A/N- Hello all! Things may (possibly, not certain, but possibly) be getting calmer IRL, which would mean good things for the story, especially since I really want to have time to delve into this right now. I love this storyline. By the way, any guesses on robbery suspects or accomplices? I'll give you a hint. Someone we've met in the show or in this fic (one of the two, maybe both) is involved. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Anyway, JavaJunkie aficionados will have a great couple things coming up so keep an eye out. Please keep reading and reviewing. I do not own Gilmore Girls or any of its characters or concepts, though I *may temporarily own an apartment.

*= We will see, but cross your fingers for me!


Chapter 66

"Sookie!" Rory rushed towards the woman in front of her, enveloping her in a hug. Sookie was wearing pajamas and her hair was in curlers, but she crushed Rory with enthusiasm.

"Rory!" she smiled brightly, though a tinge of sadness was visible in her expression, "How are you, honey? You didn't have to come, but it's always so good to see ya! I can't really offer you brunch here now, but if you'd like you and your mom could come over to my place? I was just about to head out there to catch Jackson up on the news and check on the kids."

"I'm fine with whatever Mom wants to do, but you know how much I love your bacon," Rory grinned, "Are you sure you guys don't need to be here to meet anyone?"

"No one's scheduled to come but Michel will be here," Lorelai answered, "And honestly, I could use a bite. Though Luke'll probably be offended we didn't go to him."

"Friends before men! Or something like that…I feel like I've heard something like that before…" Sookie pondered curiously. Rory held back a smirk.

"I'm not sure," she lied, "But I agree with the sentiment. Plus, we can stop by there on the way back and grab coffee to go."

"Or to stay," Lorelai teased, "If you want to spend more time with your…what is he? Roommate? Friend? Those don't exactly seem to cover the way you guys were looking at each other last time you were in town."

"Wow, for someone traumatized you can still interrogate very effectively," Rory replied, walking out the door.

"Evasive! Evasive!"

"What are you two talking about?" Sookie asked, confused.

"Jess," Lorelai answered.

"What about him? I haven't seen him in years. Since the wedding you went to with Luke, I think. Why would you be talking about Jess?"

"Oh, boy, Sookie, do we have a lot to tell you," Lorelai smiled as the three walked down the road to Sookie's house.

Back at the diner, Jess and Luke were serving up breakfast.

"Fried eggs and ham on rye for Table 8," Jess said, gesturing to the table where one of the local pastors was sitting, "And coffee."

"I got the food, you get the coffee," Luke replied, "Thank god that's over."

"It was a crazy morning rush today," Jess admitted as he walked over to the coffee pot, "Lucky I'm here."

"I would've been fine," Luke protested, but he was smiling against his better judgment.

"Honestly though Luke, you need to get someone in here. I can't remember anyone working for you since Lane, and she had her kids a couple years ago," Jess continued as he poured the coffee and returned to meet Luke by the counter.

"I don't need anyone. I handled it on my own before Lane and I can do it now," Luke responded stubbornly, "Just help me with the damn food."

"Alright, Uncle Luke," Jess smirked as he finished the ham on rye and Luke plated the eggs. After delivering them to the table, Jess walked back towards Luke and waited quietly for a moment.

"I can't let just anyone work here," Luke explained slowly, "Remember Trevor?"

"No."

"Exactly," Luke confirmed, "Lane was incredible. Completely overqualified. She was way too good to work here, but I can't just hire anyone off the street. I'm here all the time, Lorelai's here all the time. I just can't think of a good solution. And I do manage fine here. But it would be convenient to have another pair of hands around for times like these."

"Well until you figure out something better, I'm a phone call away in case of something like this coming up," Jess affirmed, "But you should think on it more. I'm sure there's an answer. I'll consider it too and see if I can think of anything."

"Well, you were always better at thinking," Luke smiled at Jess, "That is, with everything except your own damn life."

"A skill I acquired only recently," Jess smirked, "That you've probably had since…"

"Always."

"Exactly," Jess finished, "It's not about the books. As much as I love them and live in the things, the real world doesn't give a damn if you learn everything that books can teach you if you're still living your life like shit."

"You make your living off of books."

"And I changed my life with the one I wrote. But even so, it was the choices to change things, to do them, that matter. Back when I was living in Stars Hollow I was just as well-read as I am now, maybe more so, since I had more time. I knew what the right things to do were. What matters is doing them."

"I see your point," Luke admitted, "Remember the…the tape thing and the book?"

"Yeah," Jess answered.

"It wasn't those that helped me. Or you. It was making the decision to be open to changing things."

"To taking those risks."

"I've been telling you forever, Jess," Luke nodded, like it was as plain as the blue sky, "It's not the books. It's you."

"Even…"

"Even with her."

"That's coming, by the way."

"I could tell."

"How?"

"The way you two looked at each other this morning was nauseating," Luke smirked, "And also, I know you."

"You know more than you should."

"I know enough."

"But…"

"Now shut your trap and help me make some damn pancakes." Luke grinned and walked back towards the kitchen, leaving Jess impatient and intrigued.