Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. They belong to amy and the wb.

Thursday.

It was 2 weeks later, actually one week and 6 days later, and Rory was still upset over what happened with Dean. They hadn't spoken since that night at her grandmother's, but they didn't have to. Rory knew it was over.

Rory was upset, but it was different from when Jess left her. When Dean left it was disappointing, and scary, because Dean was steady, and he had always been there for her, but now that constant was gone. When Jess left it hurt, because she really loved him, and would probably never get over him

"I've got to stop thinking about him... both of them," Rory told herself.

Just then the phone rang.

"Hello?" Rory answered.

"Hey Ace. What's up?"

It was Logan, a new friend of Rory's whom she had met this year at Yale. There wasn't anything romantic going on between them, but there was definitely chemistry.

"Nothing much... studying."

"Ok well finish that studying because tomorrow a few of us are New York for the weekend."

"What?" Rory asked

"New York?... you know tall buildings, lots of people."

"Yeah I know what New York is, I was just surprised."

"'Kay, well get packing. Be outside your dorm tomorrow at 3. We want to be on the road before there's too much traffic."

"Can I bring Paris?"

"If you must. Don't be late!"

"Alright, no blind fold this time?" Rory joked.

"Very funny Ace. No blindfold. See you tomorrow."

"Bye." Rory hung up the phone. Maybe a trip to New York was just what she needed.

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"...so, sorry, but you're all alone tonight night." Rory said as she finshed explaining why she couldn't come to Friday night dinner.

"Alone." Lorelai shuddered. "Maybe I'll lock myself in the panic room."

"Maybe you should bring Luke again?" Rory suggested.

"For round 2? I don't think so kid."

"True. Well good luck."

"I'll need it. Have fun! Love you."

"Thanks. Love you too mom."

"Bye."

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They arrived in New York at around 5. Logan's dad had connections, so they were staying at a hotel for free. The girls were sharing one room, and the guys were sharing another. They ate dinner in the hotel, and then went to the movies.

The next day they got up early. The went to the Museum of Natural History, and some art galleries.

After lunch they went downtown to Soho to do some shopping.

Paris and Rory went off by themselves, and Logan went off with his friends.

Paris's cellphone rang.

"They're ready to head back to the hotel." Paris told Rory.

"Ok, um, I'll meet you guys there later. I kinda want to hang out down here a little longer."

"Do you want me to stay with you?" Paris asked.

"No its ok, you go ahead."

"Alright. See you later."

"Yeah. See ya."

Rory walked around Soho, and then realized where she wanted to go.

"Um, excuse me, where's Washington Square park?"... "ok, thanks."

Rory bought a coffee at a street vendor, and then headed into the park.

She stopped dead in her tracks as she approached a bench, and saw a young man about her age, with dark wavy hair reading a book. Her heart skipped a beat as the man began the lower the book from in front of her face.

"It's not him," she breathed. Then she turned on her heel, dismayed at the fact that she was looking for him in the first place. She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she bumped right into someone, spilling coffee all over her shirt.

"Shit..." she muttered under her breath. Rory wasn't one to curse, but this was really the last thing she needed.

"I'm really sorry," the man said.

"Shit." Rory muttered again. Of all people she bumped into him.

"Rory?!" Jess practically yelled.

"Yeah..."

"W-What are you doing here?" Jess asked. He seemed really knocked off guard.

"I was in New York with some friends. I have to go."

She started to walk away.

"Rory wait." She stopped.

"What are you doing here... right here?"

"I wanted to go to a park." Rory stated lamely. He would see right through her, she knew it.

"You didn't possibly, maybe, a little bit hope that you would see me here?"

"Not everything is about you Jess."

"Yeah I know, but I think I know you enough to say that you didn't end up here by accident."

"Ok fine, you caught me!" Rory said. She was starting to get angry. "So I saw you, I realize I still hate you, now I'm leaving." Was she angry at him, or angry at herself? She wasn't really sure.

"Wait. You have coffee all over your shirt. My apartment is a few blocks away. At least come over and clean your shirt off."

"Jess..."

"I'll buy you a new coffee."

Oh yeah, Jess knew her well.

"Fine."