A/N: All I can say is "Wow!" I was not expecting such wonderful feedback as this chapter took me forever to write. I thought a lot of people forgot about this story but I'm happy to see familiar people reviewing and welcome to you new readers. I just have been really inspired to write lately and I'm really glad that everyone is enjoying it. I've read some reviews about updates being far & few between… that is changing. I plan to have a new chapter up once every two to three weeks until the story is finished.

Characters may be OOC but its hard to keep them in character to tell this story.

Disclaimer: Sadly, I own nothing. Everything belongs to someone that isn't me. The only thing I own is my new computer so I can give you lots and lots of updates.

I reached my arm across the bed and felt nothing. I slowly began to open my eyes and noticed the note in place of a body. I sat up, pulled the comforter to my chest before rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. I reached over and grabbed the note, widening my eyes to make sense of the scribble.

Good Morning Vietnam,

Anyways, lots and lots of things to do today. You thought you could make a long list, let me tell you about the binder I have of lists… well no time for that. Get up, get dressed and come to the inn. You can help me out with some things before everyone comes.

Mom

I threw my head back onto the pillows. I'm so exhausted. I wish Maleficent would cast a spell just over my house so I could sleep until my Prince Charming comes to wake me up. God Jess is the furthest thing from Prince Charming, he's not that tall, no blonde hair, no blue eyes… he's just Jess. I really love him just the way he is. Still doesn't change the fact that I would love to be Princess Aurora maybe for like a week. That should be ample time for me to recover from finals and all the other things going on.

Speaking of Jess? Is he still here?

Last night was a lot of fun, I thought to myself as I headed into the bathroom to freshen up. My hair is a mess and my breath is less then appealing, ugh, I hate mornings sometimes. It was really nice of my mom to offer our home open to Jess like that, I thought as I brushed the knots out of my hair, and where she got the men's sweats and tee-shirt is beyond me. Well not so much where as when. I think she might have picked them up for Mr. Medina thinking that he would be living here soon enough but seeing as the tags were still on the garments, I don't think Max ever knew about them.

I tied my hair in a loose ponytail and grabbed my toothbrush from the cup in the corner by the sink. Anyways, last night went better than I could have hoped. Once we got out of our wet clothes, mom had already set out a variety of junk food on our coffee table and was bringing out some freshly brewed coffee. It was great.

We talked and laughed. We ate and watch "Napoleon Dynamite". It was really amazing and I was really glad to see my mom trying. She promised me she was going to make an effort and see the real Jess; the Jess that I know better than anyone. The movie was okay. It certainly had it moments but the whole time I kept thinking: what the hell is really going on here?

One of the highlights was seeing Jess imitate John Heder. There was this scene where Napoleon calls his brother Kip and asks him to bring in his chap stick. He says "Because my lips hurt real bad." Jess did such a great impression. Yes Jess did an impersonation and we all laughed for such a long time. Then of course my mom decided to try and she sounded so ridiculous.

I was happy to see Jess trying to let people, especially my mother, see the real him and that he has changed. He's not the same punk that came to rock Stars Hollow the first time around. He still has that sarcastic mouth and sometimes he doesn't think before he speaks but I would not want that to change about him. That's too much to ask any person to do. Growing up is one thing but altering your personality is another.

I finished brushing my teeth and did a quick gargle of mouth wash before heading downstairs. I look myself once over in the mirror to make sure that I don't look completely gross and turn off the bathroom lights before heading downstairs.

I start down the steps and realize the body that was there last night was no longer present. Instead a note lay on the couch. I shrug my shoulders, wondering what was going on this morning and hurried to the sofa to read the note.

Finally out of bed I see. Yeah you'll notice Jess is not here. I made sure he had a nice wake up call this morning. Don't worry I did not permanently scar the boy but a word to the wise kid… he does not like being woken up by a cold bucket of water. I'm kidding. He's giving me a hand at the inn with Desmonda and Cletus. Ok I'm kidding again. He's probably at Luke's. But I will see you when you get here sweets.

Part of me knew that Jess would not still be here on the couch but part of me was hoping. It was nice enough of my mom to not wake him up and make him walk home at two o'clock in the morning. The catch was I had to sleep in mom's bed, it's not like I haven't done it before. I've spent many nights in my mom's bed and no it's not in a creepy, weird Michael Jackson thing. It's a best friend, mother/daughter, bonding thing.

Come to think of it the last time I slept in mom's bed was the night my Dad told her that Sherry was pregnant and he was going to marry her. My mom's heart was broken… again. It was not the first time my Dad let her down but that time she was expecting more from him. So was I.

I stopped hoping a long time ago for my mom and dad to get back together. The truth is I'm glad my life was the way it was. I didn't have a dad but I had Mia and all of Stars Hollow looking out for me. They always made me feel special and important.

Talk about getting off on a tangent. I looked over at the clock on table by the phone.

8:42 a.m.

I should probably take a shower and get dressed so I can go help mom out at the inn. I can't believe today is finally here. She's worked so hard to have this and I'm very excited for her.

I venture into my room to decide on wardrobe for the day. Let's see I'll be helping mom with prepping last minute details, dusting etc. so nothing to formal. However, I will be having direct contact with the guests so….

"Hmmm." I say out loud as I look over the array of clothes in my closet. I have so many clothes and still nothing to wear. I'm thinking jeans and a nice blouse. Jeans are a bit too casual. Aren't they? Well with the right top and the right shade, maybe really dark blue jeans, they could look really good right?

I should just call mom and ask her. She knows every piece of clothing in the house and from the inn she could pick me out a fantastic outfit to fit my dilemma. But here is lies the issue, she is probably running around the inn like a chicken with its head cut off.

I won't call.

The ringing of the house phone interrupts my predicament for the time being. I'm really hoping this is mom, would certainly save me the trouble of bothering her since technically she is bothering me. "You win for now wardrobe but I will return and conquer," I say like I'm expecting a response. I'm crazy I know it but I'll be damned if my closet keeps provoking me. It's like its saying look at all the clothes in here. So much money spent and still you have nothing. Ha.

The phone keeps ringing. "Hello," I say into the receiver as soon as I raise it to my right ear.

"So here's the deal, I was a really good last night. I played nice, laughed, told jokes, made fun of myself and still at nine o'clock in my hour of need you are nowhere to be found."

"I got in a fight." I say as I walk back into my room and stare blankly at my closet, again. Still nothing is jumping out at me.

"I told you to stop trying to use the stove; it turns bright red and gets very mean every time you try to cook on it."

"Nah, I skipped that fight."

"Oven?"

"Nope."

"Washing machine?"

"No, closet."

"Ah, a fight I have many mornings myself yet I always come out victorious. My closet is no match for me."

"So far my closet is wining. I just can't find anything to wear. I don't want to be too casual because it's the opening..."

"Test run."

"Test run. Anyways, I'm the owners daughter I can't just bum around all day in a tee-shirt and jeans but I know that I'm going to be helping you out so I can't do anything too fancy. I was thinking dark jeans and a blouse."

"Sweetie, did you think I was going to have you painting? Scrubbing the floors? Cleaning the chimney?"

"Well you said you need me help?"

"Yes help not Cinderella. Just help with making sure the guests are comfortable and keep everything moving. Strictly hostess status here."

"See that changes the dilemma I had. I just don't want to over or under do it."

"Give me a sec, I need to close my eyes and get a visual."

"That astral projection thing you think you have going on is getting weird."

"Shannon Doherty did it."

"She also got married and divorced twice… do you really want to follow in her footsteps?"

"No but come on astral projection how cool would that be?"

"Very. Now mom, my wardrobe kind of needs your input here?"

"Okay I'm seeing that grayish denim skirt and wait…,"As she is talking and describing these pieces for me I'm trying to find them to pull out of the closet. She is a regular Elena Castaneda. If running the inn wasn't her forte being an image consultant certainly would be. "I'm seeing green but not that lime green a softer tone. Oh I see that green three-quarter length top with the light pink preppy shirt feel on the collar and sleeves."

"I found the skirt," I report as I continue to look rummage through the tops, "I'm just not seeing the top." I'm pushing hangers to the side and still see nothing. "Mom I have too many clothes."

"Blasphemy!" She yells into the receiver, "How dare you say that?"

"Ok I can't find that green pink sweater thing but I did find," I said as I struggled to pull out another top from my overstuffed closet, "that woven green tank with the pleated empire waist."

"Is that the one where it's kind of loose fitting below your boobs?"

"Yeah that's the one," I confirm as I hold it in front of me while I take a look in my mirror.

"That one is really cute but I think we should go with the black capris instead. You don't want to the flow from the shirt to mess up the flow of the skirt."

"It's denim."

"It's still a skirt."

"I think you are right," I finally agree as I head to my dresser to find my black capris. I only own one pair so they are easy to find amongst my other spring/summer attire. "I think I have myself an outfit now."

"Finally, I'm telling you cartoon characters have it so easy." She goes on as I lay my clothes out on my bed.

"You're telling me Wilma, Betty, getting up in the morning must have been a breeze." I concur as I start heading upstairs to the bathroom. Its getting late and I should already be there but in my defensive she is delaying me now.

"Or even Barbie. She doesn't have to pick out clothes everyday some little girl does it for her and she always looks good."

"You do have a point there." Sometimes humoring her is the only way to get her off the phone.

"So when are you going to get here?"

"As soon as I get you off the phone and me into the shower," I said as I got two towels out of the linen closet and turn on the water for the shower.

"Getting here while in the shower should be an amazing feet David Copperfield."

"See I just wasn't studying philosophy and journalism, I become a magician in between classes."

"Impressive. Can you just get here before everyone else, please?"

"If I'm not there a white rabbit with a pocket watch will be along to tell you that I'm running late."

"Ok sweets."

"Bye Mom." I say before pressing end on the cordless phone. I placed on the counter and proceed to take the appropriate steps to get into the shower.

As I step in the hot water on my skin feels like needles. It's a much different feeling than the rain falling over you. But nothing beats a hot shower. Well except a kiss in the rain.

I only slept for four hours last night. I was expecting to sleep at least until nine. I'm exhausted after the last few days. There was whole lot of emotional outpouring, growth and all that jazz.

Hell, I even was on my best behavior last night.

I never had to impress any of my ex-girlfriend's parents. They probably did not care enough to meet me and I sure as hell did not care enough about any of those girls to make an effort.

I hate that I'm so cynical. I really do. I want to be happy. I think I could be good at being happy. Its just has taken me so long to get to this point. The point where I think I could be happy. It's not such a reach anymore. Not with her.

"Hey," I hear his course voice yell at me, "there is still a diner full of people the need more coffee."

"I'm working on it," I answered sarcastically as I made the rounds around Luke's refilling empty, half full and refreshing people's coffee. My pot was empty so I moved behind the counter to make a fresh pot.

"Listen," Luke started as he himself made his way behind the counter with empty plates, "thanks for helping out this morning."

"Yeah no problem. It was either this or give Lorelai a hand with Mr. and Mrs. Ed," I responded as I placed a fresh coffee filter in the coffee machine, "as much fun as that sounded."

"You took off last night."

"Yeah." What did he want from me? An explanation? I did not need to give one. I'm an adult and technically not back in Stars Hollow living under his roof. Even if I decide to stick around and there is a lot riding on that decision right now, who said that I was going to go back and live with that closet trekkie. That's right I know you should see the pictures my mom had of him. Talk about a freak.

"Yeah? That's all you have to say."

"Pretty much."

"Jess."

"Look I wasn't out running wild or being disorderly as Taylor would say. You would have heard about it by now, this is Stars Hollow," I replied as I took the newly filled coffee pot back out to make rounds.

I really do hate a lot of things about this town. Too many fucking people in my business. Too many stupid ass functions like this new bullshit Ice Cream Shoppe's tribute to strawberries because of a town strawberry festival. What modern town does this shit?

I've seen one movie with a strawberry festival. Surprisingly it was set in the south. I know shocking and the only reason I sat through it was because my mom thought seeing Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes in drag was hilarious. By the way, I will hang myself if I have to sit through that movie again. Julie Newmar may have been a gorgeous women in her day but honestly I whole movie dedicated to her so she can make a cameo in the last two minutes of the movie. Please. I'd rather see "The Village" one hundred more times.

"Jess."

"Kirk." This man is a strange one. I often wonder how many cards he's missing from his deck if you know what I mean. He asks really uncanny questions at awkward times. He is a peculiar, complicated man. I don't know how Luke deals with him sometimes.

"I was wondering if I could ask you a question."

"Shoot."

"No I don't want to shoot you." He said as he laughed nervously. I told you sad, strange little man. "Where would you get an idea like that? Who have you been talking to?"

"Relax."

"Oh right it's that sarcasm thing you have. I never did get used to that. Probably because I didn't have the chance to, you weren't around very long," he continued on as I poured him a fresh cup of coffee. "You know mother has been getting that way lately about Lulu. Every time…"

"I'm leaving."

"Ok," he said as he grabbed my arm. I hate when people grab at me for no reason. Like right now, that is why I pulled my arm away from his grasp swiftly. "Is making out in the rain uncomfortable?"

"What?" Why is he asking me? Do I look like Dr. Ruth? I'm definitely not the poster child for romantic advice. That's not the impression I give.

"I was talking to Lulu this morning before I came for breakfast; we are going to Lorelai's test run today as well so she's packing for that right now…"

"Kirk." I just want him to get to his point already. I'm hoping there is one and he'll get to it before the whole day passes by.

"Oh right, anyways she said something about how romantic it would be to get kissed in the rain and that Rory was so lucky to have that happen to her." As soon as he said that everything made since. After all this is Stars Hollow, nothing is private or sacred. People hear really need to get a fucking life. "So of course I asked who the lucky guy was, at first I thought it might be Dean but then I remembered his married so it…"

"Kirk." So Dean's married? Not surprisingly choir boy took a wife right out of high school. I remember the night he told me this was his town. I had to laugh because come to find out Dean is from Chicago. Let him have this town, its all he'll ever be.

"Sorry. So how is it? Does the rain take away from the feeling of the kiss? Is it hard to look into her eyes?"

"Find out for yourself Kirk." I responded as I walked away from his table. Really I don't want to answer his question. Kissing in the rain is very erotic. And how do you explain erotic to Kirk? He still lives with his mother.

"The rain scares me. The sound of thunder and lightning makes me think of war."

"Kirk," Luke says from across the room. It's about damn time. Save me from this torture that is Kirk asking questions. "Finish eating and go somewhere that isn't here."

"Actually Luke I need a favor," he started.

"No."

"But it's really important and you're the only person I can confide in," Kirk went on pleading as he followed Luke around the diner.

"Oh come on Uncle Luke, you're the only person he can trust," this is too funny. I may hate this town and ninety percent of the people here but watching them annoy Luke is worth it. I'll deal with their questions, comments and stares if I can watch them aggravate and or humiliate Luke.

"Don't you have somewhere you have to be?" He asks as he tries to stop Kirk from coming behind the counter. He's holding him back with one arm. It's an amusing site. "Kirk, don't even think about coming back here."

"As a matter of fact I do." That's a lie but hey I'll find something to do trust me. I'll knock over a liquor store or something. I'm joking. Yeah that's right I made a joke. I'm just a funny ass guy. What can I say? Fuck that. I'm the farthest thing from funny but I can make Rory laugh so it's worth it to make a fool of myself but only once in a while.

I placed down the coffee pot on the back counter. I toke the notepad and pencil out of my back pocket and placed it next to the cash register. "Later Luke."

"Don't forget about the inn," he yelled to me as I exited the building. "Kirk, what are you trying to accomplish here?"

Yeah I definitely missed this part of being here. Watching the crazies absolutely puts me in a better mood. I stepped out into the street and felt the sun on my face, much like the first time I came here, with a book in my other back pocket, I'm going to find a place to sit and read before I go to the inn. I start walking and before I know it I find myself at my favorite place.

The bridge.

11:00 am

"Rory, do you have the list of the rooms?" The time is finally here. My inn is really opening. Well technically not opening but this really makes it real. I'm about to find out if this is really going to work. I'm really scared here.

"Yes." She answered me from behind the lobby desk as I paced back and forth in front of the entrance to the inn.

"The keys?" I have to make sure everything is ready. I want this weekend to be perfect. True it's only my neighbors and close friends but these are the people I trust to be honest with me above all else. I know they will. At least I hope most of them will be. I think it's comforting knowing at least Taylor will be here. He'll find something and everything to complain about. I knew I would be able to count on him for something, someday.

"They are right next to the list of the rooms and occupants." She assures me. She's such a great kid. I really glad that she is here to share this with me. So she wasn't there to see my graduate from my community college, which was now that I think of it because of Jess but hey I'm supposed to be moving on from all the bad things he's ever done; starting over with him to see the "real" Jess.

It's going to be an interesting weekend.

"You just have to relax mom," she says as she puts her hand on my shoulder, "This is going to be great. I can feel it." I smiled at her. She's right. I know she is. I think I just needed to hear it from her.

"Lorelai," a French accent echoed over my walkie-talkie. Yes I have a walkie-talkie. It's so much fun. After today I plan on giving one to Rory to keep at the house then I can have one here and all summer I can bother here even when I'm busy here. It will be great. "The guests are here."

"Michel, they can't be here yet we're supposed to have another half hour," I say back into the walkie-talkie. "Stall them."

"What do you expect me to do? Give them a tour of a town they already live in," he responded with that nasty French sarcasm. Michel drives me so crazy but I don't think I could do this without him. If it wasn't for Sookie and Michel I would probably just settle for managing another inn, just fall back and do what I did at the Independence Inn. I wouldn't be taking this risk.

"If it works, sure." I'm begging him to stall so I can finish my tenth walk through. I have to make sure beds are made, mints are on pillows, and flowers are on the tables. There is so much to check on still. Okay maybe I'm being a little neurotic but give me a break it's not like I'm turning into Tony Shalhoub. Detective Adrian Monk I am not. Well not normally in my own house but here is different. I'm so nervous. I think I'm going to throw up.

"I'm coming up now," he repeated back. I can hear the extra long golf carts coming up the drive way to the inn.

"Everyone the guests are here," I yell to my staff and I watch as they all flock to the front of the inn so we can greet our guests, "Its go time."

I was the first to step out onto the porch, followed by Rory and the rest of the staff as Michel drove the first car up to the inn. "Welcome to the Dragonfly Inn," I greeted my friends as they got out of the golf carts and admired what all of our hard work turned into.

"Look at that Babette," I overhear Miss Patty say, "horses."

"Yes that's Desdemona and Cletus," I clarify as I walk over to the two ladies. "So what do you think so far?"

"Lorelai everything is lovely," Miss Patty answered. "The horses are such a nice touch. It looks better than I remember it."

"Well I hope you guys enjoy yourselves," I replied as I walked over to greet some more of the guests personally.

"Lorelai," the older mans voice called to me, "are we expected to bring our own bags in?"

"No of course not Taylor," I turned around and motioned to the bell boys, Ron, Jeremy and Jason to come assist Taylor with his things, "These guys will be helping you and just see Rory at the front desk on your way in, she'll give you the key to the room you'll be staying in."

"This is very nice so far Lorelai but I'm taking notes on everything," Taylor assured me as he jotted some more things down on the paper he was carrying. If I'm not mistaken he brought his own comment cards. This is sick but I appreciate that I have one guest that won't be biased. A pain in the ass yes but partial is something Taylor is not.

"I'm counting on it Taylor. Enjoy," I say as I watch the guests file inside. Everyone seems to be enjoying it so far. This is going to be a good weekend. It has to be.

I think I have everything. Let's see a bag of clothes. Check. Flowers. Check. Ok I think I'm good to go. I'm really excited to see what the final product is of the inn I've invested in. I'm more anxious to see her though.

Last night we were so close. We almost kissed. Our lips were practically touching before Jess and Rory came back. They never have good timing; with each other or for other people. Lorelai really saw me last night and I think we're on the same page. I'm just going to do this the romantic way. Just like the book said. I'm tired of waiting for her. I just want to be with her.

I left Caesar in charge of the diner for the weekend. Lane volunteered to help out too since Mrs. Kim disapproved of her going to the test run. Lane is a good kid. I'm a little worried about her ability as a waitress but I shouldn't worry too much. Most of the town will be at the Dragonfly all weekend anyways. Everything will be fine.

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the inn. The finished product was an impressive sight. I always appreciated the architecture in this town, for instance the Twykham house. They don't build houses like that anymore. It would be a great place to have a family someday.

Anyway, here goes nothing I decide as I walk up the steps and into the inn. As soon as I enter, I look to my left and see Lorelai and Rory behind the check in desk. "Hi, sorry I'm late."

Lorelai looks up and her blue eyes meet mine. It's so easy to get lost in her eyes. "I'm glad you could make it." She looks down at my hand and notices the flowers. She's tempted to say something inappropriate but she doesn't. Maybe she is hoping they are for her. I hope she is hoping that I brought these for her.

"Oh, these are for you," I chime in as I bring the flowers up and hand them to her. "A congratulations for the opening."

"Luke, thank you." I watch as she takes in the scent of the assorted flowers. I know her favorite flowers are daisies but something said daisies are just going to remind her of Max. I don't want her to think about Max Medina. I want her thinking about me. About us.

"Is Jess coming?" Rory finally asks breaking the silence between Lorelai and me.

"He should be here by now," I answered honestly and I saw the look in Rory's face. She was disappointed. I know what she's thinking. Jess took off again. I may not know where he is but if he took off again I will kick his ass. "He's probably just off reading somewhere. I sent him away from the diner for a break so he should be heading straight here."

"We'll see right," Rory said somberly, "Luke," she said my name again, "you are in room seven." She told me as she handed me the key to my room. "And if Jess show's up he'll be bunking with you."

I took the key from her hand. "Thank you." I felt sorry for Rory. I don't want her to be sad. This was Jess' chance to prove something and he's not here. Where the hell is he?

"Rory," Lorelai said trying to comfort her daughter, "He'll be here."

"I'm sorry I'm late," a voice called from the doorway. He was out of breath and looked like he'd been sweating a bit but he was here. "I got caught up reading. I just lost track of time."

I watched as a look of relief washed over Lorelai's face. Rory rushed out from behind the desk and embraced Jess. I watched as He held her tightly and kissed her lightly on her lips. He really has changed.

"Jess, you're bunking with me." I was pleased to inform him. Well not really. I would rather have a different bunk mate tonight but hey at least Lorelai and I are under the same roof.

"Come on, Lorelai, couldn't I get my own room?"

"I think its best you share with Luke. No offense."

"None taken." They were being civil; almost nice to each other. No they were being nice to each other. When did this happen? I feel very out of the loop. "Congratulations on the inn by the way it looks great."

"Thanks Jess, it's great to have you join us this weekend. Why don't you and Luke make yourselves comfortable and we'll see you later."

"Sounds like buckets of fun," he said as he kissed Rory on the forehead. Rory laughed. I knew it was because she thought the same thing I had. The children's game Mr. Bucket. You remember the commercial. Yeah I'm sorry to report it's still burned in my mind.

"Let's go Romeo," I said to him as he started to leave Rory's side. "We will see you later." I smiled to Lorelai and she smiled back. I think I saw her blush a little. Maybe it was the flowers. Maybe it was her being frustrated with Jess. Or maybe just maybe I made her nervous. I want to be the one to make her nervous.