Guess who's back, back again! Yes it's me! Two WIP's on the go at the same time? Yup. I'm living dangerously. This has been beta read by my amazing friend and cheerleader Kelly! She's just the best and has asked me to say 'please review and comment'. That way I'm more likely to keep writing and she can stop kicking my ass from across the pond! Anyway, here we go! I hope you all enjoy!
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The Aus Returns
"Yeah?" Finn answered his phone distractedly, he was reading through an email which bored the socks off him. Andrew Duncan was possibly the most boring accountant in the world, which was saying something and he wrote as dull as he spoke.
"Hello son," his father said with a chuckle.
"Hey dad, what's up?" Finn asked happily, closing his laptop. He could put off Mr Duncan for a few minutes longer thank goodness.
"I have a favor to ask," his dad said and Finn knew that tone, whatever it was Finn was not going to like it.
"And what pray tell is that Father dearest?" Finn asked, if it was a big enough favor perhaps he could get his dad to look over the Duncan email instead of him.
"I need you to fly out tonight," his dad said. "The general manager of the Westchester in Hartford just quit."
"So? Just promote whoever is next in line until we can hire someone else," Finn said, he hated having to fly back to the States just for a few days. He didn't mind if he was going to be there for weeks or months, gave him a chance to catch up with his mates, but a couple of days was just a waste of his time.
"Normally I would, but in three day's time that band's playing their intimate gig for their end of the world tour," his dad said.
"What band?" Finn asked, he had no idea what his dad was talking about which was strange as he took care of the entertainment in all their hotels.
"Erm… Hip Alan?" His dad didn't touch the entertainment side since Finn had started working for him five years ago. And it showed.
"Hip Alan?" Finn frowned, that didn't ring any bells.
"No idea. They're originally from Connecticut but they're really big now and wanted to do their last date at our hotel as it's close to all of their homes," his dad tried explaining.
Finn opened Google and typed in the information his dad had given him.
"Dad, did you mean Hep Alien?" Finn asked, trying not to show his excitement, he wanted his dad to look through the accountant's email after all. He had been following Hep Alien for the past two years though. They were amazing and to be there for one of their gigs, an intimate one at that would be awesome. He wondered if any of his friends would be able to make it too.
"I have no idea, the general manager, Quintin Travers, arranged it all and then quit. But obviously I need someone to handle it. And who else would be better than my heir, the one who shall someday take my throne, my son, my only son-"
"I got it. Fine but if I have to go to Hartford you have to look at this email from Andrew Duncan," Finn cut his dad off, the man could ramble. In fact in all his travels and all his adventures he'd only met one person who could possibly give his dad a run for his money and he'd not seen hide nor hair of her in four years. More was the pity she was easy on the eyes and with a wit to boot.
"But he's so boring," his dad whined, making Finn chuckle. He got his eccentricity from Phineas Morgan senior without a doubt. A fact that annoyed his mother no end.
"If you want me to fly out tonight then you have to deal with Duncan," Finn said.
"Fine, but the plane leaves in… an hour," his dad said and Finn thought there was a reason for him leaving that tiny bit of information out until the deal was done.
"Dad!" Finn sighed, annoyed now. "That doesn't give me enough time to get home and get packed and then make it to the plane."
"I know, sorry about that. Go shopping and put the bill on the company," his dad said completely unrepentant.
"Guess I'll see you in a week or two then. I'll forward you that email," Finn said, running his hand through his long curly brown hair. He was due for a trim but he could never seem to find the time.
"I don't mind if you forget about the email, I'd understand what with your last minute travels and all," his dad chuckled.
"Forwarding it now," Finn said, opening his laptop back up. His dad wasn't getting away with it that easily.
"Safe flight son, let us know when you land," his dad said before they hung up.
Finn knew he was lucky in comparison to most of his friends, Phineas senior and his mother Amanda were easy going, they were happy if he was. They didn't force him into working for the company, though they were very happy that he did, they didn't force him into society dates, in fact they were the most easy going people he knew. He also had two siblings he got on with mostly. He had a good life, even if there were some things he wanted that he didn't currently have. He was only twenty nine he had plenty of time to find what he was looking for. And while he did he intended to carry on enjoying his life.
A concert from one of his favourite bands that he'd get paid to go to wasn't a bad start.
/\\\/\\\
Finn worked for the first half of his flight to Hartford, a place he hadn't been in years. He had hated the society elite there, their prejudice, their elitism, everything about it, so he'd stayed clear.
He'd been talking to the remaining managers of the hotel. Finding out what needed to be done for the big gig. What had been arranged, when the band would arrive, if there were any odd demands from the internationally renowned sensation. He was disappointed slightly that there were only three things the band had asked for at all and none of them was even slightly unreasonable. First they'd wanted a local band to open for them, which had been easily enough arranged and already put in place. Next one of the band members, Gil, had wanted a family suite, which was also easily taken care of. Then they'd wanted a friend of theirs to announce them, which was fine. Finn had half wanted them to be asking for live bats or ants to snort or something ridiculous. Seemed they'd stayed fairly down to earth despite their success.
For the rest of the flight back to Hartford, Finn slept. It was going to be a long couple of days until the concert and he'd be working long hours, something he hadn't done for three years now, since he'd proven himself to the family.
The plane touched down and Finn sent a message to his dad that he was there. A driver was ready waiting to take him to the hotel, he was going to have to rent a car, he hated being driven unless he was getting wasted, which seeing as how this was a business trip was unlikely. He was also disappointed that none of his friends were free to come to the concert or meet up while he was back. It had been six months since he'd seen any of them. Being back in Australia was fine, he had friends there, he had dates and he had his family most of the time, but he missed his fellow LDB members he'd been friends with since he was sixteen. So he wasn't in the best mood when he pulled up outside the Westchester and saw it decorated with banners declaring for everyone to see that the concert would be held there.
"Mr Morgan! It's wonderful to have you here!" A man was there to greet him. He was the one that would be promoted, perhaps, if he was competent enough, so far Finn wasn't convinced. The guy was dressed in a freshly tailored suit, grey pinstripe, he had tiny golden spectacles balanced on a long nose, receding brown hair and a thick brown moustache. He looked like an eighties porn star. Finn liked that, it made him smile. "I'm Dennis Dorcas."
"Nice to meet you Mr Dorcas, call me Finn," Finn said, shaking the man's clammy hand. He resisted the urge to wipe his hand on his pants.
"Please, call me Dennis, we have the penthouse suite all ready for your stay. We're very happy to have you here. We think we've got everything covered, however having your expertise here could only help." Dennis was a brown noser. Finn hated that. It was going to be a very long few days.
"Okay Dennis, so if I have the penthouse suite where are you going to put the band?" Finn asked, taking his suit from the driver, the one that he had kept in his office for emergencies. It was all the luggage he had, which meant he'd have to go shopping immediately. A task he didn't particularly enjoy without a helpful and flirty woman along to help.
"Oh, well, we'll put them in one of our nicer suites of course," Dennis said nervously.
"Give the three that haven't asked for a family suite the penthouse, I'll have a suite. Also have these banners taken down. It's too late now but advertising this is a way to get gatecrashers and with how popular this band is it could get ugly. So we'll also need to hire a security firm. Can you have numbers ready for me first thing in the morning?" Finn said, eyeing the banners and wondering which idiot had decided that was a good idea. They were luxury hotels, they didn't hang banners, there was no need. And due to that there was now a security risk. Great. Brown nosers and incompetence, his dad owed him another email from Mr Duncan for sure.
"Yes Mr Morgan sir, right away," Dennis said, almost tripping over his own feet to follow Finn into the hotel. Finn had the uncomfortable feeling that this was what the dark Lord Huntzberger always felt like. He preferred his employees to be happy and not terrified of him. Which in Australia wasn't a problem, when he came here though this was the norm unfortunately.
/\\\/\\\
Finn was ready to greet the band which were due to arrive any minute. He'd spent the better part of two days working twelve hour shifts to cover everything he needed to do. Dennis would not be promoted, in fact Finn thought he'd be lucky to keep his current position. The man didn't have a clue about running a hotel.
All Finn had to do that day though, thankfully, was welcome the band, make sure they were happy and watch the gig. An easy day. His flight was scheduled out of there in less than a week, enough time to find a replacement general manager. Hopefully. If not his dad was going to have to continuously deal with Duncan. After all Finn had already received five invites to society parties here, all of which he could turn down without causing too much offence luckily.
The crowd outside started screaming, the fans had been arriving since yesterday and Finn was glad he'd arranged for the security team. Along with the crowd were the press, which Finn also hated dealing with. The Paparazzi were the worst. He just didn't get why people cared so much about the private lives of the rich. He'd been photographed many times on dates, or hookups, or binges and he didn't know why. Sure he was rich and good looking, but other than that he was just a guy. A witty, intelligent, funny, life loving guy. But a guy non the less. And as he was photographed he found that the gold diggers came out in their droves to try their hand at getting him.
That was hard. Never knowing if someone liked you for who you were or if they were just interested in your money. He thought probably eighty percent of them were in the latter category. He slept with them non the less but it wasn't exactly the basis for a relationship, which now he was nearing thirty he found he actually wanted.
He stood straighter as security ushered in the band and their entourage.
"Good afternoon, it's a pleasure to welcome you to the Westchester Hotel, I'm Finn Morgan and if you need anything at all I'm more than happy to help. We're all really looking forward to your concert tonight," he said to the band who looked just like normal people. Who were followed by ten people carrying their luggage and instruments.
"Hey man, thanks," the lead singer Zach, said. "I'm Zach, that's Lane, Brian and Gil."
"A pleasure to meet you all," Finn said with a huge smile. He wanted to ask them to sign his CD but he needed to be professional. "We have Lane, Zach and Brian in the penthouse suite and then Gil we have you in a family suite as requested."
"Thanks dude," Gil said.
"I'll take you to your rooms, is there anything else you require first?" Finn asked. He'd worked as a manager for one of the hotels for his first year out of Yale, his father had insisted he knew every aspect of the hotels before he moved on up.
"Actually, yes, if it's not too much trouble?" Lane, the small, pretty Korean drummer said hesitantly.
"Whatever you need we'll do our best to make it so," Finn said, maybe this would be the crazy demand? Couldn't be anything weirder than he'd done back in college though.
"So the room my mom's staying in needs a bible in it. Please. Otherwise there will be literal hell to pay," Lane said.
"She's not wrong dude, there was this one time with hell hounds. Honestly she's terrifying," Zach added as the other members all nodded in agreement.
"We can do that sure," Finn agreed, not a crazy demand.
"And also… is there a back entrance? Our friend that's introducing us wants to avoid all the press and paparazzi," Lane said with a smile, she was obviously uncomfortable asking. Finn liked this band even more. They were normal people, it was refreshing.
"Yes of course. They can use the service entrance. If you let us know when they're due to arrive I can have a member of our security team waiting," Finn said.
"Ah…" Brian said, looking at the others. "Is there an employee you trust to do it? No offence but we've been burnt by security before."
"Certainly, I'll do it personally," Finn agreed. He didn't want to babysit whoever it was, but he needed this to go well.
"Thank you," Lane smiled gratefully.
Finn smiled and got the band situated. He had three hours off before he had to go babysit a celebrity who didn't like the spotlight. He wondered who it would be?
/\\\/\\\
Finn was waiting by the service entrance looking at his watch, and then his phone. This celebrity, whoever they were, was running late and it was annoying him. At this rate he was going to miss the gig, as was the person announcing Hep Alien.
He was just about to give up when a black SUV pulled up, a driver getting out and looking around. When he didn't see anyone he opened the back door.
"Finn!?"
"Rory Gilmore!" Finn replied, his mouth dropping open. The last person he expected to be waiting for was his old friend from Yale. She looked amazing, she was dressed in a black catsuit which showed off her curves, her hair was in gentle curls that cascaded down her back and her light makeup was expertly applied. She was even more stunning than she'd been in college.
"Finn! What are you doing here?" She asked with a huge smile rushing over to give him a hug.
Finn wrapped his arms around her trim waist and hugged her back. He could honestly say he'd missed her.
"This is one of the families hotels love, dad drafted me to take care of this gig. What about you? What are you doing here? And going through the service entrance at that?" Finn asked, letting her out of his arms and stepping back, her blue eyes glittered with happiness.
"I've been best friends with Lane since kindergarten. I introduced their first ever gig and they thought it'd be cool to have me introduce their welcome home gig," Rory explained following Finn into the staff area of the hotel. Finn understood how Rory could be friends with the band, they were cool, down to earth people as was Miss Gilmore. "It's so good to see you, and looking so professional! How have you been?"
"Well I'm working love, can't slob around in sweats," Finn chuckled, his eyes taking in her easy blush, she really did look spectacular. "I'm doing pretty good. What about you? Taking the journalistic world by storm?"
"I take it you don't read the papers?" Rory replied, her eyes going to the floor and her smile dropping.
"Actually no, I live back home in Australia normally, but I don't get the New York Times there," he chuckled, leading her through the staff corridors to the area where Hep Alien were waiting for their performance. "Are you getting all of the bylines on the front page?"
"No, nothing like that unfortunately," Rory said, her eyes still on the floor, her expression still sad. Finn frowned, he didn't like that, she had been so happy to see him, her smile had lit up the whole area, now the light had faded with her mood.
"Let me guess, you made a sex tape that was leaked and you've joined the Kardashian family," Finn said trying to make her laugh. He'd always liked making her laugh, even way back in college her laugh was infectious.
"Damn, you have been reading the papers," she said with a giggle, her eyes back on his face, sparkling once more.
"Love I'm hurt! If you wanted to make a sex tape you should've called for your favourite Australian to help out, I'd been happy to do so," he winked at her getting another laugh.
"Sorry Finn, next time I feel the need to make one of course I'll remember you," she said, winking back at him. Damn Gilmore had grown up. And got hotter and flirty, gone was the awkward shyness he remembered that she had at times, though the air of innocence still hung around her. He was going to hell. Especially as he checked out her arse, her very, very nice arse. Yup hell.
"I'll hold you to that," he said back, his voice lower than he had intended. He didn't miss her blush nor the slight dilation of her pupils in her stunning blue eyes. "Maybe, if you're here for a few days, we could catch up? I missed you Kitten," he said, his mouth forming words without the input of his brain. A problem he'd had in college that he'd thought he'd grown out of.
"I missed you too, Finn. Yeah, sure, I'd really like that," she said looking up at him through her eyelashes. His stomach flipped slightly. Hell. Yup hell.
He stopped outside the door the band were using as a green room and opened it for her.
"My my, you've turned into quite the gentleman Finn," she smiled at him as she walked past.
"I've always been a gentleman, love, my mum would have my bollocks if I wasn't," he chuckled, he might sleep around but he was the gentleman his mum had raised, most of the time anyway.
"Are you not coming in?" Rory asked, turning as he went to shut the door behind her.
"No, I've got to get back to work. I'll let you catch up with your friends. But I'll make sure to see you later. Also, can you see if you can get me autographs? I'm a huge fan," Finn leant in and said the last bit in a whisper, making Rory laugh. She smelt good, her perfume pleasant and not overwhelming.
"I've got a bit of pull, I'll see what I can do," Rory laughed before heading into the room. He shut the door on squeals of happiness, a smile on his face. Rory Gilmore. Who would have thought that she'd come back into his life?
/\\\/\\\
Finn stood in the VIP section, a bottle of beer in hand as he waited for Hep Alien to come on. The ballroom they were using was packed, there must have been six hundred people there to watch the band, an intimate gig for them considering they sold out stadiums.
He tried to act aloof, after all he needed to set the tone for his staff, but he was really excited to see the band. And if he was honest, he was excited to catch up with Rory. They'd been close in college, all of them had, but when her and Logan broke up, well Logan was one of his best mates. So they'd all drifted apart from the stunning Miss Gilmore.
The local band finished their set and there was a rush for the bar. As well as the booth that was selling t-shirts and CDs while the stage was set for Hep Alien. It was a quick turnaround, the roadies obviously old hands at this by now.
Finn's breath caught as Rory strode confidently across stage to a microphone, the spot light silhouetting her. She looked magnificent. Her poise and grace, a far cry from the nervous girl he'd met her second year of college.
"Hello!" She said enthusiastically to the crowd who had applauded her with enthusiasm he wasn't expecting. "I'm Rory Gilmore. Almost ten years ago, in a very different venue, I introduced Hep Alien to a group of drunk teenagers for their first ever gig. They hadn't even decided on a name then. We always knew they would go far, but none of us could predict just how big they would get, though we often joked about how they'd forget the little people, like me when they made it, unfortunately they got stuck with me. I'm extremely honored to be introducing my amazingly talented friends, Zach, Gil, Brian and Lane! Hep Alien!" The crowd went crazy as the band came on stage, each hugging Rory as they passed her.
Finn watched as Rory walked down the steps and came into the VIP area as Hep Alien started their set as they were known for, with a cover. This one was Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. Finn couldn't help it, he danced along with the rest of the crowd singing along and holding his beer up. Half way through the song he was surprised and pleased as Rory came and stood by him, a beer in her hand too. They smiled at each other and went back to enjoying the gig.
"They're amazing live!" Finn called into Rory's ear halfway through the set.
"I know! They've come a long way since they practiced in my mom's garage," Rory yelled back her face full of joy and happiness, her second beer going down slowly.
"They used to practice at your house! That's amazing!" Finn called, he couldn't believe that Rory Gilmore used to hang, in fact still hung around with Hep Alien. Was at their first ever gig, had watched them practice.
"You really are a fan!" Rory said back her eyebrows raised.
"I am!" Finn shouted back, wanting to carry on the conversation but his favourite song was playing. Long Road To Nowhere.
He sang along with the band, noticing Rory knew all the words to every song as well.
By the time Hep Alien had finished Finn was riding a high, it had been amazing, made even better by the fact he didn't have to watch it alone.
"Come on," Rory said, taking his hand and tugging him along to the steps she'd come down after she'd introduced the band.
"Where are you taking me, love? Are we making that sex tape after all?" Finn asked with a smirk, following her eagerly.
"Not tonight Finn," Rory giggled over her shoulder at him. "I'm taking you to meet the band, get you an autograph."
"Really?" Finn asked excitedly, he felt like a teenager again going to his first ever gig.
"Yes, really," she giggled again.
They were stopped on the stage by security.
"Ah, there might be a problem with your plan Kitten," he said, realising that he hadn't got the pass he'd been given. He hadn't thought he'd need it, his family owned the place after all.
"But I have the golden ticket here Finn," she smirked, raising her pass to the security guard who let them both through. Finn noticed the guard checking Rory out, he didn't blame him, she looked especially hot this evening.
Rory led him to the green room and entered, still holding his hand.
"Hey guys!" Rory said enthusiastically to the group in the room. He noticed there weren't that many, Brian and Lane were sitting on a couch together leaning towards each other with smiles on their faces, beers in hand. Zach had a blonde girl who was wearing a belt she was passing off as a skirt on his arm. Gil stood with who could only be his family and to the side of the room were a few older people, one of which was a mean looking short Korean lady who had a scowl on her face. He assumed that was Lane's mom.
"Hey Rory!" Lane and Brian said breaking apart to smile at her.
"Thanks again for introducing us," Lane said with a genuine smile.
"Thanks again for letting me. You were awesome tonight!" Rory said practically bouncing.
"You've brought a date? Thee Miss Gilmore has brought a date to our gig?" Zach asked with interest looking at Finn with a sly smirk.
"What?" Rory asked with a frown and then seemed to realise she was still holding hands with Finn. She dropped his hand as though burnt, which hurt his feelings for a moment. "Oh, no. Finn's not a date. He's a friend from Yale and a huge fan, he knew the words as well as I did."
"You checked us in right? You're the hotel manager?" Brian asked with a smile.
"Finn's family owns the hotel, he's just here to look after you guys. He wanted an autograph?" Rory said.
Finn felt himself do something he hadn't done in years. He blushed. Heat rushed to his cheeks. He didn't know she was going to be so blunt about it.
"You know I still find that weird," Lane laughed standing up and going to a table that was covered in merchandise.
"Well you're huge stars now," Rory said happily. "And you didn't forget the little people, I'm disappointed."
"Your mom said the same thing yesterday," Lane said over her shoulder.
"Dammit she always beats me to the best lines," Rory sighed theatrically.
"So you guys are just friends?" Zach asked Rory with raised eyebrows.
"Yes, still not happening Zach," Rory replied bluntly.
"Can't blame a guy for trying. Sorry man, it had to be done. One day the lovely Rory will give into my charms," Zach said grinning at Finn and apparently not caring about the date on his arm who looked put out.
"Not going to happen Zach," Rory and Lane said together.
"Guys, come sign these please," Lane said to her bandmates. "So you went to Yale with Rory? I don't think we ever met, did we?"
"I don't think so, though I was drunk probably ninety percent of the time, so I may have forgotten," Finn admitted with a little chuckle.
"You guys never met no. Finn is one of Logan's friends," Rory explained to Lane.
"Also one of your friends Love," Finn said, wanting to remind her that he hadn't just been around because of Huntz; he'd genuinely enjoyed her company too.
"Rory!" A stern voice barked out.
"Hello Mrs Kim, it's really good to see you again," Rory said, turning to the small Korean woman who'd approached them unnoticed.
"This is your boyfriend?" The woman asked, glaring at Finn. He felt his balls shrivel slightly. She was a terrifying woman despite her short stature.
"No Mrs Kim, this is a friend from college. Finn, this is Mrs Kim, Mrs Kim this is Finn Morgan," Rory introduced them.
"You held hands! You should not be holding hands if you do not want to date the man! That is how you get a reputation! No man will want to marry you if you hold hands with another man!" Mrs Kim barked out. "You want to marry her?"
"Erm…" Finn floundered under the weighty gaze of Lane's mother.
"Mama, we're out of flax seed muffins, did you have some more?" Lane asked respectfully.
"Yes, I'll go get them," Mrs Kim beamed at her daughter before striding off.
"She is terrifying," Finn said, letting out a gush of air.
"Oh yeah, hellhounds man, hellhounds," Zach agreed quietly.
"Thanks for that, honestly I was having flashbacks to last Friday night dinner," Rory said to Lane.
"Well everyone just wants to see you taken care of in your old age. Married off, barefoot and pregnant," Lane giggled sympathetically.
"Yes, I believe they do. I feel like Elizabeth Bennet. I swear Grandma is just looking for another excuse to throw one of her auction off Rory parties," Rory sighed, her shoulders slumping. Lane looked worried about her and placed a hand on Rory's arm before bringing her into a hug. Finn wondered what the story there was. Miss Gilmore seemed to lead a mysteriously interesting life at the moment apparently. Sex tape not withstanding.
"It'll get better, it's only been two months," Lane said quietly but Finn heard.
"Hey man, want a beer?" Gil asked Finn and he couldn't hold in his smile.
"Sure, Rory?" Finn asked seeing she'd broken away from Lane.
"Oh, no. I've got to go guys, but I'll be here for dinner tomorrow like we said?" Rory said to her friends.
"Yeah of course. We'll be there," Lane nodded, hugging Rory once more. Finn watched as she was passed from person to person for hugs. Mrs Kim just gave her a curt nod.
"I'll walk you out to your car Kitten," Finn said as she approached him last.
"Oh, here dude!" Zach said walking over to them, his arms full.
"Thank you!" Finn grinned widely, there was a signed baseball cap, a signed t-shirt and their newest album also sighed. They'd all written something on the items too. For Finn, our biggest fan next to Rory. Lane. Stay cool Finn, Brian. Rock on man, Gil. I'll get Gilmore yet, until then take care of her Finn, Zach.
He put the hat and the t-shirt on straight away. He'd be listening to the album on his way back to Australia.
"No worries, see you man. Hey, come with Rory to dinner if you want. We want to hear wild stories about her at college," Gil said with an exaggerated wink for the girl in question.
"Thanks, I'll see if I can make it," Finn nodded, he wanted to go, but didn't want to intrude on Rory's time with her friends who she obviously didn't get to see a lot of.
Finn put his hand on the small of Rory's back and led her from the green room back through the underbelly of the hotel. "Thanks for getting me in there to meet them, Kitten, and for the autographs."
"It really wasn't a problem. You should come tomorrow if you can. Unless you have a hot date of course, a redhead waiting on you?" Rory said, smiling over her shoulder at him.
"Nah, the redhead phase of my life is over love. As is the date every evening. I'm afraid I'm a husk of what I once was," he chuckled, enjoying the feel of her against his hand. The smooth curve of her spine against his palm. "If you're sure, I don't want to take time away from you with them, I'm guessing you don't get to see them often."
"Finn Morgan without a date every evening? It can't be, I've fallen into the twilight zone!" Rory giggled. "And yes I'm sure, I speak to Lane on the phone when I can't see her. You I haven't seen in years though."
Finn smiled widely at that. A dinner with Rory and his favourite band? He was sold.
"I'm there then love, give me your number and you can send me the details," Finn said, taking his phone out and starting a new contact. He put her number under Kitten and rang her phone so she'd have his number too.
"I had a really great night with you Finn, thank you," Rory smiled up at him as they reached the service exit.
"No thank you love. Not only have I got to meet my favourite band but I also got to spend the night with a beautiful woman," Finn winked at her, enjoying the blush that stained her cheeks.
He opened the door and looked out, her car was still there, the driver leant against it. There was no sign of the press.
"I'll message you about tomorrow," Rory said, smiling up at him before she stepped in and hugged him.
He hugged her back, trying to not think about her pressed up close to him, or how good she smelt. She was off limits after all. No matter how good she looked, or how much he'd enjoyed the night. The hug lasted slightly longer than a friendly hug before she was pulling away.
He leant down to kiss her cheek when a flash went off. Stunned he looked up to see that at some point the Paparazzi had found them.
"Oh no," Rory groaned, hurrying back in the door which Finn slammed shut behind her. "I really liked John too," she sighed with her back against the door.
"John?" Finn asked.
"My driver, the only one other than the band who knew I'd come round the back. The guys would never sell me out," she said, sliding down the door so she was sitting on the floor. "I don't suppose you've got any rooms left have you?"
"Fully booked love. I can drive you back if you want?" Finn offered, he didn't particularly want to face the Paparazzi either but he could keep them away from Rory.
"No, they'll just follow me home. Again," Rory sighed. "I'll see if I can crash with Lane. I'll lock the door so Zach can't get in again."
"Again? Was he the one you did the sex tape with?" Finn asked, holding out a hand to help her off the floor.
"Gross. No. He 'forgot' which room was his one night and climbed into bed with me," Rory said with an exaggerated shudder.
"You can bunk with me if you want love?" Finn offered his mouth once more not connected to his brain.
"Erm…"
"I have a suite Kitten, don't worry, two bedrooms, all above board and I promise I'll remember which room is mine. I've only had four beers," he said, guiding her back through the hotel once more.
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble that would be great," Rory said, her shoulders seeming to sag under the weight she was apparently carrying.
"No trouble at all love. So why are the press trying to catch Rory Gilmore if not for a sex tape?" Finn asked, walking her out through a different exit that led to the main lobby. He darted behind the reception desk, greeting the night manager and grabbed a toiletry bag that they usually charged an extortionate amount for. Of course Rory wouldn't be paying, and she didn't need to know it cost money. He remembered she'd been a bit touchy about things like that when he'd last seen her.
"It's a long story," Rory said.
"We've got all night and I've got good coffee," Finn said, leading her to the elevator.
"Throw in some food and you're on," she smiled softly at him.
"Of course food will be included, Love, it's not been that long that I forgot your seemingly cast iron stomach," he chuckled remembering the first time he'd seen her eat a meal and the amazement about the huge amount she could put away despite her figure.
