A/N: Brief, all-fluff chapter. And yes, there's a reason. Over the last few weeks I planned out the next year (in storyverse time) of this story, so now I'm trying to figure out how to transition back from where I am to where I'm going. By next chapter it should be back to normal length and standard depth, but no promises. Either way, hope you enjoy! And if you have any doubts about Lorelai's cruelty when sleep deprived, consider that she told her daughter to imagine Al in assless chaps. There's really no coming back from that.
As always, I do not own Gilmore Girls or any of its characters or concepts, and I credit ASP with their creation as well as the creation of an entire world that gives me comfort when most other things just won't do it. Their Little Corner of the World really feels like home to us, doesn't it? Oh, but I do own the entire Gilmore Girls series now over in London. Yep, the whole thing. Makes my research (cough cough marathon nights in with takeout that I rate on a scale as Lorelai Gilmore taught me) much simpler and more effective.
Chapter 106
"Got everything?"
"Yes Mom, for the millionth time, we have everything."
"But…you just got here! You can't leave yet."
"The lack of sleep is making you crazy. I'll be back the weekend after next and you'll see me on Friday."
"Friday?" Jess looked at Rory inquisitively. She sighed.
"Mom conned me into Friday night dinner. And by me I mean us."
"Oh? How did she do that?"
"I played the Mom card."
"You what?"
"Yes, Luke, I played the Mom card. You've skipped out on the last few and if I have to go to another one alone I'm going to crack!"
"You're already cracked," Luke grumbled, putting the last of Rory and Jess' things in the trunk.
"I still don't see how I got roped into this. The Mom card doesn't apply to me."
"First of all, yes it does. And second, Rory needs to tell the grandparents about you. It's been too long."
"How do you figure? And are you really sure you want me there when she does? Your dad is fine, but I'm pretty sure Emily will string me up by my toes from her chandelier."
"Yet another source of the entertainment to keep me from cracking that I had previously alluded to needing."
"That sentence barely made sense."
"I didn't sleep!"
"Neither did I, but I can still articulate."
"There's no use talking to either of them for another twelve hours or so."
"Or twelve cups of coffee."
"Common conversion. Speaking of which…" Luke stepped behind the counter and picked up a bag and two cups, which he handed to Jess, "Donuts, bacon and a couple burgers. And coffee. I figured they might help in getting you two home without you voluntarily running into a tree."
"As long as there's not an animal in the road…" Lorelai mumbled before Rory shot her a dirty glare.
"You really think I'm going to come to dinner now?" Jess cocked his eyebrow at her.
"What? I'm not judging! Rory hit a deer!"
"I was hit by a deer! There's a difference!"
"Are you sure we should let them own cars? Or drive, period?"
"Oh, relax. As long as there's no boats involved…"
"Hey! You're mean without sleep!"
"Says the girl who decided to keep watching Bridezillas."
"Bridezillas?" Jess immediately started cracking up. Rory turned to glare at him. "Ooh…apparently you learned something from it too."
"I'll help Grandma with the toes," Rory shot her mother a look before grabbing her cup of coffee from Jess' hand.
"So I wasn't really clear on this, is it actual brides? Or are they paid to act that crazy? Do their fiancées actually stay with them? Do they all have hair that big or is it just the ones with extra daddy issues that dress like Texas beauty pageant contestants?"
"I will push you out of the car."
"Unlikely, with your athletic abilities."
"Hey, she hit the deer."
"The deer hit me!"
"And next week on Abbott and Costello, wildlife edition" Luke rolled his eyes, waving goodbye as the couple finally got into the car, "Have a safe drive."
"Don't push him out until you're at a full stop!" Lorelai called, grinning.
"No promises," Rory said darkly as they pulled out, Jess' laugh still echoing through the air.
