Rory leaned up against a tree with her arms wrapped around herself, watching the wedding reception from a distance. She was happy for her mom and Luke. So happy. This had been a long time coming. And yet the nagging insecurities about the uncertainty of her own future kept her from joining in the festivities.
"It's about damn time" Jess said, walking up behind Rory with a beer in his hand. She leaped a bit in surprise, hand coming to rest over her heart.
She took a moment to study the man before her. At some point he had lost his suit coat and tie. And he had rolled his sleeves up passed his elbows. He looked so handsome, so put together despite his disheveled appearance.
"Yeah" she replied, a beat too late. "Honestly I can't believe it took them this long." They stood in silence for a moment, watching the party. "So I assume you're headed back to Philly as soon as this is all over." Rory stated, gesturing around them. For some reason the thought made her a bit sad… But perhaps that was just the hormones.
Jess smiled, taking a sip of his beer "Actually, I'm going to stick around for awhile. I promised Luke I'd help out at the dinner while they're on their honeymoon."
"Oh really?" She asked skeptically, trying to clamp down on the fluttery feeling that accompanied this knowledge. " Do you really think you can handle two full weeks of Stars Hallow?"
"I've done it before." Jess shrugged as though it wasn't a big deal.
"That was different." Rory countered, shaking her head. "You didn't have much choice then. But this… you actually volunteered?" After all this time he still managed to surprise her.
"I've come back to Stars Hollow of my own accord before." he reminded her.
"I know, but this is different..." she trailed, off trying not to think of the fact that she was the reason why he'd done it before. And judging by the way he was clenching his beer and the far off look in his eyes, he way trying to do the same.
"I don't know." Jess sighed, turning to look at her. "I guess, maybe I'm still trying to make up for everything Luke did for me. So if that means dealing with two weeks of Stars Hollow craziness, so be it." Two weeks… that would make this the longest amount of time they had both been in the same place since they had broken up. Or rather, since Jess disappeared, leaving her heartbroken.
"And hey, if nothing else it's fodder for your next book..." Rory replied, trying not to think of that summer.
"That's true" he chuckled, taking a sip of his beer. They fell into a companionable silence, enjoying one another's company while watching the entertainment that accompanied a Stars Hallow wedding.
"Do you want to dance?" he asked after a bit, nodding his head towards the congregation of flailing bodies.
"I appreciate the offer Jess but I'm actually not feeling well. I think I may bid my mom a goodnight and head home." Rory replied. Truthfully she felt fine, physically at least. A bit tired maybe but thankfully she had yet to experience any nausea. But her thoughts on the other hand were starting to wear on her. Plus, it wouldn't be long before someone noticed that she had yet to have a drink all evening and she certainly was not ready to deal with the questions that were sure to arise.
"Would you like me to walk you back if you're not feeling good?" He asked, surprised she was turning in so early. She must be feeling pretty horrible to miss out on something as important as the remainder of her mother's wedding reception.
"Thank you, but no" she smiled weakly. "Thank you for being here Jess." Rory said giving him a quick hug before turning away to find her mother.