Story summary: Valentine’s Day is notoriously a bad day for Lorelai…can this year fix that? Rory and Tristan, Jess and Paris and Lane and Ethan’s night out range from the perfect to the bizarre.

 

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: DINING ROOM: INDEPENDENCE INN-NIGHT

 

Dressed to impress Sookie walks up next to Lorelai and surveys the dining room looking for Ben.

 

SOOKIE: Do you see him?

 

LORELAI: No. He must still be in his room. We are a little early.

 

SOOKIE: Good…that gives me time to go check on Raul in the kitchen. We have potatoes on the menu and he always over salts and over boils.

 

LORELAI: Oooh…the double whammy. Go…I’ll keep an eye out for Ben.

 

SOOKIE: Thanks. I’ll be right back.

 

As Sookie heads for the kitchen Lorelai bolts for the stairs, seizing her opportunity to get to Ben and tell him about the turn of events for the night.

 

INT: COUNTRY CLUB-NIGHT

 

Hand in hand Tristan and Rory walk towards the maitre de.

 

MAITRE DE: Good evening Mr. DuGrey.

 

TRISTAN: Evening William. I have a reservation for two.

 

MAITRE DE: Yes…I see that you do. Follow me this way please.

 

Doing as they are told Rory and Tristan are escorted into one of the clubs private dining rooms. Walking in Rory can’t help but gasp in awe at the decadence of the room.

 

MAITRE DE: I hope this room is suitable.

 

RORY: It’s perfect.

 

Smiling Tristan slyly hands a large bill to the maitre de who takes his cue and exits leaving the new couple alone.

 

TRISTAN: So I guess you’re pleased?

 

RORY: I do have to admit…this is pretty spectacular.

 

TRISTAN: And it’s just the beginning.

 

Tristan pulls out Rory’s chair for her to sit down. Rory follows his lead and sits.

 

RORY: Thank you.

 

Tristan leans down and lightly brushes the side of her neck with his lips, just enough to send a shiver of pleasure and expectation coursing through her body.

 

INT: INDEPENDENCE INN-NIGHT
 

Out of breath Lorelai reaches Ben’s door and starts to knock, but before her fist can meet wood the door comes open and she lands face first into Ben’s muscular chest.

 

LORELAI: Oh…kay… (feigns brushing off his shirt) You just had a little spot there…its gone now.

 

BEN: (amused) Very effective…licking it off.

 

LORELAI: (slightly embarrassed) Well you know what they say…if you can’t beat em…lick em…or something slightly less smutty sounding.

 

BEN:  I have a feeling I’m going to have my hands full tonight trying to keep up with you.

 

LORELAI: It’s funny you should say that…

 

Before Lorelai can finish her explanation Ben is surprised to see Sookie come around the corner and head towards them.

 

BEN: Sook?

 

SOOKIE: Hi. Did Lorelai give you the good news yet?

 

BEN: The good news?

 

LORELAI: I was just about to get to that…

 

SOOKIE: I am going to be your date too!

 

Ben gives Lorelai a questioning glance and Lorelai returns a gesture signifying this was out of her hands…hoping he will understand.

 

LORELAI: Sookie’s plans fell through tonight…Jackson had to go out of town.

 

SOOKIE: So here I am!

 

BEN: That’s great Sook. We’ll have a great time.

 

Lorelai mouths the words “I’m sorry” to Ben and he nods in understanding.

 

INT: COUNTRY CLUB-NIGHT

 

Paris and Jess are barefoot walking on the clubs beach area.

 

JESS: So I give you hotdogs and soda and you bring me to the Hartford country club. Our worlds could not be farther apart.

 

PARIS: Does that bother you?  

 

JESS:  Not in the least. I can hold my own.  

 

Jess takes Paris’s hand in his and stops her walk. Hesitantly Paris turns towards him.

 

JESS: What do you say we find somewhere, sit down and …enjoy the view?

 

PARIS: Okay. The cabanas are open…but the curtains kind of obscure any view…so that’s probably not the best place…we have beach chairs…but they’re all stacked.

 

JESS: Maybe I should have just said…”let’s  park it here.”

 

Jess sits down on the sand, pulling Paris down next to him. In tune with each other they turn at the same time and Jess leans towards her…lightly at first he brushes her lips, wrapping his hand behind her neck he pulls her closer and  boldly deepens the kiss as both become lost in the moment of closeness.

 

INT: PRIVATE DINING ROOM-NIGHT

Rory is finishing up her dinner as a bemused Tristan looks on.

 

TRISTAN: Did you get enough?

 

RORY: I probably should have warned you that I'm a girl who really enjoys her food.

 

TRISTAN: Yes…I can see you are very passionate about it.

 

RORY: I’ve scared you away. You’re thinking how will I ever be able to keep her fed?

 

TRISTAN: Actually I was thinking…”Can I be your dessert?”

 

RORY: I’m going to need to see the dessert menu before I solidify that decision.

 

Tristan reaches over for Rory’s hand.

 

TRISTAN: Follow me.

 

Continuing to hold on to her hand he pulls her up and away from the table until the two are standing in front of each other.

 

RORY: Okay…why?

 

TRISTAN: I’m trying to pique your curiosity.

 

RORY: It’s working.

 

TRISTAN: Good.

 

Tristan lets go of Rory’s hand and stands across from her looking into her face, but not touching her….which just heightens every sense she has. Suddenly the smell of his cologne and just downright maleness starts to attack her senses. Spinning her mind and thoughts towards passionate territory. It’s obvious at this moment that Tristan is definitely the one in control of the situation.

 

TRISTAN: Come closer.

 

Rory willingly steps closer to him to share his personal space. Still he remains with his hands at his side, which sharpens Rory’s awareness of her desire for him even more.

 

RORY: What are we doing?  

 

TRISTAN: It’s time for your present.

 

RORY: My present? You got me a present??

 

TRISTAN: Yes… and it’s somewhere on me. All you have to do is find it.

 

RORY: Wait a minute…You want me to *frisk* you for my present?

 

TRISTAN: It will be fun…trust me.

 

As Tristan smiles a slow, sultry smile Rory can feel her insides begin to melt.

 

RORY: Fun for whom exactly?  

 

TRISTAN: I’ll admit there is a certain amount of titillation involved here for me…but I’m equally as certain you will not be disappointed…so do you begin searching for the present…or do I begin searching for the receipt to return it?

 

RORY: This is a dilemma. What to do…what to do.

 

TRISTAN: Follow your instincts.

 

Slowly Rory begins to walk a circle around Tristan…willing to play his game…but not yet ready to just let him call all the shots. As Rory rounds the front of Tristan again she carefully runs her fingers through his hair…making sure to move slowly and deliberately.

 

RORY: Soft and shiny…but aside from some styling product….completely devoid of a present.

 

Continuing her assent while fighting for control of her senses…Rory follows the path down his neck and across his shoulders. Tristan is clearly enjoying himself.

 

Having shed his jacket earlier Tristan is dressed in a nice button down shirt which is devoid of pockets…but Rory checks out his back and chest slowly anyway. Knowing she is losing the battle against self control she steps back a little…to try and regroup.  

 

RORY: You are enjoying this way too much.

 

Tristan gives her a slow, seductive smile.

 

TRISTAN: And I just remembered something.

 

RORY: What’s that?

 

TRISTAN: I left the present in my jacket pocket.

 

Rory feigns an air of disgust and playfully swats him.

 

RORY: Really? You *just* remembered that? Nice try.

 

Rory starts to walk away from him but he stops her and turns her quickly back towards him and begins kissing her lips.

 

Sweetly the two melt into it…the present all but forgotten for the moment.

 

INT: INDEPENDENCE INN-NIGHT

 

Lorelai, Sookie and Ben are sitting at a table and by the bored, bothered look on Lorelai’s face you can garner that Sookie has been monopolizing the conversation and Ben the entire night.

 

SOOKIE: (near hysterics) So then…oh my God…this was so great. You are just going to die laughing Lor…

 

LORELAI: (tips champagne glass up to air with a decided lack of enthusiasm.) Whoo.

 

SOOKIE: I’m sitting there in class…(wiping tears of laughter) and you hear this pop…pop…pop. (turning to Lorelai) Do you know what it was?

 

LORELAI: Snap and Crackle searching for the third rice krispy dude?

 

Ben laughs while sweet Sookie remains blissfully unaware.

 

SOOKIE: No…but that’s funny too. Are you ready for this?

 

LORELAI: Lay it on me.

 

SOOKIE: It was the hot sauce packets…the ones from the taco shop…the ones…

 

LORELAI: That Ben told you *not* to put in your purse…right.

 

SOOKIE: Isn’t that a hoot?

 

LORELAI: It should be in the hooting hall of fame.

 

SOOKIE: The whole class room filled with the smell of hot sauce. Can you even imagine how embarrassed I was? 

 

LORELAI: Can’t even begin to set that bar…speaking of bars…I’m just going to go and get myself another drink. I’ll be right back.

 

BEN: I’ll go with you.

 

LORELAI: No…no…really not necessary. I been there many times before and probably will be there many more times tonight alone…so carry on.

 

Lorelai gets up from the table and heads towards the bar…but turns halfway there and sneaks out into a hallway and pulls out her cell phone.

 

INT: PRIVATE DINING ROOM-NIGHT

 

Rory and Tristan are sitting on a small loveseat that is set up by a window which overlooks the beach. He has his arm around her and she is snuggled up close to him and they are locked in a passionate kiss. The picture is romantic and cozy…a couple falling in love…a spell nothing could break…a moment no one would want to interrupt.

 

TRISTAN: Is it just me or are you vibrating?

 

RORY: What?

 

Tristan reaches in between them and pulls out her small clutch bag. It quivers with every vibration of the phone. Rory is blushing as she opens the purse and pulls out her cell phone and answers it.

 

RORY/ LORELAI: INTERCUT

 

RORY: Hello?

 

LORELAI: Rory…thank God…save me.

 

RORY: Mom?

 

LORELAI: Yes…or at least what’s left of her. I am being bored to death…little by little my outer shell is being chipped away as she regales us with high school stories of some really *not very funny* moments.

 

RORY: Calm down mom…you’re not making any sense.

 

LORELAI: Right…calm…explanation…breathe in…breathe out. I’m caught in a Sookie time warp and my head is about to explode. Is that clearer?

 

RORY: Except for one thing…why is Sookie there?

 

LORELAI: Yes…one might wonder about that. I myself am still wondering about that. It could have something to do with the fact that I am a *friend wuss*.

 

RORY: You do know you will need to explain that later?

 

LORELAI: Yes.

 

RORY: Move on.

 

LORELAI: Shortened version. Sookie is on my date with Ben…and it’s like a bizarre scene from “When Peggy Sue Got Married”…she’s sixteen again and she’s dating Ben and I am clearly wall decoration or Jim Carey’s girlfriend to her.

 

RORY: Not getting the Jim Carey reference…but the rest is perfectly clear.

 

LORELAI: Jim had a bit part in the movie…Nicholas Cage’s best friend…part of the band…never mind…really not the huge part of the point here. I need an out…can you help me here or not?

 

RORY: If I say yes…can I get back to my date?  

 

LORELAI: Oh my God…I am so sorry. In my delirium…I completely forgot that there would be people actually having a good time on this *hell day.* You are having fun…right?

 

RORY: Beyond words.

 

LORELAI: Oh where are the “Freaky Friday” moments when you need them. Fine…I’m going.

 

RORY: Are you going to be okay?

 

LORELAI: Can’t really commit to that at this moment. I’ll get back to you on it. Have fun sweetie.

 

RORY: Thanks. I’d say you too…but nose rubbing…not my thing.

 

INT: INDEPENCE INN-NIGHT

 

Ben comes into the hallway as Lorelai is hanging up her phone and startles her.

 

BEN: So how long before the cavalry arrives?

 

LORELAI: Oh…that was my…my…chiropractor. Dr…Dr…Pop...dem…bones

 

BEN: Really couldn’t be much else with a name like that could you? So he’s working kind of late isn’t he? 

 

LORELAI: Yes…he’s very dedicated. (trying to change the subject) So where’s Sookie?

 

BEN: Kitchen. She wanted to check on the veal…make sure they tenderized it correctly.

 

LORELAI: Yes…that’s very important.

 

BEN: So is what I have to say.

 

LORELAI: What’s that?

 

BEN: I am really sorry about tonight. I can tell you’re not having a good time.

 

LORELAI: It’s that obvious?

 

BEN: Only to me. Sookie is off in the clouds of high school memories somewhere. I think she’ll realize it when she comes down.

 

LORELAI: I guess…I just had some different expectations for tonight.

 

BEN: That makes two of us.

 

LORELAI: You did?

 

BEN: Don’t get me wrong. Sookie is one of the greatest women I’ve ever known. You on the other hand…are this amazing woman that I really think it would be great to get to know.

 

LORELAI: Way to redeem the moment.

 

BEN: So how can we save this night?

 

It’s at this moment that Lorelai realizes that Ben intends to kiss her. Slowly he leans towards her softly caressing the side of her face with his fingers…a feather light touch that sends currents of pleasure coursing through her mind and body. Their faces inching closer and closer…the expectation of that first blissful meeting of the lips about to be fulfilled when…a loud void causes Lorelai to stop mid lippage.

 

LUKE: (OC) Yeah…I’m looking for Lorelai Gilmore…it’s kind of important.

 

Lorelai slowly walks out of the hallway shadows and into the main lobby.

 

LORELAI: Luke?

 

LUKE: Lorelai…hey. Rory called me…

 

Luke sees Ben walk out of the shadows too at this point.

 

LUKE: With a very important message for you. One that couldn’t wait…that’s what she said. Not me.

 

BEN: So I guess the cavalry has arrived.

 

LORELAI: I’ll be right back.

 

Lorelai takes Luke’s arm and walks him over to another side of the room.

 

LORELAI: (cont.)What are you doing here?

 

LUKE: Rory called me. Said you needed to be assisted. And…like the chump I am…I fell for it.

 

LORELAI: Luke…I’m sorry. I was truly desperate when I called Rory. I didn’t know she was going to call you. I think it’s great that you wanted to come to my rescue though.

 

LUKE: I was headed out this way anyway.

 

LORELAI: Right…I know…I wasn’t implying you had went out of your way for me... But my last two cents have to be…you are a real sweetheart for this.

 

LUKE: And on that note…I’m leaving. So…I’ll just see you tomorrow at the diner.

 

LORELAI: Wouldn’t miss it. Your Post-Valentine’s day cheer me up breakfasts are like a family tradition.

 

LUKE: Really? Okay…well…so that’s good. Night Lorelai.

 

LORELAI: Night Luke.

 

As Luke goes walking out, Sookie comes walking in.

 

SOOKIE: Why was Luke here?

 

LORELAI: Long story. So how was the veal?

 

SOOKIE: Much better now. Somebody really needs to teach Raul how to properly wield a meat mallet…his technique while interesting was not for the faint of heart.

 

LORELAI: So…no veal for me now. It’s chicken all the way.

 

SOOKIE: Oh…my advice…stick to the veal…he’s a heavy handed seasoner…could be chicken…or just flavored to taste like one.

 

LORELAI: That hefty bag of chocolate is sounding better and better every second.

 

SOOKIE: Speaking of chicken...did I ever tell you about that time in twelfth grade that Ben and I were supposed to provide the chicken for the senior picnic but there was this huge grocery store strike going on?

 

LORELAI: No…but the good new is…we’ve made it to the twelfth grade.

 

Ben leans over  to Lorelai as Sookie continues walking back to their table and talking.

 

BEN: (whispers) You’ll like this one. It’s a real hoot.

 

LORELAI: You did order more drinks right?

 

BEN: It’s taken care of.

 

LORELAI: Good man.

 

INT: JESS’S CAR-NIGHT

 

Paris and Jess are sitting in front of her house in his jalopy the tail end of the date in sight.

 

PARIS: So…I want to say thank you for tonight.

 

JESS: Yeah…it was a good night.

 

PARIS: Yes…it was. Completely changed my perception of Valentines.

 

JESS: I’m not sure I get why girls get so wound up about Valentines, to me it’s really just another day…but hey…happy to help.

 

Paris is refraining from being the one to set the stage for next time…but Jess’s silence in the area of planning another date is killing her.

 

PARIS: In fact…you’ve up the value of dating in general in my eyes.

 

Jess knows that Paris is trying to prod him towards  asking her out again and in true Jess fashion decides to let her sweat it out a little bit.

 

JESS: I’m still on the fence. I mean is dating really necessary? I have no problem with seeing my future and me being single and carefree…no worries…no commitments.

 

Paris can’t help but look shocked at Jess’s sudden change in character.

 

PARIS: Single, carefree with no commitments?...That’s your dream future?

 

JESS: Is that a problem?

 

PARIS: No…no…not if I want to model my parents. So…I should probably be going.

 

Paris puts her hand on the door to open it and Jess realizes he may have joked just a little too far.

 

JESS: Wait…

 

PARIS: No…really I have a lot of…studying to do. I should go.

 

JESS: Studying? It’s almost 1am.

 

PARIS: I have a very set system. It works for me.

 

JESS: Paris…I was joking. I was trying to get a rise out of you.

 

PARIS: You were?

 

JESS: Yes. I could tell you wanted me to ask you out again. So I was having a little fun with it.

 

PARIS: (a little embarrassed) I don’t…I wasn’t trying to get another date.

 

JESS: Yes…you were.

 

PARIS: That’s quite an ego you’ve got there.

 

JESS: Paris…its okay. I *want* to go out with you again.

 

PARIS: You do?

 

JESS: Yeah…I can’t think of a time I’ve ever enjoyed “Hot Dog Haven” more. That’s got to say something.

 

PARIS: So then…were going to go out again?

 

JESS: Sounds like a plan to me. Come here.

 

Jess scoots closer to Paris and gives her a kiss lightly on her forehead.

 

JESS: (cont.) I think it’s time to walk you to the door.

 

EXT: INDEPENDENCE INN-NIGHT

 

Ben is watching Lorelai and Sookie as they get into Lorelai’s jeep. It appears Sookie has overdone it on champagne and reliving high school memories. Sookie reaches over and gives Ben a huge hug nearly falling out of the jeep.

 

SOOKIE: I had such a great time Ben. You always were the best date to…date. Hehe…I made a funny.

 

BEN: It’s good to see you again Sookie.

 

LORELAI: Don’t worry…she won’t remember any of this in the morning.

 

BEN: Is she going to be okay?

 

SOOKIE: I’ve never felt better! Wooo….why are we moving in circles?

 

LORELAI: Okay…that’s bad. We should probably go.

 

Ben closes Sookie’s door and walks over to Lorelai’s side of the jeep.

 

BEN: I wish I could say that it was great getting to know you…another time?

 

LORELAI: I think that can be arranged.

 

Ben is leaning in Lorelai’s window gazing at her.

 

BEN: I really wish tonight had turned out different.

 

LORELAI: What can you do? At least Sookie had a good time.

 

Sookie who had previously had her eyes closed bolts up.

 

SOOKIE: Best time…so fun…eat your heart out Jackson.

 

And just as quickly deflates again, closing her eyes and leaning back into the seat.   

 

INT: CHURCH-NIGHT

 

Ethan and Lane are in the brides’ room of the town’s church. Lane is sitting on a couch and Ethan is on top of a table trying to reach a window. Both are clearly agitated with one another.

 

LANE: It’s not going to open. It’s nailed shut.

 

ETHAN: Well if you’ve got any better ideas…please let me know. (looking at his watch) because we’ve been stuck in this damn room for going on 3 ½ hours now.

 

LANE: I told you…Rory should get my message soon.

 

ETHAN: Let’s pretend for a second she does. How do you know she’ll even be able to get into the church to get to this room?

 

LANE: Look…I know you’re irritated…but you’re being pretty snappy.

 

ETHAN: I haven’t eaten since lunch…lack of food tends to make me unpleasant.

 

LANE: Well I haven’t either but you don’t see me taking your head off do you?

 

ETHAN: Maybe because this isn’t my fault.

 

LANE: It was a mistake.  

 

ETHAN: Let’s face it Lane this whole night has been a mistake from the beginning.

 

LANE: And to think I thought you were my sparks guy.

 

ETHAN: Your what?

 

LANE: Nothing.

 

Ethan notices the sad look on Lane’s face.

 

ETHAN: Look…I’m sorry. I’ve obviously hurt your feelings. My dad says I tend to speak before I think. I guess he’s right.

 

LANE: No…its fine. It’s just my lot in life. I mean it’s really kind of ironic…I sneak out of the house, because I know dating is against my mother’s wishes and I end up locked in the bride’s room of our church. A place I will probably never see again, as I’m sure my mother will be sending me to a nunnery when Sunday comes around and they find me locked up in here with you.

 

ETHAN: I’m not staying here till Sunday.

 

LANE: Right…that’s the big issue here.

 

ETHAN: You seem like a nice girl Lane...

 

LANE: Here it comes…the “let’s just be friends” speech. Don’t waste your breath. I have it memorized.

 

Ethan walks over and sits down next to Lane putting his arm around her.

 

ETHAN: Lane…I asked you out…because I wanted to go out with you. But you have to admit it’s been kind of a fiasco. You haven’t relaxed for one minute…you see imaginary relatives around every corner, ones you are sure are on their way this very minute to rat you out. You drag me into a church to hide when you see a guy that could very possibly know your mother and then when he comes into the church behind us…you push us into probably the only room with a self locking door. Why would I want to repeat this pattern of chaos every time I saw you?

 

LANE: You wouldn’t. And I don’t blame you. So friends…friends is good.

 

ETHAN: I think it’s for the best.

 

Trying to make sure Lane is all right Ethan tilts her downcast head up to see her face and they lock eyes. Fully aware of what is about to happen Ethan mutters under his breath.

 

ETHAN: Damn.

 

Not wanting this to happen almost as much as he does…Ethan leans down and brings Lanes lips to meet his in a searching kiss. Lane cannot believe it…SPARKS!