CHAPTER 2

"Rory Gilmore, it's Graham Sullivan," the voice on the other line said.

"Hi, Graham. Long time, no talk," Rory said.

"Two weeks going on three, isn't it?" he said.

"Something like that," Rory politely responded.

"Summer treating you right?" Graham continued questioning.

"It's getting better since the invite," Rory said trying to get him to cough up the details.

"Right, the invite. You know, I have nothing to do with it," Graham admitted. "Not that I mind you coming but I try to avoid this shindig every time it takes place. Unfortunately, with the field I'm pursuing, my parents think that I need to start making connections," he explained.

"Well thanks for making me feel welcome!" Rory said mockingly.

"I didn't say that I didn't want you to come, did I? I'm actually glad that someone my age is going to be around other than my cousin. It sort of makes things less stuffy," he said.

"It would be nice thinking that you're not going to bail on me mid-meal for something more interesting," Rory admitted.

"If that ever happens, I won't feed you to the sharks. I warn you though," Graham added, "If I get into trouble, you're going to be included in it in one way, shape or form."

Rory laughed. "Will it disqualify me from future visits to your parents' functions?"

"If we play our cards right, you would help me permanently miss another meaningless commitment," Graham said jokingly.

"That's on you, not me. Again, I am just playing representative in place of my grandparents," Rory clarified.

"Yeah, that's so strange. My parents thought for sure they were coming. I guess Richard's trip to Europe can't wait," Graham responded.

"Something like that," Rory lied. "So, what's the game plan?"

"How early can you get here?" he asked.

"I don't know. When's the soiree taking place and how much of me can you stand?" Rory questioned.

"Hold on a minute," Graham said.

Over the background, she could hear another conversation taking place.

"Hey you, can you stand company other than me for a few days?" Graham asked.

"Sure. Is the company cute?" the other male voice asked.

"As a button," Graham replied.

'A button? Who still says that except grandmas who have eye problems?' Rory asked herself.

"Jailbait?" the other male voice asked.

"She's our age, doofus," Graham pointed before he got back on the phone.

"Hey, I'm back. Sorry about that," Graham apologized.

"A button? Please tell me you don't use that as a pick up line," Rory asked.

"We met only but twice and the first time around, you saw me with alcohol glasses," Graham informed.

"And on the second, you and your friends are too drunk to remember that I was even with you," Rory indicated.

"Touché. I apologize for my description. My cousin can make his own impression when he sees you," Graham said chuckling.

"I'm glad to hear that I need to meet your cousin's approval," Rory smugly responded.

"He's a dog but he's cool," Graham said confidently. "How about you take the train Wednesday afternoon and we'd hang out that night. The dinner's not until Friday evening but it gives me time to show you around and do stuff in the neighborhood. Does that sound okay with you?"

"Sounds like a plan, Stan," Rory said as she penciled in the information.

"Great. Give me your email information so I could send you an itinerary. If you have any questions, you've got my cell phone number," Graham said.

Rory gave him the information he requested and then said her salutations.

Wednesday. It does not give her much time to take care of her clothing options but she is glad to be out of Stars Hollow for a little while.

"So, what was that all about?" the blonde haired guy in the room asked.

"Family obligation," Graham said.

"When did family obligation become a priority of yours?" Graham was asked.

"When I become a total jackass to a nice girl. The Saturday orphan crowd got together and this girl introduced to me joined us," Graham indicated, "and I did her wrong. I was hoping to make it up to her."

"You like her, huh?" he asked.

Graham hummed. "She's definitely different."

"So what's stopping you?" the blonde questioned.

"I just think I don't think I stand a chance with her," Graham said. "You're here!"

"Damn skippy!" The blonde playfully smacked him on the shoulder. "She a Mary?" he asked.

"I don't think so. I think the girl's got some fire," Graham admitted.