Tristan did seem to be avoiding Rory because she didn't run into him for most of the rest of the week. She still felt guilty for betraying Jess's trust, so she called him every day after school to let him know which days she would be home and which days she had to stay after. Paris was still no closer to coming up with a really good story but for now there were no more extra meetings.
Rory and Jess had been able to spend some time together, although they hadn't managed to have much alone time. Rory was still conflicted about sleeping with Jess. Her body had a strong physical reaction when she was around him. She felt flushed and tingly when they kissed and it was getting harder to stop. She felt ready, but was he?
These thoughts were going through her head when she bumped into Tristan in the hall.
He stopped her before she could speak. "Before you say anything, I want to tell you that I'm not giving up on you. Your boyfriend is a psycho and you and I belong together."
"Tristan, go away. It isn't even a choice for me, I want to be with Jess."
"No, Rory, I know you don't. Just don't dismiss me before you give us a chance. Please."
Tristan looked intently at her, and she felt herself wilting under his gaze. His eyes looked so intense.
"Tristan, I'm not going to talk about this with you here. So just go."
Rory turned around to leave herself, and as she did Tristan slipped something into her bag without her noticing. He hoped she would find it when she was alone, and that it might change her mind about him.
Rory went home angry at Tristan for ruining everything. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? She didn't know if she should tell Jess. It would only bother him and he couldn't do anything about it, and this time there was no fault on her end, so she really wasn't keeping anything from him. She decided not to mention it and just have a nice time that night with Jess.
And they did have a nice time. Luke had to meet with some bankers so he left Ceasar in charge of the diner. Rory and Jess had some quality time upstairs by themselves. They tried to watch tv, talk about books, but ended up with their clothes in disarray, breathing heavily and wanting to go farther. But Rory held back, still uncertain. Jess didn't push her, but instead offered that to spend more time together they could work on their homework together.
Rory agreed and opened her back. And that was when she saw it, the small black velvety box. She picked it up curiously, opened it to find a diamond necklace. And a note from Tristan. She shut the box quickly, angrily.
Jess took it from her and looked. The note was simple, it just said "To Rory from Tristan" but it was enough to make him see red. Now this punk was trying to bribe her away from him? So the kid had money, so what?
But Jess determined to put an end to it, once and for all. All the anger and frustration that had been building in him, not just now but his whole life seemed to surface suddenly.
Rory tried to stammer something, but had no explanation.
"Did you know this was in there?" Jess asked.
Rory shook her head. "And is there anything you aren't telling me?" Jess pressed.
"He tried to talk to me today but I left. Thats all."
Jess nodded, knowing she was telling the truth. "Then it doesn't matter." he said.
Rory leaned in to kiss him again. "Thanks for believing me. I really want nothing to do with him."
Jess nodded tightly. "It's okay, I believe you. And hopefully he will get tired of these games soon."
