The Gilmore-Grey Union Book III: The Dinner

By Michael Weyer

POV: Rory

For the first time, I think I fully understand how Mom feels every time we come here.

I've had problems with Grandma and Grandpa before but I can't recall the last time Grandma was so…icy at seeing me. As if I've personally wrecked every dream she ever had for me. Of course, in a way, I suppose I have what with the jail time and then the drunken marriage.

Still, it's so weird seeing her being so much colder than usual as we make the whole round of introductions. I can already see some tension between her and Vincent's mom and I know there's going to be trouble.

She finally turns to face Vincent, who very nicely puts out his hand. "You must be Rory's grandmother. I see where she gets the beauty from."

She just stares at the hand, gives it a limp shake and turns away. "Enough dilly-dallying, let's get the drinks." She fixes me with a stare. "You will be having soda."

Vincent leans in to whisper to me. "Is she usually like this?"

"Not with me," I whisper back. "This…may not be as easy as I thought."

"Really? The way you and your mom were talking, I was expecting to be branded the moment I entered so we're doing well so far."

We enter the living room as the maid is already pouring out some drinks for us all. "Well," Grandma says as she sits down. "Rory's grandfather will be down in a few minutes. Then we can discuss this…situation."

"We have already discussed it in great detail," Maxine states. "We're leaning a bit more toward annulment…"

Grandma raises a hand. "We have not discussed it," she says and she's using the royal "we" which is never good. "Personally, I would have much preferred they handled this as soon as it happened but there is decorum and appearances to handle."

"Oh, hell," Vincent mutters. Somehow, I get the feeling her recognizes the look on Maxine's face and how she appears close to getting ticked. For some reason, I'm not at all surprised Grandma is bringing out that reaction in her.

Mom decides to speak up. "Mom, can you at least pretend to approach this with an open mind? I know, a wild concept but it really may help here."

"Lorelai, I hardly think you're in a position to lecture on propriety at this moment."

Mom just sighs while Luke's nostrils flare. Oh, I'm really hoping he doesn't lose it tonight, we so don't need that.

Peter chimes up. "This is a very nice house, Mrs. Gilmore. How much-----"

"Peter!" Gillian says, poking him with an elbow. "Can you at least be a bit courteous before you press on the finances?"

"I'm just curious!" he fires back. "I mean, you know Vincent isn't as well to do as he could be despite my-------"

"Peter, do you have to bring this up now?" my husband groans. "I still have the inheritance from Dad I haven't touched, I know you did investments for me, I have the publisher deal, I'm not destitute!"

"I never said you were!"

"It was implied!"

"Implying, you're always making it sound like I'm implying! Can't I just talk about this?"

Amy is rubbing her temples in a way that makes it clear that she's heard this argument before. I can't help but think about how being a single child has its definite pluses.

Maxine loudly clears her throat and the two boys immediately shut up. I glance at Grandma and her disapproval face has now ratched itself up to level 4. Oh, God, this is going to be a disaster. A complete, utter disaster.

"Sorry I'm late," Grandpa says as he comes in. "I was trying to handle a last minute call and…" He stops and stares with surprise at Vincent's mom. "Maxine?"

She's a bit thrown too as she stands. "Richard? You're Rory's grandfather?"

"Well, I'll be…" Grandpa chuckles as he comes in and gives Maxine a kiss on the cheek. "I had no idea! Of course, Grey. Still, it's such a common name, I never thought it'd be you." He smiles. "You look quite lovely tonight."

"Thank you," Maxine replies. "I don't dress up that often."

"You could fool me." Wow, Grandpa's actually charming right now.

"Richard." Grandma has a look of befuddlement on her face that is so equal parts funny and embarrassing that I know Mom wishes she could frame it on the wall. "You know her?"

Grandpa nods. "Yes, we met at a party in Manhattan a few years ago. She was with Jared Duff."

"Jared Duff?" Grandma looks like she's swallowed a large bug. "You…knew Jared Duff?" She's staring at Maxine with the human equivalent of "URL no recognized" on her face.

Maxine smiles and I can't help but see a bit of smugness there. "Yes, he was my fiancé."

Grandpa's tone softens. "I was so sorry to hear about him. He was a good man."

Maxine sighs, a bit sadder. "Yes. Yes, he was."

Grandpa nods. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Emily, I hope you don't mind if we rearrange the table settings. I'd like to be able to talk to Maxine a bit more about past business."

Grandma's eyes widen. Being told to adjust her plans is like ordering Tom Cruise to see a shrink. I can see Grandpa is really happy at seeing Maxine and my hopes for this night go up a few degrees.

So why can't I shake the feeling there's a train oncoming and my car's stuck on the tracks?