8 years in the life

Chapter 20

A week later, Rory was assigned an interview of the majority leader Harry Reid in DC in order to complete an investigative article. She decided it was the sign she needed to see Robert again and talk face to face.

Robert was in his office and saw the caller ID. He hesitated to answer but when he finally decided to take it the call was already through voicemail. No message. Five minutes later the team assistant buzzed him.

"Robert, there's a Rory Gilmore from the Boston Globe on the phone. Do you want to take the call?"

"Okay, pass me the call." He heard the line connect. "Hi, Rory."

"Robert, please don't avoid me."

"I'm not avoiding you, I wasn't just fast enough to pick up my phone."

"I'll be in DC tomorrow; I have to interview Harry Reid in the morning. Do you think you'll have time to see me in the afternoon?"

Robert gulped. I have to take my head out of my ass and face the situation. "Sure. When would be convenient for you? When do you have to be back in Boston afterward?"

"I can email my article and stay over the weekend but I have to be back for the Monday morning meeting at 8...."

Come on Semple, man up. "Okay, call me when you're done. Do you want to crash at my place? Don't worry I have a guest room." She didn't answer. He could hear the wheels turning in her head.

"Don't overthink this, Rory, if it doesn't go well you can still leave," he said with a confident tone that surprised him.

"Okay, let's do that. I'll call you tomorrow."

**************************

While she was waiting for Harry Reid, Rory texted Robert.

<Waiting for Reid right now. Should be ok for lunch>

<I'll wait for you in the Congress lobby at 1 pm>

The interview went well so Rory was kind of relieved that she could focus on meeting Robert. She was a little nervous and started fidgeting in the elevator. She checked her look in the mirror and she thought she was dressed for an interview, not to meet.... who was he now? A potential boyfriend, her ex-roommate? Her best friend? Her casual lover? She was brought back to reality by the "bing" signaling that she had reached the lobby. When she exited the elevator and scanned the lobby, she saw that Robert was already there talking to a tall guy, kind of cocky, very DC type. Since her grandparents' party, it was the first time that she could see Robert in a suit, so formal with a tie and properly shaved. He wasn't the student anymore, but a political executive of the White House. Even though she had just interviewed the majority leader, she couldn't help being a little impressed by the assertiveness emanating from Robert. While she was approaching, she could hear that they were talking seriously about the government policy on private fund advisers.

"Hey, Ror," Robert smiled at her, put his hand on her back and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Rory Gilmore from the Boston Globe, Greg Metrack from Holland & Knight."

"Nice to meet you," she said with her most professional tone.

"Already dealing with the press, Robert? The pleasure is for me Ms. Gilmore," he gazed at her.

"Rory is an old friend from Yale and the deputy editor of the investigative team. She was there to interview Harry Reid."

"I'm impressed, Ms. Gilmore" Greg nodded pursing his lips. He then turned to Robert "Maybe we can have a drink next week and tell me whenever Charles is in town."