Story summary: Some will date for the first time…while other’s opportunities will go astray for many unforeseen reasons.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, they are the property of the writers and creators of the WB show “Gilmore Girls.”

 

INT: GILMORE HOUSE-DAY

 

Lorelai is sitting on the living room couch with her arm around an upset Sookie as Rory goes dashing by obviously upset herself.

 

SOOKIE: Was she crying?

 

LORELAI: I think so…yea.

 

SOOKIE: You should go to her. I can wait.

 

LORELAI: Not a good idea…the dashing by was her way of saying that whatever it is that’s bothering her…she’s not ready to talk about it.

 

SOOKIE: You two really know each other…it’s nice.

 

LORELAI: Yea…it is.

 

SOOKIE: I wish someone got me like Rory and you *get* each other.

 

LORELAI: By someone do you mean Jackson?

 

SOOKIE: Yes… (tears start escaping again) I don’t understand how someone so adorable can be so…so…pig-headed!

 

LORELAI: We are still talking about Jackson?

 

SOOKIE: Yes…of course.

 

LORELAI: Right…so then he’s the reason for the tears?

 

SOOKIE: Now that I’ve had time to think about it…it’s silly.

 

LORELAI: But you’re still going to tell me…right?

 

SOOKIE: Okay…here goes…but I’m warning you now…it’s silly.

 

LORELAI: So you said. Go on…

 

SOOKIE: (Takes a deep breath) Ok…Jackson promised his brother he would baby sit his kids…so he could go out with his wife for Valentines. He does it every year.

 

LORELAI: Didn’t you two make plans to go out?

 

SOOKIE: I was going to surprise him…and I bought this new dress…and had my hair done.

 

LORELAI: It really is nice…and your hair does look great…little problem with the trail of mascara on the cheeks…but clearly fixable.

 

SOOKIE: It doesn’t matter anyway…he isn’t taking me out…he’s halfway to his brothers by now. He said they were counting on him…but so was I.

 

LORELAI: Oh…Sookie…I’m really sorry. That…well…that sucks.

 

SOOKIE: Yes it does…but I’m over it now.

 

LORELAI: Clearly.

 

SOOKIE: No really…I am…which is why I’m here.

 

LORELAI: Not following.

 

SOOKIE: It’s perfect really…you hate this day…I’m temporarily without a Valentine buddy… (holds up bag she is carrying) I have a mountain load of chocolate…You see where I’m going with this?  

 

LORELAI: Oh…you came to spend Valentines with me? That’s sooo sweet…which is why…I don’t know how to say this…

 

SOOKIE: I know…I know…I am a great friend. So let’s whip this chocolate out of the bag and get to munching and commiserating.

 

LORELAI: Right…about that…can I get a rain check?

 

SOOKIE: A rain check? Lor…sweetie…not to be too certain about this…but I might not need you next Valentines…this is sort of a grab it while you can deal.

 

LORELAI: Which…normally…I would…but…well here’s the thing…and try not to make too big of a deal out of this...but the thing is…I uh…I have a date tonight. Well not really a date in every sense of the word…but I will be joining a male companion for dinner…at the Inn.

 

SOOKIE: Oh…Lor that’s so great. You really need to get out and start seeing other men. It will be good for you. Who’s the lucky man?

 

LORELAI: Actually…it’s Ben.

 

SOOKIE: Ben? My Ben?!

 

LORELAI: If this is a problem Sookie…I can just call and cancel.

 

SOOKIE: Problem? Why should it be a problem? In fact this is perfect.

 

LORELAI: It is?

 

SOOKIE: Yes! We can go together.

 

LORELAI: We? You mean as in you and me?

 

SOOKIE: Yes…oh this will just curl Jackson’s toes to know I spent tonight with Ben… and you of course.

 

LORELAI: Actually Sook honey…I think…

 

Sookie is clearly lost in her own little world at this point.

 

SOOKIE: I can see Jackson’s face now. Oh…Lorelai…we are going to have so much fun. You’re really going to like Ben. You don’t mind if I tag along do you? No of course you don’t…its Ben and it’s not like it’s really a date.

 

LORELAI: Well...yes. I did say that…what I probably should have said was…

 

As Lorelai is trying to think of a way to finish the sentence without hurting Sookie’s feelings the look of pure happiness on Sookie’s face stops her dead in her tracks.

 

LORELAI:  Dinner is at 8…so I’ll swing by to pick you up around 7:30?

 

SOOKIE: I’ll be ready.

 

EXT: WOODED AREA-DAY

 

Dean and Vicky are in the back of his truck semi-covered up by a blanket. Casually Vicky reaches over for her purse and extracts a cigarette, putting it in her mouth she searches around for a lighter…not finding one she turns to Dean.

 

VICKY: Do you have a light?

 

DEAN: I don’t smoke.

 

VICKY: Shock. You really have been hanging around the Gilmore girl too long. She’s purified you.

 

DEAN: I never smoked. I’ve always believed it was unhealthy.

 

VICKY: Spare me the lecture dad…I’ve taken the ten cent tour and watched the video of the diseased lungs. I’ve made my choice.

 

Vicky tosses the cigarette back into her purse and turns back to Dean.

 

VICKY: So I can’t corrupt you with cigarettes…I guess I’ll have to find another way.

 

Vicky reaches suggestively under the blanket and immediately grabs Dean’s attention. He rolls over and begins kissing her as he pulls the blanket up over their heads.

 

INT: GILMORE HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Rory has finished dressing for her date and is headed for the living room to wait for Tristan. When Lorelai comes walking down the stairs dressed up for her evening out.

 

RORY: Wow…don’t you look great.

 

LORELAI: I might just have to return the compliment.

 

RORY: So you’re obviously going somewhere. Care to share?

 

LORELAI: I thought I might grab a bite at Luke’s and see if I can get lucky with old Mr. Pedderson.

 

RORY: Interesting. Good call wearing purple then…I hear it’s his favorite color.

 

LORELAI: Really?...well then, when my real date falls through…at least I’ll have options.

 

RORY: A date? Really?

 

LORELAI: You don’t have to sound so surprised. Your old mom still has some good dating years left in her.

 

RORY: So who’s the lucky stud?

 

LORELAI: Benjamin Carter.

 

RORY: Ethan’s dad?

 

LORELAI: One and the same. He invited me to dinner at the Inn with him. It was either that or gorge myself on self-bought chocolates in a vain attempt to look like someone gave a damn.

 

RORY: Dating does have much less calories.

 

LORELAI: Exactly.

 

RORY: Well you look great. I hope you have a good time…and that he can get your mind off dad.

 

LORELAI: I have to admit that is part of the attraction.

 

RORY: Just go with the flow…let what happens happen.

 

LORELAI: I might give you the same advice…but I’m sane and your mother…so proceed with caution and don’t do anything I might have done at your age. Okay…speech over.

 

Doorbell rings.

 

LORELAI: (cont) And apparently just in time. I’ll get that…you don’t want to appear too anxious. Keep em guessing. Go on get up the stairs so you can make a grand entrance.

 

RORY: You’re kidding.

 

LORELAI: Serious as a heart attack…now git!

 

Lorelai heads to the front door and opens it. Tristan is dressed in an expensive looking dark blue suit, his good looks and good breeding are apparent in the way he stands. Lorelai takes it all in and can’t help but wonder how long Rory is going to be able to stay innocent when the boy in front of her is the epitome of temptation.

 

TRISTAN: Evening.

 

LORELAI: Yes it is. Come in.

 

TRISTAN: Thanks.

 

Tristan steps into the front living room holding a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses.

 

LORELAI: She’ll be just a minute…last minute touch-ups and all. So where are you two off to tonight?

 

TRISTAN: Dinner at the club.

 

LORELAI: Oooh…dinner at the club…very posh.

 

TRISTAN: And very hard to get into with late notice…I hope she likes it.

 

LORELAI: Free food always impresses a Gilmore.

 

Tristan laughs at Lorelai’s carefree banter…but it’s Rory who takes his breath away as she comes down the stairs…making her grand entrance. Tristan walks to meet her at the bottom of the stairs.

 

TRISTAN: Wow…you look amazing…stunning.

 

RORY: Really?

 

TRISTAN: Absolutely…(hands Rory the roses) These are for you.

 

RORY: They’re beautiful.

 

LORELAI: Please do not let the next sentence be something romantically sickening like…”not as beautiful as you”…or I will hurl.

 

Rory and Tristan look at each other and laugh.

 

RORY: Pay no attention to her…she’s just jealous.

 

LORELAI: Yes…yes I am.

 

TRISTAN: We should probably go. The limo is waiting.

 

LORELAI: The limo? Muy impressivo.

 

Tristan takes Rory’s hand in his and the two head towards the front  door.

 

LORELAI: (cont.) Don’t stay out too late. Oh my God where did that voice come from…that…that was my mother’s voice. Yikes.

 

RORY: Night mom.

 

TRISTAN: Night Ms. Gilmore.

 

LORELAI: Lorelai…Ms…Gilmore is my mother…well Mrs. Gilmore actually…but you get the picture.

 

TRISTAN: Right…Lorelai.

 

Lorelai watches as her daughter and new boyfriend head over to the waiting limo. She is truly impressed when he opens the door for her and helps her in. As an obviously happy Rory takes off in the limo with Tristan, a sullen Dean stands in the shadow of the bushes by the side of the house watching.

 

INT: LUKE’S DINER-NIGHT

 

Ethan is sitting at the front counter drinking a cup of coffee.

 

LUKE: Can I get you anything else kid?

 

Ethan looks down at his watch.

 

ETHAN: Do you have the time?

 

LUKE: You’re the one with the watch.

 

ETHAN: I know…but…I just want to make sure the time is right.

 

LUKE: It’s 7:25 pm.

 

ETHAN: Really?

 

LUKE: Got stood up huh?

 

ETHAN: Twenty five minutes worth.

 

LUKE: Refill?

 

ETHAN: No…I’m good. You know I should just go over there.

 

LUKE: Over where?

 

ETHAN: To her house. I mean its right there.

 

Ethan points to Lane’s house.

 

LUKE: You’re waiting for Lane?

 

ETHAN: Yeah…but I’m feeling pretty stupid right about now. I can’t believe she’s standing me up.

 

LUKE: I’m sure it’s not intentional.

 

ETHAN: You stand someone up its pretty intentional.

 

LUKE: Good point.

 

As Luke and Ethan are talking a small figure in a long dark hooded coat comes in.

 

ETHAN: I think I’m just going to go. Thanks for the coffee.

 

Luke looks over and sees the hooded figure and tries to suppress a smile.

 

LUKE: I’d give it another couple of minutes

 

Lane peeks out from behind her hood at Ethan as he is sitting on the barstool.

 

LANE: I’m so sorry I’m late…prayer moments ran late…which cause bed check to run late…and then mama got a long distance call from back home, and the only phone is right by the only door which affords me an indirect route to here.

 

ETHAN: Lane?

 

LANE: Yes…I’m here.

 

ETHAN: Are we expecting a snow storm?

 

LANE: No…why??

 

ETHAN: Never mind. I’m just glad you’re here. Are you ready to go?

 

LANE: (to Luke) We’re going to need to use the back way out tonight.

 

ETHAN: We can’t use the front door?

 

LANE: Not a wise choice. Stick with me…I’ve pretty much boned up on all the covert ops needed to make this date happen. Luke? Back way?

 

LUKE: Through the kitchen, take an immediate right…you’ll be in the alley.

 

LANE: Thanks. I won’t forget this.

 

Lane takes Ethan’s hand and begins guiding him towards the back.

 

ETHAN: Is there something I should know here?

 

LUKE: Yes…keep your head low, follow her lead and  Mrs. Kim’s bite is worse than her bark…tips that will probably save your life.

 

INT: HOT DOG HAVEN-NIGHT

 

Jess and Paris are sitting at an outside table across from each other. Both are dressed up…Paris more so than Jess.

 

JESS: I’m really sorry. When I asked you out tonight... I planned on it being somewhere a little nicer than this.

 

PARIS: It’s okay.

 

JESS: It’s just…who’d have thought all the nicer joints would be booked up.

 

PARIS: On Valentine’s day? You’re kidding right?

 

JESS: Confession time…I’ve never taken a girl out on Valentine’s. This would have been a first.

 

PARIS: Don’t worry. This is…nice.

 

JESS: You don’t have to lie on my account. This is Hot Dog Haven…dinner is going to run around six bucks…and I don’t have to tip.

 

PARIS: Really…I’m glad we’re here…instead of some stuffy restaurant that would be over priced and over crowded.

 

JESS: We’ll…it is original. I’m sure not too many of your dates have thought to bring you to a place with so much style and flavor.

 

PARIS: Confession time…the dates…few and far between…and usually distantly related or the son of one of my father’s business partners.

 

JESS: You don’t say. So really not too much to live up to here. Good to know.

 

The counter guy walks over with a tray laden with food.

 

EMPLOYEE: Two double chili cheese dogs, two fries…with extra salt and pepper and two cokes. Will there be anything else?

 

JESS: No man…we’re good.

 

PARIS: I’ve said too much haven’t I?

 

JESS: Don’t worry…I’m still very intrigued with the mystery that is Paris Gellar. (Reaching over to wipe something off her face) You have a little something….

 

Instead of wiping it off…Jess seizes the opportunity of closeness to continue in for a kiss.

 

JESS: Okay…I think I got it. Sorry…next time I’ll just use a napkin…where are my manners?

 

PARIS: Oh…no…that…that was good. It worked.

 

Jess picks up his hot dog and takes a bite as Paris just stares…kind of stunned and mesmerized at the same time.

 

INT: LIMO-NIGHT

 

Tristan and Rory are sitting side by side in the limo. He has his arm around her shoulder and is playing with a tendril of her hair. Rory looks at him and smiles.

 

TRISTAN: You really out did yourself tonight.

 

Tristan stares into Rory’s eyes, releasing the tendril he moves his hand slowly, in a caressing manner down her neck and all the way down her arm until their hands are intertwined.

 

TRISTAN: Do you realize…this is kind of our first official date?

 

RORY: Definitely one for “Ripley’s Believe it or Not.”

 

Tristan tucks the stray hair behind Rory’s ear as he moves in and begins kissing her neck…moving slowly, deliberately towards her soft, inviting mouth. Lingering on her lips for a teasing, taunting second…exerting just enough soft pressure to make her lips want more.

 

RORY: You certainly know how to make a girl crazy.

 

TRISTAN: Oh…babe. That’s just the beginning.

 

Pulling her close Tristan brings his mouth down to hers…running his fingers lightly down the side of her neck and shoulders…eliciting a small gasp of pleasure from her.

Rory boldly  reaches over and pulls him closer. Their two bodies molding together as the kiss deepens.

 

TRISTAN: (slightly out of breath) Now who’s trying to make someone crazy.

 

RORY: Guilty as charged.

 

Before Tristan can respond the car stops and the privacy window starts coming down.

 

CHAUFFER: We’re here master Tristan.

 

TRISTAN: Thanks Fernando. Saved by the chauffer Ms. Gilmore.

 

As Fernando gets out of the car to come around and open the door Tristan takes Rory’s hand in his.

 

TRISTAN: (cont.) Shall we?

 

RORY: One thing first…

 

TRISTAN: What’s that?

 

Fernando opens the door as Rory leans in closer to Tristan and whispers in his ear.

 

RORY: I’m not always going to want a chauffer to save me. Remember that.

 

Tristan exits the limo and pulls Rory out after him. Putting his arm around her waist he reaches in and whispers in her ear.

 

TRISTAN: I will.