Chapter 5 -Part 2

Chapter 5
Part 2

Stepping out of her taxi, Blair arrived at the restaurant. It looked classy enough. She was wearing a scarlet red knee-high dress, vintage-style. It went to the neck with lace, slimmed the torso and flowed out at the waist, snow white lace at every fold. In her perfectly curled hair was a matching red bow, of course, and on her feet scarlet maryjanes.
Blair pursed her red lips together, and touched her neck. Hidden under the collar was the diamond necklace Chuck had given her.
Breathing deeply, Blair walked to the restaurant entrance. Chuck was standing outside, waiting for her. He was in a black suit, with a bright red bowtie. Their outfits matched perfectly.
When Chuck spotted her coming up next to him, he held out his arm. Hesitating, Blair took it in hers. They walked in.
The inside was adorned magnificently. It was French, and looked very classic with pillars and ruffled curtains.
“Well,” Chuck asked, “What do you think?”
“It’s…. nice,” Blair exclaimed, gazing around the large room. “But where are the burlesque dancers?”
Chuck smiled. “I told them to take the night off. I didn’t want you to upstage them again in front of all these people. Once was enough.” Blair crossed her arms at him and sighed. Laughing quietly, Chuck led her to their table.
Blair sat down elegantly and waited while Chuck poured a rich red wine into her glass. “Not your usual choice,” she commented as Chuck filled his own glass.
“Well, it’s got the highest alcohol level of all of them. I checked.” Chuck grinned at her. Blair rolled her eyes, but took a sip of the wine.
“Blair,” Chuck said suddenly, just as their salads arrived. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” He leaned across the table and stared into her chestnut brown eyes.
Blair was taken aback. “Um… I don’t think so,” she replied, nervously putting a forkful of salad in her mouth.
“Well, you do. But I see you didn’t exactly follow the dress code I asked for.” Blair sighed. She should have known.
“I mean,” Chuck continued, “The hem isn’t even at your thighs.”
B glared at him.
“Not that I’m complaining,” he went on, sipping his wine. “It does look very flattering on you.” Blair’s eyes narrowed at him. What was he saying?
“Uh… thanks,” she finally responded dully.
They ate in silence until the main course arrived. Then Chuck leaned back in his chair, looking at B.
“Blair, you really do look beautiful,” he said slowly. “I’m sorry.”
Blair sighed again. “It’s alright,” she said forgivingly. “I didn’t really expect you to be all that sincere anyway.”
“But Blair,” Chuck protested, “I really do want to be sincere. I really do mean that—” Blair waved her hand at him distractedly. She was staring wide-eyed at the entrance to the restaurant. Chuck followed her gaze. He almost dropped his glass when he saw who was at the door.
Nate Archibald.