Jess Mariano

You had spent the entire morning preparing the basket for the auction. It wasn’t the most eye-catching basket, but it had everything you liked in it. Even though tradition said that the winner would enjoy the picnic with you, you weren’t sure who would bid on your basket. Or if anyone would.

Laughter and bustle filled the Stars Hollow plaza as Taylor announced the baskets. Finally, when it was your turn. Taylor held up your basket, it was quiet at first, you weren’t paying much attention when...

“Sold to young Mariano for twenty-five dollars!” Taylor announced. Meanwhile, you watched Jess walk over to pick up the basket. You didn’t know whether to be flattered or confused.

Jess had taken the basket with you to the park, away from the crowd of the event. They sat under a tree, the basket between the two of them. As you unpacked, he watched you with a half smile.