Sequel to 'Til Death, explore Rory and Logan's clandestine relationship, how is it exposed, the threat that it may all fall apart and find out if they are truly meant to spend their lives together. Jess wanted her to share in his death but Logan wants to share in her life.
Disclaimer: Just my musings, lay no claim to the originals by ASP
To Life
Chapter 1 – Manic Mondays
Rory hadn't thought it through; she had literally jumped into a relationship with her boss. Sure he was a nice guy, but what did she really know about him. What was she thinking when she moved all of her stuff, set her condo for sale and agreed to move in with him. He was practically a stranger. Logan had been away for a meeting in London and Rory was left to her own devices for the first time since beginning this crazy affair. It had been 3 months and she was really beginning to spin out of control. Her mind was buzzing with the possibilities. So far they had been successful at hiding their status and she hadn't even discussed it with her mother. Things had been strange with them ever since she had married Jess, her mom couldn't understand her motivation. Sure they were still close, but it wasn't the same. The fact that she hadn't clued her mother into to her relationship status spoke volumes to that. She couldn't grasp that Jess needed her and she had never felt so needed in her short life. Now with Logan, what did she feel? Was this just carnal and doomed to burn out or was it more. She paced in his luxury apartment. He had told her to make herself at home, but she wasn't sure. She looked at the decor, suitable for a male of privilege, he had shelves of books, comfortable furnishings, state of the art entertainment equipment but it was cold, there were no feminine touches. She decided if this relationship was going forward she needed to listen to him and make this place a place she could call home. Maybe if she added her personality she wouldn't be feeling like an interloper into his world. When he got back she needed to have a serious discussion about their status and coming forward before they were discovered. In reality it would be too late in just a few moments as there was a key in the door.
Without turning around she started, "Logan, you are back early" She turned and her smile faltered as she looked at a man she had met only formally at corporate events. "Ah, Mr. Huntzberger..." She was cut off by a wave of his hand.
"It's Mitchum, and you are the last person I expected to be here. When my son is away I sometimes escape the office..." He was at a loss.
"Really sir, it's none of my business. If you want I can leave..."He approached her cautiously and waved for her to sit.
"So, you are my son's secret. I really thought better of you Ms. Gilmore. You seemed so proper and level headed, not the type to risk scandal by dating and apparently living with your boss. Aren't you recently widowed?" He looked at her expectantly.
"Sir, my husband died a while ago and Logan and I have only been together these past three months. We have kept our relationship, private, discrete and as you had no prior knowledge of it we have done so very well. I was going to speak with him though about changing that before someone stumbled upon us, I guess that boat has sailed." She sighed.
"I will say I admire the discretion, it can't have been easy especially when you live with him. I will keep your secret, if you will keep mine." He said and removed the key from his ring handing it to her. "I will find another place since this one is obviously not available anymore. He winked at her and left.
Rory leaned back into the sofa and released a calming breath. She realized in that moment she needed a break. She would make the first move. She was going to Stars Hollow to talk to her mom and get her take on things. Now that Mitchum knew she had no idea what could happen next. She put the now spare key in the desk drawer and grabbed her jacket and purse to make the drive to her former home.
She walked into the Inn and headed straight for her mother's office, it was quarter end so Lorelai was sure to be there filling out forms and organizing those items her accountants would need for the filings. Michel had called out but she ignored him and just opened her mother's office door. Lorelai looked up startled at the intrusion and then puzzled at her daughter's sudden appearance.
"I think I either made the best or the worst decision of my life and I am so confused. I need my mommy dammit!" Rory plopped herself on the sofa that resided in the office. "I mean I know you weren't happy about the Jess thing, and I know you tried to help me move on, but we haven't been the same in forever, do you think we can try just a little, I really need you mom."
"Well honey, that happens, even with the best of friends, there are bound to be rough patches, we can work through this one. Tell Mommy what the problem is." She set her pen aside and joined her daughter on the couch.
"IamsleepingwithandlivingwithmybossandhisdadfoundouttodayIamaslut." She rushed in a single breath.
Lorelai laughed softly at her daughters hurried confession, "You are not a slut, and I am sure your boss is a lovely man or you wouldn't have rushed into this with him. Tell me about this man who may become my next son-in-law."
Rory began at the literary fundraiser and ended with Mitchum coming to the apartment and discovering her.
"Wow kid, you make a whole new meaning to 'go big or go home'. Your boss is the son of the owner of the business you worked so hard to gain a stellar reputation in and you have been hiding it for 3 months. Kid you are good at the stealth, but you are right, it needs to come out on your terms before it causes major ripples as to his business acumen and your reputation. "She patted her knee affectionately. "I am going to call for coffee, better yet let's go to the dining room and have lunch, we can talk of other things and your worried little brain can get a rest."
"Can we go to Luke's instead? I could use a good Taylor battle or Kirk moment as a distraction." She implored tilting her head and opening her eyes wide.
"No fair using the puppy dog eyes on me, you know I can't say no to that look. Fine, come on we will go to Luke's." She mock huffed and the women exited to their cars and drove to the diner.
The bell above the door rang and Luke was happy to see his two favorite women walk in, he was afraid that last stunt his nephew had pulled in marrying Rory so he wouldn't die alone had really hurt their relationship. He grabbed the two large cups; he kept just for them, the pot and headed to their table.
"I suppose you want your kidney killing, nerve stressing beverage right? "He gruffly stated setting the cups down and pouring them each a cup. "Let me guess two heart attacks on a plate with extra fries."
"Ah Lukey you do love us, yes to all of it please and ohh, pie, two slices of chocolate pie." Lorelai batted her lashes at the diner man and he smirked and walked away to place their orders.
The women chatted at their breakneck pace about the movies, Kirk's antics, Rory tried in vain to explain the man that was Finn and Logan's other partners in crime, Colin and Stephanie she had only met them the once but Logan had told her many stories, these people were his family and she needed to get to know them better. They bantered and parried and soon things felt better. They had just finished their pie when the best thing happened, Taylor came in wanting to put up a flyer for the upcoming festival and he and Luke battled through three additional cups of coffee. It was the perfect end to her visit. The women parted and felt their friendship and bond had been renewed and Rory set out for her drive back to her home in New York, more determined than ever to make it just that, her home.
She stopped at a home store in Hartford and was buying some pillows, throws and frames when she was greeted unexpectedly by Stephanie.
"Rory right, we met at that literary thingy." She pulled her into a hug as if they were the best of pals and Rory was touched. "Let me introduce you to someone, Honor this is Rory, and Rory this is Honor Logan's sister."
Rory put her hand out to shake but instead was pulled into another warm hug, "Rory, I am so glad to meet you love your writing and funny coinkidink I used an excerpt from your poem, 'Starstruck' in my wedding invitations, I hope you don't mind." Honor effused.
"I am nobbled by the gesture, really, thank you for the distinction." She reached out and hugged Honor impulsively.
"Well, now that we are all best pals, what are you shopping for? Looks like a little decorating, Honor is doing the same, she and Josh, that's her husband, just finished furnishing their new house and now she needs accent pieces. Ohh, I love this pillow with the beaded birds, not comfy but stunning, maybe for a side chair, what do you think?"
Like that the three women bonded over bullion, beads and tapestry. The afternoon passed in a blur and Rory provided the address for the delivery of her items, having purchased an area rug and runners as well as pillows, sheets and some decorative frames of various sizes. Honor was stunned by the address and made note to ask her about it. The women agreed to an early dinner and where they would dine then got into their respective vehicles for the short drive.
"She gave Logan's address; did you know she lived with him, how long has it been going on?" Honor grilled Stephanie who was dumbstruck by the revelation.
"I had no idea, if Collin and Finn know neither of them had mentioned it. Oh, I know they probably were keeping it a secret because they work together, but they should know better than to keep it secret from us." Stephanie had an evil gleam in her eye.
The women enjoyed their meal with no mention of the afore noted address and Rory left oblivious to the plan they were cooking up to out them to their friends.