Chapter Nineteen:
Smiling at Tristan, Rory pulled his face back down to hers ignoring the hoots from the crowd.
" Okay so maybe the saying save the best for last is true in this case. I wonder if we'll ever get this party back on the road." Gisela yelled at the couple.
" Shut-up Gisela." Tristan said.
Rory buried her head in Tristan's shoulder hiding her face from the crowd.
" Rory?"
" Yeah?"
" Let's finish this later."
Looking up into his eyes Rory nodded.
" Good."
Getting up they joined the rest of the party and tried to answer all the questions everyone asked them. Soon the party was over and Rory watched as Tristan said good-bye to everyone who was leaving. Feeling a tap on her shoulder she turned and saw Gisela.
" So."
" I know."
" That was amazing Rory. I didn't know you had that in you."
" Me either."
" He sure was surprised."
" I know."
" Well, I'll leave you two alone, for now, but call me later I want all the details. Well not every detail because he is my cousin but you know what I mean right?"
" Yeah."
" Bye."
" Bye."
Giving Gisela a hug before she left Rory turned and looked at her reflection in the mirror above the fireplace. She looked happy and she was happy. When Tristan strong arms circled her waist she leaned back and tilted her neck.
" This has been the best birthday ever." Tristan said.
" I sure hope so."
" I can't believe what's been going on in my life this past week or so."
" I know but what else could we wish for?"
" Nothing."
" I agree." Said Rory.
" So what are you doing tonight?"
" Well, as much as I want to be with you, I promised my mom I'd eat dinner with her and Luke."
" What time would that be over?"
" Um… about eight. Why?"
" Just asking. I think I'll call you at about 8:30. Is that cool?"
" You have to ask?"
" No. What time is it?"
" It's six o'clock."
" As much as I hate letting you go, I have to so you can get home and get ready for dinner." Tristan said pouting.
" You'll be okay. Call me at 8:30."
" I'm going to miss you."
" And I'll miss you."
" I love you." Tristan said to Rory as they walked out the front door.
When they reached the side of Rory's car she looked into Tristan's eyes and smiled. His eyes showed loved and happiness and it touched Rory to the core of her being.
" I love you more."
" Sure you do."
" I do."
Standing on her toes she placed her mouth Tristan's and started a lingering kiss. Minutes later they pulled away, out of breath, and stared into each other eyes.
" I'll call you."
" I love you."
" Same here."
After sharing a few more kisses, Rory got into her car and started down the driveway. As she drove home she smiled thinking that today was the best day of her life. Tristan watched as Rory's car disappeared down his driveway before turning to go into his house.
' I think I'll surprise Rory instead of calling tonight.' Tristan thought.
Rory pulled into the only available spot next to Luke's diner before stopping the car and climbing out. Walking into the diner she saw her mom, who waved and pointed at a second cup of coffee. Walking over to the table she slid into her seat and took a sip of the drink.
" Oh… this is so good." Rory said.
" So, how did today go?"
" Good."
" He feels the same way?"
" Yes. Mom it was so great. I gave him my gift first and when he opened it…"
Twenty minutes later Rory and her mom finished talking about the party and the events of that night, when Luke came over to them.
" Ladies?"
" Hey Luke." They both said at the same time.
" Dinner is served."
Looking at the counter they saw plates of food waiting to be eaten and finally noticed that the diner had been empty for quite awhile. Laughing at themselves, they got up and loaded their plates. Sitting down at the table in the middle of the diner they ate and talked about everything.
At about eight Rory got up, kissed her mom bye and said she was heading home for Tristan's call.
" Bye Rory!" her mom said.
" Bye Ror." Luke said.
" Behave you two."
" Same to you young lady. I'll see you when I get home."
" If you get home."
" I heard that."
" I know." Rory said laughing.
Turning the corner, Rory didn't notice the man until she walked into him.
" Whoa!"
" Dean! I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going."
" I could tell. Where are you headed?"
" Home."
" Can I walk you?"
" Sure. I haven't talked to you in ages. I want to know what's been going on with you."
" Well, school is okay, I'm dating Leslie Gorman, do you know her?"
" Gorman? Yeah I do from freshman year. She seems nice."
" She is. I like her."
" That good."
" How about you?"
" I'm with Tristan."
" And?"
" I like him?"
" And?"
" He's a great kisser?"
" Rory. I know you."
" Okay, okay. I love him."
" He knows?"
" Yeah. Since a few hours ago." Rory said as they stopped in front of her house.
" That's great."
" What about Leslie?"
" I like her."
" Dean."
" Okay, I like her a lot. I'm not ready for that move yet and I think she might be the one."
" That's great."
Without thinking Rory hugged Dean and gave him a light kiss.
" Well, Dean, thanks for walking me home and…Tristan?"
Rory had turned towards her house just in time to see Tristan jump back into his car and pullout of her driveway. With the short glimpse of his face she knew he was hurt.
" Tristan! Wait, come back." Rory cried as she sank to her knees.
" Rory? That was Tristan? Rory, are you okay?"
" He hates me."
" Why because you hugged me? I thought he knew you loved him."
" He does. He thinks something is going on."
" Do you want me to talk to him?"
" No! I'll do it."
" Here let me help you up." Dean said extending his hand.
Placing her hand in his Rory stood up and looked down the road hoping Tristan was coming back.
" Go in and call him. I have to meet Leslie soon." Dean said.
" I'm sorry about this Dean. Call me later, maybe we can get coffee."
" Maybe. Bye." Dean said somberly.
" Bye."
Turning towards her house Rory ran up the stairs and into the house before collapsing on the couch with the phone in her hand.
" Tristan." Rory whispered as tears fell silently down her cheek.
** Eek! I know it's short but it's all I could get out (for today). I'll post chapter twenty soon and I'm sorry for the wait! I love reviews so please review and by the way a new part for The Break-up should be up soon, very soon check it out! I Love those who have reviewed! Melissa**
