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Rory spends all morning and most of the afternoon in bed with Jess. After talking, sex and several cups of coffee Rory finally says, "I should go."
"You can stay," Jess tells her, tucking a strand of hair behind Rory's ear. "Zero problems with that."
Rory laughs, giving him a quick kiss and replies, "Very tempting."
"But?"
"But I have a million things to do. Lane's wedding is next week and I still need to get a dress, figure out things with work when I'm gone and report for bridesmaid duty. Oh, and I need to plan the bachelorette party."
"Very important," Jess says seriously and Rory nods.
"Perhaps the most important part of my duty. I've got to give Lane a night she won't forget although, with the amount of booze Mom wants to get, it might wind up being a hangover Lane never forgets instead."
"I'm sure you'll deliver – on the party, that is."
"I hope so. Lane's my best friend."
"You will," Jess says firmly and Rory smiles.
"Thanks. It's so crazy Lane's getting married – how did we get old enough for that? It doesn't seem that long ago that we ran into each other at Kindergarten and we're planning her wedding day. It just seems so...grown up. That sounds dumb, but –"
"I get it," Jess says. "I do."
Rory nods and muses, "Lane's young to be getting married, I guess. I'm happy for her though, Zach's great. He really loves her."
"Say congratulations from me, if you want."
"Sure," Rory says softly and Jess smiles.
"I don't know if she'll want to hear it from me. I'm not sure if Lane and I ever succeeded on the friendship front."
"Lane got to like you," Rory says staunchly and Jess chuckles as she adds, "Kind of."
"Sounds about right. I imagine most of Stars Hollow is pretty lukewarm about me."
"They just didn't get to know you," Rory says indignantly. "If they'd just given you a chance –"
"That was never going to happen," Jess comments, cutting her off. He doesn't sound angry but Rory bites her lip. "They decided I was a hoodlum the second I stepped into town."
"They weren't fair to you."
"Probably not. Can't say I wanted to dissuade them."
"They were still unfair," Rory argues, feeling that familiar spark of injustice flare up. "They didn't want to know you, Jess."
"Maybe," Jess says with a shrug. "It was a long time ago. Not that I think that'll matter to them."
Rory sighs, somewhat uneasy. She wonders what the town'll say, Lane, Luke, Lorelai, about her being with Jess again. Rory doubts they'll be clamouring to congratulate her and hugs the bedsheet to her chest.
"So you have to get going," Jess says, breaking her thoughts and Rory blinks.
"Huh?"
"I'm guessing a Stars Hollow bachelorette party is going to be an extravaganza."
"You guess right. I bet Mom's already cleared out Doose's decorations."
"Are there many to even clear out?"
"No. When Sookie had a baby shower I got Easter egg banners."
"Huh."
"It made sense at the time," Rory says defensively, making Jess laugh. "In the end it didn't even matter because the baby came before the party. That was a scary sight."
"I bet."
Rory smiles awkwardly but laughs as Jess asks, "Dare I ask if Stars Hollow even has dirty decorations for bachelorette festivities?"
"No, but I can be creative."
"That I believe," Jess says with a grin. "Pictures?"
"I promise."
"Good."
"I do have to go," Rory says ruefully. "But it's been amazing."
"Get out of here," Jess says fondly, kissing her cheek. "I'll call you later, okay?"
"Good," Rory says, grinning as she says, "We're definitely doing this again."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
"I'm going to hold you to that."
They both laugh before Jess kisses Rory goodbye, his eyes lingering on hers as they break apart.
"This has been…."
His words falter, a shy grin on his lips and Rory smiles.
"Me too. Jess, I…."
Rory hesitates, not sure what it is she wants to say but Jess nods, seeming to understand.
"I'll call you, okay?"
"See you," Rory says shyly and she goes to the door, smiling her farewell as she looks back and leaves. Once she's outside Rory exhales, her heart beating. She can hear the sounds of the guys Jess lives with from their rooms and hastily Rory makes her way downstairs, not desperate to introduce herself. She imagines they know of her, though the details are muddy, and Rory isn't even sure where to start. She's Jess's ex, the girl from New York, the girl who ended things and now she's…what is she now? Who is Jess to her? Rory hasn't even figured it out for herself yet. Going to the car, Rory shuts herself in with a sigh but smiles. It was wonderful. Whatever last night was, Rory knows it was good, it was perfect, and she catches a mischievous glint in her eye in the rearview mirror. They definitely don't have concerns in that area.
The next few days are a whirlwind. Rory is strung between wedding planning, studying and the paper and on the last day at the office is already an hour behind schedule. Rory has just given up on following Paris's logic, as is the general trajectory of their friendship when two of Logan's friends ask if she wants to go with them to Costa Rica. The unexpectedness of it is like a punch as Rory says, "Well, thanks for the invite but I can't."
"Don't you want to see Logan six days without a shower?" one of the girls argues and Rory replies that she has a wedding to go to and then, steeling herself adds, "Plus Logan and I aren't together anymore."
"What?"
Rory falters between being vague yet honest and finally says, "Look, it's kind of a long story but we're not together now. It's over."
"Well," says one of the girls after an awkward pause, "we can still hang out though, right?"
"Sure," Rory says in relief. "When you get back and I'm back from the wedding and oh rats, is that the time? I need to be on the road an hour ago!"
The bachelorette party goes well, despite missing out on American Gigolo. Christopher endlessly messages Rory on the new gadget he gifted her and it's kind of endearing, if a little late. Rory humours him but wants to ask why he couldn't have been so excited to talk to her when she was a kid, back in the days where she'd wait by the phone for his call. Rory used to spend so many hours just wanting him to show up, and he never did, and now Christopher's here and she isn't sure how she feels. Part of her wants to slip away from the party and tell Jess just that, but she doesn't. Rory decides it wouldn't be right to do so at Lane's party, especially as head bridesmaid, but there are definite moments where she could send a message. She and Jess have talked on the phone but the conversation was light and safe. Rory holds her confliction in, keeping a smile on her face. She hasn't told anyone about her night with Jess.
Getting ready for Lane's wedding feels insane, and not just thanks to discovering Mrs Kim has hidden her religion from Lane's grandmother. Christopher even ends up being Lorelai's date when Michel doesn't show and, while Rory feels slightly awkward about him being there, she's glad to save Lorelai from Mrs Kim's wrath. Her father is happy to be invited but his smile drops when he asks after Logan and Rory informs him, "Actually, we're not together now."
"What? When did you break up?"
"Not that long ago. It wasn't working out."
"What happened?"
"I don't really want to get into it, Dad."
"I'm sorry, I just…I liked him," Christopher says helplessly. "I liked him for you. I liked you together."
Rory nods and Christopher smiles sadly at her. Rory can't stand him looking at her like that, wishing she was still with the wrong guy, and makes an excuse about helping Lane get married. When Rory looks back she sees Christopher is laughing with Lorelai and she wonders how much time her father spends in regret. He once told her his happiest moment was Lorelai kissing him, that he liked her boldness and, Rory remembers, it helped her be bold with Logan. It seems so remote to her now and she knows Lorelai's kiss isn't remote to Christopher. Rory decides not to linger on that – Lorelai is marrying Luke after all and the only romance she should focus on today is Lane's. What turns out to be three weddings go without a hitch and end up in a party Rory thinks even Jess would enjoy. She watches her best friend, a beautiful bride, dance with Zach and Rory smiles. It's still weird but in a good way. Lane looks so happy. Rory convinces everyone to be in a group picture and groans as Lorelai seizes the camera, insisting on checking if she resembles Rhoda. Lorelai is halfway through complaining about the number of photos her daughter takes when she stops, frowning.
"Wait, go back."
"What?"
"Flip back. Who's that?"
"That's me with April," Rory answers, feeling her pulse pace uncomfortably.
"When did you meet April?"
"Um, when I went to Philadelphia for Jess's open house," Rory says, her heart thumping so hard it must be audible. She feels like a caught-out teenager as her mother exclaims, "Jess? Philadelphia? What am I missing here?"
"Nothing," Rory says boldly. "Jess's work had an open house. I was invited and I went and Luke showed up there with April. It was a total fluke."
"God," Lorelai says in disbelief. "I didn't know you were seeing Jess."
"Well, I'm not seeing Jess. We're just friends." Rory knows she's lying now but she can't talk about this with Lorelai, not here, not now and she scowls as Lorelai says, "Rory, you just broke up with Logan!"
"So what?"
"So isn't it too soon to see Jess?"
"I just said I'm not seeing Jess and even if I were, you said it, Logan and I are broken up!"
Rory's voice is loud and she flushes with embarrassment, quickly lifting her drink and downing the liquid. Lorelai is staring at her as she puts the glass down.
"Something went on."
"What are you talking about?"
"You're not telling me everything."
"There's nothing to tell!"
"Come on, Rory! You have my eyes. I know when you're acting like nothing's up. What happened? Did you and Jess kiss?"
Rory looks away, feeling her cheeks redden even further, and despite not even confirming the kiss Lorelai gasps loudly.
"Oh my God. Did you sleep with him?"
"Can we not discuss this here?" Rory says, forcing herself to look at her mother. "This is Lane's wedding!"
"You had sex with him, didn't you?" Lorelai asks, ignoring her. "Oh, Rory."
"Mom, this isn't your business," Rory snaps and Lorelai retorts, "You're my daughter and we all know how this ended last time."
"That was years ago!"
"Same guy!"
"It's different, we're different and you know what, I don't want to talk about this with you, not now, not ever!"
"Hey!"
"I'm getting another drink," Rory says, getting up. "I can't talk about this."
"You mean you won't."
"That's right," Rory retorts and as she turns she almost bumps into Christopher who asks in concern, "What's going on?"
"Forget it," Rory says rudely, walking away in frustration as she hears Lorelai say, "Chris, you don't want to hear."
"Hear about what?" Christopher asks, catching Rory up, and Rory snaps, "Just leave it, Dad!"
"Is it to do with Logan?"
"No, it's not!" Rory snaps. "It's….it's a long story and it involves someone you won't like. At least, not like you liked Logan. You won't approve of him, that's it."
"Rory –"
"I'm trying to enjoy my friend's wedding," Rory says and, as she marches over to the bar, said best friend is staring at her.
"Rory, what's going on?"
"Oh no, you heard?" Rory groans. "I didn't want you to hear the drama."
"I just heard bits."
"So basically everything?
"Basically yes."
The two laugh guiltily and Lane puts her hand on Rory's, her new ring catching the light.
"You're back with Jess?"
"Kind of. I don't know…it's all new. And now everyone in Stars Hollow knows?"
"I wouldn't worry – Kirk's karaoke drew most of the attention away."
Rory tries to smile and Lane says seriously, "Why didn't you say anything to me? I'm your best friend."
"Because…Lane, you were getting married and there was the bachelorette party and the wedding, and I didn't even know there'd be three celebrations, and I didn't want to take that away by talking about my stuff with Jess."
Lane smiles sadly at her and Rory sighs.
"Okay, all of that's true, but I also don't know what it means yet. It's so new."
"But it's good, right?"
"It's good," Rory says shyly. "What do you think?"
"I want you to be happy," Lane says, pulling Rory into a hug. "And if Jess makes you happy then I'm happy too. It's just…the whole New York thing…"
"It was so long ago," Rory says, biting her lip as she pulls away. This is why she hasn't told her, she adds silently. That night was theirs, the next step unsure, but Rory doesn't want people's take on their history together. Well, it's too late now, and Lane at least seems supportive.
"If you're happy I'm happy," Lane says again. "But it's my duty as the best friend to check in on this objectively."
"I know. But Lane, I didn't want to get into this tonight…it's your wedding!"
"Oh, I can take a break from being a bride," Lane laughs. "Or I can multitask – whichever!"
"Either way, you're doing a great job."
"Thanks, Rory."
"Jess said to say congratulations," Rory says and Lane smiles.
"Tell him thanks."
"I will. Now get back out there," Rory says, giving Lane a gentle shove. "It's your wedding party!"
When Rory gets back to the table her mother has disappeared, doubtlessly ranting to Christopher about everything, and Rory isn't sorry to be alone. She angrily drinks, turning the empty glass in her hands, before looking up to see Christopher approach the table.
"Hey kid."
"Hi," Rory says stonily. "Mom blab to you?"
"Just heard the name Jess, no details. She was more busy grabbing shots."
"Right."
"I remember the name but I don't know why."
"I lived with him in New York," Rory says stonily. "That ring any bells for you?"
As she looks up Christopher is staring and finally asks, "You're dating him again?"
"I'm not dating him. Dad, I don't want to talk about it."
"Okay, well if I liked Logan for you I definitely don't like him."
"Isn't it kind of late for you to have a say in that?"
"Rory."
"Look, I don't mind you helping Mom out tonight," Rory says after an angry pause. "And I don't mind talking to you, but this is kind of a new development, Dad. You never even came to see me as a kid."
"I know," Christopher says, after a pause. "There were a ton of reasons…."
He quietens at Rory's look and says, "I'll just say that I liked Logan for you. I approved of him and if he'd married you –"
"You'd approve."
"Yeah," Christopher says weakly and then, glancing around, adds, "I used to be better at parties like this."
Rory chuckles wryly, commenting, "I believe that."
"Thank you."
"Logan and I weren't working out," Rory says with finality. "And you don't know enough to say if you like Jess, and Dad, I don't want to hear it."
"Rory –"
"No," Rory says, putting the glass down. "And now, I have to go make a toast for my best friend so we're done here. Excuse me."
The toast goes smoothly, Lorelai's less so, and any argument over Jess and approval is silenced with getting Lorelai home. Rory succeeds in getting her mother into a comfortable position on the couch, resisting the mean urge to allow her to get what she calls pillow face, before declaring that she's turning in for the night.
"Really? Christopher asks in surprise. "It's not that late."
"I know, but I'm tired. Busy day."
"Right."
"Mom will be fine," Rory assures Christopher. "And you don't have to worry – Luke'll call soon."
"I'm sure," Christopher says steadily, not backing down from Rory's stare. "Goodnight, kiddo."
"Goodnight."
Rory shuts herself into her room but doesn't turn the light off. Instead, she gets out the camera which started all the trouble, flipping back through the night, back to the ill-fated shot of her and April which sparked the fight. What would Jess say to all this? It's easy enough to find out. Rory gets out her cellphone, fingers poised on the keys, before changing her mind and putting it down. He'd rightfully want to know why Rory kept it private and she has no answer. Trying and failing to read her book, Rory finally switches off the light and falls into an uneasy slumber.