Finding Rory

Chapter 28: Uniquely Odd

Lorelai had gone to the inn to work for a few hours after breakfast, and Rory had shown Tristan around town, giving him the nickel tour. They were walking back toward the diner, having picked up Rory's laptop to bring with them, when Kirk came running toward them frantically.

"Rory, have you seen Petal anywhere?"

"No, I'm sorry, Kirk. Is she missing?"

"I was eating some bacon for breakfast, and I think she got mad at me. The next thing I know, she's running out the front door and I haven't seen her since," Kirk replied.

"Is Petal your...kid?" Tristan asked in confusion.

"Why would eating bacon upset a kid?" Kirk asked. "She's my pig; that's why she got so upset."

"Of course," Rory giggled. "Well, as I said, we haven't seen her, but I'll make sure to let you know if we do."

"Thank you, Rory. There's a Pork Council convention coming to town soon, and I need to make sure she's safe before they all arrive."

Kirk ran off to interrogate the next passerby and Tristan burst out laughing.

"That was..." he trailed off.

"Kirk. That's the only way to explain it - Kirk is just uniquely odd," Rory explained.

"It's a wonder you turned out so normal" Tristan deadpanned.

"Hey, my hometown may be weird, but they love me!" Rory exclaimed.

"And that's supposed to make it better? They can love you and still be whack jobs," Tristan insisted.

"This coming from the whack job who is in love with me," Rory teased.

Tristan held up his hands in surrender and smiled at her.

"Alright, you win. You're right, and I'm wrong," he admitted.

"Aw, such a good boyfriend," she cooed. She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him before grabbing his hand and pulling him back into the diner.

They sat down at their same table, and within a few minutes Jess and Rebecca walked in the door. Rory immediately rushed across the diner to meet them.

"Jess! Rebecca! It's so good to see you both!" Rory cried as she engulfed them both in a group hug.

"Did you miss us, Gilmore?" Jess chuckled.

They walked toward the table and Tristan rose to greet them.

"Tristan and Jess, you two know each other. This is Jess' girlfriend, Rebecca. Rebecca, this is my boyfriend, Tristan," Rory said by way of introductions.

"Actually, Rebecca isn't my girlfriend now - she's my fiancée," Jess said proudly.

"Oh my gosh!" Rory squealed. "I'm so happy for you two!" She rounded the table and wrapped Jess and Rebecca in another huge hug. "This is the best news I've heard all day!"

"Thank you. We're really excited," Rebecca replied.

"Well, congratulations to both of you," Tristan offered.

"So, when's the wedding?" Rory asked excitedly.

"It's September 17th in Philly, at Love Park. It's just going to be a small wedding, family and a few close friends only," Rebecca replied.

"I was actually hoping that you would be my best man," Jess added.

"Me?" Rory asked in surprise.

Jess laughed at the shocked expression on her face. "Of course, Gilmore. You're my best friend; I wouldn't want anyone else standing next to me. You can still wear a dress," he assured her.