Summary: Logan breaks up with Rory via his sister and a drunken night could be the best thing to happen to her. [Rory and Colin]
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters I just let them inspire me to write.
Special thanks to Erasure for the many titles that inspired this tale.
AN: Thank you to all who follow me and read and follow or comment on my stories it really means the world to me. I cannot say thank you enough!
The Not Jerk
Chapter 7 – Living La Vida Rica
Rory and Colin knew that the concept of apartments in London would be an understatement, however pulling up to the lavish Boltons, Kensington on Tregunter Road was a bit of a surprise. The home boasts 7 bedrooms and baths, a pool, steam room, a home theater and guest house. Rory knew her family was old money but the lordly estate spoke of just how old that money was. They walked through the living room, the downstairs had been remodeled in the 1960's, according to Richard, to create a more open space for the elder Lorelai's lavish and often decadent parties. She was known to host poets, authors, musicians and even the odd hippie now and again if their conversation suited her. Rory found a note on the entry table addressed to her from Princess Beatrice asking if she intended to hold the annual mask as her grandmother had done to benefit the families of fallen soldiers in the memory of her dear grandfather who had started one of the oldest such programs. There were other notes, news of the return to London of a Gilmore had spread quickly and Rory found that if she wished she could easily spend the whole of a year or more simply entertaining.
"Colin, did you know there would be such expectations?" She looked at him holding forward some of the more prominent inquiries.
"Your grandfather hinted that there may be some expectations, but I thought it would be to visit family or old family friends. That a monarch would reach out to you for support of an event leaves me a bit gobsmacked." He looked at the note with awe.
The Butler cleared his throat,"Would you like to use your grandmothers rooms or did you prefer to use one of the guest suites?"
Rory knew he was addressing her but wasn't sure so she replied, "My grandmothers rooms will be fine thank you."
She then took Colin's hand and followed him up the stairs to see what she had accepted. The room was stunning white and gold with a king size bed and a wall high headboard that was lavishly tufted. The rich blue accents and tufted chest at the end of the bed looked delightfully inviting. There was also a mahogany desk and dressing table as will a two walk in closets and a full bath with separate shower attached. The light cascading in from the windows gave everything a sparkle. Rory noticed that there was a maid and valet attending to their bags in quiet haste.
The Butler spoke to her again, "It is expected to be cold this evening would you like a fire? Also will you be dining in tonight or out cook would like to meet with you for your requirements."
She assented to the fire but looked to Colin for dinner plans, they were dining out and she followed him to the kitchen to discuss meals with the cook. She had no idea what she would say but thought it might come to her at the cooks prompts. After reviewing menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea, should she wish to have a formal tea for guests, she made a few selections for the next few days then said she could determine more once she had discussed her calendar with Colin. This seemed to appease the cook and she went in search of Colin and her phone, she needed to call Emily.
She found her phone on the desk in her room and sent the promised text to her mom letting her know they had arrived safely then sat down with her notepad and pen and dialed her grandmother. It was only about 9am in Hartford so she knew her grandmother should be available. She asked her grandmother what the proper response should be to the many inquiries and asked who had hired the staff and how she should handle things. Emily explained the staff were in place from a service they used frequently and if there were any problems to call the service for a replacement. She apologized that she hadn't had time to properly prepare her for the expectations while she summered in Europe but explained that most inquiries could be declined; however the request of the princess must be met. She herself had hosted the last few since Lorelai's passing but never considered Rory would want to enter society so left her out of it. Emily promised she and her grandfather would assist in the planning and fly in for the event and a few days before. Emily also explained that there was a house account set up and she had her own card from her family in the desk drawer. Rory explained Colin's gifts and Emily could not be more pleased for her granddaughter and was over the moon at Colin's father's faith in her. Emily promised she would type up some instructions and suggestions and email them out for her to read by the time she returned from dinner. She thanked her profusely and disconnected just as Colin entered the room followed by a cart with tea and small sandwiches and cakes as well as what smelled like the most heavenly coffee.
"I thought you could use a snack and I know you could use some coffee. Was that Emily you were speaking too?" He began.
"Yes, as I told you on the plane I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and I had no idea the expectations even more so with the notes we arrived too. I had to call her for advice she is used to this lifestyle. She is sending me a primer of sorts and assures me she will help with the ball to support the family charity. I had no idea she had been managing it since Gran died and she assures me she will also send along any other things I should be aware of." She reached for her coffee and took a long drink then grabbed a small sandwich and enjoyed it. "Mmm, thank you for this, I didn't even realize I was hungry."
"Not a problem, the cook was surprised you were a coffee drinker she thought you looked so serene, apparently you have made quite the impression on the staff already." He chuckled and they enjoyed their snack with minor discussion.
"Colin, do you think I can do this? I mean can I hold up to the Gilmore name?" She inquired.
He pulled her into his lap on the overstuffed chair, "Of course you are a Lorelai, you can do anything. You told me about all the wonderful adventures your grandmother had, and your mother raised you on her own, Lorelais are a force to be reckoned with. Plus you have me; I will be with you all along the way offering any support you need."
"Why are you doing all of this? I mean, I guess I thought it would be different, more low key, and this is anything but. Grandma said it seemed as if you were going to ask me to marry you?"
"Would that be so terrible? Marrying me, living like this and you can still be a journalist if you want. I mean obviously we won't be engaged this minute; this is just the first of many discussions. I do want you to consider it though. You are an amazing woman Rory and I would be a fool to let you go." He kissed her sweetly.
"Wow, this day is just full of surprises. I am feeling so overcome with all of it." She leaned her head wearily into his chest. "Perhaps if I took a nap things will be more clear in an hour or so. This all just has me reeling. I guess at times I wondered what would become of us, if marriage was in the cards, it's just all so much so fast you know."
He nodded in understanding and stood holding her in his arms and carried her to the bed lying her there and covering her with a light blanket removing her shoes. He kicked off his own and curled up behind her wrapping his arms around her securely. They fell into a deep sleep easily and quickly.
When they awoke the showered and dressed for dinner then left for his next surprise, when they arrived at the restaurant she was greeted by her friends from Yale and they called out to her 'Surprise!'. Indeed she was. They all exchanged hugs and greetings and entered the dining room prepared for them. The group ate and it put Rory at ease to know her friends were there to support her. The girls promised to help with any protocols and agreed with Emily that all obligations could not be met. They laughed and enjoyed the meal then all returned to the Gilmore house for drinks and room assignments, with a house this large why not use it. Rory and Colin retired to their room tired but happy.
"Thank you for that, I really needed it. I can't believe all of our friends are here. I thought it would just be the two of us. Thank you!" She gushed and threw herself into his arms kissing him deeply. They made sure the door was locked and commenced more private activities to ensure a good nights sleep.
The weeks ahead were a flurry of planning, shopping, approving and preparing the guest house for her grandparents arrival, she hoped they wouldn't mind. She was still managing to take her class, thank goodness it was only two three hour sessions and since it was online she could take the class from the comfort of her room. She had even managed to fire off her first article about shopping in the famous Duke of York Square, using her recent experience in haute couture. In a true coo she was able to get a one on one tour of a new show as a sneak peek from the curator at the Saatchi Gallery when he found out she was Lorelai's granddaughter and Lorelai had always been a great patron of the arts. This left her editor giddy and Mitchum pleased at a very profitable scoop.
It was the evening of the ball and Emily was grinning as the Cheshire cat at the accomplishment. It was a stunning affair and she had to admit the young friends of Rory's were quite helpful and resourceful. This event would be the talk of the season and a few yet to come. It would be the one to beat and at only halfway through the evening they had doubled their goal and it looked as if they may triple it allowing for some scholarships to be provided. This was a wonderful event and she was proud of her granddaughter stepping in as if she had been in society's tutelage all the while. Yes, those friends she had made at Yale would take her far and even her choice of young man was more than suitable.
Rory looked around at the event, it would be featured in Hello, Page 6 and probably the New York Times and other major papers, if only for the fact that Princess Beatrice had convinced Prince Harry to escort her. This would be a tough party to top; she felt her Gran must be pleased. She knew her mother probably wouldn't be but pushed that thought aside. This event would set the standard for future events, she knew and she prayed she was up to keeping this level of excellence. She looked around for the familiar mop of brown hair only to see he had been cornered by some tipsy blonde and was in need of rescue.
"Colin darrrling, there you are, I have been waiting for you to return with my drink." She said in a perfect imitation of Stephanie's society purr. The blonde looked at her and pursed her lips then turned and left for easier prey.
He kissed her temple sweetly, "Remind me to reward you heartily for that, she is my father's 3rd wife's stepdaughter and I never know how to make her disappear."
Rory stepped up to the small stage that held the live band that had been playing all evening, "Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to take a moment to thank you all for your generous outpouring to support the families of the fallen, it has been a banner year and I can't thank you enough on their behalf. Many of you knew my Grandmother Lorelai Gilmore and know that I too am Lorelai Gilmore, I just hope to continue in her good works and hope you all have a wonderful time. Thank you."
There was applause and the band began again.
The summer went quickly with Rory learning the ropes of society as she should have so long ago. Her articles were a hit too and she was returning to Yale as Editor of the Daily News. This next year was looking stellar. Things between herself and Colin seemed solid as before they had hit a few patches with her new found society identity she was still herself. She had spent her first weekend back with Lorelai and everything went smoothly, this surprised her but when she saw the articles she had written in a scrapbook alongside her successful events and interviews, she knew her mother was proud.
This had been an eventful year, she had changed but still stayed the same, she could rise to an occasion fraternize with Royals and still enjoy the Firelight Festival in her hometown. She had a loving and steady boyfriend and a wealth of true and caring friends. Life was good. She didn't know where it would go from here but she was so happy she had awoken to Colin that fateful day he had shown her the world she might just have missed out on.
*End*