Chapter Four
"Now this is what I call living," Finn proclaimed with a wide grin while eyeing the five story building.
"I certainly hope so." Colin remarked dryly, "We paid 25 grand for it."
The entire Life and Death Brigade looked reasonably impressed at the small quaint hotel dating back to a century and Logan sighed in relief. It had taken a hell of a lot planning and bargaining to pull it off, but Logan had managed to reserve half the hotel for the 40 LDB members. The other half was occupied by the CCB. Both societies agreed that it would be best for them to stay at the same place to ensure easy updates to the scavenger hunt. The manager was more than happy to cater to 80 loaded college students that were rather liberal with their wallets.
The LDB members chatted excitedly as they got off the rented bus. It was quite an unprecedented event. If this became successful, it would serve as the model to all future inter-society functions. They were making history here and everyone was eager to be a part of it. The crowd slowly migrated towards the sliding doors and into the hotel lobby, most of them stopping to compliment Logan on the well-chosen location. The bellboys hurried after them with the carted luggage, eager for the easy tips.
It was worth the cost.
Besides, all of them could afford it. Both the LDB and CCB were especially known for its exclusive membership to children of the elite families. Highly discriminatory, but also practical. After all, events like these didn't come for free.
"Looks like you made it, mate," Finn congratulated Logan with a pat on the back.
"We're not out of the woods yet," Logan reminded. "There is still winning the event itself and getting everyone back."
"Yes, but just getting everyone here in the first place is a great feat" Finn insisted. "Besides, with the way you're handling things, this should go off without a hitch."
"Should we go meet DuGray now?" Colin asked, always to the point. "The Crimson Challenge Brigade arrived this morning."
"Haven't seen him in a while," Logan remarked, his voice gaining that hard edge whenever DuGray was mentioned. "Wonder if he got any cockier."
"Well, let's go then, mate" Finn rushed. "The faster we get the meeting over with, the faster I could get drunk and meet a lovely redhead. I knew I shouldn't have agreed to be your second in command. Colin, the uptight weirdo, likes the responsibility. I, on the other hand, absolutely shun anything that won't let me get drunk anytime I want to."
"Quit complaining Finn," Colin demanded with an eye roll. "There'll be plenty of time for partying later."
The three casually strolled past everybody in the lobby and headed for the large pool area in the back where the CCB were currently settled. Immediately, they spotted the reigning Harvard blonde occupying the central umbrella table with his entourage. It was hard to miss the arrogance and absolute power that radiated from that group. Behold, the shepherd amongst the sheep.
As the three approached the group, Tristan took off his sunglasses and smirked.
"Won't you have a seat, gentlemen?" He offered graciously, waiving to the three unoccupied chairs in front of him.
"Don't mind if we do," Logan accepted with equal polite arrogance as he made himself comfortable at the table. Finn and Colin followed.
It was now a match based purely upon who had the most testosterone between the reigning blondes. The other members of the CCB tried to inconspicuously glance at the table, recognizing the power play about to take place. Everyone was avidly tuned into the conversation, eager to later relate to the friends who had the misfortune to miss this.
"These are my seconds, Mark Lawrence and Ryan Mason" Tristan introduced the other two men with him. "I trust you know them."
"Passing acquaintance," Logan replied, nodding to each in turn. After all, in their social circle, everyone knew of each other in one way or another. "My friends, Finley Morgan and Colin McRae." Tristan acknowledged each in turn as well.
It was truly a classic scene that could be compared to a mobster movie. Two rival families meeting in an expensive hotel, gaily sipping champagne together while each plotted the other's demise. The players were all cunning and well polished. The maneuvers executed with perfect precision. It was a deadly war whose outcome cannot be predicted. The two sides were too well matched.
"Perfect weather for a scavenger hunt, wouldn't you say Huntzberger?" Tristan commented, at last breaking the tense silence.
"Quite perfect," Logan concurred with a smirk. "So what are the rules?" At his cue, Ryan handed each one of them a page of notes.
"As you know gentlemen, the objective of this game is to collect as many tokens as you can." Ryan began in a highly professional tone. "Each team has hidden 100 of their tokens throughout the city, as prearranged. The idea is to find as many of the other team's tokens as you can though the clues that will be provided. The hiding places and clues have all been worked out by each team leaders and consulted with a professional for its fair accuracy. In the end, the team with the most tokens wins. The time frame is five days. The game will start Monday morning and end on Friday afternoon. So this gives each team all tomorrow to prepare themselves and get acquainted with the city.
Now for the rules. Any outside help with the hunt will not be allowed, not including asking for directions of course. Each team will have no more than 40 members. Other than that, it's pretty much free reign."
"We accept all terms," Logan stated after a pause. "And the prize is still 50 grand right?"
"Yes," Ryan answered. "The losing team shall pay the winning team 50 000 dollars within a two months time frame, as per agreement, in addition to the bragging rights of course."
"Good," Logan nodded. "Now, let's have a little fiesta tonight and give the members a chance to mingle. It'll encourage good sportsmanship."
Not having a good reason to object, Tristan reluctantly nodded.
"Sounds good" he replied, trying to sound nonchalant. Logan smiled in satisfaction.
"Now, I hear that your girlfriend is here as well" Logan asked casually, flashing him a ruthless smirk that suggested anything but passing interest. All present knew what was going on. "Won't you introduce us, DuGray? I would really like to meet the girl who finally got you to settle down."
"She's not here" Tristan replied with gritted teeth. "Won't be arriving until tomorrow morning. She went to visit her family in Hartford and had to take a later flight."
"Oh, so it's someone I know already?" Logan inquired, mentally going through all the eligible girls in his community.
"No, she's not a regular visitor there," Tristan proclaimed immediately. "I highly doubt you know her. "
"All the more reason to introduce us then," Logan chirped, liking the dark look on Tristan's face. Seems like he really hit a nerve. Logan was ecstatic. However, before Tristan could reply, his phone rang.
"Hello?" Tristan answered with a frown. However, once hearing the answer, the tension in his features dissipated and a smile settled upon his lips.
"Hey Mary" he greeted cheerfully. "An earlier flight? Yeah, sure. I'll come pick you up tonight." He paused for a moment at her reply. "Alright, see you later then Mary."
Logan looked at Tristan's happy expression, trying to suppress his bafflement. This girl had him good. The seduction was going to be even sweeter than he thought. Oh, things were definitely looking up.
"So, I'm guessing that was her calling to tell you she'll be here tonight?" Logan supplied as soon as Tristan ended the call.
"Yes…" he replied guardedly.
"So I can meet her tonight then?" Logan asked with a hopeful expression masking his ruthless smirk.
"I'm afraid not, Huntzberger," Tristan replied with a careful grin. "She won't be getting in until well after midnight and will likely be needing her rest. But rest assured, you will meet her eventually. Maybe at the final celebration on Friday."
'You wish!' Logan inwardly snorted. Not if he had something to say about it. "I'm sure I'll meet her well before then. However, I regret to leave you gentlemen for now, but we have to go unpack. If you'll excuse us…" Logan stood up and nodded to the sitting group, Finn and Colin following. The three strolled out of the pool area casually, as if they owned the place. Tristan frowned, watching the retreating figures.
"Still think it's a good idea to let her come?" Mark asked, finally breaking the silence.
"Well, there's nothing I can do now" Tristan replied with irritation. "She's on her way."
"Don't worry," Ryan assured helpfully. "Just keep her away from Huntzberger. We'll both help you."
"Oh, I'm not worried about Mary," Tristan explained. "As I told you, he's not her type. I'm worried about Huntzberger and how far he'll go to get her."
"He won't rape her, if that's what you mean." Mark stated bluntly.
"Yeah, but is he above getting her drunk and taking advantage?" Tristan pondered, always ready to assume the absolute worst of his nemesis.
"We'll keep a close eye on her." Ryan promised. Mark nodded in confirmation to his friend's pledge. After all, how hard was it to watch a girl?
(Break)
"He is so whipped!" Finn cried as soon as they were out of earshot.
"He certainly is" Logan agreed with a smirk. "Which will make this so much sweeter. Now, do we know any girl named Mary in Hartford?"
"I don't think so…." Colin pondered, mentally going through the list like Logan did earlier.
"Don't worry mate, you'll meet her tomorrow." Finn assured. "A week's plenty of time to seduce her. You don't need previous knowledge."
"You're right Finn, I've yet to meet a girl that could resist me." Logan boasted.
"How about Steph?" Finn supplied innocently.
"I've known her since we were in diapers. She doesn't count."
"How about the reporter girl we met yesterday then?" Colin suggested slyly. "You sure seemed into her and she didn't even bat an eyelash before turning you down."
"She had a boyfriend!" Logan protested.
"Like that ever stopped you before," snorted Colin.
"Fine, besides her, I have never been turned down by a girl." Logan stated in irritation.
"Just pointing out that there are exceptions." Colin smirked.
"I doubt DuGray's girlfriend will be like Ace," Logan remarked. "He's definitely not her type. In fact, the girlfriend would definitely go for my type of guys if she's dating DuGray. This just makes it so easy!"
"Careful there Casanova, she hasn't even seen you yet" Colin reminded his ecstatic friend.
"Minor technicality," Logan replied with a confident smirk. "I'll have her at my feet and in my bed by the end of Wednesday."
(Break)
The pretty brunette ran half way across the airport terminal and launched herself into her boyfriend's arms.
"I missed you," she breathed into his chest.
"I missed you too, Mary" Tristan replied as he took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar peachy smell of her hair that drove him wild and gave him comfort at the same time. They stayed like that for a while, locked in each other's embrace, each content and not wanting the moment to end.
"Um, guys, remember us?" Mark interrupted awkwardly.
"Yes, as much as I like you both, this PDA is sickening and the sooner we get back to the hotel, the sooner I can get laid." Ryan informed them nonchalantly. "There's a leggy blonde waiting for me."
"Speaking of getting laid…" Tristan whispered into his girlfriend's ear with a suggestive leer. Rory hit him playfully on the shoulder before reluctantly untangling from him.
"Hey guys," she greeted cheerfully before giving each one a proper hug. "How's the event coming along so far?"
"As well as could be expected," Ryan replied with a shrug. "It has yet to be seen if it will become a success."
"What's with the pessimism?" Rory asked with an arched brow.
"The competition looks tough," Mark filled in. "But nothing we can't beat, Ror."
"Good to hear" Rory smiled. "Now let's get out of here. I'm beat!" The boys nodded and began heading towards the exit, Tristan immediately alleviating Rory of her baggage.
"So I reserved us an extra special suite," Tristan announced with a sly grin.
"Oh?" Rory played along with a grin of her own. "Whatever shall we do with it?"
"I can think of a number of things we could do…." He suggested, wiggling his eyebrows. "Starting tonight."
"Why Mr. DuGray," Rory pretended to be appalled. "If I didn't know better, I'd think that you were propositioning me!"
"Would I do that?" Tristan acted offended before he laughed and pulled her towards the waiting taxi.
"Our rooms are not right next to theirs, right?" Mark suddenly asked in alarm as he watched the flirting couple getting into the taxi.
"Yes…why?" Ryan looked confused. Mark sighed.
"Because as much as I like Rory, I really don't want to hear her screams in the throes of passion. I planned on getting a good night's rest."
"Well, you can forget it," Ryan informed. "Those two haven't seen each other for a week and you know they haven't gone without sex for more than three nights in a row ever since they started doing it."
"Ah, the good old days of innocence and silence…" Mark sighed wishfully.
"Besides, that leggy blonde actually exists" Ryan declared, "so my room might get loud as well. She looked like a screamer."
"Oh great…." Mark muttered darkly, now suddenly looking forward to the morning. He knew he should have picked up that redhead at the fiesta.
(Break)
It was well into lunchtime on Sunday and Finn has yet to shake off his hangover from the previous night. Used to this behavior from the Australian by now, Logan and Colin ignored their grouchy friend as the three got ready to head out for lunch and then explore the city.
"Why is it so bloody bright!" Finn whined for the hundredth time as the three stepped out of the sliding doors of the hotel. He re-adjusted his sunglasses and groaned.
"Because that's what the sun generally does," Colin explained patiently, as if to a little child. "It makes the sky bright."
"Useless thing…" Finn muttered. "So where are we going for lunch anyway?"
"Steph mentioned a nice little restaurant two blocks away from here in that direction." Colin replied while pointing to the east of the busy tourist street.
"Sounds good" Logan declared and the three began to stroll down the street, occasionally meeting fellow LDB members and CCB opponents.
"So the party was a success," Colin remarked casually. "I got a chance to meet some of the CCB. They didn't seem so bad."
"Too bad their leader is such a prick," Logan stated darkly.
"Well, that's often the fault with hierarchies," Colin replied. "That's why we choose to remain anarchist for most of the time."
"Where is that girlfriend of his anyway?" Logan inquired with irritation. He really needed to get the seduction done and over with. He only had a week after all.
"Who knows where he's hiding her" Colin shrugged. "You know he'll have her on a really tight leash since you're around, right?" Logan waived it off nonchalantly.
"Like that'll stop me."
"Where is this place already?" Finn complained again. "I'm getting tired. And I really have to pee."
"Then go in a corner!" Colin suggested in annoyance.
"I'm not a dog, you know!" Finn pouted.
"There it is!" Logan declared before the two got into another argument. It was a charming little place with white umbrella tables set outside, allowing customers a view of the busy street and tempting stores. The smell coming from the open door wafted down the street, making many mouths water.
"Come on mates!" Finn yelled as he began running towards it. Colin and Logan continued to stroll in leisure. Finn, much like a child, gets excited very easily.
"He's at it again" Colin sighed as Finn abruptly stopped in front of a slim brunette sitting alone at one of the outside tables and immediately joined her.
"She seems to be responding quite well" Logan commented with a chuckle. "They're talking quite animatedly."
"Ah, the easy local girls" Colin acknowledged. "I have a feeling his hangover just subsided. Maybe now we can get him to focus on the city."
"Highly doubt it." Logan informed, "Finn has the attention span of a goldfish." The two drew closer to the table.
Colin suddenly stopped in his tracks and his eyes bulged out of their sockets.
"Wait- is that who I think it is?" He asked in amazement. Logan shot him a confused look before bringing a hand up to shield the sun for a better look at the brunette.
And his breath caught in his throat.
"Well I'll be damned…" Logan whispered before he quickly approached the table with Colin in tow.
"So what brings you to this neck of the woods, Ace?" He greeted with a grin before settling himself comfortably opposite her. Colin took a seat beside Finn, giving the Australian an amused look at the unexpected turn of events. Finn winked in response.
"Logan, Colin!" Rory greeted cheerfully. "Finn was telling me you guys were here for a good time! When'd you guys arrive?"
"Just yesterday" Colin answered. "You?"
"Last night."
"You still haven't answered my question, Ace" Logan reminded her in a teasing manner. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here with my boyfriend and his friends." She informed, "To have a good time as well. It's spring break after all!"
"So not Cancun?" Logan inquired with a raised brow.
"We prefer to be original" she replied with a smile.
"And where is this darling boyfriend of yours, love?" Finn asked, looking around. "I have to meet the man that stole my future wife!" Rory laughed at his dramatics. Somehow, the Australian reminded her a lot of the eccentric Kirk back at Stars Hollow where she grew up.
"Yeah, where is your only choice, Ace?" Logan inquired with great interest, picturing a lanky academic with a timid smile and sweet temperament. That was close to her type, he imagined. And he had no doubt he could beat that. Maybe he'll get the one night stand he so itched for after all. Fortune was smiling down upon him once again.
"They just darted across the street to get something" Rory replied casually. "I don't know why it takes all three of them, but they're weird that way."
"Well, if you were my girl, I would never-" But before Finn could declare his undying devotion, a shout interrupted him.
"Rory!" someone called.
"And here they come" she announced with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Logan looked up at the approaching figures.
And his body suddenly tensed, going into momentary shock.
"Hey Rory, what are you doing with them?" Ryan asked uneasily, stopping beside her. He shifted a glance at the equally hostile Mark.
"Oh hey guys. I met them at Yale when I was visiting Paris last week." Rory explained cheerfully, oblivious to the sudden change in atmosphere. "Now, let me make introductions- "
"We know them already." Mark informed her promptly, taking a protective stance beside her as well.
"Oh really?" Rory asked in surprise.
"Yes, we've had the pleasure of knowing them quite a while now." Colin replied with gritted teeth, the first one to break out of shock. A sudden truth began to dawn upon him that has yet to reach his two friends. He made the obvious connections in his mind and the conclusion made him highly uneasy.
"Oh well, great!" Rory responded, a little thrown off.
"They're the LDB" Mark informed her with a frown. She looked at him in surprise.
"Really?"
"Yeah Mare, they'd be the competition." Tristan informed as he at last approached the group and placed a possessive hand on her shoulder. He narrowed his eyes at the baffled Logan.
"So how are you, Huntzberger? Enjoying the city?" Tristan asked with his usual cocky grin back in place. Logan wanted to throw up.
"I'm fine" he replied, coming out of his shock and plastering on a fake grin of his own. "And you? I gather Rory here is the mysterious girlfriend you are so committed to?"
"Yeah, going onto to five months now" Tristan informed as he put both hands on her shoulder.
"Congratulations" Logan replied with a sneer. "That's quite a feat! Especially in college these days where relationships don't last for more than a week." Rory regarded the exchange with confusion, by now obviously catching on to the high hostility in the air. She just didn't know why. Surely a little competition won't bring about this kind of foul mood, right?
"Yes, well, once you find a girl worth keeping, you make sure you hang on to her." Tristan declared, squeezing her shoulders a little.
"Then I hope you two are happy." Logan responded before getting up. "Unfortunately, we have to go now. We have a whole city to explore before the end of the day, you know. Have a good lunch, guys. Ace, it's nice seeing you again. Maybe we can catch up later." He desperately needed to regroup his jumbled thoughts. A hasty exit was definitely in order.
"Um, sure…" Rory replied with uncertainty, noticing how the hands on her shoulder tightened their hold again.
"Bye," Logan flashed them a smirk before departing with Finn and Colin in tow.
"Later, Huntzberger." Tristan called.
"Ace?" He asked as he took a seat beside her. Mark and Ryan settled down also while exchanging worried glances.
"Yeah, long story " Rory replied with a nervous chuckle. "Those are the people I met at Yale last week."
"The ones you went to the pub with?" His stormy gray eyes narrowed. Mark gulped and Ryan creased his brows in concern.
"Yeah, the very same" Rory answered, trying to maintain her cheerful demeanor.
"You are telling me that you went to the pub with Logan Huntzberger and his entourage?" Tristan yelled with barely suppressed anger.
"Geez, settle down Tristan," Rory tried to placate. "It was only a friendly outing. Besides, you didn't seem to be so averse to it when you called."
"Yeah, but that was before I knew it was Logan Hutzberger!" Tristan furiously cried.
"What's gotten over you?" Rory began to get angry at his tone. "Logan's an okay guy who just invited me to hang out with his friends. This competition is seriously clouding your judgment and making you paranoid!"
"Wake up and smell the coffee Mary, he was hitting on you!" Tristan informed angrily.
"And I said no" Rory responded.
"What! He asked you out?" Tristan immediately demanded. Shit. This was even worse than he though.
"Yeah, at the pub."
"I though you said it was an innocent outing?" Tristan's eyes narrowed to tiny strips of fury.
"It was!" Rory cried in frustration. "And then he asked me out and I said no because I was happy with my boyfriend, you! Now quit getting so jealous and paranoid Tristan! It doesn't become you!"
"How can I not be paranoid when you're flirting with other guys!" Tristan shouted. Rory narrowed her eyes and stood up abruptly.
"You know what Tristan? I don't have to take this. I'm going back to the hotel. Come and find me when you're ready to talk like a mature adult." And with those last words, Rory marched off down the street furiously. Silence settled over the remaining group.
"Wow, you royally screwed that up, Tristan" Mark announced after a brief pause. Tristan glared at him with fury.
"Um, maybe you should go after her?" Ryan suggested carefully.
"And say what?" Tristan demanded. "So how'd your date with Huntzberger go?"
"I knew this would happen! You shouldn't have brought her!" Mark cried triumphantly.
"Shut up Mark!" Ryan demanded as he cuffed the brunette.
"Ouch!"
"Look, I think you're blowing this entire thing out of proportion" Ryan stated. "Let's examine the fact shall we? She met him at Yale and went to the pub with him and his friends. Today, they saw her again and came to say hi. Where exactly in this did she cheat on you?" Tristan thought through the facts with a frown.
"He had a nickname for her!" Tristan burst, wanting to hold onto the anger.
"Which you didn't give her a chance to explain," Ryan pointed out logically. "Look, we all know that Huntzberger was hitting on Rory, but Rory, in all her sweet innocence, is oblivious. She was just being her usual friendly self. Give her a chance to explain before you accuse her of anything."
Tristan furrowed his brows and sighed after a moment in thought.
"I suppose you're right…." He replied reluctantly, the anger seeping out.
"Good. And don't get hostile. That'll make her defensive." Ryan warned.
"I'll try. But I can't promise anything when Huntzberger is involved."
"You better get hurrying on that, buddy" Mark spoke up, still rubbing his sore spot while shooting Ryan a glare. "Right now would be the perfect time for Huntzberger to swoop in and provide her a shoulder to cry on. You're pushing her into his arms."
"Shit" Tristan swore as he quickly got up.
"Don't worry, everything will work out between you two." Ryan comforted. "You guys are good together. "
"Thanks" he replied before dashing off in search of his fuming girlfriend.
"Still think Huntzberger is not her type?" Mark asked his remaining friend with a smirk.
"Wow, you sure can offer support in times of need," Ryan remarked sarcastically.
"Well, I state the truth. Comfort is your forte." Mark replied nonchalantly.
"And the truth is…?"
"Oh come one!" Mark cried in frustration. "I can't believe you don't see it! Tristan was Huntzberger before he started going out with Rory. In many ways, he still is. Of course Huntzberger is her type! She's dating his twin!"
"Don't ever let Tristan hear you say that." Ryan warned dangerously.
"But you see it, don't you?" Ryan sighed.
"Of course I see it. They are a lot alike. It still confuses me why they aren't bosom buddies."
"I suppose it has something to do with the fact that they see themselves in each other and hate what they see." Mark analyzed thoughtfully. "You know, the whole hating who are you are yet ignoring it complex. When they see each other, the truth is brought to light and they can't take the reminder."
Ryan pondered his friend's theory. Mark was an idiot savant. Ridiculously stupid one moment, then absolutely brilliant the next.
"I suppose to an extent, you're right."
"But not completely?" Mark asked with a frown.
"No…there's something else between the two." Ryan thought out loud. "I agree they are the same in many ways…but somehow they're also very different."
"Now you're just getting confusing man!" Mark cried before the waiter came with their ordered dishes. It was all smiles and polite wishes for a good appetite for the next couple of minutes before he left.
"Well, now that Rory and Tristan aren't here, I call dibs on their portion!" Mark cried while rubbing his hands in glee.
"Settle down Mark, no one's rushing you." Ryan replied with an eye roll. Great, now he was stuck alone with the moron for the rest of the day.
(Break)
She sat at a table in the fancy hotel dining room, coffee in hand and a frown marring her face. The room was pretty much empty, most of the college students electing to go out and explore the city during the fine afternoon weather. It was private and serene, the perfect place to contemplate.
"Mind if I sit down?" Tristan asked quietly. His poise was confident, but his sky blue eyes revealed the true inner turmoil he was trying to conceal. Rory shrugged in reply and Tristan sat down, taking it as a sign of permission. Silence settled between the two.
"Rory…" Tristan began, finally breaking the silence. He only called her that when he was serious or desperate. She reckoned he was both.
"What?" She finally answered after a pause.
"Let's talk about this."
"About what?" She curtly asked. "About how you chewed my head off for saying hi to some friends you happen not to like? About how hanging out with other guys automatically translates into cheating on you?" Tristan sighed and ran a hand through his blonde hair.
"Look Mary, I'm sorry I overreacted, but you need to know why I did it." Rory regarded him quietly, waiting for an explanation. Tristan sighed once more before getting ready to pour his heart out. "First off, I didn't call this challenge because I wanted the CCB to bond more as a group. This was a personal challenge from me to Huntzberger."
"Logan Huntzberger and I have this rivalry that goes a long way back. We met in kindergarten, before he was shipped off to boarding school. It was the first day and we were assigned desk partners. We didn't hit it off."
"Why?" Rory asked, fiddling with her coffee cup. Tristan looked at her for a moment before beginning the long epic saga.
"It started with our fathers. My mom met my dad when she transferred to Harvard. They hit it off right away and started dating. She was a year below him and as soon as she graduated, my dad proposed. They were in love, which was a rarity with society couples. It was during their engagement party that Mitchum Huntzberger came back. My mom dated him back at Yale before she transferred. From what I hear, it was very casual. When my mom asked Huntzberger to commit, he refused. So she ended their relationship and transferred. Anyway, he went to my parent's engagement party and tried to break them up. Apparently, he realized he was in love with my mom and was ready to commit."
"What happened?" Rory cried in suspense when he paused. He smiled sardonically.
"Huntzberger told her he loved her and was willing to do anything to get her back. Needless to say, my dad didn't take it very well."
"And your mom?"
"She was in love with the dope at some point, but she got over him. Now she was in love with my dad and refused him right out. But Huntzberger didn't give up. For the next couple of months, he tried to woo her any way he could. Sending her gifts, lining her house with flowers, that sort of thing. So finally, my dad got tired of it and confronted him. "
"And how'd that go?" Rory was now sitting at the edge of her seat, amazed at the drama that took place decades before she was even born.
"Not very well."
"Huntzberger, leave Sarah alone!" Michael yelled in fury at the blonde. They were alone in the garden at night. There was a cocktail party going on inside the mansion that demanded both their attention. But neither man paid it any heed. They stood alone in the dark.
"No" was the simple reply.
"Damit Huntzberger, get it through your fucking thick head! She doesn't like you anymore! She's marrying me! Not you, me! So I'd appreciate it if you stayed away from my future wife!"
"No" Mitchum calmly answered again. "A woman like Sarah comes along once in a lifetime. I'm going to fight for her. You're not married yet, there's still hope."
"You missed your chance with her!" Michael yelled, eyes blazing. " I did what you couldn't do. I committed!"
"And now I'm ready to."
"So you think she's going to take you back?" Michael laughed humorlessly at his naïve assumption. "I hate to break it to you buddy, but she's in love with me now." Mitchum smirked ruthlessly.
"DuGray, it's time you realized that you're a rebound gone too far. She went to you because she missed me. You were just a substitute for the real thing, me. Now that I'm back, she'll soon realize her mistake and break this whole thing off."
"Fuck you!" Michael yelled with absolute fury before punching a smirking Mitchum in the face. And a full fistfight soon erupted.
"They got into a fight. My mom wasn't pleased, but she eventually forgave my dad. They got married and Huntzberger finally left them alone. The rest, as they say, is history."
"Then how did you hear about this and how come you started hating Logan the moment you met him?" Rory asked, a puzzling frown marring her features. Something didn't fit.
"Well, I was told this as a bedtime story by my nanny. My mom just died and I wanted her to tell me about my mom, anything to keep the memory alive. She worked as a maid at DuGray Mansion when this whole thing happened. Being the loyal son, I also began to hate the Huntzberger name. So when I met Logan Huntzberger, things went to hell."
Silence settled over the couple. One contemplated what had just been revealed while the other smiled in relief at finally telling someone his reason for hating Logan Huntzberger so passionately.
"Does Logan know about all this?" Rory asked, finally breaking the silence. Tristan shrugged.
"Maybe."
"Tristan, I can't pretend to know what you're going through, but surely, this rift between you two can be healed? It happened decades ago between your fathers. There nothing that says you two have to hate each other because of it."
"But I do anyways." Tristan replied. "Look Rory, we've hated each other too long to try to get along now. It's the way things will always be. I just don't want you to be caught up in it."
"Me? Caught up? How?" Rory asked in confusion.
"Every time we met, we've tried to show the other up. Now, I won't say I haven't done horrible things, but so has he. Now that he knows I'm serious about you, he'll probably try to seduce you to get back at me. And you're too important to me. I don't want you to get hurt because of something that doesn't even involve you." Tristan explained softly, taking hold of Rory's hand and squeezing it hard.
"I won't." Rory promised, squeezing back. Tristan smiled at the reassurance.
"Then promise me that you will severe all relations with Logan Huntzberger and his crew." Rory sighed at the request and withdrew her hand gently.
"Tristan, I absolutely understand why you don't like Logan, but as you said, this doesn't involve me." Rory explained carefully. "Therefore, I will remain friends with them."
"But you're my girlfriend!" Tristan cried incredulously.
"Who is capable of making her own judgments." Rory quickly countered. "Tristan, please understand. This feud between you two, it has absolutely nothing to do with me, so I shouldn't refuse his friendship because of it. Now, I promise that I will not put up with any of his advances. However, I will say hi to Finn, Colin and Logan when I see them and maybe share the occasional drink. Please understand Tristan, this friendship doesn't mean that I'm not loyal to you." Tristan remained quiet for a minute, waiting for his anger to fade a little.
"Fine," he replied with gritted teeth. He knew better than to contradict her when she made up her mind. It will only push her away. "But you know I don't trust him, so I will act jealous and protective every time he comes near you."
"As long as you trust me Tristan, everything will be fine." Rory assured with a smile, understanding his inner turmoil and respecting him for his reluctant acceptance of this friendship. Before he could say anything else, she reached across and kissed him passionately.
"Does that mean I'm forgiven?" Tristan asked with a smirk as they broke apart for some much needed oxygen. Her response was to kiss him again.
(Break)
Logan looked down from his balcony at the bright city lights while lamenting at the curveball that fate had thrown him.
He should have known.
Rory Gilmore. He would never have pegged her for Tristan DuGray's type. It was fucking ironic that the only girl that intrigued him for a while now was his enemy's girlfriend. He should have expected this. It would take a girl like Rory Gilmore to keep DuGray's attention for this long. What was it now? Five months? He should have made the connection as soon as he saw her sitting at the table today.
"Still thinking about a certain brunette?" Colin inquired as he joined a quiet Logan on the balcony.
"I just can't believe how ironic this is," Logan stated with a sigh. "We just met her before we left for Mexico and now we see her again with DuGray. I mean, what are the chances of this?"
"Fate is funny this way," Colin replied. "And Rory Gilmore is definitely something. One of the sharpest girls I've ever met."
"Can we move on, or are you not done singing her praises yet?" Logan remarked dryly, highly annoyed at how much his usually snobbish friend admired his enemy's girlfriend.
"Touché. " Colin responded with an arched brow. "But the question is, are you still willing to seduce her?"
"Of course," Logan replied without a moment's doubt. "I admit that Rory definitely deserves someone better than DuGray, but that doesn't mean it's going to stop me from using her. I liker her, but not enough to overcome my hatred for her boyfriend. It's payback time."
"So you're going through with this for sure?" Colin affirmed.
"Without a doubt. DuGray's going to rue the day he messed with me." Logan wowed. Colin paused for a moment, looking at his friend.
"Finn!" Colin suddenly called, heading back from the balcony into the room. "I want to change my bet!"
"To what? Five days?" came the muffled reply from the Australian. Logan looked back at the two in confusion.
"To never."
"No way!" Finn immediately cried with indignation. "I want to make that one!"