue eyes meet mine. I ignore her, continuing toward my office and stop in my tracks as I spy a massive bouquet of flowers on my desk. I turn to face her, eyes wide with curiosity.

She shrugs, "If that worked without him even seeing him, even I will be impressed."

I walk over to the flowers and pick up the card nervously, my hands trembling. But I only discover the business name of the florist and no name or significant note. Georgina snatches it out of my hands and it flips it over once, twice, and then raises her eyebrows. "Someone's got a secret admirer."

I sigh longingly toward his office, imagining him calling up the florist to send the bouquet. No, not possible, I decide. "I guess we'll never know. Anyways, go back to your desk Georgie and try to get some work done for once." I shove her out of my office door and start leading her down the hallway. I'm halted though as soon as I hear his voice from behind me and feel the familiar flutter that always accompanies that sound.

"Morning, Nate. How was your weekend?" I say, letting my arms fall away from their puppeteer pose on Georgina.

Nate looks at me with an amused smile. "Good, yours? How was that wedding?"

I feel a happy bubble form up and I can't stop my face from spreading into a wide smile. "It was great, thanks for asking."

"Glad to hear it." He pauses, "Hey did you get what I left for you on your desk? I hope that was okay."

I can't breathe. I can't speak. I am frozen as I replay what I just heard. My reverie is broken when I feel a sharp jab in my back. I nod furiously, "Yes, of course. It was perfect."

"Good," He smiles at me. "Thank you, Blair. I'll see you tonight, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it." I smile even wider, the gobsmacked expression not leaving my face even as he walks away.

Once he's gone, I stay rooted to the ground, thoughts swimming in my endorphin-overloaded brain. I come back to consciousness when Georgina grabs me by the shoulders and faces me head on. "Blair, this is happening. So play it cool, okay? Don't get too caught up in the excitement. You ditch those tights and that jacket ASAP and show up to that mixer looking hotter than hell and seal the deal. Okay?"

I nod vigorously, delirious with anticipation. I can barely focus on work the whole day. All I can think about is that Nate Archibald has finally noticed me. After 4 years of being his best friend and 5 years of being his subordinate, he wants me, Blair Waldorf. I remind myself, of course he does, I am Blair Waldorf. Valedictorian, sophisticated socialite, and trendsetter. But why now? I can't help but wonder as I strip off my stockings that evening and throw them into my purse. What does it matter? I ask myself, swiping my lips with another layer of red.

At the bar, I order a gin and tonic, eager to down a drink before I have to face him again. I let the cool liquid slide down my throat, feeling a bit of nervous energy dissipate.

"Better?" Georgina asks me.

"One more, I think." I order another and she shakes her head.

"Strike one. Never have your drink already full, it has to be empty so he can get you another. Down that, now." She instructs me with a no-nonsense expression.

I obediently drink the rest of it and just then we see Nate entering the bar at the door to our left. "How do I look?" I ask her before he can spot me.

She tousles my curls and then gives a satisfied smile. "Like someone, he should have noticed a long time ago."

I look back at him and see he's now got a small smile at the edges of his lips and I wonder if he's anticipating this just as much as I am. I wish he would turn his head and meet my eyes. Be patient, Blair, I remind myself. I take a deep breath, steeling myself. The oxygen stays suspended in my lungs as I spot an all too familiar array of perfectly arranged blonde waves out of the corner of my eyes.

No, not now.

Serena's ocean blue eyes are fixed on him and just like a scene out of a movie they are bounding toward one another, eyes not leaving each other. I look back and forth, as though watching an intense sports match. I'm not seeing this right, I tell myself but then I see them get within a few feet of each other. He seems to say something and she gives a flirty smile and says something back, tossing her hair back as she does.

Finally, I spring into action, making a beeline for them. "Hey S, what are you doing here?" I demand in a bossy tone.

"Oh, hey, B." She says, looking surprised to see me. Me. Even though it's my work event that I invited her to.

"Aren't you supposed to be sipping on vodka sodas with a bunch of Amazons?" I ask, desperately.

She shakes her head. "I thought I should come meet the people that deprive me of my best friend."

"That would be me." Nate extends his hand. "She has the misfortune of being my employee."

His employee? That's what I have been reduced to? I feel anger bubbling up, how dare Serena march in and ruin this for me.

"Sounds pretty fortunate to me," Serena says, a coy expression across her face. "I'm Serena by the way."

"Nate Archibald." He holds her hand for a little too long after they shake. "How do you know Blair?"

She wraps an arm around me, making me feel tiny and inferior. "She's practically my sister. We've been best friends since birth, basically."

Nate nods. "Well, we're both lucky then, aren't we? Blair practically runs my life, I don't know what I'd do without her. I mean, even today, she let me leave an errand request on her desk. Can you believe I asked her to buy my mom her birthday present?" Spots of pink cross his cheeks, accompanying his bashful tone. It's charming because everything he does is charming. The words make Blair's heart sink.

"Well, Blair does have pretty amazing taste, I mean she chooses to work for you, so I don't blame her." Serena lays it on thick.

Nate laughs, "You should join us. But first, can I get you a drink?"

I watch, feeling as invisible as I am to him, as they saunter off to the bar together. People actually turn to stare at them. That's how attractive the pair of them are.

And just like that, I feel like the most foolish person in the world. Of course, he didn't send me flowers. Of course, he met Serena and fell in love with her in an instant. And I am a hopeless idiot who will never get the guy when my best friend looks like that.

"What the fuck just happened?" Georgina demands, walking up from behind me.

"He left me a note asking to buy his mom a present. Not flowers." I look at her, unbidden tears welling in my eyes.

"Blair," Georgina gives me a rare sympathetic look. Then she glares at where Serena is flirtatiously leaning in towards Nate and clinking his glass. "That bitch, does she always have to steal the spotlight?"

"Georgina, it's not her fault. I mean, who wouldn't want to be the guy at the bar with her right now? Take a look around." I gesture at the men whose eyes are fixed on Serena's long golden legs. "Anyways, I think this is my cue to leave."

"No way, you can't leave me here. Who am I going to hang out with? Nelly?" She pulls a face and I give a weak laugh. "Besides you still look hot and there's plenty of other available guys. How about Hunter from Design?"

"Too blonde." I shake my head. "There's no point in me sticking around tonight. We both know why I came to this thing in the first place."

Georgina sighs, "Okay, if you're sure."

I nod and kiss her on the cheeks goodbye. Then I reluctantly head over to Serena to say goodbye, not that she'd notice if I was gone, judging by the rapt attention she's paying to Nate.

"I'm heading home, S." I say, tapping her on the shoulder.

"Already?" She frowns but I can tell instantly it's fake. "Do you want me to come home with you or should I meet you back later?" She gives me a pleading look and I know what she wants me to say.

Like the dutiful best friend I always am I say, "Stay out and have fun. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, B." She wraps her arms around me and whispers a thank you into my year.

"Get home safely, Blair." Nate calls after me and I cringe in memory at this morning. How did I ever think he actually liked me?

The final blow comes when I check my phone at home and see the words, "Did you like your flowers? I hope you're feeling better." splayed across the screen. Sender? Dan Humphrey. All the confirmation I need that Nate never has and never will show any interest in me. I swipe to delete the text and sink into the couch in despair.

A newspaper on the table catches my eye and I remember I never read today's copy of The New York Times. I pick it up and flip forward to my favorite section, Weddings. I scan and my eyes land on his name, Lincoln Hall. This week's column sparkles with dazzling prose and sentences that spring tears to my eyes. Someday, I think to myself, I just know that someday I will be the star of this section.

I clip the article and stick it in the folder where I keep all of his articles. I know it makes me seem like a tragic loser but really it's a reminder. A reminder that someday all of these weddings will pay off. Afterall, they're all just rehearsals for when I'm center stage and all eyes are on me. I'll know the exact pace to walk down the aisle, unlike Kati who practically sprinted down the aisle, and I'll know the exact time to take my wedding photos so it's worthy of The Knot's front page. All of the little details that everyone else overlooks, I'll have on lockdown.

I begin reading through all the old clippings, my emotions soaring and falling with each and every sentence I read. I don't even realize how late it is until the elevator doors ping and I see Serena walking through, looking elated. "You're still up?"

I quickly close the folder and try to shove it back in the drawer. But I'm too late and Serena picks it up. "Are you seriously working right now?" She flips through and then begins to laugh. "B, are these wedding announcements? You are so cute! Who is this? Lincoln Hall? They're all by him."

"They're nothing. It's research for a new book that an author we publish is working on." I lie as I snatch away the folder before she can steal my joy away from that, too.

"Sure." She says skeptically, still smirking.

"How was your night?" I try for nonchalant but fail. She doesn't seem to notice though as she practically floats on the chaise beside me.

"Dreamy." She lets her head fall back onto the tufted backing. "How did you never mention to me that you were working for Adonis?"

"Adonis? That's a bit of an overstatement." I scoff, as though that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard even though it's totally true.

"Don't even try to tell me you haven't noticed." She tilts her head, giving me a look. "Anyways, the whole night was perfect. He asked me out! We're going on a date tomorrow night."

The stab of jealousy hits me right in the heart and I almost think I might faint or puke or something from the pain. But I don't instead, I do what any best friend would do. "I'm so happy for you, S."

"Thanks, B. You have no idea how much I needed this." Her face lights up. "So tell me more about him. What is he like?"

I hesitate, "Well, I mean he's very driven. In college, he was always coming up with ideas for his family's business. He would make plans for when he took over, like the green initiative. As soon as he started at the company, he had research done on switching to an eco-friendly printing method and focusing more on ebooks. Which he followed through on. Also, he's really charitable and involved with the community." Now that I'm on a roll, I'm finding it hard to stop. "He volunteers at a soup kitchen every Thanksgiving and is a mentor to at-risk youth. Oh and he's an animal activist. He's been a vegetarian since freshman year of college and only consumes free-range eggs and abstains from dairy."

"Wow," Serena breathes. "He's even more perfect than I thought."

I freeze, realizing my error. "But he has flaws, you can't overlook those."

Her eyes widen, "Like what?"

"For starters," I take on a dramatic tone. "He's never had a relationship longer than two years. I think that's a bit of a red flag."

"Neither have I," She says shrugging and then eyes me more sharply. "Or you for that matter."

"No, I have." I say defensively. "James and I were together for almost 3 years."

"Okay, fine. Though I must point out you never even let him sleep over." She waves her hand away. "Nate just sounds really busy with work and charity so I'm sure he hasn't had the right time to meet someone. Any other things I should know of?"

"He won't eat anything with tomatoes. I mean, as a vegetarian, that just seems a bit ridiculous to me. Like then, what does he eat?"

"Blair, that's hardly a deal breaker." Serena laughs.

"I'm just saying, you can never be too cautious." I stifle a yawn and glance at the clock. "Anyways, I'm going to bed now. But we'll talk more in the morning, okay?"

Serena nods and murmurs a goodnight, clearly still in a state of bliss.

I wake up hoping that it was all a bad dream. That I'll wake up to an apartment sans Serena and head into work, pass by Nate's desk thinking wistfully about him, and maybe stop by Georgina's and have a good laugh over her latest dating antics. But no. Instead, I wake up to the intoxicating fumes of nail polish as Serena gives herself a manicure at my coffee table, sitting in front of a pile of magazines.

"S? What are you doing?" I stare in puzzlement at the sight that clearly seems out of place for 7:30 AM on a Tuesday morning.

"Preparing for my date, obviously." She rolls her eyes. "Remember?"

"At 7:30 AM? Is it a morning thing?" I picture them smiling over coffees and bagels and feel another wave of nausea.

"No but I have so much to do! I couldn't get fitted in for a nail appointment so I figured I'd just do it myself. Then I need to go get my hair cut and dyed, get a spray tan, and go shopping all by 6 PM." She lets out an exhausted breath.

"Wow, what a difficult day you have ahead of you." I reply sardonically. "Meanwhile, I'll be spending the next 8 hours in an office dealing with financial reports, quarterly reviews, and whatever else needs to be dealt with." I give her an exasperated look.

"Sounds fun, not." Serena says, applying another coat of polish. "Anyways, have a good day at work. Don't wait up for me tonight." She gives me a wink which makes me think about not coming home at all tonight.

"Bye," I say hurrying out of the penthouse before she can make any other innuendos.

"Guess who has a date tonight?" I say deadpan as I reach Georgina's office.

She drops her mouth open, "No. Don't tell me."

"Yep. 6 PM. He's taking her to Le Rouge, squeezed in a reservation with his 'connections.'"

"That bitch!" Georgina exclaims loudly and I shush her, glancing around to see if anyone heard. "Let's sabotage their date." She cocks an eyebrow.

For a second, I contemplate it. I consider calling the tanning salon Serena is booked at and telling them their 4 o'clock requests their darkest tan possible. I can just see it now, her freaking out over being oranger than a pumpkin. But then I shake my head. "I can't do that to her. She'd find out eventually and never forgive me."

"Boo," Georgina frowns. "You're no fun. By the way, who were those flowers actually from?"

I groan, "Don't even get me started on that." I walk out of her office before she can question me further.

I barely make it through the day. My mind keeps wandering to the possibilities between Nate and Serena. I can already envision their perfect golden family now. She'll probably be pregnant by the end of the night, I sigh and pack up my bag as I see it's already 6:30 PM.

I try to console myself with an Audrey movie but even that doesn't help. I obviously don't end up choosing Breakfast at Tiffany's. The last thing I need is to taint my favorite movie with the memory of it being the night of Serena and Nate's first date. So instead I choose Two For The Road but watching Jo and Mark makes me feel lonelier than ever. I'm already 27 and have yet to have a significant long-term relationship. Serena was right, James and I were basically strangers even though we dated for a couple of years. I don't even think I knew his parent's' names. I switch off the movie before it even ends, feeling defeated.

As predicted, Serena doesn't come home until the early morning hours. I hear the elevator ding and see it's 3 AM when she's finally rolling in. Throwing a pillow over my head, I try to fall back asleep and not to imagine what they did until that hour.

I run into Nate, literally, the following morning. "Oh, sorry," I say stepping back and looking into his eyes which have the trace of a smile at the corners. I can only presume he was up just as late as Serena yet his eyes still sparkle and his skin still glows. I, on the other hand, had to apply ten layers of concealer to cover up my undereye circle and use up nearly a whole palette of highlighter to counteract the fatigue etched across my face.

"Blair, I actually was hoping to speak to you today. Do you mind coming into my office for a moment?" He says ushering me down the hallway.

I feel a rush of nerves and already start playing out scenarios. Me getting fired, me getting replaced by Serena as COO, but before I can reel out more outlandish ideas we're inside and sitting across from one another.

"Sorry, this may be a little…" He falters. "Unprofessional but I needed to ask you something."

Unprofessional? Maybe he's finally realized he's overlooked me. Perhaps their date was a total catastrophe and he needs consoling. I feel a bubble of hope rising as I now concoct far happier scenarios than the former.

I nod, urging him on so he continues. "I realized I never asked you if it would be weird for you if I asked out Serena."

"Oh," I say, crestfallen.

At my silence, he goes on. "It's just, I've never met anyone like her and I just felt something, the second I saw her. You know that feeling?"

All too well, I think but don't say aloud. I nod instead.

"After last night, I realized that I really think this is the girl. So I needed to check with you that it's fine I continue seeing her. Even though you and I are friends, I do still feel an obligation given our working relationship to check since after all she is your friend first and I wouldn't want my relationship with her to interfere with the work we do here."

This is the girl? After one date? For fuck's sake. I stifle the urge to roll my eyes. I muster up my most professional tone before speaking. "I appreciate you considering my feelings but I assure you, it won't be a problem." As soon as I've spoken the words, I can't help but wonder what would have played out had I said I did mind. Well, either way, it wouldn't have looked very good on my part.

"Great," Nate beams at me, his brightest smile. The one that always makes my heart stop for a second. Except for today, Because that smile isn't for me, it's all for Serena. "Thanks so much, Blair for being so understanding. I can always count on you." He pats my arm as I stand to leave and make my way towards the door.

"Of course," I mumble tersely, wanting to run far far away. Maybe I should look up flights to Paris when I get home...

With that conversation with Nate serving as a precursor, I shouldn't be surprised with what happens three weeks later. But yet, I still reel back in shock the second Serena arrives home with a giant, in your face, diamond ring on her finger and loudly proclaims, "I said yes!" Her face as ecstatic as that of a child on Christmas morning, if not more.

I should have booked that flight to Paris after all...

As tears prick my eyes, I hug her tightly, trying to hide them. I have no reason to worry though, she thinks I'm just having the reaction of any good best friend, overwhelming joy. Even though that's far from my feeling.

That night, after two glasses of wine, okay actually more like three, I pull out my phone. I go my into contacts and select, Dan Humphrey. I click on Message and type the following:

Still on for those drinks?

His reply comes approximately 8 minutes later, a suitable amount of time to pass. Not too eager but not too delayed.

When and where?

I smile as I type:

Tomorrow night, 7 PM, The Carlyle

That night, I fall asleep not feeling like a totally lonely loser. So what if the only guy that's shown the slightest bit of interest in me (besides the construction workers on my way to work) is a Brooklynite? I've got to move on sometime.

I rarely (if ever) use Georgina in my stories so I thought this was the perfect opportunity. I thought she'd make the perfect snarky side character, so I hope you agree. Also James is indeed Marcus just Blair never got close enough with him to know he was actually a prince incognito. Also, hopefully that time jump wasn't too jarring. If you've seen the movie then you know that's it's necessary. The next chapter will also explain a bit more :) Thanks so much for reading!