Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 19 – This Is Exactly What It Looks Like
"I can't believe that happened," Rory muttered against Logan's neck. The two were alone on the back patio, dancing to the slow beat emitting from inside the house.
"It wasn't that bad," he fibbed attempting to dissuade her embarrassment.
Rory laughed lightly and cocked an eyebrow at him. "Were you in the same room I was in twenty minutes ago? Because what happened in the room I was in was pretty bad."
He stifled a laugh by gently brushing her lips with his. "Have I told you how much I love kissing you?"
She smiled.
"You have the softest," he kisses her, "sweetest," he kisses her again, "and most perfect lips."
Rory felt herself blush as she gazed at her boyfriend, staring into his eyes and losing herself in their warmth. She wondered how she survived so long without seeing those eyes. "Yeah?"
"Yeah, Ace. I love kissing you," he replied before capturing her lips once more.
The kiss was deliciously gentle. Logan's tongue moved so slowly it was almost painful. Rory was more than willing to let him kiss her like that—or any way he wanted—all night, but she pulled away before her mind fogged over completely. "Are you trying to distract me?" she accused.
He laughed. That's exactly what he was trying to do. "Is it working?"
"Yes," she admitted leaning her body further into his.
Logan laughed again. "Good," he replied before claiming her lips once more. "Now don't worry about it. It happened. We can't change it."
"I know," she agreed. "But…"
"And you have to admit, Ace, it was a little funny."
Rory buried her face into his neck as she felt embarrassment begin to creep its way into her system. Loganresponded by pulling her closer. After a few seconds, he could feel her body shaking with laughter despite her apparent embarrassment. "I'll never forget the look on Colin's face," she recalled. "He turned so white that for a second, I thought he was having a stroke."
Logan chuckled and added, "And then his face got so red, I could have sworn steam was coming out of his ears."
The two laughed at the memory. "Ok, maybe it was a little funny," she said her eyes bright with laughter. "And as long as we both do our parts to make sure the photos that Colin and Joanna took never see the light of day, it'll stay funny."
"I wouldn't worry too much about those pictures," he said still trying to calm her nerves. "If I know Colin—and I do—those pictures will be used strictly for blackmailing purposes. He wouldn't let them get out if only to have something to hold over my head...for the rest of my natural life," he added with an amused, and somewhat sardonic, grin.
"I guess that's true," she agreed nodding.
"Plus he cares too much about you to ever sully your reputation."
Again, she nodded in agreement.
"Now if it was just me, those pictures would already be floating around cyber space..."
She giggled.
"...but he would never do that to you."
"You're right," she agreed.
"And although I don't know Joanna all that well, she doesn't seem like the type to betray a friend."
"No," she assured him, "but she is the type to tease me mercilessly about this…for the rest of my natural life," she added echoing Logan's previous comment.
"See? We have nothing to worry about," said Logan chuckling slightly.
"If you say so." She wrapped her arms around him and settled into his embrace, their bodies swaying gently to the music.
They enjoyed a few minutes of comfortable silence before Logan spoke again. "Don't worry, Ace. I promise it'll be all right. I'll never let anything happen to you," he whispered before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. And he meant it. Never had he felt so compelled to protect anyone as much as he wanted to protect her. "I'll never let anything happen to you," he repeated as much for her benefit as for his.
Rory remained silent, enjoying just being in Logan's arms. She was somewhat surprised that despite what happened not half an hour ago, she felt very at ease. Just being in Logan's presence was a comfort.
The couple could have remained happy in their quiet little bubble blissfully lost in each other all night. However, there was a party going on, and they were eventually intruded upon.
"Here you are," declared Finn as he burst through the patio doors. "Where have you two been hiding yourselves?" He draped an around each of them, effectively separating the two.
Logan recognized the all too familiar glaze in the eyes of his Australian friend. Finn was drunk—very, very drunk. "You doing all right there, Finn?"
"Of course," insisted Finn. "I'm fantastic. And why wouldn't I be? I'm at a party with my best mates, copious amount of alcohol and pretty girls as far as the eye can see. And although there are not as many red headed beauties as I had hoped, my favorite girl in the whole world is home at last so I'm not one to complain," he babbled placing a sloppy kiss on Rory's cheek, an innocent gesture that brought a scowl to Logan's face.
He knew the kiss shouldn't bother him. "It was just a kiss," he thought to himself. "And it was only Finn. On the other hand, an intoxicated Finn did have a tendency to be very touchy feely." And best friend or not, Logan didn't want anyone else touching her. He heard Rory giggle at something Finn said and his scowl deepened. Extricating himself from Finn's grasp, he pulled Rory into his arms—and away from Finn. "Hey, man, find your own girl," he said half-jokingly. With his arms placed firmly around his Ace, Logan kissed her lightly before turning his attention back to his inebriated friend.
Finn stared at one of his best friends, surprise evident on his face. In all the years he's known Logan, he'd never seen him act so blatantly possessive—especially about a girl. Even in his drunken state, he recognized the adoration in Logan's eyes. Not in his wildest dreams did Finn ever think he'd see Logan so thoroughly infatuated. Suddenly, he understood why Kevin wanted to leave the restaurant that night. "Well look at you," he said in a teasing voice, "being all boyfriend-like. How very sweet! Somewhat unexpected, but sweet." Finn stared him in the eye and held his gaze.
Rory looked from Finn to her boyfriend and remained silent while continuing to lean her body into Logan's. The two boys seemed to be having some sort a silent conversation. In the end, Finn smiled and nodded at his friend.
"Come inside you two," he said, "Kevin's about to cut the cake." He then turned and left the patio.
"What was that?" asked Rory.
Logan understood on some level—albeit a drunken level—that Finn had given him his blessing. And although he'd convinced himself he didn't need it, he knew he wanted it anyway. Smiling at the girl in his arms, he answered, "Nothing for you to worry about, Ace. It's a guy thing."
"Ok," she replied casually. "You want to get some cake?"
"Yeah, Ace, let's get some cake."
The two shared a tender kiss, one full of longing, before re-entering the house hand-in-hand.
"I'm still waiting for my birthday kiss," said Kevin with a slight slur.
Joanna turned to face him. She was in the kitchen guarding the cake and waiting for Finn to return with Rory and Logan. "From what I've seen you've gotten enough birthday kisses to last through your next ten birthdays," she replied dryly.
"But I didn't get one from you," he said grinning.
She looked him over for a moment, letting her eyes wonder over his broad shoulders and sexy smile, before taking two slow and calculated steps toward him. "Happy birthday," she whispered against his lips. Joanna then shifted her weight, brushed her lips lightly against his cheek, and retreated to the other side of the room.
Kevin felt his heart begin to race as she approached. He felt his entire body tingle as she whispered against his lips. He felt himself get hard when her lips brushed against his cheek. And he felt a painful ache in the pit of his stomach when she stepped away from him. It took him a moment to regain his composure, but when he did, he looked at her disbelievingly and asked, "That's it?"
Smirking, she replied, "That's it."
"Oh come on. You can do better than that," he insisted taking a step toward her.
She stepped backwards and raised a hand to keep him at arms length. "Why don't you head back to your party," she said trying to turn him around.
Not easily deterred, Kevin continued to advance. "I wouldn't want to leave you by yourself," he said. "That wouldn't be very nice of me, and I am a gentleman above all things."
Joanna laughed but continued to keep her distance. From what she'd witnessed of Kevin "Ladies Man" Hayden tonight, the term 'gentleman' was a bit of a stretch. "I won't be alone. I'm waiting for Finn, Colin, Logan and Rory so we can light your birthday candles."
"So I can make my wish," he added with a devilish grin.
"Exactly."
"Well, I already know what I want," he persisted. "I want a birthday kiss."
"I already gave you one."
"I want a better one." Kevin was drunk. He knew he was drunk—very drunk—and frankly he didn't care. It was his twentieth birthday, he'd just finished his first year of college, and after the drama filled week he'd had, he desperately needed some fun. But more than anything, he wanted to kiss the girl in front of him. Had he been more sober, he probably would have been more subtle and infinitely more charming about his request. However, having lost count of the number of cocktails he'd poured down his throat hours ago, he was not in any position to be much of a smooth talker. Besides, it was his birthday. No one should say no to you on your birthday. As a matter of fact, almost every girl at this party had made it abundantly clear that they would like nothing more than to scream "Yes" in ecstasy for him all night. "Come on, don't you think I deserve a better kiss than that? It's my birthday."
Joanna shook her head at his request, but before she could say a word in response, Finn walked into kitchen followed closely by Logan and Rory.
"Wow! That is a good looking cake," said Rory eyeing the tri-layered confection. "Is it chocolate?"
"White chocolate with butter cream frosting," answered Colin proudly as he entered the kitchen.
"Kevin's favorite," added Logan.
"Only the best for our best mate on his birthday," threw in Finn slapping Kevin on the back and almost causing him to lose his balance.
"Careful there, Kevin," teased Colin, clearly amused at his friend's drunken state. "We've still got hours to go. No need to pass out yet."
"I'll have you know I've got plenty of party left in me," declared Kevin.
"Plus you have yet to make use of Logan's very thoughtful birthday present," said Colin with a meaningful tone. His eyes met Joanna's and the two shared a knowing smile.
Logan positioned himself behind Rory and pulled her body into his in a comforting embrace. She could feel Logan chuckle at Colin's pointed comment. She, on the other hand, paled instantly as the image of Colin and Joanna's faces from earlier that evening infiltrated her memory.
Thankfully her brother was too distracted to notice her reaction. "That's right," said Kevin suddenly remembering. "I have every intention of putting that gift to use. All I need to do is choose a willing participant."
"Gross," muttered Rory.
"Oh come on," said Joanna. "You don't honestly think being handcuffed in bed is really all that depraved do you, Rory?" The mocking tone in her voice was unmistakable. It would be a very long time before she let this particular humiliation go.
"I'm hungry," announced Rory. She was very eager to change the subject. "Let's light these candles so I can get a slice of that cake."
"Excellent idea," yelled Finn. He finished what was left of the beer in his hand and asked, "Where are the matches?"
Both Colin and Logan reacted quickly to that question. In their experience, it was never a good idea to mix Finn and open flames, no matter how small the flame or how sober the Finn. While Logan distracted the inebriated Aussie, Colin lit the candles and the cake was wheeled into party.
"Let's go, birthday boy," said Rory tugging his arm. "Your audience awaits."
Kevin gave Joanna a meaningful glance as his sister led him back into the crowd. "We're not finished," he called to her over his shoulder.
She smiled and followed the group out of the kitchen.
The next day Logan awoke when warm buddy snuggled into his side. Before Rory, the idea of sharing a bed with someone, except of course to have sex, was a foreign and unappealing concept. Now, he loved falling asleep next to his girl and loved waking up with her even more. He wrapped his arms around her, wanting her closer to him. "This doesn't feel right," he thought to himself. Logan slowly opened his eyes and was horrified to see that the person in bed with him wasn't his girlfriend.
"AAAHHHHH!" He yelled at the top of his lungs waking his sleeping bedmate.
The blood curdling scream caused Finn's eyes to pop open and at the sight of Logan, he also let out a high pitched scream of his own. "BLOODY HELL!" In a rush to move as far away from Logan as he could, Finn became tangled in the sheets, rolled off the bed, and stumbled onto the floor. "Ow!"
Logan was even more horrified to see that Finn was wearing nothing but a pair of bright yellow Speedos. "What the hell are you doing in here?" he demanded. Logan rubbed his hands against his arms, frantically wiping off any trace of Finn that might have gotten on him.
"Too loud," said Finn covering his ears.
"What the hell are you doing in here?" he yelled even louder. Logan racked his brain attempting to remember the events of the previous night. "Kevin's birthday party. Sneaking off with Rory. Rory in black lace. Handcuffs. Getting caught in handcuffs. Dancing on the patio. Cake. Dancing. Tequila shots. More dancing. More tequila shots." His mind went a bit fuzzy after the second round of tequila shots.
The door to the bedroom they were in suddenly flew open. "What's wrong?" asked Rory clearly panic stricken after being woken by screams. Clutched in her hand was a hair brush that she was holding like a club.
Both Logan and Finn began shouting incoherently.
An equally concerned and obviously sleepy Joanna made her way onto the scene. "Someone better be bleeding," she declared. "I only got to sleep three hours ago."
The two boys continued to yell explanations at the girls and profanities at each other.
"What the fuck?" asked Colin as he stumbled into the room. "It's barely morning," he whined. "Why the hell is there yelling this ear…" he stopped mid-sentenced after surveying the scene laid out before him. Logan was under the covers, still dress in the clothes he had on last night, and desperately clutching the blankets to his body. Finn was lying on the floor next to the bed, his feet trapped in a mess of sheets, and clad in nothing but a very skimpy pair of obnoxiously bright yellow Speedos. The two were wearing horrified expressions and glaring at each other. "Oh! Oh my," said an instantly alert Colin in an amused tone. "What have we here?"
"This isn't what it looks like," declared Logan.
"Now where have I heard that before?" quipped Colin.
Joanna and Rory both began to giggle as they became aware of the implications of the situation.
"This isn't what it looks like," repeated Logan. His head was pounding and every time he tried to move, the room began to spin.
"Damn, where is a camera when you need one?" joked Colin.
"This really isn't what it looks like," yelled an exasperated Logan.
"It looks like you and Finn got wasted and passed out in the same bed," said Rory trying to calm her boyfriend.
"Oh," he said sheepishly, "in that case, this is exactly what it looks like."
"At what point did you take each other's clothes off?" asked Colin, not being able to resist.
He was rewarded with a pillow and a shoe being pitched at his head, both missing by the narrowest of margins.
"I am fully dressed," Logan eagerly pointed out much to the amusement of everyone in the room. "Finn where are your clothes?"
Finn looked down at his nearly naked form. "I don't know," he replied his expression clearly confused.
"How did you end up in this room with me?"
"I don't know."
"Why are you wearing Speedos?"
"I don't know." Finn suddenly stood up with a panicked expression on his face. "OH FUCK!" he screamed.
"What?" yelled the group.
"I don't own Speedos," he shouted before removing the offending piece of fabric from his body. Standing there in all his naked glory, he screamed, "Whose are these?"
Rory and Joanna covered their eyes a second too late. "Finn!" they yelled in protest.
Colin, though accustomed to his friend's loose relationship with clothing, turned his eyes skyward. "Finn, for the love of God. It is too damn early, and I am too damn hungover to see you…hanging."
Logan tossed a pillow at Finn, hoping he would take the hint and cover up, at least for the sake of the girls in the room. Sadly, Finn was not in a receptive or reasonable mood. The pillow hit his bare chest before falling to the floor.
"Whose Speedos are these? And who did they end up on my body?" he cried waving the yellow material at Logan.
"Finn, I swear to God you better get those away from me," threatened Logan. He did not have the patience to handle any of this. "And take a step back. You know I don't like you standing this close to me when you're naked."
"I'm not in the mood to deal with your insecurities, Logan. I need to find out who these belong to."
"Insecurities?"
"Yes, insecurities," said Finn. "Insecurities you have about your own body as compared to mine."
"Excuse me?" asked Logan clearly insulted.
"Not all of us can be born with the type of physique I happen to be blessed with and…"
"What the hell are you trying to say?"
"Oh would you two cut it out!" yelled Colin. It was early. He was tired, cranky, and lacking in patience.
"Can I look yet?" asked Rory. She and Joanna both still had their hands over their eyes.
"NO!" yelled Logan.
"Finn. Please. Cover yourself. Now," ordered Colin.
With a huff, Finn picked up the pillow that Logan tossed at him earlier and held it over his lower half. "Fine, I'm covered."
Joanna tentatively peaked out from behind her fingers. "Thanks for the lovely wake-up, Finn," she greeted dryly. "Both the auditory and the visual one."
"Anytime, Love," he said with a flirtatious wink that made her smile.
"Why do I get the feeling this won't be the last time you'll be pulling a full monty?"
"Because it probably won't be," informed Colin. "Finn here has a very liberal relationship with clothing, especially when alcohol is involved."
"And the getting into bed with Logan thing?" she teased.
"That one's new," answered Colin.
"It will never happen again," yelled Logan.
Joanna laughed before saying, "As entertaining as this little exercise in homophobia has been, I'm going back to bed. And if I get woken up again, there better be blood on the floor," she called over her shoulder as she headed for her own room down the hall.
"I could use a few more hours myself," said Finn eyeing the bed that Logan was still lying in.
"Don't even think about it," warned Logan.
"Colin?" asked Finn with sleepy eyes.
"Hell no," yelled the brunette. "I'm not letting your naked ass anywhere near me."
"How did all of you end up sleeping here anyway?" asked Rory. Her memory of the previous night was a bit hazy. She did recall Logan helping her up to her room and tucking her in. What he did after that, she had no idea. And how he ended up in this bedroom with a nearly naked Finn was an even bigger mystery.
The three boys reflected on her question and looked at each other in confusion. "I don't know," said Logan and Finn.
"These two were in no shape to go too far thanks to Mr. Cuervo, so we decided to just crash here. But I fell asleep long before they did. I have no idea how they ended up in the same bed," he informed the group. "Nor do I know or want to know why Finn is wearing Speedos."
Rory shook her head. It was too early and she was too exhausted to process any more information. "Colin, where did you sleep?"
"In Kevin's room."
"Where's Kevin?" she asked worried.
"He left with Lesley," answered Colin with a smirk.
"Nice," commented Finn.
"I thought he left with Lexie?" questioned Logan.
"Maybe he had an extra special birthday and left with Lesley and Lexie," added Finn.
"Well it was his twentieth birthday," said Colin. "So why not celebrate with a girl for each decade."
The three males laughed, but Rory found no humor in the implication. "That's disgusting," she declared, smacking Colin in the back of the head.
Colin quickly sobered up remembering that Rory was there and that she was Kevin's sister. "I'm going back to sleep," he said.
"Where am I going to sleep?" asked Finn adjusting the pillow that covered him.
"Walk back to Logan's and sleep there," said Colin. "And while you're at it, put on some clothes."
"But that's so far away," he whined. "I'm too tired. And I think I'm still a little drunk. I'll never make it."
"It's only six houses down the beach," Colin pointed out.
"But it's so early and the sun's out," Finn complained.
Eager to get back in her own bed for some much needed shut eye, Rory decided to put an end to the debate. "Colin, go back to Kevin's room. Finn, you sleep in here."
"What?" yelled Logan. He had no intention of sharing a bed with a naked Finn.
She smiled at him and added, "Logan, you can come sleep in my room."
His eyes perked up at that suggestion. "Works for me," he said swinging his legs out of bed and making his way over to her.
Colin cocked an eyebrow at the two. "Do you really think that's a good idea? Kevin's not gonna like it."
"Kevin's not here," she pointed out, "and we're all exhausted. So I don't know about you, but I'm going back to bed," she stated firmly. "Come on, Logan."
As the two headed out of the room and down the hall, Finn climbed under the covers and made himself comfortable.
"You're not going to try and stop them?" asked Colin surprised at Finn's lack of a reaction.
Finn merely shrugged. He and Logan had come to some sort of an agreement last night. His objections to their relationship were no longer as pronounced as they were initially. After what he'd witnessed on the patio, he knew Logan genuinely cared for her—maybe even loved her. And what more could he hope for in the guy Rory was dating. "What would be the point?"
Too exhausted to think of an answer, Colin just sighed.
"Besides I'm too tired," added Finn his eyes drifting shut. "And frankly so are they. They're just gonna sleep."
"I guess," said Colin. He was barely out the door before he heard Finn begin to snore. Colin then headed down the hall to Kevin's bedroom to get some much needed rest. As he climbed into the bed, he couldn't help but think about how much their lives had changed since Rory's return.
It was early afternoon before anyone regained full consciousness. Logan and Rory were up first.
"I'm starving," complained Rory.
Logan opened his eyes for the second time that day and was both pleased and relieved that this time, he awoke next to his beautiful girlfriend. "What time is it?" he asked.
"Almost two," she replied, "and time for me eat." As soon as these words left her lips, her stomach grumbled loudly confirming her previous statement.
Logan chuckled and gently ran his hand over her stomach. "Poor Ace."
"Logan," she pleaded, "I'm so hungry."
"All right, Ace." Logan sat up swung his legs over the side of the bed. "Let's get you fed. I know better than to let you go hungry."
"I want pancakes," she demanded.
"No problem."
"And French toast."
"Ok."
"With bacon."
"Anything else?" he asked chuckling.
"Lots and lots of coffee."
"Of course. Why don't you get dressed and I'll take you out to breakfast."
"Do I have time for a quick shower?"
"Sure. I need to run to my house to change anyway. I'll be back in…twenty minutes?"
"I'll be ready," she said grabbing a change of clothes out of her dresser and heading to her the bathroom.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" asked Logan.
Rory turned to face him. "What?" she wondered.
Logan pouted. "My good morning kiss," he stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Rory laughed, dropped the clothes in her hands and ran into his arms. "How could I forget," she whispered before firmly kissing his lips. "Good morning, baby."
Logan smiled down at her. "Good morning, Ace." He loved moments like these, simple, day-to-day instances when it felt like they were the only two people in the world. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her forehead. "You go take your shower, and I'll see if anyone else wants to come."
She kissed him lightly. "Ok, and don't worry I promise to be ready in exactly twenty minutes."
"Is that regular people's twenty minutes or are we using Lorelai time?"
"I resent that," she said in a haughty tone. "We Lorelai's have an excellent concept of time."
"I agree. You're always late, but at least your lateness is consistent," he teased.
"Hey," she objected. "You be nice to me."
"I'm always nice to you," he insisted. "And lucky for you, I've mastered your timing. Whatever time you say, I add fifteen minutes."
"But I'm really, really hungry. I promise I'll be ready in twenty minutes."
"I'm sure you mean that, Ace," he continued in a mocking tone.
"You don't think I can be ready in twenty minutes?"
"I think you can do anything you set your mind to," he answered choosing his words very carefully.
"Does that include being ready to go in twenty minutes?"
"Sure," he answered through clenched teeth.
"Oh my God! I'm insulted. You don't think I can do it. "
"I didn't say that."
"But that's what you think."
His only response was a smirk.
"All right mister," she said grabbing his wrist and checking the time. "How much do you want to bet that I can be downstairs, showered, dressed and ready to leave in exactly twenty minutes?"
"I don't want your money, Ace."
"Who said anything about money?" she asked in a husky tone.
Logan's interest was peaked immediately. "What exactly did you have in mind?"
She thought for a moment and then said, "If I'm not down there in twenty minutes, I promise that when we get back, we'll go down to the beach, just you and me, and I'll wear that baby blue bikini you bought me."
The bikini in question was far skimpier than any bathing suit that Rory owned. In fact, it was little more than string. Logan bought it as more of a joke than anything else. He'd hoped, but never expected her to actually wear it. "Ok, Ace. You got yourself a bet."
She couldn't help but giggle at his eagerness. "Don't you want to know what I get if I win?"
"I don't care," he said smirking. "For a chance to see you in that bikini, I'll accept whatever terms you want. You don't even have to tell me right now. I'll take this bet on pure faith…no questions asked."
This time she laughed out loud. "You really want to see me in that bikini don't you?"
"You have no idea."
"I think I do. You're willing to put your life in my hands, agreeing to a bet when you don't even know my terms."
"I trust you, Ace. I'm sure whatever your terms are, they'll be fair."
"What if I demand the keys to that pretty car of yours?"
"My Porsche? It's yours," he said simply.
"Really? Just like that? You'd give me your car?"
"Whatever you want, Ace," he answered sincerely. He loved that car, but at that moment, it seemed like a small price to pay for a glimpse of Rory in that swimsuit. "So can I start the clock yet?"
Rory quickly gathered the clothes she'd dropped earlier and ran to the bathroom. "GO!"
Nineteen minutes later, Logan was fresh out of the shower, in clean clothes and waiting patiently in the foyer of the Gilmore's beach front home. "One minute warning, Ace," he yelled.
The only answer he received was a muffled cry that he couldn't make out.
Logan continued to wait. He was well aware that Rory, even on her best day, would never make that deadline. It's why he was so quick to take the bet. "Thirty seconds, Ace."
"I'm almost ready," she screamed frantically.
"Twenty seconds."
"Stop trying to distract me!" she called from her room.
"Fifteen seconds"
"Shut-up!"
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five four, three, two one. Time's up." There was still no sign of her.
"I'm almost ready," she insisted.
"Almost isn't good enough," he yelled. "I win!"
"Wait! Wait!" Suddenly, Rory came running down the stairs wearing nothing but a towel. "I'm almost ready, Logan. I just need another minute."
He looked her up and down and although he appreciated her state of current undress, he looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Almost ready? Ace, you're wearing a towel. And as hot as you look in that towel, I don't think that counts as almost ready."
"But I've showered, and picked out what I'm going to wear. At this point, it's only a matter of putting the clothes on."
"Yes, but the point is, you have yet to put the clothes on. And according to the terms of our bet, you were to be showered, dressed and ready to leave in exactly twenty minutes. You're showered, but clearly, you are neither dressed nor ready to go, so I win."
Rory pouted. She hated to lose.
"Put that lip away," he said playfully. "Now go upstairs and finish getting ready so we can leave. I know you're starving. And I'm getting pretty hungry myself."
"Ok," she said sadly.
"No pouting, Ace. Hurry up so I can buy you the biggest cup of coffee in all of Martha's Vineyard."
He knew that comment would bring a smile to her face and it did. She climbed the stairs, got dressed and just as Logan predicted, was ready to leave exactly fifteen minutes later than she anticipated.
"How did you get ready so fast?" she wondered as they climbed into the silver Porsche that sadly, would not be hers after all. "And you went all the way to your house and back?"
"Yup."
"How is that possible?"
"I don't operate on Lorelai time," he said smugly earning him a glare from his girlfriend.
"No one else wanted to come eat with us?"
"Colin threw a pillow at me. I didn't even try to wake Finn. And I believe Joanna's exact words were 'Sod off.'"
Rory laughed at Logan's failed attempt at a British accent. "So it's just you and me?"
"Just you and me," he answered with a broad smile as he backed out of the driveway.
Rory settled into her seat and placed a hand on his thigh. "Just you and me. Perfect."
An hour later, Finn, Colin, and Joanna were finally out of bed and sitting at the kitchen table eating what could either be a late lunch or and early dinner.
"I can't believe how late we slept," said Joanna. She poured coffee for the three of them and claimed a bagel.
"Late?" wondered Finn. "The sun's still out. It's early."
Colin rolled his eyes and added, "3:15 isn't that bad considering last night was Kevin's birthday. For Finn's eighteenth birthday party, I think we stayed awake for more than seventy-two hours and then slept for forty-eight hours straight."
"Ah yes, that was a memorable birthday," recalled Finn. "So many lovely ladies. I was quite the happy birthday boy."
"Speaking of birthday boys, should we be at all concerned that Kevin's not back yet?" asked Joanna before taking a sip of coffee.
"Nah…I'm sure he's fine," said Colin calmly.
"I'm sure he's way more than fine," added Finn his voice dripping with innuendo. "But don't you think we should wake the lovebirds before he gets back."
"They're not here," Colin informed him. "They went out for breakfast about an hour ago."
"Who did?" asked Kevin. He walked into the kitchen looking ruffled and exhausted, but very please with himself.
"Well, well, well, look whose back," greeted Colin. "And how was your evening?"
"Lovely," he answered with a smirk. "Just lovely." Taking a seat next to Joanna he poured himself some coffee and reached for a Danish.
"I'll bet," said Finn with a smirk of his own. "Well come on, Mate, give us some details."
Joanna rolled her eyes and cleared her throat reminding the three of them of her presence.
"Maybe later," replied Kevin. He had no intention of regaling his friends with the dirty details of his night while Joanna was within earshot. Excessive drinking may have caused him to make an idiot of himself last night, but he was fairly certain the situation was still salvageable. Given enough time, he was sure he still had a chance with her. "I'm starving."
"He's hungry," teased Colin. "That's an excellent sign. It means lots of energy was burned off last night."
Everyone, including Joanna, laughed at that comment.
"I'm not saying a word," declared Kevin before grabbing a bagel and another Danish. "Finn, are those my clothes?"
"Yes, I had to borrow them. During the course of last night's festivities, I seemed to have misplaced mine."
Kevin was not at all surprised that Finn had wound up naked. Frankly, he would have been more surprised if he didn't end up naked. "What exactly did you borrow?" he questioned in a somewhat disgusted tone.
"Don't worry, Mate, I didn't borrow your underwear," answered Finn. "Just the pants and the shirt, and not to worry, I promise I'll return them."
"Finn, please tell me you're wearing underwear," he begged. Oddly enough this wasn't the first time he'd made this particular request.
Finn merely shrugged.
"Oh gross," muttered Kevin. "You can keep those pants."
"Really?"
"I don't want them back."
The conversation was interrupted by a high pitched ring.
"Make it stop!" demanded Finn covering his ears.
Joanna rolled her eyes at his antics and reached into her purse to answer her phone. Eager to put an end to the ringing that seemed to be causing Finn so much pain, she answered the call without checking to see who it was. "Hello?"
"Joanna?" asked a familiar voice.
"Tristan?" she asked surprised. Suddenly, three pairs of curious eyes were on her.
"Yeah, it's me. How are you?"
"Fine," she answered, though she was clearly flustered.
"I heard you're in town visiting Rory."
"You heard right." She could feel the three boys glaring at her and she grew increasingly uncomfortable.
Tristan must have sensed this because he suddenly asked her, "Are you ok?"
"Now's not really a good time."
"I just need to talk to you for a minute…please."
"Tris…"
"Please, Jo. Please."
The desperation in his voice was unmistakable. Sighing, she excused herself from the table and ran up to her room.
"Tristan? She's talking to Tristan?" Kevin's good mood dissolved immediately.
"Calm down, Kev," said Colin.
"Why is she talking to Tristan?" demanded Kevin.
"I don't know," answered Colin.
"Maybe it's a different Tristan," offered Finn.
"Doubt it," snapped Kevin. He pounded his fist against the table. "Why the hell is she talking to him?"
"Kevin," said Colin in a loud voice. "Calm down and please, put that knife down. You're scaring me."
Kevin was in the middle of slicing his bagel in half when Joanna answered her phone. The large bread knife was still in his hand.
Taking a deep breath, Kevin put the knife down and got out of his seat. He paced back and forth across the kitchen eager to work off some of the nervous energy he was suddenly filled with.
"It didn't look like she was expecting his call," pointed out Colin. "I mean she sounded surprised when she realized it was him."
"Yeah," agreed Kevin, "but she still took the call. Why would she even take the call? And she left the room. Why would she leave the room?"
"Breathe, Kevin," ordered Colin. "I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation for all this. And we'll just ask her when she gets back."
"No," he answered in a huff, "I'm going to find out right now." Kevin ran up the stairs in search of their British house guest. One way or another, he was going to get to the bottom of this.
Joanna quickly wrapped her call when Kevin began pounding on her door. She knew she would be peppered with questions, and while she couldn't blame him for being curious, or even a little angry, she knew she did nothing wrong—and as such, she didn't deserve to be bullied. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door ready to face the firing squad.
"Why is he calling you?" demanded Kevin as he brushed past her unceremoniously entering her room.
"First of all, watch your tone," she told him. "There's no need to shout at me."
Kevin glared at her.
"Second of all, this really isn't any of your business," she pointed out. Kevin began to object to that statement, but she cut them off. "However, since you seem so worked up about it, I'll tell you." This appeared to calm him a bit. "But you have to agree to shut up and let me get this out ok?"
Silence.
"Ok?"
He nodded and muttered an agreement.
"Yes, that was Tristan. And before you give me shit about talking to him, I would like to point out that he called me, which was as much a surprise to me as it was to you."
He conceded that point.
"I know Rory told you about the night she and Tristan broke up," she began. "And before we get started, I would like to state for the record that I'm totally on Rory's side on this. Believe me, I think the way Tristan ended things was both disgusting and disturbing and I've told him exactly how I felt. That being said, I've know Tristan for as long as I've known Rory. They were friends long before they started dating, which means he and I were friends too. And as angry as I was at him for what he did, as angry as I still am, Tristan is not the monster you think his is. That one bad act aside, he's actually a pretty decent guy. He was a really good friend to me and to Rory for years. Like I said, the break up was…awful, but you have to understand how strained their relationship was in the weeks building up to that night…not that in any way makes up for how he broke it off, but it helps explain his side."
Joanna studied his face and decided to just start from the beginning. "Rory met Tristan on the first day of her first year. They got paired for a literature class project and trust me, sparks were flying from day one. Their assignment was to act out a scene from Romeo and Juliet. They drew the balcony scene which meant they would have to kiss in front of the whole class. Well, Rory was all bent out of shape about the whole thing. She said it was unfair and that she didn't want to do that scene. I didn't know why until much later. It turns out, Rory had never kissed a guy before and she didn't want her first kiss to be staged." Joanna smiled, fondly remembering the early days of her friendship with Rory. "She'll kill me if she ever finds out I told you that." Shaking her head, she continued, "Well I'm not sure how, but Tristan figured out that was the reason she was so dead set against doing that scene. So, the night before their presentation, he shows up at her door with a bouquet of flowers and he takes her on the most perfect of first dates: a private picnic under the stars complete with candlelight, music, and an endless supply of coffee. Rory was completely blown away…and frankly so was I. Needless to say, Rory's first kiss wasn't staged or in front of an audience. It was the kind of kiss that every girl dreams about, under the stars with a beautiful boy who was completely enamored of her.
"They went out a couple more times after that, but then out of no where Rory broke it off. She told him she just wanted to be friends. At the time, I had no idea why she did that because it was so obvious she liked him. But she'd made up her mind and I think we both know that when Rory gets something in her head, there's no talking her out of it. Tristan was crushed. I mean really crushed. He pretended not to be, but I knew he was. He really, really liked her. You should have seen the way he used to look at her…like a poor lovesick puppy. It was sweet…and a little sad. Anyway, they danced around each other for the next few years. Flirting but never acting. Secretly hating whoever the other one was dating. That kind of thing. But they managed to stay friends. The summer before their fourth year, they finally got their acts together and started dating. For a while everything was perfect. They were so adorable, it was nauseating. Then Rory announced she was going to Yale. Everything changed after that."
"Why?" asked Kevin, although he kind of already knew the answer to that question. His mind began to fill in the holes in Joanna's story.
"You know why," she answered.
Kevin sighed.
"She made a list: Harvard vs. Yale," continued Joanna. "Everything was pretty even, but in the end Yale won. Surprisingly, Tristan's name didn't make the list. But guess whose name did."
"Logan," whispered Kevin.
"Yeah," she answered sadly.
Suddenly it dawned on him. "Tristan read her list," he stated matter-of-factly.
"A couple of days before the party," she confirmed. "I'm not sure how, but he found it and he was…devastated. His girlfriend, who he was completely in love with and who he'd waited three years for, had made a life altering decision based on a guy that wasn't him."
"Ouch."
"He showed up at my apartment, practically in tears, demanding I tell him everything I knew about Logan and what may or may not have been going on between him and Rory."
"What did you say?" asked Kevin.
"I told him he should be asking Rory."
"And?"
"I don't know if he did or didn't. The next thing I know, they're broken up. She wouldn't talk about it, except to say that it was because of sex…or lack of sex, but…"
"You don't believe that?" asked Kevin.
"I believe that it's what she believes…or wants to believe. And I know that's how Tristan made it seem. He was angry and he wanted to get back at her. He was going to break up with her and he wanted it to hurt. So he made sure it did. He admitted as much a few minutes ago."
"That's what he called to tell you?" asked Kevin disbelievingly.
"No. I mean he did tell me that, but that's not the reason he called."
"What then?"
"He wants to see Rory. To clear the air. To apologize. To somehow make things right. Apparently he's been completely miserable, not to mention riddled with guilt, the past few weeks. He just wants a chance to explain…to tell her his side."
"Do you believe him?"
"I have no reason not to. The saddest part is, despite everything, I think he's still in love with her."
Kevin sighed and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He couldn't believe that a part of him actually felt sorry for Tristan.
"What does he want from you?"
"He wants me to help convince Rory to see him. He understands her well enough to know that she won't talk to him until she's good and ready. That's why he hasn't really approached her. He knows it would be pointless. So he let her know he was here and now he's waiting for Rory to come to him."
"The gifts," thought Kevin. "That's why he's leaving gifts and notes instead of just showing up to talk to her. He knows that if confronted, Rory would probably freak out and run." Kevin sighed. "He does know her," he admitted. "What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," she admitted honestly. "I think I'm obligated to tell her that he called…and why he called."
The events of the past few days ran through Kevin's mind. The main reason they were even at Martha's Vineyard was to get Rory away from Tristan. Why ruin that now? At that moment, he made a decision. "Don't tell her anything."
"What?" asked Joanna genuinely surprised.
"Don't tell her anything," he repeated. "What will talking to Tristan accomplish at this point?"
"I don't know," she said sarcastically. "Maybe give them both some closure."
"Closure's overrated," declared Kevin. "Rory's with Logan now and she's happy."
"But don't you think…"
"No!" he interrupted. "I think she's better off not knowing. And I think you're better off minding your own business."
"Oh you mean like what you're doing?" she added dryly.
"She's with Logan now and she's happy. I don't see the point in drudging up the past."
"Here's a thought, why don't we let her decide."
"I know what's best for Rory. And I don't think you should tell her."
"Kevin…"
"No!" he shouted. "Tristan may have had his reasons for being an ass, but that doesn't make him any less of an ass. I don't want him anywhere near my sister and if you were really her friend, you'd want the same thing."
"I'm not going to lie to her," she said in a frustrated tone.
"No one's asking you to," he defended. "I just don't think you need to tell her that he called."
"How is that not lying?"
"It's what's best for Rory," he insisted completely ignoring her question.
Joanna shook her head. "I'm sorry. I have to tell her. I can't keep this from her. I won't."
Kevin saw the determination in her eyes and knew there was nothing he could do change her mind. "But I can stall for while," he thought. "Wait a few days," he said in an authoritative tone.
"What?"
"You want to tell her? Fine. I can't stop you. But wait until we get back to Hartford. Don't ruin this trip."
She knew he was trying to manipulate her. "Kevin…"
"It's only a few days. What's a few days going to do? Besides, Tristan's waiting for her in Hartford. If she does decide to talk to him, she can't do it until after we get back anyway," he pointed out.
"I don't…"
"And in the meantime, what's the point of spoiling our time here?"
He took a step toward her completely invading her personal space. "Come on, Joanna," he pleaded, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Let's just all have some fun for the next few days and deal with this mess when we get back."
Joanna saw the sincerity in his eyes and despite her best efforts, she caved. "I guess it can wait a few days."
"Ok," he said sighing with relief. At least now he had a few days to mull this over and formulate a new plan.
They shared an awkward silence neither one knowing what to say or do. Joanna looked at him and in a tentative voice asked, "Can I say something?"
"Sure," he answered.
"I know how close you and Rory are. I know how much she loves you and I can see how much you love her. And I know as her older brother, your DNA is programmed to protect her at all coasts, and I really admire you for that. But I don't think you give her enough credit."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean despite Rory's uncanny resemblance to a porcelain doll, she isn't made of glass. She's stronger than you think. And she can take care of herself."
"I know that," he insisted.
"Do you? Because sometimes you act as if she's going to break. You treat her like child."
"She's my little sister."
"I know, but in case you haven't noticed, she's not all that little anymore."
"She's still my little sister."
Joanna nodded.
The two had reached an impasse. By virtue of their relationships with Rory, they were never going to agree on what should be done. So for now, they silently agreed to a truce—at least for the duration of their time on Martha's Vineyard.
"Why don't we go downstairs and finish eating," she offered. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
He recognized her attempt to ease the tension between them. With a genuine smile, he answered, "Sounds good."
"And then afterwards, let's all go down the beach," she said, a peace offering of sorts. "I'm just dying to see what this side of the Atlantic is like." Joanna was making a conscious effort to lighten the mood.
"You packed a bikini I hope," he said in playful manner that sounded more like the Kevin she knew before their little tiff.
"Of course," she replied mimicking his tone. "I don't think a girl should ever leave home without a bikini."
He laughed and followed her out of the room. "At least we agree on one thing."