Ignorance is Bliss

December 9 – 10, 2016 Philadephia and New York

Logan watched helplessly as Rory turned and quickly made her way to the coat check. He felt even worse when he saw her stop and talk to a man who he recognized as her ex-boyfriend. This man, after putting down their drinks and spotting Logan, immediately went after her.

On the way home that night, Logan couldn't help but obsess over his encounter with Rory. She didn't seem happy to see him, in fact, she looked downright frightened. What did he do to solicit such emotion? As the night wore on, other thoughts invaded his head. Why was Rory at the reception with her ex? Were they back together? These and other questions plagued Logan all night, so much so that he got very little sleep. By morning he was on the verge of becoming a wreck. He was about to call Rory when his phone rang.

"Hey there little brother, " Honor greeted, "What's wrong? You sound awful."

Logan proceeded to tell his sister about the previous evening. How he ran into Rory. How she practically ran out of the room when he approached her. How she was there with her ex.

"Wow, crappy, crappy, evening."

"Tell me about it."

"Are you going to call her?"

"Yes, but I don't know when. I don't want to overwhelm her."

"True but..."

At that moment another call came into Logan's phone; it was Rory. "Honor, Rory is calling, I have to go."

"Ok, call me back!"

Logan switched over.

"Rory, hello." Logan greeted.

"Hi, I didn't call too early did I?" Rory asked.

"No, no you didn't. So how are you?"

"Oh, I'm good. I'm still in Philly, waiting for my train to go home. Anyway, sorry about running off like that. You really surprised me. You were the last person I expected to see last night."

"Well, you know I'm full of surprises."

"Yyyea...um can we meet up? We really need to talk."

"Sure tonight? Tomorrow?"

"How about tomorrow? Brunch maybe? We can meet half-way."

"Are you sure? I can come to you, no problem."

"No, half-way is better. "

"I think I know of a place. Why don't I make reservation and text you the details?"

"Great. See you tomorrow."

"Ok, then."

Logan hung up the phone and immediately started researching restaurants, deciding on one he knew well not too far from Honor's house in Darien. He called to make a reservation, asking for a private room so that he and Rory could talk freely. He texted Rory the details, setting the time for noon. Rory's call brought about much excitement and nervous energy, so much so that he decided to go running to keep himself from going crazy. While on his run, he thought about all the possible scenarios that could happen from very worst (her telling him that she hated him and never wanted to see him again) to the very best (them taking off to Vegas and getting married that afternoon.)

After his run, he headed out to see Abraham, a long-time friend of the family and the owner of one of the best jewelry stores in New York. The last time Logan was at his store had been about two years ago when he bought a ring for Odette. He remembered while on that shopping expedition, he came across an Art Deco halo ring that was both elegant and quirky; it reminded him of Rory. Maybe seeing a ring that reminded you of your ex should have been your first clue, he thought to himself as he searched through Abraham's ring inventory. After what seems like hours, Logan found the ring. Abraham then took it, gave it a good cleaning, and returned it to Logan asking in a good-natured but concerned way, "Are you sure this one is going to stick?"

"I sure hope so Abe." "Well, good luck Logan."

He knew buying a ring was illogical, and that he was possibly setting himself up for emotional suicide, but he did it anyway. After two years of not being deliberate about his relationships, he wanted to take a stand, even if in the end he (and Abraham) was the only one who knew about it.

All in all, he thought, his meeting with Rory could come down to three possible outcomes; they could break-up for good, they could start again slowly and see what happens, or they could make a full commitment. Whatever happened Logan felt fully prepared for his meeting with Rory.

Little did Logan know there was a fourth outcome for which he did not anticipate.