A/N: Only one month left in An Alternative Year in the Life. With the holidays, it may take me more time to post the final chapter(s) but there's lots happening in May!
Chapter 14 April
"Can you believe that Sookie and I found the most amazing wedding dress! Off the rack! Can you believe it?" Lorelai gushed. "It's gorgeous with a sweetheart neckline with lace and beading in the bodice and a tulle skirt. I love it! And it's even on sale because it's from last year!"
"That's great! It sounds beautiful!" Rory said, clutching her phone tightly.
She was trying to pay attention to her mother. But her computer had just flashed that the battery was low. She was fumbling about, ducking under the table, trying to avoid bumping her head while finding an outlet. If that beach bum hadn't stolen her usual spot, she could've easily located it. She sent a nasty look his way.
The coffee shop was her unofficial office. Most of the staff recognized and greeted her, familiar with her coffee order. Some offered her discounted baked goods later in the afternoon, which she usually took advantage of. Others even steered customers away from her favorite table, which was sequestered in a corner, removed from main foot traffic yet not too close to the restrooms. The ventilation was optimum. The gusts of the air conditioning or heat would gently blow against the back of her neck instead of randomly stirring up loose papers and sending them swirling into chaos.
She'd been putting the finishing touches on her low-income housing story that she planned to send to the Chronicle with the hopes that they'd pick it up. If they weren't interested, she planned to contact another Yale alumnae that worked at The San Francisco Examiner.
Finally locating the outlet in the baseboard by her feet, she secured the power cord to the computer and relaxed, able to focus on the phone conversation with her mother.
"We're all set with the town square for the ceremony and reception. Sookie's friend's going to cater so you know it will be fabulous."
"DJ or band?" Rory asked, leaning back against the wooden chair.
"DJ of course. My mother booked a band for you."
"That'll work well with jazz music." Rory neatly stacked her loose papers, then switched her phone to her other ear. "What's going on with you and Grandma?"
Emily had called Rory the other day on the pretense of discussing wedding details. Instead, she'd spent over an hour complaining about Lorelai. Apparently, her mother and Luke had arrived for Friday night dinner yet left before the main course was served after arguing with Emily.
Lorelai grumbled. "You know mom, she's like Hitler. She has to be in control." In a mocking tone, she said, "Lorelai, you can't possibly think that a postcard will serve as a wedding invitation. It's positively tacky. Does she have any idea how hard it is to get engraved invitations at this late a date?"
"I liked your postcard. Great photo!" Rory said. It was a candid shot of her mother and Luke, that had been snapped after they'd fallen into pile of leaves last fall. Their clothing was casual, jeans and fleece jackets. The standout feature was their wide smiles.
"Wasn't it? And it was done in a day. Everyone knows when the wedding is and that they're invited."
Rory was trying to be diplomatic. Her grandmother had claimed that Lorelai told her that she ruined everything she touched and to butt out of her life.
"Maybe you should tell her if she wants engraved invitations for her friends, that she can make the arrangements for getting them. You know she can do it. Money is no object to her. She's dying to do something for you."
"First, I don't want her friends at my wedding. This is not a society event."
"You're her only child. You ought to let her invite a few of her closest friends." Rory reminded her.
Lorelai continued her rant as if she hadn't heard Rory. "Second, that would open a door, which is a dangerous thing to do. That would lead to her taking over other things. Like some raging mold or fungus. You see just a speck at first but soon everything is covered with deadly ooze."
"Mom! You're getting a little dramatic there. Just be firm. Set the terms. Tell her exactly what you want her to do. Tell her to invite only ten friends."
"I want her to do nothing!" Lorelai insisted.
"You said you're having trouble finding a place that will ship the bridesmaid's dresses on time. Grandma would be all over that."
"I know. But I hate to inflict my mother on poor innocent people."
"It's still your wedding. Just think of a way she can be involved. She wants to be a part of your life. That's all. Throw her a bone. Play nice. Don't you want to enjoy the weddings and not be fighting with your mother?"
She gave her mother a moment to digest this advice before mentioning. "I have some exciting news."
"Why didn't you open with that?"
She was about to point out with her mother gushing about her wedding dress, she didn't have a chance. But it didn't matter. She was thrilled that her mother was finally excited about her own wedding.
"I meet with one of the editors for the San Francisco Chronicle and-"
"They offered you a job!" Lorelai shrieked.
"Yeah. It's a job."
"Why don't you sound excited?"
"It's writing for the society page. Celebrity gossip. Advice columns."
"Oh. How do you feel about that?"
"Torn. On the one hand, full-time employment with a salary and benefits sounds wonderful." Just the thought of a weekly paycheck made her feel more like a real person. And how it would make their monthly budget less precarious.
"But…" Lorelai anticipated.
"I'm not a gossip person."
"What are you going to do?"
Rory loved that her mother refrained from telling her what to do.
"Logan said if I felt that getting back into a full-time position would help me, emotionally or career-wise, that he'd back me up. Otherwise, he suggested continuing along the freelance route until a better opportunity comes along."
"I knew I liked that guy. What did you decide?"
The last time she passed on full-time employment with the Rhode Island paper, the Reston fellowship had never materialized. But she'd had the opportunity to work on the press tour for Barack Obama, which was a unique experience. She'd made friends and valuable connections there.
While she longed for the security of the extra paycheck, what she did day-to-day was just as important. She'd come too far to compromise now.
"I told them no. But to keep me in mind when other positions open up."
XXXX
Only Emily Gilmore would demand that the bridesmaids come to her home to have their dresses altered by her personal tailor. Paris and Lane had arrived earlier, having school and family obligations. Lorelai appeared fashionably late. She hadn't seen her mother since the latest Friday night dinner fiasco. She didn't want Lane and Paris to suffer if she and her mother were going to lock horns again.
Lorelai had waited patiently, making small talk with the girls as they completed their fittings. She had to admit the dresses were stylish– rose pink lace with beading and a square neckline. The back of the dress had a deeply cut V. Lorelai smirked when she saw this, thinking, no bras for this wedding. Her mother must be horrified. The slightly above the knee's hemline was playful and sexy. Both Paris and Lane had fun prancing about in their dresses.
Her mother showed them several different beaded headbands to choose from. She'd also purchased long strands of sparkling beads for each girl to wear at the wedding.
After Paris and Lane left, it was Lorelai's turn. Her dress fit well enough, yet her mother demanded perfection, so she tolerated being poked at with pins by the tailor.
Trying to play nice, Lorelai said, "It's a great dress, Mom. The girls love the accessories too."
"It's going to look spectacular." Emily replied, while avoiding Lorelai's gaze. "Though, I'm wondering if I should've selected white beads instead of the silver."
"Silver will look better with Rory's dress and then we'll all coordinate. Though, frankly, either would work."
When the tailor stepped back, Lorelai took in the view in the full-length mirror that had been lugged into her mother's home. It was an exciting look. It would be so easy to dance in. She'd have to throw a Roaring twenties party so she could wear this dress again. She giggled, imagining Luke in a twenties mobster suit.
After she changed and handed the dress to the tailor, her mother was nowhere to be seen. Lorelai began searching the house. She found her mother in the dining room, seated at the table, inspecting menu plans.
"Mom"
"Lorelai" Emily didn't look up.
She was tempted to leave. But Rory's voice was stuck in her head.
Mom she just wants to be part of your life.
Be quiet, Rory.
Lorelai cleared her throat. "I was hoping you could give me some advice."
Emily looked up. "Advice? Since when do you want my help? I thought I ruined everything I touched."
Swallowing her pride, Lorelai said, "Just because we don't want the same things, doesn't mean I don't want your help."
She handed her mother a catalogue of bridesmaids' dresses.
Emily scanned it. "I don't understand. You're not getting the same style for everyone?"
"It's a new thing Mom. The same color dress but different styles. With the ages of my bridal party ranging from fourteen to forty, there are going to big differences in body types. I want them to feel comfortable and look their best so I'm giving them choices."
Emily pursed her lips in disapproval as she examined some of the options. "I certainly hope no one picks this one." The dress featured a mid-thigh hem line with a plunging neckline.
Lorelai examined it. "Not my first choice either. I can't see Rory or April picking that style out." Nor would Luke ever approve such an inappropriate choice for his young daughter.
"I suppose that makes sense. What color are you thinking?"
"I was thinking yellow."
"Be careful. Yellow can wash out some complexions. In May, most people haven't been exposed to much sun yet. You might do better with jewel tones – sapphire blue, emerald green, or amethyst. Or do you prefer pastels?"
"No, I like those suggestions." Lorelai said.
"With a May wedding, are you going to be able to get these in on-time?"
"That might be an issue."
Should she ask? Or was she opening the door too wide?
Emily volunteered. "I could look into that." Then she rapidly added, "But I don't want to be accused of interfering."
Lorelai forced herself to pleasantly say. "Mom, I would really appreciate that."
Emily starred at her daughter, wondering if this were some elaborate prank.
She sensed that her mother needed more from her. Then she remembered Rory's suggestions.
"You know, we've got everything set up for an outdoor wedding and reception in Stars Hollow."
"Sounds lovely." Emily was starting to detach again.
"I'm a little concerned about rain. Remember Rory's graduation party?"
"How could I forget that? The entire town crammed under that makeshift canopy. You need a tent."
Lorelai bit her lip. Play nice she reminded herself. You set the terms. She did not want her mother setting up a tent that covered the town's square and removed all its charm and identity.
"Only if it rains." Lorelai emphasized.
"I could make arrangements for people to stand by. To put up the tent." Meeting Lorelai's gaze. "Only if it rains."
"That would be great, Mom. We'd really appreciate that. Thank you." She reluctantly added. "I'm going to the bridal store for dress alterations on Thursday. Do you want to come with me?"
"You trust the store with alterations? You should use my tailor."
That door was inching open a little too far, so she lied. "The alterations are included with the price of the dress. Are you coming?"
Feigning a casual air, Emily said, "I don't know. I don't want to wreck anything."
"Mom, I asked you come see my wedding dress. Maybe you can give me advice about veils. Do you want to come?"
Emily made a fuss of checking her schedule. "I suppose I can manage it. Maybe we can get lunch afterwards."
Even though it was pushing her comfort level, at least it had nothing to do with her wedding. Lorelai agreed
XXXX
Rory pulled her fleece blanket closer to her chin. This was the life, sitting on Adirondack chairs on the beach, close to a roaring fire while watching the sun sink on the horizon. They were close enough to the ocean to hear the waves crashing on the sand and smell the hint of salt in the air.
Chris and Logan alternated between throwing wood in the fire and poking metal skewers with marshmallows into the flames, trying to achieve the perfect golden-brown tan. They'd made it into a contest. Unfortunately, most of the marshmallows burst into flames, turning crispy black.
For the moment, Nora was comfortable, wearing her fuzzy pink sleeper, wrapped in a blanket, sitting in Emma's arms. Being outdoors seemed to soothe the baby. Rory sipped her third margarita, while the boys enjoyed craft beers.
While their original plan had been to binge watch James Bond movies all day, they'd barely managed to watch one complete movie.
Leaning back into his chair, Chris asked, "Who's the best Bond?" Looking towards Emma, he said with mock disgust. "I know who you're gonna say."
"Timothy Dalton, of course. He's adorable." Emma replied.
"My mom's a big fan of Pierce Brosnan for similar reasons," Rory said.
Chris and Logan agreed that Sean Connery was their favorite.
"What about you Rory?" Chris asked.
"Before the new Casino Royale, I would've said Roger Moore." The boys jeered. Anticipating their reaction, she said, "My favorite Bond movie was Moonraker."
"Moonraker?" The boys howled.
Rory blushed. "I like silly stuff. But I also really like the re-imagining of the classic role with Daniel Craig."
"I don't know. It takes away from the cool factor. He's no longer a super-human being," Chris said.
"Yeah, that's what I like about it."
Nora started crying and Emma panicked. "What did I do?"
"Probably nothing." Rory checked the glowing dial of her watch. "Too early for food. She's dressed warmly enough. Probably time for a diaper check."
"That means you're on, Chris!" Emma rose to hand Nora to him.
Logan patted Chris on the back. "I'll help you buddy."
As they feared, yesterday Nora had slept in the car seat all the way to the beach house but had cried most of the night once they'd arrived. Rory had broken down and given her Tylenol in the hopes it might alleviate possible teething pains. But she was still restless most of the night. Rory felt badly that the baby had taken over the weekend.
The four adults had taken turns walking with the baby. Chris was so nervous around children, Emma wanted the chance to break him in. When they'd stared watching "Thunderball" that morning, all of them had drifted off to sleep.
When the boys were out of sight, Rory, who was slightly drunk, asked, "Do you ever feel like a failure?"
She wasn't sure where this was coming from. She was excited to be making new friends. Yet her attempts at entering the world of journalism were coming along much slower than she'd hoped. And just when she thought she was understanding her daughter, somehow when teething came into the picture, all the rules had changed. Once again, she was exhausted. Would she always feel so lost? Or maybe the alcohol had more of an effect on her than she'd thought.
"Why? Look at all you're going through finding a job in your field. That's daunting enough. In my industry you just apply for a position. All the rules seem to be changing for journalism." Emma replied.
She definitely had been drinking too much when she confessed. "But I'm a bad mom. You see it. She's never content. Other people have babies that sleep all the time. I must be doing something wrong."
She hated that she was dumping on Emma. She didn't want to discourage her with her own child and she didn't want to appear too needy as a friend. She was just feeling vulnerable and felt that Emma cared.
Emma leaned closer to Rory. "Why would you say that? You have that bag packed with everything you might need. You know how to diagnose every cry. Or at least what to try. You attend to her needs. After less than twenty-four hours with her, I'm exhausted. You've gotta be feeling overwhelmed."
"I'm sorry. This isn't fair to you. I didn't want to discourage you." Rory said.
"You're not doing that at all. I'm nervous around kids but Chris is utter basket case. This is so helpful for us. I have to admit, it was hysterical seeing him get peed on this morning. And when he put the diaper on wrong and it fell off!" She laughed. "And what about when he couldn't figure out how to put the outfit on because it was upside down! This is good. If we were doing this on our own, we'd be so tense. With you and Logan here to guide us, it's taking the fear away. Believe it or not, this really helps."
"I'm glad. Let's just hope your baby doesn't have digestive issues too."
"Rory, you're doing an amazing job. You're taking care of your little girl and somehow managed to get newspaper articles published. That's impressive." Emma said.
"I don't know about that."
"Well, I think it is." Changing the subject, Emma asked, "How long do you think it will take them? Half an hour? Long enough to go on a taco run?"
Rory grinned. "I like where you're going. But…that would mean we have to move." It was so nice and warm beneath the blankets near the roaring fire. And she'd had so many margaritas, she probably shouldn't be driving.
"True. When you see the guys, we can yell at them to bring out some snacks."
"Good plan." Rory sighed, burrowing into her blanket. "This is so nice. Do you get out here much?"
"Not really. But we should. You know, we could plan to come out every last weekend of the month. Make it a standing date."
Rory loved the sound of that.