A/N: I've decided to split this chapter into two parts. Otherwise it would end up too long as I have a lot of stuff to explore. I think their reunion itself deserves a whole chapter dedicated to it. So, hopefully, this will wet your appetite and I'll try and get the next one written and posted ASAP. Enjoy and don't forget to review. Thanks.
I don't own anything at all.
Someday
Chapter Four: The Reunion, Part One
Logan stood in front of the mirror trying to fix his bow tie. He hated wearing them but for the Gilmore's Christmas party, it was not optional unless he wanted to face the wrath of Emily Gilmore. He smiled remembering the last time he had received Emily's death glare. It had been at another party hosted by the Gilmore's; Rory's Twenty-first birthday party. Apparently learning that he was sleeping with her granddaughter did not make him her favourite person any longer. Thankfully, she didn't hold it against him for too long.
He smiled at the memory. He smiled at most of his memories of his time with Rory.
"Your tie's crooked." He looked up into the mirror to see Honor standing at the doorway watching him. She didn't have a small child attached to her which meant that either Josh was looking after Jasper or she had managed to get him to go to sleep. He turned around to face her and smiled.
"So then help me. I hate these stupid things." he complained. Honor rolled her eyes and crossed the room until she was standing in front of him.
"So, don't go. Stay here. Hang out with me and Josh." she suggested as she undid his bow tie so she could start over.
"What? And play Scrabble all night? No thanks." he smiled as she narrowed her eyes at him. She really didn't want him to go tonight. After seeing Rory the day before, she knew she was in town and would most likely be at the party. She didn't want her brother to run into her, but somehow she didn't think a night of Scrabble with his sister and her husband was going to persuade him to stay home.
"Well, we don't have to play Scrabble. We could play…Boggle!" she tried her best to make it sound interesting, but Logan wasn't falling for it.
He laughed and leaned forward placing a kiss on her forehead as she finished fiddling with his bow tie. "Thanks Hon. But I'll take a rain check."
He moved away from her and sat on the bed. He reached down for his shoes and slid them on as Honor stared at him with a troubled look on her face. He wrote it off as tiredness on her part.
"Honor, I'll be fine. Stop worrying about me." he tied his shoelaces and then stood up pulling on his suit jacket.
"I just…" The sound of Jasper crying stopped her from finishing her sentence. She let out a sigh and Logan immediately felt concerned for his big sister.
"I should go see to him." Honor turned to leave the room when Logan came up with an idea.
"Why don't you come with me?" Honor spun back around and looked at him curiously.
"What?"
"Be my date or chaperone, if you prefer? Come on, you could use a night out. Let Josh look after Jasper. Let your hair down." He stood up and moved towards her placing his hands on her shoulders.
"I don't have anything to wear." she said quietly. Logan chuckled.
"Honor, you bought a whole new wardrobe of clothes yesterday. I'm sure you could find something to wear." She bit her lip as she contemplated a night away from Jasper. She felt a tug on her maternal instincts, but that was briefly over ruled by her sisterly duties. If she went with Logan, she could look out for him. Possibly prevent him from bumping into his ex.
"Okay." she said excitedly hurrying out of the room to go find something to wear. "I'm just going to check on Jasper first." Logan laughed and shook his head as he watched her go. He took a deep sigh. He had tried to pretend to Honor that going back to the Gilmore house wouldn't bother him, but he had a harder time trying to persuade himself of that. Having Honor there would give him someone to focus on instead of being haunted by ghosts of his past.
Speaking of ghosts, he made his way over to the desk and sat down in front of his laptop. He clicked on his inbox reopening the message he had received the day before. The picture of him and Rory together all those years ago was like a hammer to the stomach. It was like a car crash. He couldn't help himself; he couldn't take his eyes off it. He couldn't take his eyes off her. It had been so long since he had stared into those blue orbs of hers; since he had seen her smiling face. He closed his eyes and could imagine the feel of her soft, shiny brown hair drifting over her shoulders. He could see her poking her tongue out at the corner of her mouth as she focused so intently on her latest article. He could feel her skin under his touch, he could smell her scent. He had committed every last inch of her to memory and even after three and a half years, those memories hadn't faded; neither had his feelings for her. He missed her too.
Opening his eyes, he stood up and crossed the room to the closet where he pulled out his suitcase. He bent down and unzipped it, his eyes falling on the little blue velvet box. The box which had been taunting him for almost four years. He hadn't opened it since the day he proposed to her. He didn't even know if the ring was actually still inside. He couldn't bring himself to check. He had kept it all this time clinging onto a promise he had made her. Deep down he hoped he wouldn't have to break it.
RLRLRLRLRLRL
"Luke have you seen Will's blanky?" Lorelai yelled as she stood at the bottom of the stairs. They were running late and she was frantically trying to get everything organised for Babette who had kindly offered to baby sit for the evening.
"On the couch." Luke shouted back. Lorelai turned and let out a frustrated sigh as she noticed the blue, fuzzy blanket laying on the couch. She swore she had checked there already.
"Luke! Have you seen Will?" she called out to him as she tripped up over Paul Anka.
"He's up here with me!" Lorelai grabbed the blanket and the baby monitor and headed through to the kitchen where her daughter was currently sitting staring blankly at her laptop.
"You know if the wind changes your face will stay like that." she informed her while pouring herself some coffee.
"Huh?" Rory said absently, her eyes still focused on the screen.
"What are you looking at?"
"Nothing. I was just checking my emails." Rory said in a disappointed tone as she shut off her computer.
"Anything interesting?" Lorelai quizzed her as she sipped on her coffee. Rory shook her head and pushed out her chair.
"Nope." she left the kitchen and entered her old bedroom. Lorelai's concerned gaze followed her. She was worried about her. She had been acting strange all day. Constantly glued to her computer like she was waiting for something, or someone.
"You almost ready? Because the limo will be here at seven on the dot." Lorelai followed her to the doorway. Rory turned back with a frown on her face.
"We're going in a limo?" Lorelai nodded.
"Your grandmother doesn't trust us not to be late so…"
"So, she's sending a limo." Rory finished. A small smile playing on her lips.
"It's good though. We can all get as drunk as we like and don't have to worry about driving home. I think this may actually be the funnest Christmas party your grandmother has ever thrown." she said excitedly. Rory smiled and shook her head at her mother.
"You know, I don't think 'funnest' is a word." she told her. Lorelai downed the rest of her coffee and turned away from the door.
"By the end of tonight, it will be!"
Rory rolled her eyes and sat down on the edge of the bed. She let out a deep sigh as she contemplated spending an evening in the company of all of her grandparent's friends. It wasn't exactly her idea of fun. Maybe she could form a sub-party.
RLRLRLRLRL
"What time is it?" Honor asked anxiously grabbing his wrist so she could see his watch. Logan smirked as he sipped on his scotch.
"It's time for the men in white coats to come and take you away." he drawled. Honor glared at him and scanned the room nervously. He studied her closely for a few moments wondering why she was so antsy. It couldn't just be because she was away from Jasper.
"What is your problem, Honor?"
"What do you mean?"
"You look like you're on drugs." he told her. Honor shook her head and sighed.
"I'm having fun. Aren't you having fun?" Logan widened his eyes and smirked.
"Oh yeah, a barrow load."
"I told you we should have just stayed at home and played Scrabble. You can't beat a good board game."
Logan rolled his eyes. "Yeah 'bored' being the operative word." he mumbled under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing." he shrugged. Honor glared at him again and then finished her drink.
"Why don't you go amuse yourself by getting me a drink at the bar." she suggested. Logan smiled at her and took the glass from her hand.
"With pleasure." he sauntered off leaving Honor relieved as she noticed two familiar dark haired women being greeted warmly by Emily Gilmore. One of which was Rory. She was here; Honor felt a bout of nausea come over her. This was going to be a long night.
RLRLRLRL
"Rory, you made it." Emily beamed brightly as she hugged her granddaughter. Lorelai and Luke stood off to the side rolling their eyes at each other. "I'm so glad you could come. It's wonderful to have you home for the holidays."
"Thanks grandma. This place looks amazing." Rory said as she pulled out of her embrace surveying the room.
"Why thank you Rory." Emily nodded at Lorelai and Luke and then grabbed hold of Rory's arm and guided her through the crowd leaving Lorelai and Luke to their own devices.
"Which way to the bar?" Lorelai looked at Luke. He shrugged and then she pulled him along behind her. Upon arrival at the bar, Lorelai waved to the bartender trying to get his attention. He ignored her and so she turned back to Luke. "The service here sucks."
Luke grunted his reply and then sat down on a stool which had just been vacated. "He's just busy, Lorelai. Give the guy a break."
Lorelai stuck out her tongue at her husband and then turned back to the bar as he rolled his eyes at her immaturity. She waved to the guy once more but he continued ignoring her. Leaning forward she almost fell over the bar trying to reach the bowl of peanuts. When she looked up, her whole body froze as she noticed a familiar looking blonde guy trying to get served at the other end of the bar. It was Logan.
"Oh my god!" she whipped around back to face Luke who was examining the wood used to make the stool.
"What?" He asked distractedly running his hands over the legs of the stool. "Do you think this is made with pine wood?"
"Oh my god! Luke! Logan's here." she said in a whispered voice. Luke looked up at her with a confused expression on his face.
"Who?"
"Logan!" she leaned back against the bar and peered over to see him waiting for his drinks order. Thankfully, he hadn't noticed her yet. Instinctively, she began searching the room for any sign of her daughter. She couldn't see her anywhere.
"Who the hell is Logan?" Luke looked at her as if she was crazy.
"Logan Huntzberger? Rory's ex-boyfriend? The one who asked her to marry him?" she tried to refresh his memory. Luke raised his eyebrows as realisation dawned.
"Oh." he said finally getting it. He leaned passed Lorelai and stole a look at the blonde. "What's he doing here? Does Rory know he's here?"
"I don't know. I hope not. Oh my god! I bet Emily knows he's here."
"You think?"
"Of course. This screams of Emily. She obviously invited him knowing full well that Rory would be here too." Lorelai kept her eyes firmly on Logan.
"I thought he was in California."
"He's probably just visiting family." Lorelai shrugged.
"I thought he fell out with his family." Luke quizzed her.
"He did. I think he has a sister though. I remember Rory telling me how close they were. Maybe he's in town visiting her." Lorelai lowered her voice as Logan passed them.
"So, should we warn Rory? Tell her that he's here?" Lorelai shook her head disbelievingly as she watched her mothers face as she greeted Logan. She looked ever so pleased with herself.
"We'll have to find her first."
RLRLRLRL
"Logan! You made it. Don't you look handsome?" Emily examined him closely. Logan smiled and leaned forward to kiss her cheek.
"You look stunning yourself, Emily." he complimented her in his charming way.
"Oh, this old thing?" She tried to sound gracious but she had made an effort. It was nice to be recognised.
"So, you have quite a turn out." Logan said taking a sip of his newly freshened glass of scotch.
"Well, our Christmas party's are always the highlight of the social calendar." Emily admitted. Logan smiled.
"So, did you come alone?" she enquired. Logan shook his head and gestured towards Honor who was standing at the other side of the room waiting impatiently for her drink.
"Um, no. I brought Honor with me. I hope that's okay." Logan pointed his sister out. Emily smiled warmly.
"Of course. I'll have to catch up with her later. Tell me, how is that little nephew of yours?"
"He's great. He's quite a character." he said beaming with pride. Emily smiled.
"They always are at that age. Now Logan, I wonder if you would do me a favour. I can't seem to find my Richard anywhere and I love this song. Will you dance with me?" she held out her hand for him to take. Logan downed his drink and set Honor's at the side as he followed Emily to the dance floor.
"It would be my pleasure, Emily."
They found themselves in the middle of the room dancing to the soft music in the background. They were surrounded by other dancing couples. As they swayed to the music, Emily chatted incessantly about the DAR and the food and many other things that Logan shut out. He scanned the room, his eyes falling on his sister who was scowling at him. He rolled his eyes at her and smiled but she just crossed her arms and turned away.
"Richard, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you." The sound of Emily's voice greeting her husband warmly snapped him out of his daze. He looked up to see the large man smiling back at him. As his gaze lowered, his eyes fell on the brunette who had been so much a part of his thoughts these past few years. His heart froze as he found himself staring into an all too familiar pair of cerulean orbs. The depths of which made his heart melt.
"Rory, look who I bumped into." Emily smiled broadly as the two former lovers stared at each other utterly flabbergasted by the others appearance.
Rory's eyes broke away as she looked at Emily, her expression still full of surprise. Logan couldn't take his eyes off her, scared that she would disappear if he did. He couldn't quite believe that she was really standing in front of him. After all these years, she still looked stunning and she still possessed the ability to leave him completely speechless.
"Richard, the Cartwright's are here. We should go say hello." she turned to look at Rory and Logan who were still staring at each other, dumbfounded. "Why don't you two dance, catch up?" she pushed Logan towards Rory and took Richard's arm as she led him away, a huge satisfied grin on her face. Her plan was working. Richard shook his head as he followed his wife.
They stood in silence as others danced around them. Rory lowered her gaze to the floor as she nervously fiddled with her rings. Logan kept his eyes on her, taking all of her in. She looked breathtaking in her elegant yet sexy black silk gown. Her hair was up out of the way with loose tendrils falling to her shoulders. The sparkle from her earrings only served to highlight the blue in her eyes. He was under her spell and had no intention of ever trying to break it again.
When she gazed back up at him, he realised that he had been staring at her. Deciding that he didn't want to freak her out, he looked away briefly. He didn't want to look away for too long. She might turn out to be a mirage.
Rory felt her heart thumping in her chest as she felt his eyes on her. She couldn't believe that he was here. After all this time, all of the texts, all of the emails, here he was standing right in front of her. She felt numb. She felt unsure of herself. When she glanced back up at him, she felt the butterflies flutter in her stomach as his intense brown eyes stared through her. She felt so exposed standing before him. She was fully dressed, but somehow she felt completely naked in front of him. Like he could see through her. He could see into her soul and she hadn't felt that way for so long.
He looked good. He looked better than good. He was very handsome in his tuxedo and bow tie. She smiled as she thought of him struggling to tie it just right.
His hair was short and messy as always and he had a golden glow about him. California obviously agreed with him.
"I didn't know you were going to be here." he said softly breaking her out of her daze. She looked up at him and smiled realising that those were the first words she had heard him speak to her in almost four years.
"Me neither." she replied quietly. "I'm just home for the holidays."
"Me too." He scratched his face and remained staring at her. Rory couldn't describe how happy she felt being in his presence again. She had missed him so much. She wanted to ask him if he had gotten her email, but she couldn't. It felt like that was someone else. Like that was their secret world, kept secret from even them.
She let out a sigh and lowered her gaze to her feet. Her eyes slowly crept up trailing over his body, taking in every inch of him. She wanted to pinch herself just to check that he was really there. That she wasn't just dreaming.
"You look good." The sound of his voice made her realise that she wasn't dreaming. He was real. She locked onto his brown eyes and smiled.
"You look good too." Logan smiled back at her and then took a step closer. Her heart skipped a beat as she caught a whiff of his cologne. The scent immediately triggered memories of all the times he had wrapped her up in his arms.
"Will you dance with me, Rory?" His voice came out sounding rough and gravelly. The sound of her name on his lips sent a chill down her spine. She nodded her reply, not sure if any sound would come out if she opened her mouth to speak.
Logan took another step towards her closing the gap between them. Their eyes remained locked as he gently and hesitantly placed his hand on the small of her back. Rory closed her eyes as the feel of his hand on her made her shiver. She moved her hands to his shoulders as his other hand slid around her waist. She opened her eyes and found herself level with his chest. She fought the urge to snuggle close to him and rest her head against his heart. They began moving slowly in time to the music. Neither knowing whether they were keeping time to the beat, the only beat they were following was the beat of their hearts as they melted into one another once again.
A/N: Ok, so that last line was a little sappy, but I couldn't resist. I'm a giant saphead when it comes to these two. Aren't we all! So, I have the next chapter planned out in my head, I just have to write it down or type it. Hopefully, it won't take me too long and I'll try and get at least one other story updated in the next twenty four hours. Perhaps Just Her Luck or WIMTB. We'll see. In the meantime, thanks for reading and if you are feeling generous, please leave me a review. Thanks, J.