The Finer Things

Dateline NYC five years after graduation: Rory is a successful reporter and Finn is launching a new bar, when they meet again will they find what they have both been missing? [Finn and Rory] (AU)

Disclaimer: still not mine, no matter how many stories they inspire.

Chapter 1 – Gatsby's

Finn sat in the hotel bar waiting for the reporter from the NY Times Travel Magazine to the come to the bar; 'Gatsby's' it was his pride and joy, the first project he had manned from start to finish. He was proud of the return to gold coast glamour, he wanted it to feel like being in a classic film, the club had a strict dress code, something other clubs had left behind, and he had a classic and restyled drink menu. He had even brought back, white glove service for the launch and considered making it available for private parties and exclusive events. Finn prided himself on the research he had done on foods from the era and had those chef had restyled to suit the modern pallet. He looked around and glowed at the final result, it was like a movie set, only better.

Rory walked into the lobby and admired the sheer luxury of the hotel, it was a take on the art deco style, stunning black,white, silver and red accents, with slim graceful sculptures and elegant lighting fixtures dripping with crystals, 'very Fitzgerald', she thought smiling. The kind clerk behind the desk directed her to the purpose for her being there, 'Gatsby's' it was a bold experiment in a return to glamour, as the press release read. She didn't normally cover stories like this, but the guy who normally handled the beat was sick and after the whole Boston Marathon bombing incident, she had requested the tamer entertainment story while she recuperated. She checked her appearance in one of the many mirrors, she had dressed to suit the theme, her silver dress with a blue sash, a double length string of pearls, satin gloves, hair tucked to appear as if she had a bob and ruby red lips, she nodded to her photographer and entered the most opulent lounge she had ever seen. There was a seashell bandstand, a stunning inlay wooden dance-floor and all the tables were a polished black with stunning crystal centerpieces that fairly sparkled. She took a breath and approached the man who's back was to her and tapped his shoulder gently.

"Excuse me, I am here from the Times, can you direct me to the manager? We were set to have an appointment today to discuss the grand opening later this evening." She stated in her cool reporter tone.

The man could not believe his ears, it had been years since he heard that voice, it could only be one person. He turned and confirmed his suspicion, "Do I know you?" He winked and reached out to hug the woman before him. She looked a vision dressed as the perfect Daisy. He should have guessed the reporter would come ready to match the decor. "Rory Gilmore as I live and breath, I thought you covered more exciting events than this, I mean I saw the piece you did on the Marathon, happy to see you are recovered. You had us all worried you know."

"Finn? You are Alexander Morgan? Where does Finn come from?" She looked at him her blue eyes wide with surprise. She said as she pulled away from the hug with slight reluctance. She had missed this man, really all of them. After turning down Logan she had lost touch with so many of them; it was a huge regret in her life.

"Well luv, I will tell you what, let's take care of this interview and then if you are free tomorrow we can catch up? As much as I would love to drop everything, tonight is the grand opening and that is what we are both here for. Thank you for dressing the part, you look stunning." He indicated a private room where they could perform the interview. He too was dressed to impress, pinstriped and vested.

He enthused how he was inspired by the words of Fitzgerald and the art deco period or golden age as some called it; and wanted a return to the splendor, he knew it was a risk, but this was New York, a living breathing work of art should be in the city that never sleeps. He thought it would be a hit with locals and tourist alike. The evenings event would of course be more formal, but the standard would be cocktail attire, it should suit the theater crowd well. She took notes and planned out the report and even took in the names of the expected guests, it would be an amazing night and she had a backstage/ all access pass.

Rory awoke the next day still feeling a bit buzzed from the nights event, she had hobnobbed with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, New York and even the world. The place had been a hit, everyone enjoyed the champagne fountain, luxury hors d'oeuveres and the amazing meals that were presented. The band and dancing were also very well received and many stated they would be pleased to return. If the banter was any indication the place was a rave, it would surely be bigger than the success Finn had hoped.

She is writing the piece with ease it would be the cover of the travel section and her getting it as a first assignment was a coup. She finished her first draft as well as her third cup of coffee and set off to work to review the photos. Settling in to her desk she receives a text, 7 pm darling, we should meet at 'Bar Sardine', will that work for you?

She quickly responds,"Perfect I love that place, see you then, can't wait to catch up." she slips the phone into the pocket of her skirt and heads to the meeting with the printed draft in hand.

"Hey Charlie, Bill, did you two agree on the photos? I wanted to look them over and see if I should revise my article any, I know we weren't always together as the evening progressed."

The men smiled at her, she was always so chipper and energetic; must be the coffee.

"Yeah, we agreed on the basics as well as a few of the empty venue before the chaos reigned. Hell of a night, much better than Baltimore." Charlie stated with a wry grin. He had been her regular photographer for years and they shared a special fondness for each other as well as war wounds (so to speak).

"Let me take a look at the first run, which I know from you had been self edited at least ten times before you even thought to print it. Please tell me you slept some and didn't start this right after the event? Also I heard you actually know the owner, how did that happen?" Bill, he editor gave her a pointed look.

"He and I go back to Yale, but I haven't seen or heard from him in years. I assure you my prior friendship with him will add no bias to my story, you know if I'd have known he was Alexander Morgan I would have passed and Charlie here can tell you after the initial shock, we were all business." Her tone was firm, completely no nonsense.

Charlie nodded in agreement, "They were all business and he was focused on getting his place launched. I'll say this for the guy, anyone who can look at her like she was dressed last night," He slipped a photo he had taken of her checking herself in the mirror and Bill raised a brow in appreciation, "and still keep to his plan is one serious man."

Rory laughed inwardly as she recalled just how serious Finn could not be, for a moment she smiled recalling him at her first LDB event being hauled away on a stretcher.

"What's that grin Gilmore? You suddenly looked miles away, care to share?" Bill pried.

"Oh nothing, just remembering something about Yale, you know me and my alma mater, it always makes me smile. Anyway back to last night." She took control of the meeting and the focus was back on the story. After a few red pen strokes, side notes and photo edits it was agreed they had a hell of a front page Sunday. Rory was thrilled and knew Finn would be too.

FRFRFRFRFRFRFRFRFRFRFFRFRFRFRFR

Just before seven Rory walked in to the quaint restaurant and bar, it was busy but not overly so, she allowed her eyes to sweep the crowd and spied the man himself sitting at a cozy table towards the back. She walked towards him draped her coat over his and laid her purse on top of both of them, then leaned in to kiss his cheek prior to being seated.

"Well luv, thank you for the greeting, I would have liked it even more a little more to the right, but a man takes what he can get." He leered playfully,eyeing her with appreciation. Her hair was down, her dress fit perfectly accentuating her figure the color making her eyes dangerously blue. She had always been lovely but now she was a stunner.

She smiled at his playfulness and noted him checking her out. "Thank you for the information, I may put it to use at a later time." She demurred and his eyes went wide. "So tell me Alexander, how does Finn derive from that?"

The waiter dropped two waters and the menus, she looked at the list of burgers as a distraction from his intense gaze.

"It is an abbreviation of my middle name, like your lovely self I share my name with a parent only in my case it is my father, funnily I too am the third to carry the name. Tell me lovely what have you been up to? I don't mean the resume, I follow your writing, tell me about you, any significant other I should be concerned about?" He sipped his water.

The waiter returned so they placed drink and meal orders, then she was ready to answer his question.

"Well I do know from my research that you aren't married, any significant others there?" She volleyed back.

Finn smiled, "No fair luv, I asked first, but no, I remain the eternal bachelor, much to my mum's disdain, she really wants a fourth Alexander. Now luv, do tell."

"Not in a long while, my schedule kind of lends itself to my singular life, I have tried but most men don't enjoy my wanderlust." She was grateful when her Martini and his scotch arrived, she had a feeling they were both more nervous than showed.

"Ah, the intrepid reporting life killing your love life, I can see that. The hotel and bar renovation had me alone more oft than not the past two years, I can commiserate."

"Come now don't be modest, it was more than that - you rebuilt that whole building, making it more energy efficient, installing solar and each room has its own on demand water heater. You even used reclaimed wood for the flooring as well as other eco-friendly changes, like using original light fixtures refit for modern efficiency, it is ground breaking in your industry." She was enthusiastic and he marveled at her praise.

"Why Ms. Gilmore you going to make me blush." He reached for her hand and they tangled fingers. "It's really good to see you luv, I can't believe we let it go for so long." He raised her hand and kissed her knuckles, pleased when she blushed. Here she was a reporter of some renown blushing at a courtly kiss.

The mood was interrupted as the plates were placed before them and the banter moved to reminiscence. They spoke of the good ole days, the nights of over indulgence at the pub, the poor folk singer, on and on they parlayed. Finally he stopped he realized in all the talk she had mentioned everyone but Logan. 'Was she still hung up on him', he wondered, and hoped not.

"Luv, you have spoken of or asked about nearly every one but Logan, is there a reason for that?" He pushed his mostly empty plate aside and finished his scotch indicating for the check.

"No, it's because he and I are in touch from time to time, have been since about a month after we split at graduation. I know about his recent engagement, the pregnancy scare, all of it." She sipped on her water as the waiter returned with the check and Finn handed off his card. "We don't make a big deal of it, but we are still very good friends, best friends actually."

The waiter returned with Finn's card and he quickly calculated the tip then signed off. He helped her into her jacket and donned his own then they left the venue his hand at her back.

"I am sensing there is more to the story, can I convince you to come home with me for a drink?" Finn looked at her hopefully.

"Fair is fair, I interviewed you after all. Lead the way." her tone was resolute.

He lead her to his waiting car and they drove the few miles to his brownstone. The car ride had been quiet while Rory decided just how much to reveal. She knew they had stayed below the radar for a reason, but she would be at- no in the wedding and the jig would be up.