Chapter 14- Front-page news
"So…" Jess looked at Rory, not sure he wanted to say anything else.
"So…" Rory looked at her mother.
"So…I think it's time for a new word."
Rory let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. So far so good.
"Jess, what have you been up to lately? Robbing banks, dealing drugs, killing people?"
Maybe not so good. "Mom…" Rory warned her.
"Sorry. Old habits. But really what have you been doing in these past two years?"
"Nothing much."
"Care to expand that?"
"No."
"Jess…" Rory looked at him with a pleading look in her eyes. He really wished he could say no to those eyes.
"Took some classes, got my GED, moved to Philly, got a job, that's about it."
Rory looked at him in shock.
"You never told me you got your GED."
"You never asked."
She put her hand over his before leaning in and giving him a quick peck on the lips. And then there was silence again.
"Here are your Danishes that you didn't order and…Jess, what are you doing here?"
Uh-oh. Luke.
"I didn't know I wasn't allowed in the dinner."
"You know you're allowed in the dinner, I just want to know what are you doing here, at this table."
"Luke, let's talk about this upstairs." Lorelai grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the table.
"Lorelai what are you doing…? Let go of my arm!"
"Upstairs, Luke!"
Once they got upstairs she pushed him in and stood in front of the door.
"Now will you please tell me what's going on?"
"You obviously don't read the Stars Hollow Gazette."
"No I don't but that's got to do with anything?"
"Well…" Lorelai pulled the newspaper out of her purse and opened it to the front page where was a big picture of Rory and Jess kissing in the square the previous day. "They are back together."
"They are what? I am going to kill him! I'll strangle him and then make some delicious Jess-burgers. That way no one will ever find the body. And the bones…I'll throw them in the lake! Or take a trip to Paris and throw them in the catacombs. Is there any other city that has catacombes because anything would work. I'm not picky. How come you didn't kill him yet?"
"Luke, there's not much I can do. It's her life and I can't stop her."
"Yes you can. You can lock her in the house while I kill that no-good nephew of mine!"
"Gee, that sounds like a plan! We'll go down, you'll distract him with your amazing clown talents while I grab her and take her home where I lock her in the basement that I don't have and then you grab him and take him in the kitchen to show him your new burger recipe. How come I didn't think of that?"
"And what do you suggest we do?"
"Nothing. I talked to him and he assured me that he won't hurt her again and if he does you can make your burgers and I promise I'll put on a flowery apron and help you sell them. But for now there's nothing we can do. They're both adults and we can not make their choices for them."
"Maybe we should."
"Luke, we'll stay calm for a while and see what happens. Can you do that for me? I promise I'll get rid of my Brad t-shirt."
"And how am I suppose to act?"
"Luke-like. You know grunt, mumble something about dying at forty and then get back to your customers."
She leaned in and kissed him. "Are you calm now? You're not going to attack him with a spatula?"
"Maybe a ladle."
"That's my boy. Now go downstairs and make me coffee."
In the meantime at the table:
"Do you think they're planning my death?"
"I hope not. I like you better alive." She kissed him.
He raised his eyebrow and smiled "Oh, really?"
"Yup. That way you can make me coffee."
"So that's all I'm good for?"
"Well there might be a few other things…"
"Like…?"
"Like bringing me food!"
"So I'm your man-servant."
"If you want to look at it that way."
"In that case I demand to get paid."
"You will get paid, mister."
"Really?"
"Of course. I have a 5 dollar bill in my pocket just for you."
"So that's what my invaluable services are worth to you?"
"No. I want change."
They started laughing but were interrupted by Babette.
"Oh, how are you sugars?" she pinched Jess' check "I saw it in the paper today but I just had to see it for myself. You two were always so cute together. Your babies will be adorable!"
"Um, thank you Babette." Rory tried to smile.
"I've got to run, sugar. I'm meeting Patty over by the newsstand. Have fun!"
"Bye, Babette!"
"If Miss Patty comes near me I swear I'll run!"
"Oh, don't worry, I won't let her pinch your ass…for too long."
"That makes me feel so much better."
Lorelai came back and sat in her chair.
"So…anything good happened while I was gone?"
"Babette came and pinched Jess' cheek."
"Well at least it wasn't Miss Patty."
"Uh, mom, did you see the gazette today?"
"What gazette?"
"The town's gazette."
"What town?"
"Mother!"
"Maybe…Why?"
"What's in it?"
"Taylor's new haircut."
"And?"
"And what?"
"And what else?"
"Nothing important."
"Give it to me." She extended her hand.
"No."
"Give it."
"No!"
"Now."
Lorelai pulled the paper again and reluctantly handed it to Rory, who opened it and saw the picture.
"Oh my God! I'm front page news!"
"But your hair looks perfect!"
Rory handed the paper to Jess. "I am going to kill Kirk!"
"Look at it this way. Now you don't have to pay for an announcement."
"What makes you think that I want the whole town to know?"
"Well, you weren't exactly discreet so I assumed it wasn't a secret!"
"It wasn't a secret but I didn't think it was going to land on the front page! I am so canceling my subscription to the paper."
"Honey, it's Stars Hollow. It was either this or the new color of the fences on Plum Street."
"But they have such a nice color!"
"Yes but you two are way bigger news and...Shoot! I'm late again! Michel is going to kill me! Now be god and try not to give the Gazette material for tomorrow's issue."
"Bye, mom."
"Goodbye, Lorelai."
"Take my bags home, will you Rory? Bye, kids, bye, Luke" and with that she bolted put the door.
"And then there were two…"
A/N: Sorry for the long wait but I was sick and then I left on a trip and well, real life just got in the way. I hope to get the next chapter up sooner but I don't know when because I think I left my muse in Paris and it won't come back. Thank you for all your reviews, you make my days better. Honestly.
P.S. unrelated to the story: For anyone who read "Leaving marks" check my profile for an update about the sequel.