A/N – Don't own GG. There is a skip in time here, as it was getting too day-to-day, and I don't really like that when it comes to these characters and creating a rhythm.
March 3, 2008. Rory looked at her calendar. She had not packed a suitcase in almost an entire month. They had established a good routine. Getting up, taking a walk to the café. Rory then walked home while Logan headed to work. Margaret was no longer arriving early enough to make them breakfast since they ate at the café daily. They were so predictable that their omelets, muffins, and cappuccinos were waiting for them when they walked in the door, and a little "reserved" sign was on the corner table. It felt good to be a regular somewhere. Rory had written a piece a week for Hugo, interest pieces.
The two 'History of Voting' articles were accepted by "O," and they commissioned a few more articles that looked at the history of women in politics at the federal level. Rory had the request from the AP on another economic analysis after Obama had announced his $4000 tax credit toward college. Still, he had also mentioned something about doing community or national service. The following article for the AP would start teasing the proposed health care plans. Although Rory was also going to remind readers that there had been healthcare reform plans being proposed since Eisenhower, so please don't hold your breath. These were things that needed to be examined: the costs of implementation and do the costs to the taxpayers outweigh the benefits, plus what is he proposing that brings in more money to offset those implementation costs? Rory was excited, as these stories involved long conversations with her Grandpa and connections at the different business schools. She had completed a cost analysis on the tax cut extensions promised by McCain that Bush had enacted. Those numbers indicated they would add another 5.1 trillion to the national debt. It was interesting to see how just extending those tax cuts to those who made less than $450k but making those in the top brackets pay more, as proposed by Obama and Clinton, would still increase the debt but only by 3.6 trillion. These analyses were beneficial because Rory was learning about how the money she made from the investments was not considered income like the money she made when reporting. She had thought she would be paying hundreds of thousands in taxes on the millions in the account. Still, she paid a greater percentage of taxes on the money she made from writing than on her investments, and there is a big difference between $40,000 and $16 million. The accountant would contact her with her final tax bill soon, but it looked like she would pay very little, something she found inherently unfair. As a result, she had been putting a lot of time into the foundation work. Having sent grants to 10 small-town newspapers, in many cases giving them a thousand or more dollars than they had asked for, knowing that the costs would only keep rising. She learned that the Lenox, Mass paper that Doyle had contacted her about could say no to HPG buying them out. She felt like she was in competition with Mitchum and won a little victory. It also sparked a conversation about Logan returning to HPG if he could control the company rather than being under his father's control. They spent many hours planning the ideal publication house in the modern age. Both agreed they needed at least another five years of experience before they could confidently return and do what they wanted. Given the note she had received in the mail, Rory also knew that Mitchum was aware of her foundation.
Rory,
Touche. I underestimated you.
I always knew you were the reason Logan got his act together.
Mitchum
She thought back to the conversation with Logan.
"Hey Ace"
"Hey, Logan," the two kissed as he entered the house.
"Ace, there is a note in here for you and it has my parent's return address on it. Should I test it for anthrax?"
"There is a what? Anthrax? Do they really hate me that much?"
Logan looked at the envelope, "wait, that is my Dad's handwriting. His actual handwriting."
"Why on earth would your dad be sending me a letter? Logan, I am scared."
"He has been unusually complimentary recently on your articles. Asked for a few more collaborations."
"Which I have politely turned down."
"What else did you do to upset him?"
"Oh, I gave Doyle's paper that grant to modernize. HPG had just put together their proposal for the takeover. Doyle said that they were able to stay independent because of my grant."
Logan grinned, "Oh, that has to be it, Rory. He is trying to recruit you, so you don't deny him any more business."
"Logan, that paper is barely breaking even. I don't know why he would want it."
"Still, I don't think there are many people who beat out Mitchum that way."
Rory felt herself swell with pride as she accepted the envelope. "Ha! You were right. He is impressed. It is not exactly a work-for-me letter. And he still manages to put you down in just three sentences. Ugh." She handed him the note to read.
"Thanks, Dad, I love you too." Logan looked a bit dismayed, "Although, he isn't wrong. You did have a major influence."
"Logan, you would have gotten yourself together with or without me."
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a deep kiss, "I just said you had an influence, like how you assume it was positive.
"Prefer to think of myself as your undoing," she mumbled as she extended the kiss.
Her phone dinged.
Finn: The Hotel is all arranged. I am staying in the suite next door.
Rory: Seriously, that is awesome
Finn: Logan coming?
Rory: Nope, working
Finn: Oh, goody, we can catch up
Rory: Only there for two nights
Finn: Who needs sleep
Rory: See you tomorrow
Finn: Gossip – MK and Paris
Rory: Bye Finn
Finn: Love you, Luv.
Rory rechecked her calendar. She was still trying to figure out if she could go to Stars Hollow after the Philadelphia rally. Jess and Alicia offered to host her for the three days, promising her a lovely guest room. While she enjoyed the hotel's amenities, staying with them seemed like the right thing. It would let her get to know Alicia better. It isn't like she would be sitting around long with the schedule. It was more her mother. They had not spoken since the day she had booked Paris' wedding. She also thought she had told her mother about April and realized it should have been March. Rory made a note to try calling her mother when she returned from Texas. Why she made a note, not sure. Her Mom was on her mind, and she wanted to call daily but didn't know how she would handle another hangup. Maybe she should try Luke again.
The phone dinged again
Logan: Heading home. Want. to eat out?
Rory: Margaret already made dinner.
Logan: Sounds good. Going to run, get home 15 mins earlier
Rory: yeah! See you soon
Rory double-checked her tickets and confirmed with Frank that he would pick her up at 9 am. Traffic should be lighter, making her 20-mile drive about 35 minutes, hopefully no fog. The TSA lines were a problem for travel; they could take forever. It had become a reason to upgrade to first class, the lines being much shorter, and the extra hour of sleep felt worth it. She was disappointed not to be seeing MK this trip, hearing the stories directly was so much better than the texts and phone calls. Their relationship was blooming quickly, and Rory was starting to think that MK might be moving to California soon.
The front door opened, and Logan dropped his backpack at the door, pried his running shoes off his feet, and then shed his shirt, walking toward the steps that led to the upstairs office, where he could hear the tapping of Rory's fingers on the keyboard. He was about to plant a kiss on the back of her neck when she swiveled around, and he landed on her nose.
"That is an interesting greeting," she giggled. Adjusting her head to make better contact. "I'm impressed you left the shorts on."
"Margaret is still here."
"Oh," Rory stood and wrapped her arms around him, "you are sweaty."
"I told you I was going to run."
"I like you, sweaty."
"I like to make you sweaty," Logan replied, pulling her shirt up.
From downstairs, they heard Margaret walking around getting ready to put the meal on the table.
"Darn, she heard me close the front door," Logan complained as he continued kissing Rory.
"Let's take this behind a closed door." Rory pulled his hand.
Rory and Logan came downstairs, Logan still without his shirt and shoes but with a big smile on his face and Rory fixing her hair with her fingers. "I'll distract Margaret while you find a clean shirt. Hi Margaret, what's for dinner?"
"Fortunately, it is a salad to start with a simple roast that can hold in the oven."
"Thank you." Rory smiled. Margaret knew how to be discreet yet clear about her comfort with the young couples' love and lovemaking.
"You know, I feel neglected when you here, Rory." Margaret commented.
"What? Why?" Rory immediately felt a pang of guilt about how they were treating Margaret.
"He used to say hello to me, just not so, how shall I put it? Passionately." She started laughing.
Logan entered the dining room kitchen area and leaned on the back of the chair, "Hello Margaret. Have a good day?"
"See." She smiled at Rory, "like that. Yes, Logan, I had a lovely day, except for picking up after the child who moved in without me knowing about it." Her gentle reprimand about dropping everything at the door.
"Thanks, Margaret. We will whip that kid in shape while Rory is on the road."
"Yeah, sure." Rory chimed in, "I'm the bad influence."
"You are, Ace. You really are." Logan stepped forward and kissed her again.
Rory just rolled her eyes and shook her head.
Margaret indicated at the table, "Please sit down and eat. The salad is on, and I will bring out the roast in a few minutes. Everything is cleaned up except what you use here."
The couple sat down and dug into the salad, and Margaret brought out a pork roast with veggies surrounding it. "I also wanted to confirm tomorrow morning, 8 am breakfast. Logan, will you keep up the café while Rory is gone, or do you want me here like before?"
Logan thought about it for a moment. "I really appreciate that you are willing to come and make breakfast for us tomorrow morning. I can handle cooking and do the café."
Margaret interrupted Logan, "You don't have food in for breakfast tomorrow, but I will bring it, and honestly, when Rory is away, it is the morning when we make the household plans. Don't get me wrong, I love the extra couple of hours in the morning when Rory is here, but with it just being you. It is better when I am here for breakfast."
Rory poked Logan, "You are high maintenance, Huntzberger."
"Then Margaret, by all means. I will never say no to your breakfast, and knowing the house is being taken care of while I work is a huge relief. So, see you tomorrow morning." Pulling out his phone, "Rory is gone through."
"Oh, I know; Rory and I talked." Margaret interrupted him. "Now, I will head out because tomorrow is an early start. Good night." And with that, Margaret left the room.
Logan reached over and took Rory's hand. The table was round, and they sat next to each other. It could expand when needed, but given it was just the two of them recently, they saw no reason to dine like Emily and Richard, even though their menu was on par. "I am not looking forward to you being away." Logan looked at her and rubbed his thumb over hers.
"I am not looking forward to being away from you. It will be fun to see Finn though."
"Finn?"
"I'm staying at one of the Morgan family hotels in San Antonio, and Finn just happens to have a work visit there at the same time."
"Yeah, just happens. Good thing I trust you." He laughed.
Rory changed the subject, "Oh, hey, think about joining me for Philadelphia and then a trip to Connecticut."
"Ok. Can I ask why? I thought I was going to dig into my work here during that week so I would have the summer open for the weddings."
"We are coming into the 7th inning, and Obama is up by a lot."
"Semi-baseball reference?"
"Finding a way to connect with readers and make articles more interesting.
"I think you need to improve your sports knowledge before you start using them as metaphors. A lot." Logan chuckled, "I get what you are trying to say. We are not going to enjoy the walk to the café after the end of August and the DNC."
"Can't get anything past you."
"Hey, we already did 6 months of a lot of separation. This will be 3 months."
"Of almost total separation," she interjected.
"Of almost total separation, but we will make it work."
"Guess who is staying at the Morgan hotel with me?"
"Already established, Finn will be there."
"Obama. His travel person can't recall the name. Anyway, they are coordinating with Finn's folks because it looks like he will get the nomination. They told me they were super impressed with the Morgan hotels and how easily they can coordinate security with them. Makes it easier for me."
"Does Obama realize he won't be getting the presidential suite at any of them with you on the trail?"
"I am not taking the Presidential suite. I told them at least two floors down."
"You are so humble."
"I was raised right. If only my mother knew how benevolent I was being on this. Letting the Presidential candidate take the Presidential suite."
"The picture of benevolence there."
"Plus, I don't want to tussle with the Secret Service. They are big."
"So, when we will be in the 9th inning?"
'Huh?"
"When will Obama have enough to be the outright candidate?"
"If he wins Texas, and let me tell you, the primary in Texas is weird – they have a vote and then caucus."
"Both?"
"Yeah, that is why I am trying to find these analogies. So, first, people go to the polls; then they can go to the caucuses. Word is that the MyBO website, thanks to your good friend Charles, is organizing his supporters about the need to go to the caucuses. Tomorrow is going to be insane."
"Huh, had no idea. Are you saying I should have gone with Charles?"
"No, I think he wants a job in the White House or at least advising."
"What if you get offered a position at the White House?"
"I don't know. Hadn't really thought of it."
"What do you mean you hadn't thought of it. It would be an amazing job offer. I would move to DC. I could find work there."
"It would be different type of writing. Not sure it is exactly what I want. How about we see what job offers come in and then decide?"
"Right, because Oprah offering an editor position at "O" and the AP having you write all of these articles."
"Logan, they all relate to the election. Once that is over, I am not so sure the demand will be there. I have been reading more of "O" and don't want to edit most of those pieces. They are not what I am interested in. I think I want to try to get a newspaper editor position. Why are you trying to plan so far ahead?"
"I am not loving this job as much as I thought I would. I need to earn money, Ace. I'm not independently wealthy like you are."
"How are you affording Frank and Margaret then?"
"I paid for the house from what was left of my trust fund. I pay them from my salary."
"You are just telling me now?"
"You didn't ask."
"I shouldn't have to ask. These are the types of things people in committed relationships tell each other. Oh, by the way. I spent all of my money and am using my salary to support two other people."
"I make enough money to do it. They are paid well. And Frank drives for our company, he isn't my private driver anymore. So, I just pay him from private funds."
Rory jumped in, "for things like picking me up and dropping me off at the airport?"
"Well, yeah."
"Logan, I should be paying those."
"It isn't that much, Rory. I make good money. Plus I am rebuilding my stock portfolio. I'm nowhere near broke. I just don't have a black card anymore. Downgraded to Platinum."
"This is rich, I have the Black card now. Logan, I could have held out more of the money from the Foundation."
"We don't need it Rory. Don't you see. We are doing well. We can reassess when the next installment comes in, but right now."
"Logan, ok. I will admit we are fine right now. Most of my expenses are covered and I have enough from the money not in the Foundation to cover the things I want, like my upgrades. But we need to talk about these things."
"Agreed."
"When I get home, can we get together with the accountant out here; make a plan? I have been feeling guilty about not contributing to the expenses of the house." Rory's voice had an element of pleading to it.
"We can do that. Maybe we can start planning for what will be joint?"
"What is it with you and pushing the wedding?" Now, her voice just sounded irritated.
"Not sure. I think you being on the road all the time just leaves me feeling insecure."
"Dose of your own medicine. Doesn't taste so good, Huh?" she retorted, trying to tone it down. She didn't want to leave angry.
"Does of my, oh, right Bobbi. Ace, you know she was just a colleague."
"And I needed to trust you." Rory reminded him.
"I hate it when you are right," Logan smirked and realized he was being ridiculous. If Rory could trust him for a year in London, he could give her the same in return. Plus, she was wearing his ring.
"I find it amusing that the Yale playboy with 100 women on speed dial is jealous of little old me." Her tone was now silly but also seductive while she wrapped her arms around him and moved over to sit on his lap.
He lifted her and carried her toward the bedroom.
"Hey, the dishes," she admonished.
"Margaret can get them."
Shaking her head, "Entitled?"
He relented vocally but still walked into the bedroom. "Ok, we can get them later."
She kissed him, "sounds like a plan."
Rory approached the hotel's front desk, where there was no line, "Hello, Rory Gilmore checking in."
The woman smiled at her, "Ms. Gilmore, Welcome to the Valencia. I see you have a room overlooking the river. Are you alone or is someone joining you."
"I'm alone, thank you."
"Your room is ready. I have a note for you." She hands Rory a folded piece of hotel stationery. "And I just need you to sign here."
Rory accepted the pen and noticed that the room was comped for her. She was handed a key and saw that her bag was already by the elevator with an "Oh, Finn!" She squealed and ran to the elevator door. "I expected a bellhop."
"Hi Luv. He picked her up and swung her around. "No bellhops for Reporter Girl."
"I need to get to the polling places and then a caucus center. Can we have dinner later tonight?"
Finn pressed the button to her floor as the doors closed. "I have the itinerary, an Alyssa left it for you. You have an hour. I have food coming up to your room; it should be there. That way, we can catch up a little, and then you can head to the polls and caucus. I reserved a table for you here. It is the same time as Obama is eating."
Rory went to protest about the special treatment.
Finn wagged his finger at her, "I need my Luv time. You need to eat."
"But the Secret Service."
"I already sent them the list of people who have reservations to eat in the restaurant. We had to provide information, and I still had a copy of your ID, plus it turns out you are pre-cleared from being on the trail."
"Thanks, Finn."
They entered Rory's room. It was a large room with a sitting area overlooking the river. A lunch was on the table. Rory walked over and lifted the cloche, "Cheeseburger and fries. You remembered! You're the best Finn." Rory hugged him from behind as he put her suitcase on the luggage rack.
Pulling out her chair, "My lady, Luv." Then, sitting down opposite her and lifting his cloche, "Now tell Finn everything."
Rory filled him in on life with Logan, their walks, the café, and how easily they fell into their old rhythms and established new ones. She left out how he was pressuring her to get married sooner than later, while she knew she wanted to talk to Finn about this, the lunch catchup was not the time to start this. Then they started talking about her options with the writing, including "O", AP, and Hugo.
"Ok, Finn, enough about me. Fill me in on Finn life." She said, glancing at her watch, noting she had 20 minutes left before she absolutely had to leave.
"Luv, it has been incredible. I thought I would hate working. But so far, it has been amazing. I get to travel all the time, and it fits me. Always new faces, seeing how different managers have decided to make each hotel unique. Taking ideas, with permission of course, from one property to another. We have been expanding our appeal to customers and making more personalized experiences. I miss our days at the Rich Man's Shoe and the crazy adventures. I do want to get out to Cali and visit with Logan. We didn't have enough time together at Colin's wedding, and Colin marrying Juliet? Always thought it would be Steph he would end up with."
"Yeah, I was surprised to get that wedding invite."
"Exactly, it was three months of dating and then bang and not a necessary bang either."
"So, how did that happen."
"According to Colin, Steph invited Juliet and Colin to her place. She was expecting to get serious with Colin. But Colin and Juliet started talking, and they didn't stop. They were able to tell each other everything. Turns out Juliet also had issues with commitment. So, they made a pact to start going to therapy. Not together, but as they understood their issues, they realized they were making each other better. Colin told me that had he married Steph it would have been for her beauty and prestige, but he didn't really know her. It was Juliet who made him look inward."
"Finn, that is amazing. I am so glad they see each other that way. How about you? Anyone special?"
"You mean more special than my Rory Luv?"
"Yeah. I guess so." Rory giggled.
"Nope. I am waiting. I never thought Logan would fall in love. I thought we were all going to end up with the trophy wife and either multiple marriages with lots of alimony or one marriage with lots of affairs. But after Logan found you, I started to secretly look. Now, with Colin and Juliet, I realize I can have it, too. Don't tell the guys, but I also see a therapist."
"You are, why? You have this tender side that is protective and sweet under the rich playboy façade."
"I want to get rid of the façade and find a life of fulfillment. I'm a bit jealous of my mates."
"Then I highly recommend you keep up with your therapy. Because you should not be jealous, I think of you more as Colonel Fitzwilliam than Mr. Darcy."
"But I have that personal fortune going for me."
"You know I was talking about your ability to listen and be there. You are a confidant."
"A selective one."
"Col Fitzwilliam was also selective about who he supported."
"True, true."
"You did pay attention in school, Finn."
"Even the scoundrel must read on occasion." He smiled at her and checked his watch, "There is more to discuss, fair Elizabeth, but it must wait until tonight."
Logan was hoping to hear from Rory soon but also figured she was spending time with Finn. So, When the phone rang, he was surprised to see it was Lorelai.
"Hello, this is Logan." He answered.
"Hi, it is Lorelai." Came the reply.
He hesitated, what should he say, but he didn't have to say anything.
"I um. I probably shouldn't be calling you. I know I should speak with Rory. You came to me and asked permission to marry her. You have shown respect for my approach to life. I heard that you really did leave your Dad's company and are living on your own earnings. Then I read that a new foundation, the Gilmore Foundation, is giving out grants to sustain small-town newspapers. Well, I read it in the Stars Hollow Gazette. So, now I know that Rory has her inheritance. She talked with Luke about how to use the money my parents gave us. I had a fight with Luke about his idea to buy the old Independence Inn property and build a Dragonfly II on it. I don't know why I called you. Sookie says we should use the money to expand, too. I don't think it is a good idea to get too large, but I was recruited to run multiple inns for a corporation. I don't believe in corporations running something that is supposed to be intimate. I should be listening to my husband and best friend. Why am I calling you? Did she really set up a foundation for small-town newspapers? Is she not using the money to live a society life?"
It was the first pause in the rant, and Logan took a deep breath.
"Lorelai, Rory set up the foundation. She is funding small-town newspapers and actually scooped my Dad. He was planning to buy one out and she propped them up instead. Rory had mentioned the idea of the expansion for you, and I think it sounds like a good idea. She is definitely not living in high society, but I also think you need to talk to her and not me." he finished off.
"Thanks for the obvious. Will she talk to me?"
"Always. She wants to call you every day but is afraid you will hang up on her."
"Oh. Yeah, that did happen. Well, you know customers."
Logan rolled his eyes at the excuses she was coming up with.
"Lorelai." He interrupted.
"huh?"
"Call her tomorrow. She is in San Antonio, covering the Obama speech. Tomorrow around 11 am your time, she will be available."
"Yeah, thanks. I guess."
"I get it. She does, too."
"Right. Goodbye Logan."
"Goodbye, Lorelai."
Logan took out his phone and pulled up a message next to Rory's photo
L: your mom called. All is good. She fought with Luke and Sookie. About expanding the Inn. She called me to confirm you are running a foundation, not living in high society. It is weird. I told her to call you around 11 tomorrow morning. Hope the rally is fun.
He put his phone back on the desk and went back to work. It had been a strange phone call, but getting those two back to talking was worth the weird.