Chapter 128

"Jess, is breakfast ready yet? They're five minutes away," Rory called out, hanging up her phone and walking into the kitchen.

"Rory, it's been ready for the last two hours. But yes, I have reheated breakfast."

"They're just a little behind. You know, kids and whatnot," Rory shrugged. Jess nodded. "Doesn't matter, all bacon is good bacon."

"That should go on the Gilmore family crest."

"It currently honors Sephora but hey, I'll bring your recommendations to the committee for further deliberation."

"So, are you excited that Lane's coming here?"

"Of course I am! She's my best friend!" Rory grinned, "I can't believe she hasn't been here already- I've lived here for ages."

"It's been a couple months."

"Eons then."

"Well as long as you're not being dramatic or anything..."

"Oh, one sec..." Rory answered her phone, "Hello? OH MY GOSH, we'll be RIGHT down. So excited to see you!" Rory hung up the phone, nearly bouncing with excitement.

"I take it they're here."

"Yep! Let's go. And remember...pretend you're social."

"I'll do my best."

"Jess..."

"Really! I promise. I like Lane. At least she doesn't send me on countless errands."

"Or prevent you from getting laid by complaining about her pregnancy."

"Probably just because she's smart enough to never do it again."

"You might be onto something there. It was not her favorite experience. Anyway, come on, they want to see Truncheon."

"Lane!"

"Rory!" Lane ran to meet Rory, crushing her in an immediate hug. Jess smiled, slowly catching up.

"It's so good to see you! And you too Jess, of course."

"It's okay, I know I'm not the main event here," Jess joked, "Need help with anything?"

"I think we're good, we dropped our stuff at the hotel before coming by. I think Zak is just grabbing the boys..."

"Aunt Rory!"

"Steve! Kwan...OOF" Rory smiled as they charged at her, hugging her legs hard enough to cut off circulation. "Wow, you're both getting BIG."

"Mom says we're still little and that's why we can't ride motorcycles."

"Well, you're definitely not big enough for that," Rory said, her eyes widening.

"They will be one day," Zack said coolly, walking up behind Lane, "Plus, it was just the one time on the back. I'm getting them a cart."

"We've discussed this, you are not..."

"Jess, buddy! Been a while." Jess raised his eyebrows. Rory stifled a giggle.

"Yeah, good to see you, Zack," he responded politely, "How've you been? How's the music biz?"

"Rock all night, sleep all day, how can I complain?" Zack smirked. Lane rolled her eyes. "Only wish I got to spend more time with my main men over here! That's why they gotta come with me next time."

"They have to go to sc..."

"Let's go inside, you guys have to see Truncheon. It's amazing," Rory gushed, grabbing Lane's arm and pulling her inside. Lane sighed.

"Good idea. Steve, Kwan, let's go see if they have any books you might like."

Rory and Lane walked in, leaving Zack and Jess to follow.

"Our children's section is over here."

"Not really my scene," Zack said, "But books aren't really either. You guys got coffee?"

"Upstairs, I'll show you," Jess nodded, shooting Rory an indiscernible look and leading Zack to their apartment. Once they disappeared, Lane sighed deeply.

"Boys, why don't you each pick out a book to bring home?" Rory smiled. Lane looked at her.

"Rory, you don't have to..."

"They're my nephews, and therefore I do in fact have to spoil them. And since it's me, it's going to be with books. Non-negotiable." She smiled warmly at Lane, who feebly smiled back and nodded to the boys. With that, the boys ran off to explore the shelves.

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"I don't even know. I just feel like Zack was being...not great."

"It's fine, Lane. Not everyone loves books, even if I have no idea how that's true."

"You know what I mean."

"...want to talk about it?"

"Not really. Can we just drink coffee and you tell me all about your life here with Jess? I want to live vicariously through you this weekend."

"Asking a Gilmore to drink coffee and talk about herself? Sure Lane, I think I can manage." Lane giggled, smiling for real now, and Rory pulled her in for a hug. "Let me go grab us a couple cups of coffee. We can catch up here while the boys bond or whatever."

"So...you like music, Jess?" Jess rolled his eyes, his back still turned to Zack as he poured the coffee.

"Yup."

"What's your favorite band?"

"It's a tough call."

"It shouldn't be! There was good music, and now there's a lot of crap music. I mean, luckily the people I've worked with have been great, but it's just that rock is so underappreciated. It's everybody trying to suck up to the corporate man and all their message-y shit..."

"I like the Ramones."

"Now that's a good man! Got a beer? We should cheers."

"It's 11 AM," Jess said, unable to turn off his monotone.

"I won't tell the girls if you won't."

"I'm all out, sorry." Damn, was he actually starting to miss Doyle?

"Too bad, man," Zack shrugged, "Whatever. So you like books and stuff?"

"Yeah, hence the bookstore," Jess said, resisting the urge to eye roll. Just then, Rory knocked on the front door, opening it and rushing in.

"Sorry, don't mean to interrupt your guy time here, I'm just gonna grab some coffee for Lane and I and let you keep chilling. Maybe we can go out somewhere to grab lunch?" Rory looked at Jess meaningfully. He glared back. She held his gaze and he shook his head in defeat.

"Sure. An hour?"

"Two?"

"One."

"One and a..."

"One. Non-negotiable." Rory nodded.

"Okay. You guys pick the place, and just come down when you're ready...in an hour," she called meaningfully to Jess, who glared after her. He'd already been trying to stand up. He rolled his eyes and turned back to Zack.

"So...you like TV?"