She Ain't My Blood, But She's My Girl
Chapter 13
When they got to Stars Hollow, the festival was in full swing. Mia was excited. They got out of the car and ran toward Luke, who was at the portable Luke's Hamburger stand. Luke helped her get in with him. She put on an apron. She was going to help Luke.
Rory and Logan walked Stars Hollow enjoying the festival. Mia joined them after a while. Lorelai was running the Doggy Swami booth. MIa had to stop to get her future told. Logan took her to get cotton candy and visit with Steve and Kwan who were running the Pop a Balloon booth. While they are gone, Rory tells Lorelai about Jaylan. "Well, are you going to let her go stay with them?" Lorelai asked. Rory looked at her like she had lost her mind. "No, She does not know them. Besides, Logan would have to go. I don't think she would go without Logan." Rory said.
The three of them enjoyed the rest of the day in Stars Hollow. Lorelai tried to persuade them to stay the night, but Rory and Logan both said it did not make any sense when their clothes were at Emily's. But between Mia and Lorelai, they let Mia stay. She always has clothes at Nana's.
When Rory and Logan left to go eat supper and then back to Emily's, Mia was telling Lorelai about Yaya. It was funny watching Lorelai's face. Rory called Richard to tell him they were going to eat and that Mia was staying with Lorelai. Richard told her that he and Emily were going to the club and wondered if they would like to join them. Rory declined. She told him that she didn't want to go back to the pool house to change. What she is wearing is not appropriate for the County Club.
Rory and Logan debated back and forth on where to eat. Rory wanted Chinese. She wanted fried rice. Logan wanted the Japanese Steak house. They finally decided on the Japanese Steak house. Rory could get fried rice there. Rory and Logan were seated at the table around the grill. The table had room for 8 people. The waitress took their drinks and appetizer order. She explained that she would seat the rest of the table shortly and be back to take their orders. Rory and Logan were laughing and talking about the menu when the waitress brought the drinks and appetizer. Rory ordered a Red Dragon Roll. Logan ordered a Spider Roll and then split a Grilled Lobster Roll.
They were eating their appetizers when a party of 6 was seated. It was only the 2 of the men, the ladies were in the lady's room. Rory and Logan nodded and went back to eating. While the waitress was taking their drink orders, Logan asked for a Scotch neat. They were not paying attention when the ladies appeared at the table. Rory heard a voice that she has not heard since High School. She looked up. "Louise Grant, Madeline Lynn?" Rory said. Both girls looked up. "Rory Gilmore?" The three girls stood and hugged each other, all talking at once.
When they finally all sat down. Introductions were on the way. Louise and Madeline explained that they married twins. Bentley and Bradley Kirkland. They work for the family law firm Kirkland and Elis LLP. Rory introduced Logan to Bentley and Bradley. Louise and Madeline know Logan from summers in the Vineyard. Madeline asked Rory if she was still working. Rory told them that she was working at the New York Times as Features editor. That she enjoyed her job. Brently spoke up. "Logan, aren't you CEO of HPG?" Logan nodded. "How does that work. HPG does not own The New York Times." He said. Logan laughed, "Very carefully." They all laughed. Rory was the only one at the table that knew Logan was in negotiations to buy the Times.
They were all chatting, telling each other what had happened since last seeing each other. Rory showed them a picture of Mia. Louise and Madeline got quiet. They looked at each other. "Rory, We didn't know you and Logan would be here," Madeline said. "I know, but it is nice to run into old friends," Rory said. "We are waiting for two of our friends to get here," Louise said. Rory smiled, trying to figure out what the problem was when it hit her. "Who are the two friends you are waiting on?" Rory asked. Bradley spoke up. "They are old friends with Madeline and Louise. They all went to Chilton together. Tristan and Anita Dugray." Logan started laughing. Rory looked at him. "We should have brought Mia." She said. Bradley did not know why this was funny.
Before they could explain it to him, Tristan came around the corner. He saw Madeline and Louise. He went to hug them when he spotted Rory and Logan. Rory gave him a little wave and a smile. Tristan turned to speak when Anita entered the room. "Well, fancy meeting you here," Tristan said. "Too bad you didn't bring Mia. I would have loved to see her." Tristan said. Anita walked over to where Tristan was standing, waiting on him to pull the chair out for her. This would put either Tristan or Anita by Rory. Tristan looked at Rory. "Logan and I will change seats and you and Logan can sit next to each other," Rory said. Tristan nodded.
It was a bit awkward to start with, but after a few minutes, they all talked. Rory, Madeline, and Louise told stories about Paris in high school. Rory told about the time they went to the Bangles concert and Madeline and Louise ditched them. Tristan and Logan told about some of their adventures during the summer and Christmas breaks. Anita didn't have a lot to say. She went to boarding school. She sat there with her society smile on her face. Logan tried several times to include her in the conversation. She would take a minute to answer questions, but then she would be quiet again.
When it became time to leave, Rory exchanged numbers with Madeline and Louise. She wanted them to get together with her and Paris sometime. As they were leaving, Rory pulled Tristan to the side. Anita followed. "I talked to your mom today. She told me about Jaylan. I would like for Mia to get to know him, but I am not comfortable leaving her with them without someone she knows with her." Rory told Tristan. Anita opened her mouth, but Tristan spoke first. "I understand. "What if next weekend, she comes to Mom's house. You can send the nanny with her." Tristan said. "Let me think about it. I don't plan on spending every weekend in Hartford. It is too far for her and the nanny to come by themselves. Let me think about it. We will figure something out." Rory said.
They said their goodbyes at the cars. As Logan was helping Rory into the car, She said, "This has been a strange but good day." Logan nodded. "I agree."