This story is going to go on for a while. I love writing but stopped when life got so busy. This is a great way to kill time when my daughter is sleeping. This chapter is going to jump up 2 weeks to the party. I'll explain what happens in the first paragraph! Read & review as always!
Last chapter:
"I think I'm officially in love with you Lorelai Hayden." Logan said with a breath in between each word.
"You what?"
"I'm serious. We've only known each other a week but I love you. I don't see anything but you in my future. I don't want to mess this up."
They kissed and fell asleep around midnight.
The next two weeks were a whirlwind of events. Rory and Logan officially exchanged their 'I love you's' over dinner one night.
Georgia officially decided that Stanford was for her when she saw their law books. She knew in her heart of hearts that she was meant to be there. She started decorating Rory's guest bedroom to fit herself since she would spend some weekend and short holidays there.
Georgia, Lane, and Finn all left Friday morning instead of Saturday because it looked like a storm was brewing and it would affect their travels. Finn was off to San Antonio for the opening of a new hotel. Georgia and Lane back to Stars Hollow. Lane did make it to the Disney store and bought the boys toys and bed sheets for their big boy beds.
Rory told Bill that she wanted to stay there with one change and that was an annual 5% raise. He happily agreed and since then she has pushed out 4 articles and 4 columns.
Rory called Maureen and invited her over on Wednesday and introduced her to Logan since she knew that her relationship with Logan was going to be out eventually. She didn't want her friend feeling like she was left out.
Logan has been helping Palo Alto expand their online readership. So far he's only used standard procedures, google, facebook, myspace, but it's already doubled their readership and it's only been a week.
On Thursday morning, Rory and Logan went to talk to Bill and the head editor of Palo Alto Daily News, Morgan Taylor to let them know about their relationship and Rory's news.
"Good afternoon gentlemen. Thank you for meeting with us." Logan said to the men sitting across from him. They choose to meet in the conference room on the top floor so it was more private.
"Not a problem sir. Is there anything we can help you with?" Bill said looking at the other three.
"I wanted you two to know something before it comes out in the news this weekend. We've also written you the first official press statement. You will have this article over any other newspaper."
"Thank you for the opportunity sir." Morgan said to Logan. "What is the pressing news?"
"Well there are two pieces of information. First piece is that Rory and I are dating. That isn't the pressing issue or news but rumors will fly around. We have been for a while now."
"That's great sir." Bill said "I wondered if there was something between the two of you."
"Yes. That leads me to our next piece of news. And there is no family starting if that's what you're thinking."
"No sir. I wouldn't have thought that."
"Well I will let Rory explain that."
Rory started talking. "Well as you know I'm from Hartford area. My grandfather was a very powerful lawyer and has built a very powerful firm. I'm the official heiress of that fortune. My sister will actually be a partner in that firm once she graduates from law school. That being said nothing changes about me. I'm still a reporter, I still work here. The only difference is I will have to take the occasional Fridays off to go to meetings on the east coast. There is going to be a coming out party for me in Hartford this Friday so we will be plastered over all the major gossip columns. Since I work in a building of reporters, I'm not going to be left alone for a while. That is why I would like to work from home for a couple of weeks until the news of this dies down. I will still write my column and still work on whatever you assign, I just want to research and submit from home."
"I understand completely." Morgan said. "I think that is an acceptable solution. I would like it if you could come in once a week with hard copies of your articles, that would be appreciated. I will keep the building open and stay late on Thursday night?"
"I can do that. Now I hate to discuss this and run but Logan and I have to be in Hartford tomorrow so our plane is taking off in an hour. Thank you so much for understanding everything. Here is my press release and here is Logan's. Thank you for your time."
Logan and Rory walked away from the conference room holding hands for the first time in the office. Rory grabbed some of her things she would need for the week and Logan carried it out for her. She heard the whispers. He put the box down for a second.
"Let's give them something to really talk about." He grabbed her, swooped her down, and kissed her deep and long. The whole newsroom went silent and they turned around and walked out the door without giving them a second thought. Rory felt her phone vibrate and saw Maureen was calling.
"That was awesome." Maureen said to Rory "Are you serious? Is that how you announce it?"
"Apparently. Logan and I talked to Bill and Morgan and told them about our relationship and the heiress news. He figured we would give them something to really talk about."
"That's hilarious! When are you coming back?"
"I won't be back for a couple of weeks. I won't want to leave my apartment for a week or so. The press will camp out and I work with press."
"Can I come visit?"
"Of course, Call me first. I might stay at Logans for the first couple of days. I don't know. We'll see how it goes."
"Okay I'll talk to you later and I'll keep you posted on the gossip column."
"Thanks Maureen. Talk to you later!"
Her dad made good on the promise to get her a plane to use. She liked this better so she didn't have to stick to airline schedules and could take off in as little as 1 hour if needed. Logan was riding with her of course since they were going to the same place. They were in a good rhythm. They spend their weekends together since they both work so much. Logan has more and more contacts with newspapers since he merged with HPG. His team liked that they could sell to virtually every newspaper in the country and around the world. Logan liked that his dad has respected him more since college. He told Rory that in college he was a trust fund baby that spent every weekend partying and sleeping around. It was Europe that changed his view. He realized that HPG was lacking in online presence. He knew that Mitchum would eventually add him back but he didn't realize that it was going to happen so soon.
They left the airstrip around 1 PM PST and arrived at 10 PM EST. Rory made sure she woke up at 4 AM that morning so she would sleep when she landed in Hartford since she had to be up at 7 for the board meeting. Logan had a meeting with his dad Friday as well then they would all meet up at Finn's to get ready for the party.
Rory had Lane's dress clothes shipped to Finn's house as well. She bought the boys a suit as well and Mrs. Kim already had dress clothes. They were all coming to her party. Mrs Patty and Babbett and Murey and the rest of the colorful characters from Stars Hollow were going to be in attendance.
They landed and Rory saw the two cars waiting to take them to their destinations.
"Where did you say you were staying tonight Ace?" Logan asked Rory.
"I think I'm going to stay at the Hayden's...well technically it's my... place tonight."Rory said. "Why where are you staying?"
"I'll probably stay at Finn's. My parents are coming back from Rome around 2 AM and I don't want to be there. They're always grouchy when they get off long flights."
"You can always stay with me if you want."
"Are you sure?"
"I'd like it. Francine is coming back with your grandparents and the Gilmores as well. Mom is exhausted from helping set up the Gilmore's house for tomorrow's party so she'll be asleep by now and my dad too. Georgia might be there though. I told her I was staying there."
"Sounds like a plan. Frank, I'll just ride with Miss Hayden. Thank you for coming."
"No problem sir." his driver replied. "Do you want your luggage in this car?"
"No, I'll take my carry on with me. I have a set of clothes here. Please pick me up from the Haydens at 8 AM for my meetings."
"See you then sir."
They drove to the Hayden's house and Rory noticed another car in the driveway. She saw the door open and three people hopped out.
"Colin, Steph, Finn...what are you doing here?"
"Well my love I haven't seen you in over a week! I miss you." Finn said giving her a hug. "Are you sure about Logan? You know, I'm exotic! We would make beautiful children."
"I'm completely sure about my choice Finnigan." Rory said looking at Logan who was laughing. "I've missed you too."
Rory ran over to Colin and Steph. "Colin! Steph! What are you doing here! I didn't think you could make it until tomorrow!"
"We said that so we could see the look on your faces. They're priceless" Steph said hugging both of them. Colin kissed Rory on the cheek and hugged Logan.
They were happy to see their friends. "So how is everything?" Steph asked Rory.
"It's good. I"m a little nervous."
"There's nothing to be nervous about. It's a full bar and you'll barely be noticed. Well you'll be noticed alright but we'll be there." Finn added
"Thanks Finn. I think. Let's go inside. I think G might be in there."
"Georgia my love! Where are you!" Finn bellowed from the doorway.
"Finn, is that you I hear?" G walked downstairs. She was in her pj's. She didn't realize company was coming over. Luckily she was in a tee-shirt and shorts so nothing too revealing. "Hey everyone. I can't believe you're here today. I didn't think that you were coming until tomorrow."
"I know. We wanted to surprise everyone!" Steph said. "I can't wait to get to know you better. I don't have a little sister. I've always wanted one."
"Thanks I think. Hey Ro. Mom wants you to call her."
"Oh shit. Yes. Thanks."
Hey mom. We're back.
Geez, thanks for calling when you got in. We called the pilot and he said they landed an hour ago.
Sorry, we were bombarded with unexpected guests. Steph, Colin, & Finn are here. They're going to stay at the Haydens with G, Logan, and me.
OK, I'm just glad you're ok.
I am. I'll see you tomorrow after dads meeting. Do you want to meet us for lunch?
No can do babe. I'm stuck with Emily all afternoon. I'm even getting ready there. Are you?"
No, I'm going to get ready at Finn's. My stuff is there and Steph, G, & I have an appointment at the salon at 2.
Well try to be at Grandma Emily's by 5. The party starts at 7 but you're the guest of honor so you need to be there early. Bring Logan too. I think Grandma wants to get pictures.
Ok. Probably. See you then. Love you.
Rory, it's Paris, Jamie and I can't make it. My presence is required in Florida. Not sure why but it's important enough to fly me on the red eye
Dang. that sucks. I'm sorry. We'll ship your dresses to your house.
Thanks. Make sure to send me pictures.
"Logan, we're expected to be there by 5." Rory said. "You too G. Plus Paris and Jamie can't make it. Family emergency."
"I figured and that sucks." Logan replied. "Does Lane and her family have a ride or do you want someone to pick them up? Wait she's coming with us to get ready right?"
"I don't know. I'll call."
"Hey Lane!"
"Hey Ro! How's it going?"
"Good. We're in Hartford and trying to figure out logistics. Do you need a ride tomorrow or are you going to drive up?
"I don't know if we can go. Kwan has a fever. What Mama! I'm telling Rory we might be able to go tomorrow. Are you sure?"
"Lane what's happening?"
"One second Rory. Are you sure mama? I don't want you. Okay!"
"Mama says I can still go. She'll take care of the boys. She doesn't want me missing your big night."
"That's so nice. I'm so sending Mama Kim something. What does she like?"
"Oh I can send her some curry!"
"No no don't do that."
"I'm going to send Finn or someone to pick you up at 1. Us girls have a salon appointment at 2 and we want you to come."
"Ok what should I wear?"
"A sweatsuit. That way you don't have to mess your nails or hair up."
"Okay. See you tomorrow. By Ro."
"You heard me. Which one of you is going to pick Lane up?" Rory asked the group. "I'll be in my meeting until 1 so I can't."
"Colin, Finn, & I can." Steph sad. "G you can come too if you want."
"Sounds good. Thanks guys."
"I'm going to bed soon. I'm exhausted and it's going to be an insane day tomorrow."
"Okay. There are a few rooms or we can all stay in my room. It's pretty big and it has a trundle."
"Separate rooms." They all agreed.
"Colin, Steph here is your room. Finn, here is yours, and G will stay in her room and Logan and I will stay in mine."
"Are you sure?" Logan asked. "Your family won't freak?"
"No I left a note for my grandma saying we were upstairs asleep."
Everyone went to sleep since their days were going to be busy while in Hartford. Logan and Rory were planning on flying back Sunday or Monday. Finn was going to Australia for a month starting Monday and Colin and Steph were going back to Princeton Sunday.
Friday Morning 7AM
Rory woke up to the smell of coffee. She felt Logan leave about 15 minutes before she woke up.
"Hey beautiful. Time to get up and accept the position of a lifetime." He put down the coffee next to her bed and cuddled up next to her.
"I took that position yesterday Logan." Rory said not referring to the heiress position. They started giggling and things heated up when she heard a knock at the door. "Ro. Can I come in?" It was Christopher.
Logan quickly jumped down to the trundle bed.
"Hey dad. Come on in." Rory said. "How's it going?"
"I was going to bring you coffee but I see that Logan already did." Christopher was red because he realized Logan was shirtless. Logan quickly pulled a shirt on and sat on bed making sure not to move his blanket.
"Yeah he did. I'll be down in 20 minutes ready to go."
"Okay. See you downstairs."
"You almost go us busted" Rory said when she knew her dad wasn't in front of the door.
"I'm sorry Ace. I didn't see him downstairs when I got your coffee. I was fully dressed when I went downstairs. Just an FYI."
"I need to get dressed now and get downstairs."
"Ok babe. I have to get ready too. I'm meeting dad at his office."
"Love you." They kissed and he went to get his things from Finn's room. He made sure to put his stuff in there so her family wouldn't suspect anything.
They had consummated their love multiple times since the first night. Rory loved the honeymoon stage they were in. She knew that it would wear off eventually but she was going to enjoy it until then.
Rory got downstairs and she and her dad rode to his office and went upstairs to the big conference room.
The meeting was boring and long and lasted for 4 hours. The good thing about it was there was good food and great coffee. Rory was introduced to the new members of the board and they set the next meeting for a month from then in Chicago.
It was 1:15 before the meeting ended. Rory called Steph. "Hey did you get Lane?"
"Yes. Her mom is crazy."
"Yeah I know. I just got out of my meeting."
"Dang. I'll meet you at the salon then?"
"Yes. See you soon."
Rory got in the back of the town car and met Steph, G, and Lane at Diana's Nail and Hair. She had given Georgia her sweatsuit before she left the house and changed once she got into the salon. They started out by getting their nail and hands done then moved to their hair and eyes. Mrs Diana also had someone that could help with make up. They decided to take her up on her offer. If they didn't like it, they could easily remove it and reapply but they were very satisfied with the result. It was 4 by the time they were all done so they took the car back to Finn's house and got ready. Everyone was ready so they had one of Finn's maids take a picture of all of them dressed up and ready. Rory, Georgia, and Logan all climbed into the town car since they had to be ready early.
"Rory, Georgia, you both look beautiful." Lorelai gushed over her daughters. "My babies have all grown up. Chrs, get the camera."
"My girls." Logan stepped aside and Lorelai moved between the girls. They took a picture with them. Logan pulled out Rory's camera and took a picture for her. Emily, Francine, and Richard all walked downstairs. There were more pictures taken. One with the whole group. One with Christopher and his mom, one with Georgia, Rory, Emily, Richard, and Lorelai, one with Rory and Logan, one with Rory and Georgia, and so on. Then it was 6:30 and guests were starting to arrive. Rory stood next to Logan. The maid was there to open the door for the guests. Finn, Lane, Steph, and Colin joined at 7:30 and Finn was drinking by 7:40. By 8:30 more than 300 people were on the Gilmore property. At 9 PM Christopher grabbed the microphone and stood on the makeshift stage.
"Everyone, can I have you attention please? Thank you. Now you know that you are here to celebrate the life of Straub Hayden and his family. We, my wife Lorelai Gilmore-Hayden, and I have a couple of announcements to make. The first one is that the name of the Hayden successor has been named. It is my eldest daughter, Lorelai Leigh Gilmore-Hayden. Rory, can you come up here please?"
Rory made her way up to the stage.
"Hello! I'm Lorelai Hayden, better known as Rory. I am 26 and currently live in Palo Alto. I have been on the board of the Hayden Associates for a year now. I look forward to the next steps of my life as I watch Hayden associates grow."
Chris took back the mike.
"Thank you Rory. Now the second part of our announcement. My second and youngest daughter, Georgia is going to be heiress of the Gilmore estates when that time comes. Thank you everyone and enjoy your night. In 20 minutes there will be a firework display so please make your way to the patio."
"There goes us taking over the pool house." Logan said to everyone.
"Let's go to the other side of the room." Rory said. "I'll be over there in a minute. I'm going to tell mom we won't be outside."
Everyone walked over to the second ball room.
"Hey Mary! Congrats." Tristan said behind her.
"What are you doing here?" Rory said with a scowl.
"I was invited."
"Not intentionally"
"Where's the boyfriend at? Or did he ditch you the minute you got back to California?"
"No he's with my friends. I'm meeting them across the house."
"Well he's not here now so I think we should talk."
Tristan looked around, grabbed Rory by the arm and pulled her over into an empty room. It was then she noticed that he had a bottle of whiskey in his hand.
"Leave now Tris. It's not the time or place for this discussion."
"Well then name a time and place or I'm not leaving." Tristan said. He grabbed her arm again hard enough to leave an impression. She knew it would turn into a bruise by morning and he knew how to yell at society events to where no one else would hear and he knew Rory didn't want to make a scene.
"What happened with us?" Tristan asked. "I'm sorry I left you for that idiot but I realized it was a mistake."
"I don't care. That's the past. I'm looking towards the future."
"So there is a future for us?"
"No, not our future. My future. With Logan."
"That playboy richy rich? What does he have that I don't?"
"He has me for one thing."
"You're mine. He can't have you. Also, I notice that he's not around. Mary, take a notice. You're alone none of your so called friends are."
"She has us." A voice from behind them said. Tristan turned around and noticed that Finn, Colin, and Logan were standing there looking angry.
"You wouldn't make a scene in public."
"No but there are fireworks going off so no one can hear a nose break like this." Logan said making contact with Tristans nose.
"Fuck man. God I'll leave her alone. Fine."
"They also won't hear this." Colin balled up his fist and punched him in the throat. "Just remember this. This is us being lenient. If you mess with our girl again or her family or friends, you won't like the end.
By this time, Tristan was curled up on the floor and Finn kicked him in the shin. They could hear a small crack.
The group walked out together with Rory in the middle. Once they were in the dining room Logan pulled Rory close to him. "I'm so sorry babe. I knew there was something wrong when you didn't come back right away. I shouldn't have left you."
"It's not your fault." Rory said "I'm fine. He didn't hurt me much."
"What do you mean much Love? What did he do?" Finn asked concerned.
"He grabbed my arm and pulled me into that room. She held out her arm and there as indeed a bruise forming.
"Here hun." Steph said. She gave Rory her sheer throw. "Just tell people that you're cold if they ask."
Rory spent the rest of the night next to Logan. About five minutes after they got into the dining room Rory noticed out of the corner of her eye Tristan hobbling out.
By midnight everyone was going home including Rory and Georgia. Logan drove them home but decided to stay at his parents for the night. She didn't mind because she was almost asleep. They said their goodbyes and parted ways. They made plans to hang out with Steph, Colin, and Finn the next afternoon.
Saturday morning
Rory woke up and realized it was close to noon. She picked her phone up and realized that Logan and Stephanie called her a couple of times each. She went into the dining room and there was a note on the table. Lunch at Lukes. She got dressed and walked the 3 blocks it took to get to Lukes. Lane was there and she looked tired.
"Hey Lane. What time did you get home?" Rory asked.
"Well we made it home around midnight but Zack was there. He saw pictures I posted on instagram and got insanely jealous!"
"Oh my gosh! Are you serious!"
"Yeah. He said that he hasn't been with anyone else. He told me that he kissed someone else so that's what he wanted to talk about. We were honest with each other. I told him that Finn and I sat close to each other and fell asleep with each other but nothing else happened. I'm right, nothing else happened did it?"
"Nothing that I know. I'm so happy for you. Is he back for good then?"
"He had a show in Litchfield and a final one in New York tonight at 9 then he'll be home for good. He made so much with this show that we can finally move."
"Really? That's so awesome. I'm so happy that everything is working out for you."
"I know. It's crazy. He said that he wanted to be with me and seeing pictures with my new friends made him realize how much he missed me."
"You said he has a show in New York? Are you going?"
"Yes, my mom is happy we're talking again so she's going to watch the boys tonight."
"Well we were going to go to dinner and hang out, we can probably all go there. I'll call Logan after I eat. I'm hungry. Oh there's my mom and dad now."
Lorelai and Chris walked in and sat down and they finished lunch. Rory told her parents about her tentative plans. Once she was finished she walked outside to call Logan.
"Hey babe. What are you up to?"
"Hey Ace. I'm just sitting at home, working a little, what's up?"
Rory went on to explain Zack and Lane and told him about the concert.
"That sounds good. I'll call the gang and see but if they don't want to, we can still go."
"Okay."
"Does Lane want to ride with us? She and Zack can ride back with us if they want."
"Probably. I'll talk to her."
"What's Zack like? I don't know much about him other than he was a bad husband for a while."
"He's a pretty good guy. He's always put Lane and their family first. Even when him and Lane weren't on the same page, he still talked to the boys and sent money. He actually made enough to buy them a house and car."
"That's good. Just a warning, she's under our wing now so the other, and me truthfully, might grill him."
"Well let me know what they say."
"I don't think it'll be a problem. What time does it start?"
"9."
"We'll be there at 5."
"See you soon."
"Love you Ace."
"You too Mac."
OK So the next chapter is going to have a small time jump again and another chapter or two then it's done. I've really enjoyed working with you on this! Thank you!