While Lorelai deals with the rebuilding of the fire-damaged Inn, Rory schemes to give her mom a great birthday party, complete with a gigantic pizza. Richard surprises Lorelai with a large check from an investment he made when she was born, and Lorelai uses part of the money to repay her parents for Rory's education, a gesture which does not please Emily. Meanwhile, Luke confirms his fear that Jess has been skipping school to work extra shifts at Wal-Mart. Luke agrees to meet Nicole's parents. Paris returns to school a changed person.