peach season [a gossip girl story]
episode three ; jack of no trades
summary ; with an impromptu gala to plan, georgia has to keep all her ducks in a row before they drag her down to hell... or worse.
wc ; 4K
playlist ; 1901 Phoenix | DOG DAYS ARE OVER Florence + The Machine | HEADS WILL ROLL Yeah Yeah Yeahs
BLAST: Rise and shine, Upper East Siders. Word is, the Conservatory Gala Chair is hosting a Luncheon fit for legends — and who’s setting the table? None other than Georgia Astor, freshly ripened and ripe for judgment. But don’t let the polished silver fool you. In this town, every toast is laced with poison, and every seat at the table comes with a target. Will our Peach serve elegance… or eat humble pie?
Georgia pierces her fork through the cheesecake and slowly puts it into her mouth as Jack watches her from across the room. He rests back in his chair and folds his hands into his lap. His eyes follow the fork back to the plate and then to her mouth several more times.
His hotel room was quiet except for the sound of her fork scraping against the plate. When Georgia finishes, she drops the fork and raises her eyebrow.
“Okay, you’ve buttered me up.” She nods, rolling her eyes when his eyes light up. “Why did you drag me over here, Jack?”
He clears his throat, “Can I spend time with my favorite woman on the island?”
Georgia fights with a smile, “I’m never sleeping with you.. again.”
“Oh, darling, you’ll come back for more.” He smirks, then shakes his head. “But this is business, this weekend you’re throwing a luncheon.”
She squints her eyes, “I’m throwing a… luncheon?” Georgia picks up her glass of wine and takes a sip. “Why should I throw a luncheon?”
Jack gets up slowly. He grabs his chair and moves it towards him, then sits. “I’m trying to shoot you to the stars, Peach, and this gala needs to bring everyone in.” His eyes peer down into hers. This luncheon will bring all the other chairs to your side.”
Georgia nods slowly. She doesn’t break eye contact Jack holds with her, not even when his hand finds her thigh. Her eyebrow raises slowly when he starts to lean in, but her hand finds his chest.
“I’m not sleeping with you, Jack.” She whispers.
“Can’t blame a man for trying, Peach.” He chuckles, picking up his lowball of Scotch. “Get to work, Madame Chair.”
BLAST: Spotted: The Peach indulging in more than just cheesecake with Uncle Trouble. Business, pleasure, or both? When Jack Bass makes a play, you better believe the stakes are high—and the lines even blurrier. Keep your eyes peeled, Upper East Side. This game's just getting started.
“Chuck Bass?” Georgia calls out singsongly as she enters his penthouse. “I’ve called you like a million times.”
She looks around and sighs. Her phone lights up with a text.
Chuck: Meeting ran over. Give me 10.
A door opens and shuts, making Georgia turn in its direction. She gasps silently when Nate comes out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. His wet hair drips onto the ground as he smiles at her.
“What are you doing here, Georgia?”
Her mouth feels uncharacteristically dry as she forces herself to meet his eyes, “Chuck said he wanted to talk about something.” Georgia clears her throat. “I’ll be on the couch to let you...” Her hand motions to his body.
What the hell is wrong with you? She scolds internally as she rushes into the living room. Georgia slowly sits on the couch and runs her fingers through her hair in an attempt to smooth it out, but stops. What is she doing? Nate is one of her best friends, and they’ve never crossed that line. Actually, it was a promise to herself to never cross that line with either man. Things were bound to get messy.
“So, what’s up with you and Chuck?” Nate asks as he enters the room.
Georgia shrugs, “No clue, he called and said he needed to talk to me.”
“You think it’s about Jack?” Nate eyes her.
“What do I have to do with Jack?” Georgia swallows slowly.
“He was the one who announced you as the chair, don’t you think that’s weird?” He sits beside Georgia.
She nods slowly, “Yeah, that makes sense, honestly.” Georgia shifts uncomfortably. “I’m throwing a luncheon this weekend.”
Nate raises an eyebrow, “A luncheon?” He chuckles lightly. “Why?”
“It’s a legacy thing, get all the other chairs there and just…” Georgia looks down at her hands. “This is so dumb. I should just quit.” She murmurs.
“No, it’s not dumb, Georgia.” He leans up, capturing her attention. “You can do this, and I’m here to help you, whatever you need.”
Georgia breaks out into a huge grin. She nods slowly, “Thank you for supporting me with this. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here.”
Nate leans back, resting his arm carefully along the back of the couch. “You know, most people would be freaking out right now. You’re weirdly calm.”
She shrugs, forcing a small smile. “If I freak out, nothing gets done, and my mom officially strips me of the Astor name.”
His lip twitches, “That’s a way to see it.” His knee shifts, brushing against her, but neither of them moves.
“I’ll figure it out, I always do.” Georgia clears her throat. She glances towards the door.
“I don’t doubt it,” Nate says softly with a smile that disarms her.
Georgia’s phone buzzes in her lap.
Chuck Bass: Elevator.
She stands silently for a moment, “That’s our cue.”
“I’ll leave you guys to it, see you later?”
Her eyes twinkle as she nods, watching him retreat towards his room. For a moment, she takes a deep breath and glances down at her phone. She opens the messages on her phone and scrolls down to see her thread with Carter. The last three messages are all her waiting for a response… and nothing.
“Georgia,” Chuck’s voice cuts through the room. “We need to talk.”
She stuffs her phone into her purse, “What’s going on, Chuck? I have a luncheon to plan.”
Chuck chuckles dryly, “I heard, but we need to talk about my uncle.”
A shiver goes down Georgia’s spine. She’s avoided talking about Jack with anyone. There’s a fear of having people find out what happened between them, and that’s the last thing she wants. It would almost destroy her. And the fear of Carter possibly hearing about it would be the nail in her coffin.
“I don’t know why he nominated me for the gala.”
He nods, “I need him gone.” Chuck sits on his couch slowly. “And Gossip Girl seems to always have him near you.”
“What do you want me to do, Chuck? I can’t avoid him right now.”
“I don’t need you to avoid him, I need you to keep him closer and tell me what he’s planning.”
Georgia sighs and sits down near him, “What the hell is going on between you two?”
Chuck leans up, leaning towards her, “Nothing, but Jack always has a plan, and I need to know what it is.” He zeros in on Georgia. “And he seems to like you.”
“I don’t want to get burned in the games you two play, Chuck. What if this all blows up in my face?” Georgia whispers.
“You won’t. I know you, Georgia, he doesn’t.”
With that, Georgia leans back in her seat. Her heart threatens to beat out of her chest. How did she find herself stuck in a power play between family?
BLAST: Peach may be chair, but every man wants a seat at her table. Jack’s pushing her forward, Chuck’s pulling her back, Nate’s looking for her smile, and Carter’s hiding in the shadows. Question is, who will she feed first?
Georgia crosses her leg slowly, staring at the dining room table that’s been transformed into her office. Belinda stands at the other side, furiously writing something down. Georgia looks down at a guest list, and she stares down at Serena’s name with her pen hovering over it.
“Georgia, Boucherie has agreed to everything you’ve asked.” Belinda smiles brightly.
A look of relief flashes across her face, “Perfect.” The sound of footsteps catches their attention, and Georgia glows. “Sweet Jenny, what are you doing here?”
“I came to say Hi.” She looks at the table and gasps. “Everything going okay?”
Georgia watches her for a moment before a grin overtakes her face. She sets the guest list down and leans up, “Jenny, are you busy?”
“No, can I help with something?”
Georgia lets her grin linger, crossing one leg slowly as she studies Jenny. “Well… I could use an extra pair of hands. You know how chaotic these things can get.”
“Of course! What do you need me to do?” Jenny beams immediately.
“A couple of things – for now, you can help with the florists and the gift bags, but during the luncheon, I’d love it if you could… Keep an eye on the room. Just make sure everything flows smoothly, and come to me if you notice anything.” Georgia holds out a clipboard of tasks.
Jenny takes it, Georgia leans back, letting her gaze drift to the dining room table-turned-office, smiling faintly as Jenny begins checking the place cards. Through the motions of Jenny and Belinda, Georgia fights a smile as she turns to look out the window and to the park.
“Perfect.” She whispers to herself.
The sound of the doorbell slices through the house. Georgia keeps the other two women at their tasks as she gets up to answer the door. A deliveryman stands before her with a bouquet. She stares at him, then the flowers, for a moment. She doesn’t say anything as she takes the card from the stick, and her shoulders drop as she reads the note: Pre-celebration and congratulations for Madame Chair - A Friend.
“Who sent these?” Georgia looks up at the deliveryman. When he shrugs, Georgia grabs the flowers and shoos him back towards the elevator.
Georgia sets the flowers on the coffee table and heads back into the dining room. She reclaims her seat and picks up her phone.
BLAST: Every detail in place, every smile measured… and someone in the room is about to realize they’ve underestimated the Astor touch.
The morning sun over Manhattan has always been Georgia’s favorite thing about New York. The way it creates a picturesque landscape, it’s what keeps her coming back every time she leaves. Now, with her morning latte that Belinda went to pick up, she stares out from her balcony at Central Park, something deep inside her twisting and turning.
Planning a luncheon in two days wasn’t in her cards when she sat on her flight back to Europe. If anything, she had anticipated a slow Autumn where she could hide from the drama, but Jack placed her in the middle of the storm.
“G?” Blair’s soft voice breaks the tranquility of the morning. She rests a hand on Georgia’s back. “I need to talk.”
Georgia faces Blair, shocked to see her disheveled and with a sad look in her eyes, “What’s going on, B?”
The pair sit on Georgia’s bed, Blair’s eyes fixated on her hands in front of her. For a moment she hesitates then she sighs.
“It’s Chuck,”
Georgia looks down for a moment, “What’s up with you two?”
Blair watches her for a moment, “It’s with Jack in town.” She continues. “With everything that happened last year, I think he’s still on edge.”
“Don’t try to think too much about it, B, it’s Jack so he’s probably up to something.” Georgia hums.
“Did Chuck talk to you?
Georgia sighs, “He did. He wants me to keep an eye on Jack for him.”
That makes Blair narrow her eyes, “Why?”
“Because he’s convinced that Jack nominated me for the gala chair to get to him.”
Blair straightnens immediately, “Actually, how did all of that happen? Why did Jack nominate you?”
“No clue.” Georgia answers immediately. “I was just as surprised as everyone else. I didn’t want it and now my mom is pushing it on me hard.”
That was technically semi-true. Even though Georgia wanted to give up the seat, Vivienne wouldn’t consider that an option. She drilled it into Georgia’s head that the Astor name couldn’t handle any rumors about why she was given the seat or why she gave it up after being seen with Jack – any move now can only hurt them.
“Okay, can you just make sure that Chuck doesn’t spiral? Jack has a special way of getting into his head.”
Georgia nods slowly.
“Sre you ready for tonight?”
“No,” Georgia laughs softly. “I would rather lay in bed with Macarons and a classic.” She pouts towards Blair.
Blair smiles, “We can do that tomorrow,” She nods. “But tonight, we’re celebrating your first event.”
BLAST: Central Park views, but all G sees are Bass shadows. Hope Peach can handle the storm she walked into. Spoiler: storms ruin peaches.
La Grande Boucherie lays nestled a few blocks away from Central Park, it shares a Parisian facade, promising elegance to all the invitees on the Upper East Side. Inside, the brasserie opens up to vaulted arches, with the sunlight spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the polished marble floors. A glint bounces off the rows of crystal glasses being filled with champagne. The air smells faintly of espresso and freshly baked brioche. Waiters glid between tables draped in linen with centerpieces of colorful florals.
Georgia steps through the doors, letting her gaze sweep through the room before anyone can notice her arrival. She steps into the sunlight, her dress a sunlit yellow, shines as it hugs her waist and flows down her knees. Her loose waves fall softly around her face as the click of her heels announce her arrival. Guest turn and smile as she passes then with small waves.
“Thank you for coming,” Georgia says over and over again as she walks past several tables. “Good to see you.” She smiles softly.
The room began to feel suffocating after a moment, Georgia stands near the bar and picks up a champagne flute. Her eyes searches until she sees Jenny on the other side of the room pointing towards something with a waiter.
A chatter fills the room and her eyes shift towards the entrance. She smiles brightly when her eyes fall on Nate and Chuck entering in their Sunday’s best. She sets the glass down and bounces towards them, grabbing hold of their wrists.
“I’m so happy to see you guys.” Georgia whispers, squeeing them tightly. “Come get a drink?”
“I’ve never seen you this happy to see me, Peach.” Chuck smirks.
Georgia rolls her eyes and turns to Nate, “How does everything look?”
“It looks good, Goldie.” Nate grins.
She freezes at the nickname. It felt like someone ducked her head in cold water. Georgia breaks eye contact for a moment, glancing back at Chuck who was focused on something else. When she looks back at Nate, his eyes are still on her.
“Goldie?” She questions softly.
Nate shrugs, as if the nickname was something he’s used his whole life. “You always look like you’re glowing, but tonight, in that dress, you’re glowing.”
Georgia’s mind races with too many thoughts all at once. Carter, in private, called her Goldie. He knew how much Peach would bother at her times, so he refrained from using it. It was pure shock to hear it from someone, other than Cater, call her that name.
“You’re gonna make my head bigger than it needs to be,” She mutter softly, trying to gain her composure again.
Nate flashes her another million dollar smile, but before he can say anything, an older woman grabs her arm.
“It’s time for your introduction.” She nods sternly.
Georgia glances back at her friends, “I’ll be right back.”
In front of the room, Georgia clasps her hands together. She can see the entrance as Georgia and Blair walk in. Blair gives her a warm smile, while Serena avoids her eyes, making a direct path to Nate and Chuck. Georgia swallows slowly and grins as some hands her a mic.
“Thank you all for being here today,” She begins, hand tightening around the microphone, powering with all the confidence she could muster. “The Conservatory Gala means—”
The sounds of beeps and hushed whispers made the words catch in her throat. Everyone in the room seemed to focus on their phones, with subtle looks in her direction. Georgia searches the room, eyes falling on Nate who looks mortified. Something in her stomach turned as her eyes darted across the room. What the hell is going on? She glances back to see Jenny already staring at her. She lifted the phone subtly to reveal the most recent blast: The Peach may be chairing a luncheon this afternoon, but some secrets never stay buried. Rumor has it Georgia Astor hid a bun in the oven from Carter Baizen two years ago. Looks like chairing a table doesn’t erase what people remember.. or whisper about.
Georgia’s chest tightens and the contents of her stomach attempt to come back up. She swallows slowly and brings the mic back up to her mouth, refusing to let this ruin the moment.
“Clearly,” She starts again with a smile. “Some high school rumors find a way of making themselves known again, but today isn’t about the past. It’s about the future and the community that we’re building, the opportunities we will create, and the legacy we’ll leave behind.” Georgia nods slowly.
The whispers in the room settle. She glances towards her friends, noticing the small nod coming from Chuck as he leans against the bar.
“So let’s focus on what really matters.” Georgia stands confidently again. “I’m so happy to have you all here and I can’t wait to hold this gala with a promise to make it unforgettable. Thank you.”
Georgia hands the mic off and immediately rushes towards the bathroom. She pushes the door open, trying to catch her breath. Who would do this and why? The door opens behind her and her shoulders drop.
“What the hell was that?” Georgia groans softly.
Chuck, Nate, Blair, and Serena pile into the bathroom. Blair crosses over to her and caresses her arm.
“I’m sorry, G.”
Georgia sighs, “For once, I’d love to do something without Gossip Girl throwing something in my face.” She looks into the mirror. “Who’d send in something like that?”
The bathroom is quiet for a moment. Through the mirror, she makes eye contact with Serena. Neither of them say anything, but something with Georgia settles. She stands straight and turns slowly.
“I’m surprised to see you here tonight, S.”
Serena shrugs, “You’re one of my best friends, G, I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Thanks for that.” Georgia nods. “Okay, I love you guys, but we can’t all hide in here. I’ll be out in a second.”
Chuck watches her for a moment, but Georgia nods reassuringly as they leave. Nate lingers for a moment, standing beside her near the sink.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He rests a hand on her lower back.
Georgia looks up at him, “I’m okay, I’ve read worse rumors about myself.” She leans against his shoulder for a second. “Go, I’ll be okay, I just need a minute.”
Nate takes a second then leaves Georgia in the bathroom.
Her smiles transform into something more bitter. Georgia looks into the mirror and messes with her hair before picking up her phone. She opens her messages and types an anonymous email to Gossip Girl: S was jealous that G got the gala spot and sent that bogus tip. Thought you were better than that, maybe you aren’t. XO.
If Serena wants to play dirty, why should Georgia play fair?
After pressing send, Georgia threw the bathroom door open and waltzed back to the party. Fortunately, most of the chatter from the blast had died down.
“Hey, are you okay?” Jenny smiles cautiously.
Georgia pats her arm, “All good, now we plan for the gala. Still want to help?”
“Of course!”
“Can you get a photo of the chair?” A photograph rushes over as Georgia turns.
Even with the blast, the luncheon was better than Georgia could’ve expected. As she sat at her table with her friends, a message caught her attention: I am better than that. Consider a retraction on behalf of myself to G. GG.
A smile spreads on her face as she turned her attention to Nate.
“What if I said I want to get so drunk I forget this party?” She whispers softly.
A grin spreads on Nate’s face, “Consider me your guy.”
As the pair laughed quietly, Serena couldn’t help noticing them. Yet, Chuck focused on her reaction to them. She slightly bumped her shoulder, but Serena dismissed his accusatory look.
“Thanks for coming guys, I know this wasn’t the most exciting thing you could be doing on a Sunday.”
Chuck chuckles, “You kidding? Sunday brunch and with the Peach herself?” He leans back back slightly, with one arm draped over the chair, eyeing a woman at the bar. “Can’t say I wasn’t hoping for a little more chaos.”
He stands before anyone at the table can rebut. Georgia rolls her eyes with a laugh and goes to turn to Nate, but—
“Oh look, it’s Jack.” Serena says.
Georgia forces her eyes towards the door, and of course there stands Jack with a brunette on his arms. He winks towards the group.
“Excuse me.” Georgia mutters to no one in particular as she stands. She marches towards Jack and offers the brunette no greeting. “Jack, can we talk?”
Away from the prying eyes, Georgia crosses her arms, “What are you doing here and with miss boobs for body?”
“Are you jealous, my Peach, that it’s not you on my arms.” Jack teases, trying to touch her face but she steps back. “I assumed my invite was lost.”
“No, Bass, you weren’t invited because you bring all the drama.”
“Can’t say that’s true with the blast I saw earlier. And where’s the empress”
Georgia stops. She narrows her eyes on him. A rebuttal forms on her lips but a shocked gasp breaks them out of the conversation. The entrance of Vivienne stunned the room into silence. Georgia glances back to a not-so-shocked Jack. He watches as Vivienne smiles ghostly in her floor length yellow gown. Of course, she has to be the center of attention.
“Ma cherie, I never meant to be late to your first event.” Vivienne shashays towards them, swiping hair off of Georgia’s shoulder before she glances at Jack. “Mr. Bass, always delightful to see you.”
Jack takes her hand, pressing a soft kiss. “Always great to see you, Viv.”
Though the gesture should be genuine, Georgia gives Jack a pointed look.
“I’ll see you later, Peach.” He grins, ducking out quickly.
“Mom, I thought you were leaving for Paris.” Georgia clears her throat softly, looking past her to meet eyes with Nate. “I don’t want to make this…”
Vivienne raises a hand, “I’m here to support you, ma cherie.”
“Because you showing up in a dress like mines at an event you weren’t invited to is you supporting me. Thank you, but I don’t need the empress here.”
Georgia pushes past her, sending daggers at Jack who stands near by. She heads to the bar, where Chuck still stands. She picks up another flute of champagne and downs it.
“What do you want me to do?” She whispers towards Chuck. “I don’t trust Jack.”
Chuck hums lightly, eyes stuck on Jack.
Georgia’s not sure how she got here, but she needs to find a way out before she’s buried under a tree.
BLAST: Spotted: Turns out, peaches don’t rot under pressure — they shine sweeter. So here’s a first: an apology. Georgia Astor, you showed the Upper East Side what real control looks like. And for the whisperer who thought they could play games? Careful, your bite isn’t nearly as sharp as mine.
next episode ; coming soon
