What's Next?

Out of Town

Rory finished making pancakes, and proceeded to fix up Haeven's bottle and breakfast.

"Mmmm what smells good?" Jess walked by his wonderful wife and gave her a kiss.

"Breakfast is ready." She smiled back and got Haeven's bottle. "Eat sweetie, it's good for you."

Jess hurried up and ate then picked up his briefcase for work.

"What's that for?" Rory was confused because Jess never needed that sort of thing.

"It has documents. My boss needed to see me, I'm not actually sure why. He didn't sound angry or upset, so hopefully it's good news." Jess looked condescending.

"I hope too." Rory got up and kissed Jess goodbye. "Love you."

He put a hand on her cheek. "Just know, no matter what happens, I love you and I will provide one way or another. Never worry about it."

"Jess..." Rory wrapped his arms around him. "I wouldn't care if we had zero dollars, I'd still love you more than anyone in the world does." She assured.

Jess understood and smiled. "See you later."

*****

Rory headed out to the Gazette and dropped Haeven off at Lorelai's. Thankfully, she watched her on Fridays when the sitter couldn't make it.

She began typing and thoughts rushed through her mind. What if Jess looses his job? I know he'll provide, but I hope he'll be okay... Rory waved the thoughts away. She focused on her work and didn't let things she couldn't change affect her.

*****

Jess walked into his boss's office, a low stride taking his feet. "Mr. Coroga? You wanted to see me?"

Mr. Coroga smiled and looked up. "Yes. Jess, hello!" He gestured him to come to his desk. Jess walked closer, still unsure of the following events. "Mr. Mariano, we have noticed the improvement you've made here at Truncheon Books and we've definitely picked up on the fact that you make the environment here absolutely phenomenal."

Jess was shocked. "Why, thank you sir. I really do try."

Mr. Coroga shifted and picked up some papers from his desk. "Here's our plan." He presented a layout with a new design of a building. "These are the blueprints for the architectural design. We plan on making Truncheon Books a commercial business and company. We want to expand." Mr. Coroga pulled out some pamphlets. "There's a business in Sacramento: Jav Lankey. It was previously a graphic design company. The owner, Mark Heeler, is offering the space temporarily for us. We are in desperate need of decent people and we believe you exceed our expectations by a long shot." Mr. Coroga leaned back on his chair. "What I'm trying to say is that you'd be perfect to be a manager and head of the company there. It would be for 2 years, in till it's an official business location."

Jess looked at the floor, then back up. "Sir, I don't know. I have a wife here, and her baby..."

"Listen, Jess." Mr. Coroga looked directly in his eyes. "The pay would be outstanding;there's a big chance you'd never worry about getting by ever again."

Jess enjoyed hearing those words, all he ever wanted was to provide for Rory and make her the happiest girl in the world.

"Just think about it." Mr. Coroga gave his final thought and Jess left.

Jess definitely did think about it. All day, really. He couldn't get it out of his mind how much of a great thing this could potentially mean for them.

*****

Rory sat back on the couch, waiting for Jess to be home. She held Haeven in her arms and she began falling asleep. "Goodnight, my angel." She peacefully cooed. She heard the door unlock and in came Jess, looking quite happy. "Hello, sweetheart." She got up and put Haeven in her crib. "How was work?"

Jess leaned down to kiss her. "It was wonderful, I got offered this fantastic opportunity. I could be the head manager over in a Sacramento location. I could go, we could have so much more money..."

Rory put on a brave smile. "Oh, Jess that's wonderful!"

"You think so, too?" Jess seemed ecstatic.

"Yes! Of course, Jess! This is what you've always dreamed of!" Rory felt uneasy, she didn't want him to leave but also didn't want to be the reason he couldn't be happy. "How long would you be there?"

"Two years." Jess realized how long that was.

"Two years?" Rory felt her heart drop. "You mean two years without you?" Rory realized her selfishness. "No, sorry." Rory shook her head. "You need to do this, it's what you really want."

"Rory, are you okay?" Jess saw her wrap her hands around herself and bite her lip. Her face grew light and pale.

"Yes." Rory got herself together. "I am so happy for you!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure."

"I leave in two weeks." Jess grabbed her hands. "Let's make the last two the best we've ever had."