Finding Rory

Chapter 19: Nervous Energy

Rory was already nervous when she woke up on Wednesday. She wanted desperately for this interview to go well. She was lying in bed wide awake when she felt Tristan start to stir.

"You're awake early," he mumbled as he rolled over.

"I can't sleep; I'm nervous already."

"You're going to be great, Mare. I don't have any meetings this morning; do you want to go to the gym before I go to work?"

"Are you sure you have time?" Rory asked hopefully.

"I'm sure. Go put on some of those new workout clothes and let's go."

"You are the best!" Rory exclaimed happily as she leaned over and kissed him quickly.

Rory bound up out of the bed and changed into her new workout shorts and tank top. Ten minutes later she'd brushed her teeth, pulled her hair back, put on her new shoes and socks and was ready to go.

"That may be the quickest I've ever seen you get ready, baby," Tristan chuckled.

"I just...I have all this nervous energy and I need to work it off."

"I'm sorry, is Rory Gilmore looking forward to exercising?" Tristan teased.

"Is that a problem, Bible Boy?"

"No, not at all. By the way, you look really sexy in your new workout clothes," Tristan said huskily.

"Take me to the gym, stud muffin," Rory said with a laugh. "I need you to work me hard."

Tristan's eyes darkened at her unintended double entendre.

"You're going to be the death of me, woman," Tristan groaned, but the truth was he'd never been happier than the last month, especially the last few days. He finally had everything he'd ever wanted for his life.

They arrived at the gym and Tristan pushed Rory to really challenge herself. About halfway through the workout, he could really tell the difference in her mood. She was much less tense and more focused. By the end of the workout Rory was spent and felt in control.

"God, that was hard, but it helped so much. Thank you, Tris," she said gratefully as they walked back into his house.

"Anytime, Ror. You know...I could further distract you in the shower before you need to get ready for your interview..." Tristan offered.

"Is that all you ever think about?" Rory giggled.

"What? Showing my gorgeous girlfriend how much I love her?" Tristan smirked.

"Let's go, mister!" Rory relented. The truth was, she loved the new physical aspect of their relationship as much as he did.

An hour later, Tristan was ready to leave for work.

"You could bring lunch to the office and we could eat together before your interview if you'd like. You should have plenty of time."

"Yeah, that would be great," Rory grinned. "What should I bring?"

"Surprise me with whatever sounds good to you. I've gotta run. Love you, Mare."

"Love you too, Tris," Rory said as she kissed him goodbye.

Rory spent time gathering her portfolio and resume for her 3:30 interview. She was hard at work finalizing the pieces to include when her phone rang at 11:30.

"Rory Gilmore," she answered.

"Ms. Gilmore? This is Kimberly from Yale. We had two interviewees cancel today, so we were hoping you might be able to come in sooner if possible."