Authors' Note: We forgot to mention before that we decided that for the purpose of our fic, Rory never had to interview Max on the real show. It's only because we're going to pretend that Rory still feels weird around him. Also, this chapter and the next chapter are going to have been going on simultaneously. This chapter is about Rory's night and the next chapter will be about Lorelai's night.
As for a disclaimer, well we don't own any of these characters, although we know them so well that wecould play them on the show if they asked us too. Especially Margaret, she is turning into Tristan! It's scary! lol
~*~
Tristan and Rory emerged from the diner, smiling and holding hands.
"So where are you leading me?" Tristan asked Rory.
"Well, that all depends on what you would like to do," Rory answered.
Tristan had to fight with himself to not respond to her question in an inappropriate way. "What is there to do in Stars Hollow?" Tristan asked, looking around the small town.
"Not too much…we can go to the bookstore and look around for hours…or we can rent some movies and bring them back to my house to watch…or we can sit in the gazebo and watch people go by and make up stories about them…and I think that's about it." Rory smiled and shrugged.
"Hmmm…what do you want to do?" Tristan asked smiling at her suggestions.
"Whatever you wanna do."
"No fair…you should have to choose!"
"Why?"
"Because…because it's your town!" Tristan smirked in triumph.
"Ah, yes, but you, dear Tristan, are my guest, and therefore you are the one who chooses the activity." It was Rory's turn to smirk.
Throughout the exchange, they had been walking towards the gazebo without even realizing it.
When they got there, they sat down next to each other.
"Well, I guess no one really has to decide anything now. Our feet decided that we were going to sit in the gazebo," Rory said.
They both laughed lightly just as Lane came up.
"Lane!" Rory said, glad to see her friend, but almost wishing she and Tristan could be alone. Then again, that was virtually impossible in Stars Hollow.
"Hey Rory." Lane said, then added this when she saw Tristan, "And hi Rory's friend. You must be Tristan."
"Yes, this is Tristan…how did you know we were here?" Rory questioned and then thought. "Oh no! Please don't tell me that you heard from Miss Patty and her gossip phone chain."
Lane just stood there with her head down, looking guilty.
"Oh no! Lane, do you realize what's going to happen now?" Rory was beginning to freak out.
Lane looked confused. "Yeah, the whole town of Stars Hollow is going to be here in about five minutes, wanting to meet Tristan. So what?"
Tristan looked confused. "Why is that such a big deal, Rory? I don't mind, if that's what you're worried about."
"No, it's not that. Lane, think about it. The entire town will know. The ENTIRE town…can't you think of a particular person that I wanted to stay away from?" Rory was officially freaking out.
Lane's eyes widened and after thinking about it for a minute, Tristan began to understand what they were talking about.
"So you're afraid that Dean's going to show up…" Tristan began as he looked up and saw Dean approaching. Dean didn't look like he was going to kill anyone, but then again, he didn't look too happy, either.
"Oh no." Rory said this slowly but then continued at a rapid pace. "Tristan, promise me that no matter what, you will not start a fight with him. I know that you two don't get along, but Dean and I were just starting to be friends after we broke up and I don't want to lose that. I don't want either of you to get hurt."
Tristan looked into Rory's eyes and knew that she needed this from him. He nodded slowly. "I promise."
"Lane, you might wanna leave," Rory told her friend out of concern. "I don't know what's going to happen."
Lane shook her head. "I'm not leaving. It'll be fine, Rory. You're overreacting."
By this time Dean was climbing up the stairs to the gazebo and Rory knew she had better start talking. "Hey Dean."
Dean looked at Rory and sort of half smiled. "Hey Rory." Then he turned to Tristan and frowned. 'So it's true. You're in Stars Hollow. What are you doing here?" He turned to Rory again. "Is this guy bothering you?"
"No, Dean, please relax. Please remember that we broke up. We're not together anymore. I want us to stay friends, cuz I don't wanna lose you, but for that to happen, I need you to not freak out and to give Tristan a chance. He's changed. He really has. You trust my opinion, don't you?" Rory spoke calmly, but inside every part of her body was tied up in knots.
Dean's face softened a little bit. "Of course I do, Rory."
Rory felt herself loosen a little bit. "Ok then, Dean, I'm going to tell you the truth, because lying won't get us anywhere. Tristan and I are going on a date tonight." Dean and Lane looked surprised at that new information and Tristan looked shocked that Rory told them. "Please don't get mad. You have to understand that you and I…we're not together anymore…I'm moving on. Be a friend and be happy for me. I'm not asking for you and Tristan to be best friends or anything, I just want you to get along for my sake. Maybe eventually you'll even become friends. Just call a truce. I'm asking that from both of you."
Dean didn't know what to say. He turned to Tristan and hesitated. After a pause he held out his hand. Tristan looked down, surprised, but accepted the gesture and the two shook hands.
Dean finally spoke. "This doesn't mean that I like you, but it's for Rory and she's still really important to me."
"I feel the same way. Let's just try and get along," Tristan answered. Dean nodded in agreement.
Rory beamed. "Thank you: both of you. Seriously, I can't tell you how much that means to me."
After a moment of awkward silence, Lane spoke. "Well, Rory, I have to go. My mother will probably think I went off to some stripper club in Hartford with you and your mom."
Rory smiled. "K. See ya later."
"See ya." Lane smiled and waved as she walked away.
The three remaining people looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Finally Rory spoke. "You know what? Tristan and I should probably get going. All of Stars Hollow will probably show up within seconds and I'd like to try and prevent that from happening."
"Sure. I'll talk to ya later Rory," Dean said and began walking away.
"Bye Dean," Rory called. Dean turned around for a second and waved, than continued on his way.
Rory turned to Tristan with a big grin on her face. When he saw that, he couldn't help but smiling either. She threw her arms around him. "Oh my God! I can't believe that just happened! Thank you! Thank you SO much!"
Tristan was surprised at her action, but he smiled and decided to enjoy standing there holding her. "You're welcome. I can't believe you told them that we're going on a date."
Rory pulled away slowly and looked at him questioningly. "Was that a bad thing to do?"
Tristan saw the fear in her eyes and quickly tried to chase it away. "No! God no! I just wasn't sure if you really wanted the whole date thing." He looked down.
Rory pulled up his chin and looked into his eyes. "But I do." She replied simply, knowing that would be enough.
Tristan couldn't help himself any longer. He bent his head down and gently met his lips with hers.
Rory couldn't believe that happened. At first she didn't know what to do, whether she should break the kiss or not. Then she gave up fighting and enjoyed it.
When they broke. They looked at each other and smiled. It wasn't until they heard applause that they saw half the town gathered around the gazebo, watching them. Rory turned bright red and Tristan looked surprised. Then Rory did what she thought her mother would do: she bowed. Everyone laughed and began to go back to what they had originally been doing. Rory was actually surprised that her mother wasn't there. Where could she be?
Tristan snapped Rory out of her daze by speaking. "That was amazing!"
Rory smiled. "The kiss or how I cleared the town away?"
"Both!" Tristan felt like he was dreaming. Everything just seemed perfect.
Rory laughed lightly. "Well, yeah the kiss was amazing, but I expected that. And my clearing of the town?" She shrugged. "I only did what I thought my mom would do in a situation like this."
"Speaking of Lorelai…where do you think she is? I would expect her to have been first in line to watch us." Tristan was a little puzzled by this.
"I'm not sure. And I thought the same thing. She probably was busy trying to get coffee out of Luke or something." Rory shrugged it off. She didn't mind that her mother wasn't there to see her kiss Tristan. "Anyways, what would you like to do? I'm voting for a movie back at my house. It's already three, so I only really have an hour before I have to start getting ready."
"The movie sounds good, but why do you need so much time to get ready?" Tristan was a little confused.
"Because I want to look extra beautiful." Rory smiled.
"You already are beyond beautiful." Tristan said this sincerely.
Rory was touched at how sweet he could be. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Throughout this conversation, they had been starting to walk home. So, about fifteen minutes later they arrived back at Rory's house. They entered the living room and Rory yelled out to her mom. "MOM! We're home! Are you here?" When she received no answer she shrugged and said, "She must be at Sookie's or something. She'll be back eventually. Anyways…what do you wanna watch?"
Tristan shrugged. "I don't care. It's your choice."
Rory grinned evilly. "That was not a smart move, just warning you. And I want to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love the oompa loompas!"
Tristan rolled his eyes. "Those things used to scare the heck out of me when I was little."
Rory grinned evilly again. "Well, if you haven't done so already, this is the perfect time to conquer that fear."
"You're evil! And mean!" Tristan pouted.
"Yup!" Rory answered gleefully.
Tristan continued to pout like a five-year old. Rory rolled her eyes and sat on the couch. She patted the spot next to her. "Come here and sit. I promise to protect you during the scary oompa loompa parts."
Tristan immediately smiled and sat on the couch next to Rory, putting his arm around her. They both stared at the blank television screen and looked at each other. "Uh…Rory…It may help if you put the tape in…" They burst out laughing and Rory got up to put the tape in the VCR.
Tristan and Rory sat through the whole movie (with Rory "protecting" Tristan during the oompa loompa parts). When it was over, Rory looked at the clock and saw that it was four-thirty and said, "I have to get ready. It won't take too long, I promise. You can use the bathroom upstairs to get changed and wash your face or whatever you need to do."
"Ok. Sounds good," Tristan replied and went out to his car to get his other clothes.
Rory walked to her room and shut the door.
An hour later, Rory emerged from the same door dressed in the dress that her mother had helped her choose earlier. Her hair was up, almost like it had been for the dance. She had on a light coat of makeup.
Tristan sat on the couch watching TV. He was wearing nice blue slacks and a white shirt with a tie. When he looked up and saw Rory, he was breathtaken. He stood up and walked over to her and said, "You look amazing."
Rory blushed lightly and replied, "You don't look so bad yourself."
They both smiled kind of nervously and Tristan held out his arm. "Shall we go milady?" Rory took his outstretched arm and they walked out the door.
They arrived at a quaint Italian restaurant called Antonio's about a half-hour later.
While they climbed out of the car, Tristan said, "I hope you like this place. I personally think it's the best Italian restaurant in the Hartford area. It's always been my favorite."
Rory smiled. "It looks excellent. I can't wait to see the inside."
They entered the restaurant and walked up to the hostess, who smiled and welcomed them. "Ah, Master DuGrey. How lovely to see you back! We have your favorite table reserved as usual. Please follow me." She led them to a table right next to a window that overlooked a lake, put menus down, and then left.
Rory was looking around in amazement when Tristan pulled out her chair like a gentleman. She smiled and said, "Thank you," as she took her seat.
Tristan seated himself across from her and watched as she looked out the window in awe of the beautiful view.
She spoke finally. "I see now why you love this place so much. It's amazing!"
Tristan laughed lightly. "And you haven't even had the food yet."
Rory frowned slightly. "I have no idea what I should order! I've never been to a place like this before."
"Well, I'll help you. And please order whatever you like, it's my treat," Tristan said generously.
Rory blushed. "Are you sure? I have money…"
Tristan interrupted her. "Rory, I want to buy you dinner." He said it so simply and sweetly that Rory couldn't refuse and simply nodded her head, smiling.
About and hour later, they were almost through with their meal and were talking.
"So, do you want to get desert here or stop at Luke's on the way back?" Rory asked.
"Well, although the meals here are delicious, the deserts tend to be boring. I would much rather some ice cream," Tristan answered, hoping that was what Rory wanted.
"Mmm…me too! And some coffee!" She smiled.
When the waitress came over, they asked for the check and left. Tristan nervously put his arm around Rory, but then relaxed when he saw that she didn't mind.
In the car, they talked about Chilton and then eventually got around to the subject of Max.
"Tell me the truth, did you want your mom to marry Max?" Tristan wasn't sure if he should ask, but he did anyway.
Rory thought for a moment. "No one's ever asked me that, well except for my mom and I always told her I did. And I mean, I like Max A LOT, and I got attached to him. But quite honestly, I don't think I ever did. I mean, I like things the way they are, with just my mom and me. And for some reason, I don't think that things would be the same if Max moved in. I just get the impression that he was more controlling and stuff, and that's not how my mom and I live. It might be different someday, if it's someone that I've known forever and that I know I can really trust."
Tristan nodded. "I understand. Has your mom dated anyone else since Max?"
Rory shook her head. "No, I don't think she's found anyone she really likes. And I think she's being extra cautious because she doesn't want me to get attached again. She thinks that she'll mess a relationship up."
"Do you still feel weird around Max?" Tristan asked, concerned.
"Well, kinda. Cuz I kinda miss having him around. And I feel bad for him. Mom must have really hurt him, although I know she didn't mean to."
"You need to talk to him. I'm sure he's not mad at you or your mom. It would make you feel better," Tristan tried to persuade her.
She thought for a moment. "Ok. I will. Just give me a little time. I have to talk to my mom too."
He nodded. "Absolutely."
They pulled into a parking space by Luke's and got out of the car. They walked into the diner. Rory was surprised to see Jess there all by himself.
As for a disclaimer, well we don't own any of these characters, although we know them so well that wecould play them on the show if they asked us too. Especially Margaret, she is turning into Tristan! It's scary! lol
~*~
Tristan and Rory emerged from the diner, smiling and holding hands.
"So where are you leading me?" Tristan asked Rory.
"Well, that all depends on what you would like to do," Rory answered.
Tristan had to fight with himself to not respond to her question in an inappropriate way. "What is there to do in Stars Hollow?" Tristan asked, looking around the small town.
"Not too much…we can go to the bookstore and look around for hours…or we can rent some movies and bring them back to my house to watch…or we can sit in the gazebo and watch people go by and make up stories about them…and I think that's about it." Rory smiled and shrugged.
"Hmmm…what do you want to do?" Tristan asked smiling at her suggestions.
"Whatever you wanna do."
"No fair…you should have to choose!"
"Why?"
"Because…because it's your town!" Tristan smirked in triumph.
"Ah, yes, but you, dear Tristan, are my guest, and therefore you are the one who chooses the activity." It was Rory's turn to smirk.
Throughout the exchange, they had been walking towards the gazebo without even realizing it.
When they got there, they sat down next to each other.
"Well, I guess no one really has to decide anything now. Our feet decided that we were going to sit in the gazebo," Rory said.
They both laughed lightly just as Lane came up.
"Lane!" Rory said, glad to see her friend, but almost wishing she and Tristan could be alone. Then again, that was virtually impossible in Stars Hollow.
"Hey Rory." Lane said, then added this when she saw Tristan, "And hi Rory's friend. You must be Tristan."
"Yes, this is Tristan…how did you know we were here?" Rory questioned and then thought. "Oh no! Please don't tell me that you heard from Miss Patty and her gossip phone chain."
Lane just stood there with her head down, looking guilty.
"Oh no! Lane, do you realize what's going to happen now?" Rory was beginning to freak out.
Lane looked confused. "Yeah, the whole town of Stars Hollow is going to be here in about five minutes, wanting to meet Tristan. So what?"
Tristan looked confused. "Why is that such a big deal, Rory? I don't mind, if that's what you're worried about."
"No, it's not that. Lane, think about it. The entire town will know. The ENTIRE town…can't you think of a particular person that I wanted to stay away from?" Rory was officially freaking out.
Lane's eyes widened and after thinking about it for a minute, Tristan began to understand what they were talking about.
"So you're afraid that Dean's going to show up…" Tristan began as he looked up and saw Dean approaching. Dean didn't look like he was going to kill anyone, but then again, he didn't look too happy, either.
"Oh no." Rory said this slowly but then continued at a rapid pace. "Tristan, promise me that no matter what, you will not start a fight with him. I know that you two don't get along, but Dean and I were just starting to be friends after we broke up and I don't want to lose that. I don't want either of you to get hurt."
Tristan looked into Rory's eyes and knew that she needed this from him. He nodded slowly. "I promise."
"Lane, you might wanna leave," Rory told her friend out of concern. "I don't know what's going to happen."
Lane shook her head. "I'm not leaving. It'll be fine, Rory. You're overreacting."
By this time Dean was climbing up the stairs to the gazebo and Rory knew she had better start talking. "Hey Dean."
Dean looked at Rory and sort of half smiled. "Hey Rory." Then he turned to Tristan and frowned. 'So it's true. You're in Stars Hollow. What are you doing here?" He turned to Rory again. "Is this guy bothering you?"
"No, Dean, please relax. Please remember that we broke up. We're not together anymore. I want us to stay friends, cuz I don't wanna lose you, but for that to happen, I need you to not freak out and to give Tristan a chance. He's changed. He really has. You trust my opinion, don't you?" Rory spoke calmly, but inside every part of her body was tied up in knots.
Dean's face softened a little bit. "Of course I do, Rory."
Rory felt herself loosen a little bit. "Ok then, Dean, I'm going to tell you the truth, because lying won't get us anywhere. Tristan and I are going on a date tonight." Dean and Lane looked surprised at that new information and Tristan looked shocked that Rory told them. "Please don't get mad. You have to understand that you and I…we're not together anymore…I'm moving on. Be a friend and be happy for me. I'm not asking for you and Tristan to be best friends or anything, I just want you to get along for my sake. Maybe eventually you'll even become friends. Just call a truce. I'm asking that from both of you."
Dean didn't know what to say. He turned to Tristan and hesitated. After a pause he held out his hand. Tristan looked down, surprised, but accepted the gesture and the two shook hands.
Dean finally spoke. "This doesn't mean that I like you, but it's for Rory and she's still really important to me."
"I feel the same way. Let's just try and get along," Tristan answered. Dean nodded in agreement.
Rory beamed. "Thank you: both of you. Seriously, I can't tell you how much that means to me."
After a moment of awkward silence, Lane spoke. "Well, Rory, I have to go. My mother will probably think I went off to some stripper club in Hartford with you and your mom."
Rory smiled. "K. See ya later."
"See ya." Lane smiled and waved as she walked away.
The three remaining people looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Finally Rory spoke. "You know what? Tristan and I should probably get going. All of Stars Hollow will probably show up within seconds and I'd like to try and prevent that from happening."
"Sure. I'll talk to ya later Rory," Dean said and began walking away.
"Bye Dean," Rory called. Dean turned around for a second and waved, than continued on his way.
Rory turned to Tristan with a big grin on her face. When he saw that, he couldn't help but smiling either. She threw her arms around him. "Oh my God! I can't believe that just happened! Thank you! Thank you SO much!"
Tristan was surprised at her action, but he smiled and decided to enjoy standing there holding her. "You're welcome. I can't believe you told them that we're going on a date."
Rory pulled away slowly and looked at him questioningly. "Was that a bad thing to do?"
Tristan saw the fear in her eyes and quickly tried to chase it away. "No! God no! I just wasn't sure if you really wanted the whole date thing." He looked down.
Rory pulled up his chin and looked into his eyes. "But I do." She replied simply, knowing that would be enough.
Tristan couldn't help himself any longer. He bent his head down and gently met his lips with hers.
Rory couldn't believe that happened. At first she didn't know what to do, whether she should break the kiss or not. Then she gave up fighting and enjoyed it.
When they broke. They looked at each other and smiled. It wasn't until they heard applause that they saw half the town gathered around the gazebo, watching them. Rory turned bright red and Tristan looked surprised. Then Rory did what she thought her mother would do: she bowed. Everyone laughed and began to go back to what they had originally been doing. Rory was actually surprised that her mother wasn't there. Where could she be?
Tristan snapped Rory out of her daze by speaking. "That was amazing!"
Rory smiled. "The kiss or how I cleared the town away?"
"Both!" Tristan felt like he was dreaming. Everything just seemed perfect.
Rory laughed lightly. "Well, yeah the kiss was amazing, but I expected that. And my clearing of the town?" She shrugged. "I only did what I thought my mom would do in a situation like this."
"Speaking of Lorelai…where do you think she is? I would expect her to have been first in line to watch us." Tristan was a little puzzled by this.
"I'm not sure. And I thought the same thing. She probably was busy trying to get coffee out of Luke or something." Rory shrugged it off. She didn't mind that her mother wasn't there to see her kiss Tristan. "Anyways, what would you like to do? I'm voting for a movie back at my house. It's already three, so I only really have an hour before I have to start getting ready."
"The movie sounds good, but why do you need so much time to get ready?" Tristan was a little confused.
"Because I want to look extra beautiful." Rory smiled.
"You already are beyond beautiful." Tristan said this sincerely.
Rory was touched at how sweet he could be. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Throughout this conversation, they had been starting to walk home. So, about fifteen minutes later they arrived back at Rory's house. They entered the living room and Rory yelled out to her mom. "MOM! We're home! Are you here?" When she received no answer she shrugged and said, "She must be at Sookie's or something. She'll be back eventually. Anyways…what do you wanna watch?"
Tristan shrugged. "I don't care. It's your choice."
Rory grinned evilly. "That was not a smart move, just warning you. And I want to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love the oompa loompas!"
Tristan rolled his eyes. "Those things used to scare the heck out of me when I was little."
Rory grinned evilly again. "Well, if you haven't done so already, this is the perfect time to conquer that fear."
"You're evil! And mean!" Tristan pouted.
"Yup!" Rory answered gleefully.
Tristan continued to pout like a five-year old. Rory rolled her eyes and sat on the couch. She patted the spot next to her. "Come here and sit. I promise to protect you during the scary oompa loompa parts."
Tristan immediately smiled and sat on the couch next to Rory, putting his arm around her. They both stared at the blank television screen and looked at each other. "Uh…Rory…It may help if you put the tape in…" They burst out laughing and Rory got up to put the tape in the VCR.
Tristan and Rory sat through the whole movie (with Rory "protecting" Tristan during the oompa loompa parts). When it was over, Rory looked at the clock and saw that it was four-thirty and said, "I have to get ready. It won't take too long, I promise. You can use the bathroom upstairs to get changed and wash your face or whatever you need to do."
"Ok. Sounds good," Tristan replied and went out to his car to get his other clothes.
Rory walked to her room and shut the door.
An hour later, Rory emerged from the same door dressed in the dress that her mother had helped her choose earlier. Her hair was up, almost like it had been for the dance. She had on a light coat of makeup.
Tristan sat on the couch watching TV. He was wearing nice blue slacks and a white shirt with a tie. When he looked up and saw Rory, he was breathtaken. He stood up and walked over to her and said, "You look amazing."
Rory blushed lightly and replied, "You don't look so bad yourself."
They both smiled kind of nervously and Tristan held out his arm. "Shall we go milady?" Rory took his outstretched arm and they walked out the door.
They arrived at a quaint Italian restaurant called Antonio's about a half-hour later.
While they climbed out of the car, Tristan said, "I hope you like this place. I personally think it's the best Italian restaurant in the Hartford area. It's always been my favorite."
Rory smiled. "It looks excellent. I can't wait to see the inside."
They entered the restaurant and walked up to the hostess, who smiled and welcomed them. "Ah, Master DuGrey. How lovely to see you back! We have your favorite table reserved as usual. Please follow me." She led them to a table right next to a window that overlooked a lake, put menus down, and then left.
Rory was looking around in amazement when Tristan pulled out her chair like a gentleman. She smiled and said, "Thank you," as she took her seat.
Tristan seated himself across from her and watched as she looked out the window in awe of the beautiful view.
She spoke finally. "I see now why you love this place so much. It's amazing!"
Tristan laughed lightly. "And you haven't even had the food yet."
Rory frowned slightly. "I have no idea what I should order! I've never been to a place like this before."
"Well, I'll help you. And please order whatever you like, it's my treat," Tristan said generously.
Rory blushed. "Are you sure? I have money…"
Tristan interrupted her. "Rory, I want to buy you dinner." He said it so simply and sweetly that Rory couldn't refuse and simply nodded her head, smiling.
About and hour later, they were almost through with their meal and were talking.
"So, do you want to get desert here or stop at Luke's on the way back?" Rory asked.
"Well, although the meals here are delicious, the deserts tend to be boring. I would much rather some ice cream," Tristan answered, hoping that was what Rory wanted.
"Mmm…me too! And some coffee!" She smiled.
When the waitress came over, they asked for the check and left. Tristan nervously put his arm around Rory, but then relaxed when he saw that she didn't mind.
In the car, they talked about Chilton and then eventually got around to the subject of Max.
"Tell me the truth, did you want your mom to marry Max?" Tristan wasn't sure if he should ask, but he did anyway.
Rory thought for a moment. "No one's ever asked me that, well except for my mom and I always told her I did. And I mean, I like Max A LOT, and I got attached to him. But quite honestly, I don't think I ever did. I mean, I like things the way they are, with just my mom and me. And for some reason, I don't think that things would be the same if Max moved in. I just get the impression that he was more controlling and stuff, and that's not how my mom and I live. It might be different someday, if it's someone that I've known forever and that I know I can really trust."
Tristan nodded. "I understand. Has your mom dated anyone else since Max?"
Rory shook her head. "No, I don't think she's found anyone she really likes. And I think she's being extra cautious because she doesn't want me to get attached again. She thinks that she'll mess a relationship up."
"Do you still feel weird around Max?" Tristan asked, concerned.
"Well, kinda. Cuz I kinda miss having him around. And I feel bad for him. Mom must have really hurt him, although I know she didn't mean to."
"You need to talk to him. I'm sure he's not mad at you or your mom. It would make you feel better," Tristan tried to persuade her.
She thought for a moment. "Ok. I will. Just give me a little time. I have to talk to my mom too."
He nodded. "Absolutely."
They pulled into a parking space by Luke's and got out of the car. They walked into the diner. Rory was surprised to see Jess there all by himself.
