Part 4: Meet the Gilmore

It was on the Friday that preceded Rory and Jess's date that he finally decided to go, to Rory's excitement, who had already been asking him a few times to come with them. Jess remembered to well how it ened the last time, so he was praying for it to be different.

When Lorelei stopped the car in front of the Hartford's mansion, anxiety won on Jess. Rory felt it and tried to reassure him by taking his hand.

Come on Jess, you can't back off now, Rory told him.

I know, he answered. It's just that...

He paused.

It's just that what? Rory asked.

It's just that...I have the jitters...

And you think I don't have them? I so don't want it to end up like the last time!

Listen, Lorelei said, it scares me too. But if we don't get there, my mother will do us a speech about punctuality, and that isn't a good way to start an evening...

Ok...let's go, Jess said. The faster we'll get there, the faster we'll get out.

Hey, I like that way of thinking, Lorelei said while getting out of the jeep, make me think to write it down when we get back.

Rory and Jess got out of the jeep and joined Lorelei in front of the door. Lorelei rang the bell, Jess became more nervous, and the door opened. The maid let them come in and Emily arrived a few seconds later.

Ah, Lorelei! Rory! Here you are!

Hey mom.

Hey grandma. You remember Jess?

I couldn't I remember? I hope that this time, it will me different, mr. Mariano.

I hope too, mrs. Gilmore.

Well, I'm reassuring you: you're not late, that's a good start.

Emily smiled, went in the living room and sat down, followed by Lorelei. Rory and Jess remained behind for a moment.

You see, it's going well, Rory said.

Yeah. But it's only beginning.

Stop it. I'm sure it will be alright. Habitually, my grandfather's tolerant than my grandmother. My grandmother welcomed you well, so I think it'll be okay.

Ok, ok.

He took a deep breath.

Let's go, he said.

Rory kissed him to give him courage, took his hand and they joined the others.

Rory! Richard said when his granddaughter entered the room.

Hey grandpa. You remember Jess?

Mister Mariano...how are you?

A little nervous...but I'm fine. And you, mr. Gilmore?

Very good, thank you. Sit down! You want something to drink? Lorelei?

I'll have a martini, she answered.

Rory?

A soda will do.

Mr. Mariano?

A soda too, please.

Emily, you can get them in the kitchen?

I'll go grandma.

Ok, Emily said. Thank you Rory.

No problem.

Rory got up and went to the kitchen. Richard took the occasion to know a little more Jess after he had served Lorelei's martini.

So, how old are you?

I'm 19.

Good. Are you going to college?

Actually...no. But I signed in and I got in.

And where will you go?

Yale.

Oh, of course. Why didn't I think about it! Does Rory know?

No, I wanted to make it a surprise for when we'll be on our date this sunday.

Oh, ok. I'll be quiet. What will you be studying?

Business holding. I'd like to open my own library one day, and make it a chain.

Oh, so you like reading!

After Rory, that's my biggest passion.

What's your biggest passion? Rory asked, coming back and handing him a glass.

Reading, Jess answered.

So you prefer reading than me? That's good to know!

No, Rory, Richard said. I asked Jess if he likes reading...

And I answered that after you, it was my biggest passion.

Oh, I knew it was impossible.

Rory and Jess smiled at each other and kissed quickly. A maid came in.

The dinner is ready, mrs. Gilmore.

Thank you Sophia. We're coming.

Sophia left and Emily got up.

Shall we? Emily declared as she was going to the dining room.

Lorelei and Richard followed her. Rory stopped Jess.

What? he said.

It's not that bad, is it?

Yeah. But the evening's not over yet.

Don't worry, if it had had to turn wrong, my grandfather would have turned against you long ago.

If you say so...I believe you.

Let's go eat.

Yeah, I'm hungry!

Rory laughed and they went to the dining room, where Emily, Richard and Lorelei were waiting for them.

So, Emily said, what were you doing?

We were talking, Rory answered. Let's that Jess and I, were a little nervous, knowing what happened the first time he came.

And what were you afraid of?

Well...there was the anxiety of the second impression, Jess answered. I mean, knowing that I left a first bad impression, I was scared that that image would have sticked.

And me, Rory continued, I still can remember what happened with Dean, so I was scared for it to turn like that.

If it had had to become like it did when Dean came, Emily said, I think you would have left long ago.

That's also what I think, Rory said. But tell me, why didn't it turn wrong?

Because, Richard said, the difference between Dean and Jess is easy to notice. Dean, according to me, didn't seem really in love, but in Jess's case, we can see in his eyes how much he loves you.

Jess felt a little awkward.

There's also the fact that we only want your good, Rory, Emily added. You didn't seem as happy with Dean as you are with Jess. Your happiness is almost palpable.

Rory blushed.

It's so noticable? she asked in a small voice?

Rory, Lorelei said, who had said anything until then, there's a difference between the relationship you had with Dean and the one you have with Jess: you're definitively more happy with Jess, and that's what was scaring me when you began to date each other three years ago. We all know the reputation Jess had, and I was scared that he would rub off on you, but that's the complete opposite that happened. As mom was saying earlier: we only want your good. If it's with Jess you want to spend your life, then so be it. You have my ok and you'll always have my support, no matter what happens.

You also have our approbation and our support, Emily added.

Rory and Jess couldn't believe what they were hearing.

Well, with all this, Lorelei said after a moment of silence, let's eat!

They started eating. The rest of the dinner went very well, Jess was a lot more comfortable than at the beginning of the evening. Lorelei, Rory and Jess got home after the dessert.