The New Normal

February 2017 New York

Rory and Logan met for lunch the next week, and then for lunch again two days later. The week after they met for lunch twice and coffee on the day they did not have lunch. The week after that, it was lunch once and dinner the next day. After week three it became an unspoken arrangement that they would meet for a meal at least twice a week, with the occasional extra lunch, dinner, coffee, walk or other activity as time permitted.

Logan continued to accompany Rory to her appointments, however short they were. He learned more about pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the workings of the female reproductive system than he ever thought he wanted to know. He had a brief freak out when it came to the genetic testing and was on pins and needles for two days until Rory texted him the results saying that everything was all clear. He started reading parenting books, humorous dad memoirs and even picked up a guide to baby sign language.

All in all, Rory and Logan settled into a comfortable routine. They fell back into the familiar rapport that they developed between them all those years ago, going about their business as if there was no break in their time together, with one glaring exception; they never talked about their relationship. Yes, they talked about parenting matters; what kind of life they pictured for their kid, schools, nannies, formula vs. breastmilk, cloth vs. disposable diapers, but as far as them getting back together, the subject was never broached. As much as Logan wanted to talk about it, make some grand gesture to show Rory how he felt, he knew that he needed to hold back. Rory was in not in the frame of mind to deal with those questions and trying to address them would only push her away.

So Logan soldiered on, coping with the Rory situation by doing his best to live in the present. He went out with friends, networked with business associates, and attended events. On those occasions where he was required to bring dates, he would usually ask a business associate to "tag along" or invite his cousin Darby. There were those awkward moments where invites were

misinterpreted by those he took out, ending with disappointed thank you and chaste kisses on the cheek at the end of the night.

It was a Friday afternoon. Logan had an appointment with a Mr. Leonard Durham-Barrons, who according to his calendar, was a representative from a small publishing house in Maine. Logan had no idea who he was nor had he ever heard of the publishing house. All the knew was that they were to meet in the conference room one floor below.

Logan arrived early to his meeting, sitting at the large conference table with his laptop, answering e-mails when Hope, his assistant came in. "Logan, Mr. Durham-Barrons just arrived. He asked me to tell will be here in about five minutes."

Logan acknowledged and thanked Hope and went back to his e-mails. He was about to press "send" when Mr. Durham-Barrons walked in. "Logan Huntzberger, hello, I'm Leonard Durham- Barrons" the gentleman stated. Logan looked up to see a man dressed in a heavy coat and hat, carrying a large messenger bag. Logan stood up to shake the man's hand, inviting him to sit down.

"It's nice to meet you. Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee? Tea?"

"Well, there is one thing," he said. Logan watch in shock as Mr. Durham-Barrons he ripped off his coat, revealing that he was wearing a short tiered bright orange gown, and put on a feather hat. He ran up to Logan and put a giant pink pirate hat decorated with bright colored feathers on his head and a bright green feather boa around his neck and then pushed him down on his chair. He then ran back to the front of the conference room, and started performing.

I had a dreeeeaaaaam, a dream of guess who, Logaaaaan.

It's all because of youuuuuuuu, Logaaaaan

Because it's your birthday, Logaaaaan

At this point, Mr. Durham-Barrow jumped up on the conference room table and continued, adding some choreography to his performance.

Some people would think it's fun

, To spend their birthday one-on-one

But not for you Logan dear

We're all going to celebrate another yeeeeaaarrrr

For you we planned a grand celebration

one that will bring just jubilation

the type that will captivate a nation

to celebrate your 35th station

For everything's coming up Logaaaaannnn!

Celebrating his birthday!

Happy Birthday to YOUUUU!

TO YOOUUUUUUUUUUUU!

Over his shock and thoroughly amused Logan got up to give Mr. Durham-Barrow a standing ovation. Around him, he heard thunderous applause realizing that he was not alone. He turned beet red when he noticed that everyone on the floor was standing outside of the conference room witnessing and videoing this display. Oh God, he thought, I'm going to be on YouTube. Among the spectators, he noticed three in particular, who he no doubt arranged for this show.

Colin, Finn, and Robert.

Logan had not seen the three of them since they dropped him off at the airport after their New Hampshire adventure last October. Work, schedules, general "adulting" kept them from getting together as often as they liked.

While college friendships have the tendency to lose their momentum after they leave the safe confines of campus, the friendship between Logan, Colin, Finn, and Robert endured. Although Logan often gave them a hard time, he was happy to see them and grateful for their enduring support. During his time in California, they came out frequently to share in the adventures, they were supportive when Logan proposed to Odette and also when they broke up. They were 100% behind and even helped plan that outing that culminated at the B&B in New Hampshire. They were great friends through and through.

It amazed Logan that while they all graduated, "matured", and moved on to take on more responsible tasks that they still maintained their sense of fun and adventure. Colin, who Logan has known practically his whole life, like him went into the family business, ending up at Stanford Law for his JD-MBA and going on the partner track in the family law firm. Robert went on to grad school at the London School of Economics and was now spending his time at an economics think tank in DC. Finn, in Logan's opinion, got the best deal. Finn's family owned an outdoor gear company based out of Australia. On the days he was not out hawking his wares he was testing them "for marketing and training purposes".

"Happy Birthday mate!" Finn said slapping him on the back good-naturedly.

"35-years-old, that much closer to collecting social security." Colin quipped.

"35 but still have your boyish good-looks. What is your beauty secret?" Robert added.

"You know my birthday was two weeks ago, right? " Logan replied

"Yes, but with Finn in town, we had to find some reason to drink; your birthday just came in handy." Colin "confessed".

"So, what's on the agenda boys? What are the plans?" Logan asked, realizing that he needed a mindless night out.

Finn replied, "Go home and pack. Bring your winter gear and your passport."

Two hours they were on a private plane, making their way to Quebec. A "working holiday" as Finn's family business was contemplating investing in a Canadian outfitter who specialized in among other things, dog sledding, winter camping, winter sports, and wilderness survival. Finn had arranged for a weekend adventure for the four of them to "evaluate" the value of the investment.

They landed in Quebec City, and after quickly clearing customs and immigration, were whisked off about an hour from the airport where they arrived at their destination. After about a two hour meeting with Finn's potential partners and some time getting the boys acquainted with procedure and safety measures, they were off on their dog sledding adventure. One and a half hours and about 20 miles later they reached a lake that had yurts set up for their overnight accommodations. That night they drank scotch and played poker. The next day they hiked a 1⁄4 of a mile to a waterfall where they spent the mid-morning to afternoon trying their hand at ice canyoning. Three hours later, they packed up their gear and sledded back to the home base and comfortable lodge accommodations. Exhausted from the activities of the 24+ hours, the four of them got settled and slept the afternoon away.

That evening they gathered in the Lodge's dining room for a late dinner. Steaks all around and fine wine, Logan was happy to have such a great birthday celebration.

"God, we are getting old. In our 20's all that activity would have been a warm-up, but we sleep the afternoon away." Colin complained.

"So what do you propose we do? Pile in a car and go clubbing in Quebec and hang out with 19- year-olds? Robert asked.

"19-year-olds? That sounds splendid." Finn responded. Logan continued eating, shaking his head.

"So gentleman, how about this for a summer outing? A surfing week off the coast of Peru? We have some new boards we need to test. You free?"

"When would this be?" Logan asked.

"July."

"Yea, I can't make that."

"It's February and you already have plans for the summer?"

"Yes, I do."

"What? Will you be washing your hair? Does the Dark Lord already have your summer planned? What could possibly be better than a week goofing off in Peru?"

"Well, my kid is due the first week of July."

The three of them stared at Logan, gobsmacked.

"I'm sorry," Colin said, "but WHAT?!"

"I'm going to be a dad," Logan responded

"Sweet Jesus, Odette is pregnant?" Finn asked

"No, it's not Odette." Logan assured.

The three of them were silent, obviously doing the math in their heads.

"Nooo," Robert said, "Rory?"

"Yep, Rory's pregnant."

"But how?" Colin asked

"Well Colin, when a man and woman meet and have great feeling for each other..." Finn responded

"Oh please Finn, we're in the middle of dinner!" Robert implored.

"So what's going to happen? Are you guys getting married?" Colin asked, putting the focus back on Logan

"Nope!" Logan replied.

"What? You don't want to?" Colin asked pointedly.

"Rory doesn't want to."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Finn responded, obviously surprised, "You mean after all that sneaking around, all that you went through, she didn't want a serious relationship after all?"

"It seems that way."

"Wow, it's usually the guy who pulls that crap."

Logan offered further explanation, "Rory feels that her being pregnant should not be the reason why we get together. She is in full-on work and becoming a mother mode, and not in relationship mode. She is willing to deal with me in terms raising the kid, but us becoming a couple she won't talk about it."

"Well, that sucks." Robert opined

"It certainly does."

"So what are you going to do?" Robert asked.

"What can I do? Just let things go where they may. Rory and I see each other fairly often, so it's not like there isn't a chance. For now, I am managing my expectations and taking it one day at a time."

Colin looked at Logan, "Goddamit if that isn't just what a mature father-to-be would say!"

"How are we only hearing about this now? What afraid to scare off your friends?" Finn asked.

"Hey, it's not like I have known for long. I found out in late December, 10 weeks after the fact. It got pretty ugly when she told me; I was really pissed at her for waiting so long to tell me. After that, save short text messages, Rory and I weren't speaking. But we worked it out and we see and talk on a regular basis. It's not ideal, but it's a start."

"Yes, it certainly is."

The four sat in silence for a minute or two digesting the news.

"Well, then a toast" Colin interjected raising his glass and breaking the silence, "To the birthday boy and father-to-be. Congrats on both counts. Better you than us."

Logan smirked at his friend's backhanded compliment. "Thank you," Logan replied raising his glass with a smirk, "thank you so much for your support."