Life and Death
By blackbirdfree
Chapter Eight
The ride in Jess' car was a quiet one at first. However, Rory had a few things on her mind. She didn't let the silence last long.
"How long have you lived in Stars Hollow, Jess? You said you moved here from New York City."
"Around three years," he said.
"Why did you decide to move here?"
Jess shrugged. "I didn't like the school I was going to in the City. There was something said about how much promise I had… something else about wasted potential… yada yada.
Luke and my mom were talking over everything on the telephone. He mentioned Chilton. Luke suggested to her that I should move here, live with him, and try it out."
"Luke?" questioned Rory. "Does he own the diner in Stars Hollow? The one near the town center with the gazebo?"
"Yeah."
"Oh," said Rory. "I went to eat there earlier. I met him there. He seems like a serious type-of-guy."
"He is."
There was more silence.
"So," said Jess. "I figured we can check-out this place named Sniffy's. Don't let the name fool you. It has good food, a great atmosphere… It's a nice place."
"Okay," said Rory. "I'll take your word for it."
Rory and Jess talked more on the ride to the restaurant. When the two made it there, Rory noticed that it was like he knew everyone there. The hostess seated them right away. They managed to pass by everyone in line waiting for a seat. They were seated quickly at a corner booth.
"Do you know the owners or something?" asked Rory.
"Yeah. The owners are named Maisy and Buddy. They're good people. Luke and I come here a few times a week."
"That's nice," said Rory.
Jess and Rory had a pleasant time together as dinner went on. After they ate, Jess showed Rory how to play pool at a place outside of town. Jess was ace at it. Rory did well even though she was a beginner.
Once the evening was over, Jess walked Rory to the front door of Lorelai's home. "I had fun," said Rory softly.
"Me, too."
Jess leaned over to give Rory a kiss. It was brief but sweet. Rory blushed as they separated.
"I guess I'll see you in school on Monday," said Jess.
"I guess so," answered Rory.
The two said good-night. Rory entered the house and closed the door behind her with a "snap."
"So, how was your date?" asked Lorelai the next morning. It was Sunday. Rory was going to get picked-up by Henry after lunch. That meant she only had to deal with Lorelai that morning and a few hours that afternoon. Rory was counting the minutes before it was time for her to go.
"It was nice," answered Rory. "I had a good time."
"So, are you going out with Jess?"
"No," said Rory. "It was just one date. We'll have to see. But I like him. He's a smart guy."
"Jess is Luke's nephew… the guy who owns the diner that we went to yesterday."
"Yeah, he mentioned that," said Rory.
"Rory… you should watch out for that guy," said Lorelai after a long pause. "Luke vouches for him… but he's always getting into trouble in this town. He's not really a guy that's boyfriend material."
Rory rolled-her-eyes. "I'll keep that in mind," she stated flatly.
And that was the end of that.
Rory felt relieved when she arrived home that afternoon. The whole weekend was slow and uncomfortable barring her date with Jess. She seemed like she would be spending a lot more time with Lorelai now that she lived close by with Christopher in Stars Hollow. She didn't like the thought.
"How was your weekend?" asked Emily that evening at dinner.
Her grandfather also seemed interested in her answer. Emily and Richard peered at her with curious eyes.
"It was all right, I suppose," said Rory. "It looks like Lorelai is really trying to set-up a life in Stars Hollow. She loves the whole small-town-everyone-knows-everything-about-everyone thing."
Emily nodded. Richard looked on impassively.
"I want you to clear your schedule for next Friday evening, Rory," said Emily. "It's Paris Geller's birthday. Her mother is holding a soiree at her home. It looks to be a grand evening."
Rory sighed. "Another one of Paris' birthday parties?"
"You sound surprised. You go to it every year."
"I know," said Rory. She rolled-her-eyes. "I guess I'll be there."
"You surely will," said Emily. "It will be a major faux pas if you don't attend. You're one of Paris' closest friends."
"It doesn't mean I have to actually like her," said Rory quietly under-her-breath.
If Emily heard her comment she didn't let on. At least she didn't chastise her about it.
However, Rory still couldn't help but notice a small smile on her grandmother's lips.
