Meant to Be

CHAPTER 2 - NEW PLANS

My mom and Luke begged me to come to Stars Hollow when things hadn't worked out in Boston but it just didn't feel right. They were newly married and didn't need an adult daughter taking up space in their home. So that meant I was headed back to the Pool House at the Gilmore Estate in Hartford. My mom promised there was a room waiting for me at her house or at the Dragonfly Inn if things went south but I told her it would be good. I had missed out on Friday night dinners while I was in Boston so I was actually relishing the opportunity to spend a little time with Grandma and Grandpa.

Grandma had spent hours and a lot of money to redecorate the Pool House before I arrived as she wanted to give me a fresh start and a vibrant color palette to help get my creative juices flowing. After all, I had to figure out what I was going to do with my life. A life after journalism. Who would have ever thought I would find myself in a place where journalism was not the answer I had always figured it would be.

I spent the first few weeks enjoying time with my grandparents. Learning how to play golf and discussing the new books I had read with Grandpa and having tea and gardening with Grandma. As we sat at the dining table on Friday night I figured it was time to lay out my plans.

"So, I've thought about it and I think I know what I want to do," I said.

"Well don't keep us waiting Rory. It is impolite to tease us at our age," my grandmother replied.

"Oh, Emily. Give the girl a moment to gather her thoughts," Grandpa teasingly shot back.

"Well, after a lot of thought I've decided I want to go in to event planning."

My grandparents were shocked so I took it upon myself to fill the silence.

"I really enjoyed my time planning events for the DAR while I was in college and I think it is something I am good at," I paused for a moment before continuing, "I enjoy bringing people's ideas to life and giving them a special moment to remember forever. This just feels right."

My grandparents looked at each other and then at me.

"That's amazing Rory? It's a perfect job for you. You are so creative and organized and it all comes so naturally to you," Grandma said enthusiastically.

"I know you'll succeed in this Rory, you're a Gilmore after all," Grandpa beamed at me.

It didn't take too long before Grandma was in action. She was calling up all of her contacts in the Event Planning world to put the word out that I was interested in a position. A month later she rushed into the Pool House to tell me that I had an interview at the Plaza Hotel in New York for their Junior Event Coordinator position. I was shocked and elated and headed to New York for the interview. 

Waiting for word back from Claudette Taylor, the Senior Event Coordinator at the Plaza, felt like an eternity. After three weeks I had assumed I did not get the position and would likely receive an email rejection letter soon. Two days later an email popped in to my inbox, it was from Claudette and I was terrified to open it but eventually built up the courage to click 'read'

***

Date: April 16

To: Rory Gilmore

From: Cluadette Taylor

Subject: Jr. Coordinator Position

Rory –

I hope this email finds you well. I must apologize first and foremost for my delay in getting back to you. We are right in the middle of the kick off to the wedding season and being down a coordinator has me barely staying afloat.

I again want to thank you for making the trip in to New York to speak with me about the position. Having been very familiar with your work with the DAR and your impeccable references I am pleased to offer you the position of Junior Event Coordinator at the Plaza Hotel. If you are still interested in the position please give me a call ASAP so we can discuss the finer details.

Speak soon!

Claudette

***

To say I was ecstatic was an understatement. I was headed to New York on a new path and this time, no matter what, I wasn't planning on coming back.