A/N: I've been seriously lacking in motivation to write anything lately for some unknown reason, but I managed to get this chapter done. I hope you like it. I will try to get my other stories updated ASAP, but these things take time. You know how it is, life and all that jazz.
I don't own a thing.
An Offer She Couldn't Refuse
Chapter Two: The Choices We Make
Lorelai sat on the sofa enjoying spending some quality time with her daughter. Or, she would have been enjoying it if Rory wasn't so quiet. She studied her curiously as Rory stared blankly at the TV. She had barely spoken a word all evening. Lorelai knew there was something bothering her but she didn't want to pry.
Oh, who was she kidding? She totally wanted to pry but she found herself worried that if she said the wrong thing or pushed too hard that Rory would shut down and pull away from her. She hardly saw enough of her as it was. She didn't want to lose her altogether.
Rory let out a heavy sigh as the movie came to an end. She uncrossed her arms as she realised that she had no idea what the movie was about. She had been watching it but she hadn't paid attention at all. There was too much on her mind to truly enjoy movie night with her mother.
"Coffee?" Lorelai asked as she pulled herself up off the sofa. Rory nodded but remained silent. She had been toying with the idea of talking to her mother about her current predicament. Usually whenever she had a problem it would be like second nature to go to her mother. But now, she wasn't so sure. She wasn't sure how okay her mother really was with the idea of her dating Logan. She hadn't exactly been ecstatic when she broke the news. But with everything that happened at dinner and then with Shira's offer/threat, she needed someone on her side. She needed someone to tell her what to do about it. She needed her mother.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly slid off the sofa and meandered through to the kitchen where her mother was waiting impatiently for the coffee to brew. She looked up as Rory entered and smiled.
"How about some Sophia dying to liven things up?" she asked brightly, referring to her obsession with The Godfather series. Rory shrugged and then sat down at the kitchen table clasping her hands together as she contemplated what she was going to tell her.
"Mom, can I talk to you about something?" she said evenly keeping her gaze on the table. Lorelai frowned and then moved to the seat across from her.
"Sure. What's up?" she asked tentatively. Her whole body filled with dread at what her daughter was about to say. Lorelai's eyes widened in horror and she reached for her hand as the panic set in. "You're not pregnant, are you?"
Rory rolled her eyes and smiled.
"No. I'm not pregnant. But it's nice to know how calm you would be if I were." she said mockingly as Lorelai's heart rate returned to as close to normal as possible.
"So, what is it?" she placed her hand over her heart as her body relaxed under Rory's reassurance.
"Shira Huntzberger came to see me today." She began with nervousness in her voice.
"Logan's mom?" Lorelai enquired. Rory nodded. "What did the Wicked Witch of the East want this time? To steal your ruby slippers."
"Actually, she apologised for what happened at dinner," Lorelai scoffed at that. "Then she offered me twenty-five thousand dollars to break up with her son."
Lorelai's eyes went wide as she processed the information. "What?"
"Yep." She said simply as if the situation was completely normal. Lorelai remained quiet.
"She offered you money to break up with her son?" She asked disbelievingly. Rory nodded and then sunk back against her chair.
"Well, what did you say?"
"I told her no. I told her that I didn't want her money and that I couldn't be bought."
"Good for you." Lorelai agreed.
"But…"
"But what?" She asked noticing the hesitancy in Rory's tone.
"She asked me how much Logan meant to me and whether I'd be willing to give up my dreams to be with him." Rory lowered her gaze to the tablecloth.
"Meaning what exactly?" Lorelai narrowed her eyes at her. She didn't like where this was going.
"Well, her husband is a very powerful man. She basically told me that if I don't break up with Logan she would make it impossible for me to become a journalist." Rory admitted. Lorelai felt her blood boil and sprang up from her seat with fire in her eyes.
"That's it!" She declared as she stormed through to the living room to find her shoes. "That woman! That family! Those people! Who does she think she is? Threatening you like that. Does she think she can threaten my daughter? No sir-ee.!"
Rory followed her around the living room as she searched for her car keys. "Mom, what are you doing?"
"I'm going over there. I'm going to give that woman a piece of my mind and then I'm going to kill her. I'll strangle her with her pearls." Lorelai said with a maniacal smile on her face as she envisioned the scene.
"Mom! You're not going to kill her."
"No, you're right. I'll get Emily to do it. She'll be much better than me. There is one thing I'll say for my mother and that is-"
"Mom! Stop!" Lorelai stared back at her daughter and noticed how upset she really was. Her maternal instincts took over and she pulled her in for a hug. Rory relaxed into her mother's arms as the tears began flowing.
"I'm sorry, honey. I'm so sorry. Its okay." she said soothingly as she held her tighter. Rory continued sobbing into her chest. Lorelai frowned. She hated seeing her so upset. She wished she could snap her fingers and take away the pain.
Slowly, she pulled away and fixed her with a warm smile. She wiped away her tears and slung her arm over her shoulders guiding her over to the sofa.
"What did Logan say when you told him?" she whispered as she kissed her hair. Rory looked up at her as another tear escaped.
"I haven't told him." She said in a tiny voice. Lorelai squeezed her shoulder and then pulled her closer so her head was leaning on her shoulder.
"Don't you think you should?" She reasoned.
"I don't want to. How would you feel if your parents tried to pay off your boyfriend?" Lorelai laughed.
"They did once. His name was Jose. He was the gardener's son. I was seven years old. Emily offered him a lollipop and I never saw him again." Lorelai stared off into the distance remembering her long forgotten first love.
"Mom."
"Sorry." She snapped out of her thoughts and returned her attention to Rory.
"I don't want him to know how awful his mother really is. That she would be willing to stoop so low." Lorelai could see her point. Emily had always tried to butt into her relationships and even succeeded in ruining things with her and Luke for a while. However, she was sure that even Emily wouldn't try to ruin Luke's business just to keep him away from her. Well, almost sure.
Lorelai's thoughts soon turned to her daughter's relationship with Logan. She wouldn't go so far as to say she didn't approve of him being in her life, but she was weary. She didn't trust him. After finding out about their original casual agreement, she wasn't entirely certain whether he could stick to their newly redefined committed relationship. She didn't want to see Rory throw away everything she had worked so hard for, for a guy who wasn't the most stable or dependable. What if he changed his mind a few weeks down the line and decided that being a boyfriend really wasn't for him after all? Where would that leave Rory then?
"Honey, how do feel about Logan?" she asked tentatively. Rory looked up; her eyes were puffy from crying.
"What do you mean?" She asked her quizzically.
"Well, do you love him?" she wondered, getting to the point straightaway. Rory sat up slightly surprised by her line of questioning.
"What?"
"Do you love him?" She repeated the question fixing her eyes on her, studying her closely. Rory brushed a strand of hair from her face as she contemplated Lorelai's blunt question.
"We've only been dating officially for a couple of days, mom." She shifted uncomfortably.
"I know. But you've known him for longer than that. And I'm pretty sure you had a little thing for him long before you realised it."
"What are you talking about?"
"Remember when we had drinks with Grandpa and he brought up Logan. You went all quiet and stiff. You didn't want to talk about him. You said he was just a friend." she explained her theory.
"So?"
"So, that's classic for 'I like him but I'm still in denial about it'." Rory shook her head at her mother.
"Would you be willing to give up everything you've worked so hard for to be with him?" She asked the apparent twenty-five thousand dollar question. Rory let out a sigh as she knew the answer straight away.
"No."
Lorelai closed her eyes in relief at her daughters answer. Taking a deep breath, she proceeded. "Well, then there are three ways in which you can deal with this. You either let mommy go over there and turn her into worm food or you tell Logan."
"What's the third option?" Rory wondered. The first two were not very appealing.
"The third option is; you break up with Logan and give the woman what she wants. Think about it, Rory. Do you really need the hassle? Is it really worth it? Is he?"
Rory lay back against the couch and closed her eyes. She had a lot of thinking to do.
Lorelai watched her intently. She hoped she would make the correct decision. She truly hoped she would use her brain and do the right thing.
RLRLRLRLRLRL
Rory stood in the hallway just outside Logan's dorm room trying to work up enough courage to knock on his door. She was going to tell him about his mother's offer. She had decided that he should know what kind of a manipulative, vindictive person his mother really was. However, she was finding it difficult to take the first step. She was dreading the conversation she was about to have. Not because she didn't want to tell him, she was dreading the look on his face when she told him. Finding out that his mother basically tried to buy off his girlfriend wouldn't exactly make him feel wonderful. But she had to tell him.
Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked on the door. After a few seconds, the door opened and Logan acknowledged her with a nod as he continued talking to someone on the phone. Rory slid inside and sat on the sofa waiting for him to finish his phone call.
"No Dad. I didn't. No. Yes, I fully intended to…Why can't…But…Fine. Fine!" He ended the phone call and flopped down on the sofa beside Rory. He let out a frustrated sigh and leaned his head against the back of the couch closing his eyes. Rory looked back at him and frowned. She laced her fingers through his trying to provide him with some comfort.
"Everything okay?" she asked dumbly. Obviously everything wasn't okay, but she didn't know what to say. Logan opened his eyes and stared back at her. He sighed again and then leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Everything's fine. It's just…that dinner with my parents? Tip of the iceberg." He said as he pulled away. "I am in serious need of some alcohol."
Logan moved off the couch and crossed the room to pour himself a stiff drink. "You want…?"
He held a glass up towards her. Rory shifted awkwardly on the couch; considering what she was about to tell him, she felt like she could use some liquid courage.
"Yeah. Thanks." She nodded. Logan eyed her curiously and then went about pouring them both their drinks. He returned to the couch and handed her a glass of Scotch. Rory accepted it and before he was even sitting down she guzzled the whole thing in one go. Logan stared at her in awe. Rory wiped her mouth and scrunched up her face as the aftertaste kicked in.
Logan laughed and took the glass from her hand before fixing her with a puzzled stare. "Bad day?" he raised an eyebrow at her as he sipped on his own scotch. Rory shrugged and then lay back on the couch. Logan laid his hand on her thigh and began tracing soothing circles over her covered legs.
"You could say that." She sighed and then laced her fingers through his once more.
"Well, tell me all about it." He stroked his hand over the side of her face and raised her hand to place a soft kiss on her knuckles. Rory closed her eyes trying to summon the will to tell him the truth. She opened her eyes and then opened her mouth but nothing came out. No sound. She looked back at Logan who was studying her closely and felt her heart sink at what she was about to say.
"I…" The sound of his cell phone ringing cut her off. She wasn't sure whether she was more relieved or annoyed at the interruption. Logan sighed in frustration as he instantly recognised the ringtone. It was his father again.
"Hold that thought." He said holding up a finger as he reached into his pocket for his cell phone. He flipped it open and immediately went on the defensive as his father yelled down the line. Rory cringed as she heard the elder Huntzberger scold his child. She watched Logan closely as he became ever more aggravated and annoyed. His whole body tensed up and there was a cold, harsh tone to his voice that he had never used around her before.
She felt sorry for him that he had such a strained relationship with his father. She felt sorry that he had a mother who went behind his back and threatened his girlfriend's career. But most of all she felt sorry that she wasn't strong enough to stand up for their relationship.
Rory was pretty confident that her feelings for Logan would only grow stronger over time. In fact, she was certain that she was already falling for him, but could she really give up everything for someone who she had practically forced into becoming her boyfriend? How could she be sure that he felt the same way for her as she did for him? How could she be sure that a few weeks down the line he wouldn't get cold feet and decide that relationships really weren't for him?
Then where would she be? No boyfriend. No future.
Sinking into the back of the couch, Rory closed her eyes and rubbed her temple as her brain went over every possible outcome. She had gone through so much emotional turmoil just to get to the point where she could proudly say that Logan was her boyfriend. But if it came with such a hefty price tag was it really worth it?
She couldn't tell him the truth. She didn't have the heart to hurt him like that. However, she wasn't sure if she was strong enough to give him up.
RLRLRLRL
Rory lay in bed listening to Logan's breathing. She lay on her side, resting her head in her hand, watching through the thick veil of darkness as his chest rose and fell steadily. There was a thin sliver of light poking through the space in the blinds of his window and she could make out his features as he slept so peacefully. She found herself smiling as he looked so innocent, so vulnerable. Gone were the lazy smile and the cocky façade.
"You know it's rude to stare." He croaked startling her as he slowly opened his eyes and turned over onto his side to face her.
"I thought you were asleep." She told him feeling slightly embarrassed that he had caught her staring at him.
"I was, but then I had this feeling that some crazy girl was watching me sleep. Do you know how disconcerting that is?" he joked. Rory sighed and moved her head from her hand and onto her pillow.
"Sorry."
"So," he began as he slung his arm over her waist and pulled her body towards him, "see anything you like?"
Rory smiled at his flirtatious tone and leaned in for a kiss. Logan captured her lips in a fierce embrace and quickly rolled her onto her back so he was hovering above her.
He broke the kiss and then gazed down at her with a sweet smile on his face. "I like having you here."
"I like being here." Rory reached up wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him down for another kiss, but he broke away and stared intently back at her.
"No. I mean it. I like having you here. I like this. Being a boyfriend. I didn't think I would, but…it's growing on me." he admitted. Rory was speechless. She didn't know what to say. She could feel her heart sink as his brown eyes stared down at her. She would have killed to hear those words coming from his lips before, but hearing them now just made what she had to do harder.
Swallowing the lump which had formed in her throat and fighting back the tears threatening to escape, Rory stroked her hand over his face lovingly. She was going to break up with him. She had to. But she needed one last night with him. One last chance to savour the feeling of being in his arms, of having him kiss and touch her like only he could.
Even though it would only make things harder when it came to breaking up, she wanted to lose herself in Logan Huntzberger one last time.
"I know what you mean." she whispered and then he was on her. His lips were attached to hers while his hands roamed over the soft curves of her body. He growled as she nibbled on his bottom lip before devouring her with kisses.
When he brought her to the edge, she didn't want to let go. She wanted to stay tangled with him for as long as she possibly could. She wanted to freeze the moment and make it last forever.
RLRLRLRLRLRL
"Do you remember that time Finn got arrested for indecent exposure? Your neighbours were holding a tea party in the back yard and we dared Finn to run through the garden naked and jump into the pool." Colin said fondly. Logan laughed as the image of Finn streaking in front of thirty DAR members came back to him.
"Then when the cops showed up he tried to persuade them that he was the new pool boy and was just trying out a new technique."
"I think one of the women had a heart attack." Logan offered as he sipped on his scotch. He turned slightly to see Rory sitting beside him staring blankly into her glass. He frowned.
"Wouldn't you if you came face to face with Finn's…package?" Colin cringed at the thought.
"Hey! There is nothing wrong with my package, I'll have you know. I've never received any complaints." Finn said as he approached the table holding a tray with everyone's fresh drinks.
Logan returned his gaze back to Rory and nudged her gently trying to get her attention. "Hey, you ok?"
Rory raised her eyes up to his and gave him a forced smile. She had been in her own little world all evening. "Yeah. I'm fine. Just tired."
"We can go home if you want." He offered as he placed his hand on her thigh. Rory looked down at his hand on her leg and moved away.
"It's okay. I'm just going to go to the bathroom. Freshen up." she gave him a peck on the cheek and then slid out of the booth. Logan watched after her as she made her way to the restroom. When he turned back he noticed that Colin and Finn were both staring at him.
"Trouble in paradise so soon?" Colin asked as he downed the rest of his drink before moving onto the next round.
"Not that I'm aware of." Logan shrugged and lowered his eyes to his drink. He hoped he hadn't done something to piss her off. He was new at the boyfriend thing but he was pretty sure that things had been going smoothly so far.
"She's not her usual chatty self. Maybe she's coming down with something." Finn offered genuinely. Despite Colin's paranoia regarding Rory's interest in Logan, Finn had become rather fond of the brunette and could see how happy she made his best friend.
"Maybe."
Rory returned to the booth a few minutes later and sat back down beside Logan. He couldn't help but notice the space she left between them as she finished her drink. Logan kept his eyes on her as Finn and Colin got into a bickering session.
"You sure you're okay?" Rory nodded but said nothing. Logan was beginning to get worried. He had never seen her so quiet. In fact, come to think of it, she hadn't been her usual self since the day before. Something was obviously on her mind and he wanted to know what it was. Maybe he could help her.
"Come on." He grabbed his jacket and began sliding out of the booth pushing her out in front of him.
"Logan." She protested meekly.
"Let's get out of here." He grabbed her hand and waved to Colin and Finn who watched as he dragged her out of the pub.
"Logan." They made their way outside into the cold night air and he stopped in front of her dropping her hand and turning to look at her.
"What's going on, Rory? You've been quiet all night." He fixed her with his brown eyes and she looked away quickly. The weight of his eyes on her was too much to take.
"It's nothing." She tried to brush it off, but he wasn't buying it. He reached for her hand and pulled her towards him.
"It's not 'nothing'. Is it your mom? Did you guys have a fight or something?"
"No." She shook her head in reply as she felt tears prickle in her eyes.
"Then what?" he was starting to get a little frustrated now, "Is it me? Did I do something? If I did, then I'm sorry. Just tell me and I'll…"
"I can't do this anymore." She quickly blurted out. Logan narrowed his eyes at her as he studied her face.
"Can't do what?" He asked tentatively. Rory lowered her gaze to her feet and then summoning all the strength she could muster, she did the thing she had been dreading doing all day. She ended her three day relationship with Logan Huntzberger.
"I thought this was what I wanted, but I was wrong. I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?!" Logan gaped at her. His mind not fully comprehending what she was trying to tell him. "You…you're breaking up with me?!"
Rory was fighting a losing battle as a lone tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. She felt a huge lump form in her throat and a nauseous feeling grew in the pit of her stomach as the sadness consumed her. She couldn't speak. She nodded her head in reply to his question.
"I made a mistake." She managed to get out as she fought for control. Logan's eyes lit up with anger as her words ran through his brain.
"A mistake? You were the one who said you couldn't do 'no strings'. You were the one who said you were a boyfriend kind of girl. You wanted this just as much as I did. Now, you're saying you made a mistake?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I'm sorry." Rory felt more tears escape as she stood before him. Logan scratched his head as his eyes scanned their surroundings. "I thought it was what I wanted but…"
"But its not?" he finished, "You don't want to be with me?"
Rory was sure her heart was breaking as she stared into those sad brown eyes of his. The last thing she ever wanted to do was hurt him. She was breaking up with him because she was trying to save him from finding out the truth about his mother. She hadn't considered the fact that her breaking up with him would cause him pain also.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and lied to him. "No."
When she opened her eyes, he wasn't standing in front of her anymore. She turned to see him storming back inside the pub leaving her outside and alone.
The tears fell more freely as she watched him disappear from her life. "I'm sorry."
RLRLRLRLRLRL
Rory lay in bed staring at the ceiling. She hadn't gotten out of bed all day. It was now late afternoon and she had missed all of her classes. It didn't matter though. She wouldn't have been able to concentrate anyway. She was too depressed. She had broken up with Logan and now she just wanted to stay in bed and hide away from the rest of the world.
However, with a room mate like Paris Geller, that was nigh on impossible. She had been banging on her door every ten minutes telling her to stop being so pathetic and get over it.
So, when the door to her bedroom opened, Rory let out a groan as she awaited the impending pep talk.
"Paris. Go away. Let me wallow." She pleaded as she covered her face with a pillow. Paris stood at the door and rolled her eyes at the pathetic mess that was her best friend.
"Mitchum Huntzberger is here." She said simply. Rory threw off the pillow and shot straight up.
"What?" She asked wide eyed and full of surprise.
"America's most powerful man is standing in our common room asking to talk to you. Do you want to stay in here and mope or…"
Rory was up before Paris had the chance to finish her sentence.
"What is he doing here?"
"I don't know." Paris shrugged. "Why don't you go find out?"
Rory took a deep breath as she slowly made her way to her bedroom door.
"I'd change your clothes before I went out there, if I were you. Do you really want to meet Mitchum Huntzberger while wearing your Snoopy pyjamas?"
Rory stopped and looked down to see the cartoon characters staring back at her. "Crap!"
Paris shook her head and grabbed a sweater and pair of pants from her closet and handed them over to her.
"Oh and brush your hair and maybe do something about the Panda eyes." She suggested. Rory ducked down to look in the mirror only to see how much of a mess she really was. She had spent most of last night crying and now her face was blotchy and puffy and her waterproof mascara definitely wasn't waterproof going by the black marks running down her cheeks.
"Crap!" She heard Paris leave the room and speak to Logan's father while she wiped her face clean and quickly pulled on the clothes she had been wearing the night before. The night she broke up with…
Pull yourself together, Gilmore.
Wiping a hand at her cheek, she tied back her hair and then made her way through to the common room looking much more presentable. She didn't know why she was getting so antsy about the fact Mitchum Huntzberger was in her dorm room. He was probably just here to thank her for not ruining his son's life. He probably just wanted to rub it in a little bit more. Twist the knife a little.
"Um, hello." She greeted him politely unable to hide the nerves she was feeling. Mitchum turned to face her and offered her a familiar smile. It was Logan's smile. She felt her stomach lurch.
"Rory," he offered her his hand to shake and she accepted. "I hope you don't mind me showing up here uninvited. I was just in the area and well…I wanted to apologise to you for what happened at dinner the other night. My family's behaviour was unacceptable and I'm sorry."
Rory narrowed her eyes as she studied him sceptically. "Um, thank you."
"It was a little naïve of Logan to throw you into the lions den like that, but still…Listen, I just acquired a new paper: The Stamford Eagle Gazette?" he continued, "Good circulation, pretty shoddy writing though. I'm going to be a little more hands on there for a few weeks, just to get the place running accordingly. I have an internship available, I was wondering if you would be interested."
Rory stared at him in surprise. "An internship?"
"Yes. It's an unpaid position, but it's an opportunity for you to get your feet wet. Get some experience working at a real newspaper." He explained.
As the initial excitement wore off, Rory realised what this offer really was. It was her reward for breaking up with Logan. Shira was making good on her promise, but it made Rory feel sick to even contemplate accepting.
"Thank you, but no thank you." She said as politely as she could. Mitchum stared back at her with a puzzled expression on his face.
"No thank you?" His voice came out sounding incredulous that anyone would dare turn him down.
"No thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I'm pretty sure the only reason you are here is because your wife sent you…"
"My wife?"
"I did what she wanted. Now I just want to be left alone." She said plainly, trying to conceal the pain she felt at her recent break up.
"I'm sorry. What does my wife have to with anything? Do you really think that I am the kind of man who does something because his wife tells him to? You're a talented writer. Your Grandparents are always singing your praises. I'm offering you this opportunity because you deserve it." He said impassioned. Rory almost believed him, but Shira's words still rung in her ears.
"Like I said, thank you. But no."
"Okay, fine. What if my wife did have some say in this? What if my motives are completely self-serving? This is still a wonderful opportunity and it's being handed to you. You should grab it with both hands. The world of professional journalism is a cut throat business, Rory. If you really are serious about being successful, then you should make use of every opportunity that comes your way. Who cares what the circumstances are? What do you say?"
Rory sighed as Mitchum finished his speech. She chewed her lip as she considered his words. She really didn't trust him or his intentions regarding this internship, but he was right; it was a great opportunity. One that she couldn't afford to turn down.
Besides, she had been forced to give up Logan; she deserved something in return, right?
"Okay. I accept." She nodded with a slight smile on her face. Mitchum beamed as he straightened up.
"Excellent. You start on Monday. I'll see you then, Gilmore." And with that he was gone.
Rory sat down on the couch as she contemplated what had just happened. She had agreed to the internship and felt a rush of excitement at the prospect of working on a real newspaper. However, she couldn't ignore the underlying feelings of guilt she had. By accepting the internship, she had just played directly into Shira Huntzberger's hands. She had lost Logan and all of her self-respect in the space of a day. She felt disgusted with herself, she felt defeated and weak and angry. But most of all, she felt sad. She had given up her relationship with Logan and the potential happiness that might bring for her future. She hoped it was worth it. She hoped she had made the right choice.
RLRLRLRLRLRL
Logan lowered his eyes to the marbled floor as he quietly crept passed the sitting room where his mother was having her lunch. He had dropped by to pick up some things he needed for school and was trying his best not to be noticed. He was in no mood to deal with his mother right now.
"Logan!" Too late.
He let out a defeated sigh as he turned and offered his mother a forced smile.
"Hey mom." He gestured towards her as she made her way through to the hallway.
"To what do we owe this pleasure?" She kissed his cheek and placed her hand on his arm.
"Just picking up some things." He said sharply. He hadn't forgiven her for her behaviour the other night at dinner.
"Won't you stay for lunch? We never get to just enjoy one another's company anymore these days. You're always off gallivanting somewhere with those friends of yours. I do miss you, you know." She said laying the guilt trip on him. Logan let out a sigh and reluctantly gave in.
"Fine. But I can't stay for long."
"Wonderful." She smiled brightly at her son and then tugged on his arm leading him into the sitting room. She poured some tea and offered him a cup. Logan found himself turning his nose up at the tea. It wasn't strong enough. These day's he was more of a coffee drinker, no thanks to…
"So, Logan how are you?" Shira started interrogating him. Well, actually she was just making pleasant conversation with her son, but to Logan it was the start of some plot of hers to fix him up with one of her friend's daughters.
"I'm fine." He nodded as he reached for a croissant. He was pretty hungry. He hadn't eaten anything since yesterday and after spending a night drowning his sorrows, he was in need of some nourishment.
"You look tired. Have you been sleeping alright?" She leaned towards him placing her hand over his playing the unfamiliar role of a concerned parent.
"I've been sleeping fine, Mom." He pulled his hand away and nibbled on the croissant.
"How is Rory?" Logan looked up at the mention of her name. His mother had said it with such revulsion he was surprised she hadn't choked on her tea.
"She's fine. I guess." He shrugged mumbling the last part. He really didn't want to talk about the fact he had just been dumped by the only girl he had ever really felt anything for. He especially didn't want to talk to his mother about it. The woman didn't have a maternal bone in her body. If he told her she would probably dance with glee at his misery.
"You guess?" Damn!
"I haven't seen her." He admitted hesitantly.
"Oh, I hope everything is okay between you two."
"Everything's fine." He said through gritted teeth.
"Are you sure because…"
"We broke up, okay!" He exploded at her. Shira's reaction surprised him.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. She seemed like such a pleasant girl. But I suppose its better that you know what she's like now rather than later."
"What are you talking about?" He really had no idea what she going on about.
"Well, this is just my opinion, but I was a little suspicious of her intentions and now I guess I have been proved right." She said as sweetly as possible.
"Right about what?"
"About her. It can't just be a coincidence that a few hours after accepting an internship to work with your father that she breaks up with you."
Logan narrowed his eyes at her as he tried to process what she was telling him. "What internship?"
"Your father offered her an internship at the new newspaper he bought. I guess some people are just willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want." She shrugged and then sipped on her tea as the seeds of doubt she had planted in his mind took effect.
"Are you saying that she used me to…?" He couldn't finish the sentence. He couldn't finish the thought. There was no way Rory would do that to him. She wasn't like that. She was different than all of the other girls. That's why he liked her so much. That's why he had committed to her. There was no way that she had just been stringing him along, using him to get her foot in the door with his father. There was no way.
"I have to go." He pushed out his chair and kissed his mother on the cheek before quickly making his way out of the house and to his car. He needed to talk to her. He needed to hear it from her. From Rory.
Shira smiled evilly to herself as she waved him off. Her plan was working perfectly. She would make sure Logan never looked at that insignificant little tramp ever again.
RLRLRLRL
Rory waited in line for some much needed coffee. It was the first time she had ventured out all day and she was in desperate need of some caffeine to let her get her head around everything that had happened over the last few days.
It was a lot to process.
She had gained a boyfriend, met his family, been made to feel like trash by said family, been offered thousands of dollars to break up with her boyfriend and then had her future threatened. She had then broken up with her boyfriend of three whole days and accepted an internship at a newspaper working with her ex-boyfriend's father.
No, my life's not too complicated!
The line moved forward and she thankfully was closer to her liquid salvation. She had never needed coffee more than she did right now.
"So, is it true?" A familiar voice came from behind her. She spun around to see Logan glaring at her. She ignored the slight dip her stomach made at being in his presence and then focused on the look of anger in his eyes.
"Is what true?"
"You're going to be working with my father." His voice sounded deadly calm. Rory felt rather unnerved by it.
"Um, yes." She shifted uncomfortably as passers by stared at them.
"Wow, how nice and convenient for you." He said sarcastically. His eyes were full of scorn.
"What are you…?"
"You know, if all you were after was contact with my father, you should've said. I would've gladly helped you out."
Rory stared at him in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm such an idiot. Here I was thinking you were different than all the others. I thought you were with me because you wanted to be with me, but you were just using me to get to my father." Logan laughed dryly.
Rory couldn't believe what he was saying. How could he possibly think that she would use him like that?
"Logan."
"I guess I should be more careful with the people I trust next time." He took one last hate-filled look at her and then turned and walked out of her life forever.
A/N: So, what did you think? I hope its not too melodramatic for you! LOL. Seriously though, I know this chapter is kind of depressing but it's a necessary evil. I have this all planned out in my head, so please don't despair. This is a Rogan (Would I write anything else?) Just keep reading and reviewing and all will be revealed in due course. Have I ever let you down so far? Thanks guys. J
