Finding Rory

Chapter 51: Unraveling

Jess and Tristan paid for their baskets and the two couples walked toward the old bridge.

"You know, you really got off cheap, getting my basket for only $15," Rebecca teased Jess.

"Well, not everyone can have deep pockets like Tristan," Jess chuckled.

"I thought I'd done well putting together a basket that he would love, but there's no way it's worth the $600 he paid for it," Rory said with a laugh. "I even went to his favorite deli in Hartford and got some of his favorite foods to go with what I made."

"Having you by my side makes it worth it," Tristan said as he leaned down and kissed her sweetly.

"You two are disgusting," Jess groaned.

"Says the guy who's getting married in Love Park," Rory deadpanned.

"Alright, alright. I give up," Jess conceded.

"So, what are you guys doing for the Fourth?" Rebecca asked, intentionally changing the subject.

"We're actually going to Boston. Some of my family, including my parents, are spending the holiday there. We'll do some shopping and go out on my aunt and uncle's yacht for the day," replied Tristan.

"Oh, how romantic! I bet watching fireworks on a yacht will make for an evening to remember," Rebecca swooned.

Tristan looked at Rory and smiled. "I certainly hope that it does," he replied softly.

*                    *                    *

Luke had watched in as the drama went down with Rory's basket and he was seething at this point. Lorelai had gone too far this time. He saw her walking across the town square after the auction was over and stalked over to her angrily. Few things brought out Luke's protective side like being an angry papa bear, and he'd always considered Rory to be his own daughter. He'd been able to be more involved in her life that he had been in April's.

"What the hell was that, Lorelai? You helped set that up, didn't you?" he growled.

"What are you talking about, Luke?" she asked, feigning ignorance.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. You already weren't happy about your conversation with Tristan last night, and then you found out that he's related to Logan. You intentionally stirred the pot and tried to come between them even though you know his intentions. Am I getting this right?" Luke spat. Both were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't see the small audience they had - Taylor and Babette were hanging on every word.

"I didn't really do any harm," Lorelai argued.

"You know, I seem to remember a similar situation with Emily at her vow renewal. Still believe you didn't do any harm?" Lorelai's jaw dropped at his accusations. Did he really just compare her to Emily Gilmore? "Go home - I'll deal with you later," Luke said before stomping off into the diner.

Lorelai stood there shocked for a minute and then turned toward the Crap Shack. She couldn't help but notice all of the looks she got as she walked the short distance. Of course, it was Stars Hollow, where everyone knew everyone else's business. She hung her head and hurried back to the safety of her house. She couldn't help but feel as though her life was beginning to cave in around her. She slammed the door behind her and walked over to the thermostat, turning it down far enough to make her house feel like a meat locker. She was tired of feeling like she was about to internally combust all the time.

*                    *                    *

Rory walked into the Crap Shack and looked around, letting her eyes adjust. The lights were out, and it was freezing cold. Then she heard quiet sniffling from the couch.

"Mom? Is that you?" Rory asked as she walked into the living room.

Lorelai dried her eyes and sat up quickly. "Ror? Hey, I'm over here," she said as she tried to pull herself together.

"Are you okay?" Rory asked as she sat down next to her mom.

"I don't know, Sweets. I...I'm just not myself. I'm not trying to be a horrible, controlling mom and ruin your life, Rory. I felt like I was just getting you back, but now you're off to New Haven and have a new man in your life. I feel like I'm losing you all over again. It will just be me and Paul Anka."

Rory moved closer to her mom and wrapped her arms around her. "No, Mom. You still have me, and you have Luke, too. You know he's not going anywhere," Rory assured her. "And you have Tristan. Sure, you guys aren't close now, but you could be in the future. Despite your differences, he admires your independence. Plus, he thinks you did an amazing job raising me," Rory teased, hoping to break the tension. "You know, we would really love for you to come join us to watch the fireworks. We came here to see you this weekend, but I feel like I've hardly gotten to spend any time with you."

"Are you sure you guys don't mind?" Lorelai asked.

"I'm sure, Mom. We want you there. Come on - go wash your face and let's go. Tristan and I will wait for you on the porch," Rory encouraged her gently.

Rory watched her mom walk into the bathroom and then walked out to the porch to join Tristan. She snuggled into his arms and laid her head on his chest.

"Is she okay?" Tristan asked quietly.

"I honestly don't know. I wish I understood what's going on in her head so I could help her."

"She's lucky to have you, you know. Many daughters would have already cut ties and walked away, but you're still here and you want to help her," said Tristan.

"Thank you for encouraging me to stick it out and not give up. There aren't many men who would still be here despite her objections," Rory said sincerely.

"I think if I can survive your high school "I hate him" in the courtyard, I can survive your mom's objections," Tristan teased.

"Will I ever live that down?!" Rory huffed playfully.

"I'll let you know when I decide," he chuckled.