Autho's note : I do not own Gilmore Girls.
Thank you for all those that review... I love any comments you guys leave me and I appreciate it. It does make me want to write more. Even though this story is coming soon to an end. So please continue reviewing. Special Thanks to MrsMitchell1025, your comment made my day. And this week I needed it... just got a surgery done... I hope pain killer won't have played to much on my ability to write (or inhability...)
Excerpt from ch. 15
… Suddenly a phone rang in Finn's pocket; it was a Christmas jingle which meant only one person. They parted and Rory reached in Finn's pocket to answer the phone.
"Happy New Year's Mom!"
"What? Wait, where?"
Chapter 16: Work Work Work
«Mom! Mom! Calm down. Where are you?"
Finn was getting worried, only hearing Rory's side of the conversation. Trying to see her face in order to know if it was good news or bad, he approached her.
"OK, come up then and show me."
"Finn!" Rory said and jumped into his arms again. "My mom got engaged! Luke proposed tonight, he did it at the restaurant. She's on her way, I'm so happy!"
"You had me scared there for a little while Love."
"Sorry, but come on… I want to meet her at the elevator… I need to see that ring!"
Rory and Finn left their friends running toward the elevator to meet Lorelei and Luke. As soon as the doors opened, Lorelei came out running and hugged Rory jumping around. She showed the ring which was an antique once again, quite beautiful, but still very modest.
Rory could not help but ask "Luke, did you buy this one from Kirk again?"
"Where else, he does have the best choices. I really don't know how he does it though."
Lorelei was high on emotions; Luke was overwhelmed by everything that was happening. Finn congratulated him and Luke thanked him for the suggestion and reservation of the restaurant where they had been earlier. The couple joined in on the rest of celebration with the younger crowd. Standing out slightly, more because of the clothes they were wearing than because of age.
Before everyone departed, Finn and Rory made the rounds and said goodbye to all. They were staying in their suite and were heading towards Finn's parent the next day for New Year's Day supper. This was a more formal supper in Finn's family. The invitation had been extended to Lorelei and Luke. They would all be leaving together the next day. In the meantime, both couple wanted to finish their celebration in their respective rooms, starting the New Year on a positive note.
The Morgan's annual New Year dinner was a complete success. Lorelei and Luke were welcomed into the Morgan's family as if they were members. Annabelle and Finn Sr just loved Lorelei's energy and her sense of humour was not lost unlike in the Gilmore house. They even were genuinely interested in her and Luke's business. They actually thought she was a lot like Finn and Eileen. Eileen who had already developed a friendship with Rory could not help but feel the same with Lorelei. It was like having a big sister. On her side, Lorelei couldn't help but see why Finn was so special to her daughter. Seeing him with his family, she just forgot that he was one of the Limo boys. She couldn't help but wonder how this guy could be so different with his family and Rory to the way he was before when she first met him. By the end of the evening, just before leaving, she was at peace. She knew Rory would be very well taken care of here with this family. They were quite different than what she was used from society family.
Luke and Lorelei were on their way back home later that night. Finn and Rory decided to stay at the Morgan Mansion and enjoy a late evening with Finn's siblings since everyone was headed back to their respective obligation fairly soon. Anthony was due back in London shortly; Eileen and her husband were heading to Australia the next day. And Rory was to start her new work the next Monday. The rest of the week was spent pretty much doing nothing but a bit of shopping and hanging out with friends. Rory and Finn did meet with Logan, Bobbie and Matthew. They were amazed to see how good of a father Logan was with Matthew. He was always taking care of him, he knew by instinct what Matthew wanted, needed. Bobbie was nice. She was at first uncomfortable around Rory but once they had the chance to talk, everything went smoothly. Rory had to admit that she would be a good choice for Logan. If someone could be standing next to Logan in front of Mitchum, it could very well be her.
On Sunday January 6th, Finn declared the day a bed in. They spent the day reading, talking and watching movies. They watched "All the President's Men", "Working Girls" and "His Girl Friday". Rory was completely stressed out so Finn tried his best to relieve her stress. At 9 o'clock she was trying to decide what to wear the next day and had to call Lorelei for suggestions. They settled for a nice navy suit with white shirt. All her stuff was prepared and she just needed to get sleep. Finn massaged her and she finally was asleep by 11 pm. Finn got up and prepared Rory's lunch for the next day and put some notes for her into everything she was to bring with her. He was in bed a bit later. The next morning. Rory was up by sunrise and was ready to go by 7h30 even though she was expected by only 9 o'clock. Finn woke up and found her sitting, staring into nothingness.
"Love, what are you doing? It is way too early." Rory jumped hearing his voice.
"I know, I couldn't sleep and did not want to wake you."
"It is all very nice but I was planning on dropping you off this morning. I also have prepared you your lunch."
"You did! When?"
"Last night, when you finally were asleep."
"Oh, you're so sweet." She meets him in the kitchen where he was pouring himself a cup of coffee and she kissed him. He took her in his arms and tried to deepen the kiss but she did not let him.
"Finn, I need to be at work in an hour, this would surely get me late on the first day."
"You're right... so let me get my shower and I'll drive you on my way to work."
While Finn had breakfast, Rory was thinking and Finn could sense she had something on her mind.
"Love, what's up?"
"I was just thinking... I am starting work now. I'll be receiving regular income so I should pay my share."
"What? No." Finn answered leaving no room for negotiation.
"Finn! I don't want for you to pay for everything. We share the space, am I supposed to let you pay for everything."
"Rory, I can more than afford it. You can't. Anyway, the apartment was paid in full when I bought it. So don't worry about it."
"Finn, I don't want to live at your expense. I need to keep my independence. I know you have more money than I do, by a far stretch. But I need to pull in what I can."
"Come on Rory, I am happy that you came to live with me. Just you being here is payback for me. Anyway, the man should be the provider."
"Oh, a real Macho man aren't we... but since you are doing most of the cooking, than it would be fair of me to at least pay for part of the expenses and amenities."
"You're really serious about this aren't you? You weren't paying anything when you lived at Logan's."
"Oh, and it was brought up more than once so if I can avoid it this time I will... And you know, I will come into my own trust fund at 25, I will then have enough."
"You have a trust fund? I thought you hated trust funds society type."
"Well, I love you so you can't say that... and yes, my Great Grandmother, Lorelei the first had a trust fund made for me. I am to inherit it on my 25th birthday. It's probably not much compared to yours but still, for me, I will be richer than I'll have ever been."
"I still don't feel ok with you paying for anything though... but let's look into it later if you still want to OK?"
"We will... I insist."
"Fine... ready to go?"
"Yep. By the way, you look really good in this suit... I can't wait to get it off of you tonight!" Rory said with a mischievous smile.
"And so do you love... but don't make me think about it if you don't want to be late!" On that he kissed her and they both put on their coats.
They both were headed out and Finn dropped Rory at her work while he went to his office. At work Finn was currently working on the first of his family oriented hotels. The board had decided to have two locations on the east coast. One was to be located on the beach a bit further south and the other was to be in New York. They were currently looking for locations so Finn would need to go to on a trip soon. He was the one that was leading this venture for his family company. It would be his banner. That evening, Finn picked up a very tired Rory, he had a large coffee cup waiting for her. They decided to order in and they spent the evening talking about Rory's new work. They would make a routine of it in the following day; Finn picking Rory up in the end of the day whenever it was possible, every time with a large coffee cup. In the morning though, Rory would usually leave earlier than Finn who went to the gym. They revisited the sharing expenses conversation but never quite agreed to anything.
In the following months both Rory and Finn worked at a crazy speed. Rory loved her new work, she was currently doing mainly local stuff but she was making herself known to the New Yorkers. Finn was working on his project with all the energy he had. They were to start construction on both hotels in late spring so he was working with the architects and designers. Since Rory did not have a regular schedule, she was often working over the week-ends, Finn made sure he would always take one day off to be with her. It was their thing. It was their alone day where they were dedicated to their couple. Rory accompanied Finn whenever she could to events or fundraisers. She would sometime cover them for the paper at the same time. They were on occasion found in the society pages again, but they were not overly exposed. Rory also organized Finn's birthday party inviting most of their friends and family. She hosted a themed party of course. This time, the theme was "Mangas" or "Japanese Anime". This made for a very colorful evening and everyone enjoyed themselves. It was hosted in one of Morgan's Group nightclub and Japanese animation played in the background throughout the evening.
Around Easter, they were due for a visit at the Crap Shack. Rory was in need of some time with her mother/best friend and she needed to also work on the wedding stuff. Lorelei had decided of a June wedding once again. Things had worked pretty much like the first time she had prepared her wedding to Luke but some things still needed to be worked on. Daphnée had been asked to do the maid of honour dresses, and the Christmas holidays. They were really looking forward to it. Lorelei had reserved the best room for them at the DragonFly Inn and was also really looking forward to their visit. She had spent some days with Rory in New York during the winter but they did not have a movie marathon in so long.
They were really excited to be away from their work and looking forward to time with Lorelei which was always a blast. They arrived right after dinner on Thursday evening Rory wanted to go to Luke's to get some coffee while Finn decided to stay in the room. Rory was not gone long as it was pretty quiet. When she came into their room, she saw Finn had started the fireplace, two glasses of wine were waiting and some bite size desserts. Finn was reading waiting for her.
"Wow, Finn, did you?"
"Of course, we haven't had much time to ourselves lately. Just come." Rory went to Finn and she kissed him slowly at the beginning but as she sat on him, they deepened the kiss to a whole new level.
"Hold on Love. We do have all night. Come and let's just sit by the fire drinking and eating all of those magical bites Sookie prepared for us." Rory did not argue and she sat with Finn. They talked and teased each other. They had fun like they hadn't had in a couple of month being in the whirlwind of their lives. They ended up making love and slept until pretty late the next morning. Lorelei who had a hunch that it was exactly what they needed did not call before they rang for their breakfast. It was 20 past noon. She decided to bring them their order hoping she would not find them inappropriately dressed.
"Room Service!"
"Mom! What are you doing bringing the food." Rory was a bit shy her mom coming into her intimacy. Funny though she wouldn't have minded so much a stranger
"Well, I wanted to see my only daughter… but it seems she is now a sex crazed floozie!"
"Hello Doll… well, you can't expect anything else… with a sexy exotic man like me… who could resist" Finn answered wiggling his eyebrows.
"Yeah, that's true… what do you say..." Lorelei started knowing it would make Rory react.
"Mom!"
"Can't I just have a bit of fun? You're so easy to get a reaction of, but you gotta understand if you let him run around with only a towel on, well, it is just like sending an invitation." Finn laughed at this.
"So, what are your plans for the day kids... I am working until 6."
"We haven't had breakfast yet, I don't know. We might stay in today... lots of sleep to take back." Rory answered trying to sound as innocent as she could
"Yeah right sleep... Well, I'll be downstairs if you need me..." On that Lorelei left their room.
"Love, how about a bit of that sleep you had in mind?" Finn asked with a devilish smile.
"Finn, I'm really hungry right now so..." But she did not have time to finish as Finn was lifting her up in his arms and kissing her, bringing her towards the bed...
They met with Lorelei at the end of the day and were now walking towards Luke's Diner for supper. Finn was telling Lorelei of the location for his two new hotels when Rory asked "Mom, who rented Luke's apartment?"
"No one. He keeps it empty."
"Well, someone seems to be there now. There's light."
"I have no idea. Unless... Oh-no... Luke! Luke!" She called coming into the diner.
"What?"
"Who is it you've got staying up?"
"Jess why? Didn't I mention he would be down for the holidays?"
"No. Rory, I'm sorry, I didn't mean."
"Who's Jess?" Finn asked not really following.
"Jess is my nephew." Luke answered.
"And he's my ex-boyfriend." Rory added knowing he'd want to know from her.
"Exactly so let's just sit and order... I am starving." Rory did not want to go into more details but she wanted to talk to Jess as the last time they had, she was afraid she had screwed up their friendship.
They sat a table with Lorelei and they ordered. As they were eating Jess came down the stairs. He saw Rory first thing as he arrived at the bottom of the stairs. She looked up and they stared into each other for a few seconds. Rory looked away first and Finn noticed the two of them. That is when Jess noticed that Rory was not with the blond dick from the last time they had met. He smiled and wondered who the new guy was, from the look of him, probably also a rich dick. He sat at the counter and talked to Luke.
"So, that Logan dude is out of the picture?"
"Jess, she is happy now with Finn. Just leave them alone will you?"
"Hey, she's the one that came to see me last time."
"I mean it. They are good together her and Finn. He's not Logan by far, he's really good to her and he really loves her. Just stay away."
"Don't worry; she can date all the dickhead she wants. I am through with her…" But Luke knew better than to believe Jess's words, he knew Jess still had feelings for Rory.
Jess looked over his shoulder at the threesome and after a while he just left the diner.
Rory watched him leave. She wanted to go after him. She needed to talk to him. Finn felt a pang of jealousy hit him as he saw his girlfriend's stare following her ex. He was not used to this feeling, He did not want to be jealous, he trusted Rory but was he enough for her. Could she really be happy with him, maybe he was fooling himself.
Lorelei sensed something was going on. She could not put her finger on it but seeing Rory affected by seeing Jess, she could not help but wonder. Finn also seemed struggling about something. Maybe he also felt the tension between Rory and Jess. She needed to talk to Rory to understand what all that was about. She really believed Rory was happy with Finn, she did not want for Jess to ruin it.
As they were walking toward the Crap Shack, Lorelei decided to take the bull by its horn. Finn had stopped by Doosey's to buy some snacks of his choice for movie night. She they were alone.
"Rory, can I talk to you?"
"Since when do you ask before?"
"What was that with Jess?"
"Nothing."
"Come on Rory that was not nothing. I'm pretty sure Finn felt it too, you might want to come clean with him also otherwise, and it's going to get tense if you meet him again."
"Fine… If you want to know. Do you remember when I dropped out of Yale?"
"What kind of question is that? Would I forget our divorce?"
"Not funny! Well, did I tell you about when Jess paid me a visit to bring me a copy of his book?"
"No… nothing."
"Well, he dropped by to talk to me and give me a copy of his book. I was telling him what had happened in the previous few months and he told me I had changed, that it was not me. He was right and I knew it. That evening when we went for dinner, Logan arrived and he joined us. He was an ass to Jess and that is when we went on a break. But honestly, Jess is the one that had me deciding to go back to school."
"Wow, I did not know I owed that one to Jess. I thought Paris got to you."
"But that's not it… a few months later; I was back with Logan and was digesting his interlude with the bridesmaid. I was back with Logan but had not forgiven him. I knew Jess had his launch in Philadelphia. Logan was to be in South America for an LDB stunt, you know the one he got hurt on. Anyhow, I went to the lunch. I wanted to get revenge over Logan for the bridesmaid. I wanted to make things even. I knew Jess would… well I kissed him."
"Rory, you can't play with people this way… you don't get anything by getting back his misstep by having a fling yourself."
"I know and I didn't. I kissed him but couldn't do anything else. I stopped. I know I crushed Jess at that time. But I told him I loved Logan and I left. We haven't spoken since then."
"And now, what do you feel about Jess?"
"Nothing. I just want to let him know I went back to school because of what he said. I want to thank him. I don't feel anything for Jess; I love Finn; as I never thought I'd love someone. But I need to talk to Jess. He was and I hope can be again a good friend. He knows this side of me a few does."
"I think I understand. Just be careful. Finn, he seems all strong and confident but I really think he saw something and well, he might just, you know…"
"Yeah, I maybe should go back and talk to him."
Rory goes back towards Doosey's to meet with Finn. On the way, she stumbles upon Dean and Lindsay. She talks to them politely and gets on. She did not notice that Finn saw her and with the earlier encounter with Jess, he was really feeling jealous. He paid his stuff and headed out. Rory met him.
"So did you get all you wanted?" Rory asked.
"Yes" He answered trying not to sound bitter but couldn't help to shake it out of him.
"Finn what is it?"
"Nothing. Come on, your mom is waiting."
"Finn. Why are you giving me attitude now?"
"Why? Come on Rory. We come here to have a good time with family and it's ghost of the past boyfriend's week-end. God I should have gone to Colin's. I saw the way you looked when that Jess came down. Come on Rory, there is something there. And I just saw you talk to Dean."
"Finn, if you had preferred to go to Colin's you should have said so. Are you telling me you're jealous of Dean and Jess?"
"Come on Rory. You did not see the look on both your faces, you and Jess. Don't tell me there is nothing there. I am not dumb. You never even mentioned him before."
"Wow I feel like history is repeating itself… Are you going to come to me in a few months kissing me again?" Jess intervened arriving to the scene.
"I can't do this… I'm heading to the hotel… Tell Lorelei I wasn't feeling up to a movie night. I'll head home tonight. I'll be gone in an hour."
"Finn! Wait."
"Wow, this one does not even put a fight."
"Jess! What the hell?" Rory tried.
"Mate I just don't want to lower myself to your level. Rory, call me when you've got him out of your system. I'm off now." And with that Finn leaves toward the Inn. His heart shattering.
Rory turns to Jess.
"I wanted to say I was sorry for how I treated you the last time I talked to you. You're really a jerk Jess. I also wanted to thank you for what you said two years ago. You got me back into Yale but why do you have to be such a jerk?"
"Come on Rory, you can do much more than those rich dumb asses. What is he heir to which empire, television? What could be newspaper for a journalist wannabee?"
"Wow, that's what you think of me? Finn is in the Hotel industry and I don't choose my boyfriends for what they can provide. And you have never talked to him. He is the most wonderful man I have ever met. I had hoped we could be friends again but I see there is no point into it. Well, thank you for getting me to realize I need to get back to Yale and I'm sorry I kissed you that last time and ran. But from now on, ignore me. That's what I'll do on my side. Now I have to go."
She ran. Jess couldn't believe what he had done. And he knew she was now writing for the Times. He knew she was making a name for herself, she was good. Why did she keep going under his skin like that? And he was in a relationship now. He did love Soraya, why did he always screw thing up with Rory. He needed to find a way to give her his second book. She would know he was over her. It was just when he saw her arguing with her boyfriend, it brought back memories of her last boyfriend. He just needed to talk to her and her boyfriend. He owed them both some excuses.
Rory arrived at the hotel and Finn was madly putting his stuff in his suitcase. He had already drunk half a bottle of wine. He knew he had overreacted. He knew Rory loved him but he couldn't help feeling he didn't deserve her. He took another big gulp directly from the bottle and he saw her in the door.
"Hey!"
"Hey!"
"So… got him out of your system? Did you kiss him as he said?"
"Finn. I am not going to answer that. You know the answer." Finn laughed bitterly… she must have. God that is why I did not get into relationship. This hurt way too much. Why go through with it.
"Then what are you doing here… shouldn't you wait that I am gone. Or maybe you want to break up now." Another gulp of wine.
"Fuck Finn. You are melodramatic! Would you at least look at me?" She pleaded.
Finn looked up at the ceiling "Why? So you can see me cry." He emptied the bottle.
She walked to him and took away the now empty bottle. She answered whispering.
"No you fool. Because I love you. And I'm not going to let you screw what we have for someone who's not worth it."
"What?" He finally turned around to see her. She was crying.
"I love you Finn and I won't let you go, not tonight; not ever."
"I love you too by the way. What just happened Rory?" Finn whispered in return. Sitting on the bed as Rory walked to sit beside him.
"We just had our first fight I guess."
"But what was it about?"
"Not sure, Jess? Your jealousy?"
"How about all of the above." He added.
"Yeah. Do you want to know about Jess?" Rory asked.
"I'd like to know why we had a fight yes."
"OK, but don't interrupt."
"Fine."
"So Jess and I met when I was 16. We connected quickly he is as much into literature as I am. He actually wrote a short novel. I was going out with Dean at the time. But I still fell in love with Jess. I did not mean to. It just happened. Dean realized it and broke up with me. Jess and I went out a couple of month then he left. Without a word, he packed up and left. I did not hear anything from him until he showed up at my dorm at the end of my sophomore year. He wanted me to leave with him. I didn't. Instead I got into the ordeal with Dean. You knew he was married when we slept together, I mean Dean?"
"Yeah, you already told me this story…"
"OK. So I did not hear anything from Jess until I was with Logan. Jess showed up at my grandparents when I was living there. He came out of nowhere one night I was getting home. He came up and we talked. He showed me the book he wrote; actually he gave it to me. The book was about us somewhat. Anyway, we talked a bit and decided to meet the next day. As we were about to leave Logan showed up. He got jealous and joined us. Both were asses to each other. Actually Logan was a real ass, Jess was just answering back. Jess got tired of it and left. I went to talk to him and he told me, showed me how much I had changed. That I had become a paler side of myself since I had dropped out of Yale. He was right. I was on my way to become a little Emily Gilmore." Finn laughed at that.
"Yeah, he was right you know. I would have expected it from Steph or Juliet but you; I would not have said anything since we weren't close at the time but even then I knew it was not the real you."
"Exactly. But Logan did not see it. We fought when I got back and that is when we had the break."
"Oh… that break."
"Yep. Well, you know the story with me and Logan, we got back together. Then you guys went jumping off a plane and I was still so angry at him for the bridesmaid. So while you were out there, I went to Jess book launch. I wanted to get back to Logan. I wanted to punish him I hadn't forgiven him yet. So I had planned on doing the same thing to Logan he had done to me. So I started to kiss Jess. Just as we were taking it one step above, I stopped it. I couldn't go through with it. I did not love Jess, I couldn't do it. I stopped and I left. I hadn't seen him until tonight."
"Wow, not what I expected. Did Logan know?"
"Nope. I never told him. After the accident, things got going well again for us, until he went to London."
"So, what you mean is that if you are yourself again, if you went back to Yale, it is because of Jess?"
"Yes, it is. But After what he said tonight. I don't intend on talking to him again."
"You know you can. Rory, I overreacted. I am not used to this feeling. The fact that I get dizzy from thinking you might leave me. I got scared."
"Finn, I love you, you have to trust us. And if you doubt again, talk to me don't do a hit and run."
"I'm sorry Love." He turned toward Rory looked into her eyes and leaned to kiss her. They deepened the kiss and leaned onto the bed. Stopping to breathe some air Rory whispered "I think we should call my mom".
"Why?"
"Because she is expecting us."
"Oh! Not really in the mood to go out again now."
"Neither am I" Rory replied laughing. She picked up the phone and called her mom to let her know all was fine but they wouldn't make it tonight. Lorelei understood but accepted with a promise of a full day tomorrow.
When she came back, Finn was sitting on the bed and signed Rory to come over. They kissed again. "So this was our first fight."
"I guess so… it had to happen eventually…"
"So this" Finn said kissing Rory down her neck knowing how she loved it "is our first" and he continued kissing her down her cleavage, starting to undo her blouse "make up sex." Rory smiled.
"Then you'd better make it good." She answered him shivering as Finn was now down on her breast kissing her and undoing her bra.
"Why" he asked.
"Because I wish it will be also our last make up sex."
"Oh, I don't know… if it is that good, then I might pick a fight just for make-up sex."
"Finn!" Rory wanted to say it more seriously but just barely moaned it.
They ended up making love slowly and tenderly, it reminded them both of their first time. They were completely in synch with one another. Both knew that night that they never wanted to fight again. They knew they would, but both knew if they wanted to survive, they would need to talk things through, stick together and they would.
The next day, they spent all day with Lorelei as promised. They watched movies, ate, and discussed wedding preparation. Finn offered some ideas for entertainment. Lorelei wanted the wedding to be held at the DragonFly. Rory and Finn would take a long weekend to help with the last minute preparation. Rory had decided that their gift to the bride and groom would be their honeymoon so she had to convince both Luke and Lorelei to take a 2 week vacations. They went to the Gilmores for an Easter dinner on the Sunday and were going back to New York on Monday afternoon. On Monday morning Rory found an envelope addressed to her on the porch. She recognized the writing to be Jess's. She had been looking at it for a while when Finn walked in on her.
"What is it?"
"A letter I guess, from Jess. And a book I think."
"Oh! Are you going to open it?"
"I don't know. What do you think, should I?"
"Well, I think so."
"Would you mind staying with me?"
"Are you sure, it is addressed to you."
"I'm sure."
"OK then."
Rory carefully opened the envelop to find a letter and as she had thought a book.
"Dear Rory,
I am sorry for what happened on Friday. I don't know what came over me. I always seem to screw things up with you and your boyfriends. I am sorry also for what I said to you. I know you went back to school after our last encounter. I know because I asked news to Luke whenever I saw him. I also knew because I read your articles. I read everything from the trail and then when Luke told me you'd be working for the NY Times, I subscribed. Your writing is witty and always right to the point. I love when you make your audience think through your articles. I recognize you, the real you in your writing and I am glad to.
Luke talked to me after our spat on Friday. He yelled at me also. I guess I deserved it. He told me how you and Finn got together. I am glad you have found a nice one. I always hated that dickhead from the last time. It's a good thing you refused his proposal. Yes, I know about it. Please tell Finn I am sorry for what I said. I misjudged him from what Luke told me. I am usually the one getting misjudged and I know how it feels. So just let him know I am sorry. We'll meet again at the wedding so I promise I will excuse myself in person then.
I hope I did not screw things up too much. I don't know why I acted like this. I also moved on if you are wondering. I am now engaged to Soraya. She is great. I met her at a bar I go to. She was working there during her studies as a Social Worker. She is wonderful around kids like I was. I actually wrote a second book. You'll find it in the envelope. Read it. It talks about me moving on; my own travel to my inner self. I am really proud of it. I hope we'll be able to discuss it on our next encounter.
I am still in Philly, and I am getting married later this summer. We will have a small beach wedding. Soraya is from Cape Cod and we will celebrate the wedding there. It would mean a lot if you'd came. I don't have many friends from my old times. Actually, you are the only one.
I guess we'll talk close to the wedding. In the meantime, take care and once again, I am sorry.
Your friend,
Jess."
Rory stayed silent after reading the letter.
"Wow, I think he is sincere." Finn said and added "And I think I misjudged him too."
"So…"
"Come here" Finn said and he hugged her kissing her on the head. "Do you want to go and see him, might still be at Luke's?"
"Would you mind?"
"No."
"Then yes, I'd like that." Rory went to get her coat and shoes on. While Finn sat back on Lorelei's couch.
"What are you doing?" Rory asked almost irritated.
"Well, you're going; I am going to wait for you here."
"No! You're coming with me."
"I am?"
"Yes, you are."
Finn smiled, he got up and also got dressed. They headed toward the Diner.
"Hey Luke. Is Jess still up there?"
"What did he do this time?" Luke asked worried of what he might hear.
"Nothing, I just want to talk to him." Rory answered. Luke looked over to Finn to size if he looked ok with it, which seemed to be the case.
"Yes, he's still up there. You want me to get him?"
"No, we'll go up if you don't mind."
"Suit yourselves." He was really hoping there would be no fighting.
Rory knocked on the door. After a few seconds, Jess opened the door and was surprised to see the two visitors.
"Hey, I was not expecting you'd read the letter so fast… I thought you were at the DragonFly."
"We were at the crap shack. So… yeah, we read the letter. Thank you."
Rory was a bit uncertain of where to start…
"Jess Mariano this is Finn Morgan, my boyfriend. Finn this is Jess Mariano."
Both guys shook hands trying to size the other one.
"Nice to meet you. I really meant it, the letter. I am sorry for what happened. I don't know I saw you with Finn and he reminded me so much of that other rich dude."
"Stopping you there mate. Logan is my friend but I am nothing like him. At least not when Rory is involved."
"I know" Jess answered. "Luke filled me in afterward. I am sorry man for misjudging you. It seems you make our girl here really happy."
"Well, I hope so. But I understand wanting to protect her. Just so you know, I would give everything up for her." He looked at Rory. "And I mean it. I've loved her for longer than I should say."
Rory was blushing.
"Another one to fall for a Gilmore Girl… I don't know what they do in that house but it works for them…"
"Hey I am right here you know."
"We know" both of them answer at the same time.
"So you wrote another book?"
"Yeah… I did. I met Soraya two years ago, she was my inspiration… We were friends first. I think she was afraid since I was such a screwed up; having issues with my mom, my dad. God I could have been her final project during her last semester. But we were meant to be. She reads as much as I do. She loves music."
"I'm happy for you Jess. You deserve it."
"Thanks, so do you by the way. And I guess you've found it." He looked over at Finn. They were good together, he could feel it.
"So, do you have an email I can write to send you my review of the book?"
"Yeah of course… let me give it to you."
He took a card from Truncheon Publishing and wrote his personal email on it. He handed it to her.
"I'll be happy to hear from you. I need to finish packing. Soraya is going to pick me up soon."
"OK then. Thanks again Jess, for telling me the truth back then. And I want to say I am sorry for what I did when I went to your book launch. I shouldn't have done what I did. I shouldn't have."
"It's ok Rory. I don't quite understand what happened there, but it is OK. Anyway, I enjoyed the kiss… it's just what followed it that was a problem." Jess said with a smirk indicating he was OK with it.
"Hey mate, I was starting to like you…" Finn said jokingly "But I have to admit that she does wonder if her kisses… I can't blame a guy to enjoy it… as a warning though… don't do it again." Rory hit Finn on the arm.
"Anyhow, before you compare notes. We have to go too. Take care Jess. We'll see you at the wedding in June."
"Will do… and think about mine. I'd be happy to have you there… there won't be many people from my side… Luke and Lorelei, my mom and my associates. That is mainly it."
"We'll see…"
Rory and Finn left soon after going back to New York. Back to their lives. Rory was happy to have talked to Jess. During the drive she started to read Jess's book.
"Love, would you mind if I read Jess's first book. The one about you?"
"No, I think you might enjoy it."
"Good. You have it at home?"
"Yeah, somewhere."
"OK. What do you say we go out tonight, before our lives goes to overdrive once again?"
"Oh, I'd love that. Indian?"
"Indian it is."
"I love you Finn."
"I love you too Rory."
After that week-end their life did go back to their pace of the few months before. But their bond was stronger than it had been before. Rory kept in contact with Jess exchanging emails and Finn even wrote him from time to time. They even talked on the phone occasionally. Finn went on a business trip to the construction site in Cape May and everything was going according to schedule which meant the hotel would open around June 20th. He was looking forward to it. But for the first time in his life he felt stress. He really wanted this to be a success. He did not want for Rory to see him fail. Rory on her side was getting more and more interesting assignments. Her editor really loved her writing and they were moving her up to more in depth articles. She even had to cover some events in Washington a couple of times.
As the month of June approached both were really tired and on edge. They had not been able to get their alone day in almost three week and were missing each other quite a lot. Lorelei's wedding as approaching; it was in one week when something happened on the construction site. There was a death in one of the workers on site. Finn had to go and he knew Rory would be mad for him not being there.
"Rory Love, what time are you finishing tonight?"
"I should be done in one hour why?"
"I'll pick you up and we can go out to eat?"
"I don't know, I am tired and I'd prefer going home."
"Come on Rory, we never go out anymore. We're not even 30 and we just work work work."
"Hey, it's not my fault… you're also working all the time."
"I know which is why I want us to have a nice evening out."
"OK then, but nowhere fancy. I am not dressed appropriately."
"Fine. We'll go to that little Italian place."
"Perfect"
"I'll be there in one hour. Love you."
"Love you too."
Rory had a feeling there was more to the evening out but did not say anything up front. They were having dessert and coffee when Finn started.
"There was an accident on the construction site in Cape May."
"Was it bad?"
"Well, yes, one of the men working died, another is in the hospital, and he'll be fine."
"Wow, I am sorry. What does that mean, do you need to have it shut down for a while?"
"Yes, we need to have an investigation. We were not late so we might be able to finish on time for opening date though."
"OK. So why do you look so worried."
"You know me too well now. I need to go down this week."
"No, no Finn we need to be at my mother's by Thursday morning. The wedding is Saturday. We promised."
"I know, and I will be there on Thursday night but I need to go down to the site tomorrow."
"Finn! We had promised we'd be there together. Thursday is the last fitting and the rehearsal dinner."
"Rory, you are in the wedding but not me. My presence is not mandatory on Thursday."
"For me yes. I want you to be with me. Finn we haven't had much time to ourselves lately."
"I know Love and the hotels are opening soon, I'll get more free time after, I promise but I need to go for this. These are my projects."
"I know. I just wanted you to be there with me. We never have time for each other anymore Finn. You are your own boss Finn, you should be able to find time." Rory pouted.
"I'm sorry… I'll make it up to you, I promise."
"How?" Rory asked still pouting.
"But Rory, you're not fair, it's not only me not making time for us. You keep accepting extra assignments."
"I know, but I am trying to make myself appreciated?" She was hurt and he hated being the one doing so.
"I promise I'll do my best and I will be there on Friday at the latest." He really hoped he could free himself early enough. He would be onsite only on Tuesday around noon. He did not know how long he would need to stay on site.
"Well, I'll start tonight by making love to you. We haven't much lately… And I do miss it Miss Gilmore." He said smirking. He leaned and kissed her.
She had also missed it. She hadn't really thought about it but when he mentioned it, she really missed feeling his hands over her. She missed them cuddling. She just missed their intimacy, making love to Finn.
"Well, in that case and it will just be the start of you paying me back… we'd better hurry home…"
Finn smiled and signaled to the waitress they were ready to leave. They went home and barely made it through the door since their need of one another was so overwhelming. A few hours before, they hadn't figured out how much then missed one another even though they were living together. Now, they needed this proximity. They need to loose each other into one another. They needed each other.