DISCLAIMER:
I own NOTHING!
Nothing Gilmore Girls, and nothing musical!
~ Thank you to everyone who has been reading and leaving me reviews! I love reading what you have to say. :-)
~ I hope you all are enjoying this story, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Drop me some reviews! :-)
~~~ Still Quarantined ~~~
Thank you everyone who has posted a review for me to read! I absolutely LOVE reading them! I am so glad you guys are loving this story! Your kind words mean a lot to me. Thank you so much!
Just a side note; I am kind of a music freak. I LOVE music! I've always loved music. Hell, back when I was fresh out of college and living in southern California, I used to manage rock bands. One of my favorite things to do back then, was to go see the 80s groups at the Roxy and the House of Blues in Hollywood. I've seen Steel Panther so many times, and I love them! I love all things 80's hair metal! I listen to it a lot. It's catchy, and makes you want to dance. 80's music is the BEST music! :-D
"In they walk, holding hands, and wearing matching outfits. You two are so disgustingly cute, it makes me nauseous!" Doyle commented as Logan and Rory stepped off the elevator.
"Doyle, what's going on today?" Logan asked.
"You have a phone call."
"Already?! It's not even 8am!"
"You will want to take this one." Doyle said as he handed his cell phone over, and Logan notice that it was connected to facetime, with two adorable little faces staring at him.
"HAPPY BIRFDAY UNCA OGAN!" the twins excitedly shouted.
"Hey you guys! Thank you! I miss you!"
"Did you open our present?" little Bradley asked.
"You got me a present?! Where is it?"
"Daddy has it!" Catherine told him.
"It's right here." Doyle said holding out a gift bag for Logan to take.
"Hold on one second guys." Logan said as he handed the phone to Rory.
"Atty Ory!" the twins cheered.
"My babies! I love you guys! I miss you so much!"
"One second ok, Uncle Logan is going to open your present. I'm going to flip the camera, so you can watch." Rory told them as she hit the button to switch cameras.
"Oh goodness, look at this!" Logan said as he pulled his present out of the bag. It's an adorable picture of us together, and it says 'Our Second Favorite Doctor'! Thank you guys! But shouldn't I be your first favorite?"
"Mommy say she favorite!" Bradley told him.
"Well you tell Mommy that she needs to learn how to share!" Logan laughed. "Thank you guys so much! I love this! I'm going to go put it on my desk so I can see you every day, ok?"
"We luf you Unca Ogan!" the twins told him.
"I love you too guys! Here's your Daddy back, ok?"
"Bye babies! I'll see you soon!" Rory said as she flipped the camera back around and blew them a kiss. "I love you so much!"
"Thanks guys. Happy birthday Logan!" Doyle said as he took the phone back.
"Second favorite doctor . . . You know she had that custom made." Rory said as they walked into her office.
"It's definitely going to take some explaining any time somebody sees it." Logan chuckled.
"You've gotta love Paris!"
"It figures she would get me something that says second favorite."
"Hey, it's the thought that counts. At least she remembered your birthday."
"Second favorite though. I'll show her second favorite! I'll go corrupt those kids into throwing a massive fit about wanting me to be their doctor instead of whatever pediatrician Paris takes them to."
"Good luck with that one! That's guaranteed to start a fight, you know?"
"That's just fine. She can wait until Ayribella is born, and I'll get her something that says 'Second favorite auntie'. We'll see how much she likes being second place!"
"Logan, they're three. They have no idea what second favorite even means. Heck, they barely know what favorite means. Besides, you know that you're their favorite Uncle, so that has to count for something."
"I'm also their only Uncle."
"No, they have Josh."
"They barely know Josh."
"But you're still the favorite. Let that be enough."
"I don't like being second place."
"And Paris knows that, which is exactly why she decided to mess with you."
"Freaking Paris!"
"You have years to get back at her for it. Now come on, it's your big day, and we've got stuff to do." Rory said as grabbed her heels out of her purse, tucking the purse into her desk, then tossed her coat over the chair behind her desk. "Are you ready to head downstairs?"
"Yeah, do you want to leave your computer in here?"
"No, actually, I want to take it downstairs to your office, that way I have easy access to it in case I need anything."
"Good plan!" Logan agreed as he tossed his coat on Rory's chair, then grabbed her computer bag and his present, and followed her out of the office.
"Hey Doyle, we're heading downstairs to make sure everything is ready to go before ten. Is there anything that we should be aware of?" Rory asked as they stopped by Doyle's office on their way to the elevator.
"Press conference starts at 11, doors open at 10. You'll have some interviews to do for the press line outside, but we've got heaters going out there, so it shouldn't be too cold."
"So we are going to need our coats then."
"I would probably take them."
"I'll grab them. I'll grab your purse too. We might as well just stash everything in my office today. It might be easier."
"What about people going in and out of there?"
"I'm the one giving the tour, so the door will be locked." Logan told her as he headed back into Rory's office to grab their things.
"Your family should all be checking in before ten. Parting bags are prepped and ready for distribution."
"Parting bags?" Rory asked.
"They're goody bags. They have information about HPG in them, coupons from local businesses, and random give away stuff from the hospital."
"I didn't know that we were doing goody bags."
"It was a last minute decision."
"Hey Logan? Have you ever done press line interviews?"
"You haven't?" Logan asked.
"When would I have done them?"
"You didn't do them on the campaign train with Obama?"
"We went to all the rallies and wrote about the speeches and the issues."
"It's pretty easy. I'll help you through it. You basically stand outside and answer whatever questions each news station throws at you. It's basically what you see for the red carpet awards shows. You just walk down the line from one reporter to the next."
"Doyle? Who all is being interviewed?"
"Just you and Logan."
"Then why is there a press line?"
"Because that way we don't have to let everyone inside."
"How much press are we talking?"
"I honestly can't tell you. This is a national story. Every news station and paper in the tri-state area was invited. We own enough papers that obvious the story went out in all HPG papers this morning, and will be picked up on the AP wire this afternoon. But anyone who wants intimate details will be coming by for interviews."
"It'll be fine. I promise. It sounds way more intimidating than it is." Logan told her.
"That all starts at ten. I'll be there with you to move you along the line and keep track of time. You may get asked what design studio made your dress."
"I have no idea. My mom went shopping with Honor while I was napping a couple weeks ago. Do people really care about what I'm wearing?"
"They might."
"Just laugh it off and say it was a gift." Logan told her.
"See, Logan knows how to handle these things." Doyle pointed out.
"Logan was raised doing this stuff. This is my very first time."
"I promise you, it'll be fine. I'll be right there with you. You are over thinking things. Just try to relax." Logan said as he gently rubbed her back.
"So what is the schedule?" Rory asked.
"Doors open at ten, you do the press line, then come inside for the conference. You introduce yourself and explain what we do at HPG and why everyone is here today. Then you introduce Logan. There will be questions. You answer those. Then Honor wanted to say a few words, so you introduce her. She'll say her piece and invite everyone to the mixer directly after the press conference. You do the mixer, give tours of the clinic, and I'll get you out of there as soon as I can."
"How long is all of this supposed to last?"
"It could be hours. But at least the mixer should be more fun than usual with the added birthday festivities."
"What added festivities?"
"Your friends should all be here. Normally, these things are full of business associates and super boring. But with it being Logan's birthday, you should have some familiar faces to talk to. It won't be so dreary."
"This all sounds really stressfull all of a sudden."
"If it gets to be too much, we'll get you out of there. Give me a code word."
"A code word?"
"A random word that you can say that I will know means you need an out, but no one else will have any idea what it means."
"I have no idea."
"How about you start rubbing your arm. Like it's itching."
"You want me to scratch? In front of a bunch of complete strangers?!"
"Or rub your arm like it's cold. Maybe say something like 'it's awfully chilly out here'."
"How about this;" Logan started. "I'll be with you the entire time, and you just tap on me. If you're holding my hand, just tap your fingers against it. Whatever part of you is touching me, just tap me a few times, and I'll get you out of there as quickly as I can. I'll make up an excuse to leave if I have to. If you need a break, you tap me, and I'll find an escape route."
"You really think that will work?"
"It's fool proof. No one will even notice you doing it." Logan said as he slid his arm around Rory and tapped her back a couple times with his finger. "See? If you need an out, jut tap."
"Right now, I need coffee."
"There should be some down at reception for this morning's set up crew." Doyle told them. "You guys head downstairs, I'll meet you down there shortly."
"Thanks Doyle." Logan said as he reached for Rory's hand. "Let's go Ace. Everything will be fine. I promise!"
"How did everything suddenly get so stressful?"
"It will all be fine. I promise you it will. Just take a deep breath. I'm going to be right here, next to you the entire time."
"My anxiety is kicking in." Rory said as they stepped into the elevator.
"I can see that. Unfortunately for you, you're pregnant, so I can't exactly give you a Xanax to help you calm down. The best I can do is just be here. Try to relax ok? I'm going to be right here with you the entire time."
"What kind of questions am I going to be asked?"
"Nothing that you don't have an answer to. Probably mostly about the clinic. Maybe some personal ones. Probably some about my Dad. Maybe some future plans for the company. You are more than prepared for this. It'll be like a walk in the park for you. You are just over thinking everything right now. Let's get you some coffee. Everything is going to be just fine. I promise!"
"Happy birthday Doctor Huntzberger!" several voices said, echoing one after the other as Rory and Logan stepped off the elevator, and headed for his office.
"Thank you!" Logan said, waving as they walked by. "Hey Jerry, would you mind finding us some coffee?"
"Sure! Are you heading to your office?"
"Yes we are."
"I'll bring it right in." the man said as he hurried through the lobby.
"Looks like Carlos is prepping his team." Logan commented.
"Do you think they're ready?"
"Are you kidding? Those guys were born ready! We have the best security team in town."
"Logan, Rory, come join us!" Carlos called from across the Lobby when he spotted the heading for the clinic.
"Hey Carlos. Good morning everyone." Rory said as they approached the group.
"Good morning!" Carlos echoed. "For those of you who are new to us this morning, coming from other companies, this is Mrs. Huntzberger, and Doctor Huntzberger. This is their company. If they ask anything of you, no matter what it is, you take care of it. As you can see, Mrs. Huntzberger is pregnant. She should not be exerting herself in any way. If you see her lifting anything, please stop and help her out. Mrs. Huntzberger should also never be left alone today. Micah, Jeremy, Mrs. Huntzberger is your top priority today. If she needs coffee, you call over the radio to get it for her. If she needs help, you provide it. You both stay with her at all times. Jordan, Mr. Huntzberger is your responsibility. At least one of the three of you should be opening doors for the Huntzbergers, while the others follow Mr. and Mrs. Huntzberger into each room. I'm sure everything will go perfectly fine today, but should something happen, you need to have a clear escape path at all times. Unless there is a fire, or you need to evacuate the building, you take Mrs. Huntzberger to the security office. Logan will follow you. Even if something happens, and Logan ends up hurt, you get Mrs. Huntzberger to safety FIRST, then go back for her husband. Do you understand me?"
"Sir, yes Sir!" the three men spoke in unison.
"Alright, you three can follow the Huntzbergers. Now, as for the rest of you. I have all of your assignments."
"What do you think the likelihood is of something happening?" Rory asked as they walked toward the clinic with the three security officers behind them.
"Slim to none. Carlos always prepares his team for worst case scenario. But you heard him. Heaven forbid anything were to happen, you go with security, and I will find you."
"But what about . . ." Rory started, but Logan cut her off.
"No, no excuses. If something were to happen, you go with security, and I will find you. I want you safe." Logan told her. "You three, if something were to happen, you pick her up and you take her to safety. I don't care how much she protests, you just get her to safety."
"Yes Sir." the three men agreed.
"Here you go Doctor Huntzberger." Jerry said approaching the couple with two cups of coffee.
"Thank you Jerry! You are my favorite person in the whole world right now!" Rory said taking the coffee as Logan opened the clinic door to see balloons and birthday decorations all over the place.
"Really Ace?!" Logan chuckled
"I actually had nothing to do with this."
"Today is the grand opening. How in the world am I supposed to give tours with balloons all over the floor? We can't even walk in the door without stepping on them. Are you sure you are innocent in all of this? Because this has Rory Gilmore written all over it!"
"I wish I could take credit for it. The carpet of balloons is pretty genius!" Rory said kicking balloons out of her way as she headed for Logan's office.
"You really didn't do this?"
"Nope! There's no moose on the wall."
"Who would do this?!"
"I have a few guesses."
"Are you freaking kidding me?!" Logan asked as he opened his office door to see even more decorations all over the place. There were streamers taped up in a decorative pattern across the ceiling, balloons covering the floor, bouquets of Mylar balloons in a couple of corners and on his chair, happy birthday signs on the walls, confetti covering the desk, and presents on top of it. "What the hell?! It looks like a party store exploded in here!"
"So much for a professional grand opening." Rory laughed
"You really don't know who did this?"
"Nope, but there are presents, so let's see if there is a card."
"This had your name written ALL over it!"
"I promise Logan, I had nothing do with with it. You've been with me every second since we left here yesterday."
"Who else has access to this office?"
"I'm guessing someone bribed security to let them in."
"Call Carlos. I want to see the security footage."
"I'm not so sure he'll show it to you. Especially if he helped."
"I'll ask him myself." Logan said reaching for the phone, and quickly dialing a number.
"Security office."
"It's Doctor Huntzberger, my office has been vandalized. I need to know who did it."
"You're cute! It wasn't vandalized, and I know all about it. Happy birthday Doctor Huntzberger!" Carlos chuckled.
"I need names."
"Well, I'm not exactly at liberty to disclose those to you."
"So you were involved then."
"I'm not sure what you're getting at, but I suggest that you look at those closest to you."
"Rory swears she had nothing to do with it, and she's the only one with access."
"Are you sure about that? Because according to the computer, it was your badge that opened the door."
"Are you freaking kidding me?!" Logan said exasperated.
"Like I said, I would look at those closest to you."
"It was my sister, wasn't it?!"
"I'm sorry Logan, but I'm not at liberty to give you that information."
"But you can give it to me, can't you?" Rory asked.
"Is this an official investigation?"
"Does it need to be?"
"If I'm going to be turning over security footage."
"She threatened you if you ratted her out." Logan said, shaking his head. "That's fine Carlos. I'm not upset. Just amused. I'll handle my sister."
"It was a multiple person job. I'll tell you that much."
"Did Lorelai help?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"My mom was with us last night. But Sookie I wouldn't count out." Rory told him.
"Do you want me to send in janitorial to get it cleaned up before everything gets going this morning?" Carlos asked.
"I'm not sure . . . Is it appropriate for the grand opening of the clinic to look like a party store exploded in the office?"
"It definitely makes for an interesting story and pictures, and we are a major international newspaper publisher."
"Your Dad would have completely hated it." Rory added.
"We'll leave it then. Thank you Carlos." Logan said, then ended the call. "Freaking Honor!"
"Her birthday is coming up. We'll get revenge." Rory said as she cleared some space on the desk to set up her computer, and moved the balloons off the chair.
"I can't believe she did this. How in the world did she get access to my card?"
"Honor knows where we keep everything. I have no idea when she even had the chance to get to it, unless she did it in the middle of the night."
"I wouldn't put that past her."
"How is this stressing you out so much?"
"I don't know, I just need everything to go perfectly today. This is a really big day."
"You never stress out over anything."
"I know. This is crazy!"
"You need tunes." Rory said as she powered up her computer, and turned on some music.
"80's hair bands?"
"It's upbeat, happy and makes you want to move."
"Bon Jovi? Really?"
"Hey, I like Bon Jovi!" Rory said as she sat down, and pulled up her email.
"You and I have very different taste in music."
"I grew up with Lorelai Gilmore. I like fun stuff. You grew up with classic music that makes you want to sleep. I actually feel bad for you."
"It's relaxing."
"Because it bores you to death. This is relaxing and fun. It makes you want to party."
"Who are you?! I'm the party animal in this relationship."
"I'm really questioning your sanity right now. You really need to attend the Lorelai Gilmore school of music."
"The Lorelai Gilmore school of music? Really?!"
"You would have a much better appreciation and an ear for a much larger, more fun variety of music."
"You have issues."
"You are much too sheltered young man. Try moving around and enjoying yourself. It's upbeat. Dance a little bit. It'll make you feel better." Rory said turning the music up
Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Bon Jovi blared from the computer speakers as Rory bopped along, scrolling through her email, singing along to the music.
"I am really beginning to question who exactly I married." Logan laughed.
"Please, this isn't the first time I've blasted music around you."
"But this is the first time it's been 80s music. You're usually blasting some kind of metal something, or some angry chick music."
"You really need a musical education. What about this one?" Rory asked, switching the song, and beginning to sing.
This ain't a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for the faith-departed
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud
"You're insane!" Logan laughed.
"Oh come on. Live a little Huntzberger!" Rory said getting up from her seat and reaching for Logan's arms, trying to move them around to the beat of the music, making him dance around the office with her.
It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
It's my life
"Seriously, who in the heck are you?!" Logan laughed as he watched Rory dancing around to the music, throwing balloons and confetti at him. "I don't even know you anymore."
"Come on, loosen up. It'll make you feel better. You are much too stressed out right now."
"You were just stressed out before we came down here."
"And now I'm not because I've got tunes, and I'm dancing around having a great time. Come on, come dance with me. No one else is here to see it. Loosen up a little bit."
"What other music do you have?"
"How about Def Leopard?" Rory asked switching the music again.
"Really Ace?!"
"Come on, Def Leopard is classic!"
"You've lost your mind!"
So c'mon, take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon, fire me up
Pour your sugar on me
I can't get enough
Rory sang out while scooping up a handful of confetti and dumping it on Logan's head.
"Oh, you're just asking for it now!"
"Yeah, I don't think so!"
"You just dumped confetti and glitter all over me!"
"Yeah, and what are you going to do about it?"
"You do realize that this crap breeds and moves, and that we'll never be able to get rid of all of it, right?"
"Yeah, but it's fun! Come on Logan. Loosen up." She said, reaching for another handful of confetti, and blowing it in his direction."
"Oh, you're going to pay for that one!" Logan said, grabbing her arm, then reaching for some confetti himself, dumping it on her head.
"We are going to be tracing this stuff all over the building!" Rory laughed as she tried reaching for another handful to throw at him.
"You throw one more handful of confetti at me, and you will pay for what you've done." Logan laughed.
"You promise? Because that sounds like fun to me, and you don't seem to like having fun today."
"Oh, I'll you fun when you're the one cleaning this mess up."
"Promises promises!" Rory laughed, blowing more confetti in his face.
"Oh that's it Gilmore! You're going down!"
"Whatever you say Huntzberger!" Rory laughed as they both threw confetti at each other.
"You are absolutely insane! We are never going to get all the confetti out of this office. We're going to be seeing it for months!"
"Yeah, but look how much fun you're having."
"The cleaning crew is going to hate us!"
"Probably. But it's Honor's fault. She's the one who vandalized your office."
"That's true! We should be throwing all of this at her." Logan laughed as the music changed again to a slower song. "Come here."
"No way! I know you!"
"No, for real. Come here. I'm not going to do anything. I promise." Logan said, holding his hand out.
"I don't believe you."
"Please?"
"No way. I know you better than that."
"Come on Ace. You wanted to dance, so come dance with me."
"I don't know if you can be trusted."
"My hands are empty." Logan said, holding his hands in the air. "Come on. Come dance with me."
"No funny business." Rory reluctantly agreed, placing her hand in Logan's as he pulled her closer, and positioned her arms around his neck as they began to sway to the music.
"I promise."
"You have glitter and confetti all over you."
"So do you."
"It's in my bra."
"And who's fault is that?!" Logan chuckled as the words to Thank You For Loving me began to play through the office.
It's hard for me to say the things
I want to say sometimes
There's no one here but you and me
And that broken old street light
Lock the doors
We'll leave the world outside
All I've got to give to you
Are these five words when I
Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
"You look beautiful. Even covered in glitter and confetti."
"We made such a mess."
"You started it."
"But you had fun didn't you?"
"You are completely crazy . . . But yes. This little bit of insanity was exactly what I needed."
"See, I told you that you just needed to loosen up a little bit."
"I love you."
"Even though you think that I'm completely crazy?"
"Even though I KNOW that you are completely crazy."
"You taught me how."
"This is a great birthday so far. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Rory smiled, as she brushed some confetti off Logan's shirt.
"You know how much I love you, right?"
"I do. And I love you too." Rory said as Logan cupped her face with his hands, and kissed her passionately.
"Alright lovebirds, break it up!" Lorelai's voice broke through the air a moment later.
"Hey, how'd you get in here?" Rory asked.
"The beefcakes at the door said you were in here, so I offered to bring them cookies if they let me in. What the hell happened in here? You two are covered in glitter!"
"It's a long story!" Logan chuckled, stepping away from his wife, and turning the music down.
"A certain sister stole Logan's security card and vandalized his office overnight. We were both a little stress out with everything going on today, so I turned some music on, and I was trying to get Logan to loosen up and dance around to 80s hair bands with me."
"And you ended up having a glitter fight." Lorelai finished for her.
"Pretty much."
"You realize that you have about two hours before you have to face the press, right? And you have glitter and confetti all over you!"
"It's in my bra."
"That sounds like a personal problem."
"Will you at least help me get it out of my hair?"
"I hope you both realize that this wasn't exactly the best way to spend your time this morning."
"Are you really lecturing us right now?!" Rory asked.
"Because this vandalism has your name written all over it!"
"It does not!"
"It does so! But we can't prove that you did it because Carlos refuses to name the guilty parties."
"I didn't do it."
"But you know who did."
"I might have a couple names for you."
"And those names are?"
"I might have gotten a call from a couple nurses at the hospital last week, and given them Honor's information."
"Which nurses?" Logan asked.
"I'm not supposed to tell you."
"Blink if we guess right." Rory told her.
"It was Veronica, wasn't it?" Logan asked, watching as Lorelai blinked her eyes several times. "Which means that Lauren, Amanda and Ashley were all in on it."
"I can't verify the last three."
"Well, the good news is that Veronica starts here on Monday. And payback is a bitch!"
"You didn't hear any of this from me! Keep my name out of it!" Lorelai told them.
"I don't have any idea what you are talking about." Rory told her.
"Good girl!"
"You have a brush in your purse, right?"
"I do. But your perfect curls are going to be destroyed."
"That's ok, you'll still make sure I look picture perfect."
"I can definitely do that." Lorelai confirmed. "However, your hair is another story." she said, looking toward Logan.
"He's picky about his hair."
"I know he is. I think I have some tweezers. We can pick the big stuff out piece by piece. But the glitter is going to be stuck there."
"Your daughter is evil!"
"He needs an education from the Lorelai Gilmore school of music."
"Oh really?! "
"Someone was too sheltered, and raised on boring instrumental stuff."
"Yikes!"
"Exactly!" Rory laughed.
"Well, the good news about that is that I'm here now, and your musical education starts right this second! Rory, turn on some Go-Gos. Logan, sit your hiney down in this chair, and we'll start picking all the confetti out of your hair while educating you on all things awesome." Lorelai instructed them.