Disclaimer- Gilmore Girls and the characters associated with the show are not mine.
Chapter Nine: Pushing To Revelation
Tristan wandered around Truncheon, pulling out books, sliding them back. Waiting for the dark haired man to approach. He wasn't sure why he was here. He already knew more about Jess than what Rory had told him. More than Rory knew. Jess had lived a dangerous life, and Tristan dug deep to make sure Jess was out of it. He was satisfied, but he wanted this meeting.
"Can I help you find anything, or are you casing the joint," Jess asked, trying to keep his sarcasm under control. He hated browsers who didn't end up with an armful of books, and this guy had been browsing for almost an hour.
"Casing the joint, or more specifically, you," Tristan replied, smirking.
"Interesting, but I don't swing that way," Jess said, trying to keep his expression blank.
"No, I know you don't," Tristan laughed. "Neither do I, we have a friend in common. Well, I have a friend. I'm not sure what you have yet. One of the reasons I'm here."
"Well, since I'm not dating anyone, I don't think I'm in the 'other guy' position, who's your friend?" Jess asked the blond standing in front of him, looking him over, assessing his clothes. The guy had money. Shit. Narrowing his eyes, he searched his memory comparing it to the blond dick in his head. Coming up blank. It wasn't him. This wasn't about Rory.
"Why aren't you dating anyone?" Tristan asked, "Why haven't you seriously dated anyone in years. Your girls last a couple of months, maybe, and then you send them on their way with an 'I wish it could be different, it's not you, it's me' statement."
"Who the hell are you? Brother to someone I dated? You're pissing me off and I'd like to know who I'm throwing out," Jess said, anger lacing his voice.
"I'm someone's friend, and although it might be fun to put you in your place, I wouldn't recommend getting physical. You're scrappy, you've had a shitty life, spent some time on the streets, and I know you're familiar with how to throw a punch, but I've had years of training. Finely oiled government machine here. So your 'it's me' statements… why? Are you in love with someone? That would be my guess, and I'd like to know if I'm right. It would ease my mind, make me go away faster."
"I'm all for making you go away faster, but I'm curious now as to what you think you know about me. And where you got this information, who's your friend?" Jess asked again, frustrated.
"I've had some research done. I have a nice file full of interviews, info and habits. Beginning with birth. Dad- Jimmy, mom- Liz. I know almost everything, including your time in New York. As a teen and after California. By the way, your mom is clean, no drugs, very seldom if ever drinks. Your sister, Doula, is safe, living an odd life, but safe," Tristan said, still smirking. Jess was tense, soon he'd be angry and then Tristan would know.
"Am I supposed to thank you? Let me try this again. Who. Is. Your. Friend?"
"Tell me why you don't date. Are you still in love with Gilmore comma Lorelai, aka Rory, New York Times reporter, former overseas correspondent? She's the last person you dated for more than two months. A couple of our interviews indicated something happened in 2006 when she came to your open house. Something that sent you into a downward spiral. Is she the one who got away, the one you compare all others to, the one you pine for?"
"None of your damn business. Get the hell out of my building or I'll call the cops," Jess snarled, fists clenched at his sides. Tristan laughed.
"Go ahead. I've got a badge which will send them running," Tristan replied, irritating Jess into a state of fury. Right where Tristan wanted him. "Answer the question and I'll go. Why do you send your dates packing, why are you Mr. One Night Stand Man?"
"Because I love her dammit!" Jess yelled, frustrated. "You're right. I still love Rory."
"Now was that so hard?"
"Who's your friend?" Jess asked, weary of the games.
"Mary." Tristan replied with a smile as he headed to the door. Jess watched him, forehead wrinkled in confusion.
"But I don't know a Mary!" he yelled, as the blond laughed and waved goodbye.
