Metanoia: A Sequel

Chapter 4: For Me?

Rory was still scribbling on a fresh page in her notebook when Logan sat down where Ms. Touchard had sat just a minute ago. He settled down directly across Rory with the box of doughnuts on his lap.

Rory, having insurmountable concentration, didn't notice. She flipped to another page and jotted down more notes before being greeted by a distinguishable tap. Without having to raise her head to view Logan's familiar facial features, she said, "How'd you find me?"

"Simple. I, for one, read the Chicago Tribune. Secondly, your boss gladly indicated where you work back in the main office."

Ms. Touchard seemed to pick up on this, waving at Logan. Rory reviewed her action in utter shock since she wasn't the type of person to wave. She snapped back to Logan, who continued explaining.

"And third, my dad personally knows Ms. Touchard, so he was able to connect me to her to you. They attended Yale together."

Mitchum Huntzberger, noted expert of journalism, who once told Rory she didn't qualify for the area of writing for a newspaper, was responsible? She was puzzled. He had made up for the remark that she didn't have what it took, but it was still breaking news to hear that he had done it. She didn't know how to respond. Logan seemed to notice and set down the box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. "I remember you liked these," he confessed.

Rory beamed, the rays of sunshine glowing on the powdered doughnuts, which were waiting to be eaten. As she reached into the box for a doughnut, she recalled a question popping in her head, dying to be answered. "Oh, yeah. Logan, what about Lena? I thought you guys were...um...on a date?"

"She had to leave," Logan answered. "We agreed previously to meet for five minutes in front of Starbucks. I won't see her until next month."

"Ah, okay," Rory said as a means of reacting subtly. To find something to do, she took a bite out of the powdered doughnut and munched on it. The slightly sweet taste satisfied her taste buds. She felt like her taste buds were singing, but maybe that was because she hadn't had doughnuts in a while, let alone some from Logan. "So how long are you staying in Chicago?"

Logan gave her an unreadable glance, then stated, "I moved here. I told you earlier that I had business matters, but those aren't the type of affairs that are temporary. One of our offices was built here, so that's where I'm supposed to work. Not too long ago, I was promoted to a higher position and was told to relocate here to our Chicago branch. Speaking of working for the Huntzberger newspapers...we are partners with the Chicago Tribune. So I'll expect to see you in meetings, colleague."

Rory couldn't take it all in. Her world was spinning now, too quick for her vision to adapt. She put a hand to her head, wondering if that would help with catching up. It didn't.

"Actually, I don't know if I can attend meetings. Those are for the prestigious people. I'm just a lowly writer," Rory admitted. "You might be there, but I won't be."

"I'll convince Ms. Touchard," Logan offered, but before Rory could stop him, he pranced to Ms. Touchard, who was now sipping her coffee with her pinkie raised, the French way, and waited for her to finish.

"Hello, Mr. Huntzberger. Can I help you?" Rory heard Ms. Touchard say after she had put her coffee mug down.

"Hello. I was thinking that Rory Gilmore should be shifted to a higher position. Since she's been working here for several years diligently, I think a promotion will benefit her. You, of all individuals, know her work ethic too well. Do you agree with me, Ms. Touchard?"

Rory gulped anxiously. Ms. Touchard would think that she would have persuaded Logan to inform her of her "wish for a promotion." I might as well have done it indirectly, she thought. Why, oh, why, did I say I'm a lowly writer?

The corners of Ms. Touchard's lipstick-applied mouth curled up into a smile. "If that is necessary, very well. She will still write her articles, but instead of simply being an editor as well, I will promote her to editor-in-chief if that is not a burden to her workload."

Rory believed she heard wrong. She pinched herself for the second time that day. Ow!

"Thank you, Ms. Touchard," Logan acknowledged. Clearly, his charm had prevailed once more. Bearing an accomplished expression on his face, he floated in front of Rory and simpered.

Rory, despite feeling embarrassed, was relieved, on the other hand. Earlier, when she had examined Logan's face carefully, he seemed like he was hiding in his shell. Convincing Ms. Touchard while putting his charm to the test was definitely a sign that their relationship was in excellent shape. Distance had taken its toll, and Rory felt a bond of friendship. She wanted nothing more than to have this friendship with Logan, even if it meant she wouldn't have Lena's position for the rest of her life. It was just like old times.