„You know you don't have to come back." Logan said, taking a sip of his warm coffee.
They spent the night on the yacht after watching the sunset together. Neither of them spoke about it, but the kiss they shared lingered as one of the single, most meaningful moments they ever experienced. They didn't have to talk about it, everything was crystal clear, they knew what it meant and what it represented, it wasn't just a kiss, it meant so much more.
Logan held her tightly through all of the panic attacks she experienced thinking about the fact that the only real man of her family died. Logan was patient, giving her the space she needed while still not letting her feel like she has to go through this alone. He made sure she was safe, not believing his own reality now, not believing she would trust him again, astounded she was so close to him, where she belonged all along, after so long.
Somewhere around 3 AM, Rory fell asleep and Logan carried her inside the yacht, laying her down and tucking her in. She looked so peaceful to him; there was no doubt in the world that she was the most breathtaking sight he has seen in his lifetime of adventures.
„I want to, he wouldn't want me to miss this." Rory answered, clutching onto her cup, wearing Logan's light blue T-shirt he offered her since she didn't bring much of her own clothing.
He was proud of her. No, he was amazed by her. She turned out to be this strong and powerful woman, fearless and brave. She turned out to be everything he hoped for her, he always wanted to see her win. The fire she possessed, her eagerness to prove her place in this world, left him speechless.
Logan removed a strand of her hair away from her face, it was quite windy and that made her hair dance all around. She didn't bother to put it up in a ponytail and he loved that. Admiring her seemed to be a task he was never really finished with.
„I could have the jet ready by tonight?" He asked, checking with his pilot before providing her with any sort of information.
„That's good. I wanted to spend the afternoon with my mom, she needs me." She said, recalling that he wasn't only a missed grandfather but also a husband and father.
„Of course, I will take care of everything, Ace." He smiled at her. His smile was comforting and even though she didn't need him to take care of anything, it felt so good for him to simply do it. That was giving him hope that their kiss was meaningful to her as well. She didn't need him, she possibly even wanted him.
Rory felt selfish and egoistic, catching herself thinking about their kiss in front of her mother. Her mom deserved her full attention, she deserved to be comforted. And as much as Rory wanted to be there for her, her mind would escape this place and wander out to sea, wander into his arms, where her skin would shiver under his touch, and his smile would tickle her lips.
Emily didn't go first; she was determined to, but she didn't. I guess that's the thing with soulmates: you never know when they will appear to you, and you never know when they will leave you. Richard wasn't just a partner to Emily; they were a working system, perfect puzzle pieces, and he was an extension of her. Marriage was hard work, and they made it work.
They both said their goodbye's to Rory, glad she was there and happy they saw her, even for just a little while, even under the circumstances. Both of them were so proud of their girl and who she had become. Emily knew Richard would still be there, she saw him in Rory's eyes, there was a great deal of him in the way Rory spoke and the way she loved, not just books, but people. Emily saw Richard in Rory's loyalty and kindness; there was a piece of him there, a reminder how deeply they were all loved by him. It was a privilege to be a Gilmore.
Despite Rory's best efforts to convince Logan that Lorelei could drive her to the airport, Logan still sent out a car to pick her up, knowing Lorelei should stay with Emily, she shouldn't feel left alone right now.
Seeing him wait for her with two cups of coffee made Rory smile a little. She took one of the cups and they made their way to his jet. They were alone this time since all of Logan's assistants left two days ago.
„Should I bury you in work or comfort?" Logan asked her.
„Work… first." She smiled, sending butterflies in the direction of his stomach.
Logan informed her that they postponed the promotion in Rome, and she felt guilty. This must cost him a fortune, he was under no obligation to put everything on hold because of her. He knew that, but he didn't care, his priorities never really changed much over the years.
They went over the schedule for Rome, the Italians loved pasta, wine and parties. He informed her that the judges of the ‚Pulitzer Prize' awards would be there, scanning the reporters and putting together their list of nominees. He knew very well it was one of Rory's biggest milestones to win such a prestigious award.
„You will knock them dead Ace." He flashed her one of his million dollar smiles.
„I will knock you dead if you try to intervene with this." Her eyebrows furrowed as she pointed at him with her Apple Pencil, knowing very well that if Logan Huntzberger speaks, the world listens.
„Do you remember when you and Richard pulled that prank on me in front of the guys?" Logan asked out of the blue, remembering his uncomfortable encounter all too well.
„I do, you almost shit your pants." Rory said, trying her best not to laugh at him.
„You have no idea." He chuckled, leaning back in his seat across from her.
„He loved you and the idea of the two of us." Rory answered honestly, it wasn't because of Logan's wealth, or his family, Rory believed Richard saw himself in Logan, truly believing in his potential. He was rarely wrong, and that was no exception.
A couple of hours and naps later, they arrived in Rome, and Alison waited for them at the airport together with a couple of Logan's personal assistants. She hugged Rory for one or two seconds longer than usual, knowing damn well how much she was hurting but also understanding Rory wouldn't want to in the centre of the attention, especially for something as sad as losing someone she loved so dearly. Rory was determined to get back to work, and nothing was stopping her from finishing what she had started.
„Mark sends his love." Alison said to her.
„You can tell Mark to-" Logan eavesdropped on their conversation and tried saying something inappropriate, but luckily Rory cut him off just in time.
„Tell him I said thank you, and I'm looking forward to our meeting tomorrow." She said and Logan felt it again, that uneasy feeling in his throat, not permanent, but ever so present when Mark would appear around her.
They headed to the hotel, which wasn't that far away from the Trevi Fountain. The streets of this beautiful city left Rory in awe again, everything looked so romantic, so intimate. She didn't expect to fall in love with the architecture all over again. The music emanating from the small little restaurants along the streets, the wishful expressions of people tossing pennies in the fountain for good luck, children running around with Italian gelato, only a heartless person wouldn't fall in love with this city.
„Did you know my mom touched the Pope's toe here?" Rory said, trying her best to remain serious.
„Bullshit" Logan said, and they both laughed, she couldn't fool him.
The hotel wasn't as large as the one in Berlin, but it was nothing short of beautiful. The exterior matched the general vibe of the city, almost resembling a museum, but on the inside it was modern. Rory's room was spacious, offering a magnificent view of the city in all of its glory. However, she didn't love this job because of this, it wasn't always as glamorous, but it was exciting, it challenged her and kept her on her toes. She was an excellent writer and knew her pen was mighty.
She took a much-needed nap and set her alarm for exactly 5 PM, which gave her enough time to get ready for the welcome party which started at 9 PM. She knew many important people from the Italian press would be there, as well as Logan's Investors, she needed to be sharp and prepared. Her research on each one of them was ready, there was nothing stopping her.
The beige suit complimented with her curves beautifully. Her hair was curled, and her make up was ready. Alison knocked on the door just at the right time, and Rory walked out with her.
„Did you hear that the Pulitzer Prize jury would be at the conference on Friday?" Alison asked, very chipper about it, knowing very well how it would look on her resume that she worked for a Pulitzer Prize winner.
„Yes I did. However, that changes absolutely nothing. We are always at the top of our game." Rory answered and Alison nodded.
The restaurant they organised the party was very modern. A long wall of different wine bottles looked impressive, and the lights were doing the artwork on the walls justice. There were a numerous businessmen as well as celebrity influencers chatting and sipping champagne. The Huntzberger logo was printed out on every napkin and TV screen. A small stage has been set up with a microphone, ready for the man of the hour.
Rory knew he still hasn't showed up, she would have felt his presence; she always did. Alison handed her a glass of champagne, of course there was Logan's Name printed on the glasses. The devil works hard, but his marketing team works harder.
A lot of heads turned when Logan walked into the room, except this time, he wasn't alone. A beautiful, petite blonde walked besides him, smiling for the pictures, standing next to him. It was an understatement that she had long legs, and her black dress which moved in sync with her gave her a model-like figure.
„She probably put glitter on those legs. There is no way in hell-" Alison started, but Rory interrupted her.
„Who is she?" Rory asked, trying her very best to sound unbothered.
„Carrie Heathrow, she used to work for Logan two years ago, they reportedly dated." She had done her homework. Rory was never that interested in gossip surrounding Logan when they were apart, it shield her heart from yearning for things that possibly weren't even true.
An all-too-familiar feeling of insecurity rushed over her body. Watching this gorgeous girl give her best public performance to impress Logan made Rory think about all of the other girls fighting for his attention. He was always surrounded by beautiful women, it was who he was, it was the image he carried, and the reputation that everyone knew about.
„She is a reporter, she used to write these kick-ass columns about the generational success of the Huntzbergers." Alison continued, unaware of the effect her words had on Rory's mood.
„Good for her." Rory said, putting her glass down and turning around only to find Mark standing directly behind her.
„You dressed to kill tonight, Gilmore." Mark said, taking a step closer to her, admiring her outfit that turned heads.
„Yes, your journaling career." Rory replied, challenging him while wearing her most innocent expression on her face, leaving him in awe, she always had that effect on him, unwillingly, most of the time.
Logan spotted her; of course he did, he would spot her anywhere, probably even with lights off. She looked stunning, and the little corset she wore under her blazer made his brain turn into melted ice cream. Rory always had the special ability to capture all of Logan's attention, she was the sun and everything revolved around her in his world. It didn't bother him as much to see her interact with Mark, until he saw her actually enjoying the conversation she was having with him. It was crystal clear that she wasn't just healthy competition to him, but he never imagined Mark being anywhere near Rory's type. The thought of that made his temperature rise. Luckily, his manager, Peter, told him it was time for him to get on stage.
He was the born leader, he made himself appear charming and relatable. He was well-loved and admired, not only for his work but also for his charisma. All eyes were fixed him as he thanked everyone for the opportunity to take his life project to the next level. He humbly expressed his admiration for everyone's hard job, mentioning how he wisely handpicked the best people in the field to lead his overseas expansions.
„He could easily run for president." Alison said, her hands fully prepared to applaud Mr. Huntzberger.
„Master and Commander" Rory said, her eyes not leaving Logan.
„The movie?" Alison asked, confused to the core.
„No, that's what he would want us to call him then." She said, unable to hide the little smile that appeared on her lips.
As soon as his speech was complete, he tried making his way over to her. He didn't want Mark to entertain her, he wanted to be the one responsible for her laughter. Her mesmerising laugh, the one he would learn jokes by heart, just to hear.
On his way to her, different business people from the country wanted to have a word with him, exchange business cards, and do everything that is socially not acceptable at a party. Logan was utterly bored by the same set of questions and overly polite chit-chats as Carrie appeared from his right side and handed him a drink.
„Mind if I steal Mr. Huntzberger for just a little while?" She smiled at the crowd, and they listened. If she wanted them to jump, they would. Logan thought to himself how incredibly persuading Carrie was. Her elegance and grace astonished even the worst of skeptics. She usually got what she wanted and she used any means necessary. Which was also the worst thing about her, she was a master manipulator and out of her mind obsessively focused on getting her way. She took his arm and slowly led him to a more secluded corner, way too close to him for his liking.
„Thank you." Logan said once they stepped aside, still busy trying to keep track of Rory's whereabouts. He wanted to be in her bubble, he wanted to know what she thought of his speech. It was the only opinion that was worth anything to him.
„I know a cry for help when I see one." She said, seemingly offended his attention wasn't solely hers, almost annoyed by the fact she had competition, but something about it, made him even more appealing to her than usual.
„Well, hope you have fun at the party." Logan said, making his way over to Rory, only to catch her already getting her coat.
He saw Mark approaching her and helping her with her coat, he opened an umbrella for the two of them and they walked out into the now rainy streets of Rome. Logan stood there, watching them leave together, and he couldn't believe his eyes. His heart ached, and his throat burned. It was a feeling he hadn't known for years. He wasn't confused as to why it bothered him that she left with Mark; he was confused that he had expected her to leave with him. She had already rejected him once. Why did he believe this time would be different? She had never chosen him, she didn't want him, no matter where he was in life or how much he could impress her with his intellect or success, in his eyes, Rory simply, never cared enough.
„Rory wasn't feeling well" Alison approached him shyly, still intimidated by him.
„She looked just fine." Logan said, his tone cold.
„Mark offered to accompany her back to her room." Her poor choice of words made Logan's blood boil. The thought of them spending the night together made him sick to his stomach. He was very far off from claiming Rory was his, but that hurt him in a way it brought up memories he wished he'd never relive again. Before Alison could explain herself, he already left to get a drink at the bar, not really in the mood to party, but also aware of his obligations.
The scotch wasn't burning away all of the sadness, the way it should. The heat of anger has cooled down, leaving only sadness behind. The palms of his hands were ice cold, and he found it hard to breathe. He was a smart man, stupid for one specific woman. How foolish of him to attach so many strong emotions with a person that not only rejected his wedding proposal, but gave him false hope that there could possibly ever be something he could look forward to.
Mark made sure he walked Rory to her room. Staying in the same hotel as her made the situation less awkward for both of them.
„Do you need anything? An aspirin? I can ask room service to bring you some tea."
„Yeah, tea would be great." Rory said and gave him a weak smile.
Rory had absolutely no interest in spending the night with Mark. She didn't even wish for it to be him taking her home. However, Logan seemed way too interested in spending the night with the Victoria's Secret-looking model of a reporter than with her. She noticed the way Carrie held his hand and the way she pulled him into a dark corner of the restaurant. The way Carrie's eyes lit up like a disco ball made things perfectly clear for Rory. Her long legs and shiny hair were nothing Rory could compete with. Returning to the room seemed to be the only logical and quick escape from that uncomfortable view.
It wasn't all Logans fault. He didn't just lead the innocent Rory into believing this could actually be something real between then; she gave him the permission to. She fell for the impeccable and ever-so-present Huntzberger charm again. She felt like a fool, letting her guard down. What a weak thing coming from such a powerful woman.
She thanked Mark for taking her home and politely declined his offer to take care of her any longer. Taking off her makeup and clothes felt more satisfying than usual. She made her way over to her bed to review her questions for tomorrow's press conference.
...
A/N: It's been a long time coming, please let me know what you think.