Surprised to see an update so (relatively) soon? Me too. But, you know, exciting developments in this story as well as in my life. I'm back from a fabulous Florida vacation and starting my first post-grad job Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed for me? Then I'll keep mine crossed that you like this!

Disclaimer: I don't own GG

There were just three more days left on the tour. Bee promised her that. Originally, the West Coast tour was supposed to be a two week event, but it'd been so successful, that Bridget kept on adding dates and locations and Rory complied. After all, she wanted it to be a successful venture, not only for HPG but for herself.

It was almost the end of August and she was holed up in a Chicago hotel room. It was their first free night in a week and she and Bee were staying in – all Rory really wanted was a grab cheeseburger and take a hot shower.

"Just three more days" Rory had to remind herself. She was tired. Despite all Bee's insight and organizing ways, she'd underestimated the popularity of "New York Night" and the demand for Rory's personal appearances. She'd never been quite this kind of busy and never quite this kind of tired.

The crowds at the Boarders bookshop in Los Angeles were so massive, the signing was extended and the dinner meeting that was supposed to follow became a breakfast meeting, which Bridget spent on her cell, re-scheduling the rest of the events planned for the week, all while trying to avoid calls from the SF-writer-guy who had fallen madly, desperately, head-over-heels in love with her.

While Rory was never adverse to hard work, she was finding the fast-paced-yet-repetitive nature of the business a little too much. It wasn't just the novelty of her month-long tour wearing off; she wasn't happy. The blank pages of her journal proved that and the concept notebook she kept for new book ideas still had the plastic around it, hadn't even been opened.

Maybe she could chalk it all up to her still missing period, or maybe to missing Logan. Because she did. Probably more than she cared to admit.

When she finally made it back to her hotel room, she was beat and could conjure up just enough energy to shoot him a "what's up?" text and fall asleep after devouring her room service plate. And she could tell by his replies ("Same old, same old. Miss you. Love you. Lottie too.") that he was tired, too. Tired of playing the single Dad, tired of long-distance, tired of her not being there with him, tired of getting his hopes up.

She thought a hot shower would sooth, but it just served to aggravate her depressed mood. Her heart throbbed in her chest as her breathing intensified and hot tears welled up in her eyes. This was so stupid. She wanted this, hadn't she?

Maybe not. What she wanted had been Old York, right? But that was so long ago she wasn't really sure. Her career had been taken from her so she turned to writing, becoming an author. And she really wanted success, wanted to prove that she could still be something without Old York and HPG.

But the book she wrote was inspired by those wrongdoings and she dangled her USB-stick and Logan's career in front of Mitchum to get it published. Driven by the desire for success, she became manipulative.

And now, here she was, in a luxury suite, her success bought by HPG's marketing dollars; she hadn't done it on her own - but everyone applauded her like she did.

As this realization dawned on her, she suddenly despised it all. That thick glossy coat on her business cards, her number one spot on the New York Times bestseller list, all of the journalists prying into her private life ("is it true that Noah is inspired by Logan Huntzberger?"), the Bieber-esque crowds that swarmed to the bookstores.

Perhaps Jess' approach to writing was better – at least he still had some artistic integrity, at least he knew who he was. Small presses and tours at local bookshops instead of big box ones. Non-stop writing and experimenting, even if it's crap, instead of waiting for inspiration to come.

The worst part – and how stupid she was to just realize this now – her ass was Mitchum's. He had hooked her with his pretty words. Yes, they'd wait to see if it was successful before taking further steps and no, he wouldn't pressure her into writing more, but, yes, she could write more books...it all sounded great, but Mitchum could've said anything as long as he promised to get her book published.

Selfish, that's what she'd been and now she knew that Mitchum had preyed on that; he'd been strategizing all along. She could attribute her success to him. Obviously, he wouldn't have backed something that wouldn't yield results. Knowing Mitchum, he already had Bee planning her next tour or negotiating movie deals or an ABC Family series.

Visions of annual cross-country book tours flashed through her mind along with Logan and Lottie's disappointed faces. She heard Logan shouting in her ear, reminding her of promises she might not be able to keep.

Oh, what a mess she'd gotten herself in to. Nothing, of course, was set in stone, but it felt all too real and it was enough for her to reach for the phone.

It rang six or seven times before someone picked up. "Hello?"

Even after all this time, it was still strange to hear a man's voice on the other end of the line. She wanted to ask for her mother, but her voice cracked.

"Rory! Are you okay?"

"It's Rory?" Lorelai's voice was faraway, but the urgency in her tone shone through and brought a tiny smile to Rory's face.

"I'm okay, Luke," Rory said, tying her soft waffle robe a little tighter. "I just need to talk to Mom."

A sigh, the line cracked and another sigh. "I'm sorry, Mom…" Rory said quickly, "I forgot about the time difference."

"Don't worry about it, kid. Are you okay?"

Rory bobbed her head from side to side as she contemplated that question, forgetting that her mother couldn't see her through the phone. "I don't want to write another book," she blurted out.

"What?"

A wry smile cracked on her lips, as Rory pictured Lorelai's shocked face. She repeated it more slowly, rationally. "I don't want to write another book."

"I heard you the first time, but…I'm sorry, what?"

"I miss Logan. And Lottie."

"Okay," Lorelai said slowly, "Then you pick up the phone and you call them. You fly home to see them. Or you bring them with you on tour. Or you figure out something. You don't just give up your writing career you worked really, really, really hard to for!"

"I didn't…" But there was no denying that Rory did work hard for her career. HPG's corporate planning and marketing dollars could only go so far. Deep-down she knew it was a faulty argument. She drew in a sharp breath. "I was supposed to be a features writer for Old York. A journalist, not someone who used the implosion of her personal life as inspiration for a novel."

"Sweets, life gave you lemons and you wrote an entertaining and very successful book. Next time, you'll write something Pulitzer worthy," Lorelai tried to offer some perspective. "And it's not HPG's marketing that made it a success; that's you, hon. Or is Mitchum the one out there with Sharpie pen blisters from signing thousands of copies?"

"Well no….but Mitchum has plans. Mom, he's got to have plans. And Logan wants another baby! How are we going to do that?"

"I'm pretty sure you know how that works, honey," Lorelai laughed a bit and Rory rolled her eyes. "I meant with me off on tour every year!"

"I'm sure Mitchum understands the logistics of the situation. He wants another grand-chicken, too. He loves Lottie, too, you know? It'll work itself out…"

Rory took in a couple of deep breaths. Her mom was right. The freak-out was premature. Maybe Mitchum wouldn't be so bad? And maybe she did deserve all of her success. Making the best out of a bad situation and all of that. But still. She wasn't just freaking out about that.

"I saw Jess," Rory volunteered suddenly. "A couple weeks ago. In San Francisco. We had dinner."

her voice dropped to a whisper: "And sex?"

"No!" Rory practically shouted – as if she'd been caught red-handed, but Lorelai chuckled. "Okay, then what's with the "I-cheated" tone?"

"I don't have the "I-cheated" tone!" Rory replied indignantly, but Lorelai's prolonged silence caused her to cave. "I didn't tell Logan."

"Rory…" Lorelai sighed.

"Mom! Nothing happened. I swear. It was like a business meeting…"

"A business meeting?" Rory could almost see Lorelai skeptically raise her eyebrows.

"Jess is looking for an investor to back his latest book," Rory explained like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"And you can't tell Logan this, because?"

"I don't know," Rory shrugged, "I figured he'd take it wrong."

"Well, I guess it is kind of hard to fit in a text message."

Was that accusation in her mother's tone? "We talk, too," Rory defended lamely.

Lorelai was too tired to fight, especially about this over the phone. "I know," she relented. "Hey, so you are going to talk to Mitchum about the terms of your contract?"

"Yeah, I guess….you'll help me make a pro-con list?"

"I will."

"Thanks Mom. And I'm sorry about the freak-out."

"No problem, hon. I'm here – always."

Lorelai hung up and fell back into her pillows. Luke's arm covered her waist protectively and with his thumb he traced soothing circles on her side, but sleep didn't come.

Maybe she should've told Rory that Logan and Lottie had been staying Stars Hallow. They'd arrived last weekend unexpectedly. Logan fumbled something of an excuse; he thought the End of Summer Parade was that weekend and Lorelai didn't have the heart to turn to the forlorn looking boy away (because, in that moment, he looked like a lost little boy) and so Lottie and Logan took up residence in Rory's old bedroom. Logan casually said he could to his HPG work from anywhere, so that they might as well stay that week. It'd be fun, too, for Lottie to watch the preparations.

The desperation in his plea was all but tangible and Lorelai didn't pry, but she knew the bags under his eyes weren't because he was staying up all hours of the night talking to Rory. And Lottie slept like an angel.

She wasn't Emily and she wouldn't meddle, but this Jess-thing was unexpected, but Lorelai didn't think Rory would cheat (she hated that she doubted that!). Still, it didn't bode well that that Rory was keeping secrets from her husband.

Obviously, something was up and Lorelai knew it was best for all parties that she was back home.

Three days later, Rory kissed Bee's cheek before exiting the limo and making her way up to the top floor. Mitchum was expecting her – he was the one who had his secretary instruct Rory to visit him first thing the plane landed.

Normally, Rory would've protested, especially because it was a Sunday and she was aching to get home, but because she was particularly interested in talking to Mitchum herself, she didn't put up a fight.

"Rory!" he greeted her with serious smile. "I trust you've been following your progress on the List?"

"Absolutely," she nodded and held up three fingers. "Three weeks and counting."

"In this internet driven age, that's practically unheard of!"

"Your marketing dollars worked hard." Rory expected his eyes to harden, but instead he grinned. "I like that. I like that a lot." And he laughed, before extending his arm, gesturing for her to take a seat.

"We need more of that around here," he told her while he fixed two cups of coffee. "A lot more. I'm sick of sycophants. I'm sure you can agree."

Rory took the coffee and sipped it as she stared at Mitchum in confusion. What was this all about?

"I'm not sure I know what you mean…"

"Oh, I'm sure you encountered it on the road. The suck-ups jumping through hoops because of the Huntzberger on your card…"

Rory gently cocked her head as she thought of all the penthouse suits she stayed in. Yeah, she knew exactly what he was talking about.

"There are some perks…" she tried and Mitchum laughed again. "You've seen one suite, you've seen 'm all, but corporate sycophants are much worse." He picked up his coffee as if he was going to take a sip, but he put it down.

"I wanted to talk to you about your future."

Rory swallowed. Maybe this conversation would not be as pleasant as Mitchum pretended it was going to be.

"You see, there have been some changes around here with you on tour…" Mitchum paused and examined his hands. He folded them, and rested them on his desk. "…I've been quite generous considering the contract and the history, but it was agreed that that contract was not to be abused."

"But, my contract… I've done everything you've asked of me," Rory eyes darted across Mitchum's face. A two week tour that become a month-long, twelve hour book signings, endless phone interviews while they drove on to further destinations. If anyone was being abused, it was her! Anger flickered in her eyes as she locked them to his. Was this some kind of sick joke?

A hint of amusement (and maybe pride?) glimmered in his. "Not your contract, Rory. You've – well, HPG's better to have you..." he sighed heavily, "I'm actually referring to Logan's."

"Logan's?"

Perhaps embarrassed by his son's failure, he broke off eye contact. "Surely you are aware he hasn't been in the office since you left for your book tour?" Rory was not, but being a dutiful wife, she pretended that she was and nodded dumbly, hoping that her heartbeat was only loud to her ears.

"Now, I understand that he's quite the family man and does not want to leave Lottie in the care of that very expensive au pair I offered him," he broke off and momentarily put his eyes on her, " - peculiar that you don't employ one - but I do expect him to carry out his duties for HPG."

"Of course," Rory nodded. She'd devised the contract so that Logan wouldn't have to go on endless business trips and be at Mitchum's beck-and-call. She simply couldn't believe he hadn't been in the office for a month! He loved his job, didn't he?

She swallowed again, trying her best to sound in control of the situation. "And you've talked to him about this?" Rory bit her lip; she should've known about any Logan-Mitchum smack downs.

"Ah, deaf ears, my dear. He doesn't listen," he shook his head in disbelief, "claims that work isn't everything and that Lottie is much more important. He's actually…" something of a laugh escaped him "…is staying in Stars Hallow with your mother and stepfather! Preposterous!"

Mitchum carried on at Rory's stunned silence.

"Regardless of his living arrangements, I cannot terminate Logan's contract, but quite frankly, I've found other staff who are just as capable to take his position. He won't be missed and he won't miss us. Although, I suppose being ostracized can do that. Of course, you and I would be ostracized if we did not show our faces for a month…." He sighed and made a vague gesture with his hand before continuing, " Of course, you do understand that I wanted Logan to be a prominent person in the company as it is his birth right, and I'd hoped that this position would be it – perhaps that's why Milton got away with implementing those ridiculous training schedules - but I've finally made peace with his disinterest in his legacy."

Rory was stunned. Logan disinterested? Just up and left? Hadn't he agreed that HPG was his destiny? He'd been going on and on about the consultant gig forever, so much so it put a wedge between them two years ago? Obviously, there had been some kind of a major kind of falling out between father and son. Rory clenched her coffee mug, but didn't drink from it as she tried to order the thoughts in her mind.

Apparently, Mitchum was okay with Logan leaving. Interesting. She looked at him; he seemed lost in thought and his years were visible on his face. Deep creases lined his mouth and were slashed across his cheeks. He was now completely bald save for a few feathery strays and the evil, vibrant gleam in his eyes was just a flicker of what it used to be. He still cut a relatively strong appearance, but it was clear that he was weaker than he used to be.

And she thought she heard some kind of apology squished between his solemn monologue, but she wasn't sure. Maybe she could use this to her advantage. Oh, guilt bubbled up immediately. Of course it was wrong, contemplating staying and hearing Mitchum out, without hearing Logan's side of the story, but she'd probably never get another chance to see Mitchum like this. Weak, hurt, willing to negotiate.

Maybe she should try to defend Logan, convince Mitchum that Logan hadn't turned his back on his destiny, but she couldn't. Not with Mitchum's solemn voice piercing her memory.

She drew in a deep breath. "So, now what?"

Her crisp voice brought Mitchum back. He coughed. "I want to demote Logan. Give him a superficial role; just to keep up appearances and the family name." He caught the look in her eye and addressed her concerns. "He'll take it, Rory. He wants out. You know he wants out."

It just didn't make sense. Why? But Rory shrugged apologetically, "You know how he is," she offered with a vague gesture.

"I do."

"I'm sorry, Mitchum, but why are you discussing this with me?"

"You wrote up his contract. We'll have to discuss the new one. Which brings me to my following point." Half of his mouth twisted upward.

"My contract?" Rory matched his twisted grin and Mitchum pointed at her. "Bingo."

This was her chance, what she'd been waiting to tell him since she'd entered the door. "I don't want to write anymore, Mitchum," Rory quickly blurted out and she braced herself for the yelling that was sure to follow, but Mitchum nodded deeply and surprised her. "I know. You forget, Rory Gilmore, that I have pretty good gut feelings about things."

"Right," Rory rolled her eyes – he hadn't called her Gilmore in forever – "so what? You want me to be your PA?"

He grinned again, not caring about her change in demeanor, "We're moving forward with Book Publishing and I want you to head that department."

Rory 's brows furrowed together in confusion, "But Bee…?"

"…is a contracted agent. Like some of the guys we are hiring," Mitchum explained, "But we need someone to scout fresh talent and manage them once they are in. Listen to the writer, listen to the agent. Work with the editors, an extra pair of eyes to scan manuscripts. Listen to marketing men for sales pitches. Someone with a drive and a passion and assertiveness, like you. Someone who knows that industry and can seed out the ones who'll be crying in their hotel bathroom after a month on the road…"

Rory swallowed hard – had Bee told Mitchum about that incident? "And obviously, you'd be free to write, if you'd want, but I doubt you will…."

"Why?" Rory interjected hotly. It didn't matter that she'd just admitted she was done with the road, but it irked her that Mitchum (pretended?) to know her so well.

He shrugged unapologetically, "New York Night was an opportunity to launch with a bang – I knew we'd be successful. After all, who doesn't want to read a love story and juicy society scandal? But all the glitz lost it's sheen on the road, didn't it? And with this, you'd be right here in New York, up to your eyeballs in manuscripts. In fact, I'm willing to bet you have someone you are itching to get published."

Jess.

His grin widened as her eyes lit up. "Am I right? Of course I am. I'm rarely wrong."

He took her silence to mean truth and he reached over to pat her hand. "I'll need to know by tomorrow so we can get you set up the rest of the week."

There were so many things to say, but she couldn't say them to Mitchum. He'd played her again. She thought she was the manipulative one, but this little stunt proved that he was still the master. And she couldn't even be mad at him, because what he described was exactly what she wanted to pitch. She was the girl for the job – she knew the hardships of the road to tell who was man enough for the job and she'd read enough to know what was worth publishing and she knew she'd love it. She'd be in New York, nine to five, and with Logan.

But what would Logan say? Was this way he was in Stars Hallow? Because of Mitchum's stunts? Or maybe his own – she couldn't believe he just left! - And why didn't anyone let her know?

Damn it.

Rory hoped that the look on her face revealed that she was overwhelmed – not utterly confused – and she smiled at him, promised to call him and stumbled out of the office. She needed coffee. And maybe a taco.

I know what you are thinking – she dropped the Jess-bomb on us last chapter and now this whole mess! It doesn't make sense!

But it will, I promise. Obviously, things happened when Rory was away on tour and with Rory and Logan's communication skills are at an all time low so bad things were bound to happen. Rory didn't tell Logan about Jess and he didn't tell her about HPG-drama. Seems fair, right? And now Lorelai is kind of on Team Logan, while Mitchum is kind of on Team Rory. And of course, there's still a Jess-thing and there's the whole baby-thing, too.

What can I say? It's complicated. But it'll work itself out, I promise.

Review if you didn't expect this...mess!