Chapter 7: Company

"I come bearing alcohol and food," announced Logan once Rory opened the door to the poolhouse.

"Chinese?" asked Rory, inspecting the bags.

"Yes. I remember you saying it was your favourite."

"Thanks. You didn't have to come, I would have been fine without you."

"I'm sure you would have but I'm here anyway," Logan put the bag on the counter and Rory got the plates out. "So, do you want to talk about it or should we just watch the movie?"

"Maybe talk later but I need to take my mind of it," explained Rory. "The DVD's already in."

"See, I told you that it was better watching it with someone," smiled Rory as she watched Logan watch the movie. She could tell by his face that he was enjoying it but didn't want to admit it.

"Okay so maybe you're right ... just maybe," Logan replied. "And I have to admit it is funny watching you sing along to the Oompa Lumpas."

"What time is it?" wondered Rory, looking around at the kitchen clock. After they had finished eating and discarded their plates, they had sat next to each other with Rory's head slowly making it to Logan's shoulder. His arm had wrapped round her.

"Half 10, do you want me to leave?" asked Logan.

"No, stay a bit longer?" asked Rory, she didn't want to be alone.

"Sure. So ... how are you doing now?" he asked tentatively.

"He just turned up," said Rory. "I got home and he was just sitting there."

"I thought my father was a jerk, but at least he calls occasionally."

"I haven't even gotten a birthday card from him," said Rory. "And now he wants to be in my life?"

"He doesn't have to be," reasoned Logan. "If you don't want him to, then it doesn't have to happen. You're 22, you can make your own decisions."

"I know. It's just ... I wonder what my mom would want me to do? Would she want me to listen to him?"

"No one knows that," Logan said quietly, holding her tighter.

"I hate him," declared Rory after a few moments silence. "He abandoned me."

"What do Richard and Emily think?" asked Logan.

"They hate him too, but they don't come out and say it. I saw it in their eyes. By the way, they're thrilled that we're hanging out. It's like their big scheme has all gone to plan."

"That's not why I'm here. I'm here because I met a great girl on a plane and she needed me."

"I didn't need you. I would have been fine on my own."

"Really?"

"No," admitted Rory. "Paris is in Boston and she's the only person I really kept in touch with from Yale. My grandparents try but ... it's not the same talking to them."

"Well you can call me anytime."

"Thank you."

"Did you tell them about New York?" asked Logan.

"Yes. Grandma immediately started planning all the things like realtors, furniture and stuff like that. I think she's really excited that she's got a project to focus on."

"What about you? Are you excited?"

"I ... I still can't believe that it's real. I'm actually going to be working at The Times ... in New York. It's just ... amazing."

"Well you deserve it. After the meal here I looked through some of your stuff, you're a really good writer."

"So, when are you going back to London to pack up all your stuff?"

"I'm not sure. I have enough stuff to last me a couple of weeks anyway and most of the furniture and stuff will just stay there. I guess in a couple of weeks, depending on my schedule."

"Are you at The Times office?"

"No, HPG headquarters. We have a main office not far away from The Times but I'll be having meetings there so you might see me around a bit."

"Anywhere in particular you suggest for finding an apartment?"

"Well knowing a bit about Emily and Richard I'm sure they'll find you somewhere on the Upper East Side, that's the place to be seen," said Logan, knowingly.

"Is that where you live?"

"It is indeed. I've got the family penthouse on Fifth for the moment."

"Fifth Avenue?" gasped Rory.

"Yeah," Logan shrugged. "It's a bit big for just me though. It's got four bedrooms for a start and two living areas. I want to look for something a bit more ... homely. Like my place in London. My dad disapproves but it's in a nice area and is big enough for just me."

"It's going to be weird leaving this place," said Rory, looking around. "I mean I lived at Yale of course but I always came back here for the holidays and things. Besides, I lived with Paris so there was never a dull moment. But now I'm getting a place all on my own. I've travelled on my own but never really lived on my own. My grandparents were out a lot when I was younger ... they still are ... but there was always people here to talk to. Nannies and maids. Even now if I'm lonely I know that they'll be someone in the house to talk to. Although it's probably different to the person last week."

"Ah the infamous 'Emily can't keep a maid'," smiled Logan.

"It's ridiculous. Some only last a day," laughed Rory. "She fired one because she walked too loudly! How can you walk too loudly? Poor woman."

"Ah but maids should be seen and not heard," said Logan, putting on a posh society voice. "In fact, they shouldn't really be seen. A bit like children."

"My grandparents aren't that bad... Well grandma can be but grandpa is different. When I was little I would go into his study and watch him work or read the paper at his desk. He used to let me just sit there and watch. Then when I got a little older he would give me books to read or explain a bit about what he was working on. He never told me to get out or go away or anything."

"It's well known in society that Richard Gilmore has a soft spot for his granddaughter," explained Logan, whilst Rory blushed.

"He just felt ... because of mom ... sorry for me I guess."

"He loves you. It's clear for everyone to see."

"Not like my actual dad," stated Rory, bringing the conversation back round to Christopher. "He hasn't done anything for me. I may not have liked some aspects of my childhood but my grandparents got me the best education and paid for Yale and made sure I got good grades and stuff. Without them I wouldn't have gotten the job. Christopher thinks he can just turn up now that the taking care of me part is over." She paused and Logan didn't know what to say. "He left me when I needed him the most. I can't ever forgive him for that."

"He lost someone as well, he must have loved your mom," pointed out Logan, speaking quietly as he didn't know how Rory would react.

"So?" questioned Rory, sitting up. "If he loves me like he says he does, he would have visited as least."

"I don't know what to say Rory," replied Logan. "I've ... never had to deal with anything like this and I don't know what the right thing to say is."

"You don't need to say anything," said Rory, who by now had tears forming in her eyes as she was getting herself worked up. "It's all his fault and I don't care if I never see him again."

Logan pulled her into a hug and, after resting against his chest for a few moments, she calmed down and wiped her eyes. She looked up at his face and saw him staring back at her. His blue eyes met hers and both froze. Rory could feel her heart beating fast and before she knew what she was doing she found herself reaching up and kissing Logan softly on the lips. He returned the kiss for a few seconds before he pulled away and took several steps back.