Livin' la Vida Las Vegas

November 2015

New Haven, CT

It was a crisp, sunny autumn day. Cold enough for a heavy sweater, but warm enough to forgo a heavy coat; a perfect day to see Yale beat Harvard. Standing in the parking lot of the Yale Bowl with Emily tailgating with Richard's college friends, Rory couldn't help but think her grandfather and his giddiness during game time. How odd, she thought, all these people looking so happy and enjoying themselves while she was feeling so melancholy. The mourning process was indeed a lonely one.

It surprised Rory when she received the phone call from Emily asking for her to accompany her to the game. Rory soon learned that Emily had resumed her social obligations, keeping up with all the traditions that she and Richard engaged in while he was alive in the effort to get on with life and be "normal" as possible. While Rory thought this was a bit too soon, she nevertheless wanted to support Emily as much as possible. Unlike other grandparent oriented Yale events, Rory was actually enjoying herself. It nice to talk about her grandfather with his friends, to laugh at stories she didn't know, to learn more about this man who played such key role in her life. It made her feel lucky, but also sad; she so wanted her grandfather to be there with her.

While talking with Emily and Jack Smith, one of Richards Yale classmates, out of the corner of her eye, Rory spotted Mitchum and Shira Huntzberger, perhaps among the last two people she ever wanted to see. To avoid them, Rory made her excuses, telling Emily and jack that she wanted to visit with friends and would be back in time before game time.

Alone and away from the crowds Rory made her way to the Old Campus, heading toward Branford, where she and Paris lived their sophomore year. She happily found the coffee cart, parked in its usual place in the courtyard where she bought a large cup with all the trimmings. Unfortunately, she ended up spilling not only the coffee but also her change due to her miscalculating her ability to balance a large cup of coffee while putting her money away. With a frustrated groan, Rory crouched down to pick up her money. Seconds later, she sensed another person beside her, assisting her endeavor. "Oh, thank...you" she said in a bit of shock as she realized that the person kneeling next to her was none other than Logan.

"You know if we haven't already met, this would make a cute story." He said with a smirk.

Rory looked away in embarrassed silence.

"Having a weird sense of déjà vu?" Logan asked cautiously

Rory looked at Logan, "We seem to be running into each other in the most unexpected places lately. What are you doing here?"

"It's the Yale-Harvard Game!" Logan enthusiastically responded, trying to lighten the mood.

"You came to the States just for the Yale- Harvard game? I don't remember you being a rabid football fan."

"I'm in the States for a three-day planning meeting, I arrived yesterday afternoon. I do confess I heard that you were accompanying Emily to the game so I came here with the hope of seeing you. When I didn't see you at the tailgate gathering, I started casing all the coffee carts, and...here you are."

"Well, Grandma didn't want to attend alone."

"How is Emily doing?"

"You know, as well as can be expected, coping as well as she can. On the way here she was raving about the Marie Kondo book; I'm afraid she's going to give away everything in the house. Lately, she has been in a flurry keeping up with all her social appointments. The experts would say that she is currently in the "denial" stage of the grieving process."

"Well, they were together a long time. I bet being without Richard has put her off-kilter."

"Yes, well we are all off."

They both stood there in awkward silence.

"And how are you coping?" Logan asked, trying to break the tension.

"Ok, work has been keeping me busy. I got some articles going for a couple of regional publications. Oh, and my Talk of the Town piece for The New Yorker is going to be published in January."

"Rory, that's great!"

"Yes, I also have a piece in The Atlantic that is set to be published in February."

'Well, things are looking up."

"Hopefully. Freelancing is getting kind of tiresome. I am hoping to land a staff position sooner than later."

"It'll work out Ace, you're a great writer."

"Thanks, thanks for your support."

"Always."

Rory and Logan stood there for a moment looking at each other, "Since you dropped your coffee, can I buy you another one?" Logan offered.

A few minutes later, with their coffee in hand, Logan and Rory walked over to the nearest bench and sat down. Remembering the abrupt ending of their last time together, they sat awkwardly, not looking at each other, silently drinking their coffee. After a minute of two Rory polished off her coffee. She stood up and looked at Logan, "I better go, thank you for the coffee." Logan Immediately stood up and kissed her. It was a soft kiss that quickly grew more emotional. They broke apart upon hearing a crowd of voices coming around the walkway, standing shoulder-to-shoulder as the crowd walked passed them, looking as if they were caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar.

Without looking at Logan, Rory reiterated her previous plan, "I have to go, Logan, my grandmother is probably looking for me."

"Yes, yes, Emily needs you." Logan responded confused.

"Well... ok then."

As she walked away she felt Logan grab her wrist. She stopped but did not look at him.

"Rory, I'm in New York until Thursday evening. I'm staying in Tribeca. If you want to come see me before I leave, I'll make the time."

Rory turned to look at him and nodded before walking away.

Twenty minutes later, Rory arrived back at the stadium. She was grateful for the walk as it helped her get herself together. What was it about Logan that made it so hard to walk away? She was pondering this question when she found Emily waiting alone where Rory left her.

"Grandma, I'm so sorry, I thought I was here on time, I hope you weren't waiting too long. Ready to go to the game?"

"No Rory, it's alright, I told everyone to go ahead without me. I gave our ticket to some kids a few minutes ago and told them to do what they will with them. I'm not feeling up to a football game, I just want to go home."

"Are you okay?"

"To be honest, I'm not really interested anymore. The only reason why I liked attending this game was because it was an experience that your grandfather and I shared. Now that he's gone, there is no point. It's just a bunch of grown men pummeling each other over an odd shaped ball."

"Sure grandma, whatever you want."

The following evening, Rory found herself standing in front of the entrance of a brand new sparking apartment building. As she walked through the double doors she saw Logan standing in the lobby waiting for her. After giving her a polite kiss on the cheek Logan said, "I'm glad you called."

"I'm glad for the invitation."

With that, they walked to the elevator and to his apartment where Rory spent the next four days.

December 2015

London

Logan sat down just as his computer started to alarm. He put in his password and pressed another button. After a few minutes, the face of Odette materialized on his screen. "Hey there, how are you?"

"Hello Cher, better than yesterday."

"You solved your issue with that vendor?"

"Yes, it was all a misunderstanding. It seems that there was some miscommunication between the point person and the vendor. But it's straightened out, so the closing dinner of the conference should be fine."

"That's good, you must be relieved."

"Yes, I am" Odette responded oddly.

"What?"

"I have something to tell you that is going to be upsetting."

Logan sighed and leaned back in his chair, "Ok, hit me."

"So, the research colloquium with the Institue du Cancer is in January."

"Yes, I remember."

"Well, Celine was supposed to attend."

"What do you mean suppose?"

"She turned in her resignation yesterday. It is effective the last day before we go on Christmas holiday. That conference is important, and since she cannot attend..."

"...You must do so in her place."

"Yes. I'm sorry Logan, it cannot be helped. This information is very key so we are well informed for our upcoming fundraising and grant season. I know this has been happening a lot lately, but really after this, we will have more free time."

Logan contemplated what she said. Despite everything that has been happening with Rory, Logan was disappointed. It seemed lately adult responsibilities seemed to be getting in the way of Odette and him being together. Weekend getaways had been marred by work obligations. When there they did find the time there was always interruptions with issues that would take a significant amount of time. to solve. It seemed the only time where they saw each other was if there was some event, and even then their time was split. Not being able to spend quality time together only added to Logan's confusion over his engagement and Rory.

Still, he understood. He could not get angry because there have been many occasions they had to put aside plans in order for him to address some work-related obligation. They were in both high profile positions so a little sacrifice was needed. Anyway, they told each other time and time again, once they were married, things would change.

"It's ok."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I know how important this is to you. We have Christmas in Paris and New Years in New York anyway. We will find the time to go to New Zealand later."

"How about a New Zealand honeymoon?"

"Yes, that's a great idea, a New Zealand honeymoon. Just don't tell Finn."

With a giggle, Odette responded, "I promise. Thank you for understanding Cher. I love you."

"Love you too..."

January 2016

Brooklyn, NY

"Done!" Logan declared with an air of victory, as he taped up the last of Rory's boxes.

It was moving week for Rory. After a year of paying rent for a place where she rarely spent time, Rory decided to go full on nomad and give up her apartment. Logan, who extended his trip to The States for the holidays, volunteered to help Rory pack up. It was a daunting task seeing that she still hauled around books dating back to when she was born.

"So, where is this going? " Logan asked, surveying the scene.

"Well, I've strategically packed up my stuff so I have a bit of everything in each box. When I am in New York, I will stay with Paris and Doyle, so they get two boxes. I have a box going to my mom's place and Lane's for when I am in Star's Hollow, and the rest are going to grandma's."

"And what of that pile over there?" Logan asked pointing at a huge pile of clothes and shoes.

"That is what I am packing up for my stay in London." Rory sheepishly replied.

In the two weeks since the release of the Talk of the Town piece in The New Yorker, Rory experienced a sudden surge of notoriety. Conde Nast called a meeting and she was receiving callbacks for freelance work in smaller/local publications. The most exciting news of all was talk of a book deal, the opportunity to write a biography featuring Naomi, a book that Naomi insisted Rory write. Her upcoming meetings in London revolved around negotiations to get the project off the ground.

"Why don't you just ship them to my place?" Logan asked tentatively. "What?"

"My place. I do have the room."

"Won't that get in the way of...other things?"

"No, it will be fine. I am just holding on to them for a "friend". Besides, since it looks like you will be in and out of London frequently for the next few months, it makes sense. That way you don't have to haul all that stuff around."

Rory went silent. Storing personal items at his place pushed the borders of their already stretched "Vegas" agreement. It seemed every time they saw each other, the agreement would change, Still, for various reasons, she was very tempted.

"Look Ace, I know it seems weird, but from a practical standpoint, it makes sense... I mean, you are staying at my place while you are in London working on this project after all. It just makes life simpler."

Rory sat down and thought about it for a moment. The words "practical" and "simpler" resonated with her. The thought of having to haul her stuff back and forth across an ocean would be annoying. Besides, she told herself, this was temporary as the deadline for the intense research was set for September. After that, Rory's trips to London would become few and far between, and Logan would have...moved on to other matters.

"Ok" Rory finally responded.

"Great!" Logan replied, "I'll call my assistant to make the arrangements."

April 2016

Oia, Greece

Logan stood out on the balcony of his hotel suite drinking his morning coffee while staring at the deep blue Mediterranean water. Hearing footsteps behind him he turned to see Rory stepping out to join him. "Coffee..." she grunted with slight desperation.

Logan smirked at her, "Well, good morning to you." He said as he handed her a cup. After the first sip, she looked at him and smiled, "Good morning." She said with a lingering kiss.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I did there is nothing like the sound of the sea to lull you to sleep."

"Really, is that what put you to sleep? The sound of the sea?"

Rory looked at Logan mischievously, "that and other things."

They kissed again, but Rory broke away before letting things go too far.

"Ok, we have four days," she sternly reminded Logan, "We should at least leave the hotel at least once. There is lots to see."

Originally, Rory had planned to come back to London to work on Naomi's book towards the end of the month, but then Logan convinced her to come to Europe a week earlier by proposing this last minute getaway. It wasn't a hard sell. Having just submitted an article and with the deadline of another a month away, it was easy for Rory to rearrange her schedule. Besides, who could refuse an all-expense paid trip to Greece?

Logan's happiness over her agreeing to the trip was shrouded with a layer of guilt as he hadn't exactly been 100% truthful about the circumstances of this little adventure. He had originally planned this trip with Odette as an attempt to carve out time together before embarking on a busy time at work. However, par for the course it seemed during the last few months, she had to cancel because of a work obligation. Feeling dejected and tired, and with Odette's encouragement, Logan opted to go on the trip alone, taking this opportunity for solitude to contemplate his situation. With the wedding nine months away, Logan had much to think about. He and Odette were in discussions about when she was going to move to London, what she would bring, and whether or not they would move into a bigger place. She was currently working on securing office space for her foundation so she could set up her London base.

Real life was progressing along rather quickly, a bit too quickly for Logan's taste. In the months since he and Rory reconnected, Logan became very good at compartmentalizing his life. He found it odd how quickly he could switch from one life to the next. It was reminded him of his father and how he could flirt with a beautiful woman at a restaurant bar one minute and then turn around and be 100% all business the next. It was a skill that was both admirable and scary. With his wedding approaching, the walls that he built to cope with his situation started to show cracks. They knew that his time with Rory had an expiration date, but now that it was on the horizon, it was hard for Logan to picture just how their ending would happen.

But then Rory called, informing him of her trip to London. Without thinking about he asked her to join him for the weekend in Greece. Although she gave weak protest, she accepted. It was only after he hung up with Rory that the full weight of what he did hit him. Inviting another girl to a trip that was originally planned with his fiancée reached a whole new low, but this is part of getting her out of your system, he told himself, also she needed to get away because working with Naomi was turning out to be incredibly stressful.

They spent the first two days wandering the sites; visiting the Byzantine castle ruins and the volcano, wandering around the local village, sailing, watching the sunset, and having long wine and ouzo soaked meals. On their last full day, they happily waited out the rain in their hotel room. All the while pushing away the "real" world, living in the moment, and not discussing the state of their relationship.

May 2016

London

As soon as she heard the front door close, Rory stood up and walked to the window, catching a glimpse of Logan and he headed down the street towards the Tube station. She stood there for a moment gathering up all the energy she could muster in order to pack for her journey home the next day.

Rory felt totally dejected. What started out as a promising year took a very steep downturn. It started with her meeting with Conde Nast being pushed, followed by an article for The Atlantic being dropped. Then Naomi started showing her true colors, quickly turning what Rory first believed to be a symbiotic relationship very toxic very quickly. Under the guise of "research", Rory found herself in London quite often, mainly at Naomi's beckoning. The behavior that Rory first saw as eccentric and unique soon showed to be impulsive and annoying. Naomi started standing Rory up for appointments or, when she did make them, arrive late and rarely sober. When they did have time together, Rory felt more like her personal assistant or babysitter than biographer/writing partner. Almost every fiber of Rory's being was telling her to abandon ship and drop the Naomi project, but she felt like needed this, she would say to herself, don't give up, bear down and deal which she did, throughout all the drunken ramblings, the arguments over mice and whales, the missed appointments, and mood swings.

Yet, throughout all this, she still had Logan. No matter what kind of day she had with Naomi, coming home to him always made her feel better. He always listened to her vents, provide opinions and advice when needed, and just be encouraging and supportive in general. Rory not being able to extend her stay in London because of "her" was a glass of cold water in her face; long weekends in Greece, playing house weeks at a time, texts, e-mails, Facetime conversations did not erase the fact that Logan would be married at the end of the year and they would be over.

But this is what you signed up for, she thought to herself. This is what Vegas was all about. You made your decision, and now you have to live with it. Finding her resolve, Rory started to pack, promising herself to make the most of her time with Logan while with him and focusing on moving forward.

August 2016

Stars Hollow

So is this rock bottom? I hope it is, I don't think I can take anymore. It was the middle of the afternoon and Rory was in bed, hiding from the world.

In a matter of four months, Rory's world had come crashing down. Her journalistic reputation tarnished thanks to her less than stellar submission to GQ and her disastrous interview with Sandee Sez (not to mention engaging in a one-night-stand with a source that she prayed no one would find out.) Emotionally tired and monetarily exhausted, she moved back home where, much to her chagrin, everyone treated her with pity. Babette lumped her in with the "Thirty-Something Gang" giving her "advice" on what to do next at every opportunity. Taylor would constantly quote unemployment statistics to her whenever they saw each other, while Kirk would offer her work at his various business ventures (I wouldn't be able to pay you right away, but you would have exposure.) The girl who inspired so much pride and inspiration in her youth had now become a cautionary tale. It was not the best feeling

Then there was her situation with Logan. After not seeing each other for weeks, they made arrangements for her to go to London. However, after a particularly discouraging conversation with April, Rory reached out to him, seeing if she could begin her visit early. It was then that she learned that Odette had moved in with him. It was at that moment that denial was no longer possible; his fiancée moved in, they were getting married, and Rory was the other woman.

Yes, there were moments that buoyed her. She was able to distract herself by taking over the Gazette, hoping to bring it at least to the first decade of the Twentieth Century. Thanks to a brief yet enlightening talk with Jess, she took his suggestion and took a shot at writing a book about the one subject she knew best: Her and her mom. Working on the book became a lifeline. Never in her life was writing so effortless. It was like the words were already stored in her brain just waiting for the right moment to be released. For the first time in a long time, she was proud of her work, and she couldn't wait to share it with her loved ones.

Which brought her to the events of today. The idea of the book was immediately shot down by Lorelai, who saw the work as an invasion of privacy. Lorelai's disapproval led to the biggest fight they had to date. It was so bad that Rory left Lorelai's house and moved in with Lane and family.

The situation with Logan was not much better. While she knew that their relationship had an expiration date, she did not expect the end to happen so abruptly. Surely Logan knew when Odette was moving to London, yet he gave her no notice. Their plan was for her to come to London in two weeks when Odette was scheduled to be away. Then, Logan assured her, they would talk about their situation. After her fight with Lorelai, all she wanted to do was talk to Logan but felt like couldn't. For a whole day, she fought every urge to call him, failing a couple of times only to hang up after a ring or two. Then during a conversation with Lane, she called him without even thinking. After a few more hang-ups they finally talked. It was the worse conversation ever.

"I guess that's it. We're breaking up. Except we can't break up, because we're nothing."

September 2016

London

Logan was in the office working late when Colin Facetimed him. "Wow, you look like shit." Colin greeted.

"Nice to see and talk to you too," Logan replied sarcastically.

'Where are you?'

" In the office."

"Again? What bidding does Emperor Palpatine have you doing now?"

"Nothing, I'm just trying to get ahead on some stuff."

"Turning into a regular workaholic I see. What? Doesn't Odette want you home?"

"Just trying to keep on top of things. Odette understands."

"Really?"

"Is there a reason why you called?"

"Well, since you have not been returning my texts or e-mails, I thought that before I flew to London and cornered you I would at least call to try to get you to pin down a plan for your bachelor party."

"Really? Is that necessary?"

"Is what necessary?"

"The bachelor party."

"I'm sorry? What was that? Is the bachelor party necessary? Well, it's only the most important day of your life!"

"I thought my wedding day was the most important day of my life.?"

"It's a very close second. Besides, who knows how many weddings day you will have."

'Hey, that's not funny! Why are such an ass, Colin?"

"Sorry, don't get so defensive, it was a joke."

"Well, it's not funny."

"Why? This isn't the first time I have made that joke. My, you are so sensitive lately. Getting cold feet?"

Logan didn't answer.

"Logan? " Colin asked now with concern, "What's going on? ARE you getting cold feet?"

"I've had a lot on my mind lately."

"Uh huh? And what does this have to do with your upcoming nuptials?"

"I am just wondering..."

"Wondering?"

"You know, the standard question of whether or not this is the right things to do."

"So you're having doubts."

"Doesn't everyone have doubts?"

Colin went silent for a minute.

"Logan?"

"Yes, Colin?"

"Do these doubts have anything to do with a certain roving journalist who has been spotted in London fairly recently?."

Logan looked at Colin gobsmacked.

"What do you know Colin? How do you know Colin?"

"How I know? Social media. I follow Rory's Instagram. She doesn't post much, but what she has posted in the last several months has been very telling. As to what I know, up until a few seconds ago was all speculation. Care to confirm or deny the speculation?"

Logan was reeling in shock. While he did not follow Rory on Instagram, he knew that she would never post pictures of the two of them together.

"What exactly did she post raised that suspicion?"

"Well, about a year ago she posted a picture of her in front of Big Ben. At first there we wondered..."

"We?"

"Finn, Robert, and me."

"Oh. "

"Anyway, with her being in London and you being in London we wondered if you two had gotten in touch. Since you didn't say anything and she didn't post anything we assumed no. And then..."

"And then?"

"She posted a sunset picture in Santorini, with the date being during the exact same time YOU were in Santorini. Really Logan, how could we NOT speculate."

"Oh."

"So? Want to fill me in on the details?"

Logan filled Colin in on all the details of the past year. He told him about reconnecting in Hamburg, how they got together weeks later in London, their "Vegas" agreement and how they stretched the boundaries of that agreement. He talked about the confusion he felt during their relationship, how he almost ended things with Odette, and his last conversation with Rory where she ended things.

"Wow," Colin said when Logan finished, "just wow. So now what?"

"Nothing, it's over. Odette has moved to London and Rory is out of the picture."

"And you're okay with that."

"Yes."

"Bullshit."

"What?"

"Bull. Shit. If you were so ok with this then why are acting and looking like crap? Becoming a workaholic? Not interested in your own bachelor party? Grumpy and moody? You know the last time you acted this way?"

"When?"

"The LAST time you and Rory broke up."

Logan was silent again.

"You're going to have to find a way to deal because you were a mess the last time. This time you have a fiancée and a wedding to deal with. This is not something to take lightly Logan."

"Of all the people to lecture me on life."

"Well, I am not the person engaged but still not over my ex."

"I am over Rory, Colin."

"Again, bullshit."

"That's not it. You know what it is? Closure. The way things ended was so messy. She was so hurt during that last conversation. I don't want her to feel that way. She was already feeling like crap and I just heaved on more. I never wanted to hurt her, and I did in the worse way."

"Well then get your closure."

"I've tried, she won't answer my calls or texts."

"Well then go see her."

"She won't' see me."

"And that has stopped you before? I remember someone who bought out a coffee cart for a day to get Rory's attention, and you are giving up now? Come on Logan. You should at least try. If you don't it will hang over you for the rest of your life. You need to close the Rory chapter of your life once and for all. Go see her."

"Colin, she won't see me."

"Well, maybe we can help in persuading her."

"We?"

"I'm game, and I'm sure Finn and Robert would be up to a bit of plotting. If not anything it will save us from another round of 'Post Rory Stress Disorder.' Seriously, dude, you were painful to be around back then."

Logan smiled. A wave of relief washed over him. It felt good to finally unload this burden. "I'll have to think about it," Logan said.

"Ok. Just let me know. Really Logan, anything you need."

October 2016

B&B in New Hampshire

There she was again, standing there as she watched him walk away and out of her life for good. Don't go! She screamed in her head, but her body didn't cooperate. She just stood there immobile and silent. Hearing the clicking of the door as it closed behind him was like a knife through the heart. She felt like she could barely breathe. However, the moment quickly passed and her body relaxed. She closed her eyes and began to breathe deeply. After a few breaths, she opened her eyes, feeling clarity for the first time in a year.

"Enough", she heard herself say, "enough..." _

There he was again, walking away from her. He couldn't get out of there fast enough, As soon as he was out the door he quickly got into the car and started driving toward the diner where the boys were waiting. Once he was at safe distance, he pulled over, trying to get his bearings. Don't go back, don't go back he chanted to himself aloud, his mind willing his body to fight every impulse to turn the car around. He could barely breathe. However, the moment quickly passed and his body relaxed. He closed his eyes and began to breathe deeply. After a few breaths, he and his body relaxed. After a few breaths, he opened his eyes, feeling clarity for the first time in a year.

"Enough", he heard himself say, "enough...