Chapter 15
Assuming it was the pizza I had ordered, I rushed over to the door and opened it. My dinner was definitely not waiting on the other side of the door, rather, it was my very own half-sister, GiGi. She looked like a hot mess with her platinum blonde hair in a disheveled bun and her heavily made-up face streaked with mascara. She seemed distraught and upset.
"GiGi, what a surprise," I said.
"Rory, I don't know what to do," she started as she pushed her way into my house.
"Please, come in," I replied sarcastically, which seemed to be completely lost on her. She had absolutely no manners.
She dropped her coat near the coat rack and made a beeline for the small bar cart I kept stocked in case of company. GiGi poured herself a large glass of the very expensive whiskey I kept on hand for when our father visits.
"What? No ice?" she rudely remarked.
"I wasn't expecting anyone, so there's no ice," I explained.
"Well, I'm here, and I want ice. I can't possibly drink this at room temperature," she demanded.
"Guess you'll have to because I don't have any," I said.
She huffed and sat down on my couch. She paused and dramatically began her sob story.
"Daddy cut me off," she said with a pout.
"He did?" I asked and she nodded. "Well, what did you do?"
"Why do you assume I did something? He's just being unreasonable!"
"That doesn't sound like Dad," I replied.
"Oh, you're just saying that because he likes you better!" she quipped. "It's always 'Why can't you be more like Rory?'"
GiGi let out an exacerbated groan. We sat in silence for a few minutes. This wasn't her first time showing up on my doorstep. Each time, it was the same sob story about how Dad cut her off and how unfair it all was. Blah, blah, blah.
After a few days, she'd apologize to him, swearing she'd never do whatever it was that she had done again. Things would go back to the status quo. Last time this happened, Dad warned her that one more mess and she'd be out completely. I'd never seen him that mad before. I wondered if he was going to follow through on his threat. If he didn't, this would all blow over, and I'd only have to deal with a couple of days of misery.
"You can stay here for a couple of days until you get things sorted out with Dad," I offered.
"It's the least you could so since I am your sister," she grumbled under her breath. She didn't think I could hear her.
"Excuse me?" I asked in a mom tone.
"Thanks for letting me crash here. We sisters have to stick together," she said sugar-coating it.
The doorbell rang. Saved by the bell, I thought.
My sister had already gone upstairs to the guest room. So, I grabbed the pizza from the delivery guy. I set it on the table in the kitchen and we back to the bottom of the stairs.
"I've got pizza for dinner if you're interested," I called up to her.
"Is it vegetarian?"
"No," I answered.
"Is it gluten free?"
"No, it's not, and it's not vegan either," I replied trying to cover my bases. There was no telling what her latest diet craze was, but I'm guessing the pizza didn't fall into any of them except the Gilmore diet.
"Then I can't have it. You should really take your guests' dietary restrictions into consideration when ordering food," she called back to me.
That girl certainly had some nerve, I thought.
I heard the shower start running and I went back to my dinner. I'd ordered from one of my favorite places because I knew I'd need some comfort food. I was nervous for Richard's dinner with Logan. I had no idea how it was going to pan out, and I wished I could be there for him, but it was something he needed to do on his own. It was also for Logan, who deserved the chance to get to know his son.
After dinner, I curled up on the couch with a book. Just before I got too far into my book, I got a text from Richard. Uh-oh, I thought. I hope everything is ok.
Richard: This is a disaster. I don't know what to do or say. Everything is awkward and I'm a stuttering mess! HELP!
Rory: I don't really know what to tell you. It's not like I've been in this situation before. Just be yourself!
Richard: Thanks, Mom!
I knew things would probably be uncomfortable, but they'd have to sort it out themselves. Richard just needed to relax and calm down. I went back to my book and was deeply entrenched when my sister came down the stairs looking like a million dollars. She definitely took after her mother, Sherry. She was beautiful, but had the party girl personality of a young Paris Hilton.
"Hey, Ror, dearest sister of mine, can I borrow some money to get me by until Daddy comes to his senses?" GiGi requested sweetly.
"How much?" I asked warily. I knew it wouldn't be anything less than five hundred dollars. Partying didn't come cheap for Hartford's elite.
"About two should cover it," she said calmly.
She's only asking for two hundred dollars...that's not typical, I thought. Maybe she'd learned the error of her ways this time.
"Hundred?"
She broke into a fit of laughter as if I'd told the funniest joke she'd ever heard. "No, silly! Thousand. I can't do anything with only two hundred dollars!"
"Are you fucking kidding me?" I blurted out. I don't normally swear much, but this girl was ridiculously out of touch.
"You don't have to be such a bitch about it. It's not like you aren't a millionaire with your book empire," she retorted.
"That's not the point, not by a long shot!"
"Then what's the problem?" GiGi asked sounding even more clueless than before.
"You blow through money without a care in the world. Dad set up an extremely generous trust fund for you. It took you less than three years to drain it. You need to be more responsible and not just throw your money way," I tried to explain in a mature manner.
"Because he didn't buy you a house when you got knocked up?" she said, throwing the past back in my face.
"And I've paid back every dime! I've also got a successful career. What do you have? The title of Hartford's favorite party girl? You're thirty-two...GROW UP!" I was nearly shouting by the end.
"At least I'm not pregnant like you were!"
"That's not going to work with me, and you know it!"
GiGi stood with her arms folded across her chest trying to stare me down. Her intimidation won't work on me. She started tapping her toes at me and within a minute, she was practically stomping her foot. She looked at the clock.
"Are you going to give me the money, or what?" she asked impatiently.
"No. You want money? As Dad. I'm not your personal ATM when he cuts you off," I replied sternly.
"Whatever," she rebutted and stomped out the front door in a huff.
That girl had absolutely no base in reality, I thought. I needed to call my dad and find out the extent of the damage this time. I'll admit that I'm getting tired of playing intermediary for them. They are both adults, despite the fact she never acts like it. I can't entirely fault her for that. Dad had completely spoiled her and her mother did much of the same by taking a laissez-faire attitude with discipline. Sherry had adopted a relaxed attitude thanks to her yoga instructor boyfriend, so GiGi ran wild in Paris on her father's dime. I found his number and called him.
"Hey, Kid. How's it going?" he said as he answered my call.
"It's fine, Dad," I paused. "I think you know why I'm calling."
"GiGi showed up again?" he asked quietly, although I suspect he knew that was her usual course of action.
"Yes, and boy, is she in a tizzy this time!"
"Sorry, I never meant for you to become her go-to person, but she really looks up to you," he said. "I also hoped some of your common sense would rub off on her."
"I think that's what she tells you, but it's not the impression that I get," I replied.
"Oh?" he asked curiously.
"It's the same thing ever time she's here. She acts all sad and pathetic, tries to guilt me, and then asks for an insane amount of cash to go out and party," I explained.
"Why didn't you tell me that before?"
"I don't know," I replied.
"I promise I'll pay you back," he vowed.
"Oh, I don't give her any money," I said flatly.
"Well, you're strong, like your mom," he replied.
"Thanks, that means a lot, but you are strong, too, Dad."
"You're right, I am, and that's why I've cut her off..." his voice trailed off for a second. "Completely."
"Whoa, are you prepared for that kind of wrath?" I nearly shouted.
"Paperwork is already done. It's all yours, and Richard's, if he wants it," he explained.
"Dad, I...wow," I replied and was completely taken aback.
"I should have done it years ago, Ror," he said.
"For the record, I think it's best you tell her...in person. I don't want my house trashed like she nearly did last time until you caved," I suggested.
"I have a tendency to do that, but I'm a reformed man. That's part of the reason I did the paperwork right away," he clarified. "I didn't want to talk myself out of it like I've done every other time."
"Are you completely cutting her off?"
"No, but what she's getting isn't much. She's going to have to get a job," he said.
"I don't think she has any marketable skills," I replied sounding a bit worried.
"Then she'll have to figure out something for herself. She'll have an average place to live, but she's responsible for everything else. Her education trust fund is still in place, and has very strict stipulations."
"Ok, Dad," I agreed. "Did you tell Sherry?"
"I did, and she's on board with it actually. I think she realized that we created a monster and GiGi needs to grow up."
"Good. Well, I'd better get going. Richard should be home soon," I said signaling the end of our conversation.
"Ok, Kiddo, give him my love!"
"Will do," I said. "Bye, Dad."
I hung up the phone in shock. This is going to rock her world in more ways that she could ever imagine. I definitely don't want to be in the way of that trail of terror when she finds out. Hopefully, he'll do it tomorrow because I don't want her to be here any longer than necessary! She's going to be way more than my patience can handle, and this is not going to end well.
A few minutes later, the door opened and my son walked in looking a little stressed. I had hoped it wasn't because of the dinner with his father, but I had no idea how that would actually go after he texted me. The two could have really butted heads being so much alike, or it could have gone in the opposite direction. I was curious to find out.
"How was your dinner with Logan?" I asked.
"A little awkward at first, but it got a lot better after I texted," Richard replied.
"That's great, Kid! Why are you home so early then?"
"Well, Viv was on her way, and neither of us has told her anything yet, so..."
"Oh, and you guys didn't want to be found out yet? Why not just tell her?"
"I don't know, to be honest. It's just weird, and I think, maybe, he's waiting for the right time," he explained.
"Someone better tell her soon, or she'll find out and I'm guess it won't be too pretty. She's got a right to know," I suggested and realized the absolute irony of my statement. "So, what did you two do?"
"He taught me how to make lobster," he said informatively with a smile.
"Oh?" I questioned. I recalled only a handful of times that Logan cook, and it was almost always lobster. Of course, that was usually at Martha's Vineyard, too.
"He said it was kind of a family tradition," he elaborated.
Now, I remembered him saying that. I knew there was something special about it, but for the life of me, I couldn't place my finger on it. "That it is, and he really makes the best lobster!"
"Maybe I practice and give him a run for his money," he replied with a laugh. "I can get Papa Luke to serve as judge."
"It is in your blood, so I bet you could," I agreed.
"How was your evening?" he asked.
"Well, your aunt showed up..." I trailed off not wanting to explain everything.
"Did she get cut off again?"
This kid knew her all too well, and I hoped he was taking notes of what not to do. I'm sure the instances of her staying with us has been long-imprinted in his mind.
"For good this time," I replied.
"Wow," he said sounding stunned. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I just got off with Grandpa Chris and he said the paperwork is complete. She just doesn't know yet," I informed him.
The next afternoon, GiGi came back from lunch with Dad and it was evident she was angry. I wished she'd taken her stuff with her, but I couldn't make it obvious that I knew her misfortune.
"You will not believe what just happened!" she said sounding as if she were still in disbelief.
"Dad followed through on his warning from last time?" I asked cautiously. I didn't want her to go crazy, but I didn't feel like prolonging the conversation and subsequent fight that I assumed would follow this outcome.
"Of course you knew. It was probably your idea - feeding him lies about me just so you can get your hands on my money! That's my inheritance, not yours! I'm the only true Hayden! You're merely a Gilmore," she said, but didn't stop there. "This had been your plan all along. Making sure to tell Dad how awful and horrible your little sister is so you can be his favorite. It's always been about the money!" She paused and began to fake cry. "I looked up to you, not only as a big sister, but as a mentor, a role model!"
"Bullshit!" I shouted at her. "I can't believe you have the nerve to lie to me like this. I'm not Dad, and I'm not falling for this act of yours. Maybe your friends buy it, but it's an outright lie!"
"You don't think I look up to you? As a big sister?" she tried to question with an innocent look.
"No, you don't. You run to me when Dad cuts you off, and treat me as if I were your servant when you're a guest in my home. You have zero respect for anyone, let alone yourself. Maybe you should take this opportunity to grow up and become something more than the Paris Hilton of Hartford," I shot back.
My little sister looked shocked that anyone would dare speak to her the way I just did. I assumed most of her friends were leeches, who stuck with her because she basically paid for their friendship. After they find out she's broke, they'll all leave her for their next parasitic host. Part of me felt bad for her, but she just wouldn't listen to anyone, and now, she's got to pay the price.
GiGi stomped up the stairs to gather her things. I could hear her slamming things around. I had no idea where she was going, but I assumed Dad had made arrangements for her. Once she'd finished packing, she pounded down the stairs to ensure maximum dramatic effect as she exited the house.
"Bye, GiGi," I said and waved to her. She didn't turn around or acknowledge me. "Good luck!"
I'm honestly surprised she didn't break something, or steal something on her way out. I did a quick inspection upstairs, and found nothing missing or broken. I really did hope she took the opportunity to make something of herself, but I had a feeling she'd be back in Paris before the summer was through. Hopefully, Sherry would stand firm as well, although I doubted that.
"Is she gone?" I heard Richard's voice from the top of the stairs.
"Yes, she just left," I replied.
"Good! I hate when she's here," he confessed. "She's worse than most of the kids at Chilton!"
"I know. I do, too, Kid," I agreed. "The bright side is that we probably won't see or hear from her for a very long time."
"I wonder what she's going to do with her life," he said.
"I'm not really sure, but I hope she takes advantage of this opportunity," I replied.
Later that day, I was sitting in the living room reading a book when the doorbell rang. I went to answer it, and there was a younger man holding a large manila envelope.
"Are you Rory Gilmore?" he asked with a straight face.
"I am," I replied in a very confused tone. He didn't look like a mail man or some sort of parcel delivery person, so I had no idea why he'd be here.
"You've been served," he answered as he handed me the envelope.
He turned around and nearly sprinted towards his car. I closed the door and opened the envelope to see what I'd been brought into. I shouldn't have been surprised to see GiGi's name on the papers, and it appeared she was suing Dad...and me!
