I'm going to clarify a few things on this chapter. Rory is approx 24-25 (2 years post grad) and Georgia is 18. The time frame is April. She's getting ready for college tours. Logan is 26. Any other questions, just ask :)
This is a long chapter but I've been working on it all weekend.
I don't have much time on weekends to post because my SO is off work but we're relaxing today so I'm posting when I can.
Today we're flying back to California!
BTW: 37 reviews, 17 favs, & 29 follows! You are all awesome! #teamlogan FTW when GG comes back. FYI Reviews push me. I check my email multiple times a day. I love when there are multiple emails about reviews and favs! Keep them coming!
Of course I don't own anything GG or they wouldn't have broken up!
Last Chapter:
They all decided to stick together. They all found their outfits and accessories.
When they finished shopping the told the sales men to send their outfits over to Finn's house since they were getting ready there this time. Logan and Finn decided that Paris and Jamie could get ready with them even though they're not a part of the close knit group.
They decided to call it a night. Logan and Finn drove Rory, G, Paris, and Jamie to Stars Hollow and they went back to Hartford so Logan could pack for their trip home tomorrow.
Rory woke up at 8 AM to a message on her phone from Logan at 730.
Hey Ace! You up and at them? We have a big day of travel ahead of us!
She started replying back when she noticed that her cell phone was dying.
Ugh I forgot to plug my phone in last night so I'll be MIA until I pick Lane up at 10. See you soon!
She walked out to the kitchen for coffee and noticed her parents at the island and a box on top of the island in front of them.
"What's this?" Rory asked pointing to the box.
"Well since we won't be able to see you until your party, we wanted to give you this today." Chris said.
"Ah you didn't have to give you me anything."
"Well just open it and see."
Rory opened the box and saw a beautiful black leather briefcase with LLGH engraved on it, a new laptop with accessories, a new gucci purse and matching wallet, a blackberry, a set of pens, what she assumed were her heiress papers on the side, and a notebook with her initials engraved on that as well.
"Oh this is nice but you didn't have to get me anything. I already have a laptop!"
"Well the laptop and blackberry are for business." Chris explained. "We want you to be able to keep your personal information at home on one laptop and take one for travel. The blackberry is so you don't have to use your plans data and minutes up for conference calls. It's on the company phone plan so don't worry about setting it up. The charger for both the cell phone and laptop are in the front pocket. And your mom saw the purse and wallet and said that it screamed you and didn't want this to be all business. Your trust information is also in the briefcase. I made a copy, which is in your bag and the original here in the firebox just in case. Also I hired Andrew McCrae as your lawyer. He's going over the trust information and your contracts. Is that okay with you?"
"Yes that's great. So he'll call me when he's finished going over it all?"
"Yes. I told him to talk to you about it."
"Does he know how long it's going to take? Will we be able to do everything electronic or do I have to sign in person?"
"No you can sign with a notary present and send them next day air to this office. Anything you purchase for work, whether it be new pens, a new laptop cord, the notary services etcetera... please use this card." Chris handed Rory a Chase business card with the name Lorelai Gilmore-Hayden and underneath that it said Hayden & Hayden Associates. "Can you think of anything else you need before you go back to your other home?"
"Snacks for the plane ride and coffee."
"I'm way ahead of you kid." Lorelai said. "Here is the first care package I've done for you since you moved into your fancy apartment. It includes mad libs, candy, chocolate, chocolate covered coffee beans, and a starbucks gift card for the airport. Are you sure you don't want us to drive you up there?"
"You can if you want but it'll be pretty crowded with me and my luggage, Lane and her luggage, and Logan and his luggage. Possibly Finn and his luggage too. I don't know if he's coming to California now or later."
"Well how much longer do you have until you have to pick Lane up?"
"I told her I'd be there by 10 and it's 830 so a little bit of time."
"Are you packed and ready to go?"
"I'm going to do another sweep of my room but I think so. Hey do you have a travel charger? I forgot to charge my phone last night and it's at like 3%. I'm charging it now but it's only been on there for a half hour or so."
"As a matter of fact I do." Lorelai looked on the counter and pulled the travel charger off of the cord. "I figured I'd have it charged just in case of a situation like this."
"You're great mom! How does Luke's for breakfast sound?"
"Lukes is closed. I went by there to get some awesome coffee for you but he had a sign up and it said 'GONE FISHING BACK IN 2 WEEKS'."
"I know he told Lane he wanted to fish, I didn't know he would leave this quickly though. That's sad. I wanted some awesome coffee. I guess Starbucks will have to do."
Rory and Lorelai spent the next hour drinking coffee and discussing the places that Rory would take Lane and G in CA.
At 930 Georgia walked downstairs. Her eyes were red around the rim like she hadn't slept much and had been crying.
"Rory, I think it's just not hitting me that James isn't my boyfriend anymore. I know that it's for the best and I know it would hurt more if we let it go on but he was my best friend. I told him about everything. He knew when I got my acceptance letter to Stanford before anyone else did. He knows what college I'm leaning toward and why. I know issues with his family. It's crazy." Georgia said all that with tears rolling down her face.
"G. This is the hardest part, I promise. At least yours doesn't live in Stars Hollow. You won't see him daily or have to avoid the market on specific days. Schools almost over and then you'll be at college with many more people. I promise it does get easier. Do you want to ride with us to the airport?"
"Hey!" Lorelai exclaimed "Why does she get to come and not me? Don't you love me?"
"Of course mom, G is going through something and needs her big sister."
"I can't. I have studying to do. You all distracted me all day yesterday! I love the dress we choose though."
The dress Georgia picked out was an black dress with sequins down the front that went to her calf. It wasn't too revealing but it wasn't a nuns dress either. It fit her perfectly and matched with the gucci shoes she choose. Finn bought her a diamond necklace for the event saying 'he wanted to be the first to give her a gift'. Rory's dress was a black and white floor length flowy dress that curved just right. She decided on a bracelet that her Grandpa Straub gave her for her cotillion and a necklace that Logan bought her for her last event. Rory and Georgia decided that if they were coming out to the world they had better look better than the best. It took most of the afternoon for them to find the dress. It took Paris all of 20 minutes to find hers and the boys only took 20 to find what they decided on.
"I'm glad." Rory heard the doorbell and realized it was 945.. "Oh shit! It's the driver. Do I have everything? Yes I do."
Rory led the driver to her room so he could help carry her luggage down to the car. Rory kept her new purse, which she already put everything she'd need in, and new briefcase. She added a few books to the briefcase so they could read on the way home if they wanted to.
Rory sent a quick text to Lane.
-Driver is picking me up then we'll be at your house. Are you ready?
-I've been ready since 6! I'm so excited! See you shortly.
"Well Lane is ready. I love you all. I'll see you in a couple of weeks." Rory hugged Georgia, Lorelai, and Christopher. She felt someone tug on her purse and noticed Christopher put some cash in her purse.
"You'll need it for the airport. Love you baby girl. See you soon!" And kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks daddy. See you soon. Love you."
Rory walked out the door and went to the car. She got in and saw there was a coffee bar and a note
Just in case you need some on the ride.
See you soon Ace!
Logan.
Rory got her phone out and connected it to the charger and sent a quick text to Logan.
You know me so well. Picking Lane up now. See you soon!
They pulled up to Lanes mom's house and she saw Stevie and Kwan come outside with Lane. The driver opened the door and Rory got out.
"Now you girls be good. It's only girls on this trip right?" Mrs Kim said strictly.
"Of course mama. It's me and Rory and her sister Georgia will join us later this week." Lane assured her.
"Your husband might be acting like a swine pig but you are not to stoop to his level."
"Mama, we have to go. Thank you so much. I left you Lorelai and Liz's numbers. If you need a break or something, please call them. I showed you how to work my laptop. I'll call you from Rory's computer every night so I can see the boys."
"You go and I'll take care of the boys I know they won't be too much of a bother. They're good boys after all."
"Stevie, Kwan. You both listen to Grandma Kim and Lorelai and Liz. If you don't, Grandma Kim won't be happy." Lane said to the boys. They looked scared after that last sentence.
"Of course mommy. We'll be good. Have a good time and bring us back presents.: Stevie said
"Aunt Rory-take care of mommy. She doesn't know anything about California." Kwan added.
"Of course I will. We'll have fun and I'll make sure she picks something out great for both of you." Rory said to the Kwan. "Thank you Mrs. Kim. Here is a paper with my phone number, my office phone number, and my apartments phone number. If you need anything, please call. Thank you for letting Lane take this time off."
"My daughter is a hard worker and a great mother. She deserves to have some fun."
The driver loaded the last of Lanes luggage, which was only a suitcase, a carry on, and her purse, and they left.
"Oh my god Rory! I can't believe this is happening!" Lane said ecstatically! "Is that coffee in here? Is there a coffee bar in this limo?"
"Yes. Compliments of my boyfriend. Lane, the last time I boarded a plane I was a wreck because my grandpa died. Today, I'm going back home with my boyfriend and best friend."
"So I told Zack I was going on vacation with you."
"Oh what did he say?"
"He said and I quote 'well don't do anything dumb like forget you have a husband and kids'. Um excuse me?! Who's been here for two years with his kids while he tours the world with his new band! Who has been up for all fevers, teeth, and infections? ME! That's who! Lane Van Gerbig! Not him! He makes me so mad!"
"Well in California you're going to be Lane! No last name! You are going to forget about your responsibilities for some time.:
They reached Hartford and Rory realized she hadn't checked her email to see if her editor replied. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and checked her email and noticed that he did send her one yesterday.
Hayden,
Sorry to hear about your granddad. Your article was great. I sent it to Jeanie and it'll be in Friday's edition like normal. When are you coming back to the office? Maureen wasn't sure. She said she didn't text you or anything while you were gone. If you're not going to be back by Monday let me know. I think we should give you more than a weekly column here at Palo Alto Daily. If people keep reading your articles and notice they're only weekly they'll offer you a more frequent position at their paper so I'll be first!
See you soon,
Bill Braxton
Editor in Chief
Palo Alto Daily News
Bill,
Thank you for your condolences. He lived a great life. I am actually about to board a plane to Palo Alto now and I'll be back in the office Monday. I brought a friend from Stars Hollow so I won't be in as much this week but you'll still have your article submitted by Tuesday. I'd love to talk about expanding my column and don't worry. I haven't had any offers to jump ship. I'll let you know if I do!
Thank you again
Rory Hayden.
"Oh my gosh! This is crazy!" Rory said to her best friend "My editor just offered me more days on my column."
"I read everything that you post. Lorelai brings in a copy and puts it up at Lukes. I'm surprised you didn't see it. It's basically a 'Rory Rocks' board." Lane explained. "You know Luke loves you. He made you coffee cakes for your birthday every year since you were like 10 and had balloons."
"Yeah Luke is great. He's always been a good friend to mom and dad too. Dad even represented him when he got divorced that one drunken marriage."
"Oh I remember that. She was a lawyer for an opposing firm too wasn't she."
"Yes. Dad said he had her sweating by the time she left the courtroom. Dad made Luke pay by free coffee whenever we want. I think my mom has taken full advantage of that. We should probably get inside. Logan's going to think we're asleep in here or something."
It was close to 1130. The drive took a lot longer because there was a crash on I-90. They didn't have to board the plane until 1 PM but that meant they had to be at the airport by 12. Luckily the airport was only 10 minutes from Logan's house.
"Hey Ace!" Logan said from the top of the staircase. He started walking down. "I was wondering where you were. We're going to be late. I have the driver putting my stuff in the back now. Do you need anything to eat before we go?"
"No I'm good." Rory answered. She kissed him once he reached the bottom. "Logan, this is my best friend Lane. Lane, this is Logan."
"How are you doing? I've heard so much about you." Lane said shaking his hand. "Thank you so much for making sure I get to California."
"Is this your first time out of Connecticut."
"Not exactly. When I was younger, my husband, well not my husband at the time, but Zack and I had a band and we had a show in New York. It ended up being a big bust but I have been to New York."
"So other than your rogue New York trip you've never really been outside of a 100 mile radius of Stars Hollow?"
"Nope. That place though it feels like you're in a whole different country."
"O I'll second that."
"So speaking of another country," Rory said looking around "I noticed Finn isn't here. Is he flying home with you?"
"No, he had to go to Chicago first so he's leaving later on. He'll be in Palo Alto Monday or so."
"So we can all have dinner together one day this week? You, me, Lane, G, and Finn?"
"Yeah that sounds great. Now no more dawdling. We have to go or it'll take forever to get checked in. How many bags did you bring Lane?"
"Just one suitcase and my carry on."
"I have two that need checked on and my new briefcase." Rory added.
"Damn Ace, that's fancy. Where did you get that?"
"My dad/Hayden Associates. Most of it is work related but the purse is for pleasure."
"You do have to keep up with the latest styles. Now come on! Let's go!"
Rory realized another 15 minutes had passed since they got to Logan's so it was now 11:45.
They got to the airport and Logan snagged a cart to put their luggage. They went up to the airport counter to check in and give their luggage.
"Lane, you do have your name on the luggage and your home address just in case right?"
"Yes I do." Lane replied. "My mom made sure I put the shops address on it so if there was any issue, it would come back to her instead of my empty house."
"Good thinking. Man, you're mom has lightened up since we were growing up."
"Yeah I think it has to do with Stevie and Kwan. She only had me, never a boy. Boys are so much different than girls and not just anatomically."
They approached the counter.
"Name please." The woman asked.
"There should be three first class tickets under Logan Huntzberger." Logan replied.
"Yes I see here. One for Logan Huntzberger, one for Lorelai Hayden and a final for Lane Van Gerbig? Please present your ID's."
They each handed the woman their licenses.
"Here are your tickets, please put your non carry on bags here." She pointed to the counter.
"Here they all are." Logan said referring to the carrier next to him.
"Are they properly tagged and within limits?"
"All have names and no big bags."
"Great. Please make your way to gate 35 and present your ticket to the person at the gate, he or she will show you to your waiting room. Your plane was scheduled to leave at 1 PM put will be delayed due to issues. It shouldn't be more than a 40 minute wait."
"Thank you for that information."
They walked towards security and took off all jewelry and put that and their carry ons in a plastic carton and walked through the checkpoint.
After they successfully passed through security they went back to the VIP lounge. They arrived at 12:40 which meant there was enough time for a martini. They ordered 3 martini's and sat down.
"So my mom gave me a gift card with," Rory checked the card "woah! $100 worth of Starbucks but I think I need something stronger than coffee. I really hate flying. I'm probably the worst flyer ever. If I had a choice, I would have driven."
"And put 3000 miles on your car? Are you crazy!" Logan laughed.
At the same time a cocktail waitress came by with their drinks and set them on the table. She put her hands on Logan's shoulder and asked him very seductively if they needed anything else and mentioned she'd be at the bar.
Rory just stared her down until she walked away. Logan noticed that and leaned over and kissed Rory.
"You two are just the cutest!" Lane said. "I'm so jealous! So Logan, what stories has Rory told you about me?"
"Nothing yet. She's just said that you're her best friend and that you needed out of the state for a while."
"That's it. Add a super strict mother to that and you have Lane!"
They kept talking until they heard the announcement to board the plane.
Logan looked at their tickets and they were sitting at seats 6A, 6B, and 5A. Logan decided to let Lane and Rory sit next to each other and he sat in front of Rory. The chairs swiveled so he would still be able to talk with them during the flight. The flight attendant introduced herself as Wendi and gave them their menus for dinner. They had a choice of shrimp pasta, chicken dinner, or seabass. Rory ordered shrimp pasta and Logan and Lane ordered chicken dinner. She also handed them each a champagne flute and filled it half full and said to let her know when they needed more.
"So this is how high society flys." Lane commented. "When does the caviar come out?"
"Blech! I hate caviar" Logan said laughing "but if you like it they'll probably serve some after we take off. I go for the salmon puffs personally."
"Oh yes salmon puffs" Rory said "I love me some puffs. They're probably the best things ever."
"Attention passengers, please take your seat and buckle up. We are taking off now. It is 1:45 PM Eastern Standard Time. We have one layover during this flight that will last for approximately 45 minutes. You should arrive at your destination at 6:45 PM Western Standard Time. The flight will last approximately 7 hours. Thank you for flying with us and enjoy your flight."
"I hope you all don't hate me but I'm exhausted." Lane said yawning. "the twins kept me up all night asking about California. I might sleep during a lot of the flight."
"We understand. Did you bring anything to sleep on?" Rory asked.
" I have my jacket. I'll be fine."
"Wendi, can you get a pillow and blanket for my friend?"
"Of course mam. I'll be right back."
She was back within a minute and gave Lane the pillow and blanket and showed her how to recline her chair.
"Lane, before you go to bed make sure your phone is on airplane mode."
"It is, I checked it before we boarded. Night guys. Wake me up when dinner is served."
Lane fell asleep and Rory and Logan started talking.
"So Ace. When do we want to announce that we're dating?" Logan asked Rory. "I know we're not engaged or anything but it's going to be a big deal. Three major eastern seaboard families uniting."
"I know I was thinking about that last night. Do we just show up to the party together and let people assume? Are our families going to allow that?"
"Knowing the combination of our parents and your grandparents, probably not. They probably expect us to be married within the next couple of years or so. I mean, we're not in college anymore. My parents have been pushing me to find a wife for years now, even if it's a trophy wife. You would most certainly not be a trophy wife."
"If I ever get married to anyone, you or anyone else, I will not be a trophy wife that sits around planning parties. I can't do it. I love writing too much to settle down and forget about it. If I have kids, yes I will cut back and take some time off after the baby is born but once he or she is old enough for school I'll be back at work. It's too early for us to be talking about marriage. We barely know each other."
"I know it is but what do you not know about me that you want to."
"Ok, why don't you want to be like your father?"
That was a question that hit Logan. He stopped and thought for a minute.
"I don't want to be like Mitchum personally. Business wise, yes I want to be like him. He's ruthless and tells it like he sees it. He doesn't falter and is normally spot on. In his personal life however, he's the same way. If Honor were a boy, I wouldn't be here. He cheats on my mom constantly, he was never at a soccer game or tee-ball practice. He never once went to Honor's ballet recitals. He wasn't a dad. He was a boss and commander. When I get married, I want to love my wife. I want to be excited to come home every night and greet all my children with love. I want my wife to be the last person I sleep with. I don't believe in divorce so I won't marry until I find the person that makes me feel that way."
Rory watched Logan's expression as he said all that and she realized that she wanted that too. She didn't want to be the arm candy of a diplomat or world leader. She wanted to raise a family with her husband.
"That was one of the sweetest and most honest things I've ever heard." Rory said with a tear in her eye. "I know what you mean. My parents have been insistent that I put myself out there more and meet someone nice. It's more for the loneliness factor than the marriage factor. I do have a friend in California. Her name is Maureen. She works at PADN. I've only been there a month though so I haven't had time to meet anyone."
"I've been there a couple of years and the only people I talk to are the guys on my team."
"Well you've answered my question," Rory remembered "now it's your turn to ask me one."
"Why didn't you go to Yale or Princeton like your family wanted to you?"
"I wanted to make my own path. I didn't want everything handed to me because of my last name. My Grandpa Richard alluded to a secret society at Yale that I was destined for and Grandpa Straub said the same thing about Princeton. I didn't want to be in a club or society because of my last name. I was in one for my whole life. I wanted this to be for me. I didn't go to some shitty state school but according to my family Harvard where there were no connections was basically the same thing."
"Ah you're the Gilmore we needed to watch for." Logan said chuckling.
"What do you mean?"
"Well in Yale we have a close knit group of...well I guess you could call them friends... that you were supposed to be included. Only no Gilmore was on campus."
"Yes, that's me."
They kept laughing and telling stories about their past like their last trip together.
Attention passengers, we are experiencing some weather flying over Chicago so unfortunately our next flight is being delayed longer than expected. Unfortunately we will be grounded until morning. Please take your seats as we prepare to land in Chicago O'Hare airport and thank you for flying with us.
Rory woke Lane up.
"Geez was I out that long?"
"No it's only been a couple of hours. We're being grounded due to weather in Chicago. They think we'll leave tonight but not sure. We can check into a hotel and I guess we'll leave tomorrow."
"Ok. That works. Nothing we can do about it."
"Well it is only 2 PM in Chicago so we can find something to do around here." Rory thought "I know I'm starving! Dang it! I didn't bring my coat back with me and it's pouring! Lane did you?"
"No we're going to California. I didn't think I'd need a coat."
"You won't there but here you will"
"Okay" Logan said to the girls "So we go to the gift shop and get some crappy souvenirs and coats."
"Yeah." Rory agreed "We should also see if they have one of those photo booths and we can take goofy pictures with each other."
"Let's go!" Lane said.
They went to baggage claim and got their bags and Logan found out information on when the next flight to California would leave.
"Well we're here until 9 AM tomorrow. They can put us on any flight to Palo Alto we want so we can take a later one if we don't wake up in time." Logan told them.
"So I say we go find a hotel and leave our stuff and just walk." Rory decided. "First though, a coat!"
The three of them found a gift shop and they had coats, jackets, and hoodies with Chicago Cubs and Bears all over them. Plus they had the snowglobes and other souvenir items that any tourist would want. Lane picked up two Chicago Bears teddy bears for the boys and a picture frame that said Best Brothers Forever for their room. Rory picked up a couple of snow globes that you can put pictures in and they found a kiosk photo booth. They took multiple rounds of pictures. One with Rory and Lane, one with Rory and Logan, one with all three of them. They picked their favorite pictures out and put the rest in the bag.
"I'm so putting this picture on my fridge." Rory said holding a good picture of the three of them. "And this one is going in my snow globe for my desk." referring to a picture of her and Logan.
"Go crazy Ace! Put a few pictures up at work." Logan said winking at her. They still never officially decided if they were going to announce it publicly they were dating.
Logan hailed them a cab and had him take them to Michigan Ave where he wanted to stay. He knew Finn's family owned a couple of hotels in chicago and he always stayed at a Morgan hotel. Logan decided to text Finn about ideas for the area. He was in Chicago monthly for meetings and mergers.
I'm staying at the Plaza in Chicago. Should we eat here or somewhere else?
Why are you in Chicago? Do you have the lovely Hayden princess with you?
Of course I do. We were flying home and got grounded.
I'll be downstairs in 10 minutes.
"Well apparently Finn is in Chicago." Logan said while paying the taxi driver. "I told him we were staying here and he said be down in 10 minutes."
A bellhop came outside with a luggage carrier and got everything from the trunk. Logan went inside and as he was telling the concierge what room he wanted he heard "Buttercup! You know better than to come into my hotel and expect to pay!"
Logan turned around and Finn was walking off the elevator.
"Hey Stephen. These are my close, personal friends, they're going to be staying up top with me. Please have Larry deliver their bags to my room" Finn directed the concierge.
"Of course Mr. Morgan. Sir, can I have your name and the names of your guests?"
"My name is Logan Huntzberger, my girlfriend here is Lorelai Gilmore, and our friend Lane Van Gerbig."
"Please give me your ID's so I can scan them into our computer. I don't want there to be any issue getting back in tonight."
"No problem sir."
Everyone grabbed their IDs and gave them to Stephen. He finished inputting them information and gave them back.
"You will not need a room key but you will need a passcode to enter the top floor. It is 7-5-3-8-9. If you enter it incorrectly 3 times the police will be called so please try to remember it. You can write it down. It gets changed after every party has checked out."
They thanked the concierge and turned around to Finn.
"Ok Finn, first things first. This is Lane, my best friend. Lane, this is Finn. He's Logan's best friend and now my bestie. Secondly, let's go upstairs so we can change out of these clothes. I smell like an airplane."
"Hello Love. How are you doing and let's go upstairs.
They started walking and Lane answered Finn.
"Great now that I'm on vacation."
"Oh you're the friend that's staying with Rory?"
"Yes that's me."
They got up to the hotel room and Rory got a shower in and got ready for the night. She brought an extra outfit just in case for Lane so she got ready in the other bathroom.
Once they were all dressed and ready to go out they met up in the common room.
"So I'm starving. Where are we going to eat?"
"Well the hotel restaurant is good but we can also go to any place around here. What are you in the mood for? American, chinese, korean, bbq? THe choice is yours."
"Well I haven't had a good steak in a while." Logan stated. "Does steak sound good to you?"
"Oh yes!" Rory agreed. "A good steak, potato, and salad. Where do you think we should go Finn?"
"Mastro's on Dearborn." Finn thought. He reached for the phone and pushed 0 "Stephen, can you call Mastro's and make a reservation for 4?"
"Of course. I'll call your driver as well." Stephen replied cordially.
"You're amazing. You're indispensable to this company Stephen."
They made their way downstairs and Finn stopped at the concierge desk and pulled a 100 dollar bill out of his wallet and gave it to Stephen. "Get Marsha something nice for her birthday. It's coming up soon right?"
"Thank you for remembering. It's next week."
"Well my loves," Finn said while pulling Lane and Rory over to the bar under his arm "let's have a drink until the car gets here. Oh Stephen! Better make it the SUV"
"Already ahead of you sir. Francis is coming with the Escalade."
"Thank you. So Lane. I want to know more about you. I know more about this guy here than I care to and I'll be with girl here until I die. Hell she'll probably die right next to me. But you, who knows when you'll be around again."
"Well I'm sort of married." Lane started then Finn interrupted.
"Wait, how are you sort of married?"
"Well my husband is on tour with his band and hasn't talked to me much. He calls and skypes with the kids but we don't talk much. He also told me we need to 'talk about our arringement' when he gets back at the end of the month. This vacation is so I can forget about all my responsibilities for a while. My children are taken care of, twin boys by the way, and I'm getting paid for going on this vacation."
"Wow. Love, we are taking you out on the town tonight. Do you have to be back in California tomorrow?"
"Well no." Rory started. "I don't have to work until Monday but Georgia is coming on Saturday. So I have to be back Saturday."
"Well we can always our flight back to Friday evening instead of morning." Logan suggested.
"Yeah we can do that. Lane, first thing you need to know about drinking with these guys. Drink plenty of water and take some ibuprofen before you start. It will help the hangover in the morning."
"Ok."
"Sir," Stephen tapped Finn on the shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt. Your vehicle has arrived and the restaurant is expecting your party."
"Stephen," Logan said to the concierge. "You're a good man. I can tell." He too pulled a 100 dollar bill out of his pocket and gave it to him. "Please take care of us tonight if we walk in too bad"
"Of course Mr Huntzberger. Have a safe and enjoyable evening."
The four of them walked out of the hotel into the Escalade.
"OK a toast." Finn said pouring three tall glasses of champagne. "To Friends, old and new, and to a night in Chicago we'll never forget."
"Cheers" the rest of them said.
"Rory, is this the Hartford life you hid from me?" Lane asked laughing.
"No. Logan and Finn attended boarding schools all their lives so we never met until last week. Plus I didn't grow up in Hartford. I only attended mandatory functions."
"Plus like she said, our parents didn't want us around so we went to boarding schools from 3rd grade on." Logan said turning his attention to Lane. "We also spent most vacations somewhere other than Hartford."
They got to the restaurant after about 20 minutes of traffic and were seated promptly.
"What are you getting Lane?" Rory asked.
"But the prices..." Lane started looking down.
"You're our guest. Don't even look at them."
"It's $50 for a salad!"
"I Know I'm serious though. Get whatever you want."
They all ended up getting a salad to start and finished the course with steak, potatoes, Rory's mashed, Lane's double baked, Logan & Finn baked, and had a few glasses of wine each. The tab ended up totaling up to $450 with tax. Logan paid for the total and Finn and Rory both left a generous tip.
"So Finn. Now that we're slightly tipsy and full where to next?" Logan asked. He called the airline and changed their flight to 4 PM CST instead of the earlier flight they booked. Logan took the last 3 tickets left on the flight.
"Well there are a few night clubs up the block." Finn answered looking around "but I think we should walk. It'll be quicker."
"How far is a few blocks?" Rory asked. "Just saying, Gilmore's don't run."
"Just around the corner and up the block. 5 minutes."
They walked and saw a sign for Cuvee.
There was a bouncer at the door and he asked their name. Apparently Finn's name was on the list because they were allowed right in and escorted to a private table.
The rest of the night was fun, dancing, flirting, and drinking.
They made it back to the hotel around 5 AM, Rory and Lane both holding their shoes instead of walking in them.
Rory woke up the next morning next to Logan with her dress off but her underwear and a tank top still on. She tried to think back and remember what happened but after the 5th martini at Cuvee she couldn't remember anything. She slightly remembered a poker game. She looked at Logan and he was still asleep and so was everyone else. She looked around and saw Finn and Lane cuddled up together in Finn's king sized bed.
She pulled her phone out to look at the time and realized it was 2PM CST. They only had an hour to get everything together and get to the airport. She shook Logan awake.
"Logan, Logan wake up. It's 2. We need to get our things together."
"No need Ace. Finn had Stephen get the maids here to pack our things. All we have to do is walk out the door. Come back lay down for a half hour."
"You all think of everything. Did anything...I mean did we..."
"Have sex? No, I prefer anyone I sleep with to be of sound mind and clear head. We did have a crazy make out session during kiss the bottle though."
"What happened between them two?"
"Just flirting. I think Finn kissed her during spin the bottle. They stayed up talking after you passed out. Just an FYI, you're a crazy drunk. Not annoying or crying. Just fun."
"Did you stay sober?"
"Yes. Someone had to make sure you all came home safe. I only drank 3 martini's at the bar and 2 glasses of wine at dinner. I lost count of your drinks after you started going shot for shot with Finn. You lost by the way."
"Well what else did I do?"
"Well besides telling me that I'm the greatest boyfriend in the world and it wouldn't be horrible if our parents forced marriage upon us, nothing."
"Oh my God... Logan I'm sorry."
"For what? I thought it was sweet. I'm happy to know you feel that way. Forced marriage wouldn't be horrible with you either." He kissed her and pulled back. "No matter how much I like you, you need to brush your teeth. Leftover alcohol makes for horrible morning breath. Just to let you know you don't snore."
"I'm going to shower, can you start waking them up? Where are my clothes hun?"
"Well I had Stephen send someone to get you and Lane and new outfit. They're hung up in the closet. I didn't want to go through your things and your clothes from last night were, well let's just say, I'd just throw those out."
Rory opened the closet and there was a Ralph Lauren sundress and sandals that matched with a new panty set hanging up with her name on it and a pair of distressed jeans and a fit polo shirt with new pair of Nike's and a panty set with Lanes name on it. She walked into the shower and started getting ready and realized there was a new bottle of shampoo and conditioner and body wash thankfully inside.
She finished her shower and pulled her hair back and noticed Finn was gone and Lane was getting ready too.
Lane looked and and saw Rory. "Dang, Logan knew my size perfectly."
"Yeah he's good like that. He has an eye for sizes." Rory answered. "Where did Finn run off to?"
"He said something about a meeting and rushed out. Logan's getting the car service set up. I could so get used to this."
"Yeah it's pretty nice. Just a warning. I don't do this often. I have gotten drunk 5 times in my entire life including last night... heck 3 of the times have been with you now."
They both started laughing and took one more walk around the room to make sure they weren't missing anything else when Logan walked in.
"Okay ladies, I hope you had a good time in the windy city. Your jackets are hanging up in the closet and you'll need them. They don't call it the windy city because people talk all the time. Car service is downstairs waiting. Rory, your laptop and purse are already in there. Lane I didn't see a purse for you anywhere. Did you have one?"
"No I only carried my ID and cash. I left my purse in my suitcase."
"Good then it's downstairs too."
Logan grabbed Rory's hand and led them both downstairs.
"Stephen, thank you for helping me with the clothes and getting the three drunkards up last night. Finn's right. You're a good man."
They got to the airport and to the lounge with no issues. By the time the plane was ready to board the three of them were so tired they couldn't keep their eyes open. The seating arrangement was the same. Rory and Logan were able to cuddle together and were falling asleep when Rory heard Logan say "I love you Rory."
So sorry to leave you on a cliffhanger! How is she going to react?!
I'll start a new chapter tomorrow! Tonight I'm going to watch fireworks. We lit outs last night but the town is having theirs tonight (weather permitting)
Review review review! I want to make it to triple digits by then end of the book!