8 years in the life

Chapter 55- 2015, Two weddings and a funeral (2)

Robert was surprised the door was locked when he arrived home. He was late, so he thought that Rory would already be there getting ready for the rehearsal dinner. It was so not like her, but he wasn't worried. She was particularly joyful lately, and he was wondering what was going on.

While he was leaving his messenger bag in his study, he heard her steps from the doorway. He found an out-of-breath Rory beaming in the foyer and kissed her temple.

"Hurry Ms. Gilmore. I don't think the rehearsal dinner of our best friends is the place to be fashionably late."

"I know, I lost track of time. I found this amazing coffee shop just near the office, and it's becoming my place to write," she said enthusiastically toeing her shoes off.

He raised his eyebrows at her. "Why don't you write at home?"

"I probably will, but right now I write during lunch breaks, and I think the place inspires me. It's so cozy, with oak tables, a fireplace framed by floor-to-ceiling bookcases. And it smells coffee..." she described dreamily.

Robert laughed.

"You know we have that at home, right? It was one of the reasons we bought this house."

"I know, I know, but you're missing the point here. I'm writing. Aren't you happy for me?"

"Don't worry, I didn't miss it, and I'm ecstatic about it, but if we want to be on time, we have to start getting ready. Come on!"

"I know, I know," she said peeling off her clothes. She could feel his heavy gaze on her as they walked up the stairs. "And no time for funky stuff Pr. Semple."

To the gang surprise, the rehearsal dinner was more relaxed than what they expected. Susan Vanderbilt had kept it to around only fifty people.

Robert noticed that Finn was silent for a while. It was so not like him when alcohol was flowing. Therefore, Robert wondered what could mute his friend. It didn't take him long to find out that it was a glowing redheaded woman who was in deep conversation with his girlfriend.

"You're so besotted."

Finn groaned.

"Rob, you know you're not in front of your students, you don't have to use your pretentious vocabulary."

The corner of Robert's mouth upturned. Finn was rarely touchy.

"So, have you made any progress with Rose?"

Finn sighed.

"Can you be more discrete? I'd like to avoid being under the scope of the group. It's bad enough I'm way behind you guys but having my dating life dissected is not helping."

"Got it. Just tell me how it is going."

The Aussie gave his friend an exasperated look. "What did I just ask?"

"But I'm your confidant!"

"You are, but you'll tell Rory who will talk to Steph and so on."

Robert resigned. "Got it."

"Thanks for the advice though, you know, taking my time, try to get to know her better."

Robert chuckled, "we talked about that when I was still in Boston, so about a year ago!"

"Well, it only means that I'm listening to you and indirectly to Ms. Gilmore, I'm taking my time." Finn pursed his lips and nodded.

"You obviously do, I truly hope it'll work out for you both."

"I've never been that slow with a woman, and I think it's working very well for me. Rory should have given us that advice at Yale."

"We wouldn't have listened," Robert chuckled.