A/N: Thank you so much for all your reviews, it's so nice to know that the story is readible and that you like it. Like I said many times it's my first fanfiction and first thing written in ensglish ever, so I'm probably as excited as you are ;) so the cat is out of bag, stay tuned to see how this happend and what's next. See you Monday, enjoy and let me know your thoughts about this chapter!
They were sitting in a small café down the block from the office building. Jess still in shock from Rory's last revelation.
- So… - He started.
- Yeah, I know. I have a lot of explaining to do.
- Well, kind of, yeah. I don't get that, how is it you never told me Rory. It's not some minor thing you just forget to tell someone. It's been years.
- It's complicated. Where do I start?
- Don't know, but I hope it will be at the very beginning.
Rory waited a little while, sorting her own thoughts.
- After my graduation day, after the whole proposal and the ultimatum, I was heartbroken. It was some sort of shock I guess. I couldn't believe that it was over. One day we were happy and in love and the next he vanished from my life. When I got that call from Hugo about the job on the campaign trail, I didn't think much about it, I just took it. I thought it will be a god distraction, keep me busy, you know? Few days on the bus and I was as miserable as sin but I thought that it was only because I was still brooding over Logan. So I sucked it up and I pushed forward. A month later Logan reached out to me. He wrote me an e-mail, apologizing for everything, explaining and asking for a second chance. We started talking, I got the chance to tell him about all of my reasons for rejecting his proposal. He understood. We were open, we needed that. We decided that we wanted to give a long distance a try. So I was still on the road, he was in California but we were managing it, I was really happy you know? Except for the fact that the work on the campaign trail was horrible. I hated it – the filthy bus, the crappy motels, competitive people who were just waiting for you to fail, even the work itself. I was feeling like a machine – go to the campaign event, write about it, sleep, repeat. The same speeches, the same topics, the same issues, the same people 24/7. Everyday. Every single day. Five months in and I started having trouble sleeping. I was tired all the time, didn't eat much – I lost 13 pounds. I think I was depressed. Logan was trying to help, he visited me few times, wanted me to go see someone, therapist or something, but on the road it was impossible. I managed to stay on the job few additional months, but by next may I finally reached a decision. I was quitting. The relive I felt when I decided that, god, you can't imagine. Like a gigantic burden was lifted of my shoulders. Like I could breathe again. But my mom went ballistic when she found out. She thought that I was quitting because of Logan, that he somehow pushed me in that direction to have me by his side, for himself. She believed I was torpedoing my career and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get her to understand my point of view. All she saw was that I didn't follow "the plan". She couldn't grasp that the plan wasn't what I wanted anymore. After a year on the trail I finally got what Mitchum meant when years ago he said that "I didn't have what it takes" – he was right - I really don't have it. And I was ok with that, I just needed to make a new plan. But mom was mad, she said she can't be a part of that and that I have to "come to my senses". So I went to California, to Logan. There was nothing for me in Connecticut, not when she refused to talk to me.
She made a pause to push back the tears that threatened to fall. Jess knew most of that story. He knew she didn't like the job on the campaign trail but he had no idea it was that bad. He felt really sorry for her.
- After I got to Cali, Logan arranged for me to see a professional. It really helped. Not only with the depression but also to sort out what is next for me. She helped me see that I don't have to please everyone around me except for myself. That it is okay to change my mind, adjust the plans. That I won't be a disappointment. She helped me realized that I still can be a an accomplished journalist, even if I don't want to be the next Christiane Amanpour anymore. After few months I was okay enough to start thinking about the future, so I started sending résumés. By the time Christmas came we were all settled – I was a junior features reporter at San Francisco Chronicle and Logan became a partner at his firm. Mom seemed to come to terms with that. We even got together, the tree of us, when we were visiting Logan's parents for Christmas, in Hartford. Surprisingly Logan's leaving family business helped rebuild his relationship with Mitchum. It helped him saw that Logan finally grew up and became a man he always wanted him to be. He seemed genuinely happy for me to finally find my way too. He asked if we would considered coming back to East Coast, to work for Huntzberger Publishing Group. At first we refused. We were really happy in Cali, we had our jobs, a house, new friends. But the more we thought about it, the more we were warming up to the idea. We missed it here, I missed my family. And I was hoping that me being closer could help fix things completely with mom. So we sold everything in California and moved to New York. I didn't wanted for anyone to think that I got the job at New York Herald because of my connection to Logan, so we kept it a secret. Only Gary knew, but he didn't care – when he saw my portfolio he was on board. We bought an apartment, nothing fancy – two bedroom in Murray Hill, but we loved it.
- Did it really helped, I mean with Lorelai?
- It did, yeah. She was glad I'm closer to home. We could see each other more often, we even resumed Friday Night Dinners. She wasn't all to happy about me working for HPG though. She thought that it was some play on Mitchum's part, that he will demand same kind of payback from us. But time flew by and he didn't, so she made her peace with my decisions. When she and Luke broke up in February I ask her to stay with us for a few days, to cheer her up, you know.
Rory stayed quiet for a moment. Jess didn't wanted to push her, so he waited. A memory came back to her.
- Mom! You're here!
- Mini-me! Is that you? You look like my daughter but you called me and invited me here, so I'm not sure. My daughter never has the time for me, she never calls. You must be that alien imposter that sucks through the ear hole and takes over someone's brain!
- Are you watching the 'X Files' reruns again? You shouldn't do that, it messes with your head! And I do call you, I just don't have the time to do it very often. This thing called work? Pays the bills and all, you know.
- Fine, I stop complaining. Take me to the tour of your little kingdom, young padawan.
- Ok, here is the hall, it's where most of our books lives. – She pointed to the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. - To the left there is the kitchen – oh I have to cook you the lemon chicken with that mustard sauce, it's to die for!
- You cook now? You know it's against the Gilmore Girls rule book!
- Yada, yada, I know. But it's chipper than takeout. Do you want the rest of the tour or not?
- Fine. – Lorelai pouted. – I'm shutting up now.
- So, here is the living room, it's were we, well, do the living. – She pointed to beautifully lighted room. In the right corner there was a comfy beige couch facing the big screen TV, an matching armchair, small wooden coffee table and a shelf with more books. On the other side of the room there was a round table with four chairs and a window seat. – We just made that window seat re-done. I love it, you can sit there, read and watch people in the street. – Her eyes lit up, like a child on a Christmas morning.
- Very Anne of Green Gables of you.
- I don't think she was able to watch people from her window but yeah, it's kind of like that. So come on. Here is the bathroom, nothing special, we couldn't fit a bathtub in here, so there is only a shower – but it's really big. You'll love it, it has a water whips! Going farther there is our bedroom – she opened the door for Lorelai and showed her a cozy beige and navy blue room. In the middle there was a king size bed with lots of pillows, two night stands and a walk-in closet on the right. 'Very un-Rory like' Lorelai thought, but choose not to say anything.
- And where is a place for poor ol' me?
- Right here. – Rory opened the last door in the hall. – The guest bedroom. We don't use it very often but I bought a new change of sheets for you and made some space in the closet. Here, let me help you with the bags. I know you must be tired, so I don't know what you want to do next. I have to work a little but we can have a movie night after dinner. Logan should be home soon.
- Sure kid, sounds good. What are your plans for tomorrow?
- I have tomorrow and the day after off. We're having that business lunch thing but besides that I'm totally free.
- Business lunch thing?
- Yeah, Logan have to schmooze some investors over and we decided it will be best to do it at home, not some fancy restaurant. Apparently they are very hot on that whole family business thing, so we invited them for lunch. But it will be an hour top. You good with that?
- Sure, I'm just having trouble imagining that whole schmoozing part.
- Why?
- Well, never heard of anyone being schmoozed over with takeout food and all that. But hey, maybe it will charmed them in some way.
Rory felt the pang in her heart but she was trying not to show it.
- Well, Logan is making sushi for them, so there won't be any takeout…
- Sushi? Oh boy, you people in the big city like to have it the fancy way! Ok kiddo, go do your work and I will unpack.
Rory left Lorelai in the guestroom and went to the living room with her laptop. She knew that her mom's visit will lead to few surprises on Lorelai's side. She wasn't a kid anymore, she changed a lot in the last two years but she also liked who she became and she was hoping Lorelai will like that too.
The dinner went well and the movie night felt like the old times. They ordered a pizza and Logan bought various sweets for them, including Red Vines and Marshmallows. They stayed up long past midnight when Logan finally came and carried a sleeping Rory to bed.
When Lorelei woke up next morning it was well past 10. She found Rory in the living room with her laptop on her lap, chewing on a grapefruit.
- I knew it! You really are the alien! I caught you red handed! – Lorelai exclaimed with no so-mock outrage.
- Hello to you too, mom. There is coffee in the kitchen and I think Logan bought some pop-tarts for you. Strawberry.
- You don't eat pop-tarts anymore?
- Nah, give up a couple months ago. They made me feel sweet and sticky in the stomach all day, so I traded them for fruits. And please, don't say it's against the Gilmore Girls rule book, I'm well aware of that.
- Wow, someone is grumpy today.
- Sorry, I'm just a little nervous about this lunch. I want everything go smooth.
- It'll be great kid, I'm sure.
They heard the front door open and soon at the entrance appeared Logan. He was wearing a navy-blue suit, white buttoned down shirt and a deep red tie.
- Hey guys, slept well?
- Yeah, that bed you've got is magical. Haven't slept that good in ages. If it gets stolen, you should look for it in Stars Hollow. – She winked at him.
- Glad to hear that, I'm sure Greta will miss you too. – He laughed.
- Greta?
- The bed.
- Oh, right, Greta.
- So, Ace I went to the fish market on my way home and guess what? Sal saved me all of your favorite ones!
- Really? I thought he will be mad at us for not coming last week. Did you apologize for that?
- Yes and he said that he will forgive us if you'll make him some of the famous salmon cupcakes.
- Why should I be the one making them, it was your fault we didn't make it to Sal's last week!
Lorelai was watching as Rory and Logan bantered while they started to prepare the food. He took of the suit-jacket, rolled up his sleeves and was expertly making the sushi rolls in no time. She was chopping vegetables by his side, both of them in perfect synch. They were talking animatedly about the food, work and some other every-day stuff. And they were constantly touching each other. She instinctively leaned into him every time he was in her reach and he was touching her hair, her hand, stealing chaste kisses. It was like they were pulled together by some invisible forth.
At noon the doorbell rang, so Lorelai made herself scarce. Last thing she saw before she disappeared in her room was two older couples, very Emily and Richard-like, walking through the door.
Lunch was going great, and Rory started to relax a bit. By the end of the meal, the potential investors became real investors and they couldn't stop praising Rory and Logan.
- You are such a sweet couple. It's very sad that these days most of young people don't know how to behave. – said Mrs. Johnson. – But you two, you are the sweetest hosts one could ask for.
- Oh Betty, you making me blush. – Said Rory with a big smile. – It's nothing really.
- We are happy to have you. – Logan added.
- Well, we had great time, but we have to get going. We don't want to overstay our welcome. – said Mr. Price. – My assistant will be in touch with your office Logan. And I'll make sure to tell your father how great of a job you are doing.
They were saying their good bye's by the door when Lorelai came into the hall just in time to hear Mrs. Price say:
- I hope we will soon be receiving an invitation to the wedding, my dear. You two make a really great couple!
- Yeah Logan, don't be a fool, she's a keeper. And if you won't put a ring on her finger soon enough I will have to get a divorce and do it myself!
The old couple laughed at that and said good bye one last time. It froze Lorelai to the spot. Of course she knew that this time will eventually come, but she still thought that Rory was to young for that. She should be focusing on her career, not becoming Emily Gilmore – standing beside her husband and throwing parties for him.
Rory's squeak brought her back to reality.
- We have them! We did it! – She jumped in Logan's arms when the door closed behind their guests.
- YOU did it Ace! You were amazing. And when you told that story about Emily and the gifts from your great-grandmother I swear, Harold had tears in his eyes. And let me tell you one thing – Harold Price isn't known for his tendency to laugh easily.
- Oh stop it, it was a team effort. We are a good team!
- That we are, Ace, that we are.- He kissed her nose. - Look, I had to go back to the office, send this proposals but I will try to be home before dinner.
- It's ok, mom and I have planes anyway.
That afternoon she and Lorelai went out. They did a little shopping, went to the central park to watch people skiing and then they went on a carriage ride. When they got back to the apartment they clumped up on the couch and watched together "The Princess Bride" for the hundredth time. Rory could feel that something is wrong even if Lorelai didn't bring up the conversation she overheard earlier.
It was dark outside when Lorelai woke up on the couch. She must've fell asleep a while ago because the apartment was quiet and there was no sign of neither Rory or Logan. She was about to get up, when she heard the front door open.
- I swear to god Ace, to make me run additional 3 miles just to show me a dog with a bow-tie? Really?- His voice were breathless.
- It wasn't just any dog with a bow-tie! It was the cutest chocolate Labrador with the bow-tie one could ever see!
- How did you even know it would be there?
- I went for the run the other day, when you were stuck at the office late, and I bumped into them. I talked with that girl and she said they were coming to that dog park every evening.
- Fine, but 8 miles run – it can kill a man. Next time we stick with the usual 5, please!
- What can kill a man is sitting all day on his ass at the office chair. I don't want you to have your first heart attack when you'll be 40, like your dad had.
- I know and I love you for that. – He kissed her soundly. Then he kissed her again. And again…
- Not in front of the books, Logan! – her voice was muffled.
- Hmmm… Why not, they could learn a thing or two. They have a very PG 13 life in here. Maybe they should be living in our bedroom… Then they would see what can be done with those hands… - Logan's voice was low and husky.
Lorelai was just about to show herself to the couple when she heard Logan picking Rory up and then their bedroom door shut. She waited few more minutes and went to her room, trying not to think about what was happening behind the wall…
The next morning Rory woke up early. Logan was gone to the office and her mom was still sleeping so she decided to have a quick breakfast and work out a little. She didn't like sports all that much but while living in California she picked up on few things. First and most important – when you cross certain age your body is starting to slowly betray you. After the campaign trail, she fought really hard to balanced her weight and her eating habits again. That's when they started working out together. At first they were taking long strolls at the beach and then the walks became small runs. Few months later they were able to do the 5 mile run without any problems. She also started eating more healthy and doing some yoga. It was supposed to help her get back on track but she liked it enough and it stuck. So she did her yoga routine every morning and this one was no exception. She was doing the hand-standing with a split when Lorelai came in to the room.
- Whoa! Did I woke up to some alternative universe? What's with this whole Gabby Douglas vibe here?
- Last time I checked I was still me, in the common universe. – Rory was balancing on one hand now, trying to find her center of gravity.
- I don't think so, not really. And I have to say, I don't like that, at all.
- Good thing I like it. And Logan do too.
The only response from Lorelai was a snort. Rory sighed and slowly got back on her feet.
- What is you problem, mom. I'm feeling like no matter what I do, you'll always find something to criticized me for.
- My problem? What my problem is? My problem is that this isn't you Rory! – Lorelai threw up her hands in the air. – My problem is that you are pretending to be someone else. Yesterday you was the perfect Donna Reed, then little miss athlete. You eat like you were some health freak, you are hosting some perfect little lunch parties for your corporate husband, you are joking like mad and pretending to have fun with Emilie's and Richard's of the world and now this. This isn't my daughter, this is not how I raised you!
- Did it ever occurred to you that this IS me?! That I like my life the way it is, not the way you would want it to be?! Little miss Donna Reed? It was to help someone I love accomplished something that was important to him, to us. So I was polite to some people, said few compliments and smiled when I received ones. Big deal, really. Call the police and let them take me out in handcuffs. The eating and working out? It's because a year ago my body was so exhausted I almost ended up in a hospital bed. But you never wanted to listen about that, did you? I was telling you how bad I was back then but all you could hear is that "I didn't follow the plan". – Rory was behind the point of going back. – Plans changed. I finally figured it out – where I want to be, what I want to do. And I get that – you don't like it. You made that very clear to me and to Logan, who by the way was nothing but nice to you, even when he knew you were trashing our life together every chance you had. So I'm done. I'm done trying to get your approval! Either you can accept me the way I really am or you don't, but I'm done feeling guilty for the way I am.
- I can't believe you. You sound like my mother, do you know that?! They made you one of them! He made you like one of them. Logan took away your personality and replaced it with a perfect trophy-wife! Only because he is letting you work, for his father, might I add, doesn't mean he didn't made you this brainless, ambitionless trophy-wife!
- That's enough. – Rory's voice was silent but firm. – I won't hear anymore of that. You will not be coming to my house and insult me, my career and my boyfriend. Not anymore. Pleas go pack your things and go back to Stars Hollow. And when you think this through and decided that you are ok with me living my life my way – give me a call.
And witch that, she spun on her heel and closed the door to her bedroom behind her, leaving Lorelai in the living room alone.