AN: I own nothing.
Sorry it has been a couple of weeks. I home educate, and we were finishing up our school year, so hopefully it won't be as long between updates next time. Thanks for all the reviews. It really helps to hear what you guys think!
Rory spent the next week helping her mom at the Inn, and hanging out, catching up on her reading and trash TV. It was strange how happy she felt. She had thought she would be with Logan forever, but now, being without him, she felt more like herself in years. Talking to Jess really showed her how much she had changed everything to fit in his world.
She had her interview at the Times. To say she had been nervous was an understatement. Rory had done well, but she was pretty certain that it wasn't going to go her way. And surprisingly, she didn't feel that bad about it.
Since she had released herself from the expectations she had for herself, she realized that there were so many more options. While talking to Jess one night, she realized that the plans she had made when she was 16 felt safe. It was why she had clung to them so hard.
They had also come to the conclusion that Logan interfering with her interviews may have actually been a good thing. Rory realized that it gave her options that she wouldn't have considered and might be better for her.
She was still upset that she didn't have a job or a plan, but instead of freaking out she decided to embrace the new opportunities.
Jess had helped her see all of this. It was amazing how easy it was for them. They were on the same page, but they each had different way of arriving at the same conclusions. Rory couldn't believe how close they had gotten in just a couple of weeks.
Jess was so happy to be finishing the West Coast part of his book tour. He had a few engagements on the East coast and a party with his publisher and Truncheon, and he was done. He couldn't wait to be in his apartment, to be closer to Rory, and to hopefully take this to the next level.
They had spent time getting to know each other over the phone. It felt better than traditional dating. The distance made honesty easier for him. He couldn't wait to be in her presence again. He wanted to see her, to see if she really was the same amazing person he remembered. Jess wanted to fall into the ocean blue pools of her eyes and drown.
He started to second guess his decision as he was driving. On the plane it had seemed like a brilliant plan to surprise Rory, but as he passed the Welcome to Stars Hollow sign, he wasn't so sure. It's not like it was that much of a departure from the original agenda. Rory was supposed to meet him in Boston tomorrow. They were going to start implementing the PR plan they had cooked up with his publicist and co workers.
Jess didn't want to see her again for the first time in a crowd of people. He had arranged for cameras and columnists to be at the next event. This had seemed like the better idea. Now he wondered if he should have called first…
He pulled to the curb in front of the diner. From their conversations, he knew that there was a strong possibility he would find her here. And if he didn't, well, he could get the introduction to her step dad out of the way. He knew Luke's opinion meant a lot to her, since he had been the closest thing to a dad she had growing up, even before Luke had married her mom.
Jess got out of his car and immediately felt like he was in a fishbowl. It was apparent that the people on the street were watching him. Small towns had always given him the creeps, and now he remembered why. He made his way to the diner and was thrilled to see his girl sitting at the counter. She was talking to a woman that looked quite a bit like her. It was obvious this was her mother. His nerves doubled, but before he could second guess himself he strode through the door and toward her.
It was like the whole world stopped. She turned to see who had come in. When she realized it was Jess her face broke into a huge grin and she was off her stool in a flash. She ran to meet him, and threw her arms around him. Jess staggered back. He hadn't expected the force of her greeting. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his nose in her hair. The unsettled feeling he had had the past weeks melted away.
Before she could overthink what she was doing, Rory lifter her face to Jess and gave him a soft kiss. She blushed and buried her face in his jacket. She was enveloped by his scent, a mix of leather, books, and him. After a moment she became aware of the silence in the diner. She sighed and pulled herself away from him.
"Jess, I am so happy to see you," she murmured. "And I will apologize right now for what may happen from this point on."
He wasn't exactly sure what she meant, but then the diner seemed to come to life around them.
Everyone started talking at once. He was certain it was about them. Rory tugged him toward the counter, her fingers laced with his. Jess felt it again in that instant, he would follow this woman anywhere she wanted to take him.
Lorelai was sitting, watching them with an unreadable expression on her face. As they approached she seemed to gather herself. She stood up, and ignoring Jess' outstretched hand enveloped him in a hug. It was clear Jess wasn't quite sure what to do. Lorelai hugged him even harder and said quietly, "I have never seen her look at anyone like that before. You'd better take care of her."
Jess smiled at Lorelai. "I plan to, as long as she will have me."
After his moment with Lorelai time in the diner seemed to speed up. He met her step dad, who was a man of little words. He appreciated that, especially after he had met the town busy bodies, some odd man named Kirk, and a host of other people.
Rory was sitting on her stool, watching everything unfold as she sipped her coffee. After a bit he leaned toward her and said pleadingly, "Can we please get out of here?"
She smirked as she put down her empty mug. "I was wondering how long you would last."
They said goodbye to her mom and Luke and hustled out the diner before Jess could be accosted by another well meaning town person.
They crossed the street and headed toward the gazebo. Jess shook his head. "I can't imagine living here. I like the anonymity of New York. I don't think I've ever had that many people talk to me in one day, unless I was at a book signing. How do you do it?"
"They're my friends. I've known them since I was small. Don't worry, you'll get used to it," she replied. She pulled him down on the bench and snuggled into his side.
Jess thought he could get used to almost anything if Rory was there with him.
As they sat in the gazebo they were able to watch the world go by them. Rory pointed out people and told him stories about them. She opened up in a way he hadn't yet seen. He could tell she loved her town, she loved the people, and the shops, and the comfort that came from living in this community.
After a while she grabbed his hand and told him it was time for the grand tour. As far as tours went it was over almost before it began. He saw Kim's antiques, the grocery, bookstore, and video store. She then walked him toward the lake.
"I know it's not much, especially compared to the city, but I love it here. This has always been the spot where I can be myself."
"It's not what I'm used to, but I understand you so much more now that I've seen it." Jess looked around him. They were on a little bridge over the lake. "I like it here too. I like being with you, even if it's in this strange little town."
He smirked at her as she playfully pushed him away. "Don't mock the town. You'll grow to love it!"
He knew she was right. Jess was pretty sure he would love any place, as long as Rory was there with him.
Rory felt shy when she finally brought him to their house. True, she was in her 20's now, and this hadn't been her permanent home for a few years, but she wanted him to like it. She wanted him to see where she had come from.
As they headed toward her room he silently took in the cozy house. He had a strange look on his face.
"Jess, are you ok?" she asked softly.
He seemed to shake himself out of his thoughts, "Yeah, just thinking how nice it is here. It must have been a great place to grow up."
She noticed he seemed a little wistful, maybe sad, so she didn't push any further. Instead she opened her bedroom door with a flourish and said, "This is me."
He was presented with a complete disaster. "I'm not the neatest guy in the world, but I have to admit I thought you might be a little more organized..."
Rory swatted his arm and said, "Um, excuse me. Have you ever tried to pack when you knew that there were going to be reporters and photographers watching you, but you aren't supposed to know they are there. It is so hard striking the right note of casual, put together, and oh, I look like this all the time." She paused before continuing shyly, "It doesn't help that you make it all look so easy."
Jess smiled at her and put his arms around her. "You really don't have to worry. You always take my breath away. Just be you."
She buried her face in his chest. He probably didn't know it, but that was exactly what she had needed to hear from him.
After a moment she pulled away from him and said with a sly smile on her face, "well, since you are here early, you can help!"
Jess groaned, pushed some clothes to the end of the bed and settled in. He had a feeling it was going to be a long afternoon...