Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls is the creation of Amy Sherman Palladio.
Chapter 47: The Rory Chronicles, Part II
Author's Note: Logan's narrative is over. The July timeframe narrative is over. The next few chapters (including the final one) are all from Rory's perspective.
Since the final chapter is from Rory's POV - and it's an important one - I thought it would be helpful to gain some insight into Rory's thoughts as her relationship with Logan was evolving. These chapters take us back in time to pivotal moments for Rory. The final chapter takes a time leap forward.
The sub-chapter numbers provide the time context of where the dialogue fits. The following conversations take place after Logan throws Rory the surprise party, after the first Huntzberger family dinner, after the shopping outing with Honor, but before Logan and Rory's date at the Italian restaurant.
Chapter 37: The Kind That Sticks - sandwiched into the middle
Hartford, Connecticut, 42 North Main, Tuesday, May 30, 2017, 7:00 pm EST
"Hey. It's me." Rory glanced out the window as she sat on the rocking chair in her Hartford bedroom.
"Hey, stranger!" God bless her, Lane sounded happy to hear from her. "Long time no speak."
"I know. I'm sorry. Finally out of the hospital and my life revolves around two things." She glanced down at those two things. Was the right one leaking?
"Lucas and Logan?"
"Well, yeah. Them too. But I was actually referring to my boobs."
"Ah! How's that going?"
"He's getting big. As long as he passes the sitting-in-the-carseat test, we can bring him home this week."
"That's terrific! But I meant the breast-feeding."
"Oh. That! You know I've never felt more like a farm animal."
"When did you feel like a farm animal before?"
"New topic."
"Does the saying about the cow, and giving the milk away for free, make more sense now?"
"How's that a new topic?"
"I guess it's not. I was just wondering."
Rory mulled over Lane's question for a few moments before replying.
"No."
"Okay. I didn't breast-feed so -"
"Yeah, I get it."
"So how are you? How are things? Are things good? We didn't have much time to talk at your dinner but you seemed happy!"
"I am happy, Lane." Her voice came out hesitant and low and filled with trepidation. It was probably the exact same tone she would've used to say, "I'm not happy."
"Okaaay. I believe you. But why're you saying it like that?"
"How'm I saying it?" She knew exactly how she was saying it. She was saying it in the exact same tone she would've used to say "I've got a terminal illness."
"Like you don't believe it."
"Guess cause I am finding it hard to believe. I don't know. I just didn't picture this -"
"You mean with Logan?"
"Yes. No. With all of this. With my life. I didn't plan on any of this. Starting with the baby."
"A lot of things aren't planned. I didn't plan on having twins my first year married."
"I know! That was a major curveball! I don't know how you did it!"
"Uh, you know how we did it -"
"Oh yeah. I know how you did that. But once they were here. You two did an incredible job."
"Thank you. Teamwork. There comes a point where you just shrug and do what you gotta do."
"Shrug and do what you gotta do." Rory repeated Lane's words. It made for a great mantra. Shrug and do what you gotta do. Lane always had such a positive attitude. God. Why couldn't she be more like Lane?
"Yep. So, anyway... How are things?"
"Things are great. Logan's been terrific. I'm -"
"Happy?" Lane, God bless her, dusted off her squeaky cheerleader's voice. She was so rooting for her.
"Starting to be less terrified."
"Okay," Lane replied cheerfully. "That's getting there."
"Yeah!" Rory tried to sound upbeat but her tone betrayed her. It was the exact same tone she would've used to announce a flat tire. "Flat!"
"I don't know, Rory. You're saying one thing but your tone is saying another."
"I know! I know!" Sighing, she jumped up and started pacing across the floor. "I don't know what's wrong with me! I should be happy. Shouldn't I?"
"Well, you just had a baby. There's a lot of extra hormones trying to figure out what to do with themselves."
Rory stilled. "I have never heard it described like that."
"I have three men, Rory. Five if you count Brian and Gil. To get them to understand me, I have had to become fluent in mansplaining."
Mansplaining? Mansplaining. Mansplaining? I have two men now. Five if I count Colin, Finn, and Robert. Or is it one man and four children? Two and three if I get Colin on a good day?
"Oh my God. Oh my God! Lane!" She resumed her pacing. "I'm gonna have to add that to the list! I have to learn mansplaining! Is there a book? Can you tutor me?"
"Uh, if you haven't had to learn it yet with Logan, you're probably in the clear. Calm down."
Rory focused on steadying her breath as she walked back and forth in her room.
"Hey! Have you thought about maybe talking to someone?"
Rory sat on the edge of her bed. "Uh, what? Who?"
"You know. Someone."
"No. I don't know. Who?"
"Like a therapist. Did it help Lorelai and your grandma?"
"Uh." She'd forgotten all about the therapist. Hm. Interesting question. "I have no idea if it helped. They have been getting along lately."
"See? So it worked!"
"I think they bonded over hating their therapist, not the therapy itself. I heard she's dating mom's ex, Jason."
"Who?"
"The therapist."
"Small world."
"She was also the understudy for Kinky Boots last year."
"Oh. Really small world."
"Yep."
All of a sudden Rory could hear raised voices in the background at Lane's.
[Background] "No! That is how the devil-clown gets into you!"
Ah. Mrs. Kim.
[Background] "Ah! Ah! No! Pennywise! No!"
Steve and Kwon screaming.
"What's going on? The boys wanna see "It"?"
"No. Yes. But it's not out until September. We're not gonna let them see it. I'm not even sure Zach and Brian should see it. The boys are trying to talk my mother into letting them have Happy Meals."
"Mrs. Kim knows about Pennywise?"
"No. That's a coincidence. She's always referred to Ronald McDonald as the 'devil-clown.'"
"Oh! Mrs. Kim. She's always been surprisingly hip."
"Yes. She has."
As Rory listened, she heard the shrieking continue from Lane's.
"Wow. They're loud."
"Yes, they are. But don't worry. I suspect having only one - not two – is less loud."
"Right. Ah. So…You really think I should see a therapist?"
"No. Maybe. I don't know. I was joking. But you do seem a little stuck."
"I am stuck, aren't I? I am stuck." Frowning, she stared at the bed cover.
"You might be. So anyway why don't you want this?"
"Want what?"
"Why don't you want to be with Logan?"
"It's complicated. Love him, love his family. His world. His job."
"Rory, don't you think you're exaggerating?"
"No?"
"You asking me or are you telling me?"
"Well, since I just said it obviously I believe it. So I'm asking you."
"Oh. You're being very literal today."
"I'm in an anti-metaphor kinda mood."
"Okaaay. Well, I think you need to focus more on you and him - and Lucas - and less on that other stuff. I mean you know my mom took a while to warm up to Zach. And Zach doesn't like his own job so it doesn't matter if I like it. And the store's just a store."
"You think I'm insane."
"I think you're hung up on disappointing Lorelai."
"No! No!" Rory paused. "No..? Oh my God. You think?"
"You two have always been close. I know she was never a Logan fan-"
"Even more with his family. But now there's Lucas to think about."
"Yes," agreed Lane before adding a clarifier. "To an extent."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean be with Logan cause you wanna be with Logan. Don't be with Logan because of Lucas. It's like that song."
Song. Song. Which song could Lane possibly be referring to? Lane was an unapologetic audiophile.
"Uh. 'Cats in the Cradle'?"
"No." Rory cringed at the disgust she heard in Lane's voice. "Rory, you really think I would cite Harry Chapin to you?"
"I don't know. Yeah. It seemed like a long shot but I wasn't sure where you were going with the analogy."
"It's the song about the boy whose parents split up."
"'Father of Mine'?"
"Rory." Cringe. "How many times do I have to tell you? Everclear can be a guilty pleasure once in a while but they're not good enough for life anthems."
"I forgot. You have to admit it's been a while since we talked tunes."
"Besides I'm sure Logan's good for at least a twenty in a birthday card. Not a fiver."
"You got that right. So which song are you referring to?"
"Blink-182's 'Stay -"
"Together for the Kids!' There's really a song for every occasion, isn't there?"
"Pretty much. Anyway, there's no reason for you to rush into anything with Logan -"
"Rush? We already have a baby together. And I've known him since I was nineteen."
"Yes. And something's held you back from committing to him."
Ouch. Yep.
"Yes. That's true."
"So what is it? I mean now. He's no longer engaged. You're not dating anyone. What's the problem? Do you love him?"
"Yes! Of course I love him. I've always loved him."
"Afraid he doesn't love you?"
"No! That's not it. I don't doubt him." She hesitated. "Not that way."
"Okaaay. Is he a workaholic? I know he works a lot."
"He does. But I can usually get him to adjust his schedule."
"Do you think he'll make a lousy father?"
"Oh my God! No! Not at all! You have to see him with Lucas. All those dimples and cuteness. It's enough to make my knees go weak."
"So what're you afraid of?"
"Lane, I don't even know. I just am. It's gotten so big over the years. This looming fear of getting in over my head."
"With Logan?"
"No. Not Logan. But his parents. His world. His money. I'm afraid of losing myself. I mean look at me now. If I marry Logan, I'll have to volunteer on boards and organize fundraisers. I don't know when I'll have time to finish the book. And then the other things if/when I do finish the book. Interviews. Tours. Promoting."
"You wanna do all that?"
"Not so much actually. But I'm pretty sure it's all a necessary evil if I want to sell books."
"How would you have done it with Lucas if Logan weren't in the picture?"
"To be honest I never got that far in thinking about it."
"Did Logan say he'd expect you to do that stuff? The fundraisers? And being on boards?"
"No. He didn't. And he wouldn't. But everyone else would. His family. Co-workers."
"Do you have to do what they want?"
"I'd be afraid it'd reflect badly on Logan if I didn't."
"Maybe you could start a cause you believe in and just work on that?"
"Like what?"
"How about 'Bringing '80s Music into the Lives of Disenfranchised Youth'? I would so be on your board! I could be your vice chair!"
Rory burst out laughing. "You're crazy! That would be too much fun. I'm sure I couldn't do that!"
"Hey. You never know until you ask. It seems like Logan would do anything to make you happy."
"Anything within reason..."
"Rory."
"Yeah?"
"He's got more money than God, right?"
"Family money. Not his."
"Still. Maybe it can't be just 80s music but maybe it could be something about music. And kids. And it doesn't have to be stodgy and dull."
"Okay. Maybe. I should've thought of that."
"You're a little stuck. And I don't mind being your sounding board. Lord knows you've been mine enough over the years. And it's been great having you back. Even if you didn't want to be back at first."
"Yeah. This has been nice, hasn't it? World travel is over-rated."
"I'll take your word for it. I'm still waiting on my European vacation."
Foot meet mouth. Lane's been trying to get her European vacation for years.
"What's the latest?"
"Next summer. Zach and I are doing it. Even if we have to fly standby on a courier flight. That's rock-and-roll, isn't it? Hey, you know something? My parents were gonna watch the boys but you'll be an experienced mom by then. So maybe you could take them for part of the time?"
Hell no!
"Wow. Maybe. They'll be what? Eleven? Really it's not that much different from watching Finn and Colin."
"Having finally met those two, I'd actually argue that Steve and Kwon are more mature."
"And you'd probably be right."
"Back to the other topic. Wouldn't your grandmother be a good person to talk to about how much you can get away with doing or not doing?"
"Good point." Rory snickered. "Grandma's come a long way too. Ten years ago she probably would've made up stuff to encourage me to marry Logan. Now I think she might actually tell me the truth."
"There you go. Therapist not needed. Just talk to Emily."
"Can you imagine my mother's reaction to hearing those words?"
"Lorelai's got opinions."
"That she does."
"So when are you gonna be back down?"
"Soon I hope. We can do a girl's lunch now that I can drink again."
"I'll introduce you to mommy juice."
"I think I've met mommy juice. Pre-baby."
"You'll have a new appreciation. Trust me."
Hartford, Connecticut, 42 North Main, Tuesday, May 30, 2017, 7:45 pm EST
After hanging up with Lane - and before she had a chance to talk herself out of it - Rory hit Emily's number on her cell.
"Hello?"
"Grandma. Hi. It's me."
Rory let out a sigh of relief at having gotten through to her grandmother. She silently congratulated herself for allowing herself no opportunity for chickening out.
"Rory! It's good to hear from you. How are you? How's Lucas? Is he still being released this week? And how's Logan?"
"I'm fine. The boys are both fine, Grandma." 'The boys'? Where the hell did that come from? "Yes, as long as there's no surprises, Lucas is being released on Friday. How're you? How's Nantucket?"
"I'm fine. And Nantucket is absolutely lovely. I can't wait until next month. I'm looking forward to having you all join me. Do you know if April will be back in time for the Fourth of July?"
"Actually I don't. But I could text her." Rory jumped up and strode over to her desk. Grabbing a pen she jotted down a reminder on a pad to text her step-sister about the upcoming holiday.
"What a clever idea. Yes. Please text her."
"Will do, Grandma."
"So how's your mother? And Luke?"
"They're both good, Grandma."
"Any more Shira sightings?"
"No. Not for me. Though Logan had dinner with them on Friday -along with Honor and her husband. I didn't go."
"Were you invited?"
"No, I wasn't. I didn't want to go anyway. Really, it was for the best. Logan had a chance to talk to his parents without me there -" Tell Emily about Shira and the phone? No. "He got some work things settled. Here's some news. He may be done with London for good."
"That's wonderful! Definitely something to celebrate when you three make it out here for the Fourth. And you're still planning on going to your mother's opening?"
"I think so but until Lucas is out of the hospital, I have a hard time picturing it."
"Nonsense. It's still a month away."
"I know. But he's so little. I'm not sure I want to bring him to the inn. But I definitely want to go." Thinking about it, Rory frowned. "I mean I have to go! To see it through. It's so important to Mom! Plus I did a ton of work on it, too!"
"You'll be there. You. Lucas." Emily paused before slyly adding, "And Logan."
"Yeah." Rory agreed, although the word came out sounding more like a question than the affirmation it should've been. "Grandma. The reason I called -" Rory stopped. Why had she picked up the phone so impulsively? She should've made a list. "I called because I wanted to ask you something."
"Do you need money?"
Genuinely amused, Rory let out a chuckle. "Ah, no, Grandma. I'm fine. Logan actually got me a black Amex with my name on it. For Lucas. I told him I didn't need it but ..." Rory's words fell off.
"He's trying."
"Yeah. He is."
"You know something? He reminds me of your grandfather in some ways. Oh, Richard never quite had Logan's devil-may-care attitude but then Logan's more confident than cocky these days. You humbled him."
Rory laughed again. "Grandma! We were barely in each others' lives. I didn't 'humble' him."
"Rory. Don't be naive. That boy -man - would do a lot to make you happy."
That Rory knew was true. But was 'a lot' enough?
"I know, Grandma." Rory played back her grandmother's words. "Logan really reminds you of Grandpa?"
"Yes, he does."
In terms of comparisons, that wasn't half bad. Not a day went by that Rory didn't think of her grandfather at least once and usually it was more than once.
"Of course, not all of it is good." Ouch. "Has he told Shira off on your account?"
Rory's eyes widened at her grandmother's odd question.
"Uh, yeah. Actually he has. A couple of times."
"Well." Rory listened closely. There was an unmistakable sadness in her grandmother's voice. "That's good."
"Oh, Grandma, I didn't mean to make you feel bad."
"Don't be silly, Rory. Your grandfather and I were products of a different era. We weren't raised to challenge our parents. The fact that your grandfather did so at all was a small miracle."
"Oh."
"You and Logan, on the other hand, were brought up differently. I would expect him to take your side and support you."
"He does, Grandma."
"Good. If he doesn't, I'll have to talk to Mark about how to deal with it. You remember Mark Greenberg? He's my neighbor to the right. Two houses down. He and I are trying to get those Blackstone pricks out."
"Yes. I remember." Mark Greenberg. Also known as Emily's David Mamet instructor. And the Blackstones, the loud annoying family Emily was determined to buy out.
"Mark -as you know - is an attorney. I think he's 'connected'. Now, he hasn't admitted it to me yet but he is from Boston. And he talks a lot about his good friend, 'Whitey'. I can only assume he means 'Whitey Bulger.'"
"There are other people with the nickname Whitey, Grandma."
"Hm. You think?"
"Yes. Maybe? Wasn't there a baseball player named Whitey Ford?"
"Did he live in Boston?"
"I don't know, Grandma." Emily's words finally registered. "Wait a minute. Were you gonna talk to your neighbor about getting guys to rough up Logan?"
"A beatdown can be an effective way to convey a message, Rory."
"Um. No! Not with Logan! He's Lucas's father. No beatdowns, Grandma."
"Relax! I'm teasing you. I meant to talk to Mark as an attorney. Not for his possible mob connections. He's away this week anyway. So how is Logan with the baby?"
"Really good, actually. They're super cute together. You'll see. It's kind of amazing to watch."
"I am looking forward to it."
"Yeah. So, Grandma..."
"Yes?"
"I just - I'm running through a lot of things in my head right now" -understatement of the century- "and I was wondering if I could maybe bounce some ideas off you?"
"You're asking me for advice?"
"Yeah. Guess that's what it boils down to."
"Of course, Rory. I'd be happy to help. So what do you want to talk about?"
Wow. Now that she was actually doing this, how did she think she was going to do this? What did she even want to ask her grandmother? Why hadn't she made a damn list?!
"You seem really good these days. Happy." Rory internally cringed. She just told her widowed grandmother she seemed happy.
"Me? You want to talk about me?"
If I can do it without sticking my foot in my mouth.
"Uh. Yes. And me. My point is since you left Hartford and quit the DAR, and moved out to Nantucket, you just seem content. Like you're doing exactly what you want to be doing and you're doing it for no other reason than it's what you want to do."
"Yes," agreed Emily. "It does feel good to do what I want. Like buying this place. Did you know it's the first big purchase that's ever been in my name? I finally got a credit card with only my name. My old ones all said Mrs. Richard Gilmore."
"Oh?"
"Yes. And I'm determined to wear those Blackstones down eventually. Your grandfather and I talked about having our own compound some day."
"I remember."
"I'll get it. Eventually."
"That's great." After a lull, Rory continued. "How're things at the museum?"
"I'm enjoying my docent duties. I recently started doing research to expand some of the narratives. We're also talking about putting together more age specific tours and tying history to the present by working with the high school." Emily paused. "Oh! We're also partnering with the whaling museum in New Bedford on some promotional materials. That's been interesting. I met with the - Rory, I'm sorry. I'm rambling. I'm sure that's not what you're interested in talking about."
"No, Grandma. I am interested. In all that stuff. I'm happy for you. Of course, Mom and I miss you not being here but it's not so far."
"No. It's not. Rory, I appreciate your interest in me but I know you didn't call just to talk about me. I think I know what this is about. You're afraid, aren't you? That if you marry Logan you won't get to do what you want to do?"
"Something like that."
"Did you discuss this with Logan?"
"Yes. Some of it."
"What did he say?"
"All the right things."
"Do you not believe him?"
"I don't know. I guess I'm worried that he's saying things now -not that he's lying but that he's being naive or overly optimistic. And it won't hit me until twenty years have passed. Then I'll be wondering what happened."
"What do you want to happen?"
"I want to be able to pursue my writing. I'm afraid I'll be pressured to spend my time on other things."
"Like the DAR. The hospital board. The ballet. The family foundation."
"Yeah. I mean…I saw how busy you always were. And I worked for the DAR. I'm not sure how I'd be able to balance Lucas, Logan, my writing, and that other stuff. And what if I get stuck working on something I hate? I just don't know how to do it on my terms."
"Rory, I think you can do whatever you want. How much you want. For whatever cause you want."
"Really? Lane suggested I could do something with music and kids. And she'd work on it with me."
"So do it. It doesn't matter what the others think. It only matters what Logan thinks and he's so happy to have you and Lucas in his life, I'm not sure disappointing him is even possible."
"Grandma, that's not true. I mean… I know there's all these expectations. Certainly Shira never thought I had it in me. To do that stuff. I don't disagree with her. Not because I can't but because I don't want to. I still want to write. Do my own thing." She let out a nervous titter. "The Writer Rory Gilmore is not ready to retire."
"So don't, Rory. What if you didn't worry about Logan – or the Huntzbergers -'letting' you have your career? What if, instead, you just told them how it was going to be? It's very forward, but you are of the younger generation. You know your mother would have no qualms whatsoever laying down the law. Just pretend you're your mother in this matter."
Pretend I'm Lorelai..?
"But Shira and Mitchum – "
"Rory, Rory. It's Logan and Lucas you should be thinking of. Not Shira and Mitchum. All I can tell you is I didn't realize until after your grandfather and I married just how against us marrying your great-grandmother Lorelai was. But had I discovered it sooner, it still wouldn't have changed a thing."
Rory sighed. That was reassuring. Maybe.
"But I'm not like you, Grandma. Or like Mom."
"You're right. You're you. But you have every bit of your mother's metal. And my wit. But you also have a lot of your grandfather in you. You're more even-tempered. Like Richard. It takes a bit more to provoke you. But now – with Lucas, with Logan – you'll realize what's important for you to protect. And, of course, with Shira and Mitchum, I have faith you'll get your requisite provocations."
Rory laughed. Her grandmother could definitely be witty.
"Yeah, without a doubt."
"Why are you worrying? You should be happy. We all should be! You have a beautiful, healthy son. His father rushed out here as soon as he heard and wants nothing more than for you to be a family."
That was true. God. Why couldn't she just be happy? She'd loved Logan for so long. Why was she so afraid? Did she really believe -if she agreed to marry Logan- everything in her life would suddenly spin out of control? Was Lane right? Was part of this just long ingrained regret at disappointing Lorelai?
"You're right, Grandma. Thank you."
"Of course I'm right. But you probably shouldn't tell your mother that. It'll send her right back to that insane therapist."
Hartford, Connecticut, 42 North Main, Tuesday, May 30, 2017, 8:30 pm EST
Feeling calm and relaxed for the first time in a while, Rory had just settled into reading one of her baby books when her cell phone buzzed on the desk. She glanced at the name before wincing.
So much for achieving inner peace.
"Hey," she greeted her caller.
"Hey. Wondering if I'd ever hear from you again. How're things going with Kato?"
Kato? Rory thought for a minute. She was as good a Paris whisperer as existed on the planet but sometimes her friend's references were a bit obscure. It often depended on what was playing on cable. The O.J. Trial mini-series had been playing.
"Paris, Logan is back in my life. Officially. He's not a guest."
"Warren Beatty Jr. strikes again? What'd he do? Baby-wearing like all the Ryans and faking the devoted father act?"
"I'm pretty sure he's not faking it, Paris. He's really good with Lucas. And I'm not really surprised. He's so much of a kid himself, it makes sense that he'd be good with kids."
"Uh-huh. Did he tell you about Terrence?"
"He mentioned you and Doyle had a marriage counselor named Terrence. It's not Terrence-Terrence, is it?"
"Oh, it's Terrence-Terrence, all right. I can't believe I've got that discount, pill-popping Tony Robbins wannabe back in my life after all this time."
"Paris, if you don't think Terrence is gonna help, why is he your marriage counselor?"
"Doyle's about-face on the divorce was a little sudden. One minute he's crashing in Michael Bay's guest house, the next he's knocking on the door asking me to take him back. It was all just too quick."
"Okay. Then you should be talking to Doyle. If you don't believe in Terrence, how will his being around help?"
"I'm testing Doyle with Terrence. Wait until you see that man bun and soul-patch he's sporting. Let's not forget the cropped skinny jeans and man mules. He's like a 50-year old man who had an anvil fall on his head and he now believes he's twenty. As much as I can't stand him, Doyle really hates him. I figure I'll know exactly where I stand with Doyle by how much he's willing to tolerate Terrence."
What?
"I don't get it."
"I'm afraid Doyle's only interested in getting back together because one of Bay's lawyer buddies gave him the heads up on what it would mean to divorce right now. It's his knee-jerk reaction to the sticker shock."
"So you figure if he really wants to get back together, he'll be more willing to tolerate Terrence?"
"Huh? Is that what you think? I figured he'd be more compelled by greed to tolerate Terrence."
Wow. She really needed to get back into a regular routine of talking to Paris now that she was no longer pregnant. She totally misread that.
"So if Doyle throws out Terrence, he really wants to reconcile? If he allows Terrence to stay, he's just back for the money?"
"Bingo."
"Okay, I get it now. Does Terrence know what you're doing?"
"Are you kidding? That would require the man to have a level of self-awareness beyond his abilities."
"How long has Terrence been back? And how much time are you planning on giving Doyle to make a move?"
"That's the tricky part. Since we're both so busy –Doyle's been working on a Marvel movie- Squirrel Girl - don't ask - the timing is tough. But we're both planning on going to your mother's opening next month."
"You are?!"
She talks to Lorelai nearly every day; how did they miss this topic?
"Of course. I pride myself on maintaining close relationships with all my clients. Even the ones who don't know what's best for them."
Riiight. Her mom and Luke had explored the surrogacy option with Paris the year before.
"We still email once in a while. Me and Lorelai. I think your step-father is intimidated by me."
"Luke's just not as outgoing as my mom. Don't take it personally."
"Oh, I don't. Anyway so the three of us will be coming down to your town -"
Three? Of course. Paris. Doyle. Terrence. This sounded kinky.
"Are you taking one room? Or two?"
"I requested a suite. I hope that's what I'm getting. Michel was very standoffish when I called. I don't think he realized it was me."
"Hm. Yeah. You haven't seen Michel in a while. He and his husband, Frederick, are talking about having children. You may have a potential new client."
"Huh. Is that right? I'll have to bring a new client package. Has that chef improved at all?"
"Who? Sookie?"
"I mean it's been over ten years. She'd had to have gotten better by now, right?"
"I'd say so. Yes."
"Good. How're you doing anyway?"
"Me? I'm fine. Lucas is set to be released on Friday. We're still getting things ready at the apartment but - "
"Has he asked you to marry him?"
Paris actually caught her off-guard. After knowing Paris half her life, that rarely happened.
"He's waiting for a sign from me. That it's what I want."
"And? Do you?"
"I don't know. This is not what I thought my life was gonna be. Not at this point."
"Yeah well. Join the club. You think I ever saw this coming?! That the survival of my marriage would hinge on Doyle's level of disgust for Mr. Man Bun? You pick your cards from the deck and then the game of life just rolls on."
"Yeah. I guess."
"You do have a child together. You made a good team once. You sure you don't want to try?"
"Point taken."
"Well. It was your point. Besides, you and Blondie did make a good team."
"I know. We did."
"You want me to talk to him? When he came out to get the baby stuff, I think we built a slight rapport."
"I think I got it, Paris. But thanks."
"Let me know if you change your mind."
"I will. It'll be good seeing you two – three – next month."
"Yeah. I'm looking forward to it. If anything'll get Doyle to jettison Terrence, it'll be a shared hotel suite."
"Yeah..."
AN: Thank you for reading/reviewing. Neurotic Rory can be fun. Lane was definitely underutilized in AYITL. You can never have too much Emily or Paris.
01/27/2018