A/N – Don't own GG. I have been writing this scene for a while. Actually, started in January, but my dissertation took over and well, now it is finished. So, I am officially finished and have my doctorate. It is an amazing adventure. So, light-hearted it is ...

Friday, March 21, 2008

Michel comes rushing into the Inn, "We are in Oz! The tornado has struck, leaving the wicked witch very much alive."

Lorelai looks up from the desk, "excuse me." But Michel has made a beeline for the kitchen and the next voice washes over her like a bad storm.

"What does a future bride have to do to get her luggage brought in? Granted it is not my trousseau or is this a 'we'll leave the light on for you', place?"

Lorelai smiled remembering the girl who responded to her hugs, although that person seemed absent at the moment, "Hello Paris. Welcome." She turns her head, "Michel, please come help Paris and Doyle with their bags." Turning back, "Don't worry Paris, Michel will bring in your bags."

Paris looks behind her to see that Doyle has their two bags, "Never mind. He needs the exercise." She nods toward Doyle. Turning back to Lorelai, "Sorry." She walks around the desk, hugs her, and then steps back, standing next to Doyle. "It has been stressful. School that is. It's reassuring to have someone I trust supporting me with everything. Nanny is wonderful when I'm unwell, but she can't handle all of this.

Lorelai smiled, "Paris, I do this all the time. Plus, my husband's nephew is also having his wedding here this summer. So, I'm in full planning mode. It will be special. Tomorrow, we will go over the plans and make final selections. Sookie has a couple of menu ideas for you. We mostly need to know the number of guests you are expecting, so that we can appropriately adjust." Paris looked slightly sad. Lorelai continued, "Paris, I'm sorry we can't do much tonight. Friday night dinner."

"Yeah, of course. I mean that has been happening for more than 8 years. I didn't think Emily would let you out of that for wedding planning. Doyle and I can walk around. It is fine." She tried to lean on Doyle's shoulder, but it was clearly not a position she regularly assumed. "Um, when will Rory and Logan get here?"

"They are coming back after dinner. They are taking the train to Hartford and picking up Logan's car, he has it at his sister's."

"Taking the train?"

"They were in Philadelphia, and it was easier to use the train."

"Very European of them." Paris stated.

A brunette opens the door in the classic grey maid uniform, "Hello, please come in. May I take your coat"

Logan guides Rory by the small of her back into the door and gently slips the coat off, "Thank you." Handing the lady their coats.

"Mr. & Mrs. Gilmore are in the living room." Pointing in the general direction of the living room.

Rory nods appreciatively "thank you." Turning to Logan, "I think that is the second time I was invited in."

"Wow, same person?"

"Oh, no." She takes him by the hand as they walk into the living room, leaving the maid behind. "Grandma, Grandpa." She calls out.

"In here" comes Emily's voice, she comes out and gives her a big hug, "We've missed you. Look at you, two, just glowing. California must agree with you. Well, come in, come in. We have drinks. Sit. Sit. What are you drinking?"

Richard's voice is full of good cheer as he picks up the glasses to make drinks, "Logan, my boy, Macallan neat, right?"

"You remembered Richard. Thank you so much."

"Rory, a club soda or a martini?"

"I think I would enjoy a martini, with a twist please."

"Of course, of course." Richard's voice echoes with delight.

"Now, tell us what you have been doing?" Emily picks up her drink and sits on the sofa, with Richard sitting next to her after delivering the drinks to Logan and Rory.

Rory is excited to tell her grandparents about the success she is having with the foundation, going into details on the newspapers she is supporting and the new opportunity in Philadelphia with both the medical clinic and bookstore, and the printing press. Logan enjoys watching her go into the details and her genuine excitement in making a difference.

"Grandma, I know you weren't a fan of Jess when he was my boyfriend."

"Rory, just because the young man was not the best fit for a lifetime partner doesn't mean he isn't worthy of support when he has a good plan." Richard interjects.

"Exactly, Grandpa. We cleared the air in Philadelphia. Day-to-day relationships require common goals. An ability to compromise." She squeezes Logan's hand knowing how hard they are working on their communication in order to compromise and make this relationship work. "This is the second friend I have been able to help in a very special way."

Richard nods, and Emily chimes in, "Are you talking about your friend Lane?"

"Yes, they moved into the house and are getting the music store up and running. Both are still taking shifts at Luke's in order to help him out and supplement their income while establishing music lessons. They would have continued to rent for a long time without assistance. It also removes the dependence on Mrs. Kim and Lane told me that has made it easier for her to include her Mom in the kids' lives as their grandmother."

"Financial stability and freedom makes life easier. I'm glad your friends are accepting help." A wistfulness is in Emily's voice thinking about how Lorelai refused their help and how many years she had missed with Rory. "Now tell us about the trail." Emily's voice returns to her upbeat with a hint of let me in on the gossip.

"Actually, Grandma, I need to talk to Grandpa about some financial issues, privately and I would like to do it before Mom gets here."

"Of course, of course. Logan tell me all about your work." Emily turns toward Logan, who begins to talk about his efforts on the social media financial backers and news integration projects and then also his idea for a newspaper and magazine app for the iPhone.

The door closes behind Rory and Richard, and Richard motions to the chair while he sits behind the desk. "What is it, Rory?"

"Grandpa, I already told the accountant, I just wanted to let you know, I am going to take more than 10% of the interest earned to fulfill grant requests." She notices his quizzical look, "I wouldn't normally, but since I know there will be more money coming in and right now it is just growing, I don't feel the need to reinvest as much. Also, as I am traveling, I am discovering how many local papers are struggling. I think it is a mistake to wait until they are closer to the brink of being swallowed up by these conglomerates or hedge fund managers. I wanted your business sense on this."

"Given the changes in the economy and how many of the small businesses are losing out to corporations, I agree. You know you won't be able to save them all. However, if you can provide enough support to keep local voices alive, I think it will be a good service. You don't need to ask me about that, and you certainly could have told me that in the living room. Is there something else?"

Rory nodded, "it is Mom. And I don't want Grandma to get upset. First, Logan and I are in therapy."

"Really?"

"Yes, we realized that we had a communication problem. It was clear from how he asked me to marry him. There was a disconnect between what he said and what he did, which made it clear that he was used to the idea of the man being in charge. I know that has worked for you and Grandma, but I have a career to think about." Richard nodded for her to continue. "In the process of the therapy, we have also discussed the right time for the wedding. I am still very firm on not even starting to plan until after election night. I still need to tell Logan, Obama's team has made it clear that if he wins there is a place for me."

"Oh, Rory. That is wonderful."

"It is. I am strongly considering this. Oprah offered me a position with her magazine "O", which I turned down. AP asked me to write more articles. The Atlantic also reached out about my doing a piece for them on Obama. I know Logan is getting pressure to return to HPG, and I can tell he is concerned about them not being progressive enough with the changes in the industry. He has hinted that he thinks in the next year he will have enough leverage to negotiate with his father regarding a return. So, there are a lot of doors. Plus, Logan is working on a new application for electronic delivery of newspapers and magazines."

"I must say, that those are some good problems to have. So many options, for both of you." Richard's voice is full of pride. "My dear."

"Grandpa, Mom."

"ah."

"Yeah, she wants me to give up the money."

"I don't understand." Richard leans forward, with a look of disbelief.

"She asked me to give away my inheritance to prove I love her. I told her that she needed therapy to deal with her issues. I pointed out that the money she received was not to control her, but to allow her to use it to improve her life and those around her. I also told her that I was proud of who she is and what she has accomplished. Last night Luke called and told me she had given away the money you gave her, but put strings on it."

"Strings?"

"Yes, so she gave Luke two checks of $250K but told him that one was for the diner and the other for him to invest for their future. From what he said, she gave two $10 thousand dollar checks just as gifts to Michel and Sookie, but the rest she gave to Sookie for expanding the Inn. So, technically, she gave away the money, but not really. She is still telling the other people what to do."

"Did she have them sign contracts of agreement?"

"Luke didn't mention anything like that."

"Verbal strings don't count. Not in a court of law."

Rory leaned back in the chair, a look of contemplation, "Yeah, I can see that."

"Rory. Your mother." Richard shrugs his shoulders, "I don't know." He then looks at Rory and smiles, "However, when it comes to you. I think you are making wise decisions regarding your inheritance. I agree you can easily be more generous with the earnings early on, as you know there will be an increase in the principle. Also, when that additional money comes in, it will be up to you how it is distributed."

"Thanks Grandpa." Rory and Richard embraced and walked out of the office.

Richard said in her ear, "Thank you for letting me know. I'm glad you trust me."

Emily was handing Lorelai and Luke their drinks as Richard and Rory emerged. Lorelai raised her glass, "Oh, good. They are here. I was worried you had run away."

"No running, Mom." Rory said as she sat down next to Logan.

"You say that now, Maggie Carpenter." She quipped.

Patting Logan's knee, "I have my Ike right here."

"Yes, but have you tried all the eggs you need to?"

Rolling her eyes, "Yes." Rory quipped back and looked at Luke.

Luke not missing a beat and remembering the conversation in the diner, "What, you develop a problem with eggs looking at you too?"

"I never get over easy, Luke." Rory grinned remembering that conversation from so long ago.

"Oh, I know, you are French toast with bacon extra crispy."

"When it comes to eggs, it's scrambled or omelets, right?" Logan jumped in, unsure of where this was going.

She nods at Logan, and Lorelai jumps in, "As long as she doesn't bring deviled eggs, you are good."

Richard, Emily, and Logan look at each other as they observe the twinkling eyes of the other three, they are obviously missing out. Emily shakes her head, "Tell me Luke, how is business?" making it clear she was ready to change the subject,

"Ah, Mom. So cute." Lorelai pipes up.
"What Lorelai? I can't ask a businessman about his business. I thought that was the right thing to do." Emily flatly retorts.

Luke looked at Lorelai with a don't you dare, "Business is wonderful Emily, thank you for asking." In an effort to deflect, "but it is Rory that we have been eager to hear about. How was your time in Philadelphia? Did you have a chance to visit Jess and Alicia? Get your articles written?"

Rory launched into a summary of the Obama campaign and how it looked like he was going to be the democratic candidate even though Hilary wasn't dropping out of the race. Plus, the writing opportunities she had already told Richard about, but without the decision to not work for Oprah and her offer from Obama. "Grandma, this lamb is delicious. Thank you for making such a special meal for us."

"Yes, Mom, everything is delicious." Lorelai tacked on.

"Why thank you." Emily accepted the compliments. "Now, Rory. Did you mention something about Paris and a wedding?"

Rory looked at her grandmother with deep appreciation. "You did. Paris is getting married, and Mom and I, well, mostly Mom. Anyway, we will help her plan the event. They are getting married this July. Ironically, Luke's nephew Jess is also getting married this year in May. Both will be at the Dragonfly Inn. Mom is the best at putting these together."

"Hopefully these weddings will help inspire you." Emily smiled and dabbed her lips with her napkin.

Logan noticed that Rory was looking nervous that this line of questioning was going to come around to their plans. He looked at Richard with a bit of a let's help her expression.

Richard put his napkin on the table and turned to Rory, "Rory, did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?"

"No, Grandpa. What about it?" very uncertain about where this was going.

"Great food, no atmosphere!"

"Richard, you are interrupting." Emily scolded.

Logan jumped in, Emily, why did the scarecrow win an award?"

"Oh, dear heavens." Emily groaned, then with a little smile, "why?"

"Because he was outstanding in his field!" The table giggled.

Not one to be left out of the Dad jokes, Luke fired off, "Why couldn't the bicycle stand up by itself?"

Emily was suddenly enjoying herself, "Why?"

Luke: "Because it was two-tired!"

Richard: Alright, fellas, my turn again! Did you hear about the guy who invented the knock-knock joke?

Rory jumped in, "No, what about him?"

"He won the 'No-Bell' Prize!" Richard looked extra pleased with himself.

"Grandpa, that one is bad."

Logan took her hand, "Ok, then how about, why don't skeletons fight each other?"

Lorelai decided she might as well jump in, "why?"

"Because they don't have the guts!" Logan laughed.

Luke had finished off his beer and was starting on the second one, "amateur, why don't eggs tell jokes?"

Rory rolled her eyes, "back to the eggs?"

"uh, huh, because they might crack up."

The table laughed again.

Richard held up his hand, "oh, I heard this at the club the other day, why did the golfer bring an extra pair of pants?"

Emily jumped in "In case he got a hole in one!"

Richard beamed, "my clever, Emily."

"If you thought my answer was good, how about, why did the math book look so sad?"

"Seriously, Grandma?"

"Yes, because it had too many problems." Emily looks mighty pleased with herself.

Luke leaned forward, "Alright Emily, see if you know this one, what do you call a bear with no teeth?"

Emily looked puzzled, "What?"

Luke started in, but Logan jumped in, "A gummy bear!"

"Right you are, Logan." Luke enjoined.

Logan started in, "what do you call fake spaghetti?"

Rory's eyes lit up, "impasta!"

"Have I told you that one before?"

"nope, Obama likes that one." Rory divulged.

Richard pulled back, "Obama tells Dad jokes."

Rory laughed, "He is a Dad."

"Oh, yeah" Richard was full of mirth.

Lorelai decided to try her hand, "what's brown and sticky?"

Rory looked at her, "uh… I don't know"

"A stick" Lorelai responded. The table collectively groaned.

Luke patted her on the leg, "There is a reason they are called Dad jokes. Let's see if this one goes better, did you hear about the kidnapping at school?

Realizing that Luke was trying to keep things light, Lorelai responded: "No! What happened?"

Luke: "Eh, it's all fine. He woke up!" After a second, the table caught on and the laughter began again.

Richard chuckling beamed at Luke, "Clever, my man, very clever."

Rory looked at her watch, "I hate to break up the party, but we have to deal with Paris tomorrow and doing that without sleep is, well, suicide."

Logan obviously still had more, but acquiesced, "Alright, last one from me. Rory, what do you call an alligator wearing a vest?"

"I'll indulge you, Logan. What?"

Giggling, "An investigator!" Again, a collective groan emanates from the table.

Richard pushed out his chair, and lifted his glass, "Well, this has certainly been one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had in a long time. Emily, we should do this more often."

"If Logan and Rory will grace us with their presence, I'd be happy to have more meals like this."

"Oh, no dear, I was referring to telling bad jokes"

"Richard." Emily started.

"uh, uh, I have the final one. All rise, please." The table stood up, and the glasses were extended. "Ok, what did one ocean say to the other ocean?"

A table of blank stares and Richard put down his glass and waved his hand. "Get it?"

Still looking at him, he waved harder and then said, "Nothing, they just waved!"

"Oh, good grief Richard." Emily laughed.

"Good one Dad." Lorelai walked over and hugged her dad.

Rory sidled up to him, "Thank you grandpa, tonight was wonderful."

He gave her a side hug, "We have choices, and laughter is most often the best choice we can make." And he tapped his nose.

She tapped her nose back.