Rory woke to the sound of her grumbling stomach. She sat up on the couch and looked around while todays events rushed back to her. Finn was still sleeping soundly on the couch adjacent to her. It had been at least two hours since Logan had come and gone. She decided she would head back to her apartment and see if the air was good to breathe again. She thought she better leave Finn a note. She looked around for paper but didn't see anything. Since the apartments were fairly similar, she looked for the study.
When she walked in, she was in shock. Logan had a book collection that would rival her own and her grandfather's combined. She couldn't help but gravitate towards them. She was touching the spines as she read their titles. She found some of her favorites and couldn't resist opening them, many were first editions. She was in her own little heaven for a moment. Without even realizing it, she backed slowly to Logan's desk and sat down while she started reading."
"He likes the books."
Rory jumped and dropped the book she was holding. "Oh my god, Finn, you scared me half to death."
"I see that. Sorry love."
"I just came in here to grab some paper to write you a note, I was going to head back to my apartment now. It's been several hours. I didn't mean to snoop, but I couldn't resist. This is an incredible collection."
Finn smiled. "I've had to look for a few women in this apartment, but I can honestly say, you are the first I've found reading a book."
Rory was about to respond but her stomach decided to make itself known.
"Good god, Love, that sounded like an animal. I take it you need some food."
"Yes, I am starving."
"How about I get dressed and we go grab a bite to eat?"
Rory shifted nervously. She wasn't comfortable going anywhere yet. "Oh, that is ok. I've been enough of a hassle for you today. I will go home and just order food."
"Now, I recall earlier I told you I would ask you how I found you in the situation you were in. And, I have no intention of taking no for an answer. So, do you want me to order the food or would you prefer to?"
"You know, for a guy who has yet to even ask me my name, you sure are persistent about eating with me."
"I don't remember names, so your name is really irrelevant. I will call you Love, it suites you. So, can we get food already? If I'm up before 4 pm, it needs to be worth my while. So, you go check on the apartment and if it's good, I'll grab some clothes and meet you there. Having a meal with me really is the least you can do for the guy who rescued you."
"It's Rhetta by the way, my name. And you win, please come over and eat with me. I will go order food, Thai ok?"
"Oh, Thai sounds perfect. Please, let me order, I have a favorite place. What do you want on your salad?"
"Salad, ugh. I want spicy pad Thai with shrimp and drunken noodles. Oh, and some pork fried rice and egg rolls."
"Are you expecting guests?"
"Oh, no just for me. I do like a good variety." Rory's cheeks flushed a bit. It's been awhile since she ate with a stranger. It typically takes people a bit to understand her cuisine habits.
Finn stared at her for a minute. "You are a different duck aren't you? Now, if you can share my great appreciation for scotch, you might be my new best friend. I'll order and meet you in ten."
Rory walked back over to her apartment. She left the door open a crack so Finn could let himself in. She was surprised that everything had been cleaned to perfection and only a very faint hint of smoke still lingered. She went back to her room to change in her own clothes. Logan's clothes were soft and comfy but they made her a bit uncomfortable considering who they belonged to. She threw her hair up in a messy pony and called it good. She went back to the living room and turned the TV on.
"I see we aren't the only ones that don't lock our doors." Finn said as he sashayed in.
"I just left it open for you, Finn. Usually I lock my door."
"It wasn't locked this morning, and that was definitely a good thing."
"Oh, I just had groceries delivered this morning. And I guess it was a good thing wasn't it. Why don't you guys lock the door?"
"What is the point? Nobody has access to this floor, and up until a week ago, nobody else lived up here. There wasn't a need."
"I guess that makes sense."
Finn started looking around. "I see Honor worked her magic. A little girly for my taste, but it looks nice here." He walked toward the study and peeked in. "Wow, you really do remind me of Logan. You two have a lot in common."
Rory looked offended. "I highly doubt that. I know what it means to work for a living and I'm also capable of sleeping with someone more than once. I doubt for a second Logan can understand either of those things."
Finn shook his head. "Tsk tsk, hasn't anyone ever told you not to judge a book by the cover, my dear? There is more to Logan than what meets the eye."
"hmm… I doubt that. You know, I went to Yale too. I know all about the Logan Huntzberger."
"Really, you went to Yale? Interesting. Well, I'm not going to try and change your mind. Food will be here in 30 minutes. What are we watching?"
"Oh, I haven't picked anything yet. You have a preference?"
"Oooh, can we watch Glee? Please, I really love that show."
"Glee? I've heard of it, but I haven't watched it before."
"What?! You have never watched Glee? It is my duty to introduce it to you. We will binge watch it, that really is the only way. Netflix, now."
"Ok, seems like I've missed out on something great. Glee it is."
The doorman sent Finn a text letting him know the food was there, he ran down and got it. They ate and watched the first seven episodes of Glee. They talked a bit while watching, the basic getting to know you conversations. Rory avoided the conversations about her work and quickly changed the subject, Finn didn't seem to catch on at all.
"Wow, Finn. It's already after 10. I didn't mean to hold you hostage today. You can go anytime."
"ten o'clock you say, and we haven't had anything to drink? What do you have around here for booze? There should be several bottles in the pantry if Honor didn't toss them out."
"Well, I'm not really sure. I can check. But really, Finn, you don't have to hang out with me. You did your good deed today."
They headed up to the pantry and found Finn's old stash. Finn was busy mixing. "Nonsense, I'm having a good time. I really like Glee and the company is not too bad either. Now, are you going to tell me what happened this morning or do you need more time? And, how about your job, you are avoiding that one too? Again, if you need more time that is fine. But, I will ask again."
Rory was speechless now. "Wow Finn, you read people really well. Why do I have the feeling you are often misjudged."
"You could say I play the part well. People always assume Finn is drunk and doesn't remember the next day. And, typically they are half correct. I am usually drunk but I see and remember everything. It's a gift and a curse. I don't mind pretending, nobody ever expects anything from me. Now, this morning?"
They took their newly poured drinks back to the living room. "Well, I was trying to fry bacon. I was really hungry and I just wanted bacon. I ordered groceries and even though I've never made it before, I figured it couldn't be that hard. A kitchen that fancy has to make it somewhat easy. I have an ivy league education for god sake. I read the package and found a pan. Next thing I know it's making loud popping noises, and stuff was flying everywhere out of the pan and then the fire. I didn't know what to do. Then the smoke alarms went off and I panicked. I couldn't breathe, the loud piercing noise was awful. I was trying my breathing techniques when you came in." Rory took a big drink and downed her drink. "This is all so embarrassing. I'm really not this much of a mess"
"Now, now. Don't be embarrassed. I'll let you in on a little secret, cooking on a gas stove can be a thousand times harder especially if you aren't a cook to start with. And, I get the feeling you aren't a cook."
Rory laughed a little. "Well, nobody told me that. And no, definitely not a cook."
"So… why the panic attack? The fire upset you that much?" Finn watched Rory's face change. He knew there was something she wasn't telling him. He was hoping she understood by now she could trust him.
"I think it was the alarm." She said it very quietly. She was shifty and nervous again. "Can you make me another one of those drinks, they are really good?"
"Anything for you, love." Finn went back to the kitchen and Rory sat there for a minute. She contemplated what she should tell Finn. He returned quickly with a fresh drink.
"Here you go. It's a Finn special. If you liked the last one, you will love this one."
Rory took a few sips. It was excellent. "Finn, I think you missed your calling as a bartender. This is amazing."
"Yes, it's a favorite of mine as well. Collin calls it my truth serum. After a few of these, there are no longer any secrets." He meant the comment as a joke but immediately could tell Rory was upset.
"Hey.. relax, love. There is no pressure from me. It's just a favorite drink of mine. It's clear you have things you aren't comfortable sharing with me, that doesn't bother me. We did just meet today. However, I do have a feeling we will be great friends. Just know, if you ever need a friend, my door is always open… literally."
Rory offered up a small smile. "Look Finn, I appreciate everything today. And yes, I know I haven't been upfront about a few things. I'm not ready to talk about the specifics, but I can tell you I've been dealing with something pretty scary these last few months. I'm trying my hardest to get better, but it's not exactly happening." Rory could feel the tears coming. "I really want to get better." She refused to cry in front of him but her tears betrayed her as they started rolling down her cheeks. She just stared at the ground.
"Come here, love." Finn gave her a big bear hug. "I promise you, It will all work itself out, whatever it is. And now you have Finn to help you. I meant what I said, door is always open." He let her go and reached in his wallet to grab his card. "Here is my business card, it has my personal cell on it. Call me anytime, day or night."
"Thanks Finn. I never imagined my day going like this. I'm really glad I met you. I better call it a night. Plus, it's still early enough for you to go out yet."
"Is that so? You know me so well. Kindred spirits we are. Now, can I get your number? I'll text you later to check up on you."
"Sure, give me your phone, I'll put it in. Do you want it under Rhetta or Love?"
"Funny too,… Rhetta is good. You are someone worth learning a name for. Remember, no watching Glee without me. And, next time you are up for bacon, come and get me. I'll make it for you."
Finn gave her another hug and his signature wink and out the door he went. Rory smiled, she wasn't sure if it was the alcohol but there was something about Finn she really enjoyed. She could be herself, for the most part anyway. He made every subject approachable. He never judged her, had no expectations of her, it was really nice for a change. She was surprised that he never once tried to make a pass at her. She didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Did he not find her attractive? The alcohol was making her sleepy. She went back to her room and cozied up in her down comforter.
Finn opened the door and Logan was watching TV.
"Hey man, where have you been? I texted you forever ago."
Finn grabbed a couple beers from the fridge and joined him. "I was across the hall, at my new friend's place. It's been an interesting day."
"Yes, quite interesting. You know, I came home at lunch and found you two on the couch. She gave me the run down. You couldn't have given her your clothes?"
"Come on, mate. You have seen her. She would have drowned in my clothes. Your clothes were better. I really wasn't thinking all that clearly either, I just wanted to get some sleep. But, I have to admit, I'm glad she had the fire because it allowed me to meet her. She's incredible."
"Woah, you have feelings for this girl?" Logan could hardly believe he was asking this question and to Finn of all people.
"No! Well, I don't know, maybe? I don't think so. I don't have feelings for girls. Besides, this particular girl is very much out of my league." Finn was rambling.
"You sound like a girl, Finn."
"Just shut it, man. I don't want to hear it. She's going through some things right now, she needs a friend. I can be a great friend. We had Thai and watched Glee."
"Well, thanks for the invite. And, by the way, you do realize you just friend-zoned yourself, right?"
Finn rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You my friend, were not invited and I doubt you will be anytime soon. It seems neighbor girl knows all about you and your reputation. She is not impressed. She went to Yale, a couple years behind us, but apparently a reputation like yours lingers."
"Is that so? Whatever. People can think what they want. I've been judged my whole life. That will not stop anytime soon."
Logan got up and was busying himself in the kitchen. He just needed to pace. He realized his opportunity to befriend this girl was going to be way harder than he thought. It also bothered him that she thought so little of him. He knew it was a reputation he earned, but this past year he was really trying to do things different. He could probably lay off the women, but what fun was that?
Finn knew he struck a nerve. "Hey, I told her not to judge a book by its cover. I had your back man."
"I appreciate it Finn. You don't need to defend me. But, thanks for that. I'm going to bed, early day tomorrow. You going out?"
"No, I could use some sleep too. Let's go back to that new club tomorrow night?
"Sure, sounds like a plan."
They both went to their rooms. Logan was trying to figure out how he was going to get Rory to open up to him and agree to an interview. He laid awake when an idea came to him. It was a little more drastic than he wanted, but he couldn't see another way. After finalizing the plan in his head, he was able to sleep for the night.
He woke up Friday morning feeling a little guilty about his plan for the evening. He about changed his mind until his Father came down on him about his exclusive with Rory Gilmore.
Logan thought about asking Finn to talk to her about it. But after Finn's confusing comments yesterday, he knew he couldn't put his friend in that position.
He had talked with Tom, the night doorman and put his plan in motion. Rhetta had a pretty set routine where she ordered food around 6. Tom had specific instructions to text Logan when the food arrived so he and Rhetta would be in the lobby together. They would get on the elevator together and Tom would then stop the elevator until he got the signal from Logan, essentially trapping them in. It sounded good in theory.
Logan arrived before her and was making small talk with Tom. Tom was a dedicated employee, he didn't ask a lot of questions. Logan shared enough details where Tom knew he wasn't endangering the girl. Tom also understood the ridiculous amount of pressure his father put on Logan. If this could help him out, it's the least he could do in exchange for the last 5 years of employment.
Rhetta got off the elevator and greeted Tom.
"Good evening, Ms. Rhetta. Here is your food."
"Thanks, Tom. Oh, Hi Logan."
"Hi Rhetta. Going up I presume?"
"Yes, that would be the way."
They walked toward the elevator and got in together. Rory was trying to decide if she should make small talk or just ride up in silence when all of a sudden the elevator came to a lurching stop.
"Oh my god, what happened? Rory was terrified.
"This elevator has some kinks. I've had it repaired before but apparently it's still not fixed. No worries, Ms. Haymore it will be working again in no time."
Logan was typing a message into his phone. Rory was pacing back and forth in the elevator. The small space was starting to make her more anxious. All of a sudden the lights went out. This wasn't part of Logan's plan.
"Oh my god, Oh my god. It's so dark." Rory could feel a panic attack coming on.
"Rhetta, calm down. The generator will kick in in a minute. Just relax."
Rory couldn't answer and was gasping for air. Logan realized immediately she was having a panic attack.
"Rhetta, sit down. You need to breathe." He grabbed at her food bags and started emptying the cartons from the paper bag. "Here, breathe into this." He handed her the paper bag and helped her sit down. He sent a quick text to Tom saying "ABORT" and turned his flashlight app on his phone. "Here is some light. Keep breathing." Her breathing wasn't getting better and tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Rhetta, calm down. You need to breathe, slow deep breaths in the bag. Please, Rory you need to breathe."
He didn't mean to say it. But, it came out never the less. She looked up at him and her eyes went wide.
"Yes, I know who you are Rory. It's okay, please focus on your breathing."
Logan was getting a little worried. The generator had kicked in and the lights came back but they still were not moving. He took his phone and sent Tom another text. "WHAT THE HELL, MAN? TURN IT ON, NOW!"
Still no movement. Rory's breathing had started to return to normal, and she was now trying to stand back up. Logan helped her up.
"You know who I am?" She said while pausing from her breathing.
"I do."
"So, what do you plan to do with that information. Or, should I ask what have you already done?"
"I haven't done anything. But you need to. Granted, I may have had a little help from your friend Paris on figuring this whole thing out, but I guarantee there are many others sniffing around. It's only a matter of time before someone figures something out."
"Oh my god, did you plan this Logan? What, did you think you would trap me in an elevator and you would get an exclusive? What in the hell is wrong with you?"
"I didn't plan this." He lied. He wanted to tell her the truth, but he couldn't, at least not now. He didn't want to risk another panic attack. However, seeing how angry she was, he didn't think it was really a concern anymore.
"I don't believe you. God, you are exactly as I thought. You have no fricken idea what I have been through. Is it so much to ask for a few months to get my head sorted out?"
All of a sudden the elevator lurched again and started moving. The movement startled her and she grabbed the handle. They were both quiet the rest of the way up. Rory quickly made her way to her door.
"Look Rory, I would really like to talk to you. Completely off the record."
Rory didn't respond. Just walked in her apartment and slammed the door. She was pacing in the kitchen.
Logan just shook his head. He couldn't believe how badly this had gone. He went inside his apartment and sent another text to Tom. "What the hell happened, man?" He was pacing in his kitchen when the door flew open.
"You want to talk off the record?" She yelled.
"Please, come in." He replied sarcastically.
"Oh, no, you do NOT get to trap me in an elevator and then be upset with me."
"I told you I didn't do that."
"Well, we both know that is a load of shit now don't we? I'm a reporter too, or did that slip your mind already? I know what lengths we go to in order to get what we want. Plus, add on the fact that you are a freaking Huntzberger, I would bet my trust fund you planned that. Now, I want to know what in the hell you plan on doing with the information you know?" She was still yelling at him.
Logan couldn't form any words. He's never seen anyone with such tenacity call him out like that.
"Well? Cat got your tongue?"
"Well" He mocked her, "since you asked so nicely, I don't have anything planned. Yes, I was hoping for an interview…"
"Never going to happen!" She interrupted.
"If you would let me finish, I said I was hoping for an interview. However, I would like to offer you some genuine advice, one reporter to another, you need to make a statement and soon."
"I doubt there is a genuine bone in your body."
"Believe what you want, but your disappearance is a hot story. You can't be that naïve to not understand what that means. Come on, you know the industry. You want to know where I was the day you moved in? San Francisco, meeting with your old boss from the campaign trail. And while he may not have gave me much, he did give me a phone number for a Liam. What does Liam know? And, if he was willing to give it to me, how many others?"
Logan watched Rory's face change and knew Liam was somehow involved or at the very least knew more than anyone else did.
"You know I'm right, Rory. It's written all over your face."
Rory couldn't believe how smug he was about it. "You know, I need a few days to figure this out. You think you can give met that? I mean, it's the least you can do for being the giant Asshole you are!"
She didn't give him a chance to respond, she flew out the door as quickly as she came in.
Logan stood in his kitchen in complete disbelief. What in the hell just happened?
AN: Of course, it's going to be a messy ride for those two. Life is never simple. What do you guys think, enjoying it so far? Stop and share some feedback. And to my dedicated reviewers, you are best! I appreciate it more than you know. ;)
