All I Want

Finally

Tristan, had never been particularly happy to be a Hartford kid, he'd rebelled at almost every turn and struggled against learning lessons of manner and etiquette, while growing from a young boy into a teen, but tonight standing there in front of Rory's grandfather he was silently and immensely grateful to his mother for her unwavering persistence. It was because of her unwillingness to throw her hands up in the air in defeat that he'd learned impeccable manners and knew what it took to impress the important people in any social situation and while normally he didn't care to, tonight it was his one main focus.

Standing next to Rory he took her grandfather's hand in his to shake.

"Nice to meet you sir," he said, using a well practiced firm grip.

"Likewise young man. It's good to see Rory making some friends out here in Hartford.

"Yes sir," Tristan answered automatically.

"I brought you these sir, I hope they are to your liking," he finished handing over a box of expensive Cuban cigars.

Richard, took the box a huge smile spreading across his face. " Monticristos...very excellent choice young man."

"Thank you sir. They're my grandfather's favorite so I thought you might enjoy them too."

Impressed Richard turn to his granddaughter who was stunned by this previously unseen Tristan to say the least.

"I like this one Rory, he has a good head on his shoulders."

"Thanks Grandpa," Rory replied a little awed herself that he'd come so well prepared.

"Emily, come meet Rory's new young man," Richard said pulling her gently out of the conversation she'd been having with Jansen and Sharon.

"Hello, Mrs. Gilmore, you have a lovely home," Tristan said, as soon as Emily was in front of him, trying his best to keep a straight face as Lorelai stood behind her mother making an upchucking motion at Tristan's proper behavior and how Emily and Richard were falling for it hook, line and sinker.

"Why thank you young man. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well Mrs. Gilmore, I hope you'll accept these as a token of my thanks for your hospitality," Tristan replied as he reached into the bag he was holding and pulled out a box of the finest chocolates money could buy handing them to her.

"La Maison Du Chocolat...my favorites. This is such an unexpected treat. Thank you."

"You're very welcome."

With the introductions over Tristan relaxed. He could tell he'd made a good first impression and because of that it emboldened him just a little as he purposefully took Rory's hand into his to hold.

"Dinner is going to be ready shortly, why don't we go into the sitting room and get some cocktails started," Emily said addressing her guests, her hostess hat back on now.

"Excellent idea dear. Jansen follow me and we'll break open my Highland Park single malt," Richard told him.

"You have my attention," Jansen said as he took his leave with Richard, his wife and Emily not far behind them.

As soon as all were out of earshot, Lorelai turned to Tristan. " Oh, you are good. Better than I anticipated, but never forget I've got my eye on you at all times buddy.

"Mom!" Rory said her voicing raised.

"Rory!" Lorelai mimicked in return.

Tristan just smirked. He knew Lorelai was probably always going to be his biggest hurdle, but for the first time, in his element, he felt up to the challenge.