"You have to go back man," Jess's best friend Elwin told him bluntly.
"And why is this?"
"Damn it. I never thought this would happen to you, but that girl is going to be the end of your sanity if you don't go back,"
"She has a boyfriend," Jess pointed out inwardly laughing at the memory. Sure he was Rory's boyfriend and any sane guy would be jealous, but Jess wasn't exactly one to play by the normal rules of life. Dean was pathetic when it came to Rory. She didn't love him, it was obvious even to Dean, but she wouldn't hurt him, or admit to herself that she didn't love him.
"But at least she's there, plus that guy Luke he seems cool from what you've said. Also if she pulled a one eighty and cut school to see you, you're suddenly leaving isn't doing her good either,"
"You're not going to let this drop are you?"
"Not a chance,"
"What about you guys?"
"We're still your crew, but come on Jess. You're too smart for the likes of us. Nauseatingly so, and don't think we won't come by to see this girl and uncle of yours to make sure they're worth it,"
"They are," Jess said and somehow knew it was true.
"There you go," Elwin stated simply and hung up.
Jess sighed. Back to Hell, back to Rory. To convince himself that he wasn't moving back to a small town in which everyone was insane for a girl he made a list of other reasons.
The school was at least somewhat less boring than the one in NY.
Luke could use the help.
Liz would be better off not having to worry about her delinquent of a son.
Jess looked at the list. It was decent. Too bad it failed to convince him he wasn't in love with Rory. Love. A disgusting word meant only for movies, songs, and novels. Liz laughed at dinner that night when he explained this to her. Contrary to Luke's thoughts he did have a good relationship with Liz. She just wasn't meant to be a mom.
"Luke thinks the same thing. Matter of fact considering your father so do I,"
Jess just laughed. He'd heard the story often enough, and knew he'd never be like that. It had been instilled since he was old enough to understand, a woman has rights, and any man who hurts one intentionally or selfishly should perish in the flames of the underworld. At least that's what Liz said over and over since Dave left.
"So leaving tomorrow?"
"Yep,"
"Don't get arrested,"
"No fear, they exile instead,"
"And you would know?"
"The mayor nearly killed himself in the attempt,"
"Sounds sweet,"
"You came just in time for Sukie's wedding," Luke said as Jess unpacked.
"Did I now?"
"Yes. Do you have any dress clothes? It's supposed to be fancy,"
"As a matter of fact yes. Liz made me, something odd about being prepared for all occasions or some such. Do you?"
"Sadly,"
"So what's new here?"
"Not much at all. Lorelei and I still aren't speaking. It's not your fault though,"
"It is so. Don't lie,"
"Only according to her and Taylor,"
"Makes sense,"
"Yep,"
"When's the wedding"
"Tomorrow,"
"Cool,"
The service was your usual, very happy and random errors were made. Like the bride and groom got seated ten tables away from each other. Jess was happy for them. From what Rory had said this had been destined since Jackson became Sukie's produce man. At the recession Jess looked around for Rory and finally spotted her near a pond.
"Hey,"
"Jess? Why are you here? Not that your being here is a bad thing,"
"I moved back,"
"That's great,"
"Did you miss me?"
Before either of them knew it Rory kissed Jess with a force that shocked them both. However shocked, Jess's spirit was screaming with bliss the feeling of her lips on his, her hair lightly brushing his neck. Just as he was coiling his arm around her, she pulled back an expression of shock and self-fury on her face.
"Welcome back," she said and with that half ran, half walked away. At least she didn't look horrified Jess mused to himself, still barely comprehending what had just happened. The phrase kept ringing in his mind "She kissed you Mariano,"