when we come to it

Chapter 3: 2008 (2 of 4)

April 25th, Friday.

"It's no small thing to be published in the Post, Rory," Richard said, waving his fork as her dismissive tone. "Sure, it might not be the Times, but it is still a major publication. Your talent is being recognized by some very important people."

"Plus, the more you're published, the more likely you'll be to get a serious job after this whole campaign is over," Emily added, wiping the corners of her mouth with her napkin.

The two had been gushing over the profile she'd done on new fiction trends ("Our Obsession with Dystopias; What It Means For Now") all night, showing off the pile of papers they'd acquired, one of which was framed and hung in a place of honor. She was worried that they'd have professional lighting the next time she stopped by. Not that Luke was much better.

"She'll have a bunch of jobs beating down the door when January rolls around," Luke nodded, beaming over at Rory. "Everyone that comes into the diner talks about how smart it is, too."

"I don't think they'd get service if they didn't," Lorelai teased, rubbing Luke's back encouragingly. She was immensely proud, but she'd already made all of her 'can I get your autograph' jokes before they'd gotten to dinner.

It wasn't as if Rory didn't feel proud of herself. She was just able to recognize that this was a lucky break that didn't necessarily mean anything for her future. Everyone on the campaign had had something published by now. It was hard not to see the arduous road ahead of her, even despite the pack of cheerleaders she had. If Babette and Morey were any gauge, the entirety of Stars Hollow was also rooting for her.

For now, she had to focus mostly on building her resume and finalizing her portfolio. She wanted to find a place where she was actually be able to write regularly, but should the right place offer her an internship she would have to take it. Now that she had real experience, it had to be easier than it had been last Spring. Lately, she'd been haunted by a dream where she was rejected from every single paper, even the Stars Hollow Gazette. Seeing this, Chilton rescinded her acceptance and her high school diploma, which lead to Yale doing the same thing because she wasn't even a high school graduate. Her life spiraled out of control after that...

"I'm just glad that I got approved for time off work to come home for mom's birthday. They almost asked me to stay and postpone the trip for a few days, but my roommate bit that bullet . Now I owe her a few orders of takeout, but I think it'll all end up working out," she shrugged.

"It is my birthday. Thought you guys plum forgot about me too, though that's understandable with such a celebrity in our midst," Lorelai winked, plucking the last bite of cake off of her plate and eating it quickly. With incredible stealth, Luke shot Rory a prompting look.

"Luke, don't you have that car thing to do?" Rory said, delivering her line flawlessly.

"Car thing?" Emily echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah," Luke nodded, setting his napkin on the table. "I've got to go meet up with Gypsy, she's the town's mechanic. My truck's been making this funny noise and- well, I guess that makes it a truck thing." Cue convincing laugh.

"Isn't it a little late to be bothering a mechanic?" asked Richard, looking down at the time on his watch. "Why don't I just look at it for you?"

"I uh- I already paid her? For the inconvenience, I paid her. She has a busy schedule and all that. Plus, we took Lorelai's Jeep, so I have to go home and get it anyway." He stood up and pushed his chair in, leaning on the back of it. "I wouldn't ask Lorelai and Rory to come with me if I didn't need a ride back."