LORELAI

I had almost fallen asleep while talking to my mother, so I called Luke to tell him I was going to spend the night. He said he'd take care of things with Kat in the morning so I didn't have to get up earlier than necessary to head back. He even said he'd let Sookie know I might be a little late to the Inn so I could just go to bed. Bless that man for knowing waking up early is my kryptonite.

When I made it back to Stars Hollow to change to go to the Inn, no one was at the house, but there was a message on the machine.

"Kat, it's Lauren from The Times. I just sent you an email, but wanted to give you a call to thank you again. I know you had requested Rory write the article and that our writing styles are vastly different, so truly thank you for allowing me to share your story. You were so gracious to work with, especially considering everything that has happened since this article was first put on my desk. The article is going to come out Monday so feel free to call me if you need anything at all. You have my number. Happy Friday and I hope you have a good weekend."

The message didn't make sense. Had Kat requested Rory to write her story? Maybe Lauren misunderstood. Then there was the part about "everything that has happened." What had happened? Did she mean Kat's hospitalization? Did she even know about that? I tried to call Rory to see if she knew any of the answers, but she didn't pick up. Instead she texted to reply that she'd see me that night at my parents' holiday party. I'd have to ask Kat when I saw her. So I just tossed on a dress and a blazer – my go to work combo these days – made a Pop Tart and headed to work. The mystery would have to wait.

.

JESS

When Kat walked into the shop in Hartford it was like déjà vu. She was wearing some loose white dress under her unbuttoned coat. It seemed to cascade over the bump, camouflaging it. None of the guys even seemed to realize she was pregnant judging by a couple asking me if she was dating anyone. None of them will be dating her though, I promise that. After she saw me, she told me she was personally inviting me to the Gilmore Christmas party. I told her no. She told me the invitation did not need an RSVP since I would be going. I tried to tell her I only had jeans in Hartford, but she just turned to the boys and asked if she could borrow me for the rest of the day. Of course none of them told her "no." Which is why we were shopping when Lorelai called Kat from the Inn wondering where she was, because she was late for lunch.

"So. That was Lorelai... We've got to pay for those, because I have to go to back to Stars Hollow and you have to come with me."
"Wait. What?"
"I have to go eat lunch at the Inn and you have to come with me, because I don't trust you to go to the party if I don't personally drive you there. Call me your chauffeur, because I will even bring you back to the shop once the party is over."
"Kat."
"Jess."

We just stared at each other.

"We've got to go. So go change and toss me the navy blue button down and those black slacks so I can go pay for them."

"You're not paying for them. And blue and black? Are you sure?"
"Positive. You'll need a belt though."

"I am not buying a belt."

"I can buy it or you can borrow one of mine then."

"I'll buy a belt."

"I'll pick one out while you change."

"I am not wearing a blazer though."

"I don't think you should. I don't even think you should wear a tie."

"Good."

After changing and paying for the stuff, we headed to Stars Hollow to go to the Inn.

"Kat!" Lorelai started to scold until she saw me, "Jess?"

"Yeah. Kat thought maybe my uncle might like to see me tonight, so she decided to kidnap me."

Lorelai's serious face turned into a smile.

"Luke would love to see you. I'm surprised Kat got you here."

Lorelai looked me up and down and I knew what she was thinking.

"Don't worry, Kat took me shopping. I have clothes in the car."

"Good. Now Kat has to come with me, but if you want something to eat I am sure Sookie will make you something too or you can go over to the diner. Luke should be there."

"I brought a manuscript to read, so point me in the direction of a good place and I'm good."

Lorelai showed me to the library before taking Kat with her.

.

LORELAI

Sometimes there are true surprises and then there are things that surprise you without actually being surprising. Seeing Jess was one of those things. Kat always seemed to know how to get Jess to show up and Luke always appreciated it. So even though it made Kat almost 90 minutes late for lunch, I was grateful.

"So, you went to Hartford to get Jess?"
"Either that or I decided you shouldn't be the only one to be in Hartford twice in one day."

"Thank you."
"Meh. Sorry I am late."

"Next time, let me know."
"Had we not had to go get him clothes? I would've been on time."
"Again, next time, let me know."
"Okay."

"So lunch. Sookie made Roquefort biscuits and her magic risotto is on the menu right now... so that's going to be lunch. Which I am excited for, because I can get my blue cheese on since those biscuits are cooked."

"Magic risotto?"
"Trust me, it's magic. Question though. Shake with lunch or shake after the party?"
"After the party. Who knows? If those apple tarts are as good as your songs about them suggest? Maybe I won't have to have as much shake. I used to fantasize about those apple tarts at every party at your parents' I ever went to... so I hope they are that good"
"They absolutely are."

"Is Rory coming tonight?"
"Yep. Which reminds me... There was a message on the machine for you when I got home this morning."
"Really? Who would call your house instead of my cell?"
"Lauren from The Times."
"Oh. What'd she want?"
"She wanted to thank you for letting her write the article when she knows you specifically requested Rory to do it. It's coming out Monday and she said you can call her if you need anything."
"What?"
"I think she just means if anything comes up as a result."
"No, I mean...She mentioned me requesting Rory?"

"Yes, even mentioned her different writing style. Did you request Rory?"
"Maybe Lauren just assumed I wanted Rory."

Something about the voicemail message and Lauren's overly enthusiastic gratitude made that explanation not make sense. I made a mental note to ask Rory about it later.