Rory had been waiting for Lane for twenty minutes on the town square when her best friend finally showed up, family in tow.
"Sorry we're late," Lane said, pulling Steve along. Zach was carrying Kwan, who was writhing and screaming something about nuggets.
"No worries." Trying to sound warmer than usual, Rory said, "Hey, Zach, long time no see."
In between wrangling Kwan, Zach gave her a dopey grin. "Yeah, it's been a while, right? Me and Lane were just talking the other day about how fun that trip to New York was."
Lane glanced over at her sharply, but Rory kept her expression neutral, pleasant even. Their visit had been nice, and Zach was actually a good guy and a good dad. Putting her own baggage aside, she could see that Lane was pretty happy. But still, why did him having a penis mean he got to follow his dreams while Lane took care of his kids?
"I'm glad you all got to visit." At least that she could say and really mean it.
"Totally," he said. "It was awesome that I got to play in New York again—I think it's going to be my last gig with Vapor Rub for a while." Kwan had finally calmed down, so Zach set him down, and the twins ran off ahead.
"Wait for us to cross the street!" Lane cried after them. She turned to Rory. "Zach got a promotion at work, so it's going to be a lot harder for him to take time off to go touring."
"Wow," Rory said. "Congratulations?"
"Yeah, it totally bums me out, having to wear a suit everyday. It's so not rock 'n roll." Zach shrugged. "But kids are expensive, especially two of them."
"So what happens to Hep Alien?" She said it to both of them, but she was really asking Lane. "Are you going to have to stop playing together?"
"Nah, the band is always going to be a priority," Zach said.
Lane nodded. "The plan is to finish recording the album, then focus on playing a bunch of bars in Woodbury, Litchfield, all of the nearby towns. When we've got enough local buzz, Zach and Brian can quit their jobs and find something more flexible. And I can stay at Luke's—that's the great thing about working for him, he's totally supportive of my music."
Lane was looking warily at Rory, like she was expecting a snarky response, but Rory was genuinely impressed with their plan. "Wow, you guys have got it all worked out."
After a brief pause while she worked out if Rory really meant it, Lane launched herself at her friend and gave her a great big hug. Zach looked on, slightly puzzled but mostly just amused.
"You really think so?" Lane asked as she released Rory. She bowed her head, looking for a second like the little girl Rory grew up with.
"Of course! You're super talented, all of you are," Rory said, smiling at Zach, who acknowledged the compliment with a nod.
Lane bounced a little on her heels. "We may not get super famous—Steve, stop hitting your brother!—but I just love playing and we want to give the band a real shot."
"Well, if you ever need help with babysitting, I'm actually going to be around more." Confused, Lane and Zach exchanged a quick glance. Rory took a deep breath and said, "I'm moving back to Stars Hollow for a while."
"Whoa," Zach said, while Lane squealed, "What!? That's so exciting—you don't even know how much I've missed having you around!"
Realizing Rory might not be completely happy about this development, Lane asked more soberly, "What does that mean for your job?"
Zach sensed his cue to leave the conversation and walked over to where Kwan and Steve were playing in the grass, Rory and Lane following leisurely behind. Together, they headed toward Miss Patty's.
"I was let go." Rory found it was so much easier to say a second time. "I don't want to get into the boring details, but they're giving me a good recommendation, and I have some freelance stuff to tide me over." She paused thoughtfully. "It's weird, the idea of moving back to Stars Hollow."
"I'm sorry," Lane offered, gently bumping her shoulder against Rory's as they followed the boys.
"I'm alright," Rory said, surprised that she kind of meant it. "At least I'll get to see more of you and the twins and my mom and Luke and everybody else."
They were almost to Miss Patty's now, and there were too many listening ears to continue any kind of personal conversation. "Talk more later?" Lane whispered.
Rory nodded gratefully, and they slipped into seats next to Zach and the kids.
