A/N: I love all the long reviews! I'm glad y'all like this story.

I'm sorry for the small delay in posting this chapter. I had a little case of writer's block.

Mia: Well, there might be some prelude to his death he would be needed for, I dunno. Jess bugged me sometimes, but I could never hate him. He was always just nice enough.

And the blinky-thing was mentioned in 2:5, Nick and Nora/Sid and Nancy. When Jess first shows up, actually. I hadn't thought about that… Weird coincidence.

ProFfeSseR: I hadn't thought of Buddy… But even if I had, Jess would've been my choice. It'd be easier to write Jess.

And I like the idea of having Jess in the wedding anyway and then killing him on the trip home. I think we need to see into Luke's feelings a little more, and that would be a good way to do it. We saw a little when we learned about his dad and the boat, but not much. Some Jess/Luke bonding is needed, too.

Indentitycrisis: Well, I'm weird too, so it's okay! Plus, I like your idea, I might use it…

ultimategilmoregirl: I like cheese…

The next morning, Lorelai entered the diner and took a seat at the counter. Luke slid her a cup of coffee. "So, you told Rory?"

"Yeah."

"How'd she take it?"

"Fine. She took it fine."

"That's good. We don't have to worry about it."

"Yeah." She said unconvincingly.

"What? We do have to worry about it? I thought you said she took it fine."

"She did. I just… I can't help thinking she's not okay with this. I mean, Rory's the sweetest kid in the world, and if this bugged her I know she would just suck it up for our benefit."

"She'll be fine, Lorelai. She'll be fine."

"Yeah…"

Back at the Gilmore household, Rory was completely immersed in the book she had set aside the night before when she heard her cell phone ring. She grabbed her purse off of her desk and pulled out her cell phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, Ace. Long time, no see."

"Yeah, well, with all the wedding planning around here things have been a little hectic."

"I'll bet."

"So… why are you calling?"

"I hadn't talked to you in awhile, and I was thinking…"

"Yeah?"

"That maybe I could come see you."

"Here? In Stars Hollow?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Where are you?"

"Actually, I'm pulling on to your street right now. I'll see you in a minute, Ace." And he hung up.

Rory shut her book, did a quick mirror-check to make sure she looked presentable, and then rushed to the door. She pulled it open just in time to see Logan pull up in his flashy, black sports car.

Rory ran up to him. He stepped out of his car and kissed her. "I missed that."

She smiled. "Me too."

"So, what is there to do here?"

"Honestly? Not much. But I can give you a tour."

"Okay."

She took his hand and they walked down her driveway towards town.

Jess arrived later that morning, with a duffel bag full of clothes and books. He entered the diner and without a word to Luke he went upstairs and dumped his stuff on his old bed.

He walked into the kitchen and took a soda out of the refrigerator. He walked over to the window and looked out over the town.

Jess spotted Rory, arm in arm with some blond guy, laughing and leaning into his shoulder. He tried to swallow his jealousy. It made sense she had a boyfriend now. It'd been a year. Two since they'd been together. He didn't expect her to sit around and pine for him or anything.

But it would have been nice.

Rory and Logan walked towards the diner. Rory pointed. "That's Luke's Diner. It's my mom's fiancée's place."

"Let me guess, his name is Luke?"

"I wonder how you knew?" She kept walking, but he stopped at the door. "What?"

"Let's go in."

It was then Rory saw Jess' beat-up brown car parked at the curb. "Why?" She asked, trying to buy herself more time.

"I want to meet the future step-dad."

"You'll see him at the wedding."

"Yes, but I want to see if he's worthy."

Rory was fresh out of excuses. "I guess we could go in."

Jess watched from the window as Rory and blond boy entered the diner. He counted to twenty so it wouldn't look like he'd come down for her.

He took the steps slowly, taking his time. He still didn't know what he was going to say. But then again, did he ever? He had a quick mind. He'd think of something.

Jess peeked through the curtain. There was Rory and blondie, sitting at the counter. He stepped out and approached them. He leaned on the counter. "Hey, Rory."

She cleared her throat nervously. "Hey, Jess."

Cliffhanger! The next chapter should be up soon.

Remember, I like reviews. Who doesn't?