Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the WB, Amy Sherman-Palladino or her and her husbands creation Gilmore Girls.
Spoiler Warning(s): Last Week Fights, This Week Tights. Recipes and Raincoats, Lorelai's Graduation Day.
Rated: Rated R.
Acknowledgments: Jewls my beta who's helping with a lot more than these particular stories.
I Think of Ice Cubes
Chapter Seven: Shut Up and Drive
Shhh don't be a dick, the chicks sleepin'.
I think that's Todd. Todd can probably see my underwear lying on the floor, which means he probably knows that I'm not wearing much underneath Jess' blanket. I squeeze my eyes tight and think happy thoughts like; dying right now and not being here or having Todd and whoever he called a dick disappear from the face of the Earth for about twenty seconds so I can grab my underwear from the floor, put them on and never ever have had them see them!
Dude, I think she's naked under there.
I hear the guy Todd called a dick whisper. God I can hear the leer in his voice I want to die-- right, now. Happy thoughts! Chocolate, reading a really good book and eating chocolate at the same time, coffee, really really good coffee, Jess serving me coffee while only wearing his underwear so the dick and Todd can be distracted by seeing his underwear and not mine! Jess' leg brushes up against mine, the hair scratching lightly on my skin. He rolled away from me in the night and somehow I ended up with most of the covers. Thank God, because if I didn't Todd and the dick might be seeing more than my green underwear lying on the freakin' floor!
Nah I think she's wearing a shirt, yeah I can kind of see some of it.
I hear the floor creak as he goes on his tippy toes to get a better view. I wish I was home right now, in my nice comfy bed with my pink blanket and my pink sheets, and my underwear in my underwear drawer and some pajama bottoms on me, and Jess, and Jess? I don't know where I want Jess to be. Scratch that! I wish I was in my new dorm room, my new single dorm room with Jess up from the city for a visit so he's lying next to me and we have the whole day to waste together because it's a Saturday. I pull the pillow that's under my head closer to me, snuggling into it more.
Do you think they...?
The dick makes a sound that is supposed to resemble the sound a squeaky mattress makes when people are having sex.
Probably, why else would her underwear be on the flo--
A digital rendition of Mozart's Magic Flute breaks his concentration, it keeps playing and playing then I realize it's my cell phone going off, oh no, oh no, no, no, no! I sit up grab my skirt off the floor and dig my cell phone out of my pocket. I can feel Todd and the dick's eyes on me. I read the caller ID on my phone. I whisper, flipping the phone open and pressing Talk.
I say looking over at Todd and the dick. Realizing I'm not wearing a bra, I pull the arm holding the phone closer to my breasts to cover any view they might have of my nipples.
Rory where are you? You're mom came in with Luke for breakfast and she asked where you were because apparently she thought I would know, but I don't know so I'm hold up in the stock room. Did you know that Luke has an antique cigarette machine in here? I say still kind of bleary and head rushed from sitting up so fast.
Yes, it's Lane, where are you?Um, well...
I really wish that the dick and Todd weren't looking at me like I've just sprouted antlers.
I'm in New York, with Jess. I say rubbing my forehead and pushing my hair behind my ear. Todd and the dick are still looking at me, God I feel exposed.
New York... Jess...? Okay, I can't tell your mom that, hell I can't tell my mom that, I-- why are you in New York with Jess, wait Jess!?Yes Jess. I whisper into the phone, just then he stirs and rolls over facing my back his bare arm touching the bare skin of my butt under the covers. He wakes up a little at the contact reaching his hand up to skim the skin of my lower back reaching around to my stomach which makes me giggle. I can't help it that area is very ticklish.
Why are you giggling, are you... right now, wait I don't wanna know! I hear a mild thud and a bang.
Lane are you okay? I hear her wincing through the phone.
Yeah I'm fine I just walked into the cigarette machine and stubbed my toe. I'm hopping right now, ouch!
I listen to her breathing over the phone, Todd and the dick staring at the side of my head. I wish I could get up and go in the bathroom to talk to Lane but I'm naked from the waist down. I feel myself blushing at the thought. One of them coughs and I look over for a nano second, quickly turning my head back to an angle that won't let me see their faces. Dick's a blonde. Dick looks about 23 years-old. Dick dresses like crap. Dick's name isn't even Dick.
Rory you still there? Lane comes back on.
Yeah I'm here, um hold on.
I keep my eyes down grabbing Jess' blanket and gathering it around my waist like a big sarong. I bend over as gracefully as possible, holding my phone between my cheek and shoulder so I can pick up my underwear, my skirt and my bra. My grip is poor and the bra drops with a clothy thud to the floor. My head feels like it's going to explode I'm so embarrassed. Not only have they seen my underpants, now they can see my bra. I should just whip open the blanket and show em everything right now I know they're thinking about it or something similar. I try and stay nonchalant bending back down and picking my bra up. I shuffle past Todd and 'the dick', keeping my head down the whole time. I barely make it into the bathroom before I let the blanket and all my clothes drop to the floor.
Yeah I'm here. I say to Lane walking over to the mirror I stare at myself as I listen to Lane's litany of questions.
Okay what just happened? Why are you in New York? Why are you with Jess, I thought you were over Jess? I-- why-- um how? In order of all her questions I answer each question to the best of my ability.
I just walked into Jess' bathroom his roommates were staring at me. I'm in New York because I wanted to see Jess. I'm with him because I needed to talk to him and to someone who can understand my situation. And I want to be adamant about this because my coming to see him has nothing to do with our friendship and you did the best you could and I love you for that and I appreciate you for that. But well-- he knows more about stuff like this. Oh and I drove here.The sex part, right? She asks.
Yeah, and screwing up in general. I say while rubbing underneath my eyes. They're clearer than I've ever seen them before. Without any makeup on I can see some of my summer freckle's on the bridge of my nose. I scrunch it up and try and make it wiggle like Samantha the witch.
That he does. So what do you want me to tell your mom because I've been looking for taco shells for about seven minutes, and we don't even serve taco's.Just tell her-- oh by the way I told her I stayed the night with you so say I got up early and you don't know where I went. Tell her you thought that I went home. Wait-- why'd you say you were looking for taco shells.Thanks for giving me the heads up. she sounds annoyed.
I'm extremely sorry Lane, I know I should have called and told you but I lost track of time and I know you had to open so... I'm sorry?It's okay, you've covered for me more times than I have cousins. Oh and about the taco's it was the first thing that came to mind as an excuse to come back here. Plus, I'm really craving Mexican food. I think I'm gonna shake it up, get out of the diner and go to the taco stand for lunch, you know... splurge.You do that wild one. I say nodding at my reflection. My hair coming loose from behind my ear tickling the side of my face and my nose making me feel like sneezing.
So when are you coming home?I'm not sure, I think probably later today he has to work.
I brush the hair out of my face and take a chance on exploring the medicine cabinet. Opening the glass door the shelves are chalk full of stuff, that's the best word to describe the contents-- stuff. Used disposable razors, a couple clear labeless bottles each with about an inch of liquid left in them. Tortured looking toothpaste tubes, toothpicks, two boxes of condoms one open one not, two expensive looking men's razors apposed to the collection of pink, blue and white disposable ones. A can of Edge and the tiniest bottle of Listerine I've ever seen in my life. It's like travel sized but miniaturized.
Ah okay so maybe I'll see you tonight, I need some girl-time the guys have been having Xbox challenges each night. It's starting to make me feel kind of lacking in the human interaction department. I say my hair coming loose again, obscuring my vision, all I see is brown hair. Brown, brown, brown.
Lane says before I hear Luke saying So that's where the phone was. Then a click and the line goes quiet.
I say to the silence.
A knock on the door distracts me Jess' voice sounds through the door.
I answer picking my underpants off the floor and slipping them on.
Just checking. I slip my shirt off and put on my bra, smelling the shirt before I put it back on, not quite spring fresh but it's all I've got.
I'm just brushing my teeth! I call out.
I hear his muffled reply then a clamor of voices talking over each other the only words audible are ... even fucking think about it. and stop... at me... that.
Jess calling his roommates on their behavior. I slip my skirt back on, putting my phone back in my pocket, and sidle up to the mirror again to brush my teeth and wash my face. I turn the faucet too quick water sluicing out hard and fast I step away before I get water all over the front of my shirt, the back splash is so fierce. The faucet starts making a deep rumbling sound, the sound increasing to a low pitched squeal. I quickly turn the water down scared that the fixtures might fly off and the bathroom will flood.
I'm fine! I yell.
Jess says.
Oh never mind! I look myself in the eyes brushing my hair out of my face for the 50 thousandth time today. I'm fine. I say to the mirror, I'm fine.I can take the day off you know Rory. He says as he walks me the seven blocks to the parking garage where I left my car the previous afternoon. Really it's no problem, I kind of need a break anyway.Jess, you always needed a break. He snorts, shoves his hands deeper into his pockets.
This time it's different.
God he's being so forthcoming. It makes me feel good but at the same time, it's such a far cry from how I knew him that it's well-- it's freaking me out.
What you want to do? A whirlwind Holdan Caulfield tour of the city. Show me right this time, actually take me to a restaurant without wheels and an umbrella?If you really want me to.
He uses my words from last night almost word for word. I'm taken aback, and the freaking out feeling hits me right in the pit of my stomach, I think I might throw up. I stop in the middle of the sidewalk a man in a dark grey suit with a Yamaka on his head knocks right into me because I stopped so abruptly. I stumble forward from the force of his impact, Jess grabbing the back of my shirt keeping me from going face first into the dirty concrete.
Hey watch it! Jess says to the suited man while he steadies me on my feet. The suited man just rolls his eyes and walks on.
You okay? He asks.
He's facing me, both his hands on my shoulders he starts rubbing my arms absently, his eyes-- God his eyes are so warm and open, I've never seen them like that before. Not even when he was pleading for me to come away with him. Why do I feel like I'm going to break his heart-- again?
I think I need to sit down. I tell him.
Morning traffic blaring in the background people walking around us in droves.
he says still rubbing my arms. there's a place up here.
We walk the rest of the block Jess leading the way pushing a glass door of a bagel shop open. He holds it open for me, his hand moving ever so slightly on the glass revealing a smudgy hand print. The shop isn't too busy. People are milling in a line around the counter placing orders. Everyone looks absorbed in their own tasks, except this one baby sitting in a heavy duty stroller. It's mother, I presume, is placing her order not paying attention to her child, but the baby's looking at me with these huge curious knowing green eyes. I can't tell if it's a boy or a girl but it stares at me like I've got the answers to the universe hidden behind my back for the six or seven seconds Jess and I stand near the door before Jess breaks my eye contact with the baby asking if I want anything.
Yeah, sure.I'm buyin'. he says giving me a small smile.
Oh you don't have to do that. He looks me in the eye and says.
But I want to. I can't argue with him I know it so I give in, waiting in line with him and ordering a poppy seed bagel toasted with plain cream cheese and a large cup of coffee. He orders a plain bagel with herb cream cheese and a small water. We take our orders on trays to a table in the middle of the floor, he digs in almost immediately while I stare into my coffee stirring it with one of those plastic stirrers. I make the mistake of looking up and seeing him licking excess cream cheese off his lips. I subconsciously cross my legs and squeeze remembering last night.
Okay what's wrong seriously? he catches on. I don't know how to start, so I keep stirring my coffee.
I want to try again with you. I say finally, But I'm scared I'm going to hurt you in the process. He's about to take a bite out of his bagel but he puts it down. He lets out a breath picks up a napkin and wipes some cream cheese off the tips of a couple of fingers.
Okay why do you think that? I look up into his face.
I--I'm not sure. We were walking down the street just now, and you were offering to take the day off to be with me and then you said that this time it was different. And last night I told you that you were right that you had changed but... and your eyes are so open Jess... this is just... I'm having a hard time adjusting to this new you because as much as I hated certain aspects of the old you that's how I know you. So I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and that jewish guy knocked into me and you stood up for me made sure I didn't fall on my face, and I can recall so many times I've had people walk into me like that but no one helped me stay up-- but you were there this time. You were there. I feel desperate and I know I'm rambling. he grabs my hand and holds onto it tight brining me back.
Whoa, whoa Rory, stop. He whispers, leaning across the table a little so he can get closer to my face. He lets go of my hand and lifts my chin with his finger.
It's okay, I get it.You do? I feel something sliding down my cheek he brings his hand up rubbing something off my cheek with his thumb.
I do. He says lightly rubbing my cheek with his thumb.
I'm embarrassed about this morning, they saw my underwear. I say to bring a little humor back into the situation.
So did I. He says still rubbing my cheek. I bring my hand up and hold his hand to my face.
Cheeky monkey. I mumble.
I can't come up with any appropriate insulting british term to call you. He says smiling.
That's okay, just call me a slag and we'll be even.Slag, eat your bagel. He says, a laugh behind his words. I pick up a half of my bagel, still slightly warm and take a bite.
/SC/EN/EC/HA/NG/E
When we get to the garage his arms around my waist and he keeps playing with the belt loops on my skirt.
You're not going to take the day off. I tell him after I give the attendant my ticket, and he's driven my car up to the booth.
Oh I'm not? He says, walking to the drivers side door and opening it for me. I slide in, he stands with his arm resting on top of the open door.
No you're not. You're going to work, I'm going home and you're going to come up and see me and probably Luke next weekend. And when school starts you're going to visit me there once I know my schedule.
He moves the door back and forth a little. His face a mask of mild indifference, but that's just it it's a mask and it's cracking.
So you're dictating my free time now, is that it? His face breaks out into a teasing smile.
Yes, but first you need to go to work to actually have legitimate free time and gas money, because gas is expensive now you know.I know. He nods.
I grab his free arm and pull him down to my level and kiss him, anchoring my hand on his chest, feeling his pulse go from slow to quick in a matter of seconds. Parting my lips and letting his tongue seek mine out, the kiss goes from something soft and sweet to something deep and intense. I grab his shirt front and bring his body closer. He brings his hands up to my face like when we were in the bagel shop, letting him explore my mouth slowly. We start to back it off letting the kiss die out. He drops his hands, my hand still holding his shirt I pull him forward kissing him on the cheek whispering in his ear.
Very good, I'll see you next weekend.
He steps back and closes the door for me. I put my seat belt on turn and look at him through the glass he stands to the side with his hands in his pockets smiling at me. I turn the ignition and tell my self out loud to shut up and drive.