„So we have the Gala tonight, it is also a charity event, so everyone who is anyone in Italy will be there." Rory listened carefully as Alison went over the schedule with her.
„And then tomorrow is your interview with Log- I mean, Mr. Huntzberger." Alison blushed, hiding her face behind her iPad.
„Alright, and our flight to Paris is on Wednesday, right?" Rory ignored Alison attempt to get a conversation started about Mr. Huntzberger himself.
„Correct. On Tuesday, we have our feedback call with the States. They will want a full report on our story so far." Alison said, checking their schedule.
„Well then, we better make it worth their while." Rory winked and stepped into the cab.
She gazed up to the window. Yes, that window, the window Rory and Logan watched the sunrise earlier this morning. Rome looked so peaceful, it was probably the only time during the day when you can hear the birds outside, without the noise of the busy streets overpowering them.
As she looked at him in this way, observing the way he looked at her, it reminded her of all the times Logan had made her feel as though they existed in their own private little world. He would use every possible opportunity to touch her.
„I should report about this to the Times, the naked truth about Logan Huntzberger" Rory giggled, tracing secret, invisible treasure maps on his arm with her fingers.
Logan joined in, "Feel free to write about my posterior all you want; there's not much more I offer to the world anyway." He watched the sunlight bathe her skin in a radiant glow.
„As if you care what the world thinks" Rory giggled.
„I care about what you think"
It was the truth: she was much more to him than just a beautiful face. Her opinion mattered to him. He wanted to empower and motivate her to be the best version of herself she could be. He wanted to matter to her too, he wanted her to include him in her plans, he wanted to be a part of her special, chaotic world, he wanted her to care about them, about him.
„I guess we will go back to business as usual?" Logan asked her and she looked down, they both knew they had a job to do.
They knew this was more than just sex, nothing can feel like this and be just physical. It is impossible to touch someone like that and go on about their day as if nothing happened, as if those kisses didn't sear into their skin. Nevertheless, he was her boss, and she wasn't ready to commit to him. He felt that, and it crushed his heart. Protecting her feelings never got her where she wanted to be in life, but being with Logan again, letting herself be entangled in his web, seemed like the scariest thing.
„I need time Logan." She said firmly, she wasn't going to rush into anything this time.
„I'll wait Ace" He gave her a weak, hopeful smile.
„Logan I-"
„For God's sake Rory, how can you not see it?" He gently took her hand and moved closer to her, ensuring she fully focused on him.
„You are the clearest thing on my mind. I know it's you, and I'll wait. Fuck, I'll watch you date and I will watch you pretend like you don't want to run to me. I'll wait for you to stop fighting this. I know what I want, this is real for me." He moved a strand of her hair behind her ear, always fascinated by how her hair seemed to have a mind of its own.
Rory remained silent, absorbing every word and soaking in the confidence he had in them. This wasn't a chaise anymore, he was completely at peace with where they stood. He didn't require a grand realisation, he saw his future with Rory and knew she saw it too. If time was what she needed, time is what he will give her.
„I know you can't be my date for tonight's charity ball, but save me a dance?" He smiled at her, the list of things he couldn't get with that smile was little, of course she nodded.
She leaned in, cupped his face with her hands, and kissed him. It was a fireworks on New Year's Eve, Christmas morning, first kiss, sugar rush kind of kiss for him. He couldn't stop his lips from smiling, they simply did, against hers, and she smiled too. It turned his stomach upside down, and he held her tightly. This was a moment for a time machine, if anything should be paused, it was this kiss.
„We will be able to squeeze in that nap you need." Alison assured her, sitting besides her in the cab.
„I'm not tired." Rory answered, placing her hands on her knees, remembering Logan's hands on her knees as he pulled them apart.
„But you mentioned you haven't slept all night." Alison said just above a whisper, growing a bit anxious about their plans.
„I never felt better, Ali." Rory turned her head to her, and gave her a warm smile.
Rory wore a long, silk, dark blue dress. It made her feel very elegant even though it was skin-tight. Her braided sleek bun, expertly done by the hairdresser, added to her grace. She had opted for a simple makeup look, well aware that the dress's curves made enough of a statement on their own.
The Ball was organised by a renowned Italian nonprofit organisation, and they extended invitations to companies and celebrities from all over the country. Upon their arrival, Alison and Rory received the program with their first glass of champagne. Rory loved seeing Alison this excited about their work.
The grand hall buzzed with music and a diverse array of well-dressed attendees. As they checked the seating chart, they discovered they were placed among other members of the press. It was somewhat disappointing to see Logan seated at a distance from her, but what struck her even more was the sight of Carrie at her table.
The first person Rory spotted was Mark, who placed a hand on his heart once he saw her, showing his deepest amazement seeing her, he wasn't hiding the fact he thought she was the most captivating woman in his eyes.
„Gilmore." He said out of breath, standing up to show his respect. He pulled her chair out, allowing her to take her seat.
„Blackmann." She nodded and smiled, they were friends, there was no awkwardness between them.
Alison took a seat besides Thomas, her shyness around him was apparent to Rory. Rory's head turned when she noticed Carrie approaching their table. Carrie was dressed in a striking silver gown, and in an unusual way, it complemented her blonde hair, which appeared bouncy and freshly styled. Carrie flashed all of them a warm smile, she looked humble and nothing like Logan portrayed her. Unfortunately, the round tables meant that Rory would be able to see her no matter where she chose to sit.
„Good evening, everyone" She greeted with a smile and took her seat, subtly adjusting her clutch purse to maintain a ladylike air. Her demeanour exuded a Lady Diana-esque grace, accentuated by her charming British accent, making her annoyingly friendly.
Rory returned the smile, whilst the others greeted her, probably relieved she spoke English. During the first course, Carrie turned to Rory, wanting to start a conversation.
„I just hope they have some healthy options, I've been eating nothing but pasta for the past week." She giggled, hiding her mouth, showing off her perfectly glazed coloured nail polish.
„We've mixed it up with some pizza." Rory couldn't hide her annoyance, but Carrie accepted it as a joke and laughed. Alison looked at her sceptically, understanding her mood, but still hoping they would be civil, at least through dinner.
Throughout the evening, Rory mostly talked to Mark and Alison, it was actually a very impressive, interesting evening. Various performers, acrobats and artists from all over Italy were entertaining the guests between the courses, but the big orchestra with a talented vocalist was promised after the food.
Mark was telling stories about his time in the Middle East when Carrie asked all of a sudden, without a warning.
„So, you two are dating?" She gestured at the arm Mark casually put on Rory's chair. Carrie leaned towards them and offered them a warming smile, did she really think this was a good way to get into the conversation and be liked by the group? This was unmistakably the reporter in her, trained to ask the uncomfortable questions.
To Mark's disappointment, Rory couldn't have said „No, we're not…" any quicker. However, this response didn't prompt him to withdraw his hand. He liked the way at least sometimes, when she would turn in her chair, her skin would touch his. She was the most beautiful person, inside and out, and it was a privilege to sit next to her, he thought.
Once the music began and everyone headed to the dance floor, Thomas and Alison were the first to leave, leaving an empty space for Carrie to move closer to Rory.
„I know why you don't like me."
Maybe in another life, in which she didn't want to marry Logan, they might have been friends, or at least, acquaintances. Carrie was friend and approachable, she had a special aura around her which made everyone instantly like her. She was the life of the party, and Rory typically admired strong women in charge of their life, but Carrie was right, she didn't like her, and they both knew why.
Rory attempted to cut off the conversation, saying: „Let's not-"
„You don't know the first thing about me, yet you still don't like me, so Logan must have said wonderful things about me." She took a sip of her champagne and rolled her eyes. Even when attempting to look annoyed, she appeared flawless.
„This really isn't the place-" Rory tried reasoning with her.
„Just please have in mind that a broken-hearted man says lots of shit, I didn't believe you were a heartless bitch either." Carrie looked like she was the one with the broken heart. Rory thought she looked sincere. Moreover, she couldn't know Logan and Rory had something going on, so this couldn't have been an attempt to pull them apart, but rather a clarification.
Carrie nodded and stood up, offering Rory another humble smile. She didn't want Rory to think badly of her, that much she knew. Was Rory too quick to assume the worst in people? She almost felt ashamed for instantly believing a man, instead of even just thinking about the fact that there could possibly be another side to the story.
„Would you like to dance?" Mark recognised that look on Rory's face, she was absent in her thoughts and he genuinely wanted her to have a nice evening. Extending his hand, he offered it to her. Rory accepted, her silky dress shimmering under the lights. It required all of Mark's willpower to focus entirely on her captivating blue eyes.
He lead her to the dance floor, the jazz artist playing a cover of Amy Winehouse's „Love is a losing game" sounded much louder from here. Rory already heard all about Mark's remarkable dancing skills; she knew he danced for years in college, but nothing prepared her for the graceful twirls and spins he did with her. She finally smiled again and he reciprocated that same smile before leaning her backwards, making a couple of heads turn. He pulled her quickly back up and a carefree laugh escaped her lips, she really needed this right now, he made her the star of the dance-floor, even if her heels could barely keep up.
Once the song was finished, a very familiar figure walked over to them, only looking at Rory.
„Mind if I steal her for a dance?" Logan said, with his charming voice, wearing the most sleek black tuxedo, perfectly ironed.
Mark was indeed minding the interruption of his rare moment of showing Rory how good they could be together. However, he also recognised that it would be impolite to refuse when Rory practically fell into Logan's arms before he had even finish the question.
Mark nodded and returned to his seat. Logan wrapped his arm around her and they leaned closer together, she wondered how he could smell this good every time they were together.
„I've been looking around this hall for two hours now" He said and spun her around once, holding her even tightly once they locked eyes again.
„And not a single person here is more beautiful than you." He added and smiled, making Rory blush. She received compliments throughout the evening, but his were different, everything that came from him felt different.
The orchestra then played „Too good at goodbyes" from Sam Smith, so it felt almost natural of Rory to lean her head against Logan's shoulder while they slow-danced.
„Are you having fun, Ace?" He asked.
„The food was great, best pasta I've eaten here." Rory smiled.
„I really wish you were at my table, the tedious conversation I've had today were getting the best of me." He mimicked her smile, loving having her this close to him.
„Me too, believe me." She let out a deep breath and focused as hard as she could on enjoying this with him, this is what she wanted, this is what she hoped for the whole night.
The celling of the hall was covered in small LED lights, replicating a starry night and the lights were synchronised with the orchestra that was playing in perfect harmony. The whole hall was filled with chatter and laughter, most of the people were dancing so the dance-floor was pretty packed, but it still felt intimate when she was with him. She missed him, she only had him a couple of hours ago, but she missed him.
„I can't wait for tomorrow, I think you'll like it." Logan said, sounding genuinely excited.
„I have all of the questions prepared, Mr. Huntzberger." She replied and he rolled his eyes playfully.
It was a magical night, they didn't leave the dance floor for the rest of the night, except from the occasional champagne refill. The host expressed gratitude to everyone for their donations, with special mention to Mr. Logan Huntzberger, who had made the most generous contribution of all.
Of course could such a classy evening only be finished with the most spectacular fireworks. Logan escorted Rory outside, gallantly offering her his jacket and placed an arm around her, pulling her closer to him to keep her warm. He couldn't stop thinking about how lucky he was, being able to have Rory orbit around him, bless him with her presence, he thought he wasn't ever going to have that again. From the very beginning of their journey, he simply hoped she wouldn't notice how undeserving he was of her, she was the light wherever they would be together, he wasn't doing a good job in playing it cool around her, she was deeply loved by him and he wasn't shy about it.
Rory left before Logan, not wanting Alison to leave alone. The things Carrie said to her echoed on repeat. Could she be right? Did Logan call her a heartless bitch? Was he right?
The following day was full of preparations for the big feedback call. Alison and Rory were fueled with caffeine and were determined to blow everyone's mind.
„I can't anymore." Alison yelled out and tossed some of her notes in the air. Rory looked up from her laptop at her and raised an eyebrow, without saying a word, Alison knew what that meant and silently picked up her mess and continued typing in things for the presentation.
By the time both of them were satisfied with their accomplishments, it was already almost time to get ready for Rory's Monday interview with Logan. Alison was laying on Rory's bed, eating a pack of chips, surrounded by paperwork when she said:
„You should wear the black mini dress." Alison suggested, taking her phone, scrolling her camera roll to find the picture of Rory wearing the dress on one of their rooftop parties in New York. After her initial shock, Rory thought maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to tease Logan a bit. The dress was short, but it covered her in the front while boasting a daringly deep cut in the back. With Alison's help, Rory got ready, and both of them were pleased with the result.
Logan waited for her this time instead of sending out a driver. He stood there frozen, watching Rory walk down the stairs into the lobby. He took her hand and kissed it.
„Well, this wasn't what I expected." He chuckled.
„What do you mean?" Rory asked, her confusion evident as she smoothed out her dress.
„I thought I'd surprise you with this." He said and moved to the side, revealing a light blue Vespa with two helmets waiting in front of the hotel. Rory's eyes widened in surprise.
„If you want to change I can—" He nervously began, but she cut him off.
„No, It's fine" She winked at him, and he could literally feel his stomach twist into a knot.
He was impressed by her and placed a helmet on her head first. He hopped on the Vespa first and made sure he didn't miss one single moment of her getting onto the Vespa behind him. She wrapped her arms around him and loved feeling his toned body, even through his shirt.
No other city felt so homey as Rome, the warm summer breeze gave Rory goosebumps. How beautifully the sunset painted the sky in all shades of orange. She had no idea where he was taking her, but she trusted him completely, clutching onto him, even closing her eyes for a moment, enjoying how close they were. Her bare legs made him nervous, he couldn't look or touch, which made it even worse. The narrow Italian streets had a romantic feel to them that couldn't go by unnoticed by Rory. There was something about the air in Rome, that's amore.
Logan parked the Vespa and Rory got off first.
„The Colosseum?" Rory asked, standing in complete awe over the historical construction in front of them.
„Nothing get's by you, Ace." He chuckled and euphorically took her hand, leading her down the stairs to the grand entrance. According to the opening hours she read on a sign on their way down the stairs, it should be closed for visitors for an hour by now. She didn't say anything but followed his lead instead.
„Mr. Huntzberger, everything is set. Follow me." A tall man with a very strong Italian accent instructed, leading the way inside.
Rory couldn't keep her excitement under control, she didn't know where to look first. A genuine piece of ancient history was all around them, and if Logan wasn't holding her hand, she might think she was dreaming.
The man lead them to the observation platform of the largest amphitheater in the world. It was free of all tourists and illuminated with warm lights that made this legendary monument even more spectacular. In the middle of the platform, there was a table set for two. Rory was prepared for anything, she knew Logan was capable of doing the crazies things, but this took all of it a whole other level.
As she silently observed this breathtaking view, he observed her, her beautiful face, her highlighter shimmering on her cheek and the few little baby hairs, doing their own thing. Holding her hand felt so natural that he didn't even notice that he never let go of it. He lead her to the table, pulling out a chair for her, smiling charmingly, enjoying watching her impressed by him.
„It's never what I expect it will be with you." She finally said.
„Thank God." He responded, and she smiled.
The waiter brought them wine and the first course, all which Logan had chosen beforehand. They enjoyed their evening, deliberately steering clear of work-related topics, as expected. Logan made her laugh, and she made his heart flatter with every attempt to flirt.
„Alison should really tell Thomas she has a boyfriend back in the States." Logan remarked with a chuckle, not really being serious about the suggestion.
„She wanted to at the ball, but Carrie sat down next to us, it wasn't a very comfortable environment." It was toxic of her to say something like that, she was aware of that, but she wanted to clear the air once and for all and she hadn't thought of another way to bring that up without sounding like she wanted to argue. Logan didn't want to ruin this evening for them so he purposely stayed away from the topic of Carrie. Rory instantly picked up on that and respected his decision.
For hours, they talked about every possible topic, covering books, music, work, friends and how incredible their view was. It was truly a perfect night. Logan made sure he thought about everything and when it was time to go, she insisted on taking a couple of fotos so she would forever memorise this night.
They drove back to the hotel, and once the Vespa was parked, they started making their way to the hotel, Rory discreetly pulling her dress down to cover up. Logan followed closely behind her.
Logan took her hand and spun her around, pulling her so close to him that she was in his arms. He didn't care if anyone could see them, he was simply happy to be with her. He touched her hair, gently smoothing it out and kissed her again. It wasn't complicated, they weren't arguing, they weren't jealous, they weren't coworkers. Just a man, kissing his date.
Reluctantly, he let go of her hand so she could return to her own room. She was the one, he always known that, nothing changed. She was clever and witty and charming and fun, nothing changed. He would do anything for her, he would make sure she was safe and happy, nothing changed. He loved her, nothing changed.