It Was Never Really Goodbye - Gilmore Girls

Chapter 3

Rory was out with her friends doing her best to get drunk and forget all about the phone call she had earlier. 

"Rory!  It's wonderful to talk to you!"

She tried not to laugh at the hypocrisy in that statement...wait maybe it's only hypocritical when Shira says it?  "Mitchum, how unexpected.  It's nice to hear from you too."

He chuckled, "now Rory, it's not nice to lie, but you did that well."

"To what do I owe the pleasure Mitchum?"  She thought it best not to beat around the bush.

He chuckled again, "same old Rory.  I know this is a little out of the blue, but I am calling to ask you to come in to HPG headquarters for an interview."

"Excuse me?"  She knew she hadn't applied for any jobs lately, and, even if she had, it definitely wouldn't have been with HPG.

"I understand your confusion.  Let me explain.  With the field of journalism changing so much right now, I am looking at some changes for the good of the company.  We need to embrace these changes and evolve along with them if we want to stay alive in this business.  That being said, I am creating a new department that will oversee all of our publications and how we can move with technology in order to keep them relevant and profitable.  This department will find the best ways to change with the times and still keep the integrity of the company."

"That's smart Mitchum, but what does it have to do with me?  I'm a writer, not an IT specialist."

"That is true, but IT specialists are a dime a dozen.  I've watched what you've done under Hugo's direction.  I've been extremely impressed.  Moreover, you are of the younger generation, but you still appreciate the written word in a way that few people your age do.  I believe that you are just the person that should head up this department.  You have the same vision that the board of HPG has."

"Well...I'm flattered Mitchum, I really am, but I don't know that HPG is the right place for me."  She couldn't imagine working for them after all of the history they had on a personal level.

"I thought you might say that.  As far as I'm concerned, Rory, I think it is.  Yes, we have had run-ins in the past.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm not exactly proud of them myself.  But shouldn't that also make you more qualified for this job?  And should you really pass up an opportunity like this?"

"Look sir-"

"Mitchum."

She sighed, "Mitchum, I don't think I can."

"Rory, Logan does not work for HPG, if that's what you're worried about.  I have no way of knowing what the future holds, but I can assure you that he won't be a problem."

She considered what he was saying.  This was a huge opportunity.  He was only asking for an interview.  He might have loads of other people in the running for it.  Could it really hurt to try? 

"Rory?  Are you still there?"

"Yes.  Sorry about that.  I would love to come in for an interview."

"Good!  You won't regret it Rory.  Let me put you on hold.  My secretary will set it up with you.  Have a nice weekend."

She waited for the secretary, then sat there dumbfounded after it was all scheduled.  What the hell had she just signed up for?

Her eyes scanned the club.  There were many good looking men there...quite a few could probably serve as a suitable distraction for the evening.  She turned back to the bar and Finn, who was standing next to her.  "So, is my wingman ready for tonight?"

He grinned, "just as long as mine is."

"Absolutely!  But how about we dance first?"  He nodded, and they downed the rest of their drinks.  They walked out on the floor, and Finn turned her around and pulled her against him.  "Not too close or all of our options will get the wrong idea Finn!"

He chuckled, "how true.  Should I be worried about how determined you are tonight?  Does it have anything to do with that phone call from before that you don't want to talk about?"

"Shut up and dance, Finn."  They danced for awhile, each scanning the crowd for someone they might like to hook up with.  Rory noticed a good-looking man at the bar that seemed to be alone.  Tall, dark, and handsome. She nodded that way, so Finn would know what she had in mind.

They walked back to the bar and stopped next to the man she had motioned towards.  Finn stood next to him, and Rory on the other side of Finn.  Finn struck up a conversation with him while he waited for their drinks.  As soon as they came, he looked at Rory and winked.  "So Daniel, have you met Rory?"

The man looked at Rory, who did her best to look shocked at Finn's blatant setup.  Finn just walked away as quickly as possible to find his own catch for the night.  Daniel smiled at her, "hello Rory.  Nice to meet you."

"You too.  I can't believe he did that!"

"I don't know, as far as wingmen go, I thought he did pretty good."  Her jaw dropped, and he leaned in to whisper in her ear.  "I'm pretty pleased at least."

She blushed a little, "You sound awfully sure of yourself."

He leaned right in and kissed her square on the mouth.  She responded instantly.  "Seems I was right."

She looked around and noticed Finn standing next to a redhead.  She chuckled, "don't go anywhere, my wingman duties are needed for a minute."  She walked over to Finn and talked loud enough to be sure that the redhead would hear too.  "Finn, I found the hottest guy.  Sorry, I know we came to spend some time together, but I really can't pass it up.  He's so cute!"

He put on a sad look, "really Ror?  You've been so busy, and we never see each other!"

"I know.  I really am sorry hun.  I'll make it up to you."  She kissed him on the cheek and winked.  She walked away but turned back to see the redhead put her hand on his shoulder.  Mission accomplished on both fronts as she walked back to Daniel.  She ordered another drink and worked on staying distracted for the rest of the night.

After many drinks and dancing, Daniel had suggested that they get out of there.  She nodded to the others and headed out.  She didn't see Finn anywhere so she figured it must have worked out for him too. 

A few hours later, she texted Finn to see if he had went home yet.  He texted her back that he hadn't but was definitely ready to.  Luckily, they weren't very far from each other, so he would be there in ten minutes. 

"Kitten, ready to get out of here?"  He was waiting outside his car as she came down.

She smiled halfheartedly, "ya."

"Mine or yours?"

"Hmm, better not wake Paris up.  Is the guest room available?"

"Sure is," he opened the door so she could get in.  "Take us home," he said to the driver.  "You doing ok, love?"

"Sure."  She knew he was worried about her and the way she was acting tonight, but she had desperately needed the distraction.

"Right then," he put his arm around her and she laid her head on his shoulder.  "Rest up love."