While Rory was resting, Jess pulled out his laptop and opened his latest document. In all honesty, he had planned to take a little break after this book tour wrapped up. He had been immersed in writing for several years and had been feeling burnt out. Everything changed when he met Rory. The idea had popped into his head to write about her, and about them. Since they had met he had trouble stemming the flow of words. The story was writing it's self. He was just facilitating it.
Jess leaned back after what felt like just a few minutes, but was probably closer to hours. He ran his fingers through his hair and reread what he had written. He had only been working on this novel for a month, but it was already close to finished. He was closing in on the end, but he didn't know which direction it would go in. Jess knew it wouldn't be done until he knew where his story with Rory was heading.
A noise caught his attention. Rory was leaning up against the doorjamb watching him. She looked rumpled and warm and he just wanted to pull her onto his lap and drink her in.
"What are you working on?" she inquired.
Jess saved his writing and closed the computer. "It's another book. You can read it when I'm finished if you want." He felt vulnerable offering this to her. It was obviously inspired by his time with her. Her reaction could affect his whole life.
Rory smiled at him with absolute joy on her face. "I would love to read it when you are finished. I'm honored that you would consider showing me before it is published."
She walked over to him and ran her hand through his rumpled hair. A shiver coursed down Jess' spine. He grabbed her hand and pulled her down to his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair.
"I know we are supposed to make an appearance at that party tonight, but what do you think about Chinese and movies instead? I'll tell my publicist that I have jet lag."
Rory pushed back and looked into his eyes. "How are you going to claim jet lag? You have been here for a few days, and it's earlier on the west coast than it is here."
"They generally don't argue with the talent," he whispered in her ear.
She giggled as she stood up. "I love both Chinese food and movies. I hope there's something good on! If you can make it happen I am all for it. You make the call and I'll see if there are any take out menus in this room."
An hour later they were settled in with the entire chicken section of the menu laid out on the coffee table before them. Rory was scanning through the channels tossing out movie titles and rejecting them faster than Jess could comprehend.
After a few minutes she squealed and set the remote down. "I have found the perfect movie for us!"
He eyed her skeptically, "Honestly, I'm almost afraid to ask."
"Don't worry. It's a classic. You'll laugh, you'll cry. It's full of fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles."
Jess simply replied with "As you wish."
Rory grinned happily as she grabbed the Moo Goo Gai Pan and settled in.
Normally Jess would be irritated by someone talking through a movie, quoting the lines, and sharing tidbits of info about the cast and filming, but with Rory it worked. Her happiness was contagious and he couldn't help marveling at her movie knowledge, and her ability to eat approximately 3x the food he did.
After the movie ended, Rory flipped to a local news station and leaned back into the couch. She stretched her legs out onto his lap and sighed happily.
"The only thing that could have made that better would have been some candy and pizza to go with it."
He gaped at her, mouth slightly open. "How could you have possibly eaten more? Why aren't you sick after all the chicken you just consumed?"
She just smiled at him. "Padawan, you have much to learn. I eased you into movie night. Sometime when we are in Stars Hollow I will invite you to a movie night with my mother and you will see what it really is all about."
Jess smiled at her making plans for their future. Sure, it was just a flip remark about movie night, but it meant she could see him sticking around which made him happier than he wanted to admit.
They sat and talked while the news was playing in the background. Jess had been concentrating on Rory's face while he listened. He was startled when she practically launched herself into an upright position and reached for the remote. He swung his head toward the TV to see what had caused her to react like that.
On screen was a picture of Rory and Jess. They were sitting on the love seat in the book shop. Rory was leaning up against his chest reading. He was looking down at her with love clearly written on his face. Her left hand was palm up, putting her tattoo on display. It was clear in the photo that they were both sporting the same tattoo and extremely cozy.
"Spotted today, looking cozy and in love, was Jess Mariano, and the former fiancee of Logan Huntzburger, Rory Gilmore. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding this couple since they were spotted in Las Vegas last month. From the looks of things they are getting quite cozy." The news anchor turned to the woman sitting beside her. "What have you heard about this?"
The perky blond smiled slyly. Rory recognized her as a well known gossip columnist. "From inside reports I have received, the two were married in a private ceremony the day that Ms. Gilmore broke her engagement with Logan Huntzburger. It does make you wonder if this whole affair had been going on longer than a day, as the initial story reported. Also, if you notice, they have matching tattoos. It is believed that they got them to celebrate their wedding instead of the traditional rings. They are in Boston together, wrapping up Jess Mariano's current book tour. I'm sure more information will be forthcoming over the next few days. I will be sure to keep you all updated."