Learning How to Fall
Disclaimer: If you recognize it, I don't own it. The plot and any original characters belong to me, but everything else is stuff I only wish I could take credit for.
A/N: What if instead of offering to take her to Europe, Emily made Rory a different offer for the summer? This is a plot bunny that came gnawing at my ankles during work. I don't know how it'll pan out, but I hope you'll all read and review! Oh, story title is from a song from Jon Bon Jovi's solo album "Destination Anywhere." Most chapter titles will be either JBJ or justplain Bon Jovi titles as well. Enjoy!
"Rory? It's Grandma." Emily said into the telephone.
"Oh, hi Grandma." Rory said, wiping away some stray tears. It seemed she was doing nothing but crying these days. She was so sure Dean was going to leave Lindsey for her, and now it didn't look like that was going to happen. She'd lost her virginity to a married man.
"What's wrong, Rory? You sound upset." Emily asked with a worried tone in her voice. She twisted the cord in her elegant hand as she waited for Rory's response.
"It's nothing really, Grandma." Rory lied. "It's just a little guy trouble. I'll be fine though. What's love without heartbreak and all that jazz, right?"
"Well,you're young as of yet.But I'm calling because I have an interesting proposition for you. What are your plans for this summer?"
Crying and thinking about what an idiot I am. Rory didn't voice this thought though. Instead, she said, "Nothing spectacular. I'll probably just do some reading and hang out around town. Maybe mom and I can get to the beach for a weekend." Rory bit her lip. That wouldn't happen if their relationship continued to be so strained.
"Well, as stimulating as all that sounds," Emily said sarcastically, "How would you feel about spending the summer in New York City?"
"What do you mean, Grandma?" Rory asked, confused.
"Well, you know that your grandfather and I are separating. We've decided that it's in our best interest to sell some of our property. We're going to sell our townhouse in New York, but not until the renovations are through. You do remember the townhouse?" Emily questioned.
"I do." Rory agreed. "But what does any of that have to do with me?"
"Well, our original plan was for your grandfather and I to spend the summer down there overseeing the renovations, but that understandably doesn't seem like the best idea anymore. I'd go myself, but I don't fancy being alone in that place with all the workers and the like. Plus, I've had an offer to accompany Elizabeth Francis to Paris for six weeks. You do remember Elizabeth?"
"Not even a little." Rory said honestly. "But continue please. You can't go this far and not let me in on the third act!"
"I'd like you to do some house sitting for me, Rory." Emily responded. "The first six weeks you'd be on your own, but I'd join you in the middle of July. If the thought of being by yourself makes you uncomfortable, you have every right to say no. In fact, I'd understand if you said no. However, I thought you might enjoy seeing what it's like to live on your own and be in the city. Also, there's no one I'd trust more than you to make sure that the renovations are going smoothly."
"Grandma, you don't have to sell me on the idea! I'd love to housesit for you. I could really use the time by myself." Because my mother hates me and I pretty much hate myself at this point.
"Really? Oh, that's wonderful, Rory! I'm so happy you've agreed! And, of course, you won't be completely alone. I have plenty of friends with responsible, attractive grandsons around your age. I'll make sure they check on you." Emily said, not hiding her intention at all.
"I have no doubt you will, Grandma. Would it do any good to say I'm not interested in seeing anyone right now?"
"No." Came the short reply.
"I didn't think so. When would you like me there?"
"Sometime next week would be fine. Wednesday or Thursday would be perfect. Can you be ready by then? We'll send a car for you and your mother. I'm sure she'll want to send you off."
Maybe. "Yeah, I'm sure she will. Thursday will be fine. What will I need?"
"Just clothes and your personal items. I'll set you up with plenty of money for food and other expenses. You won't want for a thing while you're doing this for me. Really, Rory, you have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you so much."
"It's really no trouble, Grandma. I'm happy to do it." I'm happy to do anything to forget that I'm an adulteress. I'm the other woman.
"Well then, I'll call you later in the week to discuss the plans more." Emily said. "And again, Rory, thank you."
"Bye, Grandma." Rory said.
"Goodbye, Rory."
Rory replaced the receiver it its cradle. This was exactly what she needed to get her life back in order. Six weeks all by herself in New York. She could read, hang out in Central Park, do the whole tourist thing, and scour bookstores and record stores. Lane might be able to come visit her, and if things got better, she knew her mother would spend a few days out there with her as well. This was perfect.
Rory decided to go down to the Dragonfly to tell her mother about the plans she and grandma had made, and she tried to pretend that she didn't know that Jess was in New York.
"Hey, Sookie." Rory said, entering the Dragonfly's kitchen.
"Hey, kiddo! Haven't seen you around here much lately." Sookie said, stirring soup and pretending Lorelai hadn't told her about the fight.
"I know. It's been a crazy few days. Do you know where my mom is?" Rory asked, leaning on the counter and smiling at Sookie.
"She should be at the front desk." Sookie said, smiling at Rory. "Just follow the sound of the yelling."
Rory nodded and went out into the lobby. As soon as she did, she understood what Sookie meant.
"Michel, I don't care if you think five towels in each room are too many! Do you see this face? This is my not-caring face! If you have a problem with our towel policy, take it up with the owner. Hi, I'm the owner. Can I help you?" Lorelai's voice was heavy with sarcasm and annoyance.
"Um, mom?" Rory said, biting her lip to hide her smile. She hated to break this fight up.
Lorelai looked at her daughter, and then back to Michel. "This is the end of the fight. If I find out you're taking towels from the rooms again, I'm having you deported."
Michel walked off, muttering in French to himself.
Lorelai approached Rory and said, "His biggest fear is running out of clean towels."
"He has amazing cleanliness issues for a Frenchman." Rory said.
Her mother smiled and reached out a hand to smooth her daughter's hair. "What's up, daughter of mine? Do you need me?"
"I just wanted to tell you about the plans I made with grandma today." Rory said, leading her mother over to a sofa.
Lorelai stayed amazingly calm at the mention of her mother and simply nodded. "The housesitting thing? I'm surprised she just now spoke to you about it. She asked my permission yesterday."
Rory was shocked. "So, you know about it all? And you're OK with it?"
"I know, yes. I'm not OK with it, but I had a feeling you'd want to do it. Look, kid, I hope you know that all my worrying is all for you. But you haven't needed me worrying about you for years. I think spending some time alone in New York will be good for you, as long as you let me visit for a few days." Lorelai said, taking her daughter's hand.
Rory smiled at her mom and tried her hardest not to cry. "You're one hell of a woman, Lorelai Gilmore."
Lorelai smiled and kissed her daughter's head. "So are you, Lorelai Gilmore. Go on back to the house; make a list of what you want to pack."
Rory stood and smiled down at her mom. "Mom, I…"
Lorelai just nodded. "I know, babe. Me too. I'll see you at home."
As Rory walked away, Lorelai smiled at the back of her daughter's head and tried to shove from her mind any thoughts of Jess and the fact that he lived in New York City. That boy wasn't going to hurt her daughter again. With so many people in New York, it was doubtful that they'd ever see each other there.
Next Chapter: Rory in New York!