Chapter 187

"Hello?" Luke answered the phone.

"Hey, big brother!"

"Oh, hey Liz," Luke answered casually. It was early for her to call, but not unprecedented. They had been on good terms for a while, all things considered. They probably spoke every week or two, even though it was mostly superficial, and sometimes extremely irritating when TJ was involved.

This morning, Luke had opened the diner, and Jess and Rory were planning to come down and have lunch with him and Lorelai before they headed back to Philadelphia. It was 8:30 now, and if history was anything to go by, Jess would come down to help him around 9, without being asked. That in mind, it occurred to Luke that it would be beneficial to keep the call short. As much as Luke himself had made peace with Liz, he knew Jess wasn't in the same place. "What's going on?" he asked.

"TJ wanted to know if he could borrow some tools. He's remodeling our bathroom."

"I didn't know TJ was handy."

"Well, he thinks he is, and I don't have the heart to tell him he's not," Liz said cheerfully, "…on a related note, in a week or two, we may need some help remodeling our bathroom."

Luke rolled his eyes. "Sure, Liz. Anything else?"

"What's the rush?"

"Busy morning."

"Diner crowded?"

"Yeah. Jess should be down to help soon, but we're swamped until then."

"Jess is in town?"

Luke palmed his face, realizing his mistake. "Yeah, but only for a couple hours. He and Rory had dinner at Lorelai's parents last night, so they just crashed here quickly on their way back to Philadelphia. They're leaving really early."

"…wait, he's with Rory again? I didn't know that."

Luke's eyes widened. He had no idea Liz hadn't known, and knew Jess was going to be less than pleased when he found out that Luke had let it slip.

"…um, yeah. It's very new. I'm sure he was going to tell you."

"Uh-huh. Well, I gotta go, Doula need something."

"…okay. Come by for the tools later."

"Of course, big brother. Seeya."

Luke hung up the phone, unable to shake his nerves. Liz hadn't sounded happy. He knew this couldn't go anywhere good.

"Morning," Jess said cheerfully, appearing through the doorframe at almost exactly 9.

"…morning," Luke sighed. Jess raised his eyebrow.

"Something wrong?"

"…not yet."

"…what does that mean, exactly?"

"Well, your mom called earlier."

"That sounds unpleasant. But you guys talk pretty regularly, so unless she's up to her old…"

"She didn't know about you and Rory."

"…no, she didn't. She does now?" Jess asked, trying to keep his tone level. Luke knew him well enough to know the effort it was taking.

"Jess, I had no idea she didn't know. It just slipped out."

"Well, it happens," Jess shrugged, trying to maintain his calm, "You didn't mean to do anything."

"…I thought she knew."

"Why would she?"

"She's your mother."

"…all the other 'shoulds' that flow from that haven't happened. Not sure why you thought this one would," Jess said, struggling to keep the anger from his tone, "But…what's done is done. Look, I see tables that need serving. I'll go take care of that."

"Jess…"

"Luke."

"…fine."

An hour later, Rory came down. She smiled brightly at Luke. "Morning!"

"…morning, Rory," Luke said gruffly. Rory looked at Luke, confused.

"…wow, what'd I do to get grumpy Luke?"

"…nothing. Luke's fine. Aren't you?" Jess asked pointedly. Luke sighed.

"Sure, Jess."

"Good. Rory, sit down. I'll get you coffee."

Rory looked at him, confused. He met her gaze, giving her a very clear "Don't ask" look. She sighed, nodding, and sat down at the nearest four-top. He came over quickly with a pot of coffee, and began filling her cup.

"Mom said she'll be here in 15."

"Alright, we'll get Cesar to take over."

"I'm sure she can wait…"

"Not necessary, it's not that crowded." Jess nodded curtly, looking at Luke, who nodded and went to the kitchen, presumably to speak to Cesar. "You want food?"

"Um…"

"Dumb question. Let's wait for your mom."

"…okay. Jess, what's going on?"

"…don't want to talk about it. Okay? It'll be fine."

Rory nodded, not believing him a bit, but wanting to respect his preference. At that moment, Lorelai flounced through the door.

"Oh Luke! I require refreshment!" she called as she swayed into the diner.

"Coffee's over here," Jess said shortly. Lorelai raised her eyebrows at him, and then gave Rory a look, who shrugged. Lorelai quieted, and went to sit at the table.

"Well, you're a ray of sunshine this morning," she said, when Jess came over to pour her coffee.

"That kinda day," he mumbled. She nodded with understanding.

"Thanks," she said quietly, after he'd poured the coffee. Somewhere deep in his anger, Jess noted how she'd immediately toned down, sensing what he needed emotionally. He might have appreciated it, if he could feel anything past his rage and anxiety.

"Of course," he nodded curtly, "We'll come sit down with you in a sec. What do you want to eat?"

"Bacon and cheddar omelette, bacon on the side, pancakes and a chocolate donut."

"Rory?"

"Cheese fries, bacon cheeseburger, and a side of bacon."

"Nuts," he said with a sense of awe, before heading to the kitchen to place their orders.

"So what's going…"

"No idea. Luke's off too. Something's up, but I don't know any more than you do."

"Well, I'm starting to get an idea," Lorelai mumbled. She gestured subtly to outside, where Liz was angrily walking towards the diner doors, holding Doula's hand.

"…uh-oh."

"Yup."

"Jess!" Liz exclaimed, immediately upon entering the diner.

"Hi Liz," Lorelai said tentatively. Liz sighed.

"Hello, Lorelai. Have you seen…"

"I'm right here," Jess said, appearing from the kitchen, attempting to keep a neutral expression. Luke came out right behind him.

"Liz…"

"Luke, this is between me and my son."

"…then is there a reason you're choosing to do it in a diner full of people?" Jess asked pointedly. Liz narrowed her eyes.

"Like you'd give me the chance to speak to you in private. I remember exactly how well it went the last time I called."

"I can't remember exact details, but didn't you suggest I wasn't a great role model for your child on that call? Speaking of which…" Jess looked at Doula with concern. Rory looked at her mom, and then immediately made a snap decision.

"Liz, I'm Rory. It's nice to meet you. Jess has told me so much about Doula. Would you mind if I take her to get a milkshake next store and introduce myself? That is, if you want to, Doula."

"I love milkshakes! Mom, please?!"

"Sure," Liz said dismissively, "And it's nice to meet you Rory. I'd have preferred Jess actually introduce us, but…"

"I'd love to catch up and introduce myself properly later, but milkshakes are only good until they melt!" Rory said, plastering a false smile on her face. Doula grinned back.

Rory looked at Jess, who gave her a slight nod, and Lorelai, who was looking at her daughter with an expression of admiration that was rare, even for her. Rory smiled and opened the door, gesturing for Doula to follow her. Luke watched, stunned, as Doula followed her straight out the door and into Taylor's soda shoppe. As soon as they left, Liz turned back to Jess.

"I cannot believe you've been in a serious relationship, and you didn't tell me! How long has this been going on?"

"Why is that any of your business? And who said it's serious?"

"You're staying here, visiting Luke and her mom jointly…it certainly doesn't seem new."

"Again, why is it any of your business?"

"Why are you being so evasive?"

"We've been together a few months," Jess admitted, in the futile hope that it would end the conversation. He could not have been more incorrect

"Months?!" Liz replied incredulously, "You've been in a serious relationship for months and you didn't tell me?"

"Why on earth would I tell you?" Jess exploded, his rage finally seething over, "What right do you possibly have to know? And what about our relationship would ever make you think I'd want to share that information?"

"…what makes you think I'm so terrible that I wouldn't be happy for you?" Liz asked. Jess' eyes narrowed. This change of tactic was all too familiar to him. "Why won't you let me share in your happiness? I'm your mom, Jess. And Rory is lovely- why wouldn't you want me to know?"

"Why would I care if you like Rory or not?" Jess shot back, "It's none of your business, and I certainly don't care what you think of her. You don't get the right to an opinion anymore. You pretty much lost that when you gave up literally all of the responsibilities that come with being a parent."

"Guys…" Luke cut in warningly, "Look, can we just…"

"Luke, stay out of this," Jess said warningly. Luke sighed. Lorelai looked at them both cautiously. Jess looked at Liz, his anger rising, and continued.

"Look, it's clear you think that this is another way for you to try feel like you get to be a parent to me. I guess it worked with Luke. He feels sorry for you. I don't have that problem. I watched you make your bed, so I'm not gonna feel bad watching you lie in it. You're not going to worm your way into my life. It's not gonna work on me. I know better now."

"Why are you so cruel?" Liz cried. At this point, the few customers in the diner were watching intently, which only exacerbated Jess' rage, and Luke and Lorelai's discomfort. "I try to be kind to you, and you always shoot back at me with this…scorn. It's so cruel and unfair, just because I wasn't a perfect mother. Don't you believe people are capable of change?" At this, Jess audibly scoffed. Lorelai rolled her eyes.

"Generally? Sure. But you've done enough that I'm not required to give you some sort of fresh start, or new chance, or anything like that. And calling you an imperfect parent is kind of like calling Axel Rose an imperfect hotel guest."

"I'm not perfect, but I'm a good parent! I wasn't perfect with you, but I am a damn good mother to Doula!"

"Oh really?" Jess raised his eyebrows, starting to seethe, "I'm not sure if you realize this, but you brought your daughter, who is a child, to a restaurant to witness you having a public screaming match with your other child." Liz had the decency to look a little ashamed. Lorelai watched her closely. Jess continued.

"Yeah, so, you're not getting any introduction to Rory from me. You should be grateful she decided to introduce herself, and that she was thoughtful enough to get Doula out of here so she didn't have to see this. Now that's a person who could be a mother. It's clear there's a lot you still haven't figured out about that particular role. But hey, by comparison to how you raised me, you're June Cleaver. Congrats. How long can you keep that going before you ship Doula off to be somebody else's problem?"

"How dare you? You know I only did that for your own good!"

"And now you're here trying to erase the good it did, and butt into my life, which you essentially walked out of."

Liz glared at him, "Well, it's pretty clear you don't want me anyway. You've built this perfect little family, with your new girlfriend and your shiny new life, and there's no place for me in it."

Jess looked at her. His voice was very strong, and eerily calm."No, there isn't." At that, Liz teared up, and stormed out the door. Lorelai looked at Jess in awe. Luke went chasing after Liz.

"Liz, wait!"

"Don't forget your kid," Jess called sarcastically after them. A number of the patrons looked at him, astonished that the occasional server who was known for his monosyllabic communication had just given them a floorshow rivaling Dynasty.

"That's it, show's over everyone. I'm going upstairs," he said curtly to Lorelai, before heading up to the apartment. Luke came back in a minute later.

"Liz took Doula home. Rory's coming in a second. I need to talk to Jess."

"I'm coming with you," Lorelai said, following him up the stairs. They walked into the apartment to find Jess pouring himself a glass of water. Lorelai noticed quickly that Jess' hands were trembling. Luke, however, did not. He immediately walked straight over to Jess.

"Jess, you were totally out of line! That was your mother. You cannot talk to her that way. Even though she messed up a lot, she's still your mom, and she doesn't deserve that." Luke implored, glaring at Jess. Lorelai watched Jess carefully, as he walked over to the couch and sat down, taking a sip of the glass of water, his hands still shaking. When he started to speak, however, his voice was steady.

"Luke, she is my mother, and she failed at that role in about 800 unbelievably shitty ways, and I will talk to her however I please. She hasn't earned any respect from me. You know damn well I wouldn't have chosen to do this here, and that I don't like it any more than you do. But it's my business how I talk to her, and treat her. Just because you want to be kind to her doesn't mean I have to be." With that, Jess set down his glass of water, and stared straight ahead.

"…no, you can't. It's not…"

"Luke."

Both men turned to look at Lorelai. She was looking at Luke, an unreadable expression on her face.

"What?" Luke asked, still agitated. She sighed.

"Jess is right."

"What? You heard how he…"

"Yes, I did. And he has every right to decide what relationship to have with Liz."

"He can't…"

"He can."

"You can't possibly suggest that's an okay way for someone to treat their mother."

"…Jess deserves to decide what their relationship looks like. Given his childhood, that's the very least he deserves. It's his choice to make."

"He was cruel!"

"…he's her child. She doesn't get to be treated with the respect of a parent when she didn't parent him in a way that warrants respect."

"I cannot believe you're taking his side! You like Liz!" Luke said, disbelievingly. Lorelai shook her head.

"I get along with Liz. We get along fine. She's been nothing but kind to me, and I have no intention of being anything but kind to her. But as a mother…if I'd done the things she did, I wouldn't feel entitled to a damn thing from my kid. And I shouldn't."

"This is…I need a minute," Luke fumed, shaking his head. Lorelai looked at Jess, who was looking at her, astonished. His hands were still trembling, but it had calmed a bit.

"We'll go check in with Rory. Give you a minute," Lorelai nodded, gesturing to Jess, who followed her down the stairs, still looking totally bewildered. When they walked down the stairs, they saw Rory waiting at the counter.

"Jess…"

"Did Doula hear anything?"

"…no, we couldn't hear a word. Apparently that glass is pretty soundproof."

"…good." Jess said shortly. He was still clearly shaken, and Rory could tell.

"What…"

"Rory, would you mind staying a little later today to help Luke here? I could use some help from Jess on a couple things at the Inn," Lorelai said, looking meaningfully at Rory. Rory nodded, quickly shifting from surprise to calm.

"Of course. Where's Luke?"

"He's upstairs. I'd give him a minute. I'll text you when we're close to finished, okay?"

"Sounds good."

"Jess, that work for you?"

"Fine," Jess mumbled, still a little dazed. Lorelai nodded definitively, gesturing for Jess to follow her out to the Jeep. They got in the car silently, and Lorelai started driving.

"…so what do you…"

"Hold on, I need to make a quick call," Lorelai said, pulling out her phone. Jess nodded. She dialed. "Hi, Michel? Can you and Sookie handle the Inn for the afternoon? Something came up. (Pause) Okay, thanks." Lorelai hung up the phone. Jess looked at her, confused.

"What are…"

"We're gonna go blow off some steam. You trust me?"

Jess looked at her, still trying to make sense of it all. In spite of all of the confusion, he nodded. He knew he did trust her. Lorelai smiled at him, and they continued driving. It occured to him in that very moment that maybe this was what having family was actually supposed to be like.