Spotted YOU

                                                                                                                   London, The Kensington Gardens

Once Joe gets sure that Serena is heading to an opposite way, he walks away from the Ritz.

- Now that I still have a purpose, thanks to you, my creature of light, I’d better do something concrete in this time I’m supposed to dedicate to a fake job interview. -

As his mind keeps elaborating a plan to do so, he’s already crossing the Kensington Gardens, admiring the colourful flowerbeds, the big square fountain at the centre, all the points of interest he can catch a glimpse from there.

He keeps walking until he reaches the Round Pond with its beautiful swans, in front of the Kensington Palace.
He sits on the bench and takes his mobile. It’s time to do some research.
Focusing on all the Universities and Colleges nearby.

-  Oh, that’s it! That’s the UCL, less than an hour of walking from here.  Plus it’s pretty close to the British Museum. If I rush I can try my luck… -

He’s already running, so determined in reaching his goal that he doesn’t pay attention to a woman coming from the other way.

The collision is unavoidable.

There’s a loud noise of books falling, along with some paper sheets.
All stuff that Joe doesn’t hesitate to collect, reading the titles in the meantime.

- ‘On writing well’,  ‘100 ways to improve your writing’ , ‘Reading like a writer’ … and what are those? Students’ essays with red corrections… is it what I think it is? -

“I beg your pardon, Madame, I was in such a rush that I totally didn’t see you coming. Are you ok?” He asks her, glad that at least he didn’t make her fall on the ground with her books.

“I’m as tough as redwood, lad!” She laughs, as she sits on the bench.

She’s an old lady around her sixties. Her middle length grey hair is gathered in a bun. Her thick glasses almost hiding her narrow green eyes.

Her petite body seemed even smaller due to her somehow humpy posture.

Joe seizes his chance.

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to mind your business, but I couldn’t help watching. Are you a teacher?” 

“You guessed right, lad. I am. I’m Mrs Feyers, I started teaching Literature right after University … and, can you keep a secret?” 

“I can try.” He nods, sitting next to her.

“I can’t wait to retire!” She confesses. “I mean, I love teaching at The Ashbourne, I love my students and everything, but I feel like I already gave all I had to give and I just want to spend the little rest of my life enjoying nature, such as this beautiful place, without worrying about anything else…” She sighs.

- I don’t know what exact god answered my prayers but this lady is heaven-sent! -

“Did you say Ashbourne? Where is it?”

“Oh, not far from here, you just have to cross the gardens and walk a little.” She explains.

- Oh, so it’s even close to Ritz; perfect to keep an eye on you, my creature of light. -

“You know, I feel like a sort of fate made us meet today; because I don't want to sound pushy, nor creepy, but… actually I’m looking for a job as a teacher. Do you know if there's any vacancy at Ashbourne?”

“Nope, there’s none at the moment.” The lady’s answer destroys Joe’s hope.

“Yeah, I should have known better. May is not the best month to start searching for a job, with the school year almost done…”

“But I could use an assistant.” She surprises him.

“What?” Joe chuckles in disbelief.

“You know, the writing creative course I’ve been charged of is very challenging: picking the proper drama, prose and poetry, trying to involve the students as much as possible, taking them to see the most iconic tragedies in theaters… I no longer have the energy I had when I was in my thirties… the energy that you could have… you?” She glances at him, waiting for him to introduce himself.

“Geez, where’s my manners? I beg your pardon.  I’m Jonathan. Jonathan Moore. And what you’re describing sounds like the job of my dreams.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Jonathan.” She smiles at him. “So, what’s the last class you taught?”

Joe scratches his head.

“I won’t lie to you, Mrs. Feyers. I've never taught any class, but I have an endless knowledge of classic books and movies. I’ve never published any of my writing, but I offered a huge help, a couple of years ago, in the creation of an important script, in Hollywood, but unfortunately it never saw the light.”

- Because, lucky for me, that idea died along with its author. R.I.P., Forty.-

He pauses, waiting for the woman’s reaction.

“First, just call me Margaret, okay? Second, do you have any idea of how many teachers I met, graduated with honors and everything, displaying resumes filled with so many remarkable experiences… just to find out how disappointing they turned out to be?”

Joe’s face lights up.

“What… what are you trying to say Mrs Fey… I mean, Margaret?”

“I’m saying that sometimes references and titles mean nothing. You may think I’m a crazy old woman, lad, since I have known you for something like five minutes, and yet I saw something in you, the way your eyes were sparkling as I told you about my job. I’m going to follow my instinct and my instinct has never failed me so far.”

“So, Margaret, will your instinct bring me to Ashbourne?” He beams.

“I really think so, Jonathan. Meet me tomorrow, around this time at the school. There will be even the Principal and the Head of Administration, but I’m sure you’re going to make a good impression on them, the way you did on me.”

“Oh, Margaret, I really don’t know how to thank you… “

“It’s me who should thank you, Jonathan. If you conquer my students’ hearts and minds, I'll probably be able to retire sooner than I wished!” She grins. “Now go on, run where you were heading to, just be careful not to bump into people again!”

Joe nods with a smile and walks away.

Actually, he doesn’t need to run anymore.

- I can’t wait for tomorrow. But even before this, can’t wait for this afternoon with you, Serena. Oh, well, since I already got my goal, why should I wait any longer? - 

He draws his mobile out, then ponders.

- Wait, what if I sound too eager, too desperate? Bugger, this, I don’t care!- He decides as he’s typing his very first text message to Serena.

‘Are you enjoying your sunny day outside?’

But according to Joe’s own theory, Serena should sound even more desperate than him, since she replies to him instantly.

‘I must confess… I succumbed to the dark charm of the store windows and now I’m trapped inside them, shopping! How despicable am I?’

Joe chuckles reading that.

‘Oh no, I was thinking so highly of you… all surrounded by nature and art… just to find out you’re such a material girl! Sooo disappointed.’ He sends his answer, not before filling it with some emoticons to make it sure that  he’s only kidding.

Her reply is not long in coming, filled with emoticons as well.

‘Oooh noooo, I don’t want you to be disappointed. Is there anything I can do to make you forgive me?’

This is shameless flirting and both probably are aware of that.

- Would you buy some sexy lingerie, Serena? Would you wear it just and only for me?- 

Of course, this is not the text message he types.

‘As you can guess by the fact I’m texting you so freely, I’m done with my job interview, so what about if we met at the British Museum a little earlier than agreed?’

Serena doesn't send her reply immediately this time.

And that’s something that’s making Joe a little nervous.

But after a few minutes,  just when he’s about to dread the worst, his mobile chimes with multiple notifications.

‘You know what, Jonathan? Let’s make things much simpler.’

And immediately after she shares her position on WhatsApp.

And to Joe this feels like a revelation.

-You’re at Harrod’s now, so both of us are about an hour of walking from the Museum, but that’s not the point. The point is that you’re exposing yourself to me. You want to be found by me. You’re not hiding. -

Carve your name into my arm

Instead of stressed, I lie here charmed

'Cause there's nothing else to do

Every me and every you

(‘Every you every me’ by Placebo) 

-All my life, I struggled my way to keep track of all my love interests. And yet you offer no struggle. You make everything easier. Prettier. Maybe you’re the one, for real. And this gives you a power over me you can’t even begin to imagine. I feel like you could do everything to me and I wouldn’t even protest. -

He beams, sort of touched, as he shares his position with her as well.

Sucker love, a box I choose

No other box I choose to use

Another love I would abuse

No circumstances could excuse

(‘Every you every me’ by Placebo) 

- There it is, that pleasant sensation of being in love that makes you behave like an idiot, probably I must have a doltish grin plastered all over my face, but I don't care. And I feel that this time it will be different: no boxes. No cages. I’ve learned from my previous relationships. I won’t abuse your love, Serena, or whatever feeling is already there. I will take what you want to give me and give you what you need gradually. -

Joe has fun seeing how Serena’s circle on the WhatsApp map moves closer and closer to him, until they both meet at Soho Square, not far from the museum.

“Hey!” Serena cheers, walking towards him.

“Hey.” He replies with a smile, staring at her better. “So? Why there’s no trace of your shopping?”

“Because I didn’t fancy the idea of carrying all those shopping bags around London. That’s why I asked Harrods to deliver everything directly to my Hotel. Such a very material girl thing to do!” She jokes about it.

“Well, this material girl forgot she had a knight boy at her disposal. I would gladly carry all your bags.” He winks at her.

“Very nice for you, but I’ll be content if you want to be my guide during our visit to the Museum.” She grins, linking arms with him, much to Joe’s surprise.

“Oh, Serena, I’m going to astonish you with all my sensational knowledge!” He brags.

“Uhm. I just hope they’ll also sell needles at the souvenir shop.” She wishes.

“Why needles?” He frowns.

“To deflate your ego!” She teases him, giggling.

“Enjoy all my swollen ego, while you still can.” He retorts.

“What do you mean?”

“The job interview went beyond my expectations. Tomorrow they want to meet me one last time to make the final decision,  but I am already very optimistic about it.” He beams.

Serena squeezes his arm.

“Jonathan! I’m so happy for you. I knew it would be a success!” She grins. “This also means we’re going to have a toast when we’re done with the Museum.”

“As long as you don’t aim to get me drunk; I’ll need all of my soberness tomorrow!” He laughs with her.

- See, Serena? You are willing to spend more and more time with me and this inebriates me more than any kind of wine or alcohol. -

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                                                                                                                                                              Paris, Peninsula Hotel

Many miles away and one hour ahead, someone is enjoying his morning in a less productive way, but definitely more relaxing.

Chuck is sitting on the king-size bed of his suite, reading the newspaper, wrapped in his long silk black robe; as he’s waiting for the beautiful woman sleeping next to him to wake up.

And she finally does.

“Oh god! What time is it? Where am I?” Marienne babbles, opening her eyes, still a bit numb.

“I’m just Chuck Bass!” He chuckles. “It’s almost Midday. And you’re probably in the most comfortable bed you've slept in.”

“Correct.” She grins, rolling closer to him, and that’s when she notices something.

“Wait. Why am I still dressed?” She wonders.

“Because I never took your clothes off.” He shrugs.

Marienne frowns.

“So, yesterday… here in your room...”

“We just slept.”

“Oh.” She sounds almost disappointed and that amuses him a lot. “I mean, after all that wine and my total loss of inhibitions, I thought there were the right conditions for us to… you know.”

“And I thought so too.” Chuck chuckles. “But the moment your head touched the pillow and you fell asleep like a little girl I changed my mind. Even more after what you confessed to me. You really needed some rest.”

“Well, I guess I did. Thank you.” She murmurs, getting up.

“Just thank the fact that you met me now, Marienne.” He shrugs.

“What do you mean, Chuck?” She crosses her arms against her chest.

“Just one year ago, things would have gone very differently: I would have taken advantage of your drunken state, without even thinking twice, probably I would have spilled something funny in your drink; even more probably you would have woken up naked with me, and other two or three women you have never seen before.” He confesses, his tone so low and calm making the content of his speech even creepier.

- Oh my God, this guy is ten times worse than Joe! - Marienne ponders, scared.

“So what happened in just one year to make you change so much?” She inquires.

“A girl happened.” Chuck sighs. “A girl whom I got together with and broke up with, several times. A girl who encouraged me to find the best part of me and focus on that. I used to see women just as sex toys, mere objects aimed at my pleasure.”

Marienne keeps listening to him in silence, feeling more and more disgusted.

“But then I’ve learned that if I wanted to win that girl’s heart, I had to become a better man, a man who would deserve her love. And I could have had her easily, you know? But back then I decided she deserved better, that’s why I literally delivered her in the arms of a Prince. A real Prince. A Prince she got married with. And as I was sure she was happy, I walked on the road to redemption. I’ve learned many things, such as the respect for women. If I look back to who I used to be, I’m surely not proud of that. I've done awful things I prefer not to display.”

“Well, there’s no dark past that’s so dark to the point it can't be redeemed.” Marienne states, as she checks her bag.

- Unless you’re Joe Goldberg! - She adds in her mind, still panic-stricken.

“And do you want to hear the funniest part? She’s not the most angelic creature of this world, for sure. She can be very ruthless with her schemes and plotting.  She tricked me into dumping whom was a real angel.” He sighs. “But I never stopped loving this girl, no matter what. The whole redemption thing was totally useless, because she did end her marriage, for which I even paid a very expensive dowry for her. She did say she will always love me, but she chose to be with another guy. Ironic enough, even more if you think of it as a double betrayal.” He rolls his eyes, skimming the pages he’s pretending to read with more violence than he expected.

“Why do you think so?” Marienne grows curious, as she texts something from her phone, but it doesn’t mean she’s not paying attention to every word of his.

“Because the guy she picked over me is just the one who’s been so close to me during my arc of redemption, so much that I was starting to consider him as… a true friend. That backstabbing bastard!” He growls.

“Oh, I'm sorry. It still seems like such a fresh wound.” Marienne groans, moved.

“It is. But, as you like to say here, c’est la vie!” He scoffs. “And it’s also the main reason that brought me here. Well, it can't be that bad, if it brought me to you, can it?”

She smiles at him, flattered.

“Do you mind if I use the bathroom?”

That’s surely not the answer Chuck was waiting for from her.

“Huh! Sure. Make yourself at home.” He shrugs, going on with his reading.

That’s why he’s rather amazed when he sees Marienne getting out of the bathroom wearing only the Hotel bathrobe… and nothing else under it.

And the belt is so loose he can practically see everything.

“You know, Chuck, I really appreciated your confession before. You could have pretended to be anyone else, and yet you chose to be yourself.” She says as she slowly walks towards the bed. “I guess this honesty deserves a reward.”

She starts playing with the edge of his bathrobe, but he blocks her wrist in his hand.

“Marienne, are you sure?”

She places her index on his lips.

“Hush, Chuck. I’m not asking for a relationship. I’m not asking for a boyfriend. I’m just asking for this moment. And us. Making each other feel good. I guess we both deserve it.” She replaces her index with her mouth, kissing him with a lot of determination.

That’s why he doesn't take him long before kissing her back.

She parts from him, only to take off her bathrobe, waiting for him to do the same.

The difference is that he also wears boxers and a T-shirt, but she’s more than glad to get rid of them too.

“So, no complications?” He asks, as he cups her breasts.

She moans, arching her back.

“Not even a single one.” She kisses him, descending on his neck, as she sinks her nails into his shoulders.

Chuck hisses in pleasure; he has never minded a little pain.

He brings his mouth to her hard nipples, licking and sucking them his way, before placing kisses all along her abs and belly and going further down.

Marienne eagerly spreads her thighs and his oh so skillful hands and mouth bring her to multiple orgasms.

Once she recovers, she kisses Chuck, without any shame, tasting herself.

“I’m such a thankful girl,” She smiles as her right hand caresses his dick. “I always reciprocate  these kinds of favors.”

She bends over on his lap, placing soft kisses on the tip and caressing the length with both hands.
She proves to be rather skillful as well, and just when he’s hard enough for her, she decides they teased each other way too long.

Chuck couldn't agree more, but he also knows he can’t let Marienne have the dominant position.
That’s a privilege he allowed just and only to a certain girl.

He switches roles, abruptly, and pushes into her arousing warmth harder, faster and deeper, until they both can’t hold anymore.

Chuck parts from her right before releasing his pleasure.

Now he’s the one who needs the bathroom.

When he’s back, Marienne is already dressed and ready to go.

“You were damn serious about the ‘no complications’ speeches!” He chuckles.

“I know it might sound rude of me, but I didn’t mean to make you think I hadn’t had a good time here. I had, really.” She explains, taking her bag. “But I also have a little daughter to take care of.”

“Oh.” He sounds surprised and then he analyses the whole thing better. “So, that painting, the one I like the most, the subject is… “

“You’re so smart. Yes, it’s her. Her name is Juliette, she’s ten…”

“Well, I guess it’s not the same level of commitment, but.. I have a dog!” He makes her laugh.

“So, that’s why it’s going to take me a while before I fully accept your offer and go to New York, first I have to find someone who can look after Juliette, while I’m away.”

“Why don’t you bring her with you, too?” Chuck suggests.

“What?” She stares at him, amazed.

“You know, I own a whole Hotel that can make the Peninsula pale in comparison, so I guess that finding some room for her shouldn’t be an issue.” He winks at her. “Plus, it’s something I was already thinking about before; but now that you even told me you have a little daughter… I’ll do everything that is in my power to guarantee protection. And trust me, I do have power, I’m Chuck Bass.”

Marienne does something that catches him off guard, a lot.

She hugs him tight.

“Oh, Chuck, are you heaven sent or something?”

“Well, people usually connect me more to hell, but I’m glad you think so.” He smirks. “I could hire some bodyguards to watch over you and your daughter. Then I guess that it would help if you could provide me some pictures of the man they’re supposed to protect you from.”

“Uh, sure, it makes sense. Well, I guess I’ve deleted most of them, for reasons… but I should have a few ones again.. let me check in my mobile as I go back home. Thanks again for everything, Chuck.” She murmurs, as she walks through the door. “Uh. Chuck?”

“Yes?”

“About that girl you told me about… you shouldn’t lose your hope.” She winks at him before leaving.

About a quarter of an hour, probably when Marienne finally managed to find those pictures, Chuck’s mobile chimes with a couple of notifications.

And when he looks at the display he almost drops the phone on the floor.

- Oh, Marienne, you gotta be kidding me!- He laughs. - Things are turning more interesting than I could have ever imagined. -

He knows that it’s still too early in New York to make a certain phone call, even if this means meeting Blair (and Dan) sooner than expected.

He doesn’t even know if he’s already ready for that.

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                                                                                                                                                   New York, 1136 Fifth Avenue

Dan loves early mornings in bed with Blair.
While she is still asleep.
He likes watching all the changes in her expressions, especially if she’s dreaming.

Hopefully, about him.
He likes watching her chest rising and lowering so gracefully.
He loves how her now messier hair frames her always perfect face.

Dan loves those little precious moments when Blair is only his and no one else’s.

Maybe feeling observed, Blair opens her eyes.

“You were doing it again, weren’t you?” She smiles, as she stretches. “Humphrey, this is getting creepy.”

“Stop being so beautiful, so perfect in every single thing you do and maybe I’ll stop staring at you in awe every time I have the chance to do it.” He smiles, bending over her to kiss her, slowly, taking all the time he can.

There’s no rush, he wishes some higher powers could stop the time, framing them in that idyllic moment.

His teeth gently nibble her lower lip, the tip of his tongue traces the edges of her teeth, their breaths mingle together.

“Mm.. these are the awakenings I love the most!” She purrs, kissing him once more.

“Oh, Blair, I could write hundreds of poems about your first eye blink in the morning, the first strand you brush from your forehead, the first smile that ripples your lips.” He murmurs, staring at her, bewitched.

“Sweet, but… write less, kiss more!” She pulls him closer, yanking his T-shirt.

He kisses her more demandingly, moving to her cheek, ear, lobe and neck.

He lowers the strap of her babydoll and places a kiss on her shoulder.

“So, Blair, do you think we should just confine ourselves only to kissing or…”

Blair grins.

“Finally! Now you’re speaking my same language!” She grins, before disappearing under the sheets with him.

And once again they take it very slow, until they have time for that.

“Stupid new book forcing me to do stupid meetings to plan the stupid promotion!” Dan complains, parting from her.

“I want my stupid best seller boyfriend to succeed, so chop-chop, go get ready for your meeting!” She encourages him.

He goes to the bathroom and that’s when Blair finds out that there’s a missing call on her mobile.

Blair thanks her lucky stars for her wise decision to keep her mobile silenced and without vibrations.

That is not something Dan would have been very happy to notice.

That is not just any missing call.

That’s a missing call from Chuck.

-Why has he looked for me? Why didn’t I block his number in the first place? Oh c’mon, Blair, it’s you who left him and you would even want to block him? It’s not fair. -She struggles with her conscience. - What if something bad had happened? What if he’s in danger? What if he needs my help? -

Another blink from her mobile, this time it’s a text message.

Still from Chuck.

‘If I did my math, it would be around seven in the morning in New York, now. Is it too soon, maybe? But if you’re already up, please call me. C’ 

Blair is already answering before even realising what’s she doing

‘I’m up, but Dan is here now. Just wait for him to leave and I’ll call you. B’

- What the hell did I just do? Why couldn’t I pretend I was still sleeping? I could have bought time. But time for what? -

Her thoughts are interrupted by Dan coming back, all dressed up and ready to go to work.

“Go get them and come back victorious!” She pulls him close for a kiss.

“I’m going to come back to you. This already makes me a winner.” He beams so sweetly that she almost feels her legs melting down.

- Why am I feeling so guilty? - She ponders as she watches Dan leaving.

- I’m doing nothing wrong. It's just a phone call. Two people who communicate. An important exchange of info. Whatever they are!- She resorts to all her rationality as she selects Chuck’s number who picks the call at the second ring.

“Hello, Blair…”

TBC