Author: Lady Eliza
Characters: All Characters
Rating: T
Summary: Total AU Rory and Logan Spoiler Warning
Disclaimer: I do not own Gilmore Girls or any of its characters.
AN: Wow! 300 hundred reviews. I would like to thank my reviewers who have been sending in positive feedback. I can't believe I've recieved 300 reviews, its just unbelievable. I hope you enjoy this chapter and Please continue to review.
Chapter 25: For A Good Cause
Rory, Madeline, Stephanie, Paris, and Louise were sitting silently at Luke's. They had all agreed to meet in Stars Hollow before Francine Hayden's Charity Gala.
Rory had almost forgotten about the Gala until her Granny reminded her as soon as she got back from her successful vacation with Logan, well it was almost a success if you didn't count running into Jess' dad. She wanted to forget that ever happened.
So here Rory was sitting with her close friends and staring menacingly at Louise, "I can't believe you suggested such a degrading thing, especially to women."
Louise gulped when she noticed that the others at the table were looking at her with the intent to kill, "While you were gallivanting the globe I had to help your grandmother with the preparations for the Gala. I just suggested it to raise money. Guys, I didn't do it on purpose."
"Louise really, was that necessary. There are a million ways to fundraise. I can understand you wanting to help Hartford Memorial Hospital any way you can, but did you have to sign us all up. I mean, you didn't even ask if we wanted to participate. Isn't that against the rules?" asked Paris.
"No, it was for charity so I didn't think you guys would mind," said a frightened Louise.
"You didn't think we would mind! Is there any way we can get out of it?" asked a frustrated Stephanie.
"No," said a quiet Louise.
"Look Louise, I understand this is for a good cause, but do we have to do it in such a demeaning way?" asked Rory.
"I think were stuck in a corner here and there is no way around it," said Madeline trying to take some of the heat off of her best friend.
"Guys, I'm sorry I just thought you would all be behind it since it's for charity," said Louise.
"I guess we have no other choice. Come on guys let's go get ready at Mom's house," said Rory.
As the girls left Luke's they hadn't noticed that Jess had heard their entire conversation. He had been coming down the stairs when he had heard the girls' conversation. Jess had to say he was intrigued by their topic of conversation. He knew that there was a Charity Gala hosted by Francine Hayden and that the crème de la crème of high society would be attending. That's why he had been quite surprised to get an invite in the mail.
Jess wondered exactly who had been in charge of the guest list. The invitation had said that the invite was extended to him by an unknown source. Jess wanted to know exactly who this unknown source was. He didn't know if he wanted to go to this fancy shindig where he would be required to wear a tux. It seemed like such a waste of time, but if Rory were going to be there he would go.
Jess was curious as to what the girls were talking about. What could be degrading to women that all the girls were against it? The only thing he could think of, off the top of his head was a beauty pageant. The girls seemed to think this was a big deal. Poor Louise, it seemed her idea backfired on her. Oh well, Jess would have to wait until tonight to see what the 'degrading' thing was.
"Emily, are you sure this will work?" asked an apprehensive Francine.
"Of course I am Fran," said Emily.
They were, of course, discussing the delivery of two invitations in the mail to two unsuspecting parties. Emily and Shira had devised a plan where Jess Mariano and Dean Forrester were invited to the Charity Gala that Francine was hosting. Emily and Shira had talked Francine into mailing out invitations to both boys so they could see how out of Rory's league they were.
Francine had adamantly disagreed by inviting either boy. She especially didn't want Dean at the Gala, but Emily and Shira could be very persuasive when they wanted to be. In the end they had agreed to do it for the good of Rory and Logan's relationship. Francine didn't know if this was a good idea but she had let Emily and Shira do as they wish.
"Don't worry Fran, Emily and I know what were doing," said Shira trying to reassure the distraught woman.
"I sure hope this plan doesn't backfire on us," said Francine.
"It won't. Those boys need to move on with their lives. The only way to do that is for them to see that Rory lives in a different world than them," said Emily.
The women were wasting their time with Dean since he already knew Rory was beyond his reach, but they were correct in the assumption that Jess still hoped to be with Rory. The only way to see the end result was to wait.
Logan had arrived in Stars Hollow in a Limo, which honked its horns to wake Taylor from his slumber. Logan seemed to get his kicks from annoying Taylor. When he went to knock on the door it was opened by Rory, herself. She looked gorgeous; it took Logan's breath away just to look at her. He leaned over and lightly kissed her and gave her a single sunflower. "You look breathtaking."
Rory was touched by Logan's thoughtfulness. He certainly looked handsome in his tailored tuxedo. "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself. I must say Huntzberger you certainly do clean up nicely."
"Why thank you because I'm in cut offs and a wife beater most other times right?"
Rory chuckled and went back in the house to get her clutch and wrap and to put her sunflower in water. She remembered to bring her checkbook because she would be forking over some serious cash if her Granny Hayden had anything to do with it. The other girls had gone back to Yale to meet their respective dates except for Paris who hadn't heard hide or hair from Doyle since she told him she was pregnant. Rory had vowed, should the little rodent show his face in New Haven again she would destroy him.
Logan opened the door to the limo and ever the gentleman held it open for her. He climbed in after her. "So Ace, are you ready for this night to begin," said Logan.
"I'm ready for this night to be over," said Rory.
"Oh come now, it won't be that bad. I'll be there to cheer you on."
"Don't patronize me. Women before me have fought for the right to vote, the right to hold public office and the right to practice medicine. This is like spitting in their faces. I understand that it's to raise money for a Charity but there are other ways to raise the funds," said Rory. She was just getting warmed up with the preaching.
"Is this the part where you take off your bra and burn it?" asked Logan.
"If I was wearing a bra I would take it off right now and throw it out the window," said Rory.
"You're not wearing a bra?"
"Get your head out of the gutter, Huntzberger. I'm trying to make a feminist stance. Why don't the men parade themselves on stage?"
"Nobody asked us to."
Rory just huffed. She couldn't believe that no one had thought to get the men do what the women were going to do this very evening. She knew it was all in good fun, but she didn't feel comfortable being leered at by men.
The limo reached the hospital in no time and as it reached the receiving line Rory noted there were many press in attendance. She took a deep breath when she noted that Donald and Malania Trump preceded them. Logan took her hand, looked her in the eye and said, "You look beautiful Rory, and I love you."
"I love you too, Logan."
When they stepped out of the Limo there was media frenzy. The long lenses were aimed at Rory and Logan as they got out of their limo and started walking down the red carpet. They met up with Donald and Malania half way through. The two power couples posed together and politely conversed as their pictures were being taken. Rory and Logan had run into the Donald and his wife at a few of the charity events and were good friends with them.
Towards the end of the red carpet a local TV station fashion reporter stopped Rory and asked, " "Hello Miss Gilmore, Nadine Holladay channel 3 evening news, you look wonderful this evening. Who are you wearing today and where are the jewels from?"
"Thank you for the lovely comments Nadine. My dress is Valentino and my shoes are Manolo Blaniks. My jewels are my own. They are heirloom pieces that have been in the Gilmore family for many generations."
"Wow, they're lovely. And your date for the evening is the handsome Mr. Huntzberger. Sir, who are you wearing this evening?" asked Nadine.
"Thank you for the compliment Nadine. I am wearing Armani. I actually have no idea who designed my shoes and I'm lacking in the jewellery department," joked Logan.
The reporter laughed at Logan's joke then told them to have a lovely time at the event.
The couple entered the lovely setting of the Charity Gala and they noticed Francine Hayden surrounded by the whose who of politics. Rory and Logan made their way towards her. When Francine looked up she saw her beautiful granddaughter making her way towards her. "Rory, you look spectacular. I love that dress it looks marvellous on you. Logan you look so handsome. The two of you certainly make a good-looking couple."
"Thanks Granny. You look like a million bucks tonight. Are you wearing Herrera this evening?" asked Rory.
"Of course dear, who else would I wear?" asked Francine.
"I should've known better then ask," said Rory.
Francine just smiled and grabbed her granddaughter and Logan by their arms and started introducing them to all the people. Rory and Logan were too busy mingling to notice three pairs of eyes staring at them.
Jess had arrived at the Gala early and stuck out as a sore thumb. He had decided to beat traffic before it got jammed on the freeway, but he should've just waited in traffic because these people had no sense of time. On the invitation it specifically said 7 pm as the beginning of the shindig, but people didn't start coming in until 7:30. Jess couldn't believe that there was press outside.
But the shock of the evening had come when he spotted the other occupants of his table. Dean and Lindsay Forrester along with Priscilla, a nurse at the hospital who sat to his left. There were others as well but he was too lazy to introduce himself. "What the hell are you doing here Dean?"
"I can ask you the same thing?" said Dean.
"I was invited," replied Jess.
"So were we," taunted Dean.
Lindsay was a little confused. She and Dean had nothing to do with the hospital charity board. She didn't think she had ever donated money to the hospital. 'So why were she and Dean invited to such a ritzy Gala?'
"Jess, why are you invited to this event?" asked Lindsay.
"To tell you the truth, I have no idea. I got the invitation in the mail a few days ago," said Jess.
"Yeah, so did we," said Lindsay.
Before any of them could utter another word there was some commotion coming from outside then Logan and Rory came in after Donald and Malania Trump. The answer to their question just walked through the door. Jess had to admit she sure looked gorgeous in that dress. She looked like a princess this evening.
Lindsay wanted to scream and shout. She hated that Rory Gilmore ruined all the best moments in her life. Lindsay had gone out purchased a dress that she thought looked nice and done her hair up nicely, but next to Rory she looked like a pauper. She wished she and Dean hadn't come to this stupid event, but now Lindsay had the answer to the question of why she and Dean had received an invitation to such a fancy gala. Rory Gilmore was the reason for everything.
Dean couldn't take his eyes off of the goddess that had walked through the door. She looked so grown up and confident when she was dressed like that. Dean watched her as she made the rounds with her boyfriend. They seemed like old pros when they worked the room like that.
After a while Rory and Logan's other friends joined them. That group was like a clique and no one could breach its walls. Dean wished he had stuck with Rory so he could have experienced this world before she had to fulfill her family obligations by marrying a man from her world.
Francine Hayden was at the podium and trying to get everybody's attention. "Can I have everybody's attention please? Good evening, welcome one and all to the Charity Gala for the Hartford Memorial Hospital. I am Francine Hayden and I will be your Host for this evening. As I was planning this event my granddaughter Rory's friend, Louise Grant gave me a great idea that will entice many people to donate. So, Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the first annual Charity Gala Auction. What are we auctioning off you ask, well young ladies of course. That's right we are going to auction off gracious young women that have volunteered to be auctioned off for this great cause. The lucky person who buys a young woman gets to go on one date with her to a restaurant of her choosing. So without further ado let the games begin."
And so began the auction of well bred young women. "Did they say they were going to auction off women?" asked Jess.
"Yeah," said Lindsay.
"Well I guess they will make plenty of money," said Dean.
Rory was pacing the backstage area waiting her turn to be put out to pasture. She felt like a prized mare waiting to be taken out, shown and looked over by prospective buyers. 'I'm doing this for a good cause, I'm doing this for a good cause, I'm doing this for a good cause' Rory repeated that phrase in her head. Then her cell phone went off.
"Logan this is not a good time I'm going to be auc-"
"What do you mean Granny said you couldn't bid on me?"
"There are no rules stating that the significant other of the person being auctioned off can't bid on her?"
"She had a handbook drawn up for the bidders?"
"Are you kidding me?"
"What if I get someone that I absolutely loathe?"
"You're a lot of help."
"Do something Logan or you will regret it."
"Yes, I will withhold sex."
"Good you get cracking on that while I am leered at by old men."
"Goodbye Logan. This might be the last time you hear from me."
Rory was going to give her Granny an earful when this event was through. As she was pacing Paris came storming off the stage. "I can't believe that idiot bid on me," said Paris furiously.
"Oh god, Paris did you get a really old rich guy because that is my worst fear now that Logan can't bid on me," said Rory.
"Yeah, I heard about the handbooks right before I went on stage. No, I didn't get an old guy I got someone worse than that: Finn."
"I sorry did you just say that Finn bought you?" asked a perplexed Rory.
"Yeah, I have no idea why. There was another really good-looking guy bidding against Finn but then stupid Rothschild had to up the bid. I swear the he has too much money and nothing to do with it."
"How much did he pay for you?"
"Huh…what…oh he paid $25,000."
"WOW, that's great Paris…" she got the evil eye, "or not."
"Of course it's not okay. I don't know why Finn bid on me, but I am not amused."
"You weren't supposed to be amused, doll," said Finn from the doorway.
"You jerk, why did you have to bid on me. That other guy was perfectly fine and tolerable, but you on the other hand I can't stand," said Paris.
"Aww, can you feel the love? Rory love, I believe it's your turn to go out on stage," said Finn.
"Huh…Oh thanks Finn," said Rory then rushed on stage.
"Come along Paris, I would like the privilege of your company," said Finn then he grabbed her hand and dragged her off to the main ballroom.
"I don't know why I have to put up with you and you bull-headed ways," said Paris.
"You'll thank me later, doll," said Finn.
"Don't call me doll I'm not your doll,' said Paris
Finn just rolled his eyes and dragged her from the backstage areas to watch Rory get auctioned off.
Back on stage Francine was introducing her granddaughter. "Now, many of you know our next young lady. She is my granddaughter. Please welcome Lady Lorelai Leigh Gilmore III or affectionately known as Rory. Let's get the bidding started at $1000."
"$1000" someone in the crowd shouted.
Lorelai and Luke had just arrived to the Gala because they had been stuck in traffic for forty-five minutes. They were escorted to their seats and just sat down as Rory was introduced. Luke grabbed the handbook for the auction and started reading it as Lorelai looked at her beautiful daughter. She had seen Rory before she left the house and she had to say the light did wonders for her complexion.
When Lorelai heard someone bid $1000 for her daughter she was ecstatic. "Luke did you hear that my baby's first bid was a thousand dollar. I wander how much they're willing to pay for her," said Lorelai.
"Well she is a good catch," said Luke, which made Lorelai chuckle.
Since Lorelai was close to Francine she had known ahead of time that the Charity Gala was going to hold an auction. She wasn't surprised to walk in and see Rory on stage being auctioned off. "I don't know why Logan hasn't placed a bid yet," said Lorelai.
"According to this here handbook, it says that the family or significant others (i.e. boyfriends, husbands, partners) are not supposed to bid on the person being auctioned. I can't believe Francine would add such a restriction on a Charity event," said Luke.
"I can't believe that I don't even get the satisfaction of bidding on Rory. That sucks," said Lorelai.
Jess was too speechless to say anything. 'How much money did they people have?' So far Rory was up to $8000 and the bidders were just getting warmed up it seemed. Jess had been shocked when Rory's friend Paris' bid had stopped at $25,000.
Dean couldn't believe he watching such events unfold. This was like the basket bidding contest in Stars Hollow only on a grander scale with audience members who had deep pockets. He couldn't fathom having that much money and wasting it.
Lindsay was jealous beyond belief. It seemed that she could only watch, as Rory Gilmore became the light of someone else's eyes. Sometimes she hated her life and thought it unfair that Rory should be raised in the lap of luxury, while she had to struggle through life. Lindsay absolutely hated Rory Gilmore.
Francine looked at Emily and felt a swell of pride that their granddaughter was sought after. "I see $20,000 over there, 25,000 on my left, come on everyone it's for charity."
Logan could only watch his girlfriend being fought over by the males in the room. He would have to scare the daylights out of the man who won the date with Rory before the big day. He tried to get Colin or Finn to bid on her but they had already bought their women. Finn with Paris and Colin with Stephanie. It seemed to him that there was something going on with Colin and Stephanie, they looked at each other as more than just friends.
"I would like to up the bid to $75,000," said a man.
There was shocked silence in the room after that vote. Logan tried to find the man behind the voice but was not successful. Lorelai was on the edge of her seat and Luke was still reading the handbook.
Francine had to tell herself to breath, "Wow that was a generous bid to the centre of the room, anyone else brave enough to up the bid to $85, 000…yes we have a brave man who is willing to up the bid, any other takers Donald what about you? No, alright anyone else, yes the same man in the centre of the room for $95,000."
Rory couldn't believe people would pay that much money to go on a date with her. It seemed rather extreme. She looked at the bidders that kept on popping up last minute. She didn't know how long she could stand here whilst people stare at her. The bid was up to $100,000 when Rory prayed to god to put her out of her misery.
Emily and Richard Gilmore were glowing while they watched the bids keep coming in for their granddaughter. They were pleased as punch that men in the room took interest in Rory.
"$250,000," said a new voice from the back of the room. No one could see who it was but they were silenced by the finality in the voice. The bidder had gone above and beyond the bid that was placed before him.
Francine Hayden couldn't speak because her tongue was stuck to the roof her mouth.
Jess spit out his champagne after the man had announced the amount of money he was putting out for a date with Rory Gilmore.
Dean was shell-shocked. He would never in his life see or hold that kind of cash. The man that had donated that money probably wouldn't miss it.
Lindsay couldn't believe someone would pay $1000 much less $250,000 to go on a date with Rory Gilmore. Life sure wasn't fair.
By the time Francine Hayden could speak, and get her granddaughter out of the daze she was in after hearing the amount the man was willing to pay for a date with her, she said, "Ladies and Gentleman let's have a round of applause for our very generous bidder and would he please come to the stage to collect his prize."
When the young man got on stage he kissed Francine first then Rory who kissed him back and looked at him quizzically. He had his hand around his waist and smiled at his captive audience. They were probably wondering why he would pay this much cash to go on date with Rory Gilmore. He had his reasons.
Logan breathed a sigh of relief. There was no need for him to be so wound up about this situation anymore.
Jess looked up on the stage and saw the tall handsome man in a tux kissing Rory. He felt a tinge of jealousy that he couldn't afford to buy Rory at auction. He could just watch as another man held the girl of his dreams.
Francine smiled when the young man kissed her cheek, "Why don't you introduce yourself for those that don't know you."
"Good evening everyone, and let me start off by saying that Rory, you look magnificent in that dress. Mrs. Hayden I can see where your granddaughter gets her looks. Now for those of you who don't know me my name is Frederick Waldorf-Hearst."
Dean's head shot up at the mention of the last name. "I'm sorry did everyone here hear that guys last name?"
"Yes dear, he seems to have lucked out with two prominent last names," said Lindsay.
Frederick continued when he knew he had everyone's attention, "I am also related to one Logan Huntzberger who left me a frantic message to get my butt down to the Gala and bid on Rory. Cousin Logan I hope you are happy now," said Frederick.
Everyone in the room burst out laughing and looked towards the guilty looking Logan. He was red in the face but no one seemed to mind that Logan had called in reinforcement. Francine didn't know if she should be happy that Logan didn't like others dating Rory or if she should be upset that Logan had worked around her rules. She decided to go with the former rather than the latter.
Rory breathed a sigh of relief that she got Frederick as her date and not some lecherous old man.
AN: Please, Please, Please Review.