Career Girl

February 2017

New York, NY

"No, you're WRONG! That argument was based on fake news."

"No, you just don't know sound research when you read it!'

"Your sources are Liberal snowflakes who cannot let go of the fact that you LOST!"

"Your sources are paranoid racists rooted in conspiracy theories. And by the way, we WON the popular vote!"

"You cannot talk about the current political climate without acknowledging the legitimacy of the fear and concern that brought this about."

"Well, you also cannot talk about the current political climate without talking about what that fear and oppressive climate it has produced!"

"You're an idiot!" "You're an idiot!"

A typical day at work. Rory was in the conference room of MN Designs, gathering her materials to take her leave. The content and design teams just finished their bi-weekly status meeting and, as with every other meeting, her two colleagues Helen (of the content team) and Frank (of the design team) broke out into what has become their customary post-status meeting argument. Nevermind that all the issues had been settled and a plan had been set, nevermind that they both enthusiastically endorsed the plan. Arguing, it seemed, was part of their creative process.

"It was when they started calling each other idiots that I had to leave," Rory told Logan as she passed him a napkin.

"Really? I would think that when it would start getting good!" replied Logan.

Logan and Rory were at a neighborhood pizza shop eating a quick lunch. "They launched into argument mode the second the meeting was over." Rory reported, "All the while I'm thinking, 'you know this was settled. You know that both your concerns and ideas are being addressed in the way that you want it.' I swear, I think they just argue just to argue.

"So they are reflecting the media/public discourse of today?" "It's like working with Bill Maher and Ann Coulter, only without the sexual tension."

"Ouch! So but the job is still fun right?"

"Oh yes, loads of fun." Rory said with a smile, "I'm going to miss it when it's over."

The deadline for all content and design has been set for June 2, five weeks before Rory's due date. While she was grateful that the work would be wrapped up in time for the birth of her baby, part of her was also sad that the job would be over. This was the first time in a very long time that she was excited about her work.

"Do you think they would take you on permanently?" Logan asked.

"I'm not sure. It all depends on the projects that are coming down the pipeline, plus the need for personnel. Remember, I am just filling in for someone who is on medical leave. I can't take a job that isn't available."

"You'll find something," Logan assured her.

"Yes, one day at a time."

Taking a bit of his pizza, Logan changed the subject. "I won't be able to meet up next week." "

Why not? Have some grand plans?"

"I'm going London, leaving Sunday afternoon. When I left I transitioned a project to my replacement. They are nearing the end of the end and need me to help tie up some loose ends. As it turns out, it much simpler for me to fly to London and deal with it in person. Also, since I am there, I am taking a side trip to Paris to meet up with Odette."

"Really? Why so?"

"We have some loose ends to tie up as well. Legal and property stuff, nothing too complicated. I could just let the lawyers handle it, but I felt this was something I needed to do in person."

"Have you talked to her?"

"Yes, we had a good talk the other day when I called her to confirm the meeting."

"So how is she?"

"She's doing well. She and Benoit, that's her fiancée, are getting married in June."

'Wow, that was fast."

"Well, when you know you know, right?"

"I guess so. Does she know about the baby?"

"Yes. She said that while it's a little weird she is genuinely happy for us."

"That's nice." Rory replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Logan again changed the subject.

"So, my mom wants to get in touch with you."

"Oh no, why?" Rory asked in mock terror.

"Apparently, she wants to throw us a baby shower. I was hesitant about it a first but Honor said that she would help reign her in."

"Really? That's surprising."

"She and my dad have decided to embrace this situation without reservation."

"That's both a relief and a little bit scary."

"No doubt."

"So what did you tell her?"

"I told her that I had to check with you first. It's up to you."

"Well, thanks for placing the responsibility on me!" Rory said sarcastically.

"Sorry," Logan responded sheepishly.

"So what are our chances of getting out of this?"

"I would say zero. Find a free weekend Ace."

"Well, the fact that she wants to talk to me personally. Is this a sign that they've calmed down?"

"Yes, they accepted our situation and I have to say, they are kind of excited. They may not have been the most enthusiastic parents, but they are over the top grandparents. Honor's kids absolutely love them. They still don't understand why we are not getting married, though," Logan added cautiously.

"One event at a time," Rory responded. '

That's what I said." Logan replied.

The thought of Logan meeting up with Odette lingered in Rory's mind for the rest of the week. She was feeling uneasy about it, but not really sure why.

"You're still in love with him", opined Paris one evening during dinner.

"No, that's not it. It's not a "stay away from my man" kinda feeling. It's more of a fear."

"Fear? Really? Of what?"

"Fear that he may not want to come back. Things have been going well between us, and we have a plan moving forward. I just don't want that messed up."

"Yes, that and you are still in love with him."

"Will you still stop saying that? Yes, I "love" him, but I can't say I am "in love" him."

"Ok, sure," Paris said rolling her eyes, "keep telling yourself that sister."

Paris was talking with Rory while simultaneously spooning food onto her daughter's plate and wiping her son's mouth. Paris continued, "...he is just waiting for you to give him the green light to make an honest woman out of you. That boy has it for you bad. You know I'm right"

"I am not in the position to think about that right now," Rory responded, marveling at Paris' multitasking skills.

"Yes, but you know that I'm right." Paris responded with emphasis.

"No, I don't know that." Rory responded with equal emotion

Paris sat down and started eating her dinner, shaking her head in bewilderment over Rory's obtuse thinking.

The next day Rory was sitting in her office editing copy when a knock came on her office door. "Rory, " her colleague said, "There's a Mr. Huntzberger here to see you."

Rory looked up expecting Logan to walk in the door; only it wasn't Logan, but Mitchum Huntzberger.

"Rory!" Mitchum exclaimed as he walked in and sat down uninvited, "Sorry to just drop in on you like this. I hope I'm not interrupting something important."

"Not at all, nice to see you Mr. Huntzberger."

"Rory, you are pregnant with my grandchild. I think it would be ok for you to call me Mitchum."

"Ok, well thank you, Mitchum." Calling him by his first name felt really strange.

"So, how's it going? I am hearing great stuff about this project of yours. I am excited about the debut."

"Well, it should be up and running by September. I will be sure that you are on the guest list for the opening."

"Thank you, I look forward to it. I don't want to take up too much of your time so I'll get right to the point. What are your plans for after the baby is born?"

"Can you please be more specific?"

"Where do you plan to live? Do you have a job lined up?"

"Right now, I am planning to live in Stars Hollow. That's where my support is."

"And as for employment prospects?"

"Other than my responsibilities with our local paper, nothing as of yet."

"Well, I have an idea to pitch to you."

"Oh, ok"

"There is an opportunity that I think would be up your alley. There is a position opening up in the PR Team at the headquarters of The Media Huntzberger Group. It's specifically in external communications. You would be dealing with the media, government, and other corporate partners. There is lots of writing, not Talk of the Town pieces, but you would be one of the faces of the businesses if you're up for it."

"Thank you for the offer Mr., Huntz...Mitchum, but I am a bit confused,"

"About what?"

"Confused as to why you would offer this to me. I have zero experience in PR and there are probably hundreds of other people who are more qualified than me to take this job."

"Yes, well I've seen your work. I know you can organize events, you know how to deal with people on various levels, and you can write. Yes, I admit, you are a bit raw, but you also learn fast."

"Really?! Why do I have the feeling that there is more to this offer?"

"You mean that I have another agenda?" Mitchum asked smiling and shaking his head, "Yes, I do have ulterior motives."

"And those are?"

"Easy, this is also for my son and my grandchild."

"Can you elaborate?"

"Sure! For whatever reason, it looks like you and Logan are not getting married. His mother and I don't understand why, but the situation is what it is and we, ever so reluctantly, accept that. I do know about you and your work history. You are a very talented writer Rory and you do good work, but you have not been exactly steady job wise. Freelancing is brutal. It can be invigorating and exciting for someone who has no attachments, but that is not exactly your situation anymore now is it? I want my grandchild to have stability, I want my son to be able to see his child more than just on the weekends. You working a regular job is key to that future. You could take this job, move to the city, and have a viable family life. We can even arrange for you to live in corporate housing."

"Of course you can" Rory respond with a bit of sarcasm, which Mitchum picked up on.

" You know my reputation. I am not offering this to you willy-nilly. I am telling the truth when I say I think you can handle this. If I didn't, I wouldn't be making this offer. I just feel that taking this avenue solves many issues."

"Does Logan know about this?"

"No, I went to you first. If I ran this by him, he would accuse me of interfering, which I am, but I do it out of love and concern."

"I promise to think about it."

"That's what I was hoping you would say. Take your time. I wouldn't expect you to start until after the baby is born anyway."

Mitchum got up to leave, "Thank you for hearing me out Rory."

"No, thank you Mr. Huntz...I mean Mitchum, for making me the offer." Mitchum exited, leaving Rory with yet another thing to think about.