Secret Keeper

Season 4 Episode 9

Disclaimer: I only own Layla all other characters unless otherwise noted belong to someone else.

A/N: Reminder that I wrote this story 10 Years ago. I was a different writer then so if something is off or too Mary Jane I apologize. But I do hope you still enjoy.

On the Upper East Side, the possibilities are endless. Dom or Krug, Winston or Cartier, Tory or Stella, eventually, even the people with everything have to choose.

Layla walked throught the Empire with her brand new dress she had purchased. Meg had taken Sophie for the day and Layla had the whole place to her self. Nate had went to see Dan and she only assumed she knew where Chuck was. The elevator dinged and in walked her mom.

"Mother, what brings you by?"

"Can't I see my daughter?"

"Not unless you have an agenda and well you aren't choosing me to be the face of your foundation so..."

"Its not your thing Layla, you've never wanted it. If you did you would of made better descions"

"Basically Sophie is the reason I never had a chance."

"I never said that. Sophie is truly a blessing."

"Then Chuck?"

"Your history with Charles does make a huge impact on how people view you."

"Well if that's all you have to say to me then you can leave" Layla said and watched her mother walk out. She stopped before getting on the elevator.

"Darling I only say these things to help you improve your future. You haven't made the smartest choices in the past and you contituing to play house with that boy only makes matters worse."

"Yeah but I wouldn't change a single choice if I could" she smiled back at her mother.

She walked into her bedroom and spotted a picture that she had recently taken out siting on her dresser. It was an old one. From when she was 15, it was her and Chuck in the Hamptons. He was giving her a piggy back ride down to the beach. She smiled at it and turned back to the full length mirror. She heard the elevator ding and walked back out to the living area.

"So I took your advice about the relaunch. After tonight, it will be clear I'm back in the game with Victrola, Gimlet, and the Empire as my flagship." Chuck said.

"Yeah, but a black and white ball? It's so Hilton Conrad, not Paris." His publisist KC said.

"I take your insult as flattering."

"Well, don't."

"Black and White ball?" Layla said with a disgust.

"See this girl gets it, Layla right"

"Layla Baizen yes"

"I like her"KC said "People aren't checking into the Empire for a black-tie experience. They come to live like Chuck Bass No rules, no repercussions."

"They still can. The hotel is the same as ever." Chuck said.

"But you aren't. When you disappeared, you seriously damaged your brand, and the hotel has paid the price."

"So what do you suggest?" Layla said wanting to help Chuck out. This was her ticket back in.

"If you want to rebuild, you need to commit to being the hedonist everyone loves to hate. No one wants a soft-hearted has-been who's worried about dating Blair Waldorf."

"Trust me, a relationship with Blair is the furthest thing from my mind."

"Good, now this one here, she's someone you might want to keep around. She's beautiful and smart."