A/N: hello, this has been in the works for awhile. Do NOT own Gilmore Girls. Trying hard to remain faithful to the voices, Rory should be reading a lot more like her Chilton self - strong and confident in who she is. Of course, this is hard for Lorelai to come to terms with - strong Rory but not the mini-me. I appreciate the comments and feedback. I read them, and they have seriously influenced how this story unfolds; although, I do know where I am taking this and how it will end: ROGAN.
Jan 3, 2008, 9 am CA
"It is good to be home," Rory said as she snuggled into Logan after kissing his chest.
"Agreed."
"I don't want to leave."
"I don't want you to go."
"But"
"I know, your plane takes off in 6 hours."
"Des Moines, here I come," her voice is flat.
"I guess this is the first real testing of the waters. What do you think is going to happen?" Logan inquired, thinking he might just vote for this guy if he made it to the California primary.
"My reporter instinct says he has a chance, an excellent chance. Honestly, he gives a much better speech than Hilary. However, I don't want to talk politics right now." Rory started kissing Logan again, taking advantage of their time.
Jan 3, 2008, noon CA
Rory put her laptop in her bag and placed it on the carry-on suitcase. She and Hugo had discussed the January itinerary. The Iowa and New Hampshire polls made it clear that she would be on the road through February 6, Super Tuesday. She had at least a week in New Hampshire and planned to make a few quick trips to Hartford, plus the wedding in New York City. Given her newfound funds, traveling was so much easier. She hoped that her Mom being happy to see her would make it easier to tell her.
"Hey, Ace, um, I just wanted to go over a few dates."
"Margaret remind you that we need to sync our calendars?"
Logan grinned, "maybe."
"Shoot"
"Colin and Juliet's Wedding"
"January 12th, New York City; I already have the weekend off."
"January 30th?"
"What is January 30th?"
"We have a tech event in Florida and well, Jacob was wondering if MK could make it?"
"Why would Jacob want MK at a tech event?"
"Well, I might have told him that MK is no longer on the road, but you would see her in South Carolina on the 26th, given it is their primary, and that you are heading to Florida for their primary on the 29th and he was wondering if you could convince her to come along."
"Um, sure, I can connect with MK and invite her to join me in Florida." Rory pulled out her planner and looked at the dates, "I only have to head to Chicago to meet with Oprah there, but dates aren't set in stone. I definitely will be in Chicago on the 5th for Super Tuesday."
"Well, then I will tell Jacob we are both going to Florida." Logan grinned. This was working out well. He would see her in Connecticut and Florida and considered joining her in Las Vegas on the weekend after Colin and Juliet's wedding since it was a short trip for him.
"Just remember you are bringing the big suitcase for the wedding." She grinned.
"Only 1 bag?" he crooked his eyebrow.
"I only need the one extra large bag. Plus, I can raid my mother's closet after New Hampshire."
"Oh, that makes more sense." Logan teased.
Rory and Logan felt their phones buzz simultaneously.
Rory pulled hers out, "Oh, my god. Oh, my god, Logan, they did it." She was screeching and jumping up and down with excitement.
Logan pulled out his phone to see photos of Alicia's hand wearing a ring and then one with her and Jess – a big grin on both faces.
R: Congratulations and Best Wishes
A: Thanks! It was so romantic. At the bookstore.
Logan smiled; Jess had followed his advice about the bookstore with dinner and her medical books.
R: Oh, that is so romantic!
A: I knew you guys would get it.
R: Enjoy your evening together.
Logan received a text not in the group.
J: Thanks, man.
L: Absolutely
Rory turned to Logan, "Thanks, Logan, I appreciate it."
"Ace, come on, I got you. No insecurity here." He leaned and kissed her. He was starting to have hope that his wedding might happen before Jess,' but he knew better than to say anything. Her job was still on the road, and November was eleven long months away. "Plus, we need to get you to the airport."
"Right." Rory grabbed her bag and headed toward the door, "Hey Margaret," she called out, "take good care of him for me, please."
Margaret emerged from the kitchen, having given them space, "Always, Rory. It was nice having you home."
"Thanks, it was nice being home." She replied as Logan opened the door and took her bag to put it in the waiting car.
Jan 3, 2008 11pm Iowa
R: definitely heading to New Hampshire
L: watching the returns
R: quote Obama, 'time for change has come'
L: did you take enough clothes for all of this change?
Rory laughed out loud, and the other reporters looked at her. She had almost said no to him and nearly missed out on these text conversations. She missed MK while on the road. Everything about the trail was feeling different. With Hugo's permission, Rory was writing for the AP from the very factual side but still creating material for the online world with the color of people's opinions, especially given the rivalry between Edwards, Obama, and Clinton.
Logan sat with his finger poised over his phone. Was this a good idea? Rory had suggested that since he had gotten to know Jess better, it was time for him to start connecting with Lorelai and Luke. He knew the elder Gilmores were very much on his side. But he didn't know what to say. He and Jess had texted a few times about Rory being on the road and Alicia being in school. They were bonding a bit by not having time with the women they loved and reconciling that they were not going to live the Donna Reed Show. Logan wondered if he could have the same sort of banter with Luke and then realized both owned and ran their own businesses. He decided to put down the phone and get back to work, realizing he would continue to rely on Rory when it came to the Danes part of the family.
Jan 8, 2008
L: Watching the returns
R: Yes We Can
L: Black Eyed Peas are going to top the charts
R: Si, se puede
L: This should be a good article
R: Hugo is getting this one.
L: Not the Times
R: Everyone is here! Hey, start packing yet?
L: I have everything ready to go in. Will pack before I fly, don't want wrinkles
R: Smart – Heading to bed, then visit Mom
L: Love you
R: Love you too
Jan 9, 2008
Rory had caught the first plane to Hartford. She finished the article from Obama's concession speech, which was not really a concession speech since he was definitely not dropping out, and got it submitted. She also finished her draft of the next article that she planned for the wire; thanks to Logan, she knew that conspiracy theories were starting on the internet about vote counting and which was better, hand counts or machine counts – she felt like it was a rehash of Bush v Gore. Still, maybe she could get a strong story out there for the AP. This was the type of journalism she thrived on.
Opening the door to her childhood home, "Hey Mom, Hey Luke, anyone home?"
"In here," Rory heard her Mom calling from the kitchen. "Luke is at the diner. It is a Wednesday, thing called work. Tell Mommy the news."
"Obama came in second and there is an internet argument on whether manual counting or machine counting is superior."
"Um, not the news I was looking for."
Rory stopped short, picked up a mug, and poured herself coffee, "Oh."
Lorelai laughed, "You and Logan? How are things going there? PopTart?"
Rory nodded and reached out, accepting the PopTart. "We are great. Going to Colin and Juliet's wedding this weekend. I need to do laundry." She pointed at her suitcase.
Lorelai entered the hall and looked around, "Where is the bag?"
"It is in the hall."
"That? That little bag?" she mocked.
"My big bag is your closet." Rory retorted.
"Hmm," Lorelai pretended to think about letting Rory loose in her closet. "be careful you don't end up in a flannel shirt."
"I think I can avoid the flannel. Speaking of flannel, how is Luke?"
"Working"
"Of course, we covered that." Rory shakes her head and then takes advantage of being in person, "So, how was the honeymoon?"
"It was great. Luke arranged for a well-stocked cabin in the Adirondacks. He managed to find a place to get great take-out nearby."
"You spent your honeymoon eating take-out? Didn't need to travel for that," Rory teased.
"It was different take-out." Lorelai shot back, "Ok, we have already discussed my honeymoon, and you aren't getting any more details."
"Just checking to see if I am going to be a sister." Her eyebrows jumped around as she continued to drink her coffee, sitting across from her Mom.
"No siblings," Lorelai confirmed, but there was a bit of a wistful look. Rory wondered if maybe her Mom was considering having a family with Luke. It wasn't too late. Lorelai adjusted her face, "So, wedding on Saturday, but you can still do Friday night dinner? It will be the first one Luke and I are attending as a married couple."
"Yes, Friday night dinner is on the calendar, followed by the respective last night of freedom parties for Colin and Juliet. I am glad they are doing an evening wedding on Saturday, able to sleep in."
Lorelai looked like she was going to say something but then thought better of it. Rory offered "Logan and I are staying in New York. Easier with the parties and wedding." hoping that would cover her mother's questions. Switching gears to the present moment, "So, Mom, assuming you need to go to work today. I need to work on another article about this internet conspiracy theory stuff, and then I wanted to visit with Lane. Any chance I can come by the Inn for lunch? I am sure that you have a few Taylor or Kirk stories that I need to be filled in on."
Lorelai once again looked like she wanted to ask something but changed her mind, "lunch would be great. There are always Stars Hollow stories to tell."
Lorelai stood up and washed out her mug again, seeming to delay a little. Rory watched her, wondering why she hadn't already left for work. "Mom?"
"Hmm?"
"Is there something you want to talk about?"
Again, Lorelai looked conflicted, "Did you know Jess was going to ask Alicia to marry him?"
That was not what Rory was expecting, and she realized she had been holding her breath and expecting her Mom to have something bad to say about Logan, "Yeah, actually, I did. He asked Logan to help him with the proposal."
That surprised Lorelai, "he asked for Logan's help?"
"Well, he acknowledged that Logan has a flare for the romantic and wanted to make sure that Alicia said yes the first time he asked, not be left waiting." Rory looked at her mother, "Not sure why, when, or how he decided to ask Logan, but I am hopeful it was more of a way to bond given we are now something."
"Siblings?"
"Stepsiblings? Eww, I kissed my stepsibling." Rory had the realization, and it was creepy.
"Was he any good?"
"Eww, Mom, yuck!"
"He wasn't your stepsibling then."
"Well, no, then he was the town's bad boy." Rory went from nostalgic back to a scrunchy face. "But still, now, eww. Why are you asking?"
"I kinda thought he still, possibly, maybe, held a torch for you." Lorelai hedged.
"That torch was put out when he met Alicia." Rory was confident in that statement. She knew how he had looked at her, and he saw that look was no longer there when he looked at her, but so much more intense when he looked at Alicia; plus, it was not just the I'm into you look, but it also held so much affection and respect. He had grown up. "There was too much negative history between us. Plus, I've changed. I'll always like Jess, but I am delighted he is my stepsibling, sort of. He is a great guy, and while we have books in common, we would never be able to mesh in each other's worlds."
"Um, excuse me, each other's worlds?" Lorelai's eyebrows shot up at that comment.
"You know, he doesn't like the Ivy League." Rory air quoted ivy league as she realized the real world was the one of having money. With the financial advisors and accountants, the process of setting up the foundation, she was firmly planted there, and no matter how much Jess might respect her brain, he would never fully embrace that she had become one of the people they had made fun of.
"He doesn't have to like the Ivy League to like an Ivy grad," Lorelai stated matter-of-factly. "Let's face it, I'm not a fan of the league, but definitely have a special spot in my heart for a grad."
Rory grimaced, " I would like to see you have a special spot in your heart for 2 grads, wait, 3, um no 4." She had so many Ivy grads in her life; it didn't seem fair that her mother wanted her to go to Harvard and yet resented what the schools represented.
"4?" Lorelai finished the last of her coffee.
"Grandpa, me, Paris, and Logan."
"Well, you are easy; Grandpa, Paris, ok. Still working on Logan."
"At least you are working on it, and speaking of working, we are not going to get to eat lunch at the Dragonfly if you don't go to work.
"Ok, kid, I'll think of a Taylor story and see you in a couple of hours." She left the house and left Rory behind to get started on laundry, responding to her accountant, and the article.
Hitting send on the article felt good; she was starting the next one on the change in the newspaper industry, juxtaposing it to the internet and challenging papers to be the sojourners of truth and fact-based reporting. Having seen what the TV 24-hour news cycle had already done to dilute the whole story, she was getting very nervous about where the internet would take the last bastion of unbiased reporting. In this thought process, she continued to make notes on the side as she considered where her foundation money would go. Could she become a rival to HPG, instead of buying local papers, funding them so they could continue to exist. The idea of creating endowed reporter and editor positions for smaller outlets was appealing. She had already committed to NPR and became a sustaining source. It still seemed weird to think she would hear Gilmore Foundation along with the Doris Duke Foundation when she tuned into Morning Edition. Sooner or later, her Mom would hear that, and questions would be raised.
R: I'm a multi-millionaire, and I'm afraid of what my mother will think.
L: I'm not one, and I'm afraid of what your mother thinks.
R: You will be one again
L: Only after you marry me
R: You give a good reason not to marry you; I think I like the poor boy look
L: LOL
R: ?
L: Laugh out loud
R: oh, cute
R: heading out to Lane's – Love you
L: ditto – on the love, I'm heading to work
Rory smiled at his explanation of the ditto – seriously, did he think she couldn't parse out what he was dittoing? Sometimes, and she just shook her head thinking about him.
Rory walked past Luke's and noticed that Zack was in the diner. At first, she thought he was getting breakfast, but then she saw the apron and realized he was working. A little confused, why would he be working at the diner when he had the music store? Hesitating, she noticed the usual crew of Babette, Miss. Patty, Kirk, and Luke were all sitting in there and decided to stop in for a Danish. Going to Luke's was still one of the best parts of Stars Hollow, and as she opened the door, she smiled at the regulars.
"Oh, Rory dear," Miss Patty's voice rang out, and Rory turned to walk over, "Where is that handsome fiancé of yours?"
"Good morning, Miss Patty. He is still in California."
"Oh, darn, I was hoping to see him again." Her voice was thick with innuendo when it came to Logan and his looks. "But it is nice seeing you. What brings you to Stars Hollow? I thought you were back on the trail."
"Yeah, Sugar, I saw a car pull up this morning, very fancy having a driver." Interjected Babette.
Kirk turned around, "You have a driver? You didn't call me? You know I have a company the OOOber." He looked so hurt that she had not called him.
Babette swatted in his direction, "She can't ride from the airport to Stars Hollow with your bike, Kirk."
Kirk, again looking frustrated, "But I won't be able to afford a car if no one uses the OOOber service here. Rory, I'll give you a ride wherever you need to go while you stay here." His voice sounded so hopeful that she would accept the offer, "Maybe when Logan gets back into town, you would like a romantic OOOber tour."
Miss Patty was getting impatient; Kirk was going on again and she still hadn't gotten the answer to her question of why Rory was back in town. Could there be gossip? Single again, lost the job, so many possibilities. "Rory, ignore him; why are you here? Not that we don't just love having you here, but it was just a couple of weeks ago."
"The primary happened in New Hampshire, and Obama came in second after coming in first in Iowa. He is hard at work in South Carolina, and then heading to Michigan and then out to Nevada. I could practically give his stump speech at this point. I just finished up a story on the internet conspiracy theory on the accuracy of manual vs machine vote counting. I don't think there is going to be too much to it, but since I work for an online outlet, I thought it was a good angle."
The eyes of her audience were glazing over; they were not interested in the news, just gossip. Rory decided to throw them a bone, "and I have a wedding to attend in Hartford this weekend."
Miss Patty batted her eyelashes, "Oh, a wedding. I do so love weddings." She turned to Babette and started talking about her third wedding and how it was such a lovely event.
Rory walked up to the counter and smiled at Luke; a Danish was sitting on a plate for her, "Hey, Luke," she grinned at him. He was such a great Dad. "Thanks for the Danish; how did you know?"
"While I wish you changed your eating habits, you are a Gilmore."
Rory reached into her pocket, and he put up his hand, "on the house."
"Aw, thanks, you old softie."
Zach walked over, "Hey Rory, so a wedding?"
"Yup, college friends. I think you met Colin; he is marrying Juliet. One of those, been friends for a long time, start dating and realize it is right, situations." She was still confused as to why they were getting married before he had finished law school, the next step in the McCrae dynastic plan. She had confirmed with both Steph and Rosemary that it wasn't shotgun, but typically, this type of wedding took at least a year, if not more, to plan and execute. According to Logan, Colin had said it was just right, and the stars had aligned to do it now.
Zach just nodded, "Fantastic. Hey, want a coffee?"
"Coffee would be welcomed; may I have it to go? I was thinking of dropping in to say hello to Lane. Is she around?" Rory needed to talk with Lane, a better conversationalist there.
"Yeah, she is at the new house." Zach poured Rory a cup of coffee, putting a lid on it for her.
"Thanks," popping the last of the Danish in her mouth before standing up from the stool she was sitting on and picking up the coffee. "See you tonight, Luke." Then following up with a generic "Bye" to those still sitting at their respective places.
Her hat on to brace against the January cold, she walked over to Lane's new house and noticed that the music store was still dark. Arriving at the front door, she knocked, wondering how she would ask the status of their new business since it was clear that Sophie had already left.
"Rory," a huge smile spread across Lane's face, "this is awesome!" she hugged her friend.
"Hey Lane, good to see you too."
"I thought you had a wedding this weekend." Lane directed her friend into the house and took her coat as the house was warm.
"I do, but I was able to slip away a bit early from New Hampshire and thought I would catch up with my Mom and Luke after the honeymoon and see how you guys were adjusting to life in the new house. I, um, I need to head into the City after we finish Friday night dinner and then Logan and I will join in on the respective final night single fun. But, enough about me … how is it going?"
"Great! It is so good having the extra room. I didn't realize how small the apartment was until we moved in and had space for everything. It is the first time I feel like I can get ahead of the mess the twins leave behind. Speaking of morning nap time."
"Never wake a sleeping baby." While Rory loved her godsons, she wasn't here to play with them. "Oh, hey, I bumped into Zach in the diner."
"And you noticed the music store is closed?" Lane offered.
"yeah."
"So, while we no longer have rent, the music store was not bringing in enough for us to cover all of the bills yet, and we don't have students for lessons yet."
"Oh, I see." Rory hadn't thought about the lull in business. Fall and spring were high season for the Inn, and winter was still good, but not as much business.
"It's ok," Lane realized her friend felt like she had let them down, "no, we talked with Sophie, and she told us to plan on supplemental income during the winter, but once the spring arrives, we can start making enough. So, Zach is working at the diner for breakfast and dinner. Sometimes, I take the lunch shift. Then we take the boys in the afternoon to the store. We open after lunch when both of us can be there for a few hours. I have kids from the high school taking drum lessons, and then Zach has two guitar students in the evening after the dinner rush at Luke's. We are getting established, need to find more people to help with music lessons there and it is almost the afternoon and evening when we get people just coming in to look for sheet music or instruments, you know, after school hours. My mom helps out with the kids. I'm glad we are making the transition during the slow season."
Rory knew Lane could make lemonade, but she was concerned this might be sour lemonade. "You are doing ok?"
"Rory, honestly, not having to pay rent. It is huge. We could not have managed the slow season of the music store with also trying to cover the rent. It is really going well. Plus, come on, who ever heard of a business turning a profit in under a month?"
Rory smiled, "Yeah, I didn't think about how short a time it had been. It feels like a year has passed since I last saw you."
"Just two weeks since Luke and Lorelai got married. Hey, you're lucky to see the house unpacked. The last box was done yesterday. And I like the more frequent visits. So, now that I have caught you up." Lane tucked her feet under her getting comfortable to hear about what was happening with Rory.
Jan 11, 2008
Rory was knocking on the door of her Grandparent's home. The days of nervousness were gone, and she now looked forward to seeing them.
The door opened, and Logan swept out his arm to usher her in, "Miss. Gilmore, it is lovely to see you." He said, offering a deep bow.
"What are you doing?" she giggled at the antics and went in for a kiss.
"Oh, I was instructed that us poor ruffians were not to be so presumptuous as to kiss a member of the Gilmore family."
Rory laughed, "Well, this Gilmore family member prefers ruffians." She pulled him in, laughing through their kiss. "Thanks for the greeting, any chance we can."
He cut her off, "No, no, actually, there are, um, people in the sitting room." He planted one last kiss while she finished pulling off her outerwear and hanging it on the coat tree.
"People?" Rory took a deep breath.
"Yup." Logan popped the P – never a good sign.
Maybe she should go back to being nervous about knocking on the Gilmore home front door again. She followed Logan into the sitting room and was surprised to see her Grandfather reading a paper. She could only see a blond head, but the voice was one that made her playfully hit Logan on the shoulder. "You scared me, Logan. Hey, Honor." She walked around the loveseat to give her a quick hug. "Grandpa." Leaning over, she kissed him on the cheek and walked to Emily, "Grandma, thank you for inviting Honor."
"Hello, Rory. Richard, say hello to Rory."
"Hello, Rory; I'm reading an excellent article on an internet conspiracy theory and how the Kucinich campaign is funding a recount." He winked at Rory, her latest piece having been picked up by the AP and even made it to the 2nd page of the Times.
"Keep reading, Grandpa." She smiled as Logan patted the spot next to him on the sofa for her to join him. "Hello, Grandma. Thank you for having Honor over."
"Oh, well, we bumped into each other at the club, and I might have mentioned that it would be nice to see my brother on this visit, and Emily, here, just happened to mention that he was going to arrive this afternoon, so I suggested tea, and she graciously agreed to host. Thank you, Emily."
Honor grinned at Logan.
Rory leaned forward, "any pictures of Jason?"
The maid brought out tea as Honor shared the latest photos of Jason, "I love having a phone that can take photos. It was a great present, Logan, thank you."
After tea, Richard cleared his throat, "Um, Rory, we have a little business to discuss. Would you please join me in my office?"
Rory stood up and nodded to the rest of the people in the room, "Excuse me while my Grandpa and I discuss business." It sounded so strange to say, and she knew no more money was coming at this time, so she was a bit perplexed about what needed to be discussed in his office.
Honor also smiled at Logan, "Logan, we also need to talk."
The two looked at each other. Were they being divided for a reason?
Emily swooped up the tray that held the cups and plates, taking them to the kitchen. Knowing this was planned, "I need to check with the maid to ensure dinner will be ready when Lorelai and Luke arrive."
Rory followed her grandfather into his office.
"What is the business we need to discuss, Grandpa?" she sat opposite him with a worried look.
"Rory, we need to disclose that you have come into some of your inheritance; I am giving your mother her wedding check tonight."
"Oh." Rory thought back to that conversation where they had mentioned money for her mom when she got married; what was it? Oh, yeah, "Oh, you mean you are giving her a million dollars tonight?"
"Yes, that is the plan."
"Huh. Well, then, ok. So, have any advice on how to tell Mom I won't need her to share it with me?" Rory knew that tonight would not be easy, or maybe it would be. Maybe her Mom would lean into the present. What was she thinking?
"I was thinking that we could let her in on the fact that your graduation present was sufficient to cover any extra expenses that would arise on the trail."
"Grandpa, that would mean like fifty thousand in the way we normally live. And I think the car service is giving away that it wasn't in the thousands. Plus, I have sort of let her believe that Logan still has access to his wealth and is just spoiling me." she admitted.
"Ah, I see." Richards's eyes expressed a bit of disappointment, but he understood the hesitancy to loop in his daughter. "I think we might as well get through the tirade we are in for together. You have the wedding and then take off for the trail after that. It gives her time to process. So, should I give her the check for dessert?"
"What is being served?"
"I don't know."
"Grandpa, this is serious; we need to know if it is a dessert that can ruined or if it is just after-dinner drinks that are spoiled."
"Good point. You ask Emily the menu and then give me a signal 1 nose tap dessert 2 nose taps after dinner drinks." His face crinkled as he remembered their signals from the practical joke they had played on Logan. "You know those taps are effective."
Rory was also reminiscing about that day and thought it was ironic that she and Logan were together, but her grandfather had not discussed it and ironed out the details with Mitchum. A look of curiosity crossed her face, and Richard noticed, "What is your query?"
"Just remembering your little speech to Logan that included you chatting with Mitchum and getting the prenup ironed out. Think Mitchum will even show up to the wedding?"
"His loss if he doesn't come." They heard the doorbell ring. Richard clapped his hands, "show time."
The two left the office and Rory saw Logan sitting with her grandmother, but no hint of Honor. Cocking her head, Logan mouthed; later, he didn't look upset, but then he also had the society mask he could don.
She could hear Emily speaking to Lorelai and Luke, something about them putting away their coats as they entered the sitting room. Logan had already stood up in anticipation of saying hello, and Richard had made his way to the drink cart preparing for the evening.
"Good evening, Lorelai, Gin martini." He hands her the drink and turns back to the carts to pick up the beer he had poured to give to Luke
"Thank you, Dad." She accepts the drink from him.
"Westvleteren, Luke." Extending his hand with a tall glass of very dark beer.
"Richard." Luke nodded his head in appreciation and gladly accepted. He had found one good thing about the Friday night dinners: when the Gilmores decided to accept him, the quality of beer was outstanding. "Hello, Logan," he shook the hand extended by Logan and felt a bit more comfortable now with the wedding being done and knowing that he and Lorelai had strategized to make sure the evening went smoothly. Primarily, he would just focus most of his time on Logan and Rory, letting her handle the elder Gilmores.
He waited for Lorelai to finish the greetings and sat down next to her, which garnered a small but smug smile from Emily on his display of appropriate manners when in the presence of ladies. He smiled at Lorelai, noticing that her instructions to watch Logan for social cues were working. Deflating Emily from her standard derogatory comments made the evening more bearable.
Talk revolved around the honeymoon in the Adirondacks, Rory's very successful string of articles and a little insight into Logan's present position in social media.
Richard turned toward Logan, "You know, I worry that this social media will have a negative effect on the journalism world."
Logan nodded, "I agree, there are definitely going to be some problems, and we need to think about properly regulating it. Rory's article on the vote counting conspiracy theory proves the need for regulation."
"Exactly, my boy, Rory, you got a good one here. Insightful, Logan, very insightful." Richard started.
Emily jumped in, "Yes, Logan, you really do know how to explain things in such a succinct and yet elucidating manner."
Rory rolled her eyes. They didn't need to sell her on Logan anymore, and this would not endear him to Lorelai or Luke. Logan squeezed her hand as they lauded on the praise and made eye contact with Luke hoping he would know that Logan didn't want or need the praise.
Lorelai watched the two faces and knew that this was making them uncomfortable. "Logan, it is a good thing you have an excellent reporter to get these concerns out to the world."
Logan nodded and smirked, holding Rory's hand, "Yes, it is very fortunate that I have access to an Ace reporter."
And with that, the maid entered, announcing dinner was ready.
Rory sits at the table and notes the salads, "So, Grandma, what is on the menu tonight?"
Emily smiles, "Special treat; in honor of the newlyweds, I thought we could have tenderloin with haricot verts and mashed potatoes."
Rory looked pleased and started to lift her hand toward her nose with two fingers extended when Emily finished " fresh fruit cup for dessert." Rory tapped her nose with one finger, looking at her grandfather with a crestfallen expression. "Have to balance out dinner for Richard's health." Emily finished up.
Richard's wane smile made it clear that he was not happy with dessert either. He tapped his chest pocket with one finger, indicating he had the gift and would present it directly after dinner.
Lorelai, watching the two, couldn't resist, "Um, so what is up, you two?"
Richard turned, looking at her sternly, "Nothing, you need to worry about Lorelai."
"Didn't say I needed to worry about anything, but you two look a little worried." She continued to push.
"I was hopeful for chocolate cake." Richard deadpanned.
Rory jumped in, "Even carrot cake would be better than a fruit cup." Hoping to steer her mother away from her line of questioning.
Lorelai was not pleased with being brushed off, "Fine, carrot or chocolate cake, both better than fruit cup. I can see that. Still don't believe you."
Luke cleared his throat, "So, Logan, you were saying earlier that social media needed some regulation."
Rory squeezed Logan's hand; dear heavens, dinner would be torture if they needed Luke to distract them.
Fortunately, dinner was served quickly, and Rory and Logan didn't want to dawdle as they had the parties to get to in NYC, and Luke and Lorelai never wanted to linger. Plates were quickly being cleared in preparation for dessert, and Rory watched her grandfather reach into his breast pocket.
"Luke, Lorelai." He sighed and extracted the envelope.
Lorelai grinned, "I knew it! I knew there was something."
"Are you finished?" Richard admonished.
Lorelai secretly loved the envelopes. They often came at just the right moment and had just enough in them to help her through any rough patches. She had been thinking about making a few renovations on the Inn and a couple of thousand dollars would help make them happen sooner. She smiled at her father so he could continue.
"I know that Emily gave you a wedding present at the ceremony, but this is for the two of you to invest in your futures. Your mother and I love you, Lorelai. Luke, welcome to the family." He finished up as he handed Lorelai the envelope.
Lorelai opened the envelope to take her normal peek. "Oh, my god. Dad. No, this is too much."
Luke looked at her funny, "Lorelai, it is a wedding gift; they are supposed to be generous." And trying to be polite.
"Luke, I think that 6 zeros is too much." Her eyes still big as saucers, and she did not know what to do
Luke looked at her and furrowed his brow. "6 zeros?" then his brow smoothed out, "Wait, you don't mean?"
"Dad, we can't accept a million dollars." She started.
Luke about choked, "A million? What? No. I am not opening a chain of diners. I only want the one."
Rory smiled at them, "Luke, Mom, it is a wedding present. You can do with it whatever you want. No strings attached, Right Grandpa?"
Emily jumped in too, "Well, if you want to expand the Inn, add an annex, spa, invest for your retirement. This way, you have what you need."
Luke calmed down; he heard that there were no strings attached. A million dollars people only dreamed of having a million dollars. He was also surprised that Emily was making sense to him.
Lorelai was watching Rory; she didn't seem surprised. Turning to her daughter, "you knew."
Trying to look surprised, Rory turned back, "knew? Huh?" darn it, she wasn't sure what to say.
Lorelai went back on the attack, "You knew my father was going to give me this money. Wait, he gave you a check at graduation. You have been flying and using a car service." Turning on her father, "Did you give Rory a check like this too?" turning back to Rory, "he did; he gave you a million dollars too. That is why. That is why you are in a different world from Jess. But when he gives me a check like this then I am not in a different world from you." There was a lot of accusation in that voice. "I have to accept the Ivy grads. Because that makes me part of that world." She spit it out.
Luke was utterly baffled but didn't want to see Lorelai do something she would regret, and giving back that check was something he realized he would regret her doing. "Hey, Lorelai. I think we should go." He turned to Emily, "Thank you for the lovely dinner," then he turned to Richard, "Richard."
Lorelai was still incensed, "I'm not accepting this." And turning to Rory, "and I thought I had taught you to earn everything, not just accept money." She threw the envelope on the table.
Luke took her hand, "Lorelai, we need to talk."
"Not now." she was clearly not expecting Luke to side with her parents, already feeling betrayed now, knowing that her daughter had accepted a large sum of money.
Luke was insistent but still gentle, "Yes, Lorelai, now." He led her to the other room.
A few minutes later, Luke returned and picked up the envelope.
Richard smiled, and Emily looked smug; Luke looked at them, "She didn't agree to cash it, but she has agreed that we need to keep talking." He turned around and left the room.
Rory wondered how long it would be before her relationship with her mother would start to normalize again. No one spoke until they heard the front door close.
After wiping his mouth, Logan placed his napkin on the table, "it was a lovely dinner, Emily, thank you."
Emily inclined her head to appreciate his words, "Thank you, Logan. Well, I guess you need to head into New York."
Rory looked at her grandpa, "it could have gone worse."
He pursed his lips, "true."