Meant to Be

CHAPTER 37 - MORE THAN SHE BARGAINED FOR

**So many new readers have been reading this story that it was beyond time for me to give you all an update. I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for the story. Enjoy!**

Rory, ever the early riser, woke up at 4:00AM to prepare herself for a meeting with Mitchum Huntzberger. She didn't need 4 hours to get ready but her mind was running and the thought of staying in bed, even with the lure of Logan laying beside her, was impossible. She crept out of the bedroom and flipped on the light switch in one of the guest rooms as to not wake Logan from his slumber. She quickly undressed and slid in to the shower and let the hot water rush over her in an attempt to clear her mind. Ever since the day she called Mitchum's assistant to set up a meeting she had been thinking about the opportunity to join HPG. She was worried that Mitchum wouldn't be impressed with her portfolio or he would use her relationship with Logan as an excuse to deny her the opportunity. As the days went on she started worrying less about not getting the job as she did worrying about actually getting the offer. Would it change the dynamic between her and Logan? Was Logan's fears about his father's ulterior motives valid? As she pondered the outcome of today's meeting she let the shampoo and soap run from her body down the shower drain, taking her anxiety with them.

Rory was sitting in the Lobby of HPG staring at the large family portrait of Mitchum, Shira, Logan, Honor and Elias Huntzberger that hung imposingly on the wall. She could feel Logan's displeasure radiating from the portrait as she sat waiting for the secretary to usher her in to the iconic newsman's office.

"Ms. Gilmore, Mr. Huntzberger is ready to see you," his assistant Sandra said. Rising from her seat, Rory stood, shook off her nerves and headed for the door to Mitchum's expansive office. As Rory stepped in she caught Mitchum's imposing figure behind his large mahogany desk.

"Rory, thank you for coming. Please, take a seat"

"Thank you so much for the invitation, Mr. Huntzberger," she replied as confidently as she could muster given the situation.

"Please call me Mitchum, we can drop the formalities after all, you're practically family," he replied as he gave her a charming smile ... it was clear where Logan got all of his charisma.

Mitchum reviewed her portfolio which contained photo after photo of her event work at the Plaza as well as flipping through page after page of client recommendations. As he thumbed his way through the pages of her portfolio he finally regained eye contact with her. "All of this is very impressive but I think we can forego the semantics of this interview and you can let me know what you're looking for," he asked.

"Uh, I am, uh, just interested in the opportunity for career growth. The Plaza has been amazing but the opportunity to work at HPG would be incredible," she somehow managed to reply as she was caught off guard by how candid and blunt Mitchum was.

"Rory, I offered you this position when you and Logan were at dinner the other night. All of this is unnecessary, the job is yours and all you have to do is name your price so our HR department can start drafting the offer letter and we can get along with things," he replied.

"Mr., I mean, um, Mitchum – I don't feel that it is appropriate for me to just get a job because of my relationship with Logan and far be it for me to just name my price like I am being bought and sold like some commodity. I came here to interview for the position based on my experience and qualifications," Rory was surprised as the words came out of her mouth.

Mitchum just stared at her and shook his head, "Well I can definitely understand what my son sees in you. He needs someone that is going to hold his feet to the fire and call him out on his bullshit. I like your gumption, Gilmore. You're getting the job because of your qualifications and we will double your current salary. You'll get a great benefits package, bonus structure and a company car or a car service if that's your preference. Think it over and let me know what your decision is," Mitchum responded.

Rory was at a loss for words. She just went toe to toe with the mighty Mitchum Hunztberger and she was walking away with a very lucrative job offer. She was willing to let him know right then and there that she was accepting the offer but, instead she stood from the chair she was sitting in, nodded her head towards Mitchum and let him know that she would think it over. No sense in letting him know that she would have accepted the role for half her current salary, no benefits and would be fine with a quick subway trip to and from the office.

As Rory walked out of the Mitchum's office she was once again greeted by the stern eyes of Logan, but this time, they weren't coming from a portrait hanging on the wall, but instead from the real flesh and blood man standing in front of her in the hallway of HPG.

"So, are you my new co-worker?" he asked.

"Not quite," she replied as he enveloped her hand in his and escorted her back to his corner office.