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?
Disclaimer: still not mine, no matter how many stories they inspire.
A/N: Thank you all for the kind words and support.
Chapter 11 – That's What Friends Are For
Rory awoke to find the bed empty and it felt odd, unsettled but she knew Finn wouldn't leave without a note. She rose from the bed and stretched just as Finn entered the doorway.
"Good Morning kitten, or really good afternoon, how do you feel? You slept for a while but you didn't seem to rest too well." Finn placed the tray of coffee, fruit and pastries between them on the bed. "Once we have eaten, maybe we can spend some time shopping, then meet up with our friends for a little R&R, I had a long talk this morning with Logan, then oddly Luke called and I gained some insightful information. Diane has some news and big surprise - Tristan and his wife Sarah are in town. How does that sound for a bit of distraction?" He poured her coffee and handed it to her.
Rory held the cup in both hands as if hoping to draw it's warmth into her, "Sounds like a plan, it'll be nice to see everybody and it has been a while since Tristan and Sarah were out. Did they bring the baby?"
"Remember you don't have to put on your brave face here luv - I know you are hurting, that is why I called our friends. You need a little bucking up and they are happy to do it. Luke told me your mom is processing, she regrets not listening and being so judgmental – so that is something. Kitten, you need to let your mind rest, let go of the argument for a bit. I don't expect that you will be fine after what happened just yesterday, but I would hope to help you not obsess about it, deal?" He buttered her scone and placed it on her plate. She took a bite and enjoyed the flavor and they ate the breakfast with minimal chatter.
Rory smiled at him, her eyes soft, "You take such good care of me, breakfast in bed, plans with our friends, you even talked to Luke and gave me an update on my mom. What would I do without you?"
Finn moved the tray to the side table and pulled her to him, "Of course I take care of you, I love you and all I ever want in this world is to see you happy." Then he showed her how happy he could make her.
Later they showered and dressed to meet with their friends; time had got away from them so they skipped the shopping portion of the day and both were okay with that. The car dropped them at the cafe where they were meeting their friends this was a low key meet up and the last thing they needed was the profile of a Michelin rated restaurant.
"Finn good to see you, Rory you look lovely as always." Logan was the first to greet them kissing her cheek and shaking his hand.
"We have to catch up on your holiday, I hear Australia is beautiful at Christmas, how was the holiday with the Morgan clan?" Diane was enthusiastic as always.
Sarah piped up, "You were down under for the holidays? That must have been amazing and so warm, did you even wear anything but a bikini – I bet Finn kept you in clothing light the whole time. Oh, sorry Logan you probably don't want to think of your best friend and your ex in that way, don't mean to be insensitive."
Rory laughed and it was genuine, her friends were just the tonic she needed, "It's okay Sarah, Logan and I are past that bit of awkward, have been for a while now. The holiday was wonderful and I really enjoyed the time with the Morgan's they are an amazing bunch. It was different from Connecticut Christmas, it was warm and sunny, and yes I wore more bikinis than usual for the holiday break, but just the right amount for a beach holiday."
Tristan smiled, "Maybe I can get you to talk Sarah back into a bikini, ever since the baby, she thinks it's verboten or something." He teased his wife, and she blushed.
"Hey you have a baby, you will see, springing back to speedo ready is effort,' she teased him, "I just haven't had the time to make the effort. Now that he sleeps through the night...maybe I can work on it." She responded bashfully.
"On second thought now that he is sleeping through the night we can work on other things." Tristan playfully tickled her and the group smiled knowingly.
The group ate their meal with cheerful chatter, Rory talked about her plans and was heartily encouraged by all. Pictures of the baby were shared, stories of the holiday high-jinks ensued and Rory felt lighter for sharing the sorrow at her mother's response. No one glazed over her sadness but they all assured her for better or worse she would get through this and Lorelai would be sure to come around by the wedding. All Rory could do was hope they were right.
Dessert had been served and Logan asked for the tables attention, "Friends", he began taking Diane's hand, "We are pleased to announce that we will be welcoming a little Huntzberger to the family in seven months. Diane and I haven't made a formal announcement and the only other person outside this table that knows is Honor, but we wanted to be sure you were all in the loop." Congratulations were offered all around as the group divvied the check and prepared to leave the cafe. The girls all hugged, received and gave kisses on cheeks, handshakes were shared and the group went their separate ways. Finn draped his arm over Rory's shoulder as they waited for their car.
"Ror, when do you want kids?" He asked placing a soft kiss on her temple.
"Well, I was thinking after the wedding, but you know, I won't freak if it happens before. I actually was thinking about it when Sarah got pregnant, not with anyone specific, but that I wanted kids, and now I am with you and I can't wait to see what our children will look like." She wrapped her arms around his middle, "I think they will be beautiful.
"Children – plural", Finn grinned and turned her to face him, his heart was literally a flutter, "How many do you want luv?"
Rory beamed at him, no troubles on her mind, "At least two, but I would be good with four. How many do you want?"
"Four pet, that sounds like a right proper family. I like the idea of a full house with you, with luck two of each. He kissed her gently as the car pulled up and then he opened the door so she could get in then slid in beside her.
The ride home was comfortable, Rory cuddled into Finn's side, time with friends had been the salve she needed. Finn placed kisses on the top of her head and knew they were both thinking about the future and how wonderful it could be.
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Lorelai sat with Sookie, "I blew it, Sook, I blew my cred as BFF to my girl. She came to me happy, with a plan and I crapped all over it. I compared her to Emily, but it was me being Emily like. I was being controlling and I didn't listen, she was telling me she was happy and I told her if she wasn't happy being a single journalist then she was a failure. Who does that? Who claims to be the best friend then doesn't listen? Me that's who -I suck!" Lorelai stuffed the fork filled with cake in her mouth not even tasting it.
"Well sweets, you seem to have heard her, just not while she was actually talking or well - here. You know she loves you though and Finn loves her; he sang it and everything." she emphasised trying to inject a bit of humor in the moment and was rewarded with a half smile."
"All I heard was that she was quitting the Times, that was her dream to be a correspondent at the Times and she turned it down, quit and now has no income. She even said she has her trust and that he will support her! I mean who does that! She needs a job - to pay her own way! I just don't like it! It isn't how I raised her, I mean where is my independent thinking daughter?!" Lorelai waved her fork punctuating the last bit.
Sookie reached out and plucked the fork from her hand, placing it safely on the counter and pat her hand. "Hon, she had her dream - she was a reporter for the Times - but dreams change. Isn't it possible that her dream has changed? That she has new goals. Lor, she is getting married, she wants what every young woman wants, her own life. Maybe she even wants a family. How realistic is it for her to be married and have a family while reporting the news from Iraq? Do you really want that for her, hunkering down in a bunker - no partner, no children - just the war zone and ink to keep her warm?"
"Of course I want her to have a partner, have a family; but does it have to be him? Does it have to be a spoiled Hartford boy?" She placed her head down on the counter.
"Isn't he from Australia?" Lorelai raised her head and glared."Okay - so not the point - but she didn't choose him for his bank account - she chose him for him. You can't fight this Lorelai, you will be the one who hurts the most when you can't even hold them to Friday night dinners to keep them in your life." Sookie gave her a pointed look. "Most moms would be thrilled their daughters are provided for - that she has the choice to work for a corporation or write a book and work for herself. Didn't she also say she could freelance? I know you left that life to provide your own - but you had the choice - right?"
Lorelai paused and reluctantly responded, "I guess, I mean, right - she should be able to choose the direction her adult life takes. I suppose I should be more supportive - but honestly - I feel left out, you know like he is her best friend and what does that make me?"
"Her mom? not such a bad thing really - you will still be the one she turns to for advice - but really shouldn't she confide in him - trust him, he is the one she is marrying after all?" Sookie tried.
"Okay - I get it - I still don't like it, but hey maybe I'll get lucky and he'll get drug off by dingoes the next time he heads to the outback?" She looked at Sookie's frown,"Or, I could just try to get to know him, since she is going to marry him." She sighed in defeat.
"That's my trooper, I know you can do it. Here have a cookie." Sookie smiled and passed her the plate.
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Rory sat with Sarah and Diane waiting to enter the spa, "I am definitely getting the seaweed wrap. After the toxic encounter I had with my mom - I can use the reversal."
Diane laughed, "I don't think it's that kind of detox, but I do like your thinking. Tell you what I will spring for it for the three of us."
Sarah and Rory thanked her and were led to the dressing room to prepare for their treatments. The girls enjoyed their wraps and talked about babies.
"So Rory, any plans to expand the Morgan line?" Sarah pried.
Rory blushed,"Rory Gilmore - are you pregnant? First you sleep with him on the first date now you are pregnant before the wedding? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?" Diane teased.
"Wait - hold the phone - you slept with Finn on the FIRST DATE?!"" Sarah was scandalized.
"Yes - I did and you know it was the best decision I ever made, he is perfect for me and it wouldn't have mattered if I made him wait - he would have waited. I think we just had such amazing chemistry. We still do - I have to admit the idea of being able to travel with him makes me giddy. I can't wait to review all of the family holdings." Rory smirked,"Maybe on one of the side trips we can expand the family, but for now it's just the two of us."
"So you talked about it - what did your mom say?" Diane immediately regretted the question. "I'm sorry - I didn't mean..."
"No, it's okay, well not okay - okay, but she'll come around. Finn and I discussed having a family - I can't imagine what she would say; I mean if she can't support my career change - imagine what she'll say to me having a baby?" Rory sighed.
The women relaxed and were wiped down then the attendant instructed them to the showers were after they were moisturized - that all felt much reduced of stress. They stopped by the hotel where they played with the Dugrey baby for a while while speculating on what the Huntzberger and eventually Morgan children might look like.
When Rory returned home to dress for dinner the message light was on: "BEEP - Uh, Rory, it's me - your mom...we need to talk."
Rory hit delete before completing the message, "Dammit - just as I was finally relaxed." She sighed and felt two arms wrap around her middle.
"It's okay pet, shhh, it's okay." He kissed the side of her head. "Don't let her spoil your mood - call her when you are ready, not a minute before. Now let's get dressed and go meet our friends for dinner."
Rory sighed and let herself relax into his embrace. "You're right, thank you." She turned and kissed him and they prepared to meet up with their friends.