Chapter 29: Richard's Confrontation
"Mitchum, I'm so glad you were able to join me today." Richard got up from his table at the Hartford Country Club and extended his hand out politely.
"Well, I have to admit Richard, I was surprised to receive your phone call. It's been a long time since we've had lunch together."
"Yes, that's precisely what I was thinking."
Mitchum sat down and the two exchanged polite pleasantries about mutual friends and interests while sipping their drinks. Finally, as their food arrived, Richard decided it was time to get down to business.
"So Mitchum, anything new with that son of yours?"
"Logan's fine." Mitchum replied shortly.
"He's enjoying Chilton then?"
"Seems to be."
"And I know he's still seeing my granddaughter..." Richard stopped as he noticed the look on Mitchum's face—finally he had struck a cord.
"Is there something wrong Mitchum? You doubt that my granddaughter is of good breeding?"
"It's not that.."
"The Gilmores are a fine family. And of course you're friends with Straub and Francine Hayden?"
Mitchum nodded.
"She's a Gilmore and a Hayden–a person you should be proud that your son is dating."
"Richard I don't doubt that her genes are good–but her upbringing is sketchy at best. She wasn't brought up as one of us. She was brought up by some filthy diner owner in some inconsequential little town. She was not brought up to value the things of society. Richard, she doesn't even have a proper wardrobe. Logan had to buy that dress she wore to your party. Ironic, isn't it Richard? Your own granddaughter didn't have a proper dress for her grandparent's party."
"I will not let you crush my granddaughter!" Richard said loudly as he face began turning bright red. He quickly brought his voice down as he realized that all eyes in the club were now on them.
"Mitchum, regardless of how she was brought up, she's still my granddaughter."
Mitchum snorted as he took another drink. He began to stand up. "Richard, I think we're done here."
"Sit down Mitchum or I'll have all your offices buried so deep in insurance paperwork that..."
Mitchum sat down. "You wouldn't?"
A sly grin came to Richard's face. Mitchum had forgotten that Richard's company held the insurance policy on every single one of Mitchum's holdings.
Mitchum quickly recovered. "I can get coverage with someone else."
"Not after I'm through with you. You know Mitchum, the insurance world is really a small world and we do talk amongst ourselves. Your money will mean very little. I didn't want to play hardball Mitchum but you know that my firm has overlooked some of your claims over the years..."
Mitchum nodded weakly.
"Because we were friends and because you were a good customer but..."
"What do you want Richard?"
"I want you to accept my granddaughter. I want you to support the relationship she has with Logan. Heather may surprise you Mitchum."
"Fine. I'll be nice to Heather and Shira and I won't get in the way of her relationship with Logan."
"Great, then you'll come to dinner Saturday night with Shira and Logan."
Mitchum nodded reluctantly.
Richard continued on, "And of course, Heather will be there along with Lorelai and Max and..." Richard paused for dramatic effect. "The charming diner owner from Stars Hollow that Heather has known as her father for all these years."
Mitchum managed a weak, yet very fake smile.
"Great, I can't wait."
Mitchum left as Richard sat back smugly. He picked up his cell phone and gave Logan a call.
"Logan, it's Richard Gilmore. Problem solved. I don't think your parents will be causing any more problems for you and Heather. Oh and by the way, you and your parents are coming over for dinner on Saturday night."