"Rory, great to see you.  You are looking radiant as always.   I'm so glad we could have dinner tonight.  I flew in earlier today for the debate on Wednesday, but you know how busy things will be the next couple of days.  Good to have a relaxing meal tonight,"  Mitchum greeted Rory as they met him in a small, but very expensive Italian restaurant. 

"Yes, this may be our last free night for a few days. It's good to see you as well.  This is a lovely place, Mitchum,"  Rory said.

"I have my favorite places in every city.  I'm a creature of habit that way,"  Mitchum said.  Then he extended a hand to Logan, " You are looking well, son.  Your mother sends her best.  Oh!  I am supposed to ask you about Thanksgiving.  She's planning her usual completely overdone dinner.  Honor and Josh and the kids will be there.  She wants you to at least make an appearance.  Of course you are welcome to bring a guest,"  he said smiling at Rory.

Rory and Logan exchanged an amused look which Mitchum caught immediately.  "Are there other plans in the works for Thanksgiving?"  he asked.

"Umm...my grandmother, you know Emily, is also planning a dinner.  I just got the warning from my mom,"  Rory answered.

"Ah, of course.  I should have known. That's why Shira was dragging out all the good china to be cleaned this far in advance.  Let the battle of the society Thanksgivings begin!  Ha!  Emily and Shira fighting over Thanksgiving," Mitchum laughed.  "I shouldn't laugh, but it's pretty funny, right? No turkey in Connecticut is safe.  Well, don't eat for a day or two before.  You two can handle two dinners.  We'll work out times."

Rory laughed and said, " My mother and I once did four Thanksgiving dinners."  She briefly told the story of eating at the diner, deep fried everything, tofurkey, and Emily's French guests. 

"Well, this will be downsizing for you then, but will probably be just as eventful,"  Mitchum said. 

The three of them sat at a small table near one of the exposed brick archways.  The realistic looking faux grapevines "grew" up the wall next to Rory.  A waiter came over and poured them all a glass of chianti. 

"Alright, well, I am sure you are anxious to hear what we have to offer you.  I don't want to play games here, so I'll just lay it out for you,"  Mitchum began.  "You know we were both pretty impressed with your Biden expose.  You'll notice I am saying 'we', not just 'I'.  As you should be able to see by now, Logan is really running the show nowadays.  Oh, I like to keep my hand in things and supervise.  Plus I still have all the contacts from all the years I have been in the business.  But the daily operations are Logan's responsibility now.  He knows what's best for this company.  I have come to trust his instincts.  I may be semi-retired, but I am not an idiot.  I know you two have rekindled things.  As an aside, I am all in favor of it despite what may have transpired in the past.  You two make a good team.  This offer is not on the table because you are involved with my son.  It has nothing to do with the Thanksgiving invitation."

"Thank you, sir,"  Rory stammered at his bluntness.

"I just figured I should get that out of the way first. Now... I am still involved enough to want the best people with the most potential in prominent roles in my business.  Sure, we would have hired you anyway, but probably as an assistant or something if you weren't qualified for this role."

Logan interjected, "But that is not what we are suggesting."

"No.  We want to offer you a position of editor/special reports in the Hartford office.  I know it's close to your family, so we thought it would make an appealing base for you.  I have a full contract here with specific duties.  It is a five year contract.  The general responsibilities of the position include: editing all articles before print, managing, assigning, and working with the staff, and special prominent interviews, like the Obama or Biden one you did.  It won't be much field work where you will be tracking down stories.  Yours will be mainly handed to you, prearranged.  There is also a fair amount of travel involved.  Each of our offices has a position similar to this.  The exact duties vary from site to site, person to person, but similar position.  You will be the only editor/manager that actually writes. I will need you to visit the other offices or take interviews wherever they can be set up.  I'm sure you will want to read it all over.  But does it sound like something you may be interested in?"  Mitchum asked.

"Yes, it sounds wonderful.  I really enjoyed being the editor of The Yale Daily News, so I know I enjoy those aspects of the job.  And I really appreciate the opportunity to write some of my own stories,"  Rory said.

"Well, it isn't really a favor.  It wouldn't be very smart of us to waste your writing skills,"  Logan said.  "You have a way with people and the patience to draw out a story."

"Thank you, Logan,"  Rory said.

"In the written offer, you will find the salary proposed.  I think we were quite generous.  I don't like negotiating.  I would rather make an offer and get what I want without the hassle,"  Mitchum said.  "But if you have objections or concerns, we can discuss it."

"I think you should find everything to your liking.  I worked on the details of this a bit myself, anticipating what you would want,"  Logan said.  "I am also based out of the Hartford office.  I manage the other offices from there.  I travel frequently though.  I may need you to come along sometimes, sort out other offices or assist in acquiring new ones."

"Speaking of, that Tallahassee paper I mentioned is looking like it may finally accept our offer, Logan.  I spoke with Whitman earlier today.  After the debate, I may need you to fly down, meet up with him, and seal that deal.  How's some time in Florida sound for your first assignment, Rory?"  Mitchum asked.

"If this stack of paperwork you gave me reads as good as it sounds, Florida sounds great,"  Rory said.

"Atta girl.  A toast to an almost sealed deal here then?"  he said as he raised his glass.  "Now,  how about we start with the shrimp scampi?"

They followed the shrimp scampi with more chianti.  Then their entrees arrived.  They kept the conversation light and festive throughout the meal.

"This has been a very pleasant evening.  I hope you will look over things soon, Rory.  I know it isn't giving you much time, but I would like to have you signed before I leave from this trip,"  Mitchum said.  "And I hope to see you for Thanksgiving."