A/N: OY! I managed to get a chapter out. This was supposed to be out last weekend, however, I didn't really like the way it was turning out, so I scrapped about half of it and rewrote it. Still not super happy, but I promised someone on one of the sites I post at that I would get an update out soon. The good news is that I'm already halfway through writing the next chapter. I want to thank everyone who has liked, favorited, reviewed, etc. this story. It makes my day to know that people are reading and liking what I'm writing. Enjoy!
Chapter 9 – It's a Boat!
When the girls got back from shopping, all the bags and packages were quickly stowed before taking off. Rory sat next to Finn, again, holding hands. Once the seatbelt sign was turned off, Finn turned toward Rory.
"What would you like to do now, Kitten?"
"Would it be rude of me to just sit here and read one of my books?" Rory asks. "I figure this weekend will provide me little time for homework, so I would like to try to get at least one reading completed."
"I don't think anyone will mind, we have about four and a half hours, so get comfy." Finn pulls Rory's bag from the overhead bin, handing it to her before pointing to where Colin, Robert and a couple other guys were setting up a poker game at a table. "I'll be just over there if you need anything."
"Thanks, Finn." Rory begins digging in her bag, pulling out one of three novels she brought with her. She has two literature classes this semester and didn't want to fall behind. She was all for more socializing this year, hence why she was on the plane, but her schoolwork still came first.
Without thinking about it, three and a half hours flew by. Rory gets to the end of her book, amazed she's fallen into it so completely, though she probably shouldn't be surprised. Emma was one of her favorite novels by Jane Austen. One she's read at least half a dozen times over the years. She takes a few moments to think about what she wants to say in class, making a few notes in the notebook she'd pulled out.
Done with work for now, Rory stores her stuff before moving over to the table where Colin, Robert, and Finn were still playing cards. She quickly looks around the plane, looking for the third stooge. She laughs at the girls who had sprawled out in the captain's chairs, sleeping peacefully. She glanced toward the other sofa and couldn't help smiling at Logan who was sleeping with Rachael cuddled in his arms.
Sitting in the empty seat next to Finn, Rory points over her shoulder, "How'd that happen? I thought he was all about being loose and free?"
"That, RG," Colin begins, "is what we call, LDB event hook-up."
"So, it's just for the weekend?" Rory asks, not really surprised that the guys had a name for what Logan was doing.
"Exactly," Robert replies. "You'll notice several people who are 'together' over the next few days, however, when you see them back at Yale, they will pretend they don't know each other."
"That's so strange," Rory says. "I don't understand what anyone gets out of—whatever it is. It's definitely not a relationship."
"Sex," Finn responds. "Knowing that you won't be alone for the next few days."
"That just seems so" Rory begins, "empty."
"It satisfies a certain need," Finn says, shrugging at the affronted look Rory was giving him.
"It amazes me how casual everyone seems to be about sex," Rory mutters, turning her attention to the card game. "Who's winning?"
"Finn," Colin grumbles. "Somehow, even when he's not dealing, he still manages to get the best hands."
"Just my lucky day," Finn responds before handing Colin two cards. "Two please."
Rory watches as Finn takes his two cards, shuffling them with the three cards in his hand. She notices he begins to shift the cards towards her so she could see his hand. "Don't," she urges him, covering his hand with the cards in it, "I'm horrible at poker and can't hide if I have a good hand or not. I don't want to ruin your run of good luck."
"You are my personal good luck charm, Kitten," Finn leaned over kissing her temple. He laughs at her blush, and then turns back to the game to make his final bet.
"Call," Robert says.
"Call," Colin says a few seconds after Robert.
Finn tosses in his sticky-note, calling as well. Rory watches as all three men lay down their cards. She laughs as both Robert and Colin groan and start complaining about how Finn never loses.
"So, what's on the stickies?" Rory asks. She was used to playing poker with her mother and using cookies or pretzels for bidding. She assumed the guys would use cash or chips.
"Those are the bets," Colin explains with his head in his hands.
"I'm guessing that you lost something substantial?"
"One of my Colts," Colin answers back.
"You bet a horse?" Rory asks incredulously. She shakes her head, realizing this is just one more example of how different her life was to the guys.
"No, RG. Even I wouldn't bet a living breathing thing," Colin begins. "It's a classic car. Completely restored."
"And that's not the best thing I have in this list," Finn interrupts.
Rory begins to reply, wondering what exactly the boys had been using for bets. Before she could ask, however, the pilot came over the speaker letting everyone know they were beginning their decent into Puerto Rico.
"Guess we need to go buckle up," Finn says, standing and holding his hand out for Rory.
Rory watches as Robert and Colin give each other a quick look before turning her attention to Finn. "Lead the way," she says, giving him a bright smile.
The pair move back to the sofa they had been sitting on at the beginning of the flight, sitting quickly and buckling the seatbelts. As they had when the plane was preparing for takeoff, the two clasp hands.
"Here's hoping the pilot doesn't bounce us down the runway," Rory says, squeezing Finn's hand briefly.
"From your lips to his ears," Finn responds.
Fortunately for Finn the pilot knew how to land a plane smoothly and before they knew it the stairs were being lowered for departure.
"Time for the blindfold," Finn says as he comes up behind Rory once they make it next to the cars waiting on the tarmac.
"You can't be serious, Finn," Rory complains. "I already know we're in Puerto Rico. What else is there to surprise me with?"
"You'll see shortly. There's still many surprises for you over the weekend," Finn replies as he slips the scarf over her eyes. "I promise not to let you fall."
"I trust you," Rory says as Finn helps her into the limo.
Less than ten minutes later Rory feels the limo pull to a stop. A moment later, she feels the slight breeze from the open door. A hand touches her arm, helping her from the car.
"Careful, Kitten," Finn says, "I don't want you to fall."
"Yeah, I'd hate to take a swim. Especially since I'm sure the water isn't the cleanest."
"How do you figure that," she ears Logan say.
"Easy," Rory says, turning to her left where she suspects Logan is standing. "I can smell the salt in the air, however, the 'ground' under my feet isn't squishy so I can assume we're not at the beach where we would be standing on sand."
A long bell sounds, interrupting the conversation for a moment.
"Lastly," Rory continues with a smirk, "that, if I'm not mistaken, is a harbor bell, therefore we are most likely at a marina of some sort."
"Nothing gets by this one," Colin complains. "Guess we can take the blindfold off."
"Don't sound so put out, Colin," Rory tries to placate the tight-assed man. "I'm training to be a journalist. It has to be second nature for me to use my other senses to sus things out and to always be aware of my surroundings."
"I want Reporter Girl on my team for any and all future events," Stephanie says as Finn removes the blindfold.
"Sorry, Luv, she's forever and always on my team," Finn replies as he takes Rory's hand and the group begins making their way to a small cruise ship docked at the end of the pier.
"Nice boat," Rory says, laughing as the group goggle at her choice of words.
"It's not a boat," Colin grumbles.
"O—Kay," Rory says as she rolls her eyes at him. "Nice—yacht?"
"It's a small cruise ship," Logan informs her. "That," he continues pointing toward the side of the pier, "is a yacht."
"Consider me duly chastised and newly educated," Rory snarks, sticking her tongue out at Logan.
"Let's go find our suite," Finn says, leading Rory up a gangplank and through a series of corridors. He knows if he lets his friends continue, they will bicker/banter back and forth for hours. Finally, he gets to the hallway where their suite is. With a flourish he opens a door to a massive suite.
"How many people are staying in this place? It's huge," Rory says, awe causing her to stumble over her words. "I think you could fit my mother's entire first floor inside this area."
"Meh," Colin mumbles before moving off to the left and dragging Stephanie behind him. He goes into what Rory assumes is one of the bedrooms. She sees two other doors while simultaneously counting the number of people in the group.
"Uh, so, how are the sleeping arrangements being made?" She turns to Finn who has a sheepish look on his face.
"Well, see, Kitten," Finn begins, "You and Steph were supposed to be in one room with Logan and Robert sharing a room and Colin and I sharing the other." Finn pauses to run his hand through his hair. "Obviously Colin and Steph are now sharing, I would share with Logan or Robert, however, Logan cuddles, which I don't necessarily mind until he gets handsy,"
"Hey, that was once," Logan yells.
"and Robert steals covers." Finn continues, ignoring Logan's complaints.
"So, I guess you're telling me that you're my roomie for however long we're on this boat?"
"Ship," Logan and Robert both mutter before quickly moving to the door of the middle room.
"Yes, assuming you're okay with that," Finn stumbles.
"It's not like we've NOT shared a bed before," Rory begins, stepping toward the remaining bedroom. "Just, if you are going to bring a girl back, don't? Go to her room maybe?"
"Girls aren't on the agenda this weekend, Kitten." Finn stops Rory before she moves into their room. "I wouldn't treat you that shabbily. I'm better than that."
"I know you are," Rory begins, "but, I didn't think you'd be glued to my side twenty-four seven." She pauses before continuing, "I also wanted to ensure no awkward moments." Rory moved into the room, bouncing on the bed. Finn stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame.
"What do you say we freshen up and bit, then go scout out the ship to see where the best coffee is?"
"The man knows the way to my heart," Rory says before heading into the bathroom to wash some of the plane off her.
A few minutes later Rory and Finn were strolling along the main deck. Finding a small cafe, they both order a large coffee before finding a small table to sit at near the pool.
Rory closes her eyes, savoring the first sip of her life force. "Ah, that's not a bad brew," she comments. Looking at Finn, she bursts out laughing at his quirky look. "Problems with your coffee there?"
"Very hot," he returns blowing on the small opening in the lid. "I never could figure out how you manage to drink your coffee without letting it cool down a bit."
"Years of practice," Rory shrugs. "According to Luke I had my first cup of coffee at ten years of age. I'm pretty sure, though, that my mom slipped me some way before then."
They sit in companionable silence for several moments before Rory asks, "So, what does this weekend entail? How embarrassed, or horrified, am I going to be by the end of the event?"
"Well, I can't reveal everything," Finn begins, turning so he was angled toward her to see her face. "I can reveal that tonight will probably be the most challenging."
At Rory's questioning look, Finn continues, "Tonight is the opening banquet, full on seven course dinner, and what can be described as an extended game of twenty questions."
"That sounds like fun," Rory grumbles. "How bad do the questions get?"
"Hmmm, hard to say, really," Finn begins. "It mostly depends on how drunk everyone gets. You, Steph, and I will be stationed at an assigned table. We won't be moving; however, all the Brigadiers will rotate between tables. The goal is to have the maximum number of people making contact with the initiates. The questions usually start out simple and get more personal as the night goes on. Everyone mingles for hors d'oeuvres portion, then rotate to the different tables as the night goes on."
"And you will be right beside me all night?" Rory questions. "And can I refuse to answer a question?"
"Steph and I will both be right next to you all night," Finn confirms. "If you feel the question gets too personal you can ask for an alternative. However, most people don't get too intimate. The goal is to get to know everyone, not to embarrass you. Though, Logan and Colin might try to rattle you. They will be with us first and last I believe."
"Bring on the drama," Rory says, rolling her eyes, mostly for allowing herself to get roped into this. However, according to her Grandpa, this was a long standing right of passage for the Gilmore clan.
Finn takes the last sip of his coffee. He stands, taking Rory's empty cup before tossing both in a nearby trash can. He then holds out his hand to her, "Let's go relax in the room before getting ready. The dress is semi-formal. I'm assuming Steph helped you pick out a cocktail dress for tonight?"
"A few for this weekend and future use," Rory confirms. She and Finn hold hands, swinging them between their bodies as they walk back to the suite.
"Good. I knew she would be a good shopping buddy. That girl lives to shop," he says.
"She's definitely a force of nature in a department store," Rory confirms as she proceeds Finn into the common room of their suite. "Can we watch some mindless TV before I go take a shower?"
"Whatever you desire, Kitten," Finn says as he moves further into the room to sit on the sofa. He pats the seat beside him and smiles when Rory sits right next to him, snuggling into his side as they begin flipping through the channels to see what was on.
By a quarter to seven the entire group was ready to head to the ballroom for the opening banquet of the Life and Death Brigade initiation. Rory and Stephanie had taken over Rory and Finn's room for prep, forcing Finn to shower in Colin's room. Given that the boys took far less time to get ready, it wasn't a huge deal.
When the girls stepped out of the room the guys all gawked appropriately.
"Kitten, wow, that dress is—" Finn began, unable to form a complete thought.
"Damn, Ace, you look like a model," Logan begins. "Steph, you'll do," he smirks at his longtime friend, riling her up like he's prone to do.
"Bite me, Logan," Steph grouses as she moves to stand next to Colin.
"Colin would get jealous," Logan shoots back. He winks at his friends before turning and striding toward the door. "I need to pick up Rachael, I'll see you all in the ballroom."
"Shall we go?" Colin asks as he holds out his arm for Stephanie.
"Robert are you sitting with us as well?" Rory asks as the group makes their way through the halls of the ship.
"No, I got stuck with some other newbie this evening," Robert responds with a grin. "There's only ten of you this year, so they're trying to make the tables a mixture of alumni and current members."
"How did we get so lucky as to have a table full of current members?" Rory asks.
"Knowing people in high places, Kitten," Finn begins. "It pays to be besties with the organization committee."
"Ah, that would explain it," Robert says. At the questioning looks he continues, "I pissed Rosemary off this summer by not letting her stay at my parents place in the Catskills."
"Dude never piss off Rosemary. She's vicious," Colin says. "She still hasn't forgiven me for that prank I played on her Freshman year."
"I wouldn't have forgiven you either, you jerk," Stephanie responds before hugging Colin's arm.
Everyone has been chatting and bantering while making their way to the ballroom. Once they enter, Rory asks, "Wow, the LDB doesn't do anything by half measures do they?"
"Go big or go home, Reporter Girl," Colin says as he leads everyone further into the room. "Our table is up near the stage, just left of center."
"Pride of place for the sole legacy this year," Stephanie says before heading to the back of the ballroom where the dance floor and bars were stationed.
"What did she mean by that?" Rory asks, turning toward Finn.
"Just that you're the only legacy initiate this year," Finn says with a shrug. "Given your grandfather's status, along with your great-gran, going through this weekend is just a formality. You would be in even if you decided not to go through all this," he waves his hands around to indicate the room.
"Ah, so I can just ignore all the questions then?" Rory asks with a laugh. Even knowing she could, she also knows she won't refuse to answer. It was a pride thing and she didn't want to disappoint either her grandfather, nor her gran.
"But you won't," Finn says as he places his hand at the small of her back. "Let's go get a drink and mingle."
Rory grins, taking his hand in hers as they cross the room. "Nothing too strong, okay," she mentions to Finn as they reach the bar. "I don't want to get sloppy drunk."
"Never," Finn says before asking for a coffee-tini and a scotch. "I would recommend a one to three ratio for the night."
"What exactly does that mean?" Rory asks, taking a sip of her drink. "This is really good, thank you," she says first to the bartender then to Finn.
"One alcoholic beverage to three waters, sparkling is best if you don't want anyone to know you're not drinking," Finn states as if it's the most natural thing in the world.
"Of course, what was I thinking?" Rory says as she and Finn begin to mix with the other Brigade members.
"Brandon, how ya been, mate?" Finn asks as Rory and he stop at a small group. "Rory, may I introduce you to Brandon Talmidge, graduate student in the business department. The lovely lady by his side is Tiffany Bridgestone, recent Yale graduate in, Art History if I'm not mistaken," Finn adds. He watches Tiffany nod.
"Rory, nice to meet you," Tiffany says, extending her hand to shake. "You're Richard and Emily's granddaughter, no?" she asks.
"Yes, I am. Do you know my grandparents?" Rory asks. It still unnerves her sometimes when people mention her grandparents in such a familiar way. Sometimes she feels as if she's still getting to know them.
"They're friends with my parents," Tiffany says. "We vacationed with them a few times when I was younger."
"Interesting," Rory says, reaching for something to say. Except for the previous summer with her grandmother, she, herself, hadn't vacationed with them ever.
"Rory," Finn begins, trying to shift the focus of the conversation, "this is Leopold Fitz-Simmons and his wife, Jemma," he offers. "They're alumni from—forgive me, I don't remember your graduating year, sorry."
"No worries," Leopold says while his wife just smiles. "We're of an age where we don't talk about it so much any longer," Leopold continues.
"Now that just makes us sound positively ancient," Jemma tosses in. "We graduated in 1990."
"That's not so long ago," Rory says politely. "What did you study?"
The group falls into polite small talk, comparing professors and the best places to get food in New Haven.
Eventually the dinner hour was called. Rory gives a small wave as she says, "It was nice meeting you all. Jemma, please email me and I will send you the details about my mother's inn. I'm sure it would be just perfect for your needs."
"I'll do that," Jemma says before turning and following her husband to their table a few feet away.
"That wasn't so bad," Rory murmurs as she and Finn make their way to their own table.
"So far so good," Finn replies as he pulls out her chair. "Milady," he adds gallantly.
"Why thank you, kind sir," Rory responds back with a mischievous grin.
"How's it going, Ace?" Logan asks as he and Rachael take their seats.
"Not bad, so far," Rory responds. "I was able to help an alumnus find a place to hold a society meeting, I think."
"You're bloody brilliant, Kitten," Finn offers as the waiters begin serving the gazpacho soup and pouring the Bollinger Rose. "Every time someone asked a personal question, our Rory here," Finn begins putting his arm around her shoulder, "would answer as vaguely as possible, then turn the question back onto the asker. Bloody brilliant I tell ya." Finn smiles like a proud papa at his child's first steps.
"Well, you can't pull that trick on us," Stephanie says with a smirk. "So, inquiring minds want to know, when was the last time you kissed someone?"
"Good one, Steph," Colin says, leaning in to better mock the answer.
"Hmmm, that would be during spring break," Rory replies with a small smile. Under the table she takes Finn's hand and squeezes it lightly. "There was this very gallant guy who helped me get a drunk Paris back to our room. We talked a little then before he left, he asked for a kiss. It was pretty great." Rory could feel the blush rising up her neck, but she had made a pact with herself to answer as honestly as possible.
"It was a pretty good kiss for me too, Kitten," Finn leans in and whispers to Rory so only she could hear.
Rory feels herself flush and quickly takes a drink of her water to try to hide her face.
"Well, if we're asking those types of questions," Rachael begins after taking a sip of her drink, "what's your favorite sexual position?"
Everyone at the table pauses for a moment, looking at the outlier of their group. Many wonder what possessed her to go right to the truly embarrassing questions.
Rory nearly chokes on her water but doesn't back down. "Any position/place Huntzberger there isn't," Rory manages to shoot back. She smiles at Finn for rubbing her back to help her catch her breath.
"Ouch, Ace," Logan responds as he reaches for his heart. "That gets me, right here," he bemoans as he points to his chest.
"You forget I've heard the stories, Logi," Rory says. She uses the nickname she'd given him over the summer knowing he would hate it.
"Going for the jugular tonight, huh Ace," Logan says smirking at his friend.
"Well, gotta keep that ego in check," Rory responds.
"All right, children, let's not get too deep into the mud." Colin looks around the table, laughing at the various expressions on everyone's face. "It's time to switch it up," he adds as the waiters come around to collect the soup bowls.
Everyone but Stephanie and Finn get up and move to another table. "Let the party begin," Finn says.
Seth and Rosemary are the first two to sit down at the table. "Hey, guys," Seth greets the trio. "How's it been so far, Rory?" He asks.
"Not too intrusive," Rory replies with a smile. "Though Logan's 'friend' tried to start something I think," she adds.
"I think she's jealous of you," Stephanie says as the wait staff begin serving the appetizers. Rory starts laughing as the waiters set down a grilled shrimp and avocado with mango salsa in front of everyone.
"But why? It's not like I'm trying to get with Logan or anything," Rory says with a sigh. She picks up a shrimp, nibbling on it absently. "We're just friends. And he's so not my type."
"I didn't say it made sense, but it seems every girl that gets with Logan is jealous of those of us who are in his inner circle," Stephanie replies with a shrug.
"Insecure much," Rory mumbles. "Does that go for you too?" Rory asks Finn, turning so she can look at him directly.
"Not as much, I've been gone for a year and haven't shown interest in anyone so far," Finn defers.
"Yeah, what's up with that?" Rosemary asks. "Normally you're hitting on everything that walks by."
"I'm trying something new this year," Finn mumbles, a slight flush creeping up his cheeks. "So, this is a chance for you to get to know Rory better, not dissect my dating life."
"Rory, this is Sebastian Roberts and his wife Margret," Seth introduces the new faces at the table. "And, this is their son Michael," he adds indicating the man sitting to the right of Finn.
"Nice to meet you all," Rory says with her polite society smile in place. "Michael, are you still at Yale?" She asks before anyone can ask her a question.
"I am," Michael answers. "I'm in my last year of Law School."
"Following the family tradition," Margaret says with a proud smile. "What does your family do, Rory?"
"My grandfather is insurance," Rory says after swallowing a bite of shrimp. "My mother owns an inn in our hometown."
"Wait, you're Richard Gilmore's granddaughter?" Sebastian asks. "His company does all of our insurance at our offices. Please tell him Sebastian Roberts says hello."
"I'll do that. I have dinner with them nearly every Friday," Rory says as the waiters once more come around to collect empty plates.
Those moving to new tables took their drinks, bidding everyone a good evening with promises to talk more later.
"So far, so good," Rory says as five new people head to their table.
"You're doing great, Reporter Girl," Stephanie says, giving Rory a brief hug before introducing the new people.
Dinner progresses with Rory answering more questions, none too invasive. Finally, dessert arrives, a smorgasbord of petite one or two bite delicacies that makes Rory's mouth water.
"I should have left more room," Rory says with a chuckle as Logan, Rachael, Colin, and Robert sit down. "Just espresso for me, please," Rory says to the waiter asking for her beverage preference.
"Giving up the drink already, RG?" Robert asks. He, too, took up the reporter girl moniker, delighting in the frustration and eye roll he receives every time he uses it.
"You really should try the Remy Martin," Colin says, pointing his glass toward her. "It's smooth going down."
"That's not what she said," Logan says to his friend, trying to get him riled up.
"Shut it, you," Colin retorts. "Remember I have information about some of your less stellar performances there buddy."
"I see they're well into their cups," Stephanie deadpans. "Let's just hope we don't have to carry them back to the suite."
"To answer your question, Robert," Rory begins, trying desperately to ignore the still bickering stooges, "After the Chateau D'Yquem Sauternes with the cheese course I'm tapped out. I don't like feeling out of control."
"I bet you get saucy when you're drunk," Robert says with a smirk.
"Not sure," Rory shrugs. "I don't think I've ever been that drunk. Though even one sip of the Founder's Day punch packs a punch."
"Oh, do tell, Kitten," Finn says leaning across the table to reach a Black Forest petit fours.
"It's this punch that the dance teacher, Miss Patty, makes for most of the events in Stars Hollow. From what I'm told it could be used to remove paint."
"Sounds like my kind of beverage," Finn responds with a smile. "You'll have to invite us to the next shin dig in this little burrow of yours. We have to try the punch."
"Sure, there's one coming up in a couple weeks, not to mention my birthday bash," Rory says, taking another bite of her own petit fours.
"Okay, one final question for our Brigadier to be," Robert says, sipping his brandy. "If we gave you a box of 120 crayons and told you you had to eat one to, I don't know, save Finn from certain death, which one would you eat and why?"
"Ouch, going for the gut there," Rory says as she leans over toward her best friend. "Well, normally I would decline to eat a crayon, too waxy for my tastes, however, if it's to save my bestie here," she continues rubbing her hand down Finn's arm. "Hmmm—do I go with the white, so it doesn't show on my teeth, a food named one to trick myself that I'm eating food? Or do I go for the glitter one so when it comes out the other side it's all sparkly?"
"Wow, that's quite a bit of thinking for something that's meant to be crazy and wild," Logan says.
"I like to make my pro/con lists," Rory shrugs. "Even for something as fucking inane as eating a crayon." Rory doesn't realize what she's said, however, the others at the table stare at her in surprise before bursting into loud laughter.
"Who won," Finn says as he reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a thick envelope.
"What?" Rory asks, not understanding what's going on. To be honest, her head was swimming a bit. She figures it's a nice buzz from all the wine she drank with dinner.
"Well, Kitten," Finn begins, tapping the envelope on the table. "The group here," he points around the table at his friends, "decided to place a little bet on when you would lose your innocent exterior and let loose."
"You bet on me?" Rory asks the group, feeling a blush creep up her face.
"We meant no harm," Colin says, "None of us will judge you. And it's not like we have to worry about TV sensors or anything," he adds. "So get your curse on!"
"It just seems so—" Rory begins, unable to complete her thoughts.
"Of course, they wouldn't let me play," Finn adds in, shifting the focus a bit. "Something about I knew you too well and knew which buttons to push."
"Well, that's true enough." Rory places her hands on her cheeks, feeling the warmth still radiating. "So, does Logan win because he made the last comment, or is it Robert because he asked the question?" Rory figures if she can't beat them, she'll join them. "And are there any other bets going around about me?"
"I think Logan and Robert get to split the cash since they both had a hand in pushing you to your limits," Finn says handing over the envelope. "I don't think there's any more bets at the moment."
The rest of the table look at each other quickly, with the exception of Rachael who'd been quiet since returning to the table, before laughing.
At Finn and Rory's questioning look, Logan begins, "There's always a bet or two with this group. How many drinks before someone passes out. Who's going to be the next one to commit. Things like that."
"You all really will bet on anything won't you?" Rory asks.
"Of course," everyone answers in unison, as if it had been planned.
"Being friends with this group will never be boring," Rory says as she steals Finn's brandy and takes a big sip.
"Hey, that's mine," Finn grouses playfully.
"Besties share," was Rory's only reply.