The Maine Event

Chapter 10

The Christmas morning passed civilly. Rory finished reading her book during that night along with a few texts to Logan and back, she now found herself idle, looking for something to do but she feeling rather unenergetic, hence settling to watch TV. The action on the screen provided plenty of subject for banter, without actually having to talk about anything meaningful. Nevertheless it was still clear she avoided being left alone with Lorelai.

They exchanged Christmas Gifts. Rory got everyone books she'd bought from Portland, from her favourite bookstore that also sold some new books along with the second hand ones she herself preferred. Emily had gifted Lorelai a simple pair of sneakers in Nantucket red and Luke a thick local crafted cutting board, clearly having done her holiday shopping locally. To Rory she gifted a Lily Pulitzer sundress along with a matching coffee thermos. Luke and Lorelai had gone with Sookie's gift baskets, a new business venture Sookie was trying out. It was no surprise the chocolate truffels and candied almonds were to die for.

It was after lunch, the younger Gilmores having eaten way too much, when Luke finally managed to talk Lorelai into taking a walk with him. Being cooped up indoors for more than 24 hours now was suffocating him a little. The weather was crystal clear but not too cold, the bright sun softening the winter breeze.

Rory was curled up in front of the fireplace, her eyes fixated onto the TV screen on the adjoining wall, but not really following the storyline, when Emily joined her.

"Is the movie any good?" Emily asked.

Rory was jolted out of her haze, her mind having been somewhere between her own book storyline and Logan.

"I lost track of it," Rory shook her head, apologetically.

"Oh," she noted, and stayed to watch the movie for a little while. She just really appreciated the company for a change. Nantucket was wonderful, having not to explain what she did or didn't do to her friends at the DAR but there was a certain daily interaction that she missed.

"We used to love going to Maine. We usually went to the Fenwick's in Cape Elizabeth. It was beautiful up there. Richard used to love this little lobster restaurant. It was on a boat, I can't remember what it was called..," Emily pondered.

"And one time we went really up North, Norumbega Inn it was called, I think. Wonderful place," she recalled. "Are you planning to stay there long? Maybe I could join you in the spring, we could go see if the place is still as nice as it was?" Emily offered.

"I'm not really sure how long I'll stay. But sure, if I'm still there, I'd be happy to explore it with you," Rory smiled, as she continued to observe the screen blankly.

"Wait.. Now I remember! Martha Stewart wanted to get the property on Cousin's island but ended up getting one in Skylands instead," Emily began, having been trying to recall all her acquaintances in Maine. "It was Mitchum Huntzberger who bought the house she wanted," she recalled, getting caught in her thoughts.

Rory tried to appear indifferent, while she was panicking inside.

"You're not.., no it can't be... You're not staying in the Huntzberger house are you?" Emily asked in disbelief. She could've been wrong, it could be just a coincidence, but there had been something about the way Rory had spoken about her mystery man, her eyes lighting up, that reminded her of the way Rory had been with Logan, all that time ago.

"Technically the house belongs to Honor Rothchild," Rory admitted, her voice involuntarily shaking a little, like looking for some excuse, trying to keep a straight face, but failing. She was terrified of what Emily was about to say next, briefly considering if she should just stand up and go start packing.