After leaving Logan, Rory entered the hotel feeling hopeful.  It wasn't the exact conversation she had hoped to have with him, but it wasn't the worst scenario she had imagined either.  Logan did still have feelings for her.  And he did want to try again.  Rory spoke the truth when she told him she wasn't thrilled with his suggestion of taking it slow.  But, if she was completely honest with herself, she couldn't blame him.  She did turn down his proposal.  Yes, she had he reasons, but she didn't fight that hard for him either.  Then she did pretty much tell him to get lost.  Rory knew she had to prove herself to him.  With all the advances and maturity she was gaining in her professional career, she realized just how immature she had been.  She knew now how sheltered her life had been.  Rory was determined to continue with her new, more assertive attitude.  She wasn't entirely comfortable with it, but knew if she wanted to get where she wanted to be in this world, she was going to have to make it happen.  The days of being handed things and simply expecting things were over.

As Rory took the elevator up to the suite, she hoped Lane hadn't left for the last minute rehearsal before the show.  The concert wasn't for  hours, but the band liked to be there early.

Luck was on her side as she walked into what appeared to be a celebration in the suite.  "Rory!  Brian and Sara are engaged!  They are having a baby and they are engaged!"  Lane said excitedly. 

"I actually knew about that already,"  Rory said.  "But I am so happy for you guys!" she said as she hugged Brian and Sara.

"Thank you!  He totally surprised me!  I was nervous to tell him about the baby.  He responded with a ring!"  Sara gushed showing off her ring.  It was a beautiful, simple diamond.  It was a classic, clean design, perfectly suited to Sara.

"Yes, babies are a blessing.  Better after marriage.  You must marry quickly.  No scandal,"  Mrs. Kim advised. 

"Uncle Bri is having a baby!"  Kwan yelled.

"We get a cousin!" Steve said. 

"Wow guys!  That's big news.  Are you going to share your toys with the baby?"  Rory asked them.  They both nodded in response.  Then they ran off to gather toys for the baby, not really understanding the baby wouldn't arrive for quite some time.

"How did you know about the engagement?"  Lane asked Rory.

"The band reporter always gets the scoop,"  Rory joked as Lane pulled her into her bedroom.

"They are all celebrating, won't miss us for a few minutes.  And we don't have to leave for the stadium for nearly an hour,"  Lane said as she shut the door.  "I can't wait until after the concert.  How'd coffee go?"

Rory launched into the story of her afternoon.  Lane listened intently, barely making a sound.  She nodded and made a few noises, but reserved comments for the end.

"Wow!  Just wow!  So, he and Claudia aren't really together?  It's like a fake relationship to keep their parents off their backs?"  Lane asked for clarification.

"Well, he said he does like her and they do have fun.  He said there is no spark.  They aren't dating anyone else though,"  Rory said.

"Do they have sex?"Lane asked.

"No!  Well...I don't really know.  God, should I have asked?  Oh my God!  Do you think they had sex after the concert last night?  Will they tonight?  This is not as good as I thought!  He is going to try dating me in California and have sex with her in New York!"  Rory panicked as she started hyperventilating.

"Rory!  Stop!  Just stop there.  You'll be able to figure all that out in California.  It sounds like he is telling you the truth about the situation.  I am sure if things work out and you two do get back together, there will be no sex with Claudia in New York,"  Lane reassured her.  "I was just asking because it seems like maybe they started out by dating and it has turned into this friendship or whatever it is they have."  Lane looked at her and added, "Rory, you couldn't have expected the man to stay celibate this whole time, though it would win major points with Mama.  But, I mean seriously, be realistic.   Even you had that little fling on the campaign trail, remember?"

"Ugh, how could I forget?"  Rory said making a face.

"The point is sex is natural if you spend time with someone, especially if they had no one else.  Don't over react.  You weren't together. And keep in mind you aren't exactly a nun either.  Hell, it was you that coached me with Zack!  Remember how I swore off sex after I conceived the twins?  I mean, nowadays...well, I'll never admit it to Gil, but I think Zack and I could give him and Cyndi a run for their money.  But, seriously, don't over react if you find out they have had sex, even recently.  Once you two figure things out, I am sure it won't be an issue,"  Lane said.

"You're right.  But I really don't want to see her tonight now!"  Rory said.  "I just want to get to California and start this.  I really want him back, Lane."

"I know you do.  Give it and him a little time,"  Lane said. 

Soon afterwords, Lane and the band left for the stadium.  A car would take Rory in an hour.  She wanted time to shower and dress for the show.  Mrs. Kim wasn't going to the concert.  Steve had a little cold, and she felt it was best he stayed at the hotel and went to bed early.  It worked out well because a local radio station was hosting a small after-concert party for the band and a select group of fans. 

Rory showered and dressed carefully for the concert.  She knew Logan would be there again.  And she also knew he was invited to the after party.  Rory knew it was silly, but she wanted to look better than Claudia.  Ever since Lane had mentioned them having sex, Rory suddenly felt competitive with the woman. 

After much debate over limited wardrobe choices, Rory settled on her tightest jeans with a tight blue top.  It was more a summer top, but looked amazing with her soft black leather jacket.  It had a sexy rock and roll vibe perfect for the concert.  She borrowed Lane's black knee-high boots.  She was rummaging through Lane's jewelry to borrow her long silver necklace when Mrs. Kim walked into the room. Mrs. Kim surveyed Rory's outfit, shaking her head when her gaze landed on Rory's cleavage.  She said, "Your car is waiting downstairs. It is chilly.  Wear a jacket.  And zip it all the way up."

Rory watched the show from her normal spot next to Marv.  Marv was in very good mood for once, probably because he had a break after this show.  Like the show before, Rory spotted Logan and Claudia immediately.  Rory was very surprised to see Claudia looking very sophisticated that night.  She had on a modest white button up top with gray slacks.  She looked shorter so Rory assumed she was wearing more appropriate shoes for once.  Claudia's hair was neatly pinned up in a sleek chignon. Claudia was also more subdued as she spoke to a woman next to her.  Rory was surprised and confused at the difference, but didn't dwell on it.

Logan looked very nice as well, but devastatingly handsome.  He was wearing dark jeans and a leather jacket with a dark colored shirt under the jacket.  In all dark colors, he looked a little mysterious, sexy. 

As with the show before, Rory and Logan locked eyes during several songs.  Rory happened to glance at Gil at one point.  Gil winked at her.  Rory blushed knowing he was thinking about the stage sex eyes.

As predicted, the crowd went absolutely wild when Brian called Sara on stage and announced their engagement.  Brian had Sara sit on a stool on the stage and dedicated a a brand new song to her.  Rory could see many moist eyes in the crowd.  With the amount of flashbulbs going off, Rory knew Brian would be in the papers the next day.

When the show ended, Rory and the band ended up back in the dressing room.  Claudia didn't do her mad gestures to get backstage this time.  And Rory didn't see them head toward the backstage area, so Rory assumed they went home.  She was disappointed she wouldn't see Logan again that evening, but relieved she didn't have to face Claudia.  With all the thoughts in her head, she wasn't ready for that encounter yet.

After relaxing a bit, Trudy and Brad announced that it was time to make an appearance at the after-concert party.  Trudy assured them they did not have to stay too long, but an appearance was important.  Some very prominent people in the music and entertainment industry were invited to this gathering.

Their small group entered the party venue to cheers and greetings.  Rory was drug along with the band and introduced to everyone from the mayor to talent agents to industry writers.  Finally they were introduced to Mr. and Mrs. DuPont, owners of the DuPont Theatre in Wilmington.  Standing to the side of them was Logan and Claudia.  Rory recognized the older woman as the person Claudia was talking to at the concert. She understood why Claudia seemed different that night.

The DuPonts greeted the band and began to talk with them about a charity event the following summer in Delaware.  Trudy and Brad were explaining the positive aspects of agreeing to the event.  The DuPonts were trying to convince the band to participate in the exclusive show.

Rory greeted Logan and Claudia, "Hi.  I'm glad you could make the show.  You look very nice tonight, Claudia."

"Duty calls.  Mom and Dad are here.  They insisted I play the DuPont heir role tonight and put on what I call 'the uniform'.  The prim and proper attitude come with it,"  she smiled as she explained.

"Can I get you ladies drinks?"  Logan asked.

"Thanks Logan, but we can go get them.  You talk to my dad and the band.  Try to convince my dad that I can organize this event please," she said to Logan.  Then Claudia asked surprisingly forcefully, "Rory, join me?"

"Uh...sure,"  Rory said as Claudia was already leading her away.

They grabbed glasses of champagne and Claudia insisted they step out on the balcony to see the view.  Since it was chilly, they were the only ones out there.

"Rory, obviously, I just wanted to talk to you for a minute,"  Claudia said.  "Logan and I spoke this afternoon and he informed me our arrangement may be changing soon.  He explained most of it, which I appreciate since we are good friends.  It is disappointing that our situation may be forced to change soon, but I care too much for Logan not to be happy for him if he is happy.  Notice I said IF he is happy, Rory?  I guess I am asking you not to hurt him.  And I am warning you that if you do, I will  make your life hell."

Rory was completely shocked.  She never expected a brain and such force behind the usually ditzy facade.  She stuttered, "I don't want to hurt him, Claudia.  I...I never really meant to."

"I believe that, Rory.  I am just advising you to take this seriously and be careful with him.  You really hurt him in the past.  When he and I met, he was a mess.  I had just broken up with someone important to me.  Did he tell you we were pretty much a rebound for each other?  We used each other physically and had fun.  Photos leaked of us out one night and we just decided to roll with it.  That side of our relationship ended a bit ago, but we have been keeping up the act because it benefited both of us.  I don't plan to give up those benefits unless I am sure he is happy,"  Claudia said.

Rory's head was reeling.  The woman she took for a near complete idiot was actually very sharp and cunning. Rory was shocked at the transformation in Claudia.  Rory had no idea whether to be impressed, terrified, or insulted.  She supposed she was a bit of all three.  She actually liked this version of Claudia.  It reminded her in some way of Paris with the painful bluntness. 

"Claudia, I love him.  I always have, nearly since the day we met.  I have been making a lot of changes in my life.  If I can win Logan's trust and love again, I wouldn't do anything to ruin it,"  Rory said. 

Claudia's face softened and some of the bubbly nature Rory had grown accustomed to returned, "Ok, I'm sorry for the attack.  I get a little protective.  I don't have many real friends and Logan has become one.  I really like you, Rory.  I hope things do work out for you two."

Rory breathed a sigh of relief when Claudia said she was freezing and they headed back inside. They walked back over to where the band was still chatting with the DuPonts and Logan.  Logan put his hand on the small of Claudia's back noting her clothing was cold.  He looked questioningly at Rory and Claudia.  Rory gave a small smile.  Claudia gave him a slight nod and smile before she joined the conversation.

Rory didn't get any time alone with Logan in the time they were at the party.  She was disappointed, but understood Logan needed to keep up appearances, especially with Mr and Mrs. DuPont in attendance.  The band and Rory ducked out as soon as they could.

Back at the suite, Rory took Lane aside, "He had sex with her.  She told me. But they aren't anymore.  Then she threatened to make my life hell if I hurt him."

"What? She just told you they had sex?  That half-wit threatened you?"  Lane asked shocked.

Rory laughed, "She is not a half-wit.  The girl has all her wits and they were all over me tonight!"  Rory laughed again at Lane's expression, "Relax.  It was strange, but she meant well.  And I am actually glad Logan talked to her.  I think that must be a good sign, right?  He must be seriously considering us if he talked to her."

"That's true, good point,"  Lane agreed. "So you are ok with the sex part?"

"I don't have much choice.  But at least I know what's going on. I am so glad we get a break.  I can't wait to go home to Star's Hollow.  I need to talk to my mom,"  Rory said.