*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the characters. All I
own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Hey everyone!!! It took a while for me to update this story, but I really wanted to finish SHATTERED first and I did. So now I can focus on this story 100%. I hope everyone likes this chapter, cause it took me ages to write. Please review and let me know if I should continue or not. Thanks.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
The next day Rory entered the diner feeling nervous. And the closer she got to the counter the more nervous she got. When she spotted Jess standing behind the counter, her hand automatically reached for the small piece of paper that she had neatly folded up and carefully placed in the pocket of her jeans. When she made sure that it was still there, she removed her hand from her pocket and held back a smile. Just the thought of the words that were written on that small piece of paper could bring a smile upon her face. Which was strange, cause she had read those words a million times before. It was one of her favorite scenes in Romeo and Juliet. But knowing that Jess had actually taken the time to write those same words down, changed the meaning of the entire scene. She started to wonder if he left it there on purpose ? Did he want her to find it ? Or had he left it there by accident ? She sat down at the counter and pushed the thoughts aside, but not too far. Just far enough so that she would be able to act normal around Jess. But she knew that during the rest of the day the thoughts would be there, in the back of her mind. Reminding her of Jess presence in her life and how it affected her. Because spending time with Jess did affect her in some way. She caught herself thinking of Jess when she was alone in her room or when she was near him. She would wonder about little things like why he was only nice to her or why he didn't like to talk about his feelings ? Rory shook her head. Why did she even care ? But when she caught Jess looking at her, she knew why she cared. She cared, because he was always there when she needed someone to talk to. Sure she could talk to her mom, but with Jess it was different. When she was talking to Jess it was as if he only had eyes for her. As if he was taking in every word that she was saying. He......just listened, no questions asked. He didn't expect anything from her. Besides she liked the way he looked at her when they were just talking or discussing books. He would always have half a smirk on his face and a soft look in his eyes, which were normally impossible to read. Rory smiled and looked at Jess. They held each other's gaze for a second and she wondered what other secrets he had hidden behind his bad boy appearance ? Did he really not care or was it just an act ?
L: ''Morning Luke.''
Luke: ''You're early.''
L: ''Is that hello in your language ?''
Luke: ''No, but you wanna hear goodbye in my language ?''
L: ''Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today.''
Luke: ''I always get up on the same side of the bed Lorelai.''
L: ''What are you saying Lukey ? Are you saying that it's me ?''
Luke: ''No, I'm just saying that it isn't me.''
L: ''Me neither. Maybe it's Rory ?''
R: ''Actually my name's Lorelai too, so technically speaking it could be either one of us.''
L: ''But we don't know which Lorelai he means.''
Luke: ''The annoying one.''
L: ''You mean Rory ? Cause it sure sounds like her.''
Lorelai looked at Luke and nudged Rory with her elbow.
L: ''I think he means you.''
Luke: ''Lorelai, I mean you.''
L: ''Which one ? Be more specific.''
Luke: ''Lorelai......''
L+R: ''Yes ?''
Luke looked at them with an annoyed look on his face.
L: ''Oooo he's made at you.''
Luke: ''Would you both just quit it ?''
L: ''Fine, spoil our fun.''
R: ''Yeah, you're mean.''
L: ''You just noticed ?''
R: ''I'm low on coffee.''
L: ''Speaking about coffee.........''
Luke: ''No.''
L: ''.......what about our coffee ?''
Luke: ''No.''
R: ''I think you have to ask it nicer.''
L: ''Let me rephrase that, can we have some coffee ?''
R: ''You forgot to say please.''
L: ''Right, please ?''
Luke: ''You're too early, I didn't make coffee yet.''
L: ''Did he just say that he didn't make coffee yet ?''
R: ''I think he did.''
L: ''Okay, I'm just going to pretend that I didn't hear that and ask again.''
Luke: ''Go ahead, but you're going to get the same answer.''
L: ''Can't you just make some ?''
Luke: ''I could, but I won't.''
L: ''Why not ? I'll pay you.''
Luke: ''You don't have enough money, trust me.''
L: ''Please Luke ? Without coffee I'll die.''
Luke: ''You won't die Lorelai. Just drink something else.''
L: ''Drink something else ? I don't drink anything else.''
Luke: ''Stop being so dramatic.''
L: ''Fine, you don't believe me ? Just ask Rory.''
R: ''What am I supposed to say ?''
L: ''Tell him about the time that I died, because I didn't have coffee for an entire day.''
R: ''Oh, right. Well, she didn't have coffee and she died.''
L: ''That's it ?''
R: ''What ?''
L: ''You can write a hundred pages about something stupid like shoes, but you can't come up with a better story ?''
R: ''Sorry. And I don't write about just shoes. I write about pink shoes.''
L: ''Pink is out this season.''
R: ''Yeah I know, but I'm trying to bring pink back again. I'm even holding speeches. Last week I visited the president to discuss it with him.''
L: ''I didn't know the president wore pink shoes ?''
R: ''Well, he does now.''
Luke: ''How do you guys get from begging for coffee to talking about pink shoes ?''
L: ''Well, first I told Rory that she can write a hundred pages about shoes, but she can't come up with a better coffee story for me.''
R: ''And then I said that I didn't just write about.......''
Luke: ''Please stop before I lose my mind.''
L: ''You asked.''
Luke: ''I'm sorry I did.''
L: ''Now can we please have some coffee ?''
Luke: ''No.''
L: ''But Luke..........''
Luke: ''No.''
R: ''I don't think we're getting any coffee mom.''
L: ''Yes we are, I have a different approach. Watch and learn.''
R: ''Do I need to take notes ?''
Lorelai ignored her and looked at Luke again.
L: ''Have you been working out ?''
Rory immediately started to laugh. She couldn't help it, that just sounded so wrong coming out of her mother's mouth.
Jess had watched the entire scene with an amused look on his face. And without realizing it a small smile had crept onto his face. He looked at Rory who was still laughing. Jess' smile got bigger as he listened to her laughter. He couldn't believe that she got so much joy out of one comment.
Luke slightly smiled, but quickly recovered.
Luke: ''You're still not getting any.''
L: ''Well, you do get right to the point, don't you ?''
She winked at Luke and licked her lips in a seductive way.
R: ''Mom.''
Luke rolled his eyes and sighed. He finally gave in. He had to, if he didn't want to go through this the rest of the day.
Luke: ''Fine, I'll go get some coffee from the back.''
R: ''Thanks Luke.''
Luke nodded at Rory and went in to the back. Great kid. Not that much different from her mother. Luke started to smile as he walked over to where he kept the coffee.
Lorelai looked at Rory and smiled.
L: ''I'm getting some.''
Rory softly laughed.
L: ''Are you getting some ?''
R: ''Yep, I get some every day.''
L: ''That's my girl.''
R: ''We are still talking about coffee here, aren't we ?''
L: ''What do you think ?''
Rory rolled her eyes.
R: ''That's disgusting.''
L: ''I thought you liked coffee ?''
R: ''Mom......''
Luke came out of the back.
L: ''Finally. What took you so long ?''
Luke gave her a look and started to make coffee.
L: ''I'm pushing my luck, aren't I ?''
R: ''Just a little.''
Suddenly Lorelai's cell phone went off. Luke turned around and pointed at the sign that said No Cell phones.
L: ''Hello ? Oh, mom............hey. Yeah, hold on for a minute.''
Lorelai removed the phone from her ear and looked at Luke.
L: ''What are you doing ?''
Luke: ''Can't you read ?''
L: ''Read what ?''
Luke: ''The sign.''
L: ''What sign ?''
Luke looked at her with an impatient look on his face.
R: ''I think he's talking about that sign over there. The one that says No Cell phones.''
L: ''Oh, you were pointing at the sign. I thought you were trying to zap something with your finger.''
Luke: ''Lorelai.''
L: ''Don't worry, I'm going outside. And when I get back the coffee better be ready.''
Lorelai put the phone back to her ear and went outside to continue her conversation with her mom.
R: ''Hey Luke.''
Luke: ''Yeah ?''
R: ''Can I have some coffee ? Please ?''
Luke: ''Sure.''
He got one of his biggest cups and filled it with coffee. Then he turned around and put it down in front of Rory.
R: ''Thank you.''
Luke: ''You're welcome kid. So, how are things at school ? Still getting good grades ?''
R: ''Straight A's.''
Luke: ''Good, and how about books ? Are you still reading a lot ?''
R: ''Even more.''
Luke: ''Good, that's good....... Well, I better get to work.''
R: ''Okay.''
Luke went in to the back again and Rory was left alone with Jess. She took a sip of her coffee and pretended that she didn't care.
J: ''Straight A's huh ?''
R: ''A+'s actually.''
Jess moved closer until he was standing right in front of her.
J: ''Well, aren't we the little bookworm.''
R: ''Yep and proud of it.''
She took another sip of her coffee and looked up at Jess. He was looking at her with an amused look in his eyes. Rory met his eyes for a second, but forced herself to look away.
R: ''Jess.......''
J: ''Yes ?''
Realizing that it rimed Rory smiled.
R: ''I have something for you.''
She put her coffee down and got the piece of paper out of her pocket.
R: ''I found it at the bridge yesterday, I think you dropped it or something.''
She handed it to Jess, but he didn't make any attempt to reach for it.
R: ''It is yours, right ?''
J: ''Yep, but I didn't lose it.''
They locked eyes for a moment and Rory wondered what he meant by that ? Did this mean that he had left it there on purpose ? The door of the diner opened and her mom came in. Rory quickly put the piece of paper back in her pocket and grabbed her coffee again.
R: ''Hey mom.''
L: ''Hey, where's Luke and where is my coffee ?''
R: ''In the back and apparently not here.''
L: ''Thanks for the update. Jess, can you please get me some coffee ?''
J: ''Yeah.''
He turned around and started to fill a cup with coffee.
L: ''So, guess what we are doing tomorrow night ?''
R: ''We're going skydiving ?''
L: ''Nope.''
R: ''Then I honestly don't have a clue.''
Jess handed Lorelai a cup of coffee.
L: ''Thanks, you're a lifesaver.''
J: ''The candy ?''
L: ''No, you don't really look like the candy. Does he ?''
R: ''Maybe if he colored his hair in the same color as his clothes.''
L: ''Yeah, I vote for red. What about you ?''
R: ''Red works for me.''
L: ''For me too. What about you Jess ? Does red work for you ?''
J: ''Sorry, but red doesn't really do anything for me.''
L: ''You're more of a green lifesaver ?''
J: ''Yep, you figured it out.''
R: ''So, now that we know Jess' big secret, can you please tell me what we're doing tomorrow night ?''
Jess got out his book and opened it. But even though he was reading Rory was on his mind. He smirked at the memory of the look on her face when he told her that he didn't lose the piece of paper. He wondered how long it would take her to figure it out ? How long would it take her to figure out his big secret ?
L: ''We're having dinner tomorrow with my parents.''
R: ''We always have dinner with them on Friday.''
L: ''Yeah, but this time the rules kind of changed.''
R: ''We have rules.''
L: ''Yeah, real good ones, but my mom decided to change them.''
R: ''Change them how ? We have to take turns passing the salt ?''
L: ''I wish, no. We have to bring dates.''
R: ''Dates ? We have to bring dates to the dinner tomorrow night ?''
L: ''That's what she said.''
R: ''Why ?''
L: ''Something about getting to know them better and she said that it would be nice to have some new faces at the table.''
R: ''Well, I have Dean, but who are you going to go with ?''
L: ''I don't know.''
As soon as Luke came out of the back a smile appeared on Lorelai's face.
L: ''Luke, can I ask you something ?''
Luke: ''Do you have to ?''
L: ''Please ?''
Luke: ''Fine, make it quick.''
L: ''Will you go out with me ?''
Luke: ''Excuse me ?''
L: ''You heard me, will you go out with me ? We can get to know each other better and stuff. Please ?''
Luke: ''Are you on drugs ?''
L: ''No, I want you to go to dinner with me.''
R: ''Ask her where.''
Luke: ''Where ?''
L: ''Trader.''
Luke: ''Lorelai, where ?''
L: ''At my parent's house.''
J: ''How romantic.''
Luke: ''Jess.''
L: ''Please come with me ?''
Luke: ''And meet your parents ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Luke: ''I actually have to talk to them ?''
R: ''Probably.''
L: ''But mostly they are just going to ask you questions.''
Luke: ''About what ?''
R: ''School, your boyfriend.''
J: ''I knew you were hiding something uncle Luke.''
L: ''You two are not exactly helping.''
R: ''Sorry.''
J: ''Yeah, sorry.''
L: ''Please ? All you have to do is eat dinner and answer a few questions about work and stuff.''
Luke: ''Why me ?''
L: ''Cause I don't have other guys that are my friend.''
R: ''She just doesn't have a boyfriend.''
Luke: ''Let's say I go with you, will your parents think that we're involved ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Luke: ''I don't know Lorelai.''
L: ''Please ? I you don't go with me I have to show up without a date and that would be humiliating.''
Luke: ''It's just for one night ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Luke: ''Okay, I'll go with you.''
L: ''Great. And one more thing......''
Luke: ''There's always one more thing.''
L: ''Don't forget to dress up.''
Luke: ''Dress up ?''
L: ''Yeah, you know. A blouse, nice pants and no cap.''
Jess stifled a laugh.
J: ''I can't wait to see you all dressed up uncle Luke.''
Luke looked from Lorelai to Jess and back again.
Luke: ''Do you mind if Jess joins us ?''
J: ''What ?''
L: ''No.''
Luke: ''Looks like you have to dress up too Jess.''
Luke smiled at Jess and went back to work.
J: ''Don't I have a say in this ?''
Luke: ''No, now get to work.''
Jess mumbled something and started to take the chairs of the tables.
L: ''My parents are so going to love this. I can't wait until dinner tomorrow. This is going to be fun.''
R: ''Loads.''
L: ''What's wrong sweets ?''
R: ''You forgot about one little thing.''
L: ''Impossible.''
R: ''Remember Dean, my boyfriend ? The guy who's probably going to dinner with me tomorrow ? He and Jess don't exactly get along.''
L: ''I know, maybe they'll start a fight an ruin the entire dinner ?''
R: ''Mom.''
L: ''I'm sure it's not that bad. Now, I have to go to the Inn.''
Lorelai quickly finished her coffee and got up to put her jacket on.
L: ''Have fun and don't worry too much okay ? Everything's going to be fine.''
She gave Rory a kiss on her cheek and left for work. Rory took one last sip of her coffee and checked her watch. She had to get to school. She got up and grabbed her bag. She headed for the door. When she reached it Jess opened it for her.
R: ''Thanks.''
J: ''No problem.''
Rory wanted to leave, but Jess stopped her.
J: ''Hey Rory...........''
She turned around and looked at him.
R: ''Yeah ?''
J: ''Don't worry about tonight. I promise I'll behave.''
R: ''You better, bye.''
J: ''See ya.''
He closed the door and watched Rory until she was out of sight.
That night Rory entered the diner with a sad look on her face. She walked towards her mom who was sitting at a table in the middle of the diner.
L: ''Hey sweets.''
R: ''Hey.''
L: ''How was your day ?''
R: ''Horrible.''
L: ''What happened ?''
R: ''Dean can't go to dinner with us.''
L: ''Why not ?''
R: ''It's Clara's birthday Friday and they're throwing her a party.''
L: ''I'm sorry. But at least he's not going out with another girl.''
R: ''Is that supposed to make me feel better ?''
At that moment Lane came in to the diner. As soon as she spotted Rory and Lorelai she made her way over to them.
Lane: ''Hey. Wow, what's with the sad look ?''
L: ''Dean can't go to dinner with her.''
Lane: ''Since when are you two going to dinner ?''
Lane sat down and grabbed a frie from Lorelai's plate.
L: ''Since my parents asked us to bring dates to the usual Friday night dinner.''
Lane: ''You have to bring dates ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Lane: ''Does the date have to be a guy ?''
L: ''My mom didn't say, why ?''
Lane: ''Well, I'm still available for tomorrow night.''
R: ''That's a great idea Lane.''
L: ''Did I miss something ?''
R: ''Lane can be my date.''
L: ''Excuse me ?''
R: ''Grandma didn't say that the date had to be a guy right ?''
L: ''Right, that's a great idea.''
R: ''I thought so too. Thanks Lane.''
Lane: ''No problem.''
L: ''So how long have you two been dating ?''
Rory and Lane both rolled her eyes. Lorelai smiled and got up.
L: ''I'm going to get some more coffee.''
Lane: ''So who is your mom going with ?''
R: ''Luke.''
Lane: ''Kidding right ?''
R: ''Nope. And you know who's coming too ?''
Lane shook her head. Rory smiled and pointed at Jess.
Lane: ''Jess ?''
R: ''Yep.''
Lane: ''Can it get any worse ?''
R: ''We have to dress up.''
Lane: ''Great, just great. It's going to be some night.''
Rory met Jess' eyes. Jess winked at her and Rory started to blush.
R: ''It sure is.''
*A/N: Hey everyone!!! It took a while for me to update this story, but I really wanted to finish SHATTERED first and I did. So now I can focus on this story 100%. I hope everyone likes this chapter, cause it took me ages to write. Please review and let me know if I should continue or not. Thanks.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
The next day Rory entered the diner feeling nervous. And the closer she got to the counter the more nervous she got. When she spotted Jess standing behind the counter, her hand automatically reached for the small piece of paper that she had neatly folded up and carefully placed in the pocket of her jeans. When she made sure that it was still there, she removed her hand from her pocket and held back a smile. Just the thought of the words that were written on that small piece of paper could bring a smile upon her face. Which was strange, cause she had read those words a million times before. It was one of her favorite scenes in Romeo and Juliet. But knowing that Jess had actually taken the time to write those same words down, changed the meaning of the entire scene. She started to wonder if he left it there on purpose ? Did he want her to find it ? Or had he left it there by accident ? She sat down at the counter and pushed the thoughts aside, but not too far. Just far enough so that she would be able to act normal around Jess. But she knew that during the rest of the day the thoughts would be there, in the back of her mind. Reminding her of Jess presence in her life and how it affected her. Because spending time with Jess did affect her in some way. She caught herself thinking of Jess when she was alone in her room or when she was near him. She would wonder about little things like why he was only nice to her or why he didn't like to talk about his feelings ? Rory shook her head. Why did she even care ? But when she caught Jess looking at her, she knew why she cared. She cared, because he was always there when she needed someone to talk to. Sure she could talk to her mom, but with Jess it was different. When she was talking to Jess it was as if he only had eyes for her. As if he was taking in every word that she was saying. He......just listened, no questions asked. He didn't expect anything from her. Besides she liked the way he looked at her when they were just talking or discussing books. He would always have half a smirk on his face and a soft look in his eyes, which were normally impossible to read. Rory smiled and looked at Jess. They held each other's gaze for a second and she wondered what other secrets he had hidden behind his bad boy appearance ? Did he really not care or was it just an act ?
L: ''Morning Luke.''
Luke: ''You're early.''
L: ''Is that hello in your language ?''
Luke: ''No, but you wanna hear goodbye in my language ?''
L: ''Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today.''
Luke: ''I always get up on the same side of the bed Lorelai.''
L: ''What are you saying Lukey ? Are you saying that it's me ?''
Luke: ''No, I'm just saying that it isn't me.''
L: ''Me neither. Maybe it's Rory ?''
R: ''Actually my name's Lorelai too, so technically speaking it could be either one of us.''
L: ''But we don't know which Lorelai he means.''
Luke: ''The annoying one.''
L: ''You mean Rory ? Cause it sure sounds like her.''
Lorelai looked at Luke and nudged Rory with her elbow.
L: ''I think he means you.''
Luke: ''Lorelai, I mean you.''
L: ''Which one ? Be more specific.''
Luke: ''Lorelai......''
L+R: ''Yes ?''
Luke looked at them with an annoyed look on his face.
L: ''Oooo he's made at you.''
Luke: ''Would you both just quit it ?''
L: ''Fine, spoil our fun.''
R: ''Yeah, you're mean.''
L: ''You just noticed ?''
R: ''I'm low on coffee.''
L: ''Speaking about coffee.........''
Luke: ''No.''
L: ''.......what about our coffee ?''
Luke: ''No.''
R: ''I think you have to ask it nicer.''
L: ''Let me rephrase that, can we have some coffee ?''
R: ''You forgot to say please.''
L: ''Right, please ?''
Luke: ''You're too early, I didn't make coffee yet.''
L: ''Did he just say that he didn't make coffee yet ?''
R: ''I think he did.''
L: ''Okay, I'm just going to pretend that I didn't hear that and ask again.''
Luke: ''Go ahead, but you're going to get the same answer.''
L: ''Can't you just make some ?''
Luke: ''I could, but I won't.''
L: ''Why not ? I'll pay you.''
Luke: ''You don't have enough money, trust me.''
L: ''Please Luke ? Without coffee I'll die.''
Luke: ''You won't die Lorelai. Just drink something else.''
L: ''Drink something else ? I don't drink anything else.''
Luke: ''Stop being so dramatic.''
L: ''Fine, you don't believe me ? Just ask Rory.''
R: ''What am I supposed to say ?''
L: ''Tell him about the time that I died, because I didn't have coffee for an entire day.''
R: ''Oh, right. Well, she didn't have coffee and she died.''
L: ''That's it ?''
R: ''What ?''
L: ''You can write a hundred pages about something stupid like shoes, but you can't come up with a better story ?''
R: ''Sorry. And I don't write about just shoes. I write about pink shoes.''
L: ''Pink is out this season.''
R: ''Yeah I know, but I'm trying to bring pink back again. I'm even holding speeches. Last week I visited the president to discuss it with him.''
L: ''I didn't know the president wore pink shoes ?''
R: ''Well, he does now.''
Luke: ''How do you guys get from begging for coffee to talking about pink shoes ?''
L: ''Well, first I told Rory that she can write a hundred pages about shoes, but she can't come up with a better coffee story for me.''
R: ''And then I said that I didn't just write about.......''
Luke: ''Please stop before I lose my mind.''
L: ''You asked.''
Luke: ''I'm sorry I did.''
L: ''Now can we please have some coffee ?''
Luke: ''No.''
L: ''But Luke..........''
Luke: ''No.''
R: ''I don't think we're getting any coffee mom.''
L: ''Yes we are, I have a different approach. Watch and learn.''
R: ''Do I need to take notes ?''
Lorelai ignored her and looked at Luke again.
L: ''Have you been working out ?''
Rory immediately started to laugh. She couldn't help it, that just sounded so wrong coming out of her mother's mouth.
Jess had watched the entire scene with an amused look on his face. And without realizing it a small smile had crept onto his face. He looked at Rory who was still laughing. Jess' smile got bigger as he listened to her laughter. He couldn't believe that she got so much joy out of one comment.
Luke slightly smiled, but quickly recovered.
Luke: ''You're still not getting any.''
L: ''Well, you do get right to the point, don't you ?''
She winked at Luke and licked her lips in a seductive way.
R: ''Mom.''
Luke rolled his eyes and sighed. He finally gave in. He had to, if he didn't want to go through this the rest of the day.
Luke: ''Fine, I'll go get some coffee from the back.''
R: ''Thanks Luke.''
Luke nodded at Rory and went in to the back. Great kid. Not that much different from her mother. Luke started to smile as he walked over to where he kept the coffee.
Lorelai looked at Rory and smiled.
L: ''I'm getting some.''
Rory softly laughed.
L: ''Are you getting some ?''
R: ''Yep, I get some every day.''
L: ''That's my girl.''
R: ''We are still talking about coffee here, aren't we ?''
L: ''What do you think ?''
Rory rolled her eyes.
R: ''That's disgusting.''
L: ''I thought you liked coffee ?''
R: ''Mom......''
Luke came out of the back.
L: ''Finally. What took you so long ?''
Luke gave her a look and started to make coffee.
L: ''I'm pushing my luck, aren't I ?''
R: ''Just a little.''
Suddenly Lorelai's cell phone went off. Luke turned around and pointed at the sign that said No Cell phones.
L: ''Hello ? Oh, mom............hey. Yeah, hold on for a minute.''
Lorelai removed the phone from her ear and looked at Luke.
L: ''What are you doing ?''
Luke: ''Can't you read ?''
L: ''Read what ?''
Luke: ''The sign.''
L: ''What sign ?''
Luke looked at her with an impatient look on his face.
R: ''I think he's talking about that sign over there. The one that says No Cell phones.''
L: ''Oh, you were pointing at the sign. I thought you were trying to zap something with your finger.''
Luke: ''Lorelai.''
L: ''Don't worry, I'm going outside. And when I get back the coffee better be ready.''
Lorelai put the phone back to her ear and went outside to continue her conversation with her mom.
R: ''Hey Luke.''
Luke: ''Yeah ?''
R: ''Can I have some coffee ? Please ?''
Luke: ''Sure.''
He got one of his biggest cups and filled it with coffee. Then he turned around and put it down in front of Rory.
R: ''Thank you.''
Luke: ''You're welcome kid. So, how are things at school ? Still getting good grades ?''
R: ''Straight A's.''
Luke: ''Good, and how about books ? Are you still reading a lot ?''
R: ''Even more.''
Luke: ''Good, that's good....... Well, I better get to work.''
R: ''Okay.''
Luke went in to the back again and Rory was left alone with Jess. She took a sip of her coffee and pretended that she didn't care.
J: ''Straight A's huh ?''
R: ''A+'s actually.''
Jess moved closer until he was standing right in front of her.
J: ''Well, aren't we the little bookworm.''
R: ''Yep and proud of it.''
She took another sip of her coffee and looked up at Jess. He was looking at her with an amused look in his eyes. Rory met his eyes for a second, but forced herself to look away.
R: ''Jess.......''
J: ''Yes ?''
Realizing that it rimed Rory smiled.
R: ''I have something for you.''
She put her coffee down and got the piece of paper out of her pocket.
R: ''I found it at the bridge yesterday, I think you dropped it or something.''
She handed it to Jess, but he didn't make any attempt to reach for it.
R: ''It is yours, right ?''
J: ''Yep, but I didn't lose it.''
They locked eyes for a moment and Rory wondered what he meant by that ? Did this mean that he had left it there on purpose ? The door of the diner opened and her mom came in. Rory quickly put the piece of paper back in her pocket and grabbed her coffee again.
R: ''Hey mom.''
L: ''Hey, where's Luke and where is my coffee ?''
R: ''In the back and apparently not here.''
L: ''Thanks for the update. Jess, can you please get me some coffee ?''
J: ''Yeah.''
He turned around and started to fill a cup with coffee.
L: ''So, guess what we are doing tomorrow night ?''
R: ''We're going skydiving ?''
L: ''Nope.''
R: ''Then I honestly don't have a clue.''
Jess handed Lorelai a cup of coffee.
L: ''Thanks, you're a lifesaver.''
J: ''The candy ?''
L: ''No, you don't really look like the candy. Does he ?''
R: ''Maybe if he colored his hair in the same color as his clothes.''
L: ''Yeah, I vote for red. What about you ?''
R: ''Red works for me.''
L: ''For me too. What about you Jess ? Does red work for you ?''
J: ''Sorry, but red doesn't really do anything for me.''
L: ''You're more of a green lifesaver ?''
J: ''Yep, you figured it out.''
R: ''So, now that we know Jess' big secret, can you please tell me what we're doing tomorrow night ?''
Jess got out his book and opened it. But even though he was reading Rory was on his mind. He smirked at the memory of the look on her face when he told her that he didn't lose the piece of paper. He wondered how long it would take her to figure it out ? How long would it take her to figure out his big secret ?
L: ''We're having dinner tomorrow with my parents.''
R: ''We always have dinner with them on Friday.''
L: ''Yeah, but this time the rules kind of changed.''
R: ''We have rules.''
L: ''Yeah, real good ones, but my mom decided to change them.''
R: ''Change them how ? We have to take turns passing the salt ?''
L: ''I wish, no. We have to bring dates.''
R: ''Dates ? We have to bring dates to the dinner tomorrow night ?''
L: ''That's what she said.''
R: ''Why ?''
L: ''Something about getting to know them better and she said that it would be nice to have some new faces at the table.''
R: ''Well, I have Dean, but who are you going to go with ?''
L: ''I don't know.''
As soon as Luke came out of the back a smile appeared on Lorelai's face.
L: ''Luke, can I ask you something ?''
Luke: ''Do you have to ?''
L: ''Please ?''
Luke: ''Fine, make it quick.''
L: ''Will you go out with me ?''
Luke: ''Excuse me ?''
L: ''You heard me, will you go out with me ? We can get to know each other better and stuff. Please ?''
Luke: ''Are you on drugs ?''
L: ''No, I want you to go to dinner with me.''
R: ''Ask her where.''
Luke: ''Where ?''
L: ''Trader.''
Luke: ''Lorelai, where ?''
L: ''At my parent's house.''
J: ''How romantic.''
Luke: ''Jess.''
L: ''Please come with me ?''
Luke: ''And meet your parents ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Luke: ''I actually have to talk to them ?''
R: ''Probably.''
L: ''But mostly they are just going to ask you questions.''
Luke: ''About what ?''
R: ''School, your boyfriend.''
J: ''I knew you were hiding something uncle Luke.''
L: ''You two are not exactly helping.''
R: ''Sorry.''
J: ''Yeah, sorry.''
L: ''Please ? All you have to do is eat dinner and answer a few questions about work and stuff.''
Luke: ''Why me ?''
L: ''Cause I don't have other guys that are my friend.''
R: ''She just doesn't have a boyfriend.''
Luke: ''Let's say I go with you, will your parents think that we're involved ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Luke: ''I don't know Lorelai.''
L: ''Please ? I you don't go with me I have to show up without a date and that would be humiliating.''
Luke: ''It's just for one night ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Luke: ''Okay, I'll go with you.''
L: ''Great. And one more thing......''
Luke: ''There's always one more thing.''
L: ''Don't forget to dress up.''
Luke: ''Dress up ?''
L: ''Yeah, you know. A blouse, nice pants and no cap.''
Jess stifled a laugh.
J: ''I can't wait to see you all dressed up uncle Luke.''
Luke looked from Lorelai to Jess and back again.
Luke: ''Do you mind if Jess joins us ?''
J: ''What ?''
L: ''No.''
Luke: ''Looks like you have to dress up too Jess.''
Luke smiled at Jess and went back to work.
J: ''Don't I have a say in this ?''
Luke: ''No, now get to work.''
Jess mumbled something and started to take the chairs of the tables.
L: ''My parents are so going to love this. I can't wait until dinner tomorrow. This is going to be fun.''
R: ''Loads.''
L: ''What's wrong sweets ?''
R: ''You forgot about one little thing.''
L: ''Impossible.''
R: ''Remember Dean, my boyfriend ? The guy who's probably going to dinner with me tomorrow ? He and Jess don't exactly get along.''
L: ''I know, maybe they'll start a fight an ruin the entire dinner ?''
R: ''Mom.''
L: ''I'm sure it's not that bad. Now, I have to go to the Inn.''
Lorelai quickly finished her coffee and got up to put her jacket on.
L: ''Have fun and don't worry too much okay ? Everything's going to be fine.''
She gave Rory a kiss on her cheek and left for work. Rory took one last sip of her coffee and checked her watch. She had to get to school. She got up and grabbed her bag. She headed for the door. When she reached it Jess opened it for her.
R: ''Thanks.''
J: ''No problem.''
Rory wanted to leave, but Jess stopped her.
J: ''Hey Rory...........''
She turned around and looked at him.
R: ''Yeah ?''
J: ''Don't worry about tonight. I promise I'll behave.''
R: ''You better, bye.''
J: ''See ya.''
He closed the door and watched Rory until she was out of sight.
That night Rory entered the diner with a sad look on her face. She walked towards her mom who was sitting at a table in the middle of the diner.
L: ''Hey sweets.''
R: ''Hey.''
L: ''How was your day ?''
R: ''Horrible.''
L: ''What happened ?''
R: ''Dean can't go to dinner with us.''
L: ''Why not ?''
R: ''It's Clara's birthday Friday and they're throwing her a party.''
L: ''I'm sorry. But at least he's not going out with another girl.''
R: ''Is that supposed to make me feel better ?''
At that moment Lane came in to the diner. As soon as she spotted Rory and Lorelai she made her way over to them.
Lane: ''Hey. Wow, what's with the sad look ?''
L: ''Dean can't go to dinner with her.''
Lane: ''Since when are you two going to dinner ?''
Lane sat down and grabbed a frie from Lorelai's plate.
L: ''Since my parents asked us to bring dates to the usual Friday night dinner.''
Lane: ''You have to bring dates ?''
L: ''Yeah.''
Lane: ''Does the date have to be a guy ?''
L: ''My mom didn't say, why ?''
Lane: ''Well, I'm still available for tomorrow night.''
R: ''That's a great idea Lane.''
L: ''Did I miss something ?''
R: ''Lane can be my date.''
L: ''Excuse me ?''
R: ''Grandma didn't say that the date had to be a guy right ?''
L: ''Right, that's a great idea.''
R: ''I thought so too. Thanks Lane.''
Lane: ''No problem.''
L: ''So how long have you two been dating ?''
Rory and Lane both rolled her eyes. Lorelai smiled and got up.
L: ''I'm going to get some more coffee.''
Lane: ''So who is your mom going with ?''
R: ''Luke.''
Lane: ''Kidding right ?''
R: ''Nope. And you know who's coming too ?''
Lane shook her head. Rory smiled and pointed at Jess.
Lane: ''Jess ?''
R: ''Yep.''
Lane: ''Can it get any worse ?''
R: ''We have to dress up.''
Lane: ''Great, just great. It's going to be some night.''
Rory met Jess' eyes. Jess winked at her and Rory started to blush.
R: ''It sure is.''
