I will not bore you with my excuses—school, job, life, family, holidays, etc. I would, however, like to apologize for making you wait. Happy New Year!!! I resolve to finish this story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 27 – The Irony of Being Shanghaied
Logan and Colin were trying not to laugh as they watched Kevin try on a blue shirt. At last count, this was the third blue shirt their friend had put on in the last ten minutes. More amusing was the fact that Kevin had made up his mind to wear blue—to match his eyes of course—only after having rejected a white, two greens, a black, four stripped shirts, and a plethora of printed t-shirts.
"What do you think of this one?" asked Kevin not noting the curious way his friends were looking at him.
Logan and Colin sobered their expressions, shrugged and gave generic, noncommittal responses.
"Looks good," muttered Colin, barely even looking at the shirt in question.
"Nice shirt," added Logan.
Finn, bored with the quartet's current activity or rather lack there of, had been digging through Kevin's thrown about belongings trying to find something to entertain him. Eyeing Kevin's outfit, he said, "It makes you look fat."
"What?" asked Kevin with a frown as he turned back to the mirror to examine his shirt.
Logan picked up the nearest handy object and tossed it at Finn's head. "Shut-up, Finn. He's kidding, Kev. Go with that one."
"Are you sure?" he asked still carefully studying his reflection to assure himself that there was absolutely no truth to Finn's comment.
"Yes," Logan told him with a roll of his eyes. Kevin's body probably had less than one percent of fat on it. "That's the shirt. It looks great." He nudged Colin with his foot.
"What? Oh…yeah, Kev," agreed Colin after reading the look on Logan's face. "That's a…really…nice shirt," he added weakly.
"When exactly did you all turn into a bunch of women?" questioned Finn. "A bunch not very attractive women I might add."
At that comment, Logan took the opportunity to pitch another object at Finn. "Shut it, Finn." He had to admit, Kevin was acting a little ridiculous. Helping each other pick out clothes was not a common occurrence for the guys, nor did Logan want it to be. However, Kevin Hayden being nervous about going out with a girl was not exactly common either. So in the spirit of friendship, Logan thought it best to placate Kevin's mood for now. After all, he had a lifetime to mock Kevin mercilessly for his chick-like behavior. And mock him he would—just not now.
"I will not shut it," declared Finn. "We've spent the last twenty minutes watching Kevin try on half of his closet. Who does that? We certainly don't. At least we never have before. And if this is going to become a regular group thing, count me out."
"This isn't going to become a regular thing is it?" asked Colin not liking that idea one bit. "No offense, Kevin, but this whole thing has been a little…"
"Girly? Annoying? Pathetic? Not to mention, boring?" supplied Finn.
"No one said you had to stay, Finn," snapped Kevin clearly insulted by the implications. "What are you even doing here?"
"I came by to see what we were doing tonight? I had no idea when I walked in here that we would be reenacting some bizarre Queer Eye episode," he yelled dramatically.
Logan and Colin both laughed at Finn's reference causing Kevin to send them a warning scowl.
"And seriously, Kevin, do you go through this every time you get ready to go out? My deepest sympathies on being his roommate, Logan," said Finn gesturing at the mess that was Kevin's bedroom. "Fortunately, I, unlike the rest of you, don't have to try so hard or worry so much about wardrobe choices. I look good in everything. I can't help it. And I'm sorry none of you were blessed with my looks and natural charisma, but I didn't think you had to go through all of this just to make yourself presentable to some girl." He surveyed the mess again. "Do you make this much of a mess before all your dates?"
Kevin sent Finn an annoyed glare as he dug through a drawer searching for a pair of socks. "This isn't my mess, Finn."
"Sure looks like your mess, mate."
"Rory made this mess yesterday," he explained. "She was looking for all the stuff Tristan left her and trashed my room in the process."
"Oh…well…but that still doesn't explain your behavior. Since when do you get this worked up about a date?"
"I'm not going on a date," said Kevin.
"What?" yelled Finn. "What do you mean you're not going on a date? Why else have you been boring the hell out of me with the mini fashion show? Where the hell are you going?"
"I'm having dinner," Kevin said blankly as he continued to get ready.
"With Joanna," added Logan with a sly smirk.
That seemed to get everyone's attention.
"Woah. Woah. Woah," interjected Colin. "You're going out with Joanna?"
"Not exac…"
"Why the hell didn't you say so, mate?" interrupted Finn who now seemed more interested than annoyed. He walked over to Kevin and gave him a congratulatory pat on the shoulder. "Now I understand. A date with a seriously hot British girl does call for extra…"
"It's not a date," interrupted Kevin.
"So you're not going out with Joanna tonight?" asked Colin.
"No, I am," clarified Kevin. "We're having dinner."
"Okay," began Colin. "You are having dinner with a girl…"
"A seriously hot girl," said Finn.
"Yes," confirmed Colin. "You, Kevin, are having dinner with a seriously hot girl, but it's not a date?"
"Yes."
Colin and Finn both frowned.
"I don't get it," said Finn.
"There's nothing to get." argued Kevin. "Joanna and I are going out to dinner…as friends." He nearly chocked on that last word.
Colin and Finn looked at Kevin and then at each other before bursting into laughter.
"What's so funny?" asked Kevin with a frown.
Colin managed to catch his breath first. "The thought of you going out with a girl…"
"A seriously hot girl," repeated Finn.
"Yes, you out with a seriously hot girl, who you like…"
"I don't li…" He stopped himself from finishing that sentence. The looks on the three faces staring back at him let Kevin know that they wouldn't have believed him no matter how vehemently he denied it. "All right so I like her. But that doesn't mean that I'm necessarily going to try anything."
This time Colin, Finn, and Logan all burst out laughing.
"What? You guys don't think I'm capable of just being friends with a girl?"
"No," they all said in unison.
"Well thanks a lot, guys. It's good to know my friends have so much faith in me." Kevin walked away from the group to grab a pair of shoes from his closet.
"It's not that we don't have faith you," argued Logan. "We just have every faith that you'll try something. I mean come on. You like Joanna. You've admitted as much. And the girl is…"
"Seriously hot," Finn repeated once more.
"Yeah," agreed Logan. "The girl is seriously hot. And you're taking her out. On top of that, you spent more time than usual getting ready and you expect us to believe that you're not going to try anything. Come on, Kev."
"There's a difference between thinking I'll try something and believing I'm incapable of not trying something," clarified Kevin. "Why would you think I was incapable?"
"Past precedence," offered Colin. "It's not like you have a lot of experience with self-control in that department or need I remind you of how you rang in your twentieth birthday?"
Kevin smirked at the memory. "Okay. Point taken. But I honestly believe that if I really wanted to, I could be just friends with a girl."
Finn opened his mouth to speak but was cut of by Kevin.
"Yes, Finn, no matter how seriously hot the girl is, I think I could do it."
"Because you really want to?" asked Colin skeptically.
"Yes."
"So you want to be just friends with Joanna?" asked Logan with a disbelieving smirk.
"Not exactly," admitted Kevin. "But I don't think it would be a good idea to be more than just friends with her so I'm…I'm not going to try anything."
"Yeah, you sound real convincing, Kev," mocked Colin not all believing Kevin would be keeping his hands to himself to night. Lord knows he wouldn't be if he were in Kevin's shoes.
"I'm serious. I'm not going to try anything," he insisted. "There are about a million different reasons why I shouldn't get involved with this girl. First of all, I have to continue being around her no matter how the night turns out."
"True."
"It's not like I can just blow her off afterward or ignore her. She is currently living in my house."
"Also true," agreed Colin.
"Besides she's Rory's best friend."
"Well Logan's one of your best friends and that didn't stop Rory," Colin pointed out earning him a slap in the head from Logan. "OW! That hurt!"
"Keep me and Rory out of this," said Logan sternly.
"All I'm saying is if you're not going to try anything, why bother taking her out in the first place? I mean what would be the point? Unless you're conducting some torturous experiment in self-control, why put yourself through that?"
Kevin didn't respond, but rather continued to get ready for his non-date. He sprayed on some cologne and checked out his reflection again to make sure his hair was perfect.
"Ah…now I get it," declared Finn as he watched Kevin perfect his look. "I see why you're so overly obsessed with your appearance tonight. You're not going to try anything, but you're not going to stop her should she decide to try something."
Kevin turned to face Finn and smirked.
"So this entire thing…trying on a hundred different shirts was just to ensure that the lovely British bird would find you so desirable that she's compelled to make the first move?"
Kevin's smirk turned into a smile.
"Because if Joanna made the first move, anything you did would only be reactionary," Colin pointed out. "You would only be responding to whatever she may initiate."
"I wouldn't want to be rude and not respond," said Kevin.
"And because Joanna was the initiator, it would release you from any and all guilt that may or may not arise down the line not only from her, but from Rory as well," added Colin with a thoughtful look.
Kevin's smile grew wider.
Colin stared wide eyed at Kevin who was still futzing with his hair. "That is…that is…"
"That is bloody brilliant," declared Finn. He threw himself down at Kevin's feet. "I bow to you, oh-great-one. I'm sorry for ever doubting you."
Kevin laughed and kicked Finn away. "Get away from me, Finn. I need to get going. Wouldn't want to keep Joanna waiting." He gave his reflection a final once over before heading out the door.
Logan, Colin and Finn waited a moment before following him out. Truth be told they were all a little curious about the evening's non-date and wanted to see how the two non-daters interacted with each other.
"You look pretty," commented Rory as she entered the bedroom Joanna was occupying during her stay.
Joanna had just finished applying her make-up when Rory arrived and turned away from her reflection to face her friend. "Thank you. You look lovely also," answered Joanna. "That dress is fantastic."
Rory, dressed for her date with Logan, looked down at the yellow dress she had on and smiled. "Thanks. Logan picked it out for me." Rory gave Joanna's outfit a thorough once over. "Your dress is…um…it's nice…but…"
"You don't think it's too much do you?" she asked slightly worried. She'd gone through eight different outfits before settling on the pretty, though very conservative, dress. In all honesty, she'd become more and more nervous as the time for her non-date approached. She wanted to look nice, but she didn't want to look 'date nice.'
"It's a little…well…it's not exactly you is it?"
Joanna turned back to check out her reflection. "No, not exactly, but I thought it would be the safe choice. You don't like it."
"It's…nice. It's just not you," repeated Rory. Joanna's choice in wardrobe was usually far more flattering. She somehow always managed to show off her curves while at the same time looking tasteful. The dress she had on, in addition to being baggy, covered almost every inch of her and was a tad on the frumpy side. "What about that grey dress?"
"Too short."
"The blue knee length dress?"
"Too tight."
Rory thought for a moment. "Oh! What about that dress we bought in that boutique at the Vineyard? The one with the bubble skirt?"
"It's strapless," Joanna reminded her. "Too much cleavage."
Rory walked over to the closet and looked over Joanna's clothes. She grabbed the grey mini-dress that Joanna had deemed too short and laid it on the bed.
"Rory, that dress is too short. I don't want to give your brother any ideas."
Rory ignored her and went back to the closet returning seconds later with a pair of black leggings. "Put these on. I'll be right back," ordered Rory as she dashed out of the room.
Joanna obeyed. She had to admit the grey mini-dress was definitely more her style, and pairing it with leggings toned it down just enough to make it suitable to wear on her non-date with Kevin.
Rory returned with a thick black belt in hand. "Here put this on."
Not only did the belt accent the outfit perfectly, it also matched the strappy black stilettos that Joanna wore on her perfectly pedicured feet. Adding the belt showed off her tiny waist and subtly drew attention to the curves of her torso. The outfit showed very little skin, but was trendy and sexy nonetheless. "I like it," said Joanna as she studied her reflection.
"I love it. It's definitely more you."
"Thanks, Rory."
"You're welcome."
"You do realize that this belt is now mine don't you?"
Rory laughed. "That's fair enough—especially since I have no intention of giving back those earrings you 'loaned' me last week."
Joanna laughed. "Well then…pleasure doing business with you." At that moment a knock sounded at the door. "Here we go. Wish me luck."
"Luck," Rory muttered.
She opened the door to reveal an impeccably dressed and perfectly groomed Kevin. Standing behind him were Logan, Colin and Finn. "Hi," he greeted with a small smile.
"Hi," replied Joanna mimicking his smile.
"Hi," said Logan who was gazing past Joanna at his beautiful girlfriend.
"Hi," answered Rory giving him a matching look of adoration.
"Hi," muttered Colin who felt slightly out of place.
"Hello, loves. Don't you both look smashing this evening," said Finn. He push passed the boys and wrapped an arm around each girl. "What do you say you two blow off these losers," he said nodding in the direction of Logan and Kevin, "and let me take you out instead? I can guarantee you'll have a better time with me."
Rory being very accustomed to Finn's personality took the offer with a stride, kissing his cheek and playfully saying, "Finn, you know I can't go out with you without any advanced notice. I need at least 24 hours to prepare myself mentally and physically before spending and evening out with you."
Finn seemed very pleased with her response, "I understand, love. It is rather unfair of me to expect you to be ready for a night of Finn without any warning. You can go off and play with Logan for tonight and I promise to let you know in advance next time."
"Thank you, Finn," replied Rory as she eagerly made her way over to Logan. She immediately took this hand and placed a light kiss on the corner of his mouth. "Ready?"
"Let's go," answered Logan as he happily pulled her away from the crowd.
"What about you, love?" Finn asked Joanna. "Want to ditch the boy scout and spend time with a real man?"
Joanna caught Kevin's eye and smirked finding amusement at both Finn's proposal and Kevin's obvious annoyance of said proposal. She then leaned toward Finn and proceeded to whisper something in his ear. As Finn listened, his expression went from smiling, to surprised, and then to downright shocked. In fact, by the time Joanna was finished whispering whatever it was that she was whispering, he definitely looked embarrassed, which for Finn, was something very, very new.
"Finn, are you blushing?" asked Colin.
"Uh…um…no," he insisted though his cheeks certainly had a touch of color on them. "I just…um…" He looked down at Joanna who was gazing up at him with a wicked grin. "I just…you know what, love, why don't you go ahead and…have fun with Kevin tonight."
"Are you sure, Finn?" she challenged.
Still looking slightly thrown off, Finn insisted. "Positive, love. Besides after all the time Kevin spent primping, it would be a shame if he didn't get to go out tonight."
"Well if you insist, Finn," she said still grinning. "Well, boy scout, you ready to go?"
Kevin nodded and sent Finn a questioning look before offering Joanna his arm and leading her out of the room. "What on earth did you say to him?" he questioned.
"To Finn?"
"Yes. I don't think I've ever seen Finn look quite so unnerved. And I know I've never seen him blush before. What did you say to him?"
Joanna's smile grew wider. "I merely described what I would expect from him if he were to take me out tonight."
"I'm intrigued," said Kevin wondering what she could have possibly said that would cause Finn of all people to blush. "Are you going to let me in on the secret?"
"I don't think so."
"Why not?"
"I don't know that you can handle it," she continued to tease him.
"Don't you think I have a right to know?" he asked matching her playful tone.
"Why would you have a right to know?"
"Because I'm the one taking you out tonight," he argued. "Shouldn't I know what your expectations are?"
"You know what my expectations are—a night out with an all American boy, doing all American things," she reminded him.
"Somehow I can't see that making Finn blush," said a very skeptical Kevin.
She laughed. "No it wouldn't. And in fact, it didn't. That's not what I whispered to him," she said purposefully remaining cryptic.
"I don't understand," said Kevin his brow furrowed.
Joanna laughed again. "What I expect from a night out with Finn is entirely different from what I expect from you."
"Why?"
"Because if Finn were to take me out, he would treat me like a date. But you and me going out tonight is definitely not a date," she said with a small and, if Kevin was not mistaken, challenging smile. "Right?"
It took him a moment to catch her meaning. "Umm…right," he replied. "Because this isn't a date."
"Right. Because you're not interested in me like that. Right?" she asked with a subtle glance at him.
There was no mistaking the challenging tone in her voice. "Right," replied Kevin with as much confidence as he could muster. They'd made it downstairs and out to his car, his newly washed and nearly pristine Porsche. After retrieving it from the impound lot earlier that day, he'd had his precious baby washed and waxed in preparation for his non-date. He politely opened the passenger door for her and Joanna made sure to give him an appreciative smile before climbing in.
Joanna let out a sigh as he closed the door behind her and watched him walk over to the driver's side. This was not how she'd planned for the evening to begin. Her plan was to keep the conversation friendly and light. However, despite her intentions the air between them was slightly charged. And she knew it was her fault. Against her better judgment and her best intentions, she was flirting with him.
Kevin made sure to take a few calming breaths before getting into the car with her. He'd already felt a bit out of sorts about the evening ahead and Joanna's demeanor certainly didn't help. He was getting mixed signals from all directions and he wasn't sure how to handle it. She looked absolutely amazing, yet her body language was very stand-offish. She was clearly flirting with him and at the same time, looking at him in such a way that was quite literally intimidating, as if she were daring him to flirt back. Kevin couldn't decide if he was more intrigued or annoyed. Determined not to let his nerves show, he met her eyes as he buckled his seatbelt and said, "You look beautiful, by the way."
Joanna tried not to smile, but the look in her eyes let Kevin know with little doubt how pleased she was at his compliment. "Thank you. You look nice too. Did you really spend a lot of time primping?" she asked reminding him of Finn's earlier comment.
Kevin made a mental note to throttle Finn, but played off her question with a shrug of indifference. "Hardly."
"I like your shirt," she commented noticing how nicely it brought out the blue in his eyes.
Kevin started the car and gave his outfit a subtle glance. "Thanks. It was the first thing I saw when I opened my closet," he lied, "so I just threw it on."
Joanna responded to that with only the slightest nod of her head. She felt more than a little stupid at the fact that she'd basically slaved over what to wear and he'd merely thrown on the first clean thing he could grab. Her stomach did an unfamiliar and very uncomfortable flutter. She took a deep breath of her own and silently stared out the window as Kevin drove away from the house.
Logan's hand crept stealthily and none-too-innocently up Rory's bare thigh as the two engaged in a rather heated make out session. Currently, they were seated in a secluded booth of a trendy little restaurant in downtown Hartford. Their server, not wanting to interrupt, had yet to greet them, even though they'd been seated for almost a half an hour.
"We should probably look at the menus at some point," said Rory in a breathy whisper as Logan's lips moved against her neck.
"Probably. At some point," he agreed before capturing her lips once more in an even more passionate kiss. Logan's hand was now fingering the lace of her panties. He pulled her closer until she was partially on his lap and continued to kiss her as if they weren't in a semi-crowded restaurant.
Rory could sense his growing desire pressed up against her leg. She shifted her body strategically against his earning a not so quiet groan from Logan. It was then that she broke the kiss and moved off his lap making sure to put some distance between their bodies. "I think we should stop before we end up giving everyone here something to talk about."
Logan, though missing the contact already, nodded in agreement knowing full well they had already given the restaurant's other patrons an eyeful. "Sorry about that, Ace," he said adjusting his now ruffled shirt. "I swear I'd only meant to give you one innocent kiss." He reached over, took her hand, and brought it to his lips. "But you just look so incredible tonight. I couldn't help myself."
Rory moved closer to him so that their shoulders were pressed against each others. "Don't apologize. It's not like I was complaining."
"No you definitely weren't," he whispered against her ear causing her to shiver. Logan smirked at her reaction and grazed his lips against her bare shoulder. "In fact, the way you moaned a few minutes ago almost made me…"
"Good evening," interrupted their server. The young man assigned to their table had been growing impatient waiting for them to come up for air. "My name is Shawn and I'll be your server this evening. Can I get you something to drink?"
Rory instantly blushed under his gaze knowing full well that this guy had more than likely been watching them the whole time. She found herself checking the length of the tablecloth and was relieved to see it was long enough to hide just how busy Logan's hands had been a few minutes ago. "I'll have an iced tea," she said demurely.
Logan noticed her blush and found her embarrassment all too adorable. The mixture of shy and sexy that was his girlfriend never ceased to amaze him. "I'll have the same," he told Shawn. Contrary to Rory, Logan did not show even the slightest bit of embarrassment.
"Excellent. Are you ready to order? Or would you like a few more minutes with the menu?"
Rory blushed a little more as she looked down at her untouched menu. Logan couldn't help but chuckle at this and put a confident and comforting arm around her. "Why don't you give us another minute, Shawn," he said casually dismissing him.
"Very good, sir. I'll be right back with your drinks," answered the server with a polite nod before walking away from their table.
"He was totally watching us the whole time," said Rory.
Logan laughed at Rory's very, very red face. "Can you blame the guy? I mean the way you were all over me," he teased hoping to distract her from her own embarrassment.
"Me? You started it and I wasn't the one with the wondering hands," she accused.
"Hey, I was just trying to keeping up with you, Ace," defended Logan. "You were the one that was half on top of me."
Rory's eyes went wide with astonishment. "You pulled me into your lap."
"That's not how I remember it," said Logan with a smirk knowing full well he had in fact pulled her into his lap.
"Well then you're remembering it wrong because that's how it happened."
"I don't think so, Ace. You were the one that couldn't keep her hands off me. I was just reacting. Look, here comes Shawn with our drinks. Maybe we should just ask him seeing as how he saw the whole thing," said Logan.
"Oh my gosh, Logan, don't you dare…"
"Here you are, folks," said Shawn placing their drinks down in front of them. "Are you ready to order?"
"Not quite," said a smiling Logan. "First I wanted to ask you…ow!" He looked over at a glaring Rory who at that moment, was digging her nails into his arm. Logan's face broke out into a wide grin at the look of near panic on her face. Turning his attention back to Shawn, he wore a mischievous smirk and said, "I wanted to ask you about your specials."
"Certainly, sir." Shawn spent a couple of minutes describing the evening specials. Logan listened attentively nodding every now and then. Rory, on the other hand, didn't hear a word he was saying. Logan ended up ordering for them both not daring to meet Rory's eyes until after Shawn walked away. Even without looking at her, he knew she was shooting daggers at him. His suspicions were confirmed when he finally glanced over at her.
"You're mean," she said with a pout. "I don't like you anymore."
Logan laughed and pulled her closer to him ignoring her half hearted attempts to pull away. "I wasn't going to say anything, Ace."
"You were to," she accused. "If I hadn't stopped you…"
"You mean when you tried to tear the flesh off my arm," he said pretending to sound hurt.
"I barely scratched you."
"You did more than scratch me. That hurt, Ace. I wouldn't be surprised if you left a scar," he said rubbing his supposedly pained forearm.
"Oh stop being a baby," she ordered, though she said it with a smile.
"I mean it. That hurt," he continued to kid. "And I'm surprised. You don't look like the type of girl that would be into the whole pain thing."
"Logan…"
"Normally, neither am I, but if you're really into it, I guess I could…"
"Logan," she warned playfully slapping his arm.
"Spanking too?" he asked with a wicked grin.
"Logan, I…"
"I must say, Ace, this is a side of you I never would have expected. I don't know if I can handle it."
Rory rolled her eyes at him. "Are you finished?" she asked with a glare.
Logan could tell by the look in her eyes that she was reaching her breaking point. He had enough experience teasing Rory to know there was a point where he needed to stop before she crossed the line from annoyed to angry. When she was close to that point, there was a subtle shift in the color of her eyes. Logan had learned to distinguish it years ago. He smiled to himself loving the fact that he knew that about her—that he was probably the only person in world that knew that about her. He doubted that anyone, even Rory herself, was aware, let alone able to recognize, that look in her eyes. He loved to tease Rory. He always had—even when they were kids. He loved how wound up she got. The way her eyes blazed and the way her face flushed with color. When they were kids, he found that look very amusing which is why he took every opportunity to tease and taunt her. Grown up Rory reacted exactly like her younger counterpart and he had to admit, he loved the look even more now. Angry definitely worked for her. He found himself wondering if he was attracted to her, albeit subconsciously, even back then. "All right, Ace. I'll stop."
Rory nodded in response, but continued to glare at him, which only made Logan laugh.
"I'm sorry," he whispered moving closer to her. "I just love the way you look when you get all riled up. I always have," he admitted before lightly brushing his lips over hers. Despite her attempts to remain unaffected, Logan felt the corners of Rory's lips turn upward. "And just for the record, Ace, you're welcome to dig your nails into any part of my anatomy whenever you want," he whispered seductively into her ear. That earned him a big smile and hot kiss. Rory slid into his lap and surrendered herself to that kiss. Logan's words seemed to fuel her passion as they were both reminded of how much their physical relationship would soon intensify. And before either of them knew it, Logan's hand was once again stealthily and none-too-innocently creeping up Rory's bare thigh.
At an entirely different restaurant, somewhere else in Hartford, another couple was having an equally good time. Joanna gripped the sides of her stomach in slight pain as she continued to laugh at Kevin's story. "Stop, please," she begged. "I can't take it. If I laugh anymore I swear I'm going to explode."
"But I haven't even gotten to the best part yet," Kevin informed her. "You will not believe how Finn got us out of that mess."
"I can't hear anymore," she pleaded still trying to control her laughter. "Besides I have a sneaking suspicion it involves him getting naked and I can't think about Finn being naked in that particular situation before our food comes."
"Good point," said Kevin.
The two of them laughed together. The tension between them was palpable at the beginning of the evening, especially during the long and nearly silent car ride. However, once they started talking, it slowly began to melt away and much to both of their surprise, they began having a very good time.
The rest of Logan and Rory's time in the restaurant was very enjoyable—at least for them. Shawn, on the other hand, was subjected to an evening of PDAs. He'd served them their courses in between their make out sessions pretending not to notice how busy their hands were underneath the table. Shawn even made a point to keep the tables with a direct view of them empty by not so subtly placing 'reserved' signs on them. The last thing he wanted to do was field any complaints about the very affectionate couple. Though Rory was too caught up in her boyfriend and her delicious meal to notice, Logan did. And while Rory was in the ladies room, he rewarded their server's discretion.
"Thank you very much," Logan said before sliding the signed check across the table. "Please tell the chef that lamb was perfect, one of the best I've ever had." Shawn picked up the slip of paper and quickly glanced down at it He had to do a double take to make sure he read the number on the credit card slip correctly. Even after looking at it for a third, fourth and fifth time, he was sure he was reading it wrong.
"Sir…" he began to question.
"We had a very good time," said Logan cutting him off and letting him know he had in fact read the number on the check correctly.
Shawn nodded. "Please come back and see us again, sir," said Shawn. And he meant it too. Despite how uncomfortable he'd been, he made more money that night than he had all week.
After leaving the restaurant, Rory and Logan stopped by the park for the outdoor concert. They sat under a tree and listened to three local bands play, laughing and joking between sets. At just before midnight, the two were outside the Hayden's front door sharing a very long goodnight kiss.
"I should go," Logan whispered against her lips.
"But you're not done kissing me yet," answered Rory before reattaching her lips to his.
He laughed. "I don't think I'll ever be done kissing you, Ace. But I told your dad I'd have you home early."
"I'm home," she pointed out, gesturing at her house.
He laughed again. "I'm pretty sure Christopher meant inside the house."
"Oh you want to come inside," she teased. "Why didn't you just say so?" she asked pulling him toward the front door.
"I can't tonight, Ace. I better go home."
Rory's face fell. "I just…I thought maybe you'd like to…um…it's just that we talked about it and I thought you'd…um…I mean you said you were planning…something…" She continued to ramble too embarrassed to say what had been on her mind all night.
"Ace, relax," he said in a comforting tone. Logan was well aware of how much their physical relationship had progressed. While technically they'd had 'the talk,' he hadn't planned on making tonight 'the night.' "I told you to let me take care of it."
"I know, but I just thought that…"
"Rory, stop." He took her face and held it in his hands. "I want to be with you more than anything. You know that don't you?"
She nodded, taking in the serious look in his eyes and noting the fact that he'd used her real name.
"I want it to be special. I don't want it to be rushed or in secret. I want us to be alone and away from...far away from any and all distractions and possible interruptions. I want us to take our time. I want to kiss you for hours before and I want you to fall asleep in my arms after. I want to make it perfect."
Rory let herself fall against him. His words literally made her knees go weak.
Logan held her close and smiled when he felt her nod her head. "So as much as I would love to stand here kissing you all night, and as much as I would love to sneak up to your room again, I'd better go home. I don't think it would be a good idea to tempt faith two nights in a row."
"But I like tempting faith. Didn't you have fun tempting faith with me last night?" she asked pressing her body against his.
Logan groaned being instantly reminded of their activities the previous night. "I love tempting faith with you, Ace. But tonight, I'm not so much concerned with tempting faith as I am with tempting my dad," he reminded her.
"Oh…right."
"Yeah," he said with a sad sigh as he thought about his most recent conversation/fight with Mitchum.
Rory could hear the dread in his voice. "I'm sorry, baby," she whispered before pulling him into a comforting hug.
He smiled and melted into her embrace. There was something so comforting about the way she called him baby. "It's not your fault my parents suck."
She continued to hold him. "Call me if you need me."
"I always need you," he whispered against her hair. He said it without thinking and it shocked them both to hear him say it out load. What's more, they both knew he meant it. He did need her, and not just in a physical way, but on so many levels. And she needed him, more than she ever thought possible. They stood there locked in that embrace, their silence saying more than a million words. Neither of them dared to speak, both afraid that breaking the silence would somehow break the spell of the moment. Logan kissed her once more, slowly and more lovingly than he ever had before. The short drive to his house was done in a daze as his mind filled with thoughts of her and the emotions she evoked.
Rory walked up to her room in a similar daze. Something happened in those last few minutes together. Something shifted between them and somehow she knew things would never be the same again.
The Hayden house was dark and quiet by the time Kevin and Joanna walked through the front door. During the course of the evening, the conversation had never ceased. Kevin couldn't remember the last time he had more fun that didn't include copious amounts of booze and/or sex. It was nearly three in the morning and to him it hardly seemed like they'd spent anytime together at all. The hours just seemed to fly by. He took her to a series of destinations after dinner, all of which, he explained, were necessary to get the full American experience. The locations ranged from an arcade to play a couple games of pinball; to a Chuck E. Cheese for a round of Whac-A-Mole and of course, ski ball; to a diner for milkshakes; and lastly to an old drive in movie theatre, where the two spent more time talking than watching the movie. Kevin was not even the slightest bit tired. He was only too happy to accept Joanna's offer to sneak into the kitchen for ice cream before they called it a night. Truth be told, Joanna didn't really want ice cream, but rather an excuse not to say goodnight.
"You know what the best part of tonight was?" she asked as Kevin pulled out four different pints of Ben & Jerry's. One thing was certain when living with Lorelai, and that was there would always be plenty of ice cream in the freezer.
"What was the best part?" he asked handing her a spoon
"When I kicked your ass at ski ball," she said with a smile happily digging into the Cherry Garcia.
Kevin returned her smile with a smug one of his own. "First of all, winning by ten points is hardly kicking my ass. And second, I was taking it easy it on you. I am after all a gentleman. And had I gone all out, I would have totally kicked your ass by way more than ten little points."
Joanna burst out laughing. "You are such a liar. You were sweating bullets toward the end. You were so not taking it easy on me. You brought your best game and lost. To a girl. A girl whose never played ski ball before. Admit it."
Kevin shook his head in denial. "You can go ahead and think that if it'll get you through the night, sweetheart, but I know the truth."
"You are so full of it," she said waving her spoon at him. "I know you. And gentleman or not, you hate to lose. And your ego is far too big to suffer any kind of loss."
Kevin grabbed her wrist and licked the ice cream off her spoon. He continued to hold her wrist as well as her gaze when he said, "Like I said, believe whatever you want to believe." His voice took on a deep, languid tone. "Just know that one of the first things I learned growing up was whenever engaged in any state of competition, it's always in your best interest to let the pretty girl win."
Joanna held his gaze not daring to look away. "What could you possibly have to gain by letting me win?"
Kevin pulled her wrist closer to him bringing their faces within an inch of each other and smiled smugly at her. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say that winning that game was the best part of the night?"
Joanna nodded her head feeling somewhat irritated that he'd very easily proved his point. "Touché."
Kevin smiled. He refused to let her have her spoon wielding hand back, preferring to keep it prisoner, and instead offered her ice cream off his spoon. Joanna, only somewhat reluctantly, let him feed her the Chunky Monkey all the while refusing to meet his eyes, too afraid at what she'd see in them if she did. "Now, if you're interested in seeing me in all my competitive American glory, just wait until the Fourth of July."
Joanna licked ice cream off her lips, a move that Kevin followed very attentively, before asking, "What happens on the Fourth of July?"
"We have a huge barbeque. My parent's Fourth of July bash is legendary. Lots of family and friends, tons of food and the annual tackle football game in the backyard. My team has never lost."
"American football?"
Kevin rolled his eyes. "Yes, of course American football. What else?"
"So you, all American Kevin, play American football on your big American holiday?"
"It will be the event that rounds out your whole American experience," he informed her.
"I'm sure it would have been," she said with a sad smile. "It's a shame I'll have to miss it."
"Miss it? Why would you miss it?"
"July 4th is the Wednesday after next. I fly back home on Saturday."
Kevin was taken aback. "This Saturday?"
"Yes."
"The Saturday coming up?"
"Yes."
"You're leaving?"
"Yes."
"For London?"
"It is where I live."
Kevin dropped her wrist and took a step back. He frowned not knowing what to make of the news he'd just received. "You're leaving?"
"I only meant to stay for a month," she reminded him.
"And next Saturday would have been a month," he said more to himself than to her. "You can't stay longer?"
She shook her head.
"Even just through the Fourth?" he asked making no attempt to hide how badly he wanted her to stay.
Joanna met his eyes and shook her head again. "I have…obligations back in London…that are waiting for me."
"Obligations?" he questioned, not liking her choice of words.
"Yes," she answered quietly.
"What sort of obligations?" he challenged.
"I have an internship at my father's company and I was planning on taking a summer seminar at University."
Kevin looked into her eyes, staring so intently that it almost scared her. "There's a guy," he accused.
Joanna was shocked. "What? No…"
He took another step back. "Don't lie to me," he argued raising his voice. "There's a guy."
"There's no guy."
"Yes, there is."
"No, there isn't."
"You're telling me, you're not dating anyone in London?"
"I don't have a boyfriend, Kevin."
He should have been relieved to hear that, but it only made him angrier. "That doesn't answer my question and you know it. Are you dating someone?"
"I don't have a boyfriend," she repeated. "But I do date, Kevin. I'm not denying that."
"So there is someone?" he asked sounding more hurt than he meant to.
Joanna saw the pain in his eyes and felt a pang of guilt go through her despite knowing she had absolutely nothing to feel sorry about. "I was seeing someone before I left. It wasn't serious or exclusive. We'd only been out twice."
"But you're going to continue to see him?"
"That has nothing to do with my leaving."
"Prove it. Stay another week."
"No. I can't."
"Yes, you can," he insisted grabbing her arm and pulling her toward him. "Stay another week, Joanna. Don't leave yet. Not when we're…" He didn't finish the sentence because he didn't know how to finish the sentence. "Stay."
She wanted to tell him she would stay, but Joanna knew she shouldn't. The fact that he wanted her to stay worried her as much as it warmed her. The fact that she actually wanted to stay, simply terrified her. She pulled herself out of his grasp. "It's late. I'm tired. I should go to bed."
Kevin didn't say or do anything to stop her. He watched her leave wondering how such a great night could have ended so badly. He put away the ice cream and wondered up to his room. He was so distracted by what had happened that he had completely changed into his pajamas before he even noticed how neat his room was. On his pillow was a series of multi-colored Post-Its spelling out the phrase 'I'm sorry' in Rory's handwriting. It made him laugh. Yet despite that, he went to bed with a mind full on unease.
The next morning, Kevin awoke from a night of restless sleep feeling frustrated, but determined to have a good day. He started by bringing Rory breakfast in bed, a peace offering of sorts. It wasn't anything fancy, just coffee and a bowl of cereal, but he did bring her the morning paper, which he knew she would appreciate. Kevin had let himself in her room much too early for her liking, but he came with an apology of his own and more importantly, a pot of coffee.
"It's so early," whined Rory, feeling more than a little relieved that Logan hadn't spent the night. "How are you awake? You got home later than I did."
"Couldn't sleep. Lot on my mind," he answered somewhat absentmindedly.
Rory heard something in his voice that made her sit up and pay attention. "Did you have fun last night?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
Rory quickly finished the contents of her mug and moved to sit closer to her brother. "Are you ok?"
At first he didn't answer and seemed to be lost in thought. When his eyes met hers, Kevin saw the concern on her face and smiled. "I'm fine, Ror. Just…just thinking about things."
"Oh…does it hurt?" she asked feigning a look of deep sympathy.
Kevin grabbed a pillow and bopped her over the head with it. "Smart ass."
She giggled and slapped him playfully on the shoulder. "Seriously though, Kevin, is everything all right? You seem…off."
"I just…I had a really good time last night."
Rory studied his expression before asking, "And that's bad because…?"
"It's not bad at all," insisted Kevin. "It's just that…I had so much fun."
"Joanna is a lot of fun."
"I know. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with a girl that didn't involve having se..." He bit his lip to keep from finishing his thought. "I guess…it just caught me off guard. The whole night I mean. I didn't expect to feel…" He paused again. "But she's leaving so…it doesn't matter."
"Kevin, are you saying that you…"
"It doesn't matter," he interrupted.
"But if you…"
"Rory," he cut her off again. "Let's just drop it ok. I…I…whatever it is I'm…it doesn't matter. Because she's leaving anyway and I can't…nothing's gonna happen so, let's just drop it."
Rory looked at her brother—her usually overly confident older brother—and couldn't believe what she saw: Vulnerability. "She likes you too, Kevin. I can tell she does. She's been trying to not like you, but she does."
"Yeah?"
Rory nodded feeling slightly guilty, as if she were betraying Joanna somehow. But Kevin was her brother after all and no matter what, her loyalty lay with him. At that moment she got a brief taste of how Kevin must have felt when she first got together with Logan. "Joanna likes to be in control of everything. I think you caught her off guard too."
Kevin chuckled find great pleasure in that revelation. He pulled Rory into a bear hug and gave her messy ponytail a playful tug. "I'm glad you came to your senses and apologized," he said in a teasing voice. "And you did a pretty decent job of cleaning up the mess in my room."
"I missed you too," Rory said earnestly. She knew Kevin well enough to know what he really meant by that comment.
Kevin chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Go back to sleep. You look tired."
"If you want to talk about…"
"I'll be fine, Ror," he interrupted.
"I know you will," she assured him. "But in case you do want to talk about it, I'm here."
Kevin nodded and left her room without another word. He headed back to the kitchen to prepare a second breakfast tray and then knocked tentatively on Joanna's door. To say she was surprised was a gross understatement.
"What are you doing here?"
"Can I come in?" he asked holding out the breakfast tray.
Joanna let him in and watched apprehensively as he set the tray down on her bed.
"Look, I'm sorry about last night," he began. "We were having so much fun and I ruined it."
"No, Kevin, I…"
"Let me finish," he said cutting her off. "I had no right to say what I said to you. You're free to date whomever you want. It's really none of my business. I don't know why I even…I mean it's just that I…look I'm sorry. I was out of line. I just…I had so much fun with you."
"I had fun with you too."
That made him smile. "And I've just gotten so used to having you here that I…well anyway, I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted. And for the record, Kevin, I am sorry to be leaving," she admitted taking a small step toward him. "Really sorry."
He took a small step toward her and grabbed her hand. They stood in silence for several long seconds as he began playing mindlessly with her fingers. "Well if we're speaking on the record, I would just like to say that for the record," he paused and took a breath, "last night was the best non-date I've ever had." He purposefully kept his eyes on their joined hands as he made that admission not having the nerve to look directly at her.
Joanna squeezed his hand and smiled. "Yeah. It was the best non-date I've ever had too."
Kevin nodded and wisely let go of her hand before he did something he couldn't take back. He started walking backwards toward the door only daring to meet her gaze when he was at a safe distance. "I'm just sorry I ruined it before I got to kiss you goodnight."
Joanna raised an eyebrow at him. "I wouldn't have let you kiss me goodnight," she declared.
Kevin laughed and flashed her a very, very smug smile. "Yeah you would have." She opened her mouth to object, but he cut her off before she could speak. "Enjoy your breakfast, Joanna," he said as he closed the door behind him.
Joanna wanted to chase after him and defend herself against the accusation. But she stayed right where she was because she knew he was right. She would have let him kiss her goodnight. And she knew she would have enjoyed it.
"Good morning," muttered Mitchum not bothering to glance up from his newspaper as he said it.
"Morning," replied a less than enthusiastic Logan. It was almost ten o'clock on a Monday morning and Logan did not at all expect his father to still be at home. Mitchum was normally at the office before the sun was even up.
"You got home late last night."
"I was at home at midnight," argued Logan as he reached for the coffee. Something told him he would need it that morning.
"12:23 to be exact."
"Are you having me followed?" he asked disbelievingly. It was an awful thought, but one he wouldn't put past his father.
"No, just checking the gate log." Mitchum folded his paper in half and refilled his own cup. "So what did you do last night?"
"None of your damn business."
Mitchum's eyebrow twitched, a sure sign that he was about to lose his patience. "I would advise you to watch your tone, Logan."
"And I would advise you to mind your own damn business, Dad."
Mitchum gulped down the contents of his coffee cup and resisted the urge to respond to Logan's last comment. He knew if he did it would result in a screaming match and frankly, that was not how he wanted to start the week. "I was on a conference call this morning with Ben from the New York office."
"Good for you," muttered Logan.
"We were discussing the applicants for this year's Junior Leadership Program."
That got Logan's attention. He put his coffee cup down and glared angrily at his father.
"Now I know you've been reluctant to participate in this program in the past, but…"
"Reluctant? I don't think that's the right word." The Huntzberger Junior Leadership Program was a mentorship program open to high school and college students interested in journalism. Mitchum had started the program several years ago and it had since grown into a very prestigious, not to mention highly competitive, program. Applications poured in from across the country and more recently, internationally. Less than thirty students were accepted every year.
"I think it would be good for you to do something productive this summer. The Junior Leadership Program is a wonderful opportunity… "
"To have a bunch of your employees, not to mention a bunch of future sycophants, kiss my ass while at the same time talk about me behind my back," interrupted Logan. "You think I want a bunch of people who don't even know me say things like the only reason I'm there is because you're my father? Or how I took the spot of a person who really deserved to be a 'Junior Leader'? You think that's how I want to spend two weeks of my summer vacation? No thanks, Dad."
Mitchum knew Logan's points were valid, and part of him sympathized with how Logan was feeling, but that didn't stop him from pressing the issue. "I don't want you wasting your summer away, Logan. Getting drunk with your friends and staying out all hours of the night…"
"I was home at midnight," yelled Logan.
"12:23," countered Mitchum. "My point is, it's time for you to start looking ahead, towards your future. To start taking things more seriously. You're going to be taking over the company one day and I'd…"
"Please, Dad," begged Logan. "It is way too early in the day to have this discussion."
Mitchum stood and for a moment Logan thought he may actually be dropping the subject. He was wrong. "The Junior Leadership Program is very important to me and like it or not, you will be actively involved this year. I suggest you not make any plans for those two weeks because you will be in New York participating in a program that thousands of students your age would kill to be in."
"So give it to one of them!" he yelled. "I do not want to go!"
"This is not a negotiation, Logan. I expect you in New York, on your best behavior and ready to learn. You will participate whether you like it or not. And you will not embarrass me, yourself, or this family in front of my colleagues." Mitchum checked his watch. "We'll discuss the details later tonight."
"But Dad…"
"No buts, Logan. I don't ask you for much, but…"
"You're right, Dad, you don't ask me for anything," argued Logan. "You order, or demand, or insist, or command, or manipulate, but never ask."
Mitchum stared at his son, not even bothering to refute the accusation. "I do what I have to do to get results, Logan." He looked at his watch again. "I have a meeting in an hour. I have to go."
"Why are you doing this to me?"
"Because its time for you to grow up." With that, Mitchum turned and walked away ignoring the pained look in Logan's eyes.
Logan knew that was only part of the reason. Mitchum had tried for years to get Logan involved in the Junior Leadership Program and for years, Logan had refused. Why now? Logan couldn't help but think that the fact that it would take him out of Hartford and away from Rory for two weeks was not far from his father's mind. But then again…
"Two weeks in New York," said Logan thinking out loud. New York was certainly far enough away from the distractions and interruptions of Hartford and their families. The Junior Leadership Program had a fairly busy schedule, but he was sure there would be ample opportunity to sneak off. A picnic followed by a carriage ride in Central Park would be the perfect way to start what would most definitely be a night to remember. "Two weeks in New York," he repeated this time with a smile. Now he just had to figure out a way to make sure Rory would be there too.
The next day Logan and Rory were lounging by the Hayden's pool enjoying a perfect summer day and attempting to drown out the noise Kevin, Colin, Finn, and Joanna were making during their splash war.
"That's never gonna work," argued Rory as she paced back and forth along the deck.
"Of course it'll work," said Logan. He watched her, somewhat amused, as she mentally ran over the details of his plan. She was so cute and the bikini she had on was definitely working for her. "You just have to do your part and then let the pieces fall into place."
"But what if…"
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. The two landed less than gracefully in a heap on one of the lounge chairs. "Ace, relax. It's my plan. It's brilliant and it's going to work. And when it does, you and I will be on our way to New York City. Away from all the noise of Hartford society." He gestured toward the raging splash war taking place in her pool. "Away from all the noise around here. Where we can be alone. Together. Free to do whatever we want. For two weeks. Two whole weeks. Just the two of us. Alone. Together," he repeated.
"That does sound nice," she admitted.
"And you can experience the famous Huntzberger Junior Leadership Program first hand," he reminded her.
"That's true," said Rory sounding very excited at that prospect.
Logan shook his head and laughed. The fact that the Junior Leadership Program was actually a selling point to Rory was pretty amusing. His girlfriend was definitely a very strange girl. "So you'll do it."
"Yeah. I just…"
"What is it?"
"It just feels wrong. This is totally something they would do and I don't want to…"
"You'll never be like them, Ace," he said sensing what she was getting at. "They lie, and cheat, and manipulate all the time to get what they want."
"How is that different from what we're doing?"
"We're just playing their game, Ace. And we're turning it against them."
"I guess," she muttered still sounding unconvinced.
"And we're doing it for a good cause. So we can be together. Really together," he reminded her, his voice holding a much deeper meaning.
Rory blushed and leaned in to give him a feather light kiss. "I guess."
"So, you're in?"
She nodded. "I'm in."
"Good," he said gently pushing her off of him and letting his hands appreciate her lovely exposed curves. "Because we have to move fast if we want to pull this off."
"Ok."
"So, my darling Ace, as much as I love you in this bathing suit, I'm going to have to insist you get upstairs and change into something Emily appropriate. Because it's off to the Club with you," she said patting her behind as he steered her toward her room.
"Rory, what a lovely surprise," gushed Emily.
"Hi, Grandma," answered Rory. "I don't think you've ever met my friend Joanna. Joanna, this is my grandmother, Emily Gilmore."
"It's lovely to meet you, Mrs. Gilmore," greeted Joanna with a slight bow and a perfect society smile.
"Likewise and please call me Emily. It's nice to finally meet you, Joanna. Rory's letters from school always included stories about you. I feel as if I already know you. Would you ladies like to join me for lunch?"
"I would love to, Grandma, but Joanna can't. She's meeting Kevin."
"Kevin's here? A double surprise. Where is he?"
"He is securing us a tee time," said Joanna. "We're going to play a round of golf, so I won't be able to join you for lunch, but thank you very much for the offer."
"Oh be careful playing with him," warned Emily. "My grandson is an excellent golfer and was born with the Gilmore competitive streak and the Hayden ego."
"I already warned her, but she insisted on playing against me anyway," said Kevin as he approached them.
"Hello, Kevin," beamed Emily. Although definitely the troublemaker of her two grandchildren, Kevin was Emily's favorite. She would never admit it, but something about the wild, unpredictable boy had always charmed her. And he was her first grandchild after all.
"Hey, Grams," he said before kissing her cheek. Only Kevin would dare to call Emily Gilmore 'Grams.' Rory always called her Grandma. She didn't dare to call her by any other name. It was the same with Francine, who, incidentally, Kevin playfully referred to as Granny Franny.
"You look a little thin, Kevin. Are you eating enough?" asked Emily as she critically eyed her grandson.
"Yes, Grams."
"Rory, is he eating enough?" she asked wanting a second opinion.
"I think so, Grandma," answered Rory resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Kevin ate more than anyone in the house—even more than Lorelai. His diet was healthier, which Lorelai disdainfully attributed to his Hayden genes, but his appetite was all Gilmore.
"Are you sure? He looks a little thin. Kevin, why don't you join us for lunch?"
"Next time, Grams, I promise. I need to teach this one a lesson," he said pointing at Joanna. "I made the mistake of letting her beat me at ski ball a couple of nights ago and she won't shut-up about it."
"You did not let me win," Joanna said matter-of-factly. "I beat you fair and square. And you will not be teaching me a lesson today."
"Joanna, I've been playing golf since I was eight and I learned to play on this course. And this time I will not be taking it easy on you so trust me, you will walk of the course a loser."
"We'll see," said Joanna a competitive spark very bright in her eyes. "You seem to forget that golf was invented on my side of the Atlantic and I've been playing since I was six. So even on your course and without my clubs, you, Kevin Hayden, will be the one walking off the course a loser."
Kevin's eyes flashed with excitement and his face broke out into a grin. "Bring it on."
"Let's go."
Kevin kissed Emily goodbye before leading Joanna out to the green.
"She seems like a nice girl," commented Emily.
"Joanna's the best. I'm going to miss having her around," Rory said sadly.
"When is she going back to England?"
"Saturday."
"Oh what a shame. But I'm sure she'll visit again."
Rory looked into the direction Kevin and Joanna had just walked toward and smiled. "Oh I'm sure she'll be back, but not anytime soon and…I'm just going to miss her," said Rory with an overly dramatic sigh.
"Come on, let's sit and have a nice lunch. It's been too long since we've done that just the two of us." Emily led her toward the Club's restaurant where they were seated immediately. "So, Rory, how was the Vineyard? Did you kids have a good time?"
"It was great, Grandma. Thank you so much for letting us stay at your house."
"Oh it was nothing. You're welcome to use the house whenever you like. Do you have any plans for the rest of the summer?"
"Nothing definite yet," answered Rory. "And now with Joanna leaving, I'm not sure what I'll do. I usually like to have more planned, but I wasn't expecting to be home this summer."
"Well there's plenty of time to make plans. And I must say, your grandfather and I are certainly happy you're finally home."
"I know. I am too. I just wish I knew I was going to be home this summer. There's so much I could've done," she said with a slight, and very calculated, pout.
"Like what?" wondered Emily not at all liking the distraught look in her granddaughter's eyes.
"Well, if I had known I was going to be home this summer, I would have applied for the Huntzberger Junior Leadership Program."
"You've always wanted to do that," recalled Emily. "I remember you chatting with Mitchum about that program when you were only ten years old."
"I know," said Rory her voice now taking on a whiny tone. "And now that I'm finally old enough, I can't, just because I didn't know I'd be here this summer."
"Well there's always next year," Emily tried to comfort her.
"I suppose," said Rory continuing to pout. "It's just not fair. I was the editor of my high school paper and I've spent the last three summers interning at the Huntzberger's office in London. I know it's a highly competitive program, but I think I would have had a good chance at getting in."
"Of course you would have," affirmed Emily. The very idea that Rory wouldn't get into a leadership program for students interested in journalism was preposterous. "You would have been a shoe in," she said in a haughty tone. "You're a wonderful writer. I'm sure you're much better than any of the other students applying."
Rory shrugged her shoulders. "Well if I had only managed to get an application in before the deadline last month, I would have known for sure."
"Trust me, Rory, you would have gotten in. Who's a better writer than you? You have the drive, and as you've said, you certainly have the experience. You've already worked at one of the Huntzberger's offices. Believe me, no one is more qualified than you," insisted Emily.
"And you know what the worst part is?"
"What?"
"Mitchum got Logan a spot in the program and he didn't even have to apply."
"Well Logan is his son and the future CEO of the company."
"I know, but Logan doesn't even want to go. Mitchum's making him. He thinks the program is stupid and probably won't pay attention anyway. The whole experience will be wasted on him, but he still sets to go."
Emily frowned not liking the situation one bit. No one was more suited to participate in this program than Rory—much more so than Logan. He was a smart boy, but he didn't have Rory's drive or her determination and Lord knows he didn't want this nearly as much as her granddaughter. "You're right, Rory. That isn't fair," declared Emily.
"But we can't do anything about it," said Rory in an overly frustrated voice.
"Who says we can't?"
"Grandma, the application deadline was a month ago. They're not going to accept anymore applicants."
"It's Mitchum's program," argued Emily. "If he can make an exception with Logan, he can certainly make an exception with you. And heaven knows you are far more qualified than Logan."
"Grandma," she said in a warning tone. Plan or no plan, she didn't like anyone insulting Logan.
"It's true. And had you applied, you would certainly have been accepted anyway. I'm sure of that. So we're just going to make sure you get to participate."
"How are we going to do that?" Rory asked innocently.
"I'll talk to Mitchum."
"Grandma, no!" she practically shouted putting on an excellent performance. "I can't ask Mitchum to…"
"And why not? No one disserves this more than you do and no one wants it more than you do. You're getting into that program Rory. I'll make sure you will."
"But, Grandma, I don't think its right to ask Mitchum to pull strings for me."
"He pulled them for Logan and he'll pull them for you."
"But, Grandma…"
"Not another word, Rory. You disserve this and I promise I'm going to see that you get what you disserve. Is that clear?" she asked authoritatively.
"Yes, Grandma," she said demurely trying to hide all traces of a smile.
The two enjoyed a light lunch after which Emily left in somewhat of a rush. With a very determined look in her eye, she set off to make the promise she'd made Rory a realty.
That evening Mitchum Huntzberger walked into his dining room after a long day at the office and was surprised to find Emily and Richard Gilmore along with Francine and Straub Hayden seated at the table. "This is a surprise," he said attempting to mask his annoyance.
"I left you a message on your cell phone, Mitchum," said Shira, "and with your assistant. I ran into Emily and Francine this afternoon and invited them over for dinner." Truth be told, Emily and Francine had double teamed her and given her very little option but to invite them over for dinner.
"It's a nice surprise," corrected Mitchum. "Richard, Straub, nice to see you both. I think we're due for a round of golf. I can't remember the last time we played."
"I can," said Richard. "It was about six weeks ago, and I believe I won."
"I'm pretty sure I won that day," insisted Straub.
"You're getting old, Straub. I won that day," said Richard goodheartedly.
"That's not how I remember it."
Richard laughed. "Then you're remembering it wrong because I'm certain I won that day."
Straub laughed and looked over at their host. "You were there, Mitchum, who won?"
Mitchum smirked and took a sip of the scotch the maid placed in front of him. "If I recall correctly, I believe Straub birdied the last whole and won by two strokes."
"Ah ha!" exclaimed Straub. "You see, Richard, Mitchum remembers it my way."
Richard rolled his eyes and said, "Well you know what they say, one wrong man can always find a friend."
Everyone at the table laughed.
"So, Mitchum, where's that boy of yours?" asked Straub.
"He's with your grandson and Colin and Finn," answered Shira. "I didn't think he would have too much fun with us so I excused him for the evening. He mentioned something about taking Rory and her friend from boarding school out to dinner."
"Joanna is her name," said Emily. "Beautiful girl. And apparently a very avid golfer. She played with Kevin this afternoon."
"You've met her?" asked Shira.
"Yes, Rory introduced us at the Club today before we had lunch," Emily answered. "Oh and they added sea bass to the lunch menu. You must try it, Shira. It's to die for."
"That does sound good. Doesn't that sound good, Mitchum?"
Mitchum hated fish, preferring red meat whenever possible. But he nodded politely nonetheless.
"Of course Rory had a steak," continued Emily. "I really must work on improving that girl's diet," she added thoughtfully.
Mitchum chuckled at that comment and was reminded of how much he liked the aspiring young journalist. "She's a growing girl, Emily. I don't think a steak every now and then will hurt her." He gave his wife a pointed look as he said that and eyed the salad in front of him.
Shira ignored him and continued to focus on Emily. "Oh you must be so trilled to have Rory home," she said not for an instant forgetting how intimately attached she may one day be to the couples sitting at the table.
"We are," said Francine. "She has grown into such a young lady."
"She is so beautiful," gushed Shira. "I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw her."
Mitchum gave his wife a warning look. He knew exactly what Shira was up to. The seed of a Rory Logan pairing had been planted in her head and she wanted to plant that same seed into the minds of Emily and Francine.
"She really has blossomed," agreed Emily. "And we are thrilled to have her back after all this time. I just wish Rory was more pleased."
"What do you mean?" asked Shira.
Mitchum got a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something was up.
"Well, you see Rory had planned on spending her summer traveling through Europe with one of her school friends, but at the last minute their plans fell through. And you know how Rory likes to plan. She is so organized."
"I know," said Shira. "I would give anything if either of my children were half as organized as Rory."
"Rory likes to be productive. She's not one to waste away an entire summer, but of course you know that, Mitchum, since she worked for your office in London the past three years."
The feeling in Mitchum's stomach got worse. "Yes, she was a great asset to the office. Everyone there had nothing but wonderful things to say about Rory."
"Well," continued Emily, "because her return to the States was so last minute she didn't have the chance to make any proper plans for the summer."
"Oh what a shame," said Shira with a look of great sympathy.
Mitchum's could feel his stomach turning.
"It is," agreed Emily. "And you know what's really awful? Had she known she was going to be home this summer, Rory would have applied for that leadership program at your company, Mitchum."
"So that's what she was angling toward," thought Mitchum. He raised an eyebrow in response.
"You know Rory's been interested in that program since she was a little girl. Shira, do you remember that Fourth of July party, Rory must have been about nine or ten, where she missed the fireworks because she was chatting up Elias and Mitchum about that program?"
Shira laughed. "I do remember that. Kevin and Logan were yelling at her to come outside, but she wouldn't leave Elias or Mitchum alone because she was trying to convince them to let her go that year. Oh she was the cutest little thing. And so smart."
"She was adorable. And still so smart. She is a little upset that she didn't get to apply this year."
"Oh she would have been perfect," commented Shira much to Mitchum's displeasure.
"I hear Logan's going to participate this year," said Francine in a dry voice that had just the hint of condescension in it.
"He is," offered Shira. "And we couldn't be happier that he finally agreed. It will be so good for him to go and experience it first hand," she added echoing what Mitchum had said rather heatedly the previous night.
"It is a shame Rory couldn't participate this year," said Emily with a sigh.
"Well why can't she?" Shira asked.
Mitchum stifled a groan. His wife could be so clueless sometimes. Emily Gilmore laid the trap and Shira walked right into it.
"Mitchum, couldn't you let Rory in too?" she asked her husband.
"What a marvelous idea," said Richard. "Rory would do so well in that program."
"No one is more qualified," added Francine.
"And had she applied, I'm sure she would have gotten in regardless," Straub pointed out.
"Of course she would have," agreed Shira.
Mitchum took a big gulp of his scotch. He took a minute to try and come up with a diplomatic way to refute their claims but could not find one—at least not one that wouldn't insult and/or alienate two of the most influential families in the country. And isn't that exactly what he was trying to avoid doing when he insisted Logan stay away from Rory? He was trapped and he knew it. Rory was more than qualified to participate in his Junior Leadership Program. She was perfect in fact. The recommendations alone from his London colleagues would have secured her a place in the program. Add to that her perfect grades, her mountain of extracurricular activities, and her truly extraordinary writing ability, Rory was one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive, student in the bunch. The fact that she was who she was, the granddaughter of Richard Gilmore and Straub Hayden, only made matters worse for Mitchum. There was no way he could not let her into the program now—especially after the little show her grandparents just put on. The irony of being Shanghaied in his own house was not lost on him.
"Of course we can make room for Rory," he said authoritatively, though somewhat begrudgingly. "She is exactly the type of student we're looking for."
Emily beamed. "How wonderful! I'm sure she'll be thrilled, although she may be a bit angry with me. She didn't want me to mention it to you at all."
"Really?" Mitchum wondered how much truth there was in that statement.
"She's had her heart set on it for years," clarified Emily, "but she wanted to get it on her own. You know how Rory feels about nepotism. She wants to feel like she earned it."
Mitchum nodded. That did sound like Rory. And hatching a scheme like this was definitely not something Rory would do. This little charade reeked of Emily with just a hint of Francine. "Trust me, Emily, I wouldn't be letting her in if she didn't disserve it. I know how bright she is and I know how hard she works. Nepotism or not, Rory deserves this and I'll be sure to let her know that. I want her to do well in this program," he said. And he meant it. His feelings aside Rory would be a great asset to the program. How he was going to manage to keep Logan away from her during those two weeks was something he would have to worry about later.
In a restaurant somewhere in Hartford, Logan held Rory close to him and held up a glass to her in a toast. "To New York."
Rory clinked their glasses together and smiled. "To New York."