Chapter 24 -Part 1

Chapter 24
Part 1

Blair slipped gracefully down the stairs, entering the foyer. The maids and waiters were in a frenzy, putting the finishing touches on everything.
The foyer had been laid with elegant little tables and fruity drink bars. The room was colourful and bright, with an abundance of flowers: yellow roses, pink tulips, and white hydrangeas, all in extravagant bouquets. Half of the maids were dashing in and out of the kitchen, bringing trays to the buffet, while the other half were rushing around, setting every table and adjusting the centerpieces.
Running her hands across the smooth, white tablecloth, B glided towards her mother, who was barking last-minute orders at the staff. Noticing her daughter, Eleanor smiled, pleased.
“You look lovely, dear.”
“Thank you.” Blair smiled she adjusted the pearly white bow in her hair. “When will the guests start arriving?”
“In a few minutes. I was just making sure everything is perfect.”
“Of course.” Blair noticed the buzzing of her tiny handbag. Removing her cell phone, she excused herself. It was a text from Chuck.

Looking forward 2 tonight. ;)

Blair smiled, and quickly texted back: I know. But let’s keep us on the DL; I don’t want N to know just yet.
“Blair! Come over here this instant! Do you think the curtains look better drawn back halfway, or all the way?” Sighing, Blair put away her cell and started back across the foyer to her mother, even though she didn’t think curtains were going to be what would make this night perfect.

“Hey.” Serena stepped into the Humphrey loft, just as Dan reached the door.
“Awesome. You’re here.”
“Here I am.” Serena smiled as she kissed Dan’s cheek. “You ready for tonight?”
“Actually, I needed to talk to you about that. Someone came to the gallery a few weeks ago, and they’re interested in buying a painting. My dad asked me to come and help him make the sale. I hope you understand.”
“Oh, of course. Family first,” Serena said, although looking a little disappointed.
“Hey,” Dan said softly, lifting up her chin. “I’ll make it up to you.”
Giving him a small smile, Serena said, “You better.”
“Plus, I wasn’t that stoked about going to Waldorf’s dinner thing, anyway. Not exactly my scene.”
S laughed. “It’s not really mine either, but I gotta be there for her, you know?” Dan nodded.
“But we’ll just do something later, right?” Serena raised her eyebrows at him, and leaned in for a kiss. It was short, but meaningful.
“Of course,” Dan said, opening the front door. “But I can still drop you off there. I wouldn’t want any random guys hitting on you on your way to Blair’s. After all, you do look fantastic.”
“And you’re Dantastic,” Serena laughed, as he put his hand around her waist.
“Good one,” he said, smiling warmly at her.

Serena had been the first of Blair’s friends to come. There were some adults Mrs. Waldorf had invited, but no one B knew.
S was just telling her best friend about what happened with Dan.
“Wait, so you actually said Dantastic?” Serena laughed, nodding. Blair rolled her eyes. “Gag,” she said, sounding disgusted. “You’re so uncool, S.”
“Dan didn’t seem to mind,” Serena insisted.
“Oh, right, because Dan Humphrey really decides what’s cool.” The girls laughed. The elevator door opened, and more adults came pouring out. When they had all left, Jenny Humphrey slowly emerged from the elevator.
“Jenny!” Blair called as she waved. Smiling shyly, J made her way past the groups of talking people towards their table.
The girls enjoyed talking until Is and Kati showed up, as well as some other kids from Constance Billiard and St. Jude’s. Chuck came after the party was in full swing, and glided his way over to Blair’s table where she was talking to some juniors she had invited. Slipping into the seat beside her, Chuck kissed B’s hand.
“Looking lovely as always, Miss Waldorf,” he said in his gentleman way.
“Why, thank you.” Blair smiled at him.
“Although, I must say, I prefer you in diamonds instead of pearls, for reasons I am sure you are aware.” Giving her his signature smug look, Chuck gestured to the small pearls embroidered on her dress.
“Well, you’ll be happy to know,” Blair said quietly as the juniors moved off, “that I am not as thoughtless with my wardrobe as you would think.” B reached under her collar, pulling out the gorgeous diamond necklace she was wearing underneath. Chuck smiled at her slightly as she tucked it back in.
“Our little secret,” she whispered. Chuck leaned forward.
“Our dirty little secret,” he corrected, running his hand up her thigh under the table. Blair looked into his deep brown eyes, the tiniest smile on her lips. Gracefully, she rose, and walked over to where Serena was talking with Jenny. Turning around just as she reached them, Blair winked at him.