Chapter One: Friendship often ends in love, but love in friendship? Never.

..::SCENE OPEN TO STARS HOLLOW STREETS::..(RORY and LORELAI are walking down the sidewalk.)

RORY: You could have come alone, you know. You're the one who threw the party.

LORELAI: But the party was for you. Therefore, you have to help me clean it up.

RORY: But you could have come to the store by yourself.

LORELAI: Yes, I could have. But instead, I woke you up bright and early so we could spend quality time together.

RORY: Ugh.

KIRK: Lorelai, Rory. If I could steal just a moment of your time.

LORELAI: Hey Kirk. Whatcha up to?

KIRK: I was wondering if, by any chance, either of you have any experience with the directing and/or producing of a major motion picture hit.

LORELAI:(looks at RORY, then to KIRK) I can't say that we do.

RORY: Why do you need someone with experience in directing and/or producing a major motion picture hit?

KIRK: Actually, since it was such a big success, I'm working on a sequel to 'A Film by Kirk'.

LORELAI: A sequel?!

RORY: Cool! What's it called?

KIRK: A Sequel to a Film by Kirk.

LORELAI: Yeah, we know, but what's it called?

KIRK: That's the title; 'A Sequel to a Film by Kirk'.

LORELAI: Oh.

RORY: Makes sense.

KIRK: I thought I'd keep it simple.

LORELAI: Well, it's easy to remember.

KIRK: That's what I was going for. Anyway, I'm still in need of a directing consultant; I've hit a bit of a roadblock with the chicken scene. I'd better be off.

LORELAI: Hope you find someone.

RORY: Good luck.

(KIRK crosses the street and bombards two poor, unsuspecting tourists)

RORY: Wow.

LORELAI: I cannot wait to see that.

RORY: Chicken scene?

LORELAI: I'm almost afraid to ask.

RORY: Almost?

LORELAI: Sheer curiosity would win me over.

..::OPENING CREDITS::..

..::SCENE OPEN TO STARS HOLLOW STREETS::.. (The girls are walking back from DOOSE'S.)

RORY: I need coffee.

LORELAI: Sure you do.

RORY: I do.

LORELAI: Uh-huh.

(RORY rolls her eyes.)

LORELAI: Fine, go get your coffee.

RORY: Where are you going?

LORELAI: Sookie's still at the house.

RORY: Right.

LORELAI: I'll see you soon.

RORY: Okay.

LORELAI: And by soon, I mean soon.

RORY: I figured.

LORELAI: No twenty minute delay because of your boyfriend.

RORY: I got it.

LORELAI: Kay.

(RORY enters the diner and LORELAI keeps walking towards home.)

JESS: Hey.

RORY:(sits at counter) Morning.

JESS: Coffee?

RORY: Please.

JESS:(pours her a cup) You're talkative today.

RORY: No coffee yet.

JESS: Ah.

RORY: Plus, I think I have a sugar hangover.

JESS: An actual sentence. Is the caffeine balancing out the sugar?

RORY: It might be making it worse. It's too early to tell.

JESS:(gives a small smile) What are you doing today?

RORY: Post party pick up.

JESS: Huh.

RORY: You're welcome to help.

JESS: I think I'll pass. I have to work.

RORY: Too bad for you.

JESS: When do you think you'll be done?

RORY: When are you off?

JESS: Probably about six. Maybe five, if I'm a good boy.

RORY: Call me and we'll catch a movie or something.

JESS: Sounds good. So, you need a to-go cup?

RORY: Please.

(JESS starts filling up the cup when the phone starts ringing. He ignores it, and finally LUKE comes over to answer it.)

LUKE: What?

LORELAI: You sound so hostile.

LUKE: Jess is aggravating.

LORELAI: Oh. Let me talk to Rory.

LUKE: Sure. (to RORY) It's your mother.

RORY: Hello?

LORELAI: Aspirin.

RORY: Aspirin?

LORELAI: For Sookie.

RORY: O...kay.

LORELAI: Sookie has a major hangover, and we have no aspirin. I thought we did, in the little jar thing in the medicine cabinet, but it turns out it's a prescription for Ammoxicilian from '95.

RORY: We should really clean that stuff out.

LORELAI: One day. Anyhoo, can you go back to Doose's and get some?

RORY: Sure.

LORELAI: Thanks hon. Bye.

RORY: Bye.

(RORY hands JESS the phone and he hangs it up.)

RORY: I'd better go. .

JESS: Here's your coffee. (he hands her the coffee)

RORY: Thank you.

(RORY leans over the counter and kisses him.)

LUKE: Jess, get back to work.

JESS:(pulls away) I'll call you later.

RORY: Bye. Bye Luke.

LUKE: Yeah.

(RORY smiles at JESS and leaves.)

(CUT TO DOOSE'S MARKET. RORY enters and heads toward the aspirin aisle, where DEAN is restocking.)

DEAN: Hey.

RORY: Hi.

DEAN: You need in here?

RORY: Yeah, just...this. (reaches over and grabs a bottle of aspirin)

DEAN: Okay.

RORY: Yeah. Um, I should go pay.

DEAN: Sure.

(RORY walks over to the cashier; DEAN follows and talks to her while she's paying.)

DEAN: Hey, could we go for a walk or something?

RORY: Aren't you working?

DEAN: It's about time for my break. I could help you carry that stuff home.

RORY: It's one bag - I can manage.

DEAN: Well, can I at least tag along? I think we should talk.

RORY:(to cashier) Thank you. (to DEAN) I don't really have anything to say to you.

DEAN:(follows her outside) Then I'll talk. Please?

RORY: You're not going to give up, are you?

DEAN: Nope.

RORY: Fine.

(They both begin walking in the direction of the Gilmore house)

RORY: So, talk.

DEAN: Right. It's just...I'm really sorry. For everything. The whole prom thing and what I said - it's really none of my business.

RORY: No, it's not.

DEAN: I know we're not together anymore or anything, and I do love Lindsay, but I still care about you and I don't want you to get hurt.

RORY: And Jess is the person that's going to hurt me.

DEAN: He doesn't have a great track record.

RORY: He's never hurt me, Dean.

DEAN: Two words - fractured wrist.

RORY: He's never intentionally hurt me. He would never do that.

DEAN: Nobody trusts him.

RORY: I do.

DEAN:(sighs) I honestly don't understand what you see in that guy.

RORY: Well, you don't have to understand it.

DEAN: Okay. I'm not trying to pry, I just-

RORY: Care. Yeah, I got that.

DEAN: We did go out for two years. I think I have a right.

RORY: Well, I don't go around pestering you about Lindsay.

DEAN: That's different.

RORY: If you say so.

DEAN: Look, I thought we were going to be friends.

RORY: And I would really like to be, but you have to stop questioning my relationship with Jess.

DEAN: Okay. Consider it done.

RORY: Really?

DEAN: Really.

RORY: Good.

DEAN: I still don't have to like him, right?

RORY: No. It's your right not to like him.

DEAN: Okay. Then, we're good?

RORY: We're good.(pauses) So, what are your plans for the summer?

DEAN: Not much. Probably just hanging out with my friends before we all scatter to different colleges. Working.

RORY: What about Clara?

DEAN: Clara's going to a horse...camp.

RORY: A horse camp?

DEAN: A horse back riding camp thing.

RORY: Ah. I bet she's excited.

DEAN: She leaves next week. It's all she's been talking about.

RORY: So her lessons have been going well?

DEAN: She loves them.

RORY: That's good.

(SCENE CUT TO GILMORE HOME. RORY enters.)

RORY: Mom!

LORELAI:(walks over from window) Was that...?

RORY: Dean? Yeah.

LORELAI: Well?

RORY: Well what?

LORELAI:(sits on couch) I thought you were mad at him; with the whole stalker-ish episode.

RORY: I am. I was. I ran into him at Doose's. He walked me home. We talked. We're okay now.

LORELAI:(skeptically) Really?

RORY: I hope so.

LORELAI:(skeptically) Really?

RORY: What do you mean?

LORELAI: I mean, are you sure that you still want to be friends with Dean?

RORY: Of course. Why wouldn't I?

LORELAI:(pats seat next to her) Sit.

RORY:(sits) Mom, don't make a big deal out of this.

LORELAI: I'm not. Dean still cares about you - that's obvious.

RORY: We're just friends.

LORELAI: I know. But, what if he keeps prying into your and Jess's relationship? He and Jess don't exactly get along.

RORY: We talked about that - he said he'd back off.

LORELAI: How do you think Jess will feel about this?

RORY: He's fine with Dean and I being friends.

LORELAI: Okay, change of scenario. What if Jess was friends with...Shane?

RORY: I'd be fine with it.

LORELAI: Are you sure?

RORY: I...think so. I don't know.

LORELAI: Ah-ha.

RORY: It's different though. Dean and I dated for two years. Jess and Shane just...just...

LORELAI: Just what?

RORY: I don't really know. I've never talked to him about it. Or any of his past girlfriends.

LORELAI: Oh.

RORY: Oh? What does that 'oh' mean? Is that bad? Do you think he's hiding something?

LORELAI: No, he's not hiding anything. It's probably just that neither of you have brought it up. Anyway, I just meant that you should let Jess know that you and Dean are on better terms again, rather than surprise him.

RORY:(distracted) You're right..

LORELAI: Rory. Really, don't worry. I was just making a comparison; I didn't mean to freak you out. If you're that uncomfortable about it, maybe you should just talk to him.

RORY: Yeah.

LORELAI: But you shouldn't not be friends with Dean just because Jess told you not to.

RORY: He wouldn't tell me not to be friends with Dean.

LORELAI: It's complicated with ex-boyfriends and current boyfriends in the same, incredibly small, town.

RORY: It's been working so far. Oh here - aspirin.

LORELAI: Thank you! She definitely needs it.

RORY: So, it's bad.

LORELAI: It's rivaling the post-Thanksgiving hangover.

RORY: Wow.

LORELAI: I know.

(SOOKIE groggily wanders into the living room.)

LORELAI: Hey hon.

SOOKIE: Hi. You're out of coffee.

LORELAI: I just bought some.

SOOKIE: I drank it all.

LORELAI: Oh.

RORY: Here's your aspirin.

SOOKIE: Thanks pumpkin. I'd better get home to Jackson.

LORELAI: Do you want me to drive you?

SOOKIE: Could ya?

LORELAI: Sure. (to RORY) I'll be back soon. You can start cleaning if you want.

RORY: Right.

LORELAI:(walking towards the door) Actually, I might stop by the inn. To check up on some things.

RORY: Uh-huh.

LORELAI:(motions to the messy house) Just get us a head start.

RORY: You planned this!

(LORELAI laughs evilly, and shuts the door. RORY leans back on the couch, surveys their disheveled house and sighs)

(CUT TO DINER. TAYLOR enters and approaches the counter)

TAYLOR: Luke!

JESS: He's not here.

TAYLOR: I know he is. I saw him open up this morning and he hasn't left.

JESS: Wow, you casing the place for something, or have you just resorted to stalking?

TAYLOR: I need to speak to him. This is a time sensitive matter. Luke! Luke!

JESS: I told you, he's not here.

TAYLOR: I know he is. (tries to go behind the counter, but JESS blocks him)

JESS: Don't even try it.

TAYLOR: Go get him. Luke!

LUKE: Jesus, what in the hell do you want Taylor?

TAYLOR: I thought you said he wasn't here.

JESS: Huh.

LUKE: I was in the storeroom. (pauses) Get out.

TAYLOR: I just got here.

LUKE: I don't care. Just go.

TAYLOR: I need to discuss something with you.

LUKE: No.

TAYLOR: But I...

LUKE: I don't care Taylor; the answer is no.

TAYLOR:(ignoring him) Will you be attending the town meeting tomorrow night?

LUKE: Hadn't really thought about it.

TAYLOR: Luke, please try to be serious for just five minutes.

LUKE: I'll be there Taylor - I always am, aren't I?

TAYLOR: Good, good. Now, I need to talk to you about, perhaps, leasing out the diner for one night.

LUKE: Leasing out the diner? This is my diner; it's not on the market to be leased out, especially to you.

TAYLOR: If you'd just listen to my proposal, then I think that...

LUKE: No.

TAYLOR: It's for a town function. We're going to need a space, and this space is perfect. Since you never participate in gatherings, I thought it would be easier just to...

LUKE: Rent my diner.

TAYLOR: It would just be for one night.

LUKE: Find another space, Taylor. Use the Soda Shop.

TAYLOR: The Soda Shoppe wouldn't work; no, the diner is positioned at a perfect angle from the town square.

LUKE: What's this for, anyway?

TAYLOR: The Fourth of July festival, of course.

LUKE: That hasn't even been approved yet.

TAYLOR: But it will be tomorrow. Just, think about it.

LUKE: Okay.

TAYLOR: Really?

LUKE: No.

TAYLOR: You're impossible! This will be put to a vote tomorrow, Luke.

LUKE: Find another space, Taylor.

(TAYLOR marches out of the diner and attempts to slam the door, the wind catches it and it just sort of drifts shut. TAYLOR [now outside] throws his hands up in defeat and goes back to Doose's.)

JESS: Well, that was entertaining.

LUKE: He wants to rent the diner. What kind of half-assed scheme is that? Why would I let him be in charge of my diner for some 'Let's get all the crazies of Stars Hollow together in one area, only increasing their stupidity exponentially' party?

JESS: Exponentially, huh. That's a big word for you, Luke.

LUKE:(deadpan) I've been working on my vocabulary skills.

JESS:(sarcastically) Oh, I'm proud.

LUKE: Don't let him back in here.

JESS: Gladly.

(LUKE goes back into the storage room. JESS shakes his head and refills some coffee cups.)

..::FIRST COMMERCIAL BREAK::..

..::SCENE OPEN TO INDEPENDENCE INN::..(LORELAI is going through mail at the reception desk and MICHEL comes down from the upstairs.)

LORELAI: What are you doing here?

MICHEL: I should be asking you the same question.

LORELAI: I am reading mail. Is this all from yesterday?

MICHEL: Yes. I haven't had a chance to go through it yet. I have been busy.

LORELAI: You're suppose to be showing the Anderson's around today. They were considering the inn for their wedding. You didn't forget, did you?

MICHEL: No, I did not forget.

LORELAI: Well, what did they say?

MICHEL: They said no.

LORELAI: No? Why?

MICHEL: They wanted a waterfall. We don't have a waterfall. I think they are now considering Niagara Falls.

LORELAI: Damn. That would have been a big account too.

MICHEL: There will be plenty of summer weddings.

LORELAI: I suppose. I love weddings, but I hate them too, you know?

MICHEL: No.

LORELAI: I mean, it's so romantic to see two people so in love that they're ready to make that commitment, to take that leap. But then I think to myself, Will I ever have that, and I don't know that I will. When I was little, I used to picture a marrying a prince or something, like that perfect guy, but now I'm not so sure. Do you believe in soul mates, Michel?

MICHEL: Mmm-hmm.

LORELAI: Are you even listening to me?

MICHEL: Am I suppose to be?

LORELAI: Ugh. Go away.

MICHEL: As you wish Cinderella.

(LORELAI glares at him as he walks away, then goes back to looking through the mail. She stops, goes back a few letters and takes one out that caught her attention. She frowns, then opens it.)

(CUT TO GILMORE RESIDENCE. Evening. RORY is finishing picking up the house, putting pillows on the couch, straightening magazines, etc. She's just about finished when the doorbell rings. The camera follows her as she goes to answer it.)

RORY: Hey.

JESS: Hey.

RORY: You could have just come in. I knew you were on your way.

JESS: I'll remember that for future reference.

(they kiss as they walk into the living room)

JESS: So, where's your mom?

RORY: She still at the inn. She called earlier and said that she had to take care of something.

JESS: Interesting.

(They kiss again as RORY lays down on the couch, JESS on top of her. His hand begins to move up her shirt when she pulls away and sits up.)

RORY: Jess, I think we should talk.

JESS: But talking's not as fun.

RORY: Jess.

JESS: Ooh, serious tone. What's wrong?

RORY: Nothing's wrong, per say. It's just...I have to tell you something.

JESS: You're having an affair with Kirk.

RORY: Eww. And no. I uh, I talked to Dean today.

JESS: Huh.

RORY: And we're going to try to be on better terms now.

JESS: Better terms as in friend terms.

RORY: Yeah. He said he'd back off and we actually had a nice conversation.

JESS: Huh.

RORY: Something more than a three letter word, please.

JESS: Okay.

RORY: You're mad.

JESS: I'm not mad.

RORY: Yes, you are.

JESS: Nope. I'm fine. Should I be mad?

RORY: No.

JESS: Because there's nothing going on between you two.

RORY: No, nothing more than friendship.

JESS: Then I don't have a reason to be mad.

RORY: Okay.

(silence)

JESS: There's something else bothering you.

RORY: No there isn't.

JESS: Okay.

RORY: I have a question for you.

JESS:(smirks) What?

RORY: What...exactly were.. you and Shane?

JESS: What do you mean?

RORY: I mean.. what was that?

JESS: She was my girlfriend, I guess. Why?

RORY: We just never really talked about it, or any of your girlfriends. You see, Dean was my only other boyfriend, so that's pretty self-explanatory, and you know that I didn't go very far with him and-

JESS: I never slept with Shane, if that's what you're asking.

RORY: Oh.

JESS: We just kinda...messed around. She was like a distraction more than anything.

RORY: Okay.

JESS: Anything else?

RORY: No, just that.

JESS: Okay.

RORY: Okay.

JESS: So, have you talked to your dad?

RORY: No.

JESS: Still mad at him?

RORY: Yes.

(pause)

JESS: Wanna order pizza?

RORY:(smiles) Sure.

(CUT TO LATER THAT NIGHT. JESS and RORY are in the kitchen eating pizza.)

JESS: I don't know. Taylor's planning something.

RORY: I shudder at the thought.

JESS: That guy's insane.

RORY: You're starting to sound like Luke.

JESS: Don't even go there.

RORY: Well, after you live with a person for a while, some of their personality traits can rub off on you.

JESS: Now you're just being mean.

RORY: What? Being like Luke isn't a bad thing.

JESS: It's not something I'd like to try.

RORY: I'd stop you before you started wearing flannel.

JESS: And that's greatly appreciated. (looks at watch) I should go.

RORY: Oh.

JESS: It's after 10.

RORY: Already?

JESS: Yep.

RORY: Wow. Okay.

(They stand and RORY wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him.)

RORY: I don't want you to go.

JESS:(kisses her) Don't tempt me.

RORY: I'll see you tomorrow?

JESS: Yep.

(They kiss again, this time longer and more passionately.)

JESS: I have to go. I should help Luke close up.

RORY: Yeah, and my mom could be home any minute.

(They kiss again and JESS begins moving RORY backwards towards her bedroom. She reaches behind her and opens the door. We see them fade into they darkness of her room as the door closes.)

(CUT TO GILMORE RESIDENCE. Morning. RORY exits her room to find LORELAI at the table with coffee and papers)

RORY: Morning.

(LORELAI looks up and covers something with a folder)

LORELAI: Hey. You startled me.

RORY: Sorry.

LORELAI: It's fine. I'm just...a little jumpy, I guess.

RORY: Any reason?

LORELAI: I didn't sleep well.

RORY: What time did you finally get home last night?

LORELAI: Ugh. Late. By the time I hit the hay I had some much caffeine in my system that I was wired.

RORY: Didn't you try counting sheep?

LORELAI: Yes, but the sheep got tired from jumping over that fence; they were asleep before I was.

RORY:(pours herself some coffee) Poor thing.

LORELAI: I'll survive.

RORY:(sits down) So, what are you working on?

LORELAI: Just some inn stuff. So, what did you do last night?

RORY: Jess came over.

LORELAI: Really?

RORY: Yes, really.

LORELAI: Did you talk to him?

RORY: Yeah.

LORELAI: And?

RORY: And he's fine with Dean and I being friends. Again.

LORELAI: Good.

RORY: It is good.

LORELAI:(pauses) He's totally okay with this?

RORY: Yep.

LORELAI: Hmm.

RORY: What? You don't think he is?

LORELAI: I didn't say that.

RORY: You're thinking it.

LORELAI: No I'm not.

RORY: If you say so. I was going to meet Lane for a breakfast/lunch thing. Wanna come?

LORELAI: Thanks hun, but I've got a lot of work to do.

RORY: I could wait if-

LORELAI: No, this'll take a while. You go. Enjoy your first technical day of summer.

Really.

RORY: Okay. I'm going to go get dressed.

LORELAI: Alright.

(RORY takes her coffee cup and goes back into her room. LORELAI waits until the door is closed before she moves the folder and looks at the papers she was hiding.)

(CUT TO DINER. LANE and RORY are sitting at a booth eating their breakfast.)

RORY: I don't know. She's acting kinda weird.

LANE: Maybe it's nothing.

RORY: I hope it's nothing.

LANE: If it is something, I'm sure she'll tell you soon.

RORY: You're probably right. So, enough about me. How are you?

LANE: I am on cloud nine, my friend.

RORY: Do tell.

LANE: Dave and I have been one three official dates now. Three! All set up and previously approved by Mama Kim, of course. But still, three!

RORY: It sounds like things are going well.

LANE: They're going great! I had no idea that telling the truth would be so liberating.

RORY: What's her verdict on the band?

LANE: Still in deliberations. I haven't brought it up again. Not yet; things are going too well.

RORY: Well, what do you think she'll say?

LANE: I dunno. Old Mama Kim would say, "No. Drums bad. Go pray." But new Mama Kim might say "Fine. Go pray." It's hard to tell.

RORY: How's the band taking the whole thing?

LANE: They're not looking for a new drummer...yet.

RORY: I wouldn't worry about that.

LANE: So. I take it you haven't talked to your dad.

RORY: Nope.

LANE: No plans to?

RORY: Nope.

LANE: Wanna talk about it?

RORY: Nope.

LANE: New subject?

RORY: Please.

LANE: How are things with you and Jess?

RORY:(smiles) They're good.

LANE: How good?

RORY: Very good.

(LANE laughs)

TAYLOR:(following LUKE around diner) Luke, please.

LUKE: I told you no.

TAYLOR: If we could just settle this now, things could run smoother at the town meeting tonight.

LUKE: We are settling this now. The answer is no. There - it's settled.

TAYLOR: But Luke-

..::SECOND COMMERCIAL BREAK::..

..::SCENE OPEN TO GILMORE RESIDENCE::..(Evening. LORELAI is now in the living room, on the couch. She is talking on the phone.)

LORELAI: No, you don't understand. I have to talk to her. It's urgent.........There's nothing you can do?........Do you have a different number?..........Anything?.........You don't have anything I could try?.........No, no, thanks for all your help........You have a nice night too. Thanks.......Uh-huh. Bye.

(LORELAI hangs up the phone and sighs)

RORY:(OC) Mom! I'm home.

(LORELAI perks up and tries put a smile on)

LORELAI: Living room!

(RORY comes in and sits next to LORELAI)

LORELAI: How was your day?

RORY: Great. Lane and I hit this great record shop in Hartford. It was fun.

LORELAI: Did you bring me a stoned Iggy Pop playing in some underground New York club?

RORY: Better. Stoned Dead Boys, in Atlanta, where an on-stage fight broke out.

LORELAI: Cool!

RORY: So, you ready for the town meeting?

LORELAI: Ah! I completely forgot.

RORY: That's okay. We still have time, let's go.

LORELAI: Actually, I'm not really up for it. Why don't you just go this time.

RORY: Mom, come on.

LORELAI: I'm sorry babe, but I'm really tired. Remember; last night, no sleep.

RORY: But....are you okay?

LORELAI: I'm fine.

RORY: You're just acting sort of weird.

LORELAI: I'm just tired. You go to the town meeting, mock the locals. I'm going to try and get some sleep.

RORY: It's only seven.

LORELAI: I know.

RORY: Why won't you tell me what's up?

LORELAI: Nothing's up.

RORY: Fine. I'm going to go then.

LORELAI: Okay. Bye.

RORY: Yeah. Bye.

(RORY gets up and leaves. LORELAI watches her go, then turns back around, lays down on the couch and pulls a blanket over her. She just lays there, not even attempting to sleep, just looking depressed.)

(CUT TO MISS PATTY'S. TAYLOR has 'banged' the meeting and things are well underway. RORY is sitting alone towards the back, but JESS sneaks in and takes a seat behind her.)

JESS:(whispers) Boo.

RORY:(turns) Hey. I wasn't expecting to see you here.

JESS:(shrugs) Eh. It's Stars Hollow on a Monday night. This is where all the excitement is.

TAYLOR: Excuse me. If you'd like to hold a personal conversation, please step outside. We're trying to conduct an important town meeting.

JESS:(sarcastically) Oh, important. Right. By all means, continue.

TAYLOR:(taken aback and a little confused) O...okay. Now, as I was saying, the Fourth of July is less than a month away. I was hoping to set up our main food booth outside the Luke's, using the diner as a base of operations, but Luke, in all his festival glory, has denied us the use of the diner, even after I agreed to pay him a nice sum. Anyway-

BABETTE: Just use the town square Taylor. That's where the party and fireworks will be anyway.

TAYLOR: If you hadn't interrupted me, I was going to say that I have decided that we will just use the town square, since that where the party and fireworks will be anyway. Anyone opposed? Good. The town square it is. Now, any other new items to be discussed?

KIRK: I would like to file a complaint.

TAYLOR:(sighs) Go ahead Kirk.

KIRK: I have been treated in what I feel is a hostile manner by one of the town patrons on more than one occasion and I would like to express the emotional pain it has brought upon me in the form of a poem.

(KIRK pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket)

TAYLOR: Um, Kirk. Just tell us who it is and, please, refrain from the poem.

KIRK: Are you sure? I feel it's actually quite good.

TAYLOR: Kirk, who is the patron that has been hostile towards you?

KIRK: Jess Mariano.

JESS: What?

KIRK: You kicked me out of the diner the other day, rather forcefully, and it hurt my feelings.

JESS: You had been there for five and a half hours. We were closing.

KIRK: You didn't have to be so mean about it.

TAYLOR: Kirk, how would you like to handle this situation?

KIRK: I want an apology. And perhaps a hug.

JESS: No fucking way.

TAYLOR: Jess...

JESS: No.

TAYLOR: How about an apology. No hug. Then we can all go home. Agreed?

KIRK: Fine.

TAYLOR: Jess?

JESS: Sorry.

TAYLOR: What was that?

JESS: I said I'm sorry. Geez.

KIRK: You don't sound like you mean it.

MISS PATTY: I think that's as sincere as the boy gets.

KIRK: Alright then. Apology accepted.

TAYLOR: Great. Meeting adjourned.

(TAYLOR bangs the gavel and people begin to file out)

(CUT TO OUTSIDE. RORY and JESS exit MISS PATTY'S)

RORY: I cannot believe you.

JESS: What?

RORY: Being so mean to poor Kirk.

JESS: That guy's a nutcase.

RORY: And refusing to hug him.

(RORY shakes her head and KIRK comes up to them)

KIRK: Jess.

JESS: God, you're everywhere.

KIRK: I just wanted to say that I hope there's no hard feelings. It's pretty boring at my house and I rather enjoy your company at the diner, even if you can be a little hostile at times.

JESS: Huh.

KIRK:(pauses) Okay then. Good night Rory.

RORY: Night Kirk.

KIRK: Jess, I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow.

JESS: Great.

(KIRK: leaves)

RORY: Ahhh.

JESS: Don't.

RORY: He enjoys your company. I think Jessie has a new friend.

JESS: Please don't call me Jessie. And don't refer to Kirk as my 'friend'.

RORY: But he is. That's so darn cute.

JESS: You're never going to let this go, are you?

RORY: Oh no. I'm gonna beat the hell out of this dead horse.

JESS: I look forward to it.

DEAN: Oh, hey.

RORY: Hi Dean.

DEAN: That was...pretty interesting in there.

RORY: Interesting being an understatement.

DEAN: I wouldn't have hugged Kirk either.

RORY: I like Kirk.

JESS: So my suspicions were right.

(RORY smiles at JESS'S comment. DEAN stands there awkwardly, not getting their inside joke.)

RORY: So, where's Lindsay?

DEAN: In Florida for a family vacation. She'll be back in a week.

RORY: That's cool.

DEAN: Yeah, she's having fun. So, I should get going.

RORY: Okay.

DEAN: It was good seeing you.

RORY: You too.

DEAN: Bye.

RORY: See you around.

(DEAN walks off in the opposite direction)

JESS: So, we are friendlier now.

RORY: I told you that-

JESS: I know. I just liked it better when we both hated him.

RORY: I never hated him. And you shouldn't either.

JESS: He's you ex-boyfriend. I have a right to hate him.

RORY: You know that you don't have anything to worry about, right?

JESS: I know. I just don't like him, that's all.

RORY: Okay.

JESS: So, where was you mom tonight?

RORY: She stayed home. She was tired; didn't get much sleep last night.

JESS: Huh.

RORY: I think there's something she's not telling me though.

JESS:(dramatically) No!

RORY:(smiles) I'm serious.

JESS: But you two tell each other everything.

RORY: Pretty much. Lane thinks I'm just being paranoid.

JESS: Well, look at it this way - whatever it is, she can't keep it from you forever.

RORY: I suppose you're right.

JESS: You okay?

RORY: Yeah.

JESS: Want to get some coffee or something?

RORY: No, I think I'm just going to go home.

JESS: Okay. I don't have to be at work until six, so we can do something tomorrow if you want.

RORY: Working the late shift?

JESS: Someone called in and took this week off, so I'm just putting in some over time.

RORY: Cool. We could go see a movie.

JESS: Sounds good.

RORY: Kay. I'll see you tomorrow then.

JESS: Yep.

(They stop walking and kiss. When they pull apart, RORY rests her forehead on his.)

JESS: I love you.

RORY: Love you too. Bye.

JESS: Bye.

(RORY begins walking in the opposite direction while 'The Long and Winding Road' by the Beatles plays in the background.)

(CUT TO GILMORE RESIDENCE. 'The Long and Winding Road' is still playing as RORY enters the house. She goes to the living room, but it's empty. She then wanders to the kitchen, expecting LORELAI to be waiting for her, but it is also empty. She turns around and begins going upstairs, but stops at the second step. She pauses for a moment before rotating around, turning out the lights and going into her room.)

..::END SHOW::..