Story Summary: What if Rory had a twin sister? What if that sister fell in love with Jess instead of the Dean/Rory/Jess triangle that drove most people, including myself ,crazy? What would happen to them? Would Jess still leave? Or would he go to Yale with the girls? Would Lorelai like him? How long would they wait to be together? Starts at Season 2 when Jess comes in and jumps around a little after that.
Chapter Summary: Lorelai's Graduation Day: Lorelai graduates from her business courses and Jess celebrates his birthday with the Gilmores in New York. Kate learns more about her man and the couple takes a big step.
Disclaimer: I own only Kate.
Song Credit: Friday, I'm in Love by the Cure but I used the version by Natalie Imbruglia
AN#1: I have taken some liberties with Jess' backstory here, mixing what we already summarized about Liz and some inspiration from others. Trigger warnings for mentions of abuse and harm of a child.
Chapter 12: Beware the Withering Stares of the Gilmore Girls
A couple of weeks later, the Gilmores were in the diner, laughing and talking. Kate was still in her cast and the town could not do enough for her. But they couldn't do even half of what her boyfriend did for her, despite numerous attempts to try to; she couldn't break him from his guilt. Jess couldn't do enough for her. He was the perfect guy.
No matter what Taylor thought.
And not that anyone else knew…
"Oh good, Kate, could we possibly talk about everything," Taylor said, coming into the diner.
Kate stood up and walked out of the diner without a word. She still hadn't talked to Taylor since the accident and the aftermath. He still blamed Jess but she cut him off at his knees. She officially quit even after the cast would come off. She made that announcement at the town meeting last night. And now Taylor was a mess. It was very funny.
"Kate, wait up," Jess called out, running to catch up with her.
Kate turned and smiled at him. Jess stopped and smiled at her.
"He still wants you back," he told her.
"No," Kate replied, walking away.
"Katie, come on, you eat, sleep, breathe, and live off performing," he went on, going after her.
Kate cringed. He was right. She loved to perform. And quitting the festivals, while it would be fun to enjoy them, she wouldn't do it as often she did since she was fourteen. It was the first thing she loved.
But she loved something…someone else now.
"I will think about it, if he thinks about taking blame," she consented.
Jess sighed and grinned at her. He knew that she was holding out for him and the apology that he was never going to get. And he told Kate that. But she didn't listen.
"Come with me," he muttered, walking ahead of her. Very few times did he have the chance to surprise her and he wasn't going to waste his golden moment.
Kate did follow him and they walked to the inn and the lake that was in the back.
"Jess, what," she started to say when he kissed her deeply.
He's kissed her before. That wasn't a surprise. The surprise was the fact that he was holding nothing back. He wanted her to know how much he loved her.
"What was that for," Kate laughed, as they pulled away.
Jess smiled, putting his forehead on hers. Kate closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. She had those three words on the tip of her tongue and she couldn't bring herself to say them. Not yet…
"You're coming to Mom's Graduation, right," she asked instead.
Jess smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Yeah," he replied.
Kate smiled and kissed him again. "Great. So are my grandparents by the way," she said.
"Do they know about us," Jess asked.
"They haven't interrogated Mom about her love life yet so mine has not been used for fodder," Kate replied. "But I think they like you so I don't think they would have a problem."
"They like "best friend" me. Not boyfriend me," Jess pointed out.
Kate shook her head. "Even if that's true, they would have no chance to stop this. I waited too long," she said.
Jess smiled, taking her face in his hands, kissing her again. Kate smiled into the kiss, happier than ever.
She never wanted to stop this.
Later that day, they were at the diner apartment, doing homework and eating. Jess, spurred by the picture that Kate painted for him the night of the accident, was actually doing work. A fact that shocked Luke when he came into the apartment.
"What's with that face," Jess asked.
"You're doing work," Luke replied.
Kate laughed and threw Jess a smirk, as he rolled his eyes. He got up and kissed Kate's forehead and smiled as he went to the sink.
"Need me to get down there," he asked.
"Nah, it's okay. Just wanted to know if you wanted to do anything on Saturday?" Luke asked.
Jess shot him a look as he made a cut motion over his throat. Kate closed her book and blinked her beautiful blue eyes at him. Jess looked over at her and smiled a little at her.
"Wanna tell me," she asked.
"Not really," he replied.
"Want me to guess," she went on.
"One of three," Jess replied.
"Your birthday," she shot back.
"Got it with one," Luke smirked.
"And you didn't tell me," Kate trailed off.
"Because you and your family would have thrown me a party that will involve some elaborate meal from Sookie, Kirk in some capacity, Taylor calling for my head, and your grandparents," Jess replied.
"We would have done something small," Kate replied.
Jess and Luke looked at her incredulously.
"We're not sure you three know what the word means," Luke replied.
"Okay fine but, I would listen to you," Kate pointed out.
Jess kissed her forehead. "I trust that, but I really don't want to do anything for my birthday. Maybe just a simple dinner and a movie night," he suggested.
"Okay," Kate nodded.
Jess eyed her and then nodded. Kate smiled at him, her mind already going to all the ideas for gifts.
"So he doesn't want to do anything for his birthday," Lorelai asked Kate later as she sat in the kitchen of their house.
"No, he just wants a small dinner and movie night," Kate replied. "And I want to respect his wishes but I kinda want to show him that I care a little bit more than some cake and burgers," she added.
"We can do subtle," Lorelai said.
"Need I remind you of the time we planned for old man Thomas's 99th? We had a marching band and stilt walkers," Kate pointed out.
"In my defense, the marching band was Kirk's idea," Lorelai retorted.
"Jess would leave me if we got Kirk involved." Kate looked at her mother with puppy eyes and Rory came into the room.
"What's going on," Rory asked.
"It's Jess's birthday on Saturday and Kate is trying to figure out what to do," Lorelai asked.
"Because any of our normal ideas will send that boy up a tree faster than we can say Go-Go's themed party," Rory nodded.
"Bingo," Kate said.
"Though we might save that one for Luke's," Lorelai said. "Suck's that he doesn't want to go back home for the weekend," she went on.
Kate chuckled and leaned back. Then she sat back up. "That's it," she exclaimed.
"What," Rory asked.
"Why don't we go to New York?" Kate asked, grinning.
Lorelai gasped and nodded. "We can spend the weekend, invite Luke and have dinner and maybe you can go around Jess's old haunts," she said.
"I have to call Jess," Kate stated, getting up and grabbing the phone.
She went into the living room as Lorelai and Rory talked. She dialed the diner and Jess picked up right away.
"What's up," he asked.
"What if I was Taylor? Would you say that," Kate teased.
"I would have a lot more fun if it was him," Jess replied.
Kate smiled. "I know that you wanted a dinner and movie night, but what about a weekend in New York," she asked. "I mean we could all take the drive and you can show me around and we could stay in a hotel overnight and come back the next day. Or it could be a day thing," she rambled.
"Hold on for a second…you want to go to New York for my birthday," Jess asked.
Kate stopped rambling and was silent. She must have bit her lip. He smiled thinking about how she would taunt him when she was in the diner and she bit her lip like that.
"If you want to," she replied.
He sighed and rubbed his temples. Did he want to go to New York? Yeah, it would be fun to show her around. But the chance of meeting Liz was too great. But was that enough to keep Kate out of New York?
"There is one music store I wanted to take you to," he admitted, smiling.
Kate laughed and he closed his eyes savoring that sound. He loved her laugh and how it made him feel better.
He loved her.
"So a weekend in New York," she asked.
"Yes," Jess replied.
Kate giggled and he shook his head. He was a lucky guy to have her as his girlfriend.
He really didn't want to screw this up.
"We'll talk tomorrow about it," Kate asked.
"Okay," he replied.
Kate smiled and they hung up the phone.
On Thursday, Jess was nervous as he spied the elder Gilmores as he and Kate walked hand in hand, into the auditorium that Lorelai's Graduation was taking place in. Rory and Luke were behind them, Luke actually sans baseball hat. Kate saw her grandparents talking to someone who looked suspiciously like a professional photographer and smiled at her boyfriend.
"They're going to love you," she whispered.
"You sure," Jess whispered back.
"Ooh, girls, hi," Sookie said, hugging Kate and Rory before their grandparents spotted them. "And Jess! Hi," she added, hugging him.
"Hi Sookie," Jess said, stunned she hugged him. "Hey Jackson," he added.
"Hey guys," Jackson waved at the group. "Uh, your grandmother brought a photographer."
Kate let out a breath, ruffling her bangs. "Of course she did," she muttered.
"Oh jeez," Rory sighed.
"Oh! Rory! Kate!" Emily called, spotting them.
"Battlestations," Kate muttered.
Jess bit back a remark as they walked over to the elder couple. Richard and Emily smiled at their granddaughters.
"Hello girls," Richard smiled, giving them both hugs.
"Kate, how is your arm," Emily asked, hugging them after Richard.
"It's healing nicely. I get to take this stupid cast off in three weeks, five days, seven hours and forty five minutes from now," Kate replied.
"Not that you're counting," Jess said, rolling his eyes. "Then you have PT."
"Don't remind me," Kate sighed. She smiled at them. "You guys remember Luke and Jess," she asked.
"Yes, hello," Richard said, shaking their hands.
"Nice to see you," Luke replied.
"How have you been," Jess asked, smiling.
Emily studied Jess' body language as he put his hand out to her. He was closer to her older granddaughter, leaning into her space and Kate was letting him. Kate had her arm around his and was smiling.
"I thought I saw a change in Kate," she said.
"Huh," Kate asked, blinking.
Jess saw the slightly confused look and smiled at her. "It was a good one," he told her.
Kate smiled and nodded. "The best," she replied, squeezing his hand.
"Uh, care to explain," Rory asked, pointing to the photographer.
"Raúl," Richard said as if it explained everything.
"Uh-huh," Kate nodded, seeing the set up. "Is that a boom mic," she asked.
"He is going a little overboard," Richard winced.
"I explained everything to him in Italian five times," Emily sighed.
"He knows he could just patch into the sound system? Right?" Jess and Kate said in unison, even pointing in the same direction.
Everyone looked at them and they looked at each other.
"Wow, that's new. Even for you two," Rory said.
"They're going to blow right past it, watch," Luke said to Emily and Richard.
"How do you know that?" Kate asked.
"Odd jobs in New York. How do you? Said with all the love, respect, and fear in the world," Jess replied, backtracking seeing Kate's raised eyebrows.
"Luke taught me. You think Taylor sets my instruments and staging up," Kate asked.
"Not unless he wants his head bashed in," Jess muttered.
"What'd I tell you?" Luke said.
"And now he's putting a receiver…Raúl," Kate said, walking over to him. She started giving him directions in perfect Italian that made Jess nearly bowl over. Apparently, Raúl was not too pleased and started arguing with her.
"Should I," Jess trailed off as Kate took the photographer outside.
"Put your head in the mouth of a lion?" Richard asked, knowing his granddaughter.
"Yeah, no. I'm good," Jess shook his head.
In ten minutes, the boom mic was dismantled and a deal was made with the head of the program to have a second camera recording a wide shot for other families in order to get him to wear a lapel microphone for sound, while Raúl's camera was patched into the sound system. Satisfied, Kate walked back over to her family and friends who were still looking at her in shock.
"What," she asked, sitting down in between Jess and Rory.
"Is there any trace of Raúl left," Rory asked.
"Oh yeah," Kate nodded. "Of his dignity after losing to me? Not an ounce," she added. "I think I have a minority stake in his company too."
"I haven't seen you systematically take someone down that many pegs since the Harvest Festival of 98," Sookie said.
"The aforementioned time Taylor nearly got his head bashed in," Luke nodded.
"That one was fun," Kate nodded, a gleam in her eyes.
"Thinking about doing it again to make him apologize," Jess asked.
"Oh yeah," Kate grinned.
"Apologize for what," Richard asked.
"He blames Jess for the accident even though I was driving, I fractured my elbow before I drove into the world's largest pothole that the town records show numerous complaints about," Kate explained darkly.
"You know you sound more and more like me when you're mad," Emily said.
Kate blinked and Jess, Rory, Luke, and Richard chuckled as she cleared her throat. "Force of habit. He just makes me mad. I mean blaming Jess for the sake of blaming Jess," she said.
"I for one also think it's absurd. There is clearly no reason he should be blaming you," Sookie said.
"He just wants me gone," Jess pointed out.
"And we won't allow that," Kate said, squeezing his hand.
"Hey, hey. Calm down. He's not here and when we get home, you can draw and quarter him verbally again. Until then, I think they are getting ready to start," Jess said.
Kate grinned as the graduation ceremony started. She and Rory clasped hands as they spotted their mom. Lorelai grinned and waved to them. The girls waved back, insanely proud of their Mom.
An hour and a half later, after the longest speech from a middle manager known to man, it was finally time for the graduates to receive their diplomas. The girls, roused from near sleep by Jess and Sookie, grinned broadly as they watched their Mom receive her hard earned diploma finally. Rory heard a small gasp from beside her and turned to see her grandparents looking at Lorelai in awe. She smiled as her Mom noticed and smiled over to them. A quick glance to her sister confirmed that Kate noticed too.
"I'm so glad we told them," Rory whispered.
"Me too," Kate replied.
After the ceremony was over, Lorelai said goodbye to some people and came over. Her daughters were first to hug her.
"Congratulations, Mom," they squealed.
"Thank you! Thank you," Lorelai said, hugging them back. "You proud of Mommy?"
"We're so proud," Rory said.
"We are super duper proud," Kate told her.
"Proud Of Mommy enough to sing at the house?" Lorelai asked.
Kate laughed and rolled her eyes. "You never have to ask me that," she said. She nodded to her grandparents. "Go see them first," she whispered.
Lorelai smiled softly and kissed her daughters' cheeks once more. She took a breath and walked over to her parents, anxious.
"Raul thinks he got some good footage and your eldest is quite the little dealmaker," Emily said.
"What did Kate do now?" Lorelai asked, confused.
"She negotiated with our videographer to have the ceremony recorded for everyone to prevent him from disrupting," Richard said. "Takes after her mother in that way," he added.
Lorelai raised her eyebrow. "She left him breathing," she asked.
Richard and Emily chuckled and Lorelai shook her head. "Thank you guys, for coming," she said.
Her parents looked at her, misty-eyed at the sight of her in a cap and gown.
"We wouldn't miss it," Emily replied, voice choking a little.
Richard nodded and Lorelai smiled softly. She didn't need to hear it verbally because she knew.
Her parents were proud of her.
The next night, all Kate could think about was the plans they made and how excited she was. She didn't even hear her grandmother calling her name.
"Yes," she replied, finally hearing her and blinking to get the dreamy look off her face.
"Are you okay," Richard asked.
"Perfectly fine," Kate replied, smiling at her grandparents.
"It looks like you want to go somewhere else," Richard stated.
"I'm sorry, I was a little distracted," Kate said, blushing. She hummed as she ate her dinner. "Been writing a lot lately."
"I have to say, I think your relationship with Jess has done wonders for you. Why didn't you tell us you and he were finally together," Emily asked.
"We wanted to keep it quiet and it's only been two months officially. I was going to tell you though," Kate told her.
"It's Jess' birthday tomorrow," Lorelai grinned.
"Jess," Emily asked.
"Mom," Kate hissed.
"What," Lorelai asked.
"What are you planning," Richard asked.
"We're going to go to New York tomorrow. He's going to show me around," Kate admitted.
"You look like you're floating on cloud nine, just thinking about it," Emily observed. "He makes you happy?"
Kate smiled. "He makes me happy," she replied.
"That's good," Richard said. "It's just going to be the two of you," he asked.
"Uh-oh," Rory muttered.
"Yeah," Kate nodded, guard back up.
"How are you going," Emily asked.
"Bus," Kate replied.
"Why don't we all go with you? Make it a weekend to celebrate Lorelai's graduation," Emily suggested.
Kate's mouth dropped open and Lorelai, Richard, and Rory looked at Emily.
"Emily, maybe they want some alone time," Richard said.
"We can leave them be and enjoy the city," Emily told him.
"Mom," Lorelai said, "while it would be nice, it's not your call to make."
"And Jess isn't here," Rory added.
"Why don't we give him a call," Emily asked.
Kate sighed. There was no getting out of this one. She excused herself, getting up and walking into her grandfather's study. She dialed the number to the diner and Luke picked up.
"Hey Luke, is Jess there," she asked.
"Right here," Luke said, handing the phone to Jess.
Jess eyed Taylor and Kirk, who were stunned that he took the phone.
"Warning we have an audience," he muttered to Kate.
"Okay, so act normal when I tell you that Grandma turned New York into a joint venture for Mom's graduation. She wants to make it a weekend," Kate said. "We tried to stop her but I guess we get our stubbornness from her because she won't budge."
Jess gripped the counter. "Uh-huh," he said, looking at Luke, motioning for a pen and paper.
His uncle handed him the pad and he scribbled what happened and slid it to Luke. He caught it and coughed to cover his laughter.
"You're coming," Jess mouthed.
Luke glared at him and Jess nodded, finally paying attention to Kate's rambling. He caught his smile and shook his head.
"It's fine," he told her.
"Really," she squeaked.
"No problem at all," he affirmed. "See you later," he asked.
"Yes," Kate sighed. She mouthed 'I love you' into the phone.
"Anything else," he asked.
"No, I don't think so. I'll convince them to leave the limo at home," she said, remembering the limo that her grandmother brought for the spa day.
"Please and thank you," Jess winced.
Kate smiled as they got off the phone. She sighed in relief and walked back to the table.
"It's okay with Jess. As long as we take the train to Grand Central," she announced.
"Of course," Emily nodded.
Kate smiled and sat down next to Rory. Her sister patted her hand and Lorelai nodded as the plans were made.
When they got to the diner, Kate flew to Jess and kissed him hard. He held her by the waist and she had her hand in his hair.
"Thank you for not being mad at me," she said, pulling away as everyone was in stunned silence.
"Oh I'm mad," he warned.
"Why," Kate pouted, kissing him all over his face.
"Who told them," Jess asked, pulling back slightly.
"Mom," Kate and Rory replied, pointing to Lorelai.
"Hey," Lorelai said, looking up.
"Why did you tell them," Luke asked.
"Because when they focus on the girl's love lives, I get by unscathed," Lorelai pointed out.
Kate raised her eyebrow and Rory shook her head. Jess sighed and held Kate close.
"Who else is coming," he asked. "Dean?" Jess turned to Rory.
"No," Rory spat out.
"Okay…" Jess stepped back, putting Kate in front of Rory.
"I take it by your silence that you're going," Lorelai turned to Luke.
"Caesar's in charge," Luke nodded.
"We might not have a place to live after that," Jess warned.
"Just keep the music to a less deafening roar," Luke muttered.
"New York tends to be loud enough," Jess replied, sitting down with Kate on his lap.
"I'm going to be this close to you this weekend, aren't I," Kate asked him, smirking a little.
"Don't like it," Jess asked.
"Never said that," Kate replied.
Jess smiled, kissing her hair. Kate smiled, putting her head on his shoulder and relaxed. The Gilmores stayed a little longer with the two, laughing and talking, not noticing a stunned observer outside.
The next day, Luke and Jess met the girls at their house and saw Sookie outside. Jess winced and Luke smiled a little. "Morning," he said.
"Good morning," Sookie sang. "Happy birthday, Jess," she added.
"Thank you," Jess nodded, seeing Kate come out of the house with Lorelai and Rory.
His heart skipped seeing her in a green pleated dress and gold sandals. She had her sunglasses on top of her head and her brown bag on her shoulder. The only thing ruining her perfect image was the cast on her left arm.
"Hi," she smiled, caressing his hand like they did in the diner the night of the accident. Her heart raced seeing his white button down and dark jeans.
"Hi," he replied.
"Happy birthday," she said, kissing his cheek.
"Sookie, where's Jackson," Luke asked.
"Lettuce emergency," Sookie replied.
"Ah," Luke nodded.
Jess smiled and Richard and Emily pulled up in a SUV.
"What," Lorelai asked.
"Good morning everyone," Emily smiled as she got out.
"Jess, happy birthday," Richard added, shaking the younger man's hand.
"Thank you, Richard," Jess smiled.
"Did you invite the President," Lorelai asked.
"What," Richard asked.
"I think Mom's just a little taken aback by the size of that," Rory said, gesturing to the SUV.
"Well we thought of the number of people and thought that this was the best option," Emily explained.
"Makes sense," Luke admitted.
"Okay, everyone in," Emily said, ushering everyone in after they put their bags in the trunk.
Lorelai and Luke sat in the back row. Rory, Kate and Jess sat in the middle and Emily and Richard were in the front. Kate was in the middle of Jess and Rory.
"So Rory, why didn't Dean come," Kate asked her sister quietly.
"Him in a car with Jess for a long period of time," Rory asked.
Kate raised her eyebrow and Rory avoided her gaze. Kate rolled her eyes and put her head on Rory's shoulder and Rory put her head on top. Jess smiled seeing them. He knew that Kate was worried about her sister. He took Kate's hand and rubbed little circles on it with his thumb.
"Jess, where did you grow up," Emily asked him.
"Greenwich Village. Near NYU," Jess replied.
"Where you got your Kerouac education," Kate smirked.
"That's from Union Square," Jess shot back.
"They have that Barnes and Noble there," Rory poked her sister.
"Five floors of heaven," Kate asked.
"And the Strand three blocks west," Jess added.
"And we lost them," Lorelai smiled.
"Did you ever find them," Luke asked.
"Not really," Lorelai replied.
"Is NYU where you are applying to next year," Richard asked.
"One of them. My top choice is Yale actually," Jess admitted.
Kate's head shot up and she smiled at him. That night must have really changed his mind. It meant so much to hear that from him.
It made her love him that much more.
"That's fantastic! I'd be happy to take you on a tour myself," Richard said.
"That would be wonderful, thank you Mr. Gilmore," Jess replied.
"Call me Richard," Richard told him.
Jess smiled at Kate, who beamed back at him. Her grandfather was a key ally. They knew that if they had a fighting chance, they would need him on their side.
The two hour drive was full of little stories and for the first time, Jess knew what it was really like to have a family. He never had the chance to really talk to his mother before he left or really got to know his extended family before now.
He had to admit…he kind of liked it.
Once they got to the city and checked into their hotel on Fifth avenue, they agreed to meet at the theater district for dinner.
"I just have no idea what everyone would like," Emily said.
"There is Restaurant Row on West 46th between 8th and 9th. There are a variety of places there," Jess offered, his arm around Kate's shoulders.
"That sounds good. Beats trying to get a reservation now," Luke piped up.
"So why don't we meet at the start of that street around 5:30 and decide what we want from there," Richard suggested.
"That sounds like a plan," Kate nodded.
Everyone agreed and went their separate ways, Lorelai staying with her parents with Luke, opting to give Kate and Jess a little alone time. Kate saw her sister indecisive about whether or not to stay and pulled her along.
"Come on," she said, the big sister coming out.
"You guys don't get enough alone time as it is," Rory said.
Even Jess leveled her with a look. "Ror," he said.
Rory sighed and put her hands up to surrender. "Fine. God, you two alone are pushy. But together, oi," she muttered.
Kate laughed as they walked. "Okay, so, avenues run North and South and Streets run east to west, right? And in numerical order."
"Yep," Jess replied. He guided them towards the subway. "We can get where you want to go faster this way," he told them.
"We're not walking," Kate asked.
"It's 30 blocks," Jess pointed out. "Come on, you want the experience, right," he asked.
Kate looked at Rory, who shrugged, nodding. "I'm down for it," she said.
Kate sighed and nodded. "Me too. Lead the way oh darling birthday boy," she told her boyfriend.
"Yes dear," Jess chuckled, taking her hand.
He showed them how to get a metro card, and which lines went where, Kate taking note on how he came alive, talking about the little adventures he would have.
"Since we're staying over, you want to go to Central Park tomorrow?" she asked him, smiling as he held her close.
"That would be nice," he replied, kissing her cheek.
Kate beamed at him and he smiled. Rory smiled at them as they rode the train. Once they got off (Jess was right, it was faster), he led them around his old area with ease, pointing out the local artists that set up tables at the flea market.
Kate found and browsed through old vinyls, picking up a couple of albums. Jess smiled as he watched her. Rory sat next to him on a bench.
"You love her a lot don't you," she asked.
"More than you'll know," he replied. He smiled, hearing Kate chat up the guy selling the records. "She makes friends everywhere, doesn't she," he asked.
"Oh yeah," Rory replied. "You guys have a great balance to you," she grinned.
"Sunshine golden retriever and black cat," Jess chuckled.
Rory laughed and nodded. "It took a long time for her to get back to that though," she whispered.
"Because of Tripp, right?" Jess asked.
"Yes and other stuff," Rory replied, looking distant. She turned back, seeing his furrowed brow and smiled softly. "She'll tell you. Give her time. You make her happy and she will use both hands to defend what you two have," she told him.
"Okay," Jess nodded, looking up as Kate came back over, giddy as ever. "I take it you had a good haul," he asked.
She nodded, kissing him. "If he's still here in two years, I might have to change plans," she giggled.
Jess chuckled and kissed her nose. "Whatever you want, babe," he said.
"You have to be careful with things like that," she teased him.
"Never," Jess told her.
Kate smiled and turned to her sister. "Okay. Rory, you pick out where we go next," she said.
Rory smiled and decided to go to the Strand and they all got lost in there. Once they grabbed lunch, Rory decided to go back to the hotel.
"I want to call Dean. It was stupid how we're fighting," she told Kate as Jess stood off to the side on the subway back to the hotel.
Kate searched her sister's eyes. "He blames Jess for the accident, doesn't he," she asked.
Rory nodded. "I want to tell him how wrong he Is. And if he wants to still be around….well you and Jess are going to be in for the long haul," she said. "And if he doesn't like it, then I think we would be over. I'm not having you unhappy again. Not over my boyfriend," she told her.
Kate smiled and hugged her sister. "Next weekend, you and I will do something. Just us," she vowed. "I love you."
"I love you too," Rory replied. "And tell him."
Kate blushed as Jess looked over to them. He grinned at her as they stood to get off. Jess led Kate off the train, taking her hand as they got out of the station, walking Rory back before continuing on their way to Washington Square Park. Jess clasped her hand as they walked around his neighborhood.
Stopping at a bench, he sat down and Kate looked around, taking in the fact that she was in New York, with Jess. She saw the man she loved feel out of place in the city he grew up in. He looked comfortable but more like she probably would feel in a few years coming home after school and (hopefully) they moved out on their own.
At home but also visitors.
She sat down and leaned into him. He put an arm around her waist, kissing her temple and Kate smiled softly.
"Tell me about this place," she asked.
Jess looked at her, seeing the patience and the serenity but also the determination and strength in her eyes, eyes that he loved looking into. He had thought she was more like Rory in the sense of a rosy, storybook life but Rory's comments reminded him that Kate used to be more sullen and harsh, like she fought to have her place in Stars Hollow. She was beloved but she also sometimes was like a tiger in a cage, waiting to snap and kill whoever she perceived as a threat.
He wanted to spend the rest of his life fighting beside her but also protecting her.
And it started with sharing his story.
"My dad left the day I was born and Liz's life has been a swirl of utter chaos since. A strong string of terrible guys and drugs and alcohol. We moved about….13 times before finally finding a landlord that takes pity on her and gives a decent break on the rent. I know Luke sends her money every month and I do too, mostly my tips from the diner. I actually send the landlord directly because I don't want her to know that I take care of her. I don't need her to feel worse than she does," he started.
Kate's eyes went wide and she turned to watch him as he just let his story spill out. "I don't want your pity either. And Luke doesn't know about the money, so please don't tell him."
"Your secrets are safe with me," she replied. "Unless they are causing you harm and then I will tell someone."
Jess kissed her hand and caressed it. "I would work odd jobs when I was old enough. Mostly grunt work, washing dishes, or being a runner for people. I learned to cook and hoard food for her when she went on benders, blending into the background as much as possible. I taught myself as much as I could. Reading, writing, cooking, basic repair work.
"I was a loner because of how many times we moved. I have a couple of people I asked to keep an eye on Liz but no one I would consider friends. I would come here, before and after school…sometimes during and just sit and read. Sometimes people watch, making up stories in my head about the people that would come through. Most days, I would stay until dark and head home to be greeted by the flavor of the week if Liz was home. If not, I would find something to eat and then try to get some sleep…until Liz and her boy toy would come home and…well you know my need for music to be playing," he told her.
Kate nodded. She remembered hearing music when she called and Luke alluded to it the other day…
"There would be nights where the music wouldn't be loud enough and I would sneak out and come here. Made friends with a couple of the beat cops that would come around and they would offer me some food and cover if any unsavory types came around. I would stay for a couple of hours, sneak back in. Most times, no one noticed I was gone. Other times," he explained, trailing off.
Kate swallowed. "Did anyone ever," she asked, delicately.
"Hit me? Yeah. Mostly if I got in the way. Either in general or when they would hit Liz. Most times I hit back, yelled a little, and got thrown out. Liz would always come down from whatever high she had and kick the bastards out, saying how she loved me. I know she does but it didn't heal the bruises internally or externally. The last one before she decided it would be better for me to live with Luke was the worst."
Jess swallowed, thinking of that night. He closed his eyes and looked away from Kate. She would pity him for the rest of their days after this. He just knew it.
Here comes the part where she'll definitely leave.
He took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeve, revealing scars and burn marks on his arms. Kate gasped and gingerly took his arm into her hand, fingers tracing over the scars.
"Liz wasn't home and her boyfriend at the time…he was the worst. He would just start wailing on either of us for no reason at all, drunk, high or not. Two weeks before I moved to the Hollow, he found a stash of cash I had saved up from one of the jobs I worked and used it to buy drugs. Then he set half my books on fire, telling me smarts don't get me anywhere when you grow up like I did. He beat me with his belt on my back, telling me I was worthless and a failure. I still have dreams of Liz screaming when she came home to find me on the floor, belt lashes on my back and my arms cut up and burned. She got me to the hospital and reported the bastard but knew I couldn't stick around. I got out of the hospital and a week later, I was in Stars Hollow."
"Jess," Kate whispered, tears in her eyes. "I never knew. I mean, you always had long sleeves or never rolled your sleeves up to the elbow like this….I'm so sorry." He cringed, hearing the pity and she shook her head. "No. I do feel pity but not like it clouds what I feel for you. I just…I was a bitch when we first met. And I'm just thankful you let me see the real you. That asshole was wrong because you aren't a failure or worthless. You took care of your mom as best you could and you're only 17. You didn't do any of what happened to you and you're far stronger than you give yourself credit for," she told him.
Gently turning his face to meet his eyes once more, she smiled. "It's the reason why I love you. Your brains, your heart, your strength, all of it. I love you, Jess Mariano," she finished.
Jess blinked back tears and hugged her. He cradled the back of her head and kissed her shoulder. "I love you too," he whispered. "I love you. I love you. I love you," he chanted, kissing her.
Kate smiled and kissed him back. Here, in Washington Square Park, they made a world that they could call their own.
"Give me more time and I will tell you everything, okay," she asked, pulling back.
Jess smiled and leaned his forehead against hers. "Take all the time you need. And thank you for listening to me."
Kate smiled. "I always will," she promised.
Jess smiled and got up. "Come on. We promised dinner. And I have a feeling Lorelai is planning on having someone other than you lead in the singing of Happy Birthday," he said, raising his eyebrows at her.
Kate grimaced and got up. "You love me," she asked.
Jess smiled and put an arm around her. "More than you know," he replied, kissing her temple.
"Kate! Jess! Over here," Lorelai called out, waving them over.
Kate gawked at the hole in the wall pub they were told to go by the front desk of their hotel. It was called Haswell Green's and was on 52nd Street and had a live band. The group had a large booth in the corner, opposite the band, which was not too loud at the moment.
"This place looks great," Jess said, sitting across from Luke.
"I like the band," Kate added, sitting next to him and Emily.
"They are having an open mic night," Luke said.
"We might have signed you up," Richard told her, a twinge of hope in his voice.
Kate choked on her water and looked at her grandfather. "Seriously," she asked.
"It's been too long since we heard you sing. Please," Emily asked.
"And it's my birthday," Jess jumped in.
Kate turned to him, mouth agape. "I take back what I said earlier," she said.
Jess smirked. "No you don't," he shot back.
Kate looked around the hopeful (even Luke looked the part) faces and sighed. "Fine. But it's going to be a cover of my choosing," she said.
"Yay," Lorelai and Rory cheered.
Kate rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You're lucky I love you all," she muttered.
"Love you too, babe," Jess replied.
If anyone at the table noticed, they did not say anything but their smiles were enough.
They were laughing and talking when the open mic started up. Kate groaned as someone got up and butchered "Leave the Light On" by Belinda, leading Lorelai and Rory to look at her with puppy eyes.
"You know you can do so much better," Rory said.
"Yes, but that poor girl doesn't," Kate retorted.
"What are you going to sing," Jess asked.
"That's a surprise," Kate replied, sipping her water. "That ball was on a Friday, right," she asked.
"Yes," Richard nodded.
"What ball," Luke asked.
"The debutante thing," Kate replied.
Jess' brow furrowed as Kate smirked into her water. When her name was called, her face flushed red when her mother and sister cheered loudly for her. Jess squeezed her hand as she got up and walked to the band. She nodded to the band and they turned off the mics for a minute.
"You know the Cure," she asked. "Preferably "Friday I'm in Love"?"
"Yes," the leader of the band replied, smiling. "Your Mom said you play," he said.
"I would without this stupid thing," Kate said, gesturing to the cast.
"Ah," the keyboard player said.
"And put your spin on it. I'm okay with any style," Kate offered, smiling.
The band members all nodded and tuned to the song. Kate smiled and turned to the crowd. "Happy birthday, Jess," she said as she nodded to the band.
The guitar started strumming and Kate grinned as she started to sing.
I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love
Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday, break my heart
Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday, I'm in love
Saturday wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday never hesitate
I don't care if Monday's black
Tuesday, Wednesday, heart attack
Thursday never looking back
It's Friday, I'm in love
Jess grinned as he recognized the song and the entire restaurant cheered as Kate's infectious energy made the entire place sing along with her as the band played a more folky sound. She had a massive grin on her face. The table all smiled watching her.
"It's effortless for her," Emily said, smiling.
"It really is," Lorelai replied, grinning.
"Taylor can eat his hat though," Rory said.
Monday you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday, stay in bed
Or Thursday watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love
Saturday wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday never hesitate
Dressed up to the eyes
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throw out your frown
And just smile at the sound
And as sleek as a shriek spinning 'round and 'round
Someone started a clap beat and Kate grinned at the band. The guitar player motioned over to her and let her strum the strings as he played the frets. She smiled and continued to sing the rest of the song.
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday, I'm in love
I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love
Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday, break my heart
Oh, Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday, I'm in love
The song ended and the entire place cheered loudly for Kate, who bowed. She then turned to the band and cheered for them. They thanked her and she walked off the stage and back to her family.
"First time in a while. How'd it feel," Luke asked, as Kate sat back down.
"Taylor better apologize soon. I missed that," she replied, leaning against Jess. "How was it for you," she asked.
"That was amazing," Jess told her, kissing her.
"That was spectacular," Richard said.
"And if that fool doesn't apologize, we could talk about some benefits, non-DAR, that you could perform at. Talent like yours should be shared," Emily said.
Kate blinked, her voice hitching. "We could discuss that," she said, clearing her throat. "The only thing I would ask for is for control over the music. I can adapt to anything and cover anything but when it comes to my stuff, I would like control," she went on.
"Of course," Emily nodded.
Kate smiled and they continued to eat and talk. Jess was right when a slice of cake was put in front of him and they sang to him but Kate's hand on his knee kept him grounded.
He knew that she always would.
The ringing of Rory's cell phone woke up the Gilmore Girls early the next day.
"Early," Lorelai groaned.
Kate groaned as she rolled to get the phone. "Hello," she grumbled.
"Come home, now. Taylor has lost his mind," Lane said.
"Lane," Kate asked, her brain not firing yet.
"Kirk told him about you and Jess, and Taylor is freaking out. There's an emergency town meeting," Lane explained.
"What," Kate exclaimed, sitting up.
"What happened?" Lorelai asked as Rory got up as well.
"Kirk told Taylor about Jess and I," Kate replied, putting her head in her hand.
"Oh God," Rory sighed.
"Thanks for the warning, Lane. We'll get home as soon as possible," Kate told Lane.
"For what it's worth, a bunch of people are on your side," Lane told her.
Kate smiled. "Thanks," she said. "See you soon."
She hung up and screamed into her pillow. "Just once I want to escape the insanity of that town of ours," she mumbled.
"What do you think he's going to do," Lorelai asked.
"Probably something stupid like dividing the town," Rory muttered.
Kate groaned and got out of bed. "I'll kill him," she said.
"Where are you going," Lorelai asked.
"Wake up Jess," her oldest daughter replied.
"Better you than us," Rory nodded.
Kate rolled her eyes and walked out of the room to the room across the hall, knocking. Luke grumbled and opened the door.
"Hey Kate, what's up," he asked.
"Taylor found out and is losing what's left of his mind," she replied.
"Ah jeez," Luke muttered.
"Yep," Kate replied, smiling sardonically. She pointed to Jess who was still sleeping. "Want me to wake him up," she asked.
"Might as well," Luke told her, letting her in.
Kate smiled as she walked in. Mindful of Luke, she slipped beside her boyfriend's bed and resisted the urge to coo at how adorable he looked sleeping.
"Jess," she said, running a hand through his product-less hair. "God, your hair is soft."
"Focus," Luke piped up, taking out a change of clothes out of his bag. He grinned at her when she turned to him. "He's not going to wake up like that," he stated, going into the bathroom.
"True," Kate shrugged. She turned back to Jess and kissed his cheek. "Babe, I need you to wake up."
"Honey, I'll cook you breakfast in a minute. You were up late with the kids," Jess mumbled, still asleep.
Kate's heart sped up. He dreamt of them with kids?! God, she loved this man. She wanted that future so much.
And to get there, they had to deal with…
"Jess. I'm going to need you awake for this," she said, tapping his shoulder.
Jess groaned and opened his eyes. "Kate?" He blinked as he sat up. "What's wrong," he asked.
"First, we are revisiting you and how adorable you are at a later date," Kate said, kissing him quickly. "Second, Kirk told Taylor about us. I don't know how he found out but Taylor is losing whatever is left of his sanity and I figured you would like to see the bloodbath," she explained.
"Who told Kirk," Jess asked.
"I have no earthly clue but he knows better," Kate growled.
"Okay, okay. Down girl," Jess said, taking her hand. "What do you want to do? You want to play whatever he saw or heard off as how close we are or," he trailed off.
"I want to be able to kiss you in public. I want to jump in your arms after singing one of the 25 songs I wrote about us last night. I want to sing those songs. I want you. Everyone and everything else can go to hell but I want you, Jess," Kate declared.
Jess smiled and kissed her softly. "Okay. Then we own up to it and I will be your alibi if Taylor goes missing," he told her, hugging her.
Kate nodded and smiled, burying her face in his neck. Jess kissed her temple.
"And for the record, I want you too. Just you," he whispered.
Kate pulled her head back and looked him in the eye, smiling. "I love you," she told him.
"I love you too," he replied. He kissed her once more before patting her arm. "Go, get dressed. We have a drive to get to and a plan to formulate."
"Killing Taylor. That's the plan," Kate told him.
"When I picture a future together, jail time doesn't fit in," Jess replied.
Kate grinned and got up. "That's going to be in that "how adorable you can be" discussion we're going to have," she warned.
Jess narrowed his eyes. "Don't let me get my own list out, Ms. 25 songs in a single night," he told her.
Kate laughed and left the room to go back to her room. Luke came out of the bathroom as Jess got out of bed. Jess noticed him and winced.
"Don't do that," Luke warned.
"You heard all that," Jess asked.
"Everything from you talking in your sleep about kids with her to her writing 25 songs," Luke replied, smirking.
"Ah jeez" Jess muttered.
"Do we need the ground rules again," Luke asked.
"Trust me. Kids with Kate are far enough in the future that it will stay a dream," Jess told him, getting a change of clothes.
"But part of the long term plan," his uncle questioned.
"If I can keep her out of jail tonight, yes," Jess replied.
"Hey, her killing Taylor might solve all our problems," Luke shrugged.
"Yale won't admit her if she has a felon record," Jess pointed out.
Luke paused and nodded. "Yeah, that's a good point."
"I have them from time to time," Jess shrugged, going into the bathroom.
"Check out is 11," Luke told him.
Jess rolled his eyes and closed the door. Luke chuckled and packed his stuff up.
When they got back to Stars Hollow, the town was in chaos. Even Emily and Richard were stunned.
"The hell," Jess muttered, seeing green and orange ribbons on certain stores.
Kate growled as she got out of the car. Babette and Patty spotted her and rushed over.
"Oh, sweetie, it's so wonderful!" Babette said.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Patty asked.
"Because it was our decision. Where is Taylor," Kate asked.
"He's setting up for the meeting," Babette told her.
"Great, thanks," Kate replied, reversing course and heading to the dance studio.
"Kate, wait," Jess called out, rushing after her.
"I am going to kill him, Jess. Look at this," Kate said, not stopping.
"I know. I know," Jess said, catching up to her. "We also came up with our plan and your hands being around Taylor's throat isn't part of that plan," he told her.
"Kate, Jess! About time, guys," Gypsy called out.
"Thank you," Jess said. He caught Kate's hand and heard the gasps and coos from everyone watching them.
Kate turned and looked at him, her murderous rage slipping away. She melted meeting his eyes. She took stock on the eyes watching them and kissed him quickly. Jess smiled into the kiss and held her in place with his other hand.
"Together," she asked, pulling back.
"Together," he replied. He kissed her forehead. "Love you," he mumbled against her skin.
"Love you," she whispered. They walked, hand in hand to the town hall, ignoring the whispers around them.
"At least they aren't running me out of town, yet," he said.
"With the look I had getting out of the car? Would you want to cross me," Kate asked.
"I know how to deal with you," Jess pointed out.
"And you want a future with me," Kate grinned.
Jess sighed and nodded. "That I do," he admitted, trying to look put upon, but failed to contain his grin.
Kate smiled and kissed his cheek as they walked into the hall. They found Andrew and Taylor arguing with Kirk in the middle.
"I'm not cutting off my business because you want to be a controlling moron," Andrew shouted.
"You have to choose. Or divide your store into a Kate section and a Jess section. For however long he sticks around after they break up," Taylor said.
"Hey, when did you become a fortune teller," Jess snarked.
"Probably around the time when he forgot to fill in that pothole," Kate said, glaring at Taylor. "We're gone for not even two days and this place is losing its collective minds?"
"We're just preparing," Taylor said.
"For what?! A break-up that you will have no input on," Kate asked.
"One that we're not even thinking about," Jess added.
"I want it on the record, I was against all this hoopla," Ms. Patty said from where she stood with Lorelai, Rory, Luke, Richard and Emily.
"Me too," a few more spoke up.
"Noted," Kate nodded. She turned back to Taylor, who was looking nervous. "Seriously, Taylor, this is a little extreme and I'm still steamed from you trying to kick Jess out for an accident I caused because I was driving and you indirectly caused it by not filling that pothole."
"I said I would pay the car repair bill," Taylor said.
"That's a given," Kate told him. "Seriously, I thought we had this conversation months ago. Stay. Out. Of. Our. Personal. Lives," she said, advancing slowly to the stage.
"We're just worried about you," Dean said.
"Dean, I would shut up and sit down," Jess warned as Kate whirled to face him.
"What are you going to do," Dean asked, moving to advance on Jess.
"Oh, I would love to lay you out but I don't feel like stooping to your level in front of the Grandparents," Jess told him. "Who's opinions I value more than yours, actually, Taylor."
"We're just concerned about your intentions for Kate," Taylor said.
"At the moment, my intentions are to keep her from killing you. Long term? Those are for us to know," Jess shot back.
"I for one blame Lorelai. Look at the example she set," one of the Stars Hollow High moms spoke up.
All the air was sucked out of the room as the town looked at the small group of Mothers. Kate whirled around to them and her eyes narrowed into slits.
"What," Lorelai asked, her voice cold.
"You and your track record. You're not the best example of picking stellar men. And the good ones you manage to convince to date, you run off," the woman said.
"Watch. It." Kate growled.
"I mean, we all have seen their father," someone offered.
"You have no idea what you're talking about," Rory snapped.
"I would back away, Jess," Richard advised, seeing Emily straighten her shoulders.
Jess stepped back and watched as the four Gilmore Girls stepped into the center.
"He probably left seeing how Lorelai is," the first woman said.
"He left after his girlfriend called him after he tried to sleep with my daughter again," Emily snapped.
"And I might be a lot of things in your eyes but I will never cheat and I will not let someone cheat with me. Christopher and I are done," Lorelai added.
"Just because you are the Stepford Wives of the Hollow and we don't fit into your little mold doesn't mean we deserve this," Rory went on.
"And you certainly do not get to pass judgment on us," Kate stated.
"And if you actually got to know Jess, you would be jealous of Kate instead of judging them. We all just spent the weekend together and I have never seen two people this young that committed to each other. You would see it if you got off your high horse, Taylor, and admit Jess didn't cause Kate's accident," Emily said. She wheeled back to the moms.
"My daughter, as much as it pains me to say because I thought I knew what was best, was stifled by the world we live in. And she has to deal with things that no parent in the world should deal with, things that are private family matters but involve the girls' father. You have no idea how proud I am of the woman she became and the women my granddaughters are becoming. And you do not get to stand there and berate her over a relationship that again, I state, if you actually welcomed Jess as you did my family, you would wish for your daughters. Come for my family again and you will regret it," she said, giving the best withering stare of the four of them.
Lorelai looked stunned. She knew her mother and father were proud, they all but told her, but she never thought she would get such public support from her usually stoic mother.
Kate was stunned as well but recovered quickly. She relaxed and looked at everyone.
"Look, I love this town. I will defend it until my dying day and tell everyone I meet how great it is because it really is. But when you pull this? Trying to protect me from a hypothetical break up? It makes it harder to curb Jess's tendencies to mess with you and my need to throttle something," she said.
"And it's our relationship. Kate's and mine. Not anyone else's. And if it needs to be said, the only other opinions we will listen to are Luke, Rory and Lorelai's. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore's as well but that's it," Jess added.
"Basically anyone we eat dinner with on a regular basis," Kate said, narrowing her eyes at Dean.
Keep it up and you won't be joining us is what she was trying to say.
"And for the record, if I see one more curtain put up because of me, I will lose my ever loving mind," she finished.
"You still owe me an egg roll," Jess piped up.
Kate threw a grin at him. "Remind me after our third anniversary," she said.
"Deal," he smirked. He eyed Taylor, who was watching them stunned. "Are we done?"
"The ribbons," Luke muttered.
"All those in favor of returning the ribbons?" Kate announced.
"Aye," everyone chimed in.
"The ayes have it, Taylor," Richard piped up.
Taylor sighed. "Fine," he relented. He turned to Kate, "can we discuss you coming back to performing at the Summer Festival?"
"Are you," Kate roared as she started to move towards him.
"No, no," Jess said, wrapping his arms around her. "She'll get back to you."
"You owe him an apology first," Kate stated, as he led her outside. "Let me back in there," she said.
"Honey, we won tonight. Save the tiny ineffectual fists for when your arm is out of the cast," Jess said.
Lorelai laughed as she shook her head. "Well, that's a new side," she said.
"It's going to be an interesting time," Luke said, smirking.
"Jess is exactly what she needed," Emily smirked.
"I was about to say that," Richard nodded.
Lorelai smiled and looked at her mom. "Mom, thank you," she said.
Emily smiled a little at her. "I am very proud of you, Lorelai. For all those reasons and more," she told her.
Lorelai blinked back tears and Rory smiled. That smile faded when she saw Dean.
"Rory, you know we're only," he said, coming over.
"Dean, before I give Jess that free pass he so rightfully earned tonight, take a breath," Rory told him, walking out with Lane and her grandparents.
Luke stepped in Dean's path as he tried to follow Rory and Lorelai shook her head.
"Think twice," Luke told him.
Dean huffed and walked the opposite direction. Luke and Lorelai nodded and followed the group.
"I can still go back," Kate said as Jess led her to her through the square.
"I know you can," he said, chuckling.
Kate pouted at him and he shook his head. He stopped and cradled her head in his hands.
"Come here," he mumbled, kissing her.
Kate sighed into the kiss, melting in his arms. "No fair," she said, pulling back.
"Plenty fair," Jess replied, kissing her nose.
"Okay, break it up, you two. I am going to have to check for cavities tomorrow after a weekend of all that sweetness," Lorelai said, walking past them.
The couple rolled their eyes and Kate shook her head. "Come on, I know there's a cake in the kitchen from Sookie," she said.
"We did the cake and sang last night at dinner," Jess complained. "After I begged you not to," he added, turning to Lorelai.
"Next year, there will be a choir with us," Lorelai snickered as she walked with Rory and Luke.
"Next year I'm hiding," Jess shot back.
"Try it," Lorelai smirked.
Jess shook his head as Kate laughed. She met his gaze and he winked at her. She kissed him and they jumped hearing the aww's from the townspeople who watched them.
"Okay, show's over," Jess grumbled.
Kate threw her head back and laughed.
"Oh babe, the show is only getting started."
Chapter 12: Done
AN#2: IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!
I have no earthly clue if anyone still cares about this story but I have been rewatching Gilmore Girls lately and I have gotten inspired all over again. I have missed Jess and Kate and I'm so excited to write them again.
I actually have good chunks of the story fleshed out and I have been falling back in love with this world. I am also thinking of new characters to bring in and if you want a sneak peak at them, you can check out my storyboard for this story on Pinterest here: /2jpgl9bGv
Also, I have created a playlist of songs that will either be used in chapters or serve as inspiration. Some are songs that I write to and also can give an insight on some storylines that might be coming up. It is on YouTube here: /playlist?list=PL3gG8GpInuAFxnh_HqlzP6OPIhdyv_zZ6&si=UHzdVzGLTB7HGVJm
Again if are still reading, still waiting, still subscribed: thank you. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU. If you're new, welcome! I love you all. I truly, deeply, madly do.