Jess sat staring at the cordless phone in the kitchen. He knew the sooner he called Erin, the better, and if he waited too much longer, it would be way too late in California. Of course, if he called in the middle of the night, who knew what he would be interrupting. He cringed at the thought. He liked to imagine her miserable and ready to come back, begging him for forgiveness. Calling on a Saturday night might ruin all his illusions.
Will walked into the kitchen, followed closely by Rory. He turned, aware someone was right behind him, and threw his hands up.
"What?"
"You tell me. I know something's up with you, why won't you just tell me?"
"What's going on?" Jess asked, watching the siblings bicker. You'd think with Rory being 20 years older, the sibling squabbles would be at a minimum. But that just isn't the Gilmore way.
"Will is hiding something about Anna."
"Jess, get her off my back, will you?"
"Excuse me, I'm not on your back. I'm your sister, and as such, you owe it to me to let me know what is going on in your life. You guys have been spending all your time together, and--, OH!"
"What?" Jess asked again.
"You're dating Anna?!" she half-yelled.
"Will you keep your voice down, please?"
"Are you?" Jess had to ask. Even he was interested. The fact that it was barring him from making his dreaded phone call was just gravy.
"No, I mean, not officially," he sighed, looking at his sister and cousin. They looked expectantly at him, and he felt the pressure to continue rambling. "I sort of broke down and asked her out today. For the first time. And I'm supposed to call her and make plans, but how am I supposed to make plans? Where am I supposed to take her? I mean, it has to be perfect, right? I've known her forever, so it has to be romantic, but not too romantic," he took a breath.
"Whoa, hey, Will, calm down, man," Jess stood and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah, this is going to be fine, really."
"You have to help me. What do I do?"
"Well, it's a first date. What would you normally do on a first date?"
"It's been five years since I've had a first date," he looked to Jess for help.
"Don't look at me. You were three the last time I was on a first date."
"Wow, you guys are so helpful."
"No, I contend that it doesn't have to have any more pressure than any other first date. Dinner and a movie," she suggested.
"So, is that your way of telling him he wasn't even born the last time you had a first date?" Jess asked.
"What? I think my idea is fine."
"But they're friends. They do dinner and a movie all the time, platonically."
"So?"
"He's right. Oh my—what am I going to do?"
"No, no he's not right. Because everything's different now. When we dated, we'd been friends first, and once you introduce the ability to kiss, it's all different."
"Wow, I would appreciate it if you two wouldn't talk about the good old days. The image of you two kissing gives me night terrors," Will screwed up his face.
Jess snickered, and Rory shook her head. "Sorry. But I still maintain I'm right."
"Okay, yeah, she does have a point there. You do plan on kissing her, don't you?"
"I vote we go back to not discussing this. I was much more comfortable then."
Rory sighed. "But where will you go on your first date?"
"To dinner. And a movie," he said with finality and decisiveness before going back into the living room.
Rory looked to Jess, who still looked amused. "So, why are you sitting in here?"
His face grew more serious, and he shrugged.
"What is it with everyone and the secrets? Who was on the phone?"
"Gwen."
"Who's Gwen?"
"A woman I met earlier today."
"Oh. Wow."
"Yeah. So, I have to call Erin and let her know, just to be," he paused, looking for the right word.
"Hurtful?"
"Honest."
"Ah, honesty. The best policy. Can I call Ella first?"
"Use your cell. I need my privacy."
"Fine, fine. Good luck," she gave a supportive smile before heading off to find her cell phone. He was once again alone with the opportunity to get this over with. Then he could have his own mini-drama about where to take his first date.
He waited on the line, praying she answered the phone herself. On the fourth ring, he was getting ready to hang up, not wanting to leave a message, when he heard her voice.
"Hello?"
"It's me."
"Oh. Hi."
"Hi."
"Is everything okay? The kids?"
"No, everything's fine. I just had something to tell you."
"Oh, okay."
He fought back the urge to beat around the bush, but small talk had never been his thing. She knew it too, so trying would probably just creep her out. She knew all his habits, his tricks, and everything about him, to be honest.
"I just wanted to tell you, so it came from me. I met someone today. And, uh, I'm going to go on a date sometime. I didn't want you to call here for the kids and find out that way. They don't deserve to have to be dragged into this."
"Oh. I see."
"Erin," he began.
"Do they know already?"
"About Gwen?"
"Uh, yeah."
Using her name probably wasn't playing fair, it gave a more realistic feel to his seeing other people. But he wasn't trying to hide things, and he felt obligated to throw a little pain her way.
"Yes, they know."
"Have they, you know, met her?"
"No. They saw her, but they didn't met her."
"Oh. All right. Is there anything else?"
He knew her tone. She was trying to distance herself, something she wasn't good at when it came to him.
"No. The kids are fine, and I'm fine."
"Good. Me too, I'm fine."
"Good."
"Good."
They hung up, and he felt strange. He was sort of relieved, just to have that over with. She obviously wasn't thrilled with his news, but he wasn't calling so she'd be happy for him. He just didn't want her freaking out at Jules or Ambrose later. If it came from him, then it would be easier. He decided the best thing was to get his mind off of it, and he went to rejoin the group in the living room.
&&&&
Meanwhile, Rory was upstairs, in the place that was the scene of her earlier triumph. She called Ella, and was having the worst trouble understanding her. It was really loud wherever she was.
"Where are you?"
"We're just out, Mom."
"We?"
"Billy and I. Jane is the ultimate stick in the mud," she informed her.
"No, she's the heir of that stick, actually."
Ella giggled. "Well, she's preparing for the title very well."
"Are you having fun? How was Yale?"
"It was great. Definitely a contender."
"And Princeton?"
"Eh. It's fine, and all, but New Haven's nightlife is hopping in comparison."
"You aren't at a club, are you?"
"No, it's more like a tavern," she said, looking around.
"Ella!"
"Don't worry. We aren't drinking, we're just having coffee and food."
"Fine. Just, don't do anything stupid. You're dad's worried sick enough as it is."
"I promise."
"And you'll be home tomorrow night?"
"Yeah. Right after Sarah Lawrence."
"Try not to like it too much. I like that Yale is ahead so far," Rory nudged.
"Gee, you're kidding. I thought you wanted me to run off with that motorcycle gang after graduation."
"I believe that was your grandmother's suggestion," Rory reminded.
"Ah. Right. Night, Mom."
"Night."
Rory pressed End, and held the cell phone to her chest. Her baby liked Yale. Nothing was official, but the seeds of hope had been planted. She bounced downstairs, and reclaimed her place on Tristan's lap as they finished up the movie.
&&&&
"Do you want to dance?" Ella asked, after she finished her cappuccino. Billy looked up at her, and nodded. This tavern had live music going tonight, and there was a moderate sized dance floor cleared out where tables normally were. The darkened space was packed, and most of the people appeared to be just slightly older than the two.
He led her over to the dance floor, and a slower song began. The band was fairly good, especially for a cover band, and he pulled her in close.
"So, what do you really think of Princeton?"
"Just what I told Mom. Eehh," she made a noise showing she wasn't too thrilled. "This, however, is nice."
"Good."
They danced for a little while longer, and she could barely take the feelings she was experiencing. He pulled her in closer, so that she was literally mashed up against him, and she thought she'd pass out. She could feel him all over her, and all she could think was they needed somewhere much more quiet to be alone. They could go back to the hotel, but Jane was there.
"Mad money," she said to herself.
"What?"
"Do you want to get out of here?"
He looked at her, noting the look in her eyes. "Uh, sure, but where?"
"Come on," she said as she kissed him. She meant it to be a quick kiss, but her emotions sort of took control of her lips. She conveyed what was going through her mind in no uncertain terms with that kiss.
"I'm right behind you," he said into her ear, as they moved to gather their things. Once they got into the quieter street, he stopped her.
"Where are we going?"
"Well, my parents gave me mad money, in case of emergency. I thought we'd get our own room, for a while, just to be alone. I mean, we have to go back to the other room, later, or I'm sure she'd rat us out, but," she explained.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded. "I mean, whatever happens, don't you want to just spend some time with me?"
"Let's go," he said, putting his arm around her and they caught a cab to take them back to the hotel.
&&&&
Most of the family had gone back to the Inn. Will decided to call Anna from his folk's house, rather than waiting until he was back at the apartment. It was bad enough that his mom, Rory, and Jess all knew—he wasn't going to be the one to tell Davey. At least, not yet. And he was sure to be there if Will tried to call from the apartment. He dialed Sookie's number, hoping they'd all be back from the family outing.
"Hello?"
"Dave?"
"Hey, Will. What's up?"
Anna's head snapped up, but tried to keep her cool. She wanted to take the phone from him, but that would be obvious.
"Uh, nothing. How was the play?"
"Horrible. How'd you know about that?"
"Oh, you know, Anna mentioned it earlier today. Is she there, by the way?"
"Uh, yeah. Why?"
"Can I speak with her?"
"Why?"
"Dave, just give her the phone. Please," he pleaded.
"Fine," he smirked, holding the phone to his chest before handing it over. "It's your boyfriend."
"Shut up," she said, moving to try to grab the phone.
"Ah, ah, ah. Tell me the truth first."
"Okay," she said dramatically. "The truth is, your haircut is really bad," she held in a laugh.
Dave rolled his eyes and set the phone down next to her before leaving the room. She took a deep breath and brought the phone up to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's me."
"Hi," she said, trying to keep a lid on her excitement. She felt like her heart was leaping up into her throat.
"So, how was the play?"
"Lia was good, but the others, well, let's just say they won't be on Inside the Actor's Studio anytime soon."
"Nice."
"Yeah."
"So, tomorrow, is 6 o'clock alright?"
"Sure."
"Great," he said, then thought he should probably confess he'd let it leak a little. "Have you told anyone yet?"
"No," she paused. "But I think they all suspect."
"Yeah. Same here."
"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah. Tomorrow."
"Night, Will."
"Goodnight."
Will hung up, and leaned back against the counter. His dad came in, with stacks of paper plates to dump in the trash. He saw the far off look in his son's eyes.
"So, who's the girl?"
"Huh?"
"Aw, geez, your mom is right!"
"What?"
"Lorelai said you and Anna," he put it together. "I'll be damned."
"It's not a big deal," he shrugged it off, surprised that his father was getting into the hype.
Luke put his arm around his son. "You know, your grandpa died way before I met Lorelai. But I'd like to think he would have smacked me upside the head and told me to get my head out of my ass, had he been around," he mused.
"Dad, what does that have to do with me?"
"This is a big deal."
Will looked at his dad, and nodded. Luke smiled and went back in to continue cleaning up with Lorelai. He'd worried that this Christmas might be a bit rough, especially with Jess' situation, but after tonight, he thought that perhaps it would be just the beginning of a new era.