Matthew and Maj have settled into the work that needs to be done for Truncheon as twilight has taken firm hold outside. Jess pulls Matthew's car into the lot next to Maj's car. Rory instantly recognizes the BMW and the likelihood of its owner being inside. Rory knew to expect to run into Maj but had hoped that she could keep this time with Jess just for her. Jess again rounds the car to assist Rory to her feet. Sports cars were not exactly designed with expectant mothers in mind, cars like Matt's were built for quarter life crisis.
The opening door focuses Matt and Maj's attention on the arrival of Jess and Rory. Matt is trying to figure out the timeline of the day realizing that Jess and Rory were gone for almost nine hours. Rory smiles offering a hello to Maj. Something in Maj's expression reveals a quick glimpse of a tell that Jess notes. He is not sure how to read it given that it was quickly concealed but he definitely noted its manifestation.
Rory takes the seat in front of Jess' desk while Jess takes a seat on the corner of his desk. Rory pulls out the manuscript from her bag. Jess is actually surprised that it is a printed copy over a flash drive. Jess signs it off to Rory just deciding do this old school. Jess sets the copy into his inbox for later. It has occurred to him that it is a little late for Rory to start back towards Stars Hollow and is wondering what her plan was for the night. Jess is almost afraid to ask as Maj and Matt wrap up their work. The pair round to the front of Matthew's desk with each taking a corner like a pair of Fairchild bookends.
Rory acknowledges the strong familial features across their faces. There is no mistaking that Maj and Matthew are siblings and the definitive age gap with Matt being much closer to their collective ages. Rory takes in Maj. Maj is dressed in an elegant suit. Her look is expensive, polished and refined. Maj drips of professional power. A twinge of jealously rises and falls in Rory.
Matthew is the one to finally break the ice with Rory's plans for the rest of the day. "So Rory are you staying in the city tonight?" Honestly Rory did not have a plan and as the time passed in the day, her plan became to stay at Jess' and to leave in the morning. Rory decides to allow for Jess to offer up an invitation. "Oh, honestly, I had not planned on staying this long so I did not really have a plan." Jess suddenly realizes that he is Rory's plan. Matthew can feel the growing tension in Maj. Something about this situation is unsettling his sister a bit which is triggering his protective nature. As Jess realizes that he was Rory's plan and plans to make the offer of a place to stay, Matt throws a misguided if not well intended solution on the table. "Maj has tons of room, why don't you crash at Maj's brownstone?"
Jess tries unsuccessfully to get a read on Maj as Matt's offer hangs in the air. With a rapier sharp assessment of potential outcomes, Maj realizes that she would rather Rory stay with her than alone with Jess. "Sure, I have plenty of room, you are welcome to stay at my place." Jess is actually stunned as to how quickly Maj backed up Matt's misguided offer. It was a little too quick. Rory is stunned but currently it is the only offer on the table as Jess clarifies with Maj. "You sure? I mean Rory is always welcome to stay at my place."
Maj smiles warmly at Jess and Rory while reaffirming her offer. "My place is much more suited to her needs over the bachelor pad." Maj winks at Jess. "Why don't you grab some food for us at Wong's and meet us at my place. Rory did you drive?" Maj puts the plan in motion with her words that are offered in the form of instructional commands.
Rory acknowledges that she drove into the city. Maj unhooks her house keys from her car keys with the plan to ride over with Rory in Rory's car. Maj hands Jess her car keys so that Rory does not need to follow her through Philly traffic. Jess is still stunned and wondering what exactly Maj is up to. Matthew decides that the floor show at Maj's will not be missed and tells Jess to include him in on the dinner plans with a smile as he taps Jess in the chest on his way out the door. Jess mumbles back to Matthew. "You are enjoying this too much." Which Matthew adds with a wicked smile. "Depends on what is much?"
Rory hands Maj her keys since she does not feel like navigating the city traffic and Maj already knows the way home. The pair share a quiet but not quite uncomfortable ride to Maj's house. To Rory's surprise, Maj has a garage which is rare in any city. Maj pulls Rory's car off to the side to allow for enough space for Jess to get her car into the garage. They actually enter Maj's house from the rear and Rory is unsure what to expect. Maj opens the rear door to reveal a mud room which leads to a small staircase to the first floor. Rory is stunned by Maj's home. It is narrow like most city brownstones but it is beautifully restored and decorated. The twinge of jealousy rises again in Rory without the fade. Maj is only about 10 years older than her but is light years ahead when it comes to career. Rory acknowledges that Maj is a named partner at her firm. It is prevalent on the business card shared on her rescue. Rory also acknowledges that Maj is self made. Maj did not come from opulent beginnings. Maj created this world from the ground up and that annoys the hell out of Rory.
Maj graciously escorts Rory to the sitting area which is lined with built in bookshelves with an impressive collection of books. Maj taps a switch to light the fireplace which makes the room infinitely cozy. Rory walks the wall reading the titles as Maj heads into the kitchen to grab a tray of drinks. Rory takes in the titles along with glances into the adjacent rooms before settling into a grand chair and a half with an ottoman. The walking of the day has taken its toll as she removes her shoes to prop her feet and swollen ankles.
Maj returns with iced tea on a serving tray, offering a glass to Rory. "Are you enjoying the city?" Maj breaks the silence with small talk. Rory proceeds to share the story of brunch and the museum with Maj but not offering in the reason behind her sudden appearance. The women talk of art for the duration of the time before Jess arrives. To Rory's surprise, Jess walks right in which means that he must have his own key to Maj's house. Jess was in the kitchen already when Matt hit the top of the stairs.
Maj flips on the lights in her dining room to reveal another beautiful space with boxed window seats like the living room and a coffered ceiling. The traditional woodwork is set off with modern furnishing that highlight the juxtaposition of the new with the old. Maj motions for Rory to follow and have a seat while the others gather the wares for a proper dinner. As they bring out the food, Rory is touched that Jess remembered her favorite dish. The dinner is surprisingly uneventful if even comfortable and fun. The conversation is interesting and Rory is enjoying getting to know a little more about Jess' world at Truncheon. After dinner and clean up, Matt offers Jess a ride home. Jess is torn as whether to leave this pair alone together unsupervised. Matthew was so kind as to mention the collision of his past and present with these two women which is weighing heavy on Jess' mind at the moment. Matthew and Maj know all too well from participation in the aftermath of Rory's affect and impact on Jess' soul.