Chapter Twenty Four
'So what is it you do Jess?' Logan asked. He'd been being annoying since they arrived at the bar. Trying to make Jess seem like he was a loser.
'This and that' Jess said.'
'Explain the this. Explain the that.' Logan said with an infuriating smile. Rory sighed heavily.
'What brings you to Hartford?' She asked shooting an angry look at Logan.
'I'm working for a publishing house. In Philly. I'm here distributing a book.' Jess said shrugging his shoulders.
'Wow! What's the book called?' Rory asked looking up from her fries.
'The subsect' Jess replied catching her eye.
'Who's it written by?' Rory asked.
'Uh me actually.' Jess said shrugging his shoulders again.
'You wrote a book! Jess that's amazing. I want to see it.' Rory said suddenly excited.
'What kind of book is it?' Logan asked as Jess handed Rory a copy and she started reading the back of the book.
'Nothing much.' Jess once again had lost the ability to string more than 2 or 3 words together.
'It's a short novel' Rory smiled running her fingers over the embossed writing which spelt out his name. 'Jess this is so amazing! I knew you could do something like this'
'You're the only one who ever did. I just wrote it and then this tiny little publishing place said they'd put it into print. Not many though. Then they offered me a job' Jess said regaining speech now that it was Rory he was talking to.
'Well you'll have to send me a copy of your little book!' Logan smile his eyes glistening. 'I'd just love to read it'
Jess stood up from the table quickly. He'd had enough of Logan.
'Sure thing, I'll just send it to the blonde jerk at Yale' Jess said walking out of the bar.
'Why did you do that?' Rory said getting up to go after Jess.
'Oh let him go Rory. I was just having a little fun' Logan laughed.
'It's not funny Logan. I'm so sick of you making people feel stupid! Don't follow me.' Rory yelled running out into the street. Catching up with Jess.
'I'm sorry about him.' Rory said stopping in front of Jess.
'What are you doing with him Rory? You deserve so much more than him' Jess said angrily. 'He may go to Yale with you but he's a jerk'
'I'm not at Yale anymore' Rory said looking at the ground. She'd not minded what he grandparents thought of her dropping out. Or Logan. Or Paris and even to some extent her mother. But right now standing in front of Jess she felt like a failure.
'You graduate already doogie?' Jess asked. He couldn't help but smile at her.
'Uh no. I'm taking some time off' Rory said avoiding his eyes.
'Ah time off.' Jess knew all to well what that meant. 'Why?'
'Uh long story short. Logan's dad told me that I'd never make it as a journalist. I stole a boat then dropped out of Yale and moved in with my grandparents. I'm working at the DAR and haven't spoken to my mum in months.' Rory said feeling ashamed.
'This isn't you Rory. You belong at Yale.' Jess said dropping his gaze to the copy of his book he'd given her. 'Read the inscription.' He said nodding down to the book. She opened it up and read what was written in his handwriting.
"Here come the pompoms"
"No. No pompoms just me saying you could do more"
Rory smiled reading the words that they'd spoken to each other so long ago. Her eyes filled with tears.
'That meant something to me Rory. I did more! I wrote that book because of you. Now it's my turn to help you. You could do more Rory. More than this.' Jess saw through her. He'd always known her better than anyone had ever known her.
'Can you wait here for me?' Rory asked going back inside to break up with Logan. He came back out 5 minutes later.
'Right. Could you drive me to stars hollow? I think it's about time I spoke to my mum.' Rory said looking up at Jess. Because he was right. She could do more.