Title: Soundproof
Author: Bent137
Disclaimer: I own very little, ergo I do not own the show Gilmore Girls,
Spoilers: Um, May contain scenes and characters and references not seen in Season One.
Authors Note: Sequel to Single Again, I recommend reading it first. Literati, possibly other ships thrown in for Lorelai and Lane. Titles come from a song, "Soundproof" by Jonny Was...
Thanks: Thanks to the lovely Roxy for helping me work out some kinks in the bookstore logic. Roxy, I'd throw you a party next to your name but I don't think ff.net would like that much.

Chapter Thirteen:
Did Everything Change When You Made It To The Top?

Lorelai and Jess turned toward the sound of the bell when it jingled announcing Rory's arrival. "Wow, empty," she commented before moving to sit at the counter with them. Jess got off of his stool and met her halfway over the counter for a kiss before getting her some coffee. Rory noticed the half empty plates in front of them. "You're having pie! I want pie."

Jess smiled and set her coffee in front of her, "Want the rest of mine?"

"Sure." Jess pushed the rest of his pie towards her. Rory picked up the fork and took a bite. "Mm, this is good pie."

Lorelai pushed her empty pie plate away from her. "I better head over to the Inn and check on things. I'll see you later honey." She rested a hand on Rory's shoulder.

Rory looked up at her, "Bye Mom."

"Bye Lorelai," Jess chimed in.

"Bye Jess," Lorelai said before walking out the door.

Rory turned back around and faced Jess. "So."

"So," Jess repeated. "This party for your grandfather. I got him something, I mean, it's not much but it was the best I could do on such short notice. I was lucky to even find it today on break." He pulled a hardcover book out from under the counter and set it in front of Rory.

"Ernest Hemingway on Writing," Rory read off of the cover. "He'll like that a lot Jess. Where'd you find it?"

"This used bookstore I found in Hamden," Jess answered as the bell over the door rang, signaling the arrival of customers. Jess looked up and saw Kirk sit down at a table.

"Really?" Rory mused. She looked over her shoulder, "Hi Kirk."

"Hi Rory, Jess"

"Be right back," Jess said before walking over to Kirk with an order pad. "What can I get you Kirk?"

"I'll take a grilled cheese sandwich, cut into points, an order of fries and a Cherry Coke." Kirk replied. Jess started to walk away. "Oh, Jess, could I have a side of potato salad too?" Kirk asked.

"Coming right up, Kirk."

Rory picked up the book gingerly and examined it. "He'll love it Jess." She smiled at Jess who shyly returned the gesture. "What were you doing in Hamden anyways?"

"I had to pick something up." Jess passed the order on to Caesar in the kitchen.

"What?"

Jess leaned on the counter and looked over at Kirk, whom was looking alertly out the window. "I'd rather not say in present company," Jess said quietly.

"Oh, does this have to do with Wa-?" Rory started to ask before Jess cut her off.

"Yes."

"Pay?"

"Yes. Don't tell anyone though, I trust you."

Rory smiled, "I won't." Jess walked over to Kirk and gave him his Cherry Coke. When he returned Rory looked up at him mischievously. "Will you take me some time?"

"Sure I will," Jess said with a grin.

"What's the name of this place anyways?"

"Books and Company."

"Oh."

There was a comfortable lull in conversation until the phone rang. Jess picked it up, "Luke's Diner." He paused listening. "Okay hold on, I'll go check." He set the phone on the counter and looked at Rory. "I've got to run upstairs and look for something real quick, will you keep an eye on the place?"

"Sure."

"Thanks." Jess took off up the stairs and a moment later Caesar came out from the kitchen with Kirk's order.

Rory jumped off of her stool. "Here, I'll take it Caesar."

"Thank you, Rory." He handed her the plate and went back into the kitchen.

Rory walked over to Kirk and set his food in front of him, "Here you go, Kirk. Enjoy."

"Thank you, Rory."

Rory started to head back to her stool when the bell rang again and two women walked into the diner. "I'll be with you in just a moment folks," Rory said, "have a seat." She walked up to the counter and grabbed Jess' order pad and pen before walking over to the new customers.

"Welcome, what can I get you today?"

"I'll take a cheeseburger and fries, thank you." said the woman on the right. Rory jotted it down and began to speak when she was interrupted by the second woman.

"I'll take a BLT, no mayo, and some macaroni salad."

"What can I get you ladies to drink?"

"I'll take a lemonade," said the first woman.

"I'll take a coke," said the second woman.

"Coming right up," Rory said going back behind the counter. She gave Caesar the order before getting the ladies drinks and delivering them to their table.

She was walking back to the counter when Jess came back downstairs with a piece of paper. He walked over to the phone and picked it back up. "You there?" Apparently the person on the other end replied because Jess began reading off of the paper. "Gate 20, in half an hour." He listened a moment. "You're welcome, and I'll tell her. Bye." He hung up and turned to Rory, "Luke said to tell you that you were doing a good job."

"Oh, he could hear me?"

"I guess so."

"What's he doing anyways?"

"Picking up Rachel from the airport."

"Oh," Rory said, "Oh! Does mom-?"

He cut her off, "Yes, Lorelai knows."

"Oh. How'd she take it?"

"She choked on her pie."