A/N: Sorry this took so long, but I wanted to make it good….better ridiculously late then never…right?
Chapter 25: Drinking Down the Answer
Colin and Stephanie drove to the little building in silence. It was a beautiful sunny day and Stephanie looked out the window to see the angelic clouds drifting and slowly changing. The wind whipped through her golden locks but she did nothing to stop it. Usually she would have minded, since it messed up her hair, but today it felt so good that she didn't want it to stop. Colin glanced over at his best friend turned crush and couldn't help but smile. She looked so innocent and beautiful with her hair tangled from the breeze and her cheeks pink from the cold wind. He found himself falling more and more for this stunning girl as the days past. He couldn't help it. And the strangeness of that was he didn't trust people. After the divorce of his parents, he didn't trust them again. Of course there was Logan, Finn, and Rory; but there was just something about Stephanie that made him feel that he could tell her anything. And that was rare for him.
"We're here." Colin said happily as he parked in front of the shop. He opened the door for Stephanie and gave her his arm to help her out.
"Jordan's Brew. Huh, that's an interesting name." Stephanie commented, reading the sign.
"Yeah, I saw it a couple days ago. It looked cool, so I thought I would check it out."
They walked inside and looked around. It was very warm and friendly looking, almost reminding them of a diner and a tea shop combined. When the two came up to the front, the girl sat them down in the corner by the window. Stephanie could feel her heart thumping so fast but she didn't know why she was feeling that way. Come on, it was only Colin. She had known him for what seemed like forever. But yet for the past couple years; she had felt feelings for him other than sisterly affection. And the stronger the feelings got, the more confused and scarred she felt to be around him.
"So…" Colin started, looking over at the blond next to him.
"So…"
"The weather has been pretty cold lately."
"Yeah, which sucks cuz we don't have a heater for the outdoor pool at the mansion. It's so old that they never put one in" Stephanie agreed.
"Well, maybe we can use the indoor pool."
"Oh, I forgot about that one."
"Yep."
Then came the awkward pause. More like an awkward stand still. There was the occasional smile, and clearing of the throat, but no conversation could be made. Stephanie started to play with her fingers while Colin checked his phone every once and a while. They both felt like they were in an almost limbo type area. They were more than just friends, but definitely not dating.
"Hey Steph, would you excuse me for a sec?" Colin asked, getting up from his chair.
"Sure. Take your time." She smiled, looking up at him.
"Be right back."
"Kay."
Colin walked in the direction of the bathroom and Stephanie rested her head on her hand. She looked around at the other couples, wondering what they were talking about. Her eyes soon fell upon a familiar brunette and a man talking very familiarly. She saw the brunette move closer to the guy and the guy start to laugh. Isn't that Rory?" She thought to herself. Curiosity took over, and she continued to watch the two. The girl looked frustrated at the guy, but the guy didn't seem fazed by it. It IS Rory. She confirmed. After that, the guy leaned over so he was just inches away from the girls face and then all of a sudden, kissed her on the lips.
"What the hell?" a voice said. Stephanie looked up to see Colin staring in the same direction as she was, fuming.
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"Jess!" Rory hissed, pushing her ex away from her.
"Rory…" Jess started.
"What the hell was that? I have a boyfriend."
"Look…"
"…which I happen to be in love with, by the way."
"I'm sorry, Rory. I didn't mean to, I mean I shouldn't have done that."
"Why did you?" She asked, sounding immensely irritated.
"I don't know, I guess I'm not over you." He sighed, looking down at the table.
"Jess…"
"I shouldn't have let my emotions get the better of me. I'm sorry, Ror. It won't happen again."
"Jess, I'm not sure I can, I mean, I don't know if I can take that for an answer." Rory said, somewhat lost for words. "I think we shouldn't see each other anymore."
"What? Oh come on Rory, cant we just forget this whole thing?"
"I don't know. I…I…I need to think about it." Rory said, getting up from the table.
"At least let me drive you home."
"That's ok Jess; I think I rather take a cab. I'll talk to you….later." Rory said, getting her purse and starting to leave.
"Rory." Jess called and Rory turned." You forgot your phone."
"Thanks." She said taking the phone and giving him a courtesy smile before exiting.
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I can't believe that Girl sometimes." Colin yelled, storming to his car.
"Colin, maybe its not what it looks like. I mean we didn't even get to stay and hear Rory's side of the story." Stephanie pointed out. When she caught up to him, she leaned against the black SUV. Meanwhile, Colin started to pace back and forth the semi empty parking lot.
"When they kissed, that was enough for me. I don't want to see that trash kissing my best friend's girlfriend.
"Rory's your best friend too, you know."
"I know, but Logan. It's not fair to him."
"Yeah, your right. Why is Rory hanging around that guy anyway?" Stephanie asked, glancing back at the coffee house.
I have no freaking clue. But I know one thing. She won't be any more."
"You not going to tell Logan, are you?"
Colin stopped his pacing, and looked over at is child hood friend. "No, it's really none of my business. But I think Rory should."
"Yeah me too."
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Frank arrived and parked next to an anxious Rory. When she saw him, she ran up to the car and he helped her in. She was so frazzled and confused. She really didn't know what to do.
"Thanks for picking me up on such short notice, Frank. You're awesome." Rory told the chaffier as he started up the limousine.
She lay down on the couch and buried her head in the pillow. It smelled like Logan. Her heart dropped as she thought about Logan finding out. She was so mad at Jess she thought that she was going to scream. Why did he have to kiss her? Now everything was more difficult. Why couldn't he just go kiss a fruit or something? Damn that boy. Because of him she felt that she was cheating on Logan. Poor Logan. He didn't do anything. But if she told Logan, she would never get to talk to Jess again, and she liked hanging out with him. She felt like the downright worst person the entire world. Absolutely rotten.
When Frank dropped her back at the mansion, Colin and Stephanie were already almost at the door. Rory quickly said goodbye to the chaffier and ran to the house to meet up with her friends.
"Hey Guys." Rory greeted, looking at Stephanie and Colin.
"Well, you're very Chipper today. Did something happen?" Colin said a little callously.
"What are you taking about, Col?" Rory asked, confused.
"Ror, we know about you and Jess." Stephanie said quietly.
"What exactly do you guys know?" Rory questioned with a hint of horror on her face.
"That you two were freaking making out in the middle of the coffee shop!" Colin yelled.
"Colin, shh!" Stephanie whispered.
"Look, it's not what you think. Like at all."
"Oh really? Then please tell us. What the hell was that?"
"Jess tried to kiss me. Apparently he still has feelings for me. But I pushed him away as soon as he did."
"I didn't see that. All I saw were you two locking lips."
"Colin, you left in such a rush that you probably didn't see that. I believe Rory. God Colin, she just told Logan that she loved him for goodness sakes." Stephanie told him.
"Thanks Steph." Rory murmured, giving her friend a weak smile.
"Even if all that's true, what are you going to do? Are you going to tell Logan?"
"Um I don't really know." Rory said biting her lip.
"Oh Come on, Rory!"
"God Colin, Stop being such an ass!"
"He's my best friend. He deserves to know!"
"What about me? I'm your best friend too!"
"Sometimes I really don't think so."
Rory looked up at him with tears in her eyes and ran towards the house.
"Shit. I didn't mean to say that." Colin sighed, running a hand through his hair.
I'm gunna go find her. You stay here and try to calm down. You can't fight Logan's battles for him. This is between Rory and him. You've seriously got to learn to stay out of it." Stephanie said, kissing him on the cheek and then going after Rory.
Rory ran into the house in tears. She slammed the door and walked over to the stairs. After that, she sat down and immediately started to cry. She sobbed and sobbed, tears raining down her cheeks wetting her shirt. She didn't know why she was so upset over what Colin had said, but it really got to her. She knew that her crying didn't all have to do with him yelling at her; it had to do with Jess also. But what really got to her was that she didn't have a plan. Rory Gilmore was all about plans. She made lists everyday and hated to do things spontaneously. She was all about order. And the fact that she had no idea what to do frightened her.
"Rory?" Stephanie called as she came through the front door. "God Rory, I'm so sorry. Colin didn't mean it."
She looked up at Stephanie, her tear stained face exposed. "I don't know what to do." She choked, drops still rolling down her features.
"Oh Ror." Stephanie whispered, walking over to her and giving her a hug. "Don't cry Hon, we'll figure this out."
"I hope so."
"You know what you need?" Stephanie asked, looking straight into her cerulean eyes. "You need a drink."
Rory looked over to her and the started laughing. "God, I don't want to sound like Finn, but that sounds bloody wonderful right now."
"That impersonation wasn't half bad." She laughed.
"Thanks."
"But how about you go freshen up, and then you can go out for drinks."
"By myself.? That's pretty pathetic."
"No of course not. Go get ready, meet me in the ballroom and we'll go."
"Thanks Steph. You're a good friend." Rory smiled walking up the stairs towards her room.
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At about four thirty in the afternoon, Rory was walking down the wooden stairs ready to get drunk. She still felt awful, but she was trying not to think about it. She had even decided to get really dressed up, since she was feeling terrible. She was wearing a little black dress, pearls, and big sunglasses. She felt like the modern version of Audrey Hepburn. Sure her dress was a little shorter then she usually wears, but she felt like not being herself for a night.
When she got down the stairs, she walked over to the ever so familiar ballroom, her heals clip clopping with every step. After she entered, she realized that she shouldn't have. The LDB was again standing in a big group apparently waiting for her arrival.
"Oh Steph." She sighed as she came up closer to the long white table. The four descendants were like before, waiting for her to take her rightful place.
"Rory Gilmore." Finn chirped and the room got silent.
"Present and accounted for." She groaned. This was possibly the worst timing imaginable for the stressed out Gilmore. She really didn't feel like taking on another challenge when she hadn't figured out the Jess one first.
"Rory luv, your next challenge awaits you." Finn called out, grinning madly. "It is FINALLY the Rothschild challenge and it starts in about one minute. Here you go."
Finn handed her the white envelope and went back to the table.
"Thanks Finn." Rory smiled, opening the letter.
Rory:
Go to the Down Under Pub
(Finn knows the directions)
- Order the founder, Martin Rothschild's, favorite drink.
- Finish the drink and you will find a clue to your test.
Good Luck,
The LDB
"You know what; I think I'm starting to like this task after all." Rory laughed, looking over at Stephanie. For a split second though, her eyes met with Logan's and her stomach did a flip flop. All he needed to do was smile and it made her feel all mushy inside.
"Me too, luv. Me too." Finn agreed, grabbing Rory's hand and leading her out of the ballroom.
"Oh, Bye everyone." Rory said looking over at her boyfriend before Finn closed the door.
Finn led her out side and to his Black SUV. He helped her in before going to his side and starting up the car. He then got on to the road in the direction of one of his favorite pubs.
"So isn't it kinda early to go for drinks? It is only four forty-five." Rory asked, looking at the aussie.
"It's never too early to go for drinks, luv. But I have a feeling that isn't what you want me to tell you. We're going this early because your task is a little harder than you may think."
"Really? How so?"
"Well, for starters do you even know what Martin Rothschild's favorite drink is?"
"Um…now that you mention it, no."
"And how do you plan on finding out? It's not like there's a book somewhere telling you what it is and you're sure as hell not going to try every single drink they can make."
"It does sound rather difficult, now that I think about it."
"I thought so, that's why I wanted to go early. Well, and also to beat the lines."
"How thoughtful of you, Finn." Rory laughed.
"I know, but hey that's me. I am not just bloody adorable, but thoughtful as hell." Finn smirked.
"I'm glad you think so well of yourself."
"So am I, reporter girl, so am I."
Rory looked down at her fingers. The image of Jess trying to kiss her came flooding back. She was so angry and guilty at the same time. She knew that she had nothing to feel guilty about, but she still felt bad. The thing was she really didn't want to tell Logan. What would he do to Jess? And why did she care?
"Hey luv, are you ok?"
"Oh yeah, Finn. I'm fine." Rory lied. She didn't feel like telling her biggest protector that she had seen her ex behind his back. And she sure as heck didn't want to go into what Jess had done
"Well, you don't look fine. You look awful."
"Thanks a lot, friend."
"You know what I mean. Do you wanna talk about it?"
"No. There's nothing to talk about."
"Well when there is, you know where to find me."
"At a bar getting ridiculously drunk?"
"Probably."
"Gotcha."
Finn pulled up to the Bar and the two got out. He led her inside and they sat down at the first available stools they found.
"Ok. So do I get like any help?"
"Uh… no I don't think so." Finn laughed.
"Fine." She pouted.
"Hi there. What can I get for you two?" A red headed female bartender asked, walking up to Finn and Rory.
"Your number." Finn replied, looking at the girl suggestively.
"Down Boy." Rory laughed. "Actually were not quite ready, but we'll make sure to get you when we are."
"Sure. Take your time." The girl smiled, walking away.
"Mean Rory. Ruin all my fun." Finn sulked.
Well, you won't help me pick a drink so…"
"Yeah, yeah."
"Speaking of drinks, it must have been an older drink, right?"
"What?" Finn asked absentmindedly.
"Your relative's drink."
"Oh right. Him, Yeah, it was."
"Finn, stop staring at the red head and focus." Rory sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Focusing. Right." Finn replied, looking back at Rory.
"So, how about a screw driver?"
"Try it, and see."
"Ok, this is pretty easy." Rory smiled as she flagged down the red head and ordered the drink. The girl brought it out to her and she drank it in four gulps.
"Wow, Reporter girl. Tough day?"
"You wouldn't believe it. So, where to next?"
"What are you talking about? That isn't the right drink."
"It isn't?"
"No. Do you see any writing on the bottom of the glass?"
Rory peered inside, and saw nothing but a couple ice cubes.
"I guess it isn't."
"Well, choose another drink then."
"Shoot. Uh, ok."
Rory choose drink after drink, without much luck. After about an hour and a half, she finally ordered a scotch on the rocks. After draining the glass, she spied some writing at the bottom of it. It said:
You must drive back to the mansion at 70 miles per hour.
"I win yay!" Rory giggled, completely drunk by now. "Do I get anything, like a shiny nickel, or a pen? Ooh ooh a pen with a little bell at the end. Ha."
"Oh luv, you are completely smashed."
"I'm not broken." She slurred, hiccupping.
"Of course not, Reporter girl. By the way, and I know this is quite random, but where were you this morning? I couldn't find you anywhere."
"Oh haha, I snuck by you to go see Jess. I got you soo good. You didn't even see me. I was like a butterfly. An invisible butterfly or a goat."
"You did what? Why'd you go see that loser?"
"Because, he had my phone. I had to get it back. Poor phone. It was probably cold."
"So, what happened?"
"Well, we went to a coffee house and talked and stuff. He's pretty boring. Colin was there, but I didn't see him. Stephanie was too. I got a mocha without whipped cream. It really bothers me, whipped cream. I like it, but whenever I drink it, it gets on my nose. Then I look like a weirdo. So yeah, no whipped cream for me. And oh yeah, Jess tried to kiss me. Hey do you think I could get another one of these?" Rory asked, holding up her empty scotch glass.
"The bloody bastard tried to kiss you?"
"Yeppers peppers. But I pushed him off and got like really mad. I even stormed out. Oh look, I found a penny." Rory cheered, picking the coin off the ground.
"Ror, answer me seriously. Do you like this cretin?"
"Who? You mean Jess? Heck no. He has a large nose" Rory giggled.
"Rory. Seriously. God, why the hell am I trying to have a serious conversation with a drunken girl?"
"Hey! I am not drunk! Whoa." Rory said falling off her chair.
"Of course not. Cuz you normally fall of chairs." Finn responded, raising an eye brow.
"Stupid chair. It wasn't supposed to move." Rory scowled, crossing her arms.
"Well, it did look antsy."
"You know, you're not very funny. You're like Jess. He isn't funny either. He is stupid in fact. A stupid idiot that is really really stupid."
"Ah. Speaking of the devil, you never told me what happened. Why did he try to kiss you?"
"Well everything was like good and stuff and then he said Cameron liked House and then he tried to kiss me and I got mad and then he tried to tell me to forget it happened. The gall!"
"He is stupid."
"And now I feel terrible. I am so mad. I feel I could scream. I mean seriously. Do I look like the kind of person to go around cheating on my boyfriends? Do I?"
"No!"
"I mean I don't dress sleazy, I don't flirt with him, and I don't lead him on. I don't know why he would think I would want him to kiss me. God, im not a peacock!"
"Uh, a peacock, luv?"
"Well maybe I just give off some sort of air about me. A sleazy air. Well, if I do, then I might as well fit the part. Come on." Rory said pulling a confused Finn off his chair and dragging him out the door.
She took him across the street to a lingerie store called Intimate Skin and brought him inside. When inside, she marched up to the front and rang the bell. A Mexican man, around the age of forty-five appeared and as soon as he spied Rory, strolled up to her.
"Hey, Chica. How can I help ju?" He asked his strong Spanish accent evident.
"Hi, Pedro." She greeted, reading his name tag." I need an outfit that screams slut."
"Rory, maybe we should go." Finn whispered to his drunken friend. Although he was having a lot of fun, and loved seeing Rory so intoxicated, he wasn't quite sure he should really let her take it this far.
"Oh Finn. It's fine." She laughed swatting away his hand.
"Hey, is he the boyfriend?" Pedro asked.
"Nope…so about the outfit."
"Ju know, I think I can find something for ju. What do you think about hot pink spondex?" He asked, showing a mannequin wearing the underwear.
"Hum maybe. But what about lace? Or sequins? That's really sleazy."
"I'll see what I can do." Pedro said walking in the back in search of the sleaziest outfit.
"I'm excited."
"You know what Rory, I think I like the drunk you." Finn said with a laugh.
"Thank you." She giggled, awaiting Pedro's return.
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When Pedro was visible again, he carried out with him 2 outfits. One was white lace consisting of a corset, garter belt and a tiny skirt, and the other one looked like an outfit tinkerbell would wear, except a lot shorter.
These ones are nice, but my favorite is still the spondex. With the yellow stars on the buttocks, dat's Sexy." Pedro said, still eyeing Rory.
"Really?" Rory asked, walking over to the mannequin.
Finn looked down to try and stop from laughing. Of all the places to be with Rory, this was the least expected. He couldn't wait tease her about it when she remembered this tomorrow.
"Juess, most definitely." He replied, handing her the outfit on the rack.
"Well, you are an expert in your field."
"Uh, thanks." Pedro said a little confused.
"So how much is it?" Rory asked looking at the butt shorts to see that the golden stars were made of see-through yellow plastic.
"Normally it's 86.95, but if you let me take you out, it's free of charge baby." He said leaning on the front desk and licking his lip.
"Uh no thanks, I think we'll just pay the money." Finn interrupted, handing Pedro a hundred dollar bill, grabbing Rory's wrist and making towards the exit.
"Wait, you forgot your change." Pedro called out.
"Keep it, for your excellent service." Finn smirked, dragging Rory out of the shop.
When Finn got back to the car, he helped Rory into the driver's seat and then went around to his own.
"Hey Finn, what's the meaning of making me leave? I didn't even get a chance to try it on." Rory slurred, when he shut his door.
"As much as I would have loved to see that hun, and really I would, I don't think I want Antonio to."
"You mean Pedro? He was really nice."
"Yes luv, a little too nice."
Rory was just about to respond when she noticed that Finn had placed her in the driver's seat.
"Hey Finn, you put me in the wrong seat. And when are we doing that test, anyway?"
"No I didn't, Ror. We're doing the test now. Don't you remember it? You have to drive back to the mansion at seventy miles per hour."
"Oh yeah. And their surface streets, I'm guessing."
"I knew there was a reason why we call you reporter girl."
"Cute…So, let's go then."
"Are you sure? We can stay parked for a little longer if you want."
"No, it's ok. I really should do the test. And plus. I've never gone seventy on surface streets before. It sounds dangerous and electrifying." Rory smiled grasping on to the wheel, imaging herself as a street racer.
"We really should get you drunk more often, luv." Finn grinned.
Rory backed out and then went speeding down the street. They were having and absolute blast until Rory spotted flashing lights and heard the blare of a siren behind her.
"Uh oh. It's the cops. This is really bad." Rory whispered, starting to worry which she was so good at doing.
"Oh contraire." Finn smiled, leaning his seat back. "Rory darling, welcome to your test."
A/N: Let me list some of my favorite bands…..Review Day, Snoop Review-Review, Review Duff, Reviewe, Plain white Review's, Review Spears. Justin Timbereview. And the oh so wonderful Elvis Presreview. (Well maybe they aren't my favorite) Get the hint? REVIEW…please? With sugar on top: D thanks ever so much… And can anyone name all of the singers/bands that I so cold-heartedly distorted?