Chapter 175

"It's nice being home for more than a couple days," Rory said to Jess that weekend, as they ate Chinese food while watching a movie.

It had been a relatively calm week. Rory had been focused on getting work back under control, and of course on spending time with the Truncheon men and their partners. Work had been the harder, less pleasant piece- not that Rory didn't love this job. She was much more fulfilled in the editor role, and really enjoyed the group of people she was working with. But, as great as her team was, she was quickly learning that as the boss, it's never quite the same having your team execute things in your absence as being around to manage yourself.

They'd done a reasonably good job, especially considering the late notice and that they were so new under Rory's direction. But Rory was still learning to manage and lead, and the folks on her team were still learning to understand her vision and style. She wasn't bothered by or disappointed with anything that was finished while she was gone, but she knew that it would have been better with her more direct leadership. So she had spent much of her week working on getting the team back into the swing of things, being clearer in the why-and-how explanations she gave of her editorial choices, and working on developing her relationships with her employees, truly trying to help them develop their individual talents and strenghts. It wasn't easy, but Rory found it immensely rewarding, and hoped that setting things up like this would help the end product be better next time she had to be absent for a longer stretch.

Jess had also had an incredibly busy week. Truncheon was having a busier moment- they were still struggling to bring in new authors, but they had a few different books going out that had been in the works for a while, which were more important than ever given the lack of new talent. Beyond that, there was a lot happening on the bookshop side- plenty of business, which was nice, and of course helpful with the stretch at the publishing house, but it meant that Chris, Matt and Jess were stretched thin, particularly since they hadn't brought on any new employees yet, and weren't going to be in a position to do so anytime soon. In an attempt to better manage division of labor during the hectic time, Chris was really keeping the bookshop piece managed, and Matt and Jess were running point with their authors. It was going about as well as could be expected, but they still needed to drum up some new talent, and to figure out how to achieve a better balance between the shop and the publishing work. All of that said, Jess was happy they'd found plenty of time to spend socially with their friends, and that he and Rory had plenty of time to themselves. It was a welcome change. But honestly, it felt a little strange having that much time and space to themselves.

"It has," Jess agreed. He paused. "But…does it feel a little weird to you?"

"Does what?"

"Being…home? Without a million people around?"

Rory smiled, relieved. "I was starting to wonder if it was just me."

"Nope. I think we acclimated to the crazy."

"I feel like I've had so many coffees without Mom that I feel weird about it."

"Which would be a weird and kind of developmentally-inappropriate thing for someone at your stage in life to say, except you two are already developmentally-inappropriately attached, and I'm pretty sure it's permanent."

"Yep," Rory admitted cheerfully, "Wouldn't have it any other way."

"It's weird not seeing Luke," Jess admitted, "Which seems crazy. They live hours away. I never saw him all the time before."

"But it's just…"

"Yeah. It's been a lot recently. Either them, or Paris, or Lane…"

"Well, at least we'll be seeing more of Paris soon."

"…rephrase please."

"You're incorrigible. But she'll be around for the work stuff."

"Plus we have the wedding, and all the pre-wedding festivities."

"So basically, this is the two weeks of normal before we return to the insanity."

"The insanity that we've both admitted has started to feel more like the normal."

"Yep."

They looked at each other and started laughing.

"It's ridiculous," Jess said. Rory nodded, still laughing.

"It really is. But can I tell you something crazy?"

"So like most things you tell me?"

"Hey!" Rory pouted good-naturedly, "Mean."

"Okay, okay. What is it?"

"I kind of want to see Lane sooner. I'm just…I'm worried about her. You know? I want to give her a break."

Jess nodded. "Honestly, I'm surprised you're not already there."

"Couldn't figure out a good enough excuse."

"Well…by our powers combined…"

"You'll help?"

"…she deserves better. That's all I have to say."

Rory nodded, with a small smile. She thought to herself for a moment.

"…oh my god, it's stupid."

"…and…"

"…I could plan a 'girl's weekend'" Rory said, using air quotes and cringing as she said the last words. Jess smirked.

"A girl's weekend? Are you trying to get a spot on one of the Real Housewives franchises?"

"I know, it's ridiculous," Rory said, rolling her eyes, "But…"

"…please, yes, explain your insanity."

"…it's an excuse to see Lane, that's easier on the friendship than 'I don't like or trust your jackass husband and want to give you an out for a couple days.'"

"…fair enough. But wouldn't she see through that if you just made plans with her and called it a different thing?"

"Not if I invited other people."

"Your Mom?"

"Probably. But I was also thinking Paris."

"Didn't she and Lane used to not get along? Since Paris gets jealous?"

"…yeah, for a long time they didn't. But they kind of hit it off at the baby shower, apparently. Babies or something."

"Ah, yes," Jess nodded in amusement at Rory's explanation.

"And then I was thinking of maybe even asking Hannah and Jane too. I know Paris wants to get to know them better, plus, more sources of friendship and support for Lane right now can only be a good thing."

"I think they'd really like that," Jess admitted, "Hannah and Paris got along really well."

"Yeah, and Paris isn't going to be in a condition to travel soon."

"Is she now?"

"…good point. Oh! Maybe we do it in New York. We all go see Paris, it's like a destination-thing, but easy enough that it's a quick drive for Lane and Mom, and fast for me and Jane and Hannah to get there."

"And work?"

"I'd leave after work next Friday. Come back Sunday night. But isn't that when the bachelor's party is that we need to cover for you for?"

"Nope. Weekend after. He moved things around to accomodate some thing Lorelai's doing at the Inn."

"Got it."

"Maybe I could invite Luke here though," Jess said thoughtfully, "The guys like him. But I am not inviting Zack, or Doyle."

"I don't blame you," Rory nodded, "I don't want them here either. Luke's a great idea, if Cesar can handle the diner."

"Yeah, we'll see. But honestly, it seems like a good idea."

"And you don't mind me being gone next weekend?"

"Nope. I think you should go. It's a good thing, and I think Paris and Lane probably both need it right now."

"…thanks, Jess. I'm gonna text them all now."

"Not call?"

"That's a lot of phone calls."

"Touche."

"So?"

"So, everybody's in but Mom."

"Everybody?"

"Lane, Paris, Jane and Hannah. We're gonna pool funds and get two fancy hotel rooms."

"Sounds fun."

"It is."

"And your mom can't make it?"

"No, she can't. She actually said to give her a call. Mind if I…"

"Nope."

"Hello?"

"Hi, Mom."

"Hey, kid," Lorelai said, "I'm sorry, I just can't make it work. Things are still chaotic as all getout at the inn."

"Bummer, but totally get it. We'll miss you."

"About that…I actually had an idea."

"You did?"

"Well…we haven't really figured out my bachelorette party."

"Only because you won't let me just plan it and surprise you!"

"Nope, I won't. I don't want to end up with penis straws if you fall subject to the wrong influences."

"It's like you don't even know me. Your point?"

"…well, obviously you and Sookie are going to be there, but I was wondering- what if you invited all the girls to come join in the festivities? Even if it's just the two of you guys standing at the wedding, it's more fun with a group, and we could be silly and lighthearted, which might be nice for Paris and Lane right now."

"…that's so funny. That's actually why I planned this whole weekend," Rory said, laughing, "I mean, it sounds great. You don't mind them coming?"

"Not at all! And invite the Truncheon girls too. Hannah and…I want to say Jen?"

"Jane."

"Yeah, Jane. Have them come if they want. The more the merrier!"

"That sounds great. I'll extend the invite. Thanks, Mom."

"Of course. Send me pictures from your wild city adventures."

"I promise."