Chapter 2

"I didn't hit him."

Rory stared at him for a moment, then shook her head.

"That's not the point," she said. "You just keep running away and then

showing up out of nowhere, what am I supposed to do? Wait for you every

time?"

"I never said you did."

"Yeah? Well, you sure act like I should!"

"Rory, calm down." Jess reached out a hand to touch Rory's shoulder,

but she took a sharp step back. Her eyes fixed on his, a glare set on her

pretty face.

"Jess, Rory! How'd we sound?" Lane Kim ran up to them, and only noticed

the looks on their faces when she got up close. "What's up?"

"Wait, what," Rory looked from Lane to Jess. "You knew he was here and

you didn't tell me?"

"I thought you knew! It's all over Stars Hollow that the first and only

delinquent returned."

"Thanks," Jess muttered.

"Anyway, Rory, How did we sound?"

"Great, as always," Rory said, sounding less than thrilled.

"Thanks! Oh, I'm so excited. We opened for Three Days Grace, can you

believe how awesome that is?" Lane asked. She turned to look at Jess.

"What about you, what'd you think?"

"Great," Jess said.

"All right! I'm gonna go and get a drink, 'cause playing makes you

thirsty, and I'll be right back," Lane said, before rushing off again. Jess

laughed a little, but then his look turned serious as Rory turned to

face him again.

"Dean," he said.

"What? Is he here?" Rory asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"No." His tone was sharp, clipped. "Why'd you sleep with him?"