DISCLAIMER:
I own NOTHING!
~ Thank you to everyone who has been reading and leaving me reviews! I love reading what you have to say. :-)
~ I hope you all are enjoying this story, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Drop me some reviews! :-)
~~~ Self Quarantine Day 65 ~~~
I've had A LOT going on lately! Sorry I haven't posted anything, but I've definitely been writing in the little bits of time that I've gotten.
I hope you are all doing well, and continue to remain healthy and happy.
Gilmore Estate
Hartford, Connecticut
"So you work on the Obama campaign?" A man asked, trying to have a conversation with Rory. Richard and Emily Gilmore had invited several friends over for their annual Thanksgiving gathering, and as always, Lorelai and Rory were required to attend.
"I do. I'm a political writer for Gray Line."
"That sounds like a lot of work. Are you traveling with the campaign, or working in the office?"
"I'm on the campaign bus full-time. Wherever Barack goes, I go."
"That is a lot of travel."
"It is, but I enjoy it. I get to see a lot of places that I would never think to visit."
"So what happens when the election is over? Are you out of a job?"
"I'm not sure. We'll see what happens when the time comes. I have a lot of options right now."
"So I'm guessing you aren't in town for long?"
"Just for a week. I flew in yesterday, and I have to leave again on Monday. But I'll be back for Christmas."
"You grandparents seem very proud of you."
"They are great! My grandparents are amazing people!"
"Hey, there you are!" A voice said from behind Rory, as an arm snaked around her waist. "I knew you were here, but I didn't want to ask anyone where and look like an idiot. Hi, I'm Logan Huntzberger." The newcomer said holding out a hand to the man Rory had been taking to.
"Ralph McDonough." The man said, shaking Logan's out stretched hand.
"Ralph, it's nice to meet you. What brings you here this fine evening? I hope I'm not interrupting something."
"No, nothing at all. Did you just get here?" Rory asked.
"Just a few minutes ago. Mom and Dad are still talking to your Grandparents. I might have side stepped everyone for a drink."
"Probably the safest plan of action." Rory agreed, reaching for Logan's drink, and taking a sip.
"How do you two know each other?" Ralph asked.
"Rory and I went to Yale together." Logan answered, watching Rory nod, out of the corner of his eye."
"That's a good school. I'm guessing you work in the newspaper industry."
"Actually no. I work for a tech company out in Palo Aalto."
"Interesting! Anyone I've heard of?"
"Possibly. But if you haven't, you will very soon. We are working out a deal to merge with Google next year."
"Impressive!" Ralph commented.
"I didn't know that?" Rory told him.
"I just got the call about it this afternoon. I have to be in the preliminary negotiation meeting Tuesday morning."
"Logan, that is awesome! I am so proud of you!" Rory said excitedly.
"Ralph, what do you do?" Logan asked.
"I am a stock broker with Meryl Lynch."
"Sounds busy. You would probably get along great with my Dad." Logan commented as he reached to take his drink back from Rory. "Would you like me to get you something?"
"No, I'm ok." Rory answered.
"You don't even like McKellen. I don't mind getting you something."
"I'm fine, I just needed a sip. Is your sister here?"
"Both her and Josh."
"I am so sorry Ralph, would you excuse us? There is someone I need to go see." Rory said politely, seeing him nod, as Logan took her hand and escorted her away. "Thank you for saving me. That guy was pretty dull."
"He looks boring." Logan agreed. "You require more entertainment than he can provide."
"He is definitely pretty boring. Not the slightest bit humorous."
"He didn't make you laugh?"
"He doesn't have your talent." Rory chuckled.
"Rory! I am so glad to see you!" Honor exclaimed as she wrapped Rory in a tight hug. "Josh, you remember Rory, right?"
"It's nice to see you again, Rory." Josh smiled as his wife let go of Rory, who stepped back next to Logan.
"It's nice to see you again too. I'm glad you guys are here. My grandmother keeps trying to hook me up with random guys. I thought that by suggesting she invite the Huntzberger family, I would have avoided the auction block."
"You haven't told your Grandparents that we're together?" Logan asked.
"Have you told your parents?" Rory questioned. "We agreed to wait to tell anyone until we needed to."
"Well I think our little bubble is about to burst." Logan said motioning ahead of them, seeing Mitchum Huntzberger heading their way.
"He had to know that I would be here, this is my grandparents' house after all." Rory commented.
"It'll be fine. He doesn't control my life anymore. He can't hurt us." Logan assured her.
"Maybe I was stupid for telling Grandma to invite your parents. I only did it because it meant that you guys could be here, and we wouldn't have to spend Thanksgiving apart."
"Hey, we've got your back." Honor said as Mitchum joined the group.
"Rory Gilmore. It's nice to see you. You look well." Mitchum greeted her in his usual booming tone.
"Mr. Huntzberger, I am so glad you and your family could join us. Happy Thanksgiving!" Rory smiled.
"I hear you've been working as a political writer."
"I am. I am on the campaign bus with the Barack Obama team."
"That is a great opportunity for someone like you."
"Yes it is. I am very blessed." Rory agreed.
"I've read some of your articles off the AP wire. Any big plans for after the election?"
"Not yet. It's still a long way off. Things are so crazy right now that I am just focusing on getting through one day at a time. I'll worry about what happens next when the time gets closer."
"Well you know who to call for a newspaper job."
"I do, thank you Mr. Huntzberger." Rory said with a gentle smile, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I see you are engaged. I guess someone swooped you up pretty quick after my son left." Mitchum said, noticing the ring on Rory's finger. "Who is the lucky guy? Is he here? I would love to meet him."
"No, I'm not engaged. Not yet anyway . . ." Rory chuckled. "And you've met him."
"Have I?!"
"You've known him for years." Honor added, winking at Rory, as Logan rolled his eyes.
"Now Logan, just because you couldn't seal the deal, doesn't mean that Rory here should have to be unhappy too." Mitchum told him.
"Are you serious right now!?" Logan stammered, trying to control his rising anger.
"Dad, Rory and Logan are together." Honor told him. "You might not like it, and you might not support it, but they're together. You and Mom are just going to have to accept it. Rory and Logan are happy together. Please stop trying to interfere."
"So that ring is from my son then." Mitchum stated rather than asked.
"Yes, it is." Logan answered.
"But you are not engaged?"
"Not yet."
"Just staking your claim then."
"If that's how you choose to look at it."
"Rory, how lovely to see you." Shira greeted, approaching the group as Logan glared at his father.
"It's nice to see you Mrs. Huntzberger. You look lovely." Rory greeted the older woman with as much politeness as she could muster.
"Thank you Dear. You look lovely yourself."
"Logan, why don't you tell your mother your news." Mitchum suggested.
"Really Dad!?" Logan muttered.
"Logan, Honey, you have some news to share?"
"Oh geez you two, it's not even news. Rory and Logan have been together for what, 4 years now?" Honor asked.
"Pretty much." Logan answered.
"Oh! You two are back on again?" Shira asked. "How long has this been going on?"
"A while. Can we talk about something else now?!"
"Emily! Did you know that Logan and Rory are together again?" Shira asked, reaching for Emily's arm and she started to pass by the group.
"Of course! Isn't it fabulous?! We just love Logan! He is such a charming young man. We are very happy to have him as part of our family." Emily gushed. "I'm so sorry, but can I borrow Rory for a moment please?"
"Yes, of course." Honor answered as Rory smiled, then turned to follow her grandmother.
"I'll come find you." Logan said as he dropped the hand he had been holding, watching as Rory followed Emily out of the room.
"Grandma, I am so sorry we didn't tell you sooner. We were planning to tell you tonight. This is the first time I've seen you in months, and Logan just got here. Thank you for playing it so cool though. I thought for sure Shira was going to rip into me if you hadn't stepped in." Rory said once they were out of ear shot.
"I wish you had told me sooner. I saw Logan walk in the door, and I was going to rush over to warn you, but your mother told me there was no need."
"I'm sorry Grandma. We didn't tell anyone when it happened. Mom just found out at the airport yesterday. We were planning to tell everyone when we came home for the holidays. We just wanted to enjoy our little bubble for a while."
"Rory, Honey, I've been there. And with a family like the Huntzbergers, I can't say that I even blame you."
"So you're not mad at me?"
"Never! Your Grandfather and I love Logan! He is welcome in our home and our family at any time!"
"Thank you Grandma! That means a lot to me. Oh hey, check this out. Wet aren't engaged or anything, but Logan gave me this when we patched things up." Rory said, holding her hand out for her grandmother to see her newest piece of jewelry.
"Oh Rory! That is beautiful! Absolutely stunning! That boy has impeccable taste!"
"We don't get to see each other much, but he wanted me to have something to remind me of his commitment to our relationship, and that he loves me."
"It is gorgeous! Congratulations honey! I'm happy that you are so happy." Emily told her. "Just make sure you tell your Grandfather."
"I'll go find him right now. Did you need me to help you with anything?"
"No, I was just saving you from Shira. I thought you could probably use it."
"Thank you Grandma! That women hates me with every fiber of her being!"
"I've been there. You just stand strong, and remember that you are better than she is. You're a Gilmore!"
"I will. Thank you Grandma!" Rory said as she gave Emily a quick hug, then turned to go find Logan and her Grandfather.
"Hey, is everything ok?" Honor asked seeing Rory heading toward her.
"Yeah, everything is great! Do you know where Logan is? I need to borrow him for a moment."
"I think he's outside either ripping into Dad, or blowing off some steam."
"I am so sorry Honor! I didn't think this would happen. I guess I stupidly thought that everyone could get along for one night."
"Don't worry, it's not your fault. My parents just don't really know how to play nice in the sandbox."
"Does it ever get easier?"
"I wish I could tell you that it does. We honestly just don't do combined family activities. Things just work out better keeping everything separate."
"I'll have to keep that in mind."
"Try not to worry. At least they haven't made a public spectacle yet."
"Something to look forward to." Rory laughed.
"Just ignore my parents. Logan's opinion is the only one that matters."
"Thank you for always having my back Honor."
"You don't have to thank me. It's what big sisters do. Now go find my little brother. "
"With pleasure!" Rory smiled, then headed toward the French doors that led to the backyard. It didn't take long for Rory to find Logan standing by the side of the pool, staring off into the distance. She slowly walked over to him, threading her arms around his waist, and nuzzling her face into his shoulder.
"Careful there, my girlfriend might see and get jealous." Logan joked.
"Damn! It figures a hot guy like you is already taken. Is she at least pretty?"
"She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. " Logan answered, pulling Rory around to face him, wrapping her in his arms. "And sexy as hell!"
"Hey now! My boyfriend gets really jealous when other guys hit on me."
"He does, does he?! I guess I'll just have to be sure to stay incognito."
"And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
"I don't know. Maybe I'll just have to whisk you away to a cabin in the mountains, for a weekend of quiet relaxation. How does that sound?"
"It sounds intriguing. When would you want to go? I'll need to arrange a decoy."
"How about Saturday morning? Can you run away that soon?"
"What if I want to go right now?"
"I almost wish you would." Logan chuckled.
"How about Friday night?"
"Sounds possible..."
"I'm going black Friday shopping with my mom that morning, but you can steal me away after, and try to make me forget all about the blonde hunk I've been dating for the last 4 years."
"You've been dating a blonde hunk, huh?! Does he have abs like mine?"
"I don't think anybody has abs like yours."
"He must not be very good looking then."
"You're right, he's a real dog!" Rory laughed.
"A dog you say? What kind of dog? Is he at least loyal?"
"Aren't all dogs?"
"So tell me ... What do you like about this dog of a hunk?"
"Well, he's smart, funny, gorgeous as heck, and has the most incredible eyes ... "
"Oh really?! You like his eyes?"
"I love his eyes!"
"You do?! And are they a pretty blue color like yours?"
"Will you just shut up and kiss me now?" Rory finally asked.
"With pleasure!" Logan agreed with a bright smile, pulling her tightly against him as he smashed his mouth into hers.
"Dam, I miss you!" Rory mumbled when Logan finally broke their kiss after a long moment.
"You think the pool house is open? We can go continue this there ..."
"I doubt it ... I actually need to go find my grandpa, but I think after dinner I might be able to find a bedroom with a locking door upstairs ..."
"Oh really!?"
"Or maybe a heavily shaded balcony."
"Heavily shaded? In November?"
"That's a good point... What about a deserted basement?"
"Wherever you want"
"Let's see what is easier to sneak off to after dinner "
"I hate sneaking around with you. I wish we could just go home together like we used to."
"I know I miss you."
"Maybe next time we both come home, we should just get a hotel together."
"I can ask my mom if you can come stay with us again.
"Or you could come stay at Honor's house with me."
"If it hadn't been 6 months since I've been home, I would jump at that. My mom might kill me if I stay somewhere else. I'm sure I can get her to agree to let you stay with us. Do you think Honor will be ok with it? I don't want to take you away from her."
"Honor will be fine. She understands being in love and not wanting to be apart. Plus, she loves you."
"At least someone in your family does."
"Rory, there you are!"
"Grandpa! I was about to come find you. I have some news to share." Rory said turning toward her grandfather as Logan dropped his arms around her.
"What kind of news? Your grandmother says that dinner is almost ready to be served. She sent me to bring you inside."
"We just wanted to let you know that we ran into each other in New York a couple weeks ago, and we decided to figure out a way to fix our relationship."
"That is wonderful news! Welcome back to the family Logan!"
"Thank you, Sir."
"So you guys are picking back up where you left off? Are you engaged now, or what's the plan?"
"We aren't engaged." Rory answered.
"Not yet anyway." Logan added.
"I have a lot going on right now, and I'm not ready for that. We have some issues to work out first."
"I love your Granddaughter, Sir. Eventually, I do plan to ask her to marry me again. When she's ready."
"And I promise to tell you the second that happens, Grandpa. I'm sorry I didn't call you guys right away."
"Don't apologize Honey, this is your relationship, not a TV drama. There is no reason for you to call us right away. You have nothing to apologize for."
"Grandma just found out from Shira, just seconds after Logan's parents found out. We meant to tell you first, they just happened to corner us before we got the chance."
"How did the Huntzbergers take it? Not well, I assume?"
"They definitely weren't thrilled with the news." Logan chuckled.
"Well don't you guys worry about it. You let Emily and I handle your parents."
"Should we expect a repeat of last time?" Rory asked.
"Hopefully that won't be necessary." Richard laughed. "But don't you go worrying your pretty little head about anything. You just let your Grandmother and I handle Logan's parents. You two just sit back and enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you Grandpa!"
"Let's go inside. It's cold out here, and it's almost time to eat."
"It's not so bad with the heaters on." Logan commented as they followed Richard inside.