Window I guess, she said, taking the window bed and sitting on it.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She looked at the caller-id even though she knew who it was. Lorelai.

She looked up at Jess. He looked at her. It's my mom.

So... answer it.

She'll be mad.

She'll be madder if you don't answer.

Rory nodded. Jess was right.

Rory could hear the edge in her mother's voice.



Oh! Thank God you're all right! Luke, she's all right!

Yeah. I'm fine.

Now, young lady, you will explain this note.

What note? Rory asked.

I don't think this is funny. Mom- I'm going on a road trip. Don't know when I'll be back. I have my phone. -Rory.' I've done better than that, Lorelai added.

I'm sorry... I wasn't thinking-

Damn right you weren't thinking! Where are you?

Outside of White Plains...

New York?



You're with Jess. It wasn't a question, but Rory answered anyway.





We wanted to go on a road trip.



Mom, we're fine.

Look... next time you do something like this... I need to know where you are. All the time. When you scare me like this... it makes me age.

I'm sorry.

Well you can just pay for my Botox when I'm forty.

I'm sorry.

Oh sweetie... I know how you feel. God knows I know how you feel. I always wanted to do something like what you're doing right now. But you don't know Jess all that well. And, as much as I hate to admit it, you're sheltered. Sweetie, just be careful, OK?

We're not doing anything stupid. We're just having fun.

Tell her I'm going to pummel him. Where are they? Rory could hear Luke's voice in the background.

White Plains, Lorelai answered.

I'm going to get them, he said.

both Lorelai and Rory spoke at the same time.

They can stay, Lorelai said.

Like hell they can! Luke said.

Do what you want with Jess, but Rory can stay if she wants to, Lorelai finished.

There was a pause. He can stay. But only so that he can take care of Rory!

I need to talk to Jess, Lorelai said, finally talking to Rory again. Rory hesitated, then covered the mouthpiece of her cell. My mom wants to talk to you, she said to Jess. He exhaled a bit of smoke and put out the cigarette he had been smoking in the ashtray. He reached over and took the phone.

Hello?... It's so nice to talk to you too Lorelai... Yeah... Yeah... Yeah... I know... Yeah... Lovely speaking with you. He handed the phone back to Rory and then lit another cigarette.



I am calling you tomorrow at this time. Your phone will be on. If it is not on or if you do not pick up the phone, I will call once more. If you still haven't picked up, I will call the police, sue Jess- There was a pause, OK, scratch the suing, Luke will bash his head in with a crowbar...

I understand, Mom.

Good. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Same time.

Different place.

Bye, Rory. I love you. Make this trip worth it.

I will. She hung up the phone and turned to look at Jess. He stood from where he had been sitting with his back against the wall.

So... what now? she asked.

Your call. It's your road trip.