Rory sat frozen, her heart beating a mile a minute in her throat.  She knew that voice.  She dreamed of that voice.  She saw Peggy's eyes go wide looking at the person standing behind her.  She forced herself to slowly turn around.  And there he was.  Logan looked exactly the same.  His hair may have been a little longer or it may have just been messed up from the breeze.  He was dressed casually in khaki shorts and a plain white polo shirt.

"Logan!" she managed to squeak out.

Logan gave her a brief impersonal hug, "Hello, Rory.  I saw your article on Michelle Obama and the girls. It was very good.  I knew you were working with Hugo Grey, wasn't sure if I would see you on this leg of the trail.  Are you staying at this hotel too?"

"Ummm...no.  I mean, no, we aren't staying here.  We don't stay in places like this. We're at the Days Inn, not here.  Not that this isn't a nice place.  It looks very nice.  The drinks are good.  I've only had half of one, but it's good so far.  But, no, we aren't staying here, no," Rory stuttered.

Peggy just stared at Rory.  She had never seen Rory so completely flustered and babbling.  She quickly introduced herself, "Hello.  My name is Margaret, Peggy, Ryan.  I work and bunk with Rory.  Forgive me for being so forward, but it is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Huntzberger."

Logan extended his hand, " Please call me Logan.  It is nice to meet you as well.  Would you ladies care to join me for a drink. Another one, Rory?  Maybe a full one this time?" he winked at Rory.

Rory turned a bright shade of crimson and just nodded.  Logan pulled a chair from a neighboring table and sat down. He saw a man wave to him across the room.  Then he said, " Excuse me just a moment.  I need to tell my associates I will be abandoning them for a little bit."

As soon as he left the table, Peggy said, "Oh my God!  Are you ok? Should be just leave?"

"No! We can't just leave now.  That would be awful.  I wasn't expecting to see him so soon.  I can try to act normal for a drink," Rory said.

Peggy laughed, " You sure as hell couldn't a minute ago!"

Rory kicked her lightly under the table as Logan returned to the table.  "My apologies, ladies.  I told my associates I would join them for dinner shortly.  So, what are we drinking?" Logan said as he signaled the waiter. 

The conversation was light, mainly concerning the election.  Rory managed to get over her shock and pull herself together.  But she kept finding herself just looking at Logan and thinking back.  She knew that even though a year had gone by, her feelings hadn't changed.  She was still madly in love with this man.  He seemed the same, yet different.  He was still the same polite, funny Logan.  But she sensed he had grown up.  There was an air of maturity about him now.  He was more reserved in his speaking. While she had once known everything he was thinking, she could no longer tell what was on his mind.  She wondered what he thought when he looked at her.  Was there anger or hurt beneath his smile?  Was he holding up the conversation out of obligation and manners or was he even a bit happy to see her?

"Well, ladies, this has been very pleasant, but I must go join my party now," Logan said.

Peggy got up from her chair and shook his hand, " It was a pleasure meeting you, Logan.  I'll let you and Rory say your goodbyes while I go freshen up."  She made a quick retreat from the table but looked back and gave Rory a sly smile.

Alone at the table, a bit of awkwardness settled in.  It was as if they both had things they wanted to say, but said nothing.  Finally Logan broke the silence.  "As I said, I really do have to get going.  It was good to see you again, Rory,"  Logan said and kissed her hand.

Rory just stared at him and nodded. "Alright then, I guess I will see you around," Logan said with a mildly disappointed look on his face.  He turned and began to walk away.

"Logan?" Rory said.

He stopped and turned around.  "Yes?"

"It was really good to see you again too. I kind of hoped I would bump into you," Rory said shyly.

He gave her his heart-melting-Logan-Huntzberger smile and said, "Days Inn, huh? Bye, Ace."

When she nodded, he smiled and walked away.