Recap from last chapter:
Rory's back to work after breaking her ankle in a boot.
Jess made a bad appearance and is now in jail for assault.
Wedding is Sept 15th.
I'm not jumping at all on this. It's continuing from when Logan and Rory parted ways and he went back to his office. Friday when they're on their way to the party. Maureen, Logan, Rory, Colin, Steph, Lorelai, & Chris are all on the Hayden plane.
Thank you for the reviews and suggestions. I love when I get feedback!
warning there is some bad language in this. not much just some anger.
Rory POV
I got back to the office and everyone was freaking out.
"Rory are you okay?" Jordan from my office asked.
"Rory is Logan hurt?" Tiffany the flirty receptionist asked.
I only made two stops on my way to my desk. The first one was to Randy. I reached over and gave him a hug "Logan and I want to take you and your wife or girlfriend or whoever out for dinner one night. You name the place and time and we'll be there. On us completely. You saved me in there."
"It wasn't a problem. I'll let you know about dinner though. It's always nice to get to know people around here. We just moved her last year."
"I know what you mean. I just moved here in March. I'll see you around. Thank you again. Oh! Here is Logan's card. Call him. I never have my cell phone on me. Set up a time and place. Seriously, anywhere and it's all on us."
I walked away from his desk and walked to Maureen's but she wasn't in there. I looked around and Maureen was in Bill's office so I went to my desk but heard thumping on the window. I looked over and Bill was motioning for me to come in the office.
"Yes sir." I said quietly, hoping he wasn't upset about the scene caused.
"Are you alright Rory?" He asked emphatically.
"I'll be alright, just shaken. I'm going to finish up some work then head home soon."
"Of course. Are you going to be okay to go out and do the interview?"
"Yes. He's in jail and I can guarantee that my fiance will make sure he stays there for a while."
"Understandable. Regardless, I'd like you to bring someone with you tomorrow during the interview. You can take Maureen. I talked to her about it and she's done with her pieces for the week. You're not offended are you? Can I ask what that was about? Totally off the record of course." He said chuckling.
"Sure. That was my ex boyfriend from high school. He's convinced that he's grown up now and we can be together. He doesn't care that I'm engaged or anything. He showed up at my doorstep yesterday actually. Logan's adding extra security to our house now because of him."
"Well if he shows up again, Tiff knows to call the police and I straight away."
"Good. Thank you for that. Maureen, I'll meet you here tomorrow then we'll go to the site?"
"Yeah sounds good."
"Bill, is there anything else you need from me? It's getting late and I still have research."
"No, go of course. Hayden, I want you out of here by 4 so it's still daylight out when you drive."
"I'll let you know sir. Thank you."
I went back to my desk and put my head down. Great, now everyone was going to treat me like I'm fragile. I'm tempted to go to the jailhouse and beat the shit out of him myself. I looked at the time and it was almost 3 so I decided to pack up and just go home and research there. I called Steph on my way home.
Luckily she picked up on the first ring.
"Hey. Are you busy?"
"No, why what's up?"
"It's been a bad day and I need some extra company. Care to join? I'm leaving the office now."
"Sure. Should I bring Colin?"
"Probably. Make sure you have bail money. Colin will probably try to murder someone in holding.
"We'll be there soon. Finn's with us too."
Oh shit I thought. Finn's going to flip out. I called Logan to let him know everyone was coming over and what my boss had said. He was finishing up at the office so would be there soon.
3rd person POV
Steph, Colin, Finn, and Logan all arrived at the same time. Chris and Lorelai were in the den watching movies. We told everyone to meet on the porch so we could tell them everything happening.
"First things first, do not interrupt me. I'm going to tell the whole story then you can ask questions or give solutions." Rory said to the group. They all agreed. "So Jess, my ex-boyfriend from high school came by yesterday uninvited. Hell not even uninvited. I haven't talked to him since my high school graduation and even then all I talked to was an open phone line and I told him to screw off. He asked to come in and I told him no. We talked outside and he confessed his feelings for me and wanted me to run off, I said do not interrupt." she said to Stephanie who was about to say something. "Now as I was saying. I told him to go to hell and tried to go back inside. Well I locked my keys in so we had to take a cab to Logan's office. I told him I don't know how many times to go to hell but apparently he didn't get the message. Today after lunch, he came to my office. He was drunk and saying how he loved me and wanted to be with me. I told him to go to hell. The receptionist at the office called security just before he lunged at me. The whole time he was there I was on an open phone line with Logan. He rushed over to get there. He got there the same time that security threw him out. I don't really know what happened then. Logan you finish."
"Well Ace called me and I heard him say "It's me and you. It always will be. We're end game." and I knew it was him. So I rushed out of the office and got to hers in record time. He was on the ground. I think he recognized me because I heard him ask if I was the new boyfriend. He stood up punched at me, so I beat the crap out of him. I threw two punches before four cops came out and handcuffed both of us. I was released quickly after I said he threw the first punch after threatening my girlfriend and there were two guards who could back my story."
"Where is the fucker?" Finn asked in a tone that none of them ever heard. "I'll kill him. He tried to hurt my girl and her hit my best friend. That man is going to pay."
Chris, Colin, and Finn all got up to walk outside when Logan stopped them. "Boys, he's in lockup for the night. I called the precinct and they said he's going to see a judge tomorrow. Hopefully he won't be let out. I'm going to the court date to make sure of it."
"No one hurts my daughter and thinks they won't pay. I don't give a shit if it's someone I know or not." Chris said. Lorelai had only heard him use that tone once before and it was towards the Jess's Uncle.
"So what's going to happen next?" Steph asked.
"Well first off I'm hiring a security company tomorrow to watch the house and both offices. Rory, you won't be followed but you'll be watched. Ro, are you still going to the interview tomorrow?"
"I'm going with Maureen."
As soon as she said that she heard the doorbell. Rory froze for a minute so Logan went to answer. It was two police officers.
"Officers, please come in."
"Hello. I'm Office Lance from earlier, this is my partner Officer Julie. Miss Hayden, can we speak with you in private?""
"Can my fiance come?"
"I'm not sure if that's the best."
"What do you mean?" Logan asked. "I'm coming with her or we'll be at your office with our lawyer tomorrow."
"You can come but it might not be the best."
They walked to the patio and shut the doors.
"How can we help you?" Rory asked the two cops as she sat down.
"Well we were talking to Mr. Mariano today and he said everything was blown out of proportion and that Mr. Huntzberger here attacked him because of a personal vendetta."
"What do you mean? He's never met him before today and I haven't seen him since before I graduated high school."
"His story is that you two had an encounter last night."
"Yes. He came over and I told him to leave. I actually ended up locking myself out of the house and had to take a cab to Logan's office. What did he say?"
The two cops exchanged looks. Officer Julie answered this time. "He said that it was more than that. He said that you invited him in and had sex."
"What? Are you kidding? Actually there's proof somewhere that I never invited him in. Someone was outside taking pictures of us talking on the porch. I'm assuming that he was there the whole time."
"Are you here to tell me that he's accusing my fiance of sleeping with him and this is me getting back at him?" Logan said angerly . "How dare you? She's been traumatized enough and you put her through this. Thank you officers. Is there anything else?"
"Well sir, that actually creates reasonable doubt so he will most likely be released tomorrow at his bail hearing. He's already put an order of protection on you and a Lorelai Victoria Gilmore. Is that you?"
"No that's my mother. He thinks that he'll get me alone now. He's crazy apparently now. The army must have really screwed him up."
"Well both orders have been signed by the emergency judge and are enforced. Mr. Huntzberger you are not able to enter the courtroom tomorrow when he's there. You are also not allowed within 100 feet of him. Is your mother here?"
"Let me get her." Logan said. "Lore, can you come out here? Chris you might want to as well."
Christopher and Lorelai both walked out and sat down at the table. "Ma'am this is an order of protection signed by a judge barring you from coming within 100 feet of Mr. Jess Mariano."
"This is bullshit." Christopher said loudly. "You'll be hearing from our lawyers tomorrow if not tonight. I can't believe this. I'm glad that you're the ones taking care of my daughters."
Chris walked out to the yard and sat down. Lorelai and Rory stayed behind. They knew he needed time to cool off.
"Officers, I think it's best you leave now. Thank you" Logan walked them to the door and walked back outside leaving the door open this time. Finn, Colin, and Steph walked outside and saw Rory crying and Logan comforting her. "It's okay babe. Nothing will happen to you. I promise. I don't care what this bullshit protection says. He won't hurt you."
Finn walked over to Rory and sat next to her. Steph and Colin sat next to Logan.
"So Lorelai and I were served with an order of protection against Jess. He says the only reason I hurt him was because Rory slept with him. Also, this apparently will create reasonable doubt so the judge will probably let him out tomorrow."
"I'll kill him." Finn said again. "I'll be at the courthouse tomorrow and will let him know who he messed with. No one fucks with my friends and gets away with it."
"Finn. Don't. I need you here for my wedding. Not serving twenty to life in prison." Rory said. "Plus, you can't drink there."
"But love, you don't understand. I've never taken to anyone as quickly as I have to you. Hell I can say that about all of us here. None of us have opened up and taken in anyone as quick as we did you. I won't let anyone hurt you."
"I know none of you will. We have one more day until we leave. Heck, we can leave tomorrow after my interview if you want. Then we'll be in Hartford for the weekend and hopefully by then Jess will be gone. I won't be alone anywhere."
"No. I'm hiring private security for tomorrow as well."
"What you think the president goes anywhere without twenty guys that can shoot? I'll be fine. I understand putting someone at the house and offices but not on me 24-7. Plus I basically go from the house to work and back."
"We'll figure that out later. Tomorrow, please call the car service. That way you can write on your way home when everything is fresh." Rory could tell Logan was trying to be positive. "I will. I'm meeting Maureen at the office and we're going from there. Plus he won't be out until tomorrow afternoon anyway. Everyone, I'm really tired and it's been a long couple of days. I love you all and thank you for protecting me. She turned and gave Finn a hug. She noticed Colin was unusually quiet. "Colin, you look lost up there."
"I'm dreaming of the ways to hurt him. Finn's right Ro. No one has joined the group since, well Huntz and I have known each other since before we could walk, Finn joined in junior high, and Steph in High school. We wont' let anything happen. I'll be at that press conference tomorrow."
"You have to work."
"No we're still setting up. I'll be there. Count on it. Plus I'm going to file for a restraining order for you against him tomorrow morning. I'll get it rushed and you'll have it before you go back to Hartford. He might be stupid and try something there."
"With my grandparents and Logan's parents?"
"You never know. We'll see you tomorrow. Like I said, we'll be there."
"So will I." Chris said walking up the yard. "Sorry guys. I was about to punch a cop and figured that wouldn't be the best thing."
Colin, Finn, and Steph all went home shortly after and Logan carried Rory up to bed. Chris and Lorelai sat outside for a few minutes more.
All I thought about while I was in Iraq was her face. I know we're meant to be. This white lie that I told is nothing. Even if they don't break up, it'll put reasonable doubt in his mind so then I just have to wait for an opportune moment. I'm going back to Stars Hollow Friday. Maybe I'll attend a bridal shower.
Jess went to be with a smile on his face thinking about him and Rory getting married and how beautiful she'd look.
Rory tried to sleep because she had to be on top of her game tomorrow but she was finding it difficult. Why did her past have to follow her here? She just wants him gone. Hopefully he'll get the hint after Colin makes the order of protection. She finally fell asleep at 2.
The alarm went off at 6 she snoozed it. Logan draped his arm around her and squeezed her tight.
They sat there for a while in silence until the alarm went off again show it was 615. She got up and took a shower and got ready for the interview.
She got downstairs at 7 and Logan was ready for work.
"I called the car service and let them know the short story of what's going on. There not going to let anyone but you and Maureen in the car unless you approve it." Logan said. "come here." He grabbed me and held me for a while. "I know everything is crazy now but I promise you, he will not win."
"I don't know what I'd do without you. You know what he said isn't true right?"
"Ro, even if you invited him in, I'd know nothing happened. I completely trust you."
The driver, Steven, came to pick her up at 7:45. Logan said he was going to do a couple of things around the office before he went to work.
"Okay Steven. I have to go upstairs, get a couple things, and get my coworker. I'll be down around 9."
He gave her his number just in case.
She walked upstairs, checked in with Bill. She grabbed her camera, tape recorder, pens, and notebook and headed to Maureen's desk. Maureen was researching Obama's speeches as well so she sat with her until 9 when they went downstairs to meet with Steven.
"Miss Gilmore, I assume this is Miss Schultz?" Steven asked.
"Yes. We need to get to the town square. After his speech we need to go to the Hilton for our interview." Rory explained.
"Sounds good."
Maureen and Rory went to the back and sat down.
"Dang this is my first time in a car with a driver. What gives?" Maureen said impressed.
"Jess is being let out today. Logan's freaking out. My dad and friends are too. You'll get to meet most of them today. They're coming here for backup."
"Is he crazy?"
"He didn't use to be but he also said something about being in the army. Who knows what happened."
"Do you have guards now?"
"Sorta. One is at the office, one at Logan's office, and one at the house. Colin and Steph will be at the rally along with my dad, mom, and Logan. You've met mom, dad, and Logan but not Colin and Steph. She's another bridesmaid. You'll like her."
"Cool. Do you think he'll try anything?"
"The Jess I know wouldn't but the Jess I saw yesterday and the Jess I know are two different guys."
They got to the rally and sat in their reserved seats. It wasn't due to start for another half hour so she walked around for a minute. She heard her phone ring and looked at the caller ID. It was Colin.
"Hey Ro."
"Hey Colin. What's up."
"He's out. Finn just called me. He got released on his own recog. I'm on my way to the rally. Finn was going to talk to him but he was escorted back to the jail instead of leaving there. I think Finn's coming here too. I talked to Logan. He's already got security at the house and both offices. Don't worry. Nothing will happen."
"Thanks Col. I'll see you in a bit. I'm in the 3rd row. My area's reserved for press but you can either stand in the back or something."
"I'm going to be in the back. I read enough of your Obama speeches that I've probably memorized them all."
"Is Steph coming too?"
"Yeah. We're pulling into Palo Alto now. I'll see you in a bit."
She put her put her phone up and sat down with Maureen and told her about what Colin said.
"Do you have a picture of Jess?"
"No. I got my cell phone years after we broke up. I didn't get Facebook until college. He might have one though. We can look."
Rory pulled Facebook up on her phone and searched for him but his profile didn't have a picture. Rory tried to describe him then she felt someone touch her shoulder and she freaked.
"Babe. It's just me. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." Logan said quickly and apologetically.
"It's fine. I'm just jumpy." She stood up and kissed him and saw Finn, Colin, Steph, Lorelai, and Chris behind him. "Maureen, this is my dad and mom, Christopher, and Lorelai and you know Logan, Colin, Steph, and Finn. Mom, dad this is Maureen. She's my other bridesmaid. She's the first friend I made her and we've gotten super close."
"It looks like it's getting ready to start. Don't worry. We won't let him near you."
"Colin, you don't know what he looks like, how are you going to do that?"
"Finn took a picture of him."
"Show it to Maureen, Finn."
"So there are 7 people, including the driver, that are on Rory duty now. She's covered." Maureen said to the group.
"Thanks Maureen." Logan said. "I'll see you later Ace. Love you. Do you two want to do lunch after this? I have to go back to the office but we can have a quick lunch."
"We can't. We have exclusive after this at the Hilton." Rory said.
"Well then we'll eat at the Hilton. Our bags are in the car. We're not leaving Rory's side." Finn said matter-of-factly. "Is she coming back with us too?"
"Yeah. It'll be another short trip. Leaving tonight and coming back Sunday but it'll be fun. When is G meeting us mom?"
"She's here too. I haven't filled her in on anything but I told her to watch for Jess." Lorelai answered. "She's sitting with her new friends."
The president of the college came on to stage so the gang walked to the back. He announced the arrival of Barack Obama.
His speech was close to an hour. Maureen video taped the whole thing while Rory wrote down notes. When questions came she decided not to ask since she was going to have the exclusive but made sure to write down some points she wanted to know more about. The speech ended at 11 and everyone went about their way. Rory and Maureen walked to the back to find the group. They all took separate cars so they all met up at the Hilton 20 minutes later. Rory had enough time to drink some coffee then a security guard found her.
"Are you Lorelai Hayden?" He said to Rory.
"Yes. You can call me Rory."
"Rory, Mr. Obama is waiting for you in the side conference room. I need to check you for weapons quickly."
He did a pat down search and then escorted her to the conference room. Maureen stayed behind with the group.
"Please take a seat. He'll be here shortly. Would you like a drink while you wait?"
"Yes. Water please."
Someone went to get her a water and was back before Obama made it to the room.
Rory heard his announcement and stood up and shook his hand. She was hoping that he didn't notice how shaky she was.
"Miss Hayden. How are you this afternoon? I've ready your articles that you wrote about me on the campaign trail and loved them. I wanted to make sure if I was where you stopped at we could have time to talk. You gave life to these articles. I liked how you didn't only write about the speech itself but the reactions around you and the support that I received."
"You requested me sir?"
"Yes I did. Now how are you?"
"I'm doing wonderful."
"I was sad to see you leave the trail. May I ask why you settled down?"
"I found out that traveling constantly isn't for me. I still want to be a journalist but I want to stay in one place."
"I understand. I'm not a fan of traveling but it comes with the job, hopefully. So I assume you have some questions?"
Rory read off her questions and took notes about his responses. Neither of them realized it but an hour had gone by. They did the interview then they talked about life in general. She told him about her engagement and wedding and the reason for the speed.
"That shows your character there. You're willing to rush the greatest day of your life, in my opinion, because of your fiance's family. Is he here?"
"He was in the lobby last I knew. He might have gone back to work."
She saw someone walk out the door then a couple of minutes later came back with Logan.
"You're the fiance correct?"
"It's an honor to meet you. That I am. Logan Huntzberger." Logan said shaking Obama's hand.
"You have a sharp fiance here."
"That I do sir."
"I wish you both the best in life. Rory, I'm glad that we got to talk. Thank you for taking time to meet with me."
"It's a privilege sir. Thank you for taking time to meet me."
"You said your wedding is in September?"
"Yes sir."
"Expect a card. Thank you again. I have to be in San Diego by tomorrow so I must go. Miss Hayden, Mr. Huntzberger. It's been a pleasure."
He walked out the door with his security team. Rory was smiling and couldn't stop.
"You met the future president babe and he knows your name." Logan said. He and Rory walked out and met with their friends and she told them all about what happened.
"...look we even got pictures together." She showed everyone the pictures that his security guard took of the two of them. "He said I can put it in the paper if I want along with the article."
"That's amazing. You should print it and ask him to sign it and hang it on your wall."
"I plan on it. That was amazing. Okay. Let's go back to my house. I need to start on this article now. Is everyone coming?"
"All but me Ace. I have to finish some reports. I'll be back around 5 then we'll leave. Everything's packed right?"
"I left the dress I'm wearing and your tux at the apartment in Hartford so we only need my purse and our laptops."
They all went back to the house. Chris, Lorelai, G, Finn, Colin, and Steph went in the den and watched movies while Maureen and Rory worked on her article. At 230 Finn drove Maureen back to the office so she could get her car and take it home then he drove her back to the house. Rory wrote the article and had Maureen read it when she got back. They both thought it was good and sent it to Bill early. She sent the picture in with the article.
The new security guard showed up at 3 and Christopher briefed him on the situation. He wasn't going to be there that weekend but there would be someone there starting Sunday. His name was Francisco.
Logan got back at 530 and they all got to the airport. They made sure to get a limo so no one had to leave their car waiting.
The plane took off at 6. They didn't get back to Hartford until 3 AM so they were all exhausted. They stayed in Rory and Logan's apartment.
He knew the judge would let him off. He would spin a story that would create reasonable doubt. He made it to the airport in time to catch his flight back to Hartford. He knew that he was bound to run into Rory in Stars Hollow since her engagement party was at the Dragonfly. Lorelai had already probably called his Uncle Luke so staying there wasn't an option. It didn't matter she was married, he would always feel something for her, plus he's watched Rory grow up, so there's the 'daddy sense' that goes off. Jess just decided to stay at his moms house. He thought she would be going to the engagement party. Maybe he would make it a party of three instead of two.