8 years in the life

Chapter 8 - 2008 Independence Day week-end

Finally, the Yale gang met at the Semple family Newport house for their summer gathering. Besides Robert and Colin, they were all working now, so they didn't have many vacation days besides the three days holiday weekend. Therefore, staying on the east coast was the most convenient. Only Logan had a long flight, but he didn't mind as long as he didn't have to run into his family. That's why they excluded Marta's Vineyard and the McCrae residence.

Logan was happy to be able to see his friends. He flew to Boston where Finn waited for him at the airport, and they drove together to Newport. Life wasn't that bad in California, and he got along quite well with his partners but he missed being able to let his guard down, and he could only do that around very few people. They just graduated two years ago, but they all had changed significantly. They weren't as carefree and reckless as they used to be. What was engraved in the stone since they were born was now happening, even if some of them had decided not to follow their legacy, they were still wearing their family name. None of them were complaining because they were all too well aware that they were over privileged young adults.

When Logan and Finn arrived at the Semple residence, Colin, Steph, Rosemary and of course Robert were getting the dinner ready while sipping wine. They hugged each other, they haven't seen Logan for a year, and they were happily surprised that he didn't look as miserable as the last time.

"It's really nice to see you all guys. I missed you a lot," Logan said.

"Wow. I never thought I could see the day Huntz could turn to mush," Steph laughed.

"Shut up Steph. I think you're the only one I didn't miss." 

He sat next to her, put an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.

"Be careful Logan, don't go any further with her," Colin scowled.

"Don't be ridiculous Colin and pour me a glass of wine. Is it because Robert is hosting that we don't have any beer?"

"There's plenty of beer in the fridge if you prefer," Robert retorted.

"Actually, I'm surprisingly fine with wine, California is starting slowly to agree with me, but I still need to get better at the circling and sniffing stuff. I was hoping for a lesson from you."

"That could be arranged, but what will I get in return?"

"A crate of Monte Bello?"

"Sure, that could definitively do the trick, have you tasted it?"

"We just landed a contract with them."

"Go Huntz! You're doing well! "

"Hey, you guys started without me?" they all turned around to see a beaming Juliet walking toward them.

"Juliet! Finally, we're all there!" 

Not completely, most of them thought in their mind not daring to say it out loud. They had a delightful evening, needing to feel carefree and cut loose. During the dinner, they were all dying to talk about Rory's return, but they held back because of Logan. When Robert got in the house to get some more wine, the girls followed him with the plates.

"Is it true, you two are sharing your apartment?"

"Yes, it's temporary until she gets back from Europe. After that, she's supposed to find her own place."

"How is she? I feel bad that I lost contact with her," Stephanie said.

"Don't. She actually tried to avoid us. It was tough on her too," Robert added.