Chapter 5
(October 2007)
Balancing her phone against her shoulder and chin. Rory jammed the key card into the door slot several times. When it finally activated, she used her hip to shove open the door, pulling her suitcase behind her.
"They still won't talk to me. They answer the phone then hang up when they hear my voice."
She scanned the hotel room. For once it was of higher quality with updated décor, decent pillows, a mini-fridge and even a small sitting area. She shoved her suitcase off to the side and collapsed on one of the beds.
"I'll bet it's not even a slam down. Leave it to Mom and Dad to do a classy snub job," Lorelai said, trying to cheer her daughter up.
Rory struggled to lean over to remove her shoes from her swollen feet. With her phone in one hand, and her awkward pear shape, this was more difficult than it should've been. At the rate that her abdomen was expanding, she was grateful she could still see her feet. Giving up on bending to the floor to reach her flats, she dragged her heels along the carpeting to peel them off.
"Mom, it's been over a month and a half. Will they talk to you?"
She hated that this situation was lasting so long. She missed having her grandparents in her life.
"Fat chance. They like you better than me, remember? We'll figure something out, I promise."
"I don't want to lose them." On a more upbeat note, Rory reminded her. "Remember, I'll be in Boston around Thanksgiving-"
"And we're driving up to bring you home for a few days! I'm already picking out movies and hoarding junk food. How about 'Premonition'? Or maybe 'Disturbia'? Or we can catch up on back episodes of "Desperate Housewives" or "Lost". I can't wait to see how fat you are!"
"Mom!"
Rory was eagerly looking forward to spending time with her mother too. And Logan was flying in for the holiday. It would be wonderful to spend time with family and get a chance to recharge. Maybe by then her grandparents would have forgiven her and even invite them for Thanksgiving dinner. After that interlude, Rory would work her last week with the press tour and then move in with Logan to start their new lives together in San Francisco.
"Okay, world traveler, where are you today?"
Rory was so tired she had to think about it. "Saint Louis, Missouri. We're in the city and it's a nicer hotel."
The furniture was slightly higher quality along with the hotel art. And there were more amenities such as complementary bottled water. She'd already sampled the warm cookies at the desk when she checked in. They also advertised a happy hour every night with free drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and snacks. Rory loved the idea of free food.
"Any plans for the evening?" Lorelai asked.
"I'm exhausted. Before I do anything, I'm taking a nap. Then maybe I'll raid the vending machines or grab some free food. Then I'll crawl under the covers and binge watch Lifetime movies until I fall asleep. Hopefully they're having a Killer Cheerleader night."
"Those are the best. Or 'I murdered my best friend', "Lorelai said, fondly.
Rory longed to be home right now, huddled under a blanket on the couch, watching movies with her mom while they gorged themselves on Twizzlers and chocolate marshmallow cookies. Thankfully, her group had arrived before the press events were occurring so there'd be time for her to relax for a day or so.
She desperately needed to purchase some maternity clothes. Even though she'd packed carefully, the clothing she had was stretched to its limit. Yet, despite the urgency of the situation, it was hard for her to work up the energy to address it.
"You sound like an old lady! Taking a nap at three in the afternoon. You're young! It's Friday night!" Then Lorelai admitted. "Not that there's much going on here. No Friday night dinners. Luke's at the diner. We may pick up Chinese later."
"You two seem to be getting along well."
"Yeah."
She could envision her mother's satisfied smile.
"How's Logan?"
Stretching her legs out, Rory sighed. "He's frustrated and lonely. His Yale friends don't understand that he can't drop hundreds of dollars a night on entertainment. So they've dumped him. And it's hard making new friends when he works long hours. Some of the guys want to keep their work life and personal life separate. And Logan keeps breaking the budget getting expensive scotch or high-end take out."
"You knew this was going to be an issue." Lorelai warned.
Becoming impatient, Rory replied. "I know, I know. I gotta go. Talk to you soon."
She closed her phone.
She'd been abrupt with her mother, but she didn't want to start that familiar litany about the flaws of formerly rich people. Although she was annoyed with Logan, her mother would automatically side against him and she didn't feel like listening to it.
She needed a drink before she slept so she got up to search the mini-fridge for a bottle of water. As she drank, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She felt as if she'd aged since graduation. Surely there were more wrinkles near her eyes and forehead, along with those perpetual dark circles beneath her eyes.
She was fortunate that thanks to the pregnancy hormones that she'd cursed on a daily basis, her skin glowed and her hair was thick and shiny. If she actually took the time to style it, it would look fabulous. On a typical day, she opted for more sleep instead.
After downing half the bottle, she curled up on the bed and immediately fell asleep.
It felt as if she'd just closed her eyes when Anna spoke to her.
"Hey, Rory, you're not going out like that are you?"
When her eyes focused on the clock, she saw that an hour and a half had passed.
She pushed herself up to a sitting position using her elbows for leverage. "What do you mean going out? I'm in for the night."
"No way Gilmore. You've got to take advantages of these opportunities when you can."
Rory assumed Anna was referring to the complimentary happy hour. Thinking about food, her stomach rumbled. She began to move.
"I'll change clothes."
"No. Take a shower. Wash that hair. Use the blow dryer. Now. Trust me, you'll feel better. Take your time. I'll wait for you."
She didn't understand why Anna was being so bossy, but she complied. The hot water felt invigorating. She took a little more time styling her hair. It was wonderful to see the face in the mirror was starting to resemble her former self.
Anna knocked on the bathroom door. "Need any makeup?"
Makeup?
Once again, while on the road, both women used minimal makeup and accessories, looking professional yet opting for comfort and speed. Yet, it would be nice to spiff up for once. Taking the proffered items, she selected a color of eye shadow.
As she applied eye liner, she heard a knock on the room door.
"Did you order pizza?" Rory asked, thinking that was a fabulous idea since snacks probably wouldn't be enough to tide her over.
Finishing her makeup, she examined her reflection in the mirror, approving her efforts. Opening the door to the bathroom, she saw Logan standing before her.
"Rory!"
"Oh my goodness!" She rushed into his arms. "I can't believe you're here." Then she said, "How can we afford this?"
"Relax, I have a plan. Anna was kind enough to help me coordinate with your schedule."
No wonder Anna had been so insistent on her cleaning up tonight.
Lately when Logan said he had a plan, he meant using his credit card or the meager remains of his trust fund. But she decided to attempt to ignore her gut and try to enjoy this unexpected surprise.
"Great – you can meet everyone at the bar."
"Maybe later. We have plans."
"Plans?"
"First, I want you to put on one of these dresses."
He gestured to a long garment bag lying on the bed. Then he walked over to the sitting area by the window to afford her privacy.
Rory unzipped the bag, with Anna hovering nearby. She removed three dresses and placed them on the bed. The one that immediately caught her eye was a vintage 20s style dress composed mostly of ivory lace. It had a boat neck and was sleeveless with a mid-calf hemline. The back was daring with a plunging V-cut. Rather than hanging straight as was the style, it was modified with a slight pleat to account for her expanding figure. Unfortunately, it looked like it would still be a tight fit.
The second dress was pure white chiffon. The Grecian design was simple but elegant. It was sleeveless with a generous V-neckline. Other than the empire waistline that had been adjusted for pregnancy, the maxi dress hung straight.
The final dress was also floor length, but it was a combination of white chiffon and lace. It had a deep V neckline and flowing mid-length lace sleeves. The baby bump allowance for this dress was extremely generous.
"What do you think?" Anna asked.
"I love the vintage one. But I don't think it's going to fit."
"Take your time. Try them all on," Logan said, propping his feet up on the small coffee table and clicking the TV remote. "See which one you like the best."
As Rory expected, the vintage dress was too tight. She could get into it, but it clung in an unflattering manner. The other dresses were both complimentary to her new figure. She chose to go with the simple, more classically styled Grecian look.
"I don't have any shoes to match this," Rory said. She'd only packed walking sandals, sneakers and flats. Maybe she could get the flats to work, though she dreaded the idea of forcing her feet back into them.
"Check the pockets of the bag," Logan said.
Logan had always been good with details. She discovered a pair of simple yet elegant flat gold sandals that would complement the dress she'd selected.
"Won't I be cold? It is October."
"Don't worry, Ace. Weather report says it's been an unseasonably warm day. And we won't be outside long. There should also be a wrap in there."
Anna reached into the garment bag, pulling out a large off-white cashmere wrap which Rory could drape around her shoulders.
"This is fun!" Anna said. "I feel like a fairy godmother!" She studied Rory's appearance. "Something's missing." Then she rushed to her suitcase.
Rory studied her image in the mirror, pleased by the transformation. She even felt slightly energized.
"Here."
Anna adjusted the clasp of a rectangular aquamarine pendant that rested just below the hollow of Rory's throat.
"Oh, I couldn't. This looks expensive." Rory protested.
"I insist," Anna said. "You've got to wear the matching earrings too."
After putting on the earrings, she had to admit that Anna's jewelry enhanced the overall look.
"I don't have a purse to go with this." Looking towards Logan, she said. "Should I look in the bag?"
"Good idea." He grinned.
A slim off-white clutch was in yet another pocket. After transferring supplies to her bag, they were ready to go.
"Don't stay out too late you too." Anna shouted as they left.
When they reached the hotel lobby, Logan hailed a cab.
"Maybe we should walk? You said it was warm out."
After all the money spent on plane tickets and dresses and then dinner, Rory felt this would be an easy way to economize.
"You don't want to walk ten city blocks. I have a plan. You're gonna love it."
After a cab ride through the crowded city streets, they pulled up to an exclusive hotel. Utter dread filled Rory.
Feeling anxious, she said, "Logan, what are we doing?"
This was the type of place they'd frequented before, when Logan was wealthy. The Life and Death Brigade had hosted multiple functions at these types of hotels. She'd stayed at this luxury hotel when traveling in Rome with her grandmother. This wasn't the place for now, when they were financially strapped.
What was he thinking?
Hovering near the hotel entrance, Logan put his arm on her shoulder. "Do you trust me?"
They paused and glanced into one another's eyes.
Rory swallowed hard. "Yes."
He insisted. "I have a plan. Stick with me. I know money is tight, but this is important. I have reasons."
"Eating at fancy places we can't afford?"
She was trying, she really was. But she couldn't see where this was going.
"There's much more to this. Believe me. By the end of the night, you'll understand."
Continuing to gaze into his eyes, she found Logan hard to resist.
The hotel lobby was elaborate with French style love seats and massive faux Grecian urns filled with fresh flowers. Live piano music softly filtered over from the bar.
Logan greeted the host who ushered them into the formal dining room. Damask table clothes covered round tables, laden with gold guild-plates and lighted silver candelabra. Logan stood as the tuxedo clad gentleman offered Rory her seat.
As they settled into their chairs, Logan asked the host, "Have our guests arrived?"
"Not yet."
"Bring them directly to the table. I'll take a scotch and water and the lady will have sparkling water. Does that work for you, Rory?"
She nodded. She wanted to enjoy this. She wanted to believe in him. She was trying. But this was the type of place that didn't even list prices on the menu. She tried breathing deeply to remain calm.
And who were they meeting? The table was set for four people.
It was difficult to concentrate as Logan spoke about his flight to Saint Louis.
Then, she looked up. Her grandparents were approaching the table. They seemed just as astonished as she was to see them. Logan rushed towards them. Rory jumped up, eager to greet them. Then she froze, heartbroken when the initial pleasure on their expressions rapidly faded to coolness.
"Emily, Richard. Lovely to see you."
"There must be some mistake," Emily explained. "We're supposed to meet the Newmans. We planned this weeks ago."
Logan said, "I apologize. Bernie Newman is a close family friend. He did me a favor arranging this."
"I see." Richard said, frowning with disapproval.
"Please, join us. You've come all this way. I have a proposition for you."
Richard and Emily reluctantly approached the table. Emily sat beside Rory while Richard was adjacent to Logan.
After ordering drinks, Logan explained, "As I've mentioned, I have a plan I want to discuss with you. But I'm sure you're tired from traveling and we'd all agree that discussing business over dinner is tacky. Please, let us buy you dinner and we'll discuss details afterwards."
Buy them dinner? This evening could cost over five hundred dollars! Rory's stomach churned. And to make matters worse, her grandparents were ignoring her!
She only felt worse as the meal proceeded. Of course, this top-notch hotel had a restaurant that served multiple course meals: salad, soup, appetizers, then the main course. Rory's stomach grumbled yet everything tasted like cardboard. She picked at her food as Logan and her parents spoke about non-consequential matters such as hotels they'd stayed at while traveling and mutual acquaintances, most of whom Rory was unfamiliar with. It hurt that her grandparents didn't address any personal questions towards her or Logan.
To listen to her grandparents' voices, one would assume they were having a delightful time. Rory thought she was going to cry.
When her seafood alfredo arrived, she could barely look at it.
Logan's hand hovered by hers, offering encouraging squeezes. His banter set her grandparents at ease, which she supposed served a purpose. She wondered what his plan was.
When the waiters had removed Rory's nearly full plate, Logan cut to business.
"Richard, may I suggest we discuss my proposal before dessert? Give our dinner time to digest? And I think Rory will be able to enjoy it more too."
"Fine. What is it that you have to say?" Richard asked.
Logan took a breath. "First, I want to apologize for the situation we've put you in. Having a baby this soon wasn't part of our plans. I know this is awkward and potentially embarrassing."
"Yes." Emily said, sharply.
"I have a proposition for you. Richard, you know I wanted to marry Rory back in May. You both heard my proposal. And if she'd accepted it then, we might still be in the same position we are today, expecting a baby before the actual wedding date. I want you to know my intentions are still honorable. The last thing we want to do is make you uncomfortable or cause you embarrassment."
Emily rolled her eyes.
"Here's my suggestion. To show you how serious my intentions are and to ensure our child is legitimate, I propose that Rory and I get married. Tonight."
"Tonight?" Rory gasped.
"Tonight. That way you can send off birth announcements without feeling ashamed. Your grandchild will be a legitimate Huntzberger. You can be our witnesses."
Richard finally looked at Logan and Rory, considering the offer.
"What about the wedding?" Emily asked.
"We can still have another one. Maybe a larger ceremony this summer. Or we can simply organize a massive party with friends and family to celebrate. See what we feel like doing."
"You'd do that? Get married now?" Emily asked, astonished. "Without Lorelai?"
"Logan" Rory's lower lip trembled. Speaking softly so only Logan could hear. "I don't know I can do this without Mom."
Turning to her, Logan said, "She already knows. Who do you think bought the dresses and altered them? Call her."
Addressing Richard and Emily, Logan said, "Will you excuse us a moment?"
With his arm around Rory's shoulders, he escorted her to the lobby and gestured towards the lady's lounge. "I'm sure there're comfortable chairs in there and it'll be more private."
She took a step towards the lounge then pivoted to face him again. "Logan, are you sure about this?"
"Absolutely."
"But why now?"
"It's the only way to mend your relationship with your grandparents. The longer we wait, the harder it will be. And if we wait until after the baby's born, it'll be even worse. I know how important they are to you. Talk to your mom. Take all the time you need."
After sinking into a comfortable chair in the ladies' lounge, Rory pulled her phone out of her bag.
"Rory!" Lorelai's voice was filled with enthusiasm.
"How long have you known about this?"
"A while. Logan contacted me right after your grandparents heard the news that you were pregnant."
Tears trailed down her cheeks.
Six weeks.
Logan and her mother had been planning this for over six weeks.
"I don't think I can do this without you." Her voice trembled.
Lorelai reassured her, with a slight hitch in her voice. "It's okay honey. Believe me, I wish I could be there. But Logan and I figured this would be the best way to reach out to your grandparents. Especially your grandfather. I want to be there in the worst way, but I tend to be a wild card when it comes to Mom and Dad. I didn't want to mess things up for you."
"Mom," She sobbed, her throat feeling tight.
"We'll have plenty of big moments together. You know I'm coming out when the baby is due. I'll be camping out on your couch so long you'll have to throw me out. And I can't imagine Mom letting you get out of having a massive wedding ceremony this summer. Maybe an Under the Sea mermaid theme?" She rambled, trying to lighten the mood.
"I love you, Mom."
"Love you too. Congratulations, Mrs. Huntzberger."
After closing her phone, it took Rory a few minutes to collect herself and repair her makeup. When she returned to the table, only Richard remained.
"Where are Logan and Grandma?
"Making arrangements." Her grandfather replied, looking directly at her.
Pleased by this, she gushed. "I'm so sorry things didn't work out as planned, Grandpa. I'm loving my job and I'm going to do everything I can to keep writing. It's not going to be easy, but I'm not letting my dreams die."
Her heart leapt in her chest when he rose to hug her.
Holding her tightly, he said, "I'm sure you'll do your very best."
She clung to him. Rory was overjoyed to have her grandfather's approval. Then they sat in adjacent chairs at the table.
With interest, Richard asked, "Tell me about your job. Is it exciting being on the road? How are the Obamas? Have you gotten to know the senator or his wife?
Leaning towards him, she explained. "It's a lot of work but I enjoy it. My writing is improving. I'm getting to know so many reporters and influential people. And Obama has some great plans."
"It sounds wonderful."
Rory was so relieved that her grandfather was sounding like himself instead of a pleasant stranger.
"Grandpa, I hope this is okay with you but I'm planning to keep my maiden name for professional purposes."
Nodding his approval, Richard said, "Ah, so the Gilmore name won't die. I love it."
Logan and Emily returned.
"Let's have dessert after the ceremony. Let me take care of the bill and we'll get started." Logan reached into his jacket for his wallet.
"Nonsense. I won't hear of it." Richard protested.
"Sir, I brought you here under false pretenses. It's the least I can do."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"We didn't ask you here for your money. We just want you to be part of our lives." Logan insisted.
"And we appreciate that." Richard turned to commandeer the waiter.
Logan said to Emily, "Why don't you help Rory get ready while we figure this out?" He rushed over to the waiter.
Emily and Rory headed towards the lobby, only to run into Anna.
"You knew!" Rory said.
"Of course. You wouldn't believe all the planning that went into this." Turning to Emily, Anna introduced herself. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Her grandmother said, "This is so exciting! Do you know why Logan picked this hotel?"
Rory had assumed it was because it was because it met her grandparents' impeccable standards.
"All of these hotels have an atrium. A room that resembles a Roman garden."
It was coming back to her. She'd seen the atrium while they were in Rome. It would be a spectacular place to have a wedding.
Anna asked, "Emily, can you wait here for the flowers and I'll help Rory with her veil in the lounge?"
Veil? Then Rory saw the duffle bag at Anna's side.
"I'd be happy to," Emily said.
Once in the lounge, Anna dug around in her bag to remove a gold tiara. It was small and tasteful, matching the design of the sandals Rory was wearing. She removed a piece of netting that they tacked under the tiara. They experimented with a few different drapes until they were satisfied with the look. The netting was only about a foot-long, but it looked stylish.
"What would've happened if I'd picked the vintage dress?" Rory asked.
"The garment bag has many pockets." Anna said, mysteriously. "Your fiancé and mother are very thorough. They even thought about the bride's adage. Something old- "
"Something new, something borrowed and something blue." Rory completed the thought.
"My jewelry is blue and borrowed."
"The dress is new. But what's old?" Rory asked.
"Your Mom got the clutch bag at a vintage store."
"Close enough. Thanks so much for doing all this Anna, I really appreciate it."
"It's been crazy hiding all those phones calls from you but fun. Thank god for texting! We were aiming to do this three weeks ago in Dallas but it didn't come together.
"Are you ready? Shall we go find Logan and your grandparents?"
Was Rory ready?
She thought about all the work Logan, her mother and Anna had put into this. The joy on her grandparents' faces at being included today. And of the little one growing inside her.
She'd never feel completely ready for these massive life changes, but it was time.
In the lobby, Emily greeted them, holding two bouquets of long-stemmed magenta lilies, edged with white. The flowers were large, about the size of a woman's hand. Each bouquet consists of three or four lilies, along with some greenery.
"They're beautiful!" Rory exclaimed.
"Logan has excellent taste. They're Star Gazer lilies." Emily explained. She handed the larger bouquet to Rory then turned to hand the other to Anna.
"No, that's for you. You're the bridesmaid." Anna insisted.
"Don't be silly, I'm not even wearing a suitable dress," Emily replied.
Rory insisted. "Grandma, you look fine. I want you to be my bridesmaid."
Emily's face was glowing.
Rory could hear the sound of rushing water before entering the atrium. The air became more humid. The wide space had a glass ceiling. Had there not been so much light from the city, they could've seen the stars. Beds of flowers and ornamental trees filled the area with tiled paths meandering among them. In the center, the focal point was an ornate fountain with multiple tiers of trickling water. Fairy lights sparkled and were strewn about trees and bushes, creating a magical atmosphere. Even the air smelled of flowers.
The ceremony was short and sweet, with Richard, Emily and Anna serving as witnesses. Everyone cheered when the officiant pronounced Logan and Rory, man and wife. Anna took pictures with a disposable camera.
Later, after having two pieces of Italian wedding cake, a house specialty triple layer cake, with lemon jelly and whipped cream filling, Rory and Logan agreed to meet Richard and Emily in the morning for the breakfast buffet.
The couple boarded the elevator to reach the honeymoon suite. As the doors shut, ever mindful of costs, Rory said, "We could stay in my room at the other hotel."
It wouldn't be very romantic, but the ceremony had more than enough romance.
"Ace, part of the beauty of this particular hotel is that if you get married here, the honeymoon suite is free!"
Rory cheered, flinging her arms around Logan and kissing him deeply. They were only slightly embarrassed when the elevator door opened to a group of Asian businessmen.
The honeymoon suite was sumptuous. The sunken living area was larger than a floor of Logan and Rory's apartment with a sectional sofa and large screen TV. There was even a DVD player with an assortment of DVDs to choose from. The bathroom featured a jetted spa tub and a walk-in shower large enough for two people. The king-sized bed in a separate alcove had its own entertainment center. There was even a well-stocked bar and mini-fridge. Rory and Logan's suitcases were open, on stands. The bottomless garment bag hung in the closet.
Exhausted, Rory and Logan sank onto the couch.
"I hope you're not mad at me. This wasn't cheap but I thought it was worth it." Logan said.
Leaning towards him, she kissed him. "You're right. It was definitely worth it."
Logan had made the proverbial shot-gun wedding romantic and memorable. Against steep odds, he'd found the way to reconnect with her grandparents.
He cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, since I spent money on the wedding, I can't fly out to spend Thanksgiving with you."
Rory was disappointed. But at least she'd be with family. Poor Logan would be alone.
"Maybe I could fly to San Francisco." Rory suggested, feeling badly for him.
"Don't be silly. You're moving out a week later. I'll be fine. It was worth it."
Rory's stomach grumbled loudly and they both laughed.
"I wish I had eaten more of my dinner." Rory said. Seafood fettuccine was sounding wonderful now. The wedding cake was excellent but it wasn't the same as real food. Now that her stomach wasn't tied up in knots, she was hungry.
"Check the mini-fridge."
Rory peered inside. There, wrapped in foil was her entire dinner! Logan had instructed the waiters to preserve her meal. There was even a microwave to reheat it.
"You're right, Logan. This was perfect!"