Pippa Middleton is in America! Allegedly, Pippa came to New York to take some meetings ahead of her promotional blitz for her “Celebrate” book – which is just like a fancy coffee table book about throwing parties and such. Pippa scored a major payday for the book, and I suspect that we’re about to get a whole lot of Pippa as she promotes the damn thing. The book comes out in late October, so it’s still kind of early to do promotion. It’s much more likely that Pippa just came to New York because she fancied a trip to New York, and because she wants to see what the Man Situation is in America, having hustled her way out of a potentially advantageous union with several aristocratic young men. Speaking of, Pippa spent Labor Day weekend in Manhattan and Shelter Island… with Andre Balazs. Otherwise known as Chelsea Handler’s boyfriend, otherwise known as a very rich hotelier with international connections and bad taste in women. So is Andre dropping Chelsea Handler for Pippa Middleton? Pippa, you in danger, girl.

Pippa Middleton has instantly made waves with her arrival in New York after the British socialite, little sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, hit Shelter Island on Sunday and was seen hanging with dashing hotelier Andre Balazs.

Spies say Middleton played pingpong with Balazs at his boutique hotel Sunset Beach, where there was “definite chemistry between the pair,” who then also shared dinner Sunday night.

“Pippa was wearing red jeans and a white top. She was dressed sexy, but not too sexy,” a Hamptons spy said, adding that while it did not seem like Middleton and Balazs are a couple, it was “flirt central.”

“There was definitely chemistry,” our spy said. “Andre was being very charming.”

Another source said the two talked business. “She shares his interest in hospitality,” said a source, pointing to Pippa’s upcoming book, “Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends.” “But everyone was speculating what a great romantic pairing this could be.”

When Middleton was recognized by fans during dinner, she took time to pose for pictures and was “really nice and very friendly.”

Suave Balazs has been linked to Uma Thurman and, more recently, on/off gal pal Chelsea Handler, while Middleton’s been linked with on/off boyfriend Alex Loudon back in London.

At the end of the night, Balazs was seen giving Middleton a friendly European-syle double kiss on the cheek, witnesses said.

The night before, Middleton arrived at the Upper East Side’s Carlyle Hotel, but made a quick beeline for harder-partying Meatpacking District. “She asked the concierge to make a reservation at Catch,” a source said, where she later arrived in a “sleek, teal green, knee-length wrap dress” to taste chef Hung Huynh’s creations, including the hot spot’s signature scallop dumplings.

Pippa and pals stayed for “just over an hour,” then headed for quiet after-dinner drinks. Plucky Pippa, reportedly in town meeting with publishers, was even seen later “hailing a taxi by herself in the Meatpacking District on a Saturday night.”

[From Page Six]

The NYDN says Pippa also spent some time with former New York Ranger Sean Avery, who – correct me if I’m wrong – is something of a notorious d-bag, right? I tend to think the Andre Balazs stuff has more potential for scandal and entertainment, if only to see how Chelsea Handler reacts. Chelsea and Andre have had an on-and-off relationship for more than a year, and although Chelsea puts up a front like dudes are SO lucky to be with her, it just feels like Chelsea was an is trying to maintain the relationship with Andre because of his connections and because he’s a “get” for someone like Chelsea (a cable-show hostess). Now, I’m not saying that Pippa is some big “get” as a potential girlfriend either. But… it’s interesting.

Photos courtesy of WENN, Terry’s Diary.