Rory stood in front of the Gilmore mansion and dreaded ringing the doorbell and she had to laugh at the memory of her and her mother in this position years ago. For her mother she dreaded walking into those doors and facings everything she had shunned and turned her back on. Rory had never felt that hatred towards society, never hated going through those doors but tonight she paused knowing that as soon as she walked into the doors there would be the inevitable set-ups. With a final deep breath she pushed the bell and it was only moments before the door opened and the maid took her coat.
"Rory," Emily exclaimed as soon as her jacket was handed to the maid.
"Grandma," she replied with a smile and she went to embrace the woman.
"We are so glad you could make it," Emily told her as she led her into the parlor.
Rory was surprised to find that not only were the Hayden's were there but also the Farnsworth's. She turned and looked at her grandmother, a disapproving glint in her eyes. Quickly she moved to greet Richard, Straub and Francie before turning to Daniel and Stacy Farnsworth.
"Rory you remember Daniel and Stacy Farnsworth and their son Michael," Emily stated with a large smile.
"Of course," Rory stated and forced a society smile on her face. "It is lovely to see you all again."
"Would you like a drink Rory?" Richard asked as he studied his granddaughter.
"Yes, a club soda please," she stated as she sat down in the only available seat next to Michael and tried to keep space between them, but he moved slightly closer to her. She shot him a disapproving, cold look as she accepted her drink.
"So, Rory," Stacy started with a calculating smile on her face as she studied the possible couple. "How is Yale this year?"
"Wonderful," Rory replied. "I have been busy with getting settled back into classes and the paper."
"We haven't seen you much at the club or events," Stacy pressed.
"Yes, well," Rory sighed. "With my double major classes are more intense this year and the family decided that I needed to focus more on ensuring my continued success in school." She gave both the grandmothers a hard look to emphasize her words.
"There is an event next weekend," Francine started as she met her granddaughter's eyes. "We would like you to attend. I am sure Michael would love to escort you."
Rory tensed and focused on Francine. "I am afraid I won't be able to attend," she stated as calmly as she could. "I have two major tests the following week and will need to focus on studying."
Both Emily and Francine sent her a disapproving look. "Well, I am sure you will need a break," Emily stated as she looked at Rory trying to convey that she would be attending the event with Michael.
Richard sighed; he had tried to convince Emily to have this conversation alone with Rory, but she had insisted the Farnworth's be there since she was sure Rory would allow the set-up to not embarrass the family, but Rory was standing firm in her no.
"It will be a good time," Michael stated with a slight leer as he shifted towards her. "I'm sure we could enjoy each other's company," he stated suggestively. The tone of his voice sent a chill down her spine and she gave him a look of disgust. This man attended Yale and had seen her the previous weekend and the LDB event with Logan and from his demeanor he didn't care or just assumed she was just a fling for the Huntzberger heir.
"Rory," Straub started as he noticed the look in his granddaughter's eyes and knew no good came from that look. While she was normally even tempered and maintained decorum, he knew that she could easily issue a cold, calculated, underhanded retort and any moment. She was suited for this society game and had learned quickly how to cut someone down without seeming to insult the target. "I have that book we spoke about in Richard's study. I don't want to forget to give it to you, would you join me now?"
"Yes grandfather," she replied with a demur smile and gracefully rose from her seat and walked towards the study with Straub behind her.
As soon as the study doors closed Rory turned to face him, the fury evident in her eyes. "How could you all! You promised!" she stated in an agitated tone, careful to keep her volume down.
"Rory your grandmothers just want you to find a suitable companion…" he started to say but stopped when he saw the look in her eyes.
She scoffed and shook her head. "HE is acceptable? I think not. All he is thinking about it how to get this dress off me."
"That's not true," Straub stated in a placating tone. "His parents are good friends and he is majoring in business and his family connections can help build…"
"No!" she stated in a firm voice. "I am not dating him. I am not attending whatever gala you all want me to attend with him. If I am really forced to go then I will be attending alone or with an escort of MY choosing!"
"Rory you have obligations to this family," Straub tried again but paused when he heard the door open and Richard walk in.
"Yes, I have obligations to this family," she stated in a semi-calm tone when Richard closed the door. "But my obligations stop at be paraded around by someone who is trying to make me his latest conquest."
"Michael comes from a good family," Richard started but was cut-off by Straub.
"I already tried that argument Richard," he stated with a sigh.
"I have made my position abundantly clear," Rory told them. "Now I will go back out there and eat dinner, but I will not be attending that event next weekend and I will not attend future events if you all insist on choosing an escort for me."
"Okay," Straub relented and just shook his head as Richard started to object. "We will talk to Francine and Emily."
The trio left the study and moved straight to the dining room. Rory was coolly polite and ignored the pointed comments about what a charming couple the two of them would make and how acceptable the match was, and she politely brushed off Stacy's invite to join her at the club for lunch. She shot down every attempt Michael made to try and arrange another 'date' and claimed that her schedule was just to busy, when he asked for her number, she gave him the number for the Hayden home. Not soon enough for Rory's liking the meal was over and the Farnsworth's departed. As soon as Rory heard the door close behind them, she stood and glared at her grandparents.
"I cannot believe all of you!" she exclaimed. "This was an ambush at a meal you told me would be only family! How can I trust you all to come to dinner again when this is what happens?"
"Rory, we just want you to meet suitable men," Emily stated with an unapologetic look.
"I will date who I chose," she told them firmly. "I do not appreciate the set-up attempts." She sighed knowing that she was going to have to tell them, just like Logan had told his father the previous day. "I have met someone," she relented. "Its new, so no, you will not be meeting him anytime soon. I do not want your increased pressure on dating suitable men to jeopardize this and I am in no way ready for your comments about how perfect a match is, how our kids will look or any of your other observations."
"Who is this boy?" Richard questioned as he studied his granddaughter.
"I am not going to tell you," she replied in a firm voice that left no room for argument. "When we are ready to meet each other's families, we will but until that happens, both of you," she stated giving both grandmothers a hard stare, "need to stop with the matchmaking attempts."
"He could be after your money or the family connections," Straub stated, and Rory shook her head.
"I have done nothing to hurt this family's image," she stated in a slightly bitter tone. "I have done nothing that could cause you not to trust me."
The grandparents all studied each other for a moment debating on what to do next. Finally, Francine sighed, "we would like to throw you a party for your birthday. It will be in two weeks at our home."
"I don't have a choice, do I?" Rory stated as she studied the group. "Who are you planning on inviting?" she questioned hoping to hear a certain last name.
"Our friends and their children that attend Yale," Emily told her. "The Farnsworth's," she paused at Rory's disapproving look. "The Vanderbilt's, Morgan, McCrea, Huntzberger, Chase…"
"There will also be some business acquaintances of both mine and Richard," Straub continued.
"Fine," Rory sighed. "Now if you will excuse me, I am exhausted." Without giving any of them a chance to respond she turned and walked out of the room.
Rory made her way back to her apartment frustrated with her family, she didn't know why she was so surprised by the events of the evening, this is what her grandmothers did. While she did not want to subject her relationship under the microscope so soon, she had a feeling it was going to be inevitable that it would come sooner rather that later. She felt unsettled, upset and angry and wondered if this was how Logan had felt yesterday. As soon as she walked out of the Gilmore's she had sent him a text letting him know she was on her way back, she just hoped he would be there when she got home.
Logan let himself into Rory's apartment and immediately knew she wasn't there yet. He walked into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee knowing she would probably want a cup and then he headed into the bedroom to change. When he got the message from her saying she was on her way back he left happily left the pub. Without Rory there with him it seemed like more girls were flirting with him and it was getting annoying but both Colin and Finn enjoyed the extra ladies at the table. Stephanie had noticed how irritated he was getting and sat next to him and pulled him into a conversation, allowing him to avoid most of the unwanted attention. As soon as he heard the apartment door close, he walked out of the bedroom but the smile on his face disappeared as soon as he saw Rory.
"What happened?" he asked as he moved towards her and pulled her into his arms rubbing her back. He felt her take a few deep breaths and gave her time to talk to him. When she pulled back, he saw the glossiness in her eyes and gently picked her up and carried her to the couch, settling her on his lap.
"It was my turn to have the dinner from hell," she muttered. "When I got there, I found out that the grandparents invited the Farnsworth's. According to my grandmother's Michael and I would make an amazing couple," she stated bitterly, and she looked at him when she felt him tense. "They wanted us to attend some event together next weekend and I refused. Straub noticed I was about to go off so took me into the study to calm down and both him and Richard tried to convince me that this would be such a good match. After my continued refusal the grandfathers finally relented but then I had to sit through dinner with them," she groaned and ran a frustrated hand over her face. "After the Farnworth's left I confronted them and told them all I would not be attending anything with Michael and that I was dating someone, and they would meet him when I was ready. They also told me that they are throwing me a birthday party in two weeks… the Huntzberger's are being invited."
Logan sighed and kissed her temple; this was going to be harder than either of them realized. "Michael was at the event last weekend," he stated, and she nodded her head. "He went along with it?"
"Oh yeah," she stated in an annoyed tone. "If anything, he seemed happy with the fact that he was at the dinner with me, so I am sure he plans on spreading that around."
He groaned and pulled her closer to him. "It wouldn't surprise me. He will probably spread this around as an attempt to show he is more 'acceptable' than I am."
They lapsed into silence for a moment and she cupped his face. "You know I didn't know he was going to be there tonight?" she asked wanting to make sure he knew that she didn't agree to this set-up. "I also did not agree to go with him next weekend."
"I know sweetheart," he told her. "I trust you." She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his lips and gently traced his lips with her tongue asking for entrance which he immediately granted. The kiss turned passionate and soon he had shed her dress and laid her down on the couch as he explored her body and removed her bra and underwear as she was removing his. He was soon entering her, and she met him thrust for thrust. While yesterday was sweet and passionate this was full of need and lust. He brought her to climax quickly and he immediately followed. Both lay there trying to regain control of their breathing and she placed a kiss on his lips.
"Is it always like this?" she asked in a quiet voice and he turned to look at her.
"No," he honestly told her. "It has never been like this for me before. With you… I can't get enough of you and that was true even before yesterday." He saw the uncertainty in her eyes, and he caressed her face. "There is no hiding the fact that I have been with other women, but none of them compare to what we have."
"I guess I am just worried," she told him with a sigh. "I'm not experienced…"
"You aren't but it doesn't matter," he stated in a firm voice. "Just look at when you woke me up the other morning, or even last night. I've had sex but I have never felt the connection I feel with you. I will never be bored with you." He placed a kiss on her lips and focused on her, he needed her to believe him. He slowly stood up and gathered her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom and placed her gently on the bed and moved on top of her and kissed her passionately and she tentatively returned the kiss and he slowly caressed her body causing her to arch up and he pressed his hardening length against her causing her eyes to fly open and look at him. "Does this feel like I could ever get bored of you," he growled and without warning pushed a finger into her causing her to gasp and bite down on her lip. He caressed her body with his hands and mouth and brought her over the edge with his fingers and when she caught her breath, he laid down beside her and moved her over him, straddling him and guided her down on him, moaning at the way she surrounded him. He moved his hands under her and helped her find her rhythm and soon he was lost in the sensations, the look of her perfect chest bouncing, the way her back slightly arched back drove him insane and when he saw her body flush, felt her tightening he moved his hand to massage her clit and thrust up harder into her, she came calling his name and before she could come down from her high, he rolled them over never breaking the connection. Immediately he started thrusting and moved her leg over her shoulder and a second orgasm was fast approaching. "Come for me baby," he whispered as he thrust harder and faster. Moving his hand, he pinched her nipple and she came, arching and screaming and her pulsing pulled his own orgasm from him and he collapsed on top of her. When they caught their breath, he pulled out and kissed her passionately and when they broke for air he murmured, "I'll never get bored of what we share. You're the only one that makes me feel this way."
The Saturday of her birthday party arrived, and Rory studied herself in the mirror. Her grandmothers had chosen a floor length mermaid style gown in a shimmery blue fabric. It was stunning with thin spaghetti straps and a modest V-neck but the back had a large v that exposed most of her back, the fabric clung to her body and had black appliqués arranged around the dress drawing attention to her thin waist, her black heels gave her an added height. She sighed as she looked at her reflection and worried about how she looked. She wished Logan were with her to help her calm down, but she was required to get ready at the Hayden home where she had a hairstylist and make-up artist to get her ready for the event. She felt exposed in this dress and worried about the attention she would receive.
"You look stunning," Francine exclaimed as she walked into the room. "That dress looks amazing on you." She had a large smile on her face as she admired her granddaughter, she had always been pretty but as she got older, she became even more gorgeous. "The Gilmore's are already downstairs waiting," she told her. "And our other guests should be arriving soon."
"Of course," Rory sighed and plastered a smile on her face as she followed her grandmother out of the room. She just wanted this night to be done with and get back to her apartment and relax with Logan.
When she arrived downstairs, she was greeted by the Gilmores, Chris and Staub, all of them telling her how beautiful she looked. She graciously accepted the compliments and soon the house was filled with the guests and she was being paraded around from person to person and Rory did not fail to notice that most of the people she was being introduced to had eligible sons. Looking around she noticed Colin and Finn and made her excuses to extract herself from the man that was attempting to have a conversation with her and walked over to the group. After a quick hello she took Colin's drink and downed it in one gulp.
"I was drinking that," Colin told her with an amused expression on his face.
"I know," she replied and looked at Finn's drink and he reluctantly handed it to her. "It has been a long evening and it hasn't even been an hour," she sighed and took a sip of the drink Finn handed to her.
"Here girly," said Steph's voice from behind her and Rory turned to embrace the blonde.
"Steph," she exclaimed and gratefully accepted the drink while handing Finn's back to him. "Thank you for the drink!"
Steph let out a small giggle, "I saw you drowning and figured you might need some liquid assistance in drowning out the boring conversations I am sure you have been having."
Rory rolled her eyes. "You have no idea. If I get introduced to one more…"
"Rory!" Emily exclaimed and walked towards the group and they all plastered on a society smile as they greeted the woman. "I didn't know you knew Stephanie, Colin and Finn," she stated with an inquiring look.
"Yes!" Stephanie interjected when she saw the exasperated look on Rory's face. "I ran into her in a bathroom and immediately noticed the outfit she was wearing, and we became fast friends."
"Well, I am so glad you have made acceptable friends," Emily told her granddaughter. "But I am afraid I must steal Rory for a few moments to introduce her to some more of our friends."
"Yes grandma," Rory sighed and gave them all a pleading look that made them have to stifle a laugh and she walked off the meet the next round of eligible bachelors.
After another 30 minutes she couldn't take anymore and escaped outside for some fresh air. Trying to take a moment to relax and center herself from her grandmother's constant introductions she closed her eyes and leaned against a table. When she felt calm, she opened her eyes and noticed a waiter walking with a tray of champagne flutes and she quickly walked over to grab one. She knew it was going to take a few of these to get her through the rest of the evening. Her momentary calm was shattered when she heard a male voice stating her name come from behind her. "Yes," she stated as she turned with a bored look fixed on her face.
"I'm Jordan," he stated as he moved closer to her. "Your grandmother sent me over here. Apparently, we're made for each other."
Rory rose an eyebrow and gave him an appraising look, "Oh gee. Well, how convenient."
"There's nothing like having your family play matchmaker," he told her as he moved closer to her looking her up and down. "You need another drink?"
"Drink?" she questioned as she stepped back away from him and looked at her half full glass and shook her head. "No, not a drink."
"Why? Get a little crazy when you drink?" he asked with a suggestive glint in his eyes.
"Yes, that's it," she replied in a disgusted tone that he didn't seem to notice.
"I'd like to see that" he pushed and stepped closed to her.
"Rory," Logans voice exclaimed as he walked towards them. He placed a kiss on her cheek and looked at her. "I've been looking for you. I'm late don't be mad," he stated with a twinkle in his eyes letting her know that he heard part of the conversation. He turned to look at the other man and stated, "Logan Huntzberger."
Jordan looked slightly shocked when Logan wrapped his arm around Rory's waist, pulling her into him. "Uh… so the rumors," he muttered as he looked at the pair and Logan just raised his eyebrow in question. "Nice meeting you," he stated and quickly walked off.
"Thank you," Rory sighed as she turned to face him, and his arm dropped from her waist and they both instantly missed the contact.
"You looked cornered," he stated with an amused tone.
"Yes," she sighed. "I am trying to behave tonight. I already got lectures from both grandmothers about the appropriate way to act tonight."
He chuckled and gave her a soft smile and brushed a hair away from her face.
"Logan," called a voice from behind him and he immediately tensed and turned to face the man, stepping slightly in front of Rory.
"Dad," Logan replied in a cold tone that Rory had only heard when he spoke with his parents.
"Rory," Mitchum acknowledged when he recognized the woman. He wasn't able to mask his surprise that his son knew this woman or the obvious familiarity between the pair. For a moment he wondered if this was his son's mystery girl but doubted it, Rory had a reputation in society for not putting up with the playboys. She was intelligent, witty and driven; her reputation and fortune would be welcome in any match, but unfortunately she wasn't his son's type. "I didn't realize you two knew each other," he stated as he looked at his son.
"We are both on the paper," Logan stated trying not to give anything away.
Mitchum raised his eyebrow but before he could say anything else Richard walked over to the pair. "Logan, Mitchum, good to see you both," he stated and looked at Rory. "Rory I wasn't aware that you knew Logan."
"We are on the paper together," Rory replied with a demur smile. "And he is friends with Stephanie Vanderbilt, the two of us have gotten close this year."
"Ah yes," Richard stated as he studied the pair and wondered about this development. "Well, I am glad that you are making friends at Yale. Yale friends are friends for life."
"Yes grandpa," Rory stated with a small sigh. "I have met some amazing people so far this year."
"Well Rory hopefully some of your work ethic will rub off on my son," Mitchum goaded but before Logan could retort Rory let out a soft giggle.
"Oh Mr. Huntzberger," she sighed. "I didn't realize you were so funny." Mitchum raised her eyebrow at her comment. "I am jealous of some of the pieces that Logan had written this year. He has gotten some amazing bylines and has such a way with words."
Mitchum raised his eyebrow at the pair. "Yes, he has always been a talented writer," he conceded. "But,"
"Hey definitely makes me give my best and work harder," Rory started at the same time intentionally cutting him off but blushed slightly to give the appearance of being ashamed for interrupting him.
"That's quiet a compliment coming from you," Mitchum stated and studied the pair more intently. "You have written some amazing pieces over the years, Richard has showed me some of your pieces from Chilton."
A blush rose on her cheeks," thank you. Writing has always been something I have enjoyed." The conversation lapsed into a momentary pause and Rory suddenly smile. "Mr. Huntzberger can you excuse me? I see some friends I haven't had an opportunity to say hello to."
"Of course," Mitchum replied with a smile. "I am sure there are lots of people that want to speak with this birthday girl."
"Thank you," she demurred and looked at Logan. "Its Rosemary and Juliet, would you like to…"
"Of course," Logan replied trying to hold back a chuckle at her handling of his father. "Would you two excuse us?" Without leaving either man a chance to respond he placed a hand on Rory's back and let her towards the two women.
The older gentleman studied the pair thoughtfully as they walked off. Nothing in the interaction showed more than friendship but there was something in the way they looked at each other.
"So, Logan recently told me that he has started dating someone," Mitchum stated as he turned to face Richard.
"Rory has told us that she has recently started seeing someone as well," Richard replied. "You don't think…"
Mitchum chuckled and glanced back at the pair. "It's a little surprising if its true," he replied. "Especially with their reputations, they are opposites."
Richard nodded thoughtfully. "But if it is true it would explain some of Rory's comments and her reluctance in introducing him to the family." When Mitchum just looked at him questioningly Richard sighed. "Rory was very offended when Straub asked her if her new beau was using her for her wealth and connections."
Mitchum chuckled and took a sip of his drink, "Logan definitely does not lack for money and already has a job path."
Richard nodded, "and if Rory was to bring him home you know Francine and Emily would start making wedding plans…"
"Shira to," Mitchum replied. "So, we keep our suspicions to ourselves?"
"I think that best," Richard stated. "And we eliminate the matchmaking attempts."
"This could be a good match," Mitchum said thoughtfully. The joining of three Mayflower families would be monumental and Rory's reputation could bring credibility and stability to his wayward son. He raised his glass in a toast and Richard clinked his to it.