How much of an impact does timing really have on a relationship? I used to believe that the way you feel about a person was the only thing that mattered when it came to love. But now, after everything that happened this year, I see that I was wrong.
One Year Ago
Rory and Lorelai arrive for Friday dinner late, as usual.
"Mom, I really don't want to be here tonight…" Rory says. "I just broke up with Logan and I don't want to explain to Grandma why."
"Oh, sweets I know it sucks. But you don't even have to tell her! It will be our secret! See, it's a win-win situation. You don't have to talk about it and we pull one over on my mother! It's fun for everyone"
"Okay, really how did I end up with common sense? I obviously didn't get any from you."
Lorelai gasps, "You shouldn't make mommy mad she might do something to embarrass you in front of the grandparents…"
Rory starts to speak when the front door opens revealing Emily.
"Well, it's about time. Get inside before you freeze!" Emily snaps.
Rory and Lorelai share a look before stepping inside
"Hurry up you two, we have guests waiting."
"Wait, Mom, you did not mention that you were having a party tonight."
"Relax Lorelai, this is not a party. Did you receive an invitation? No, you did not. We simply ran into an old friend at the club and invited him to dinner. When he mentioned that his grandchildren were visiting, we naturally told him to bring them as well. Rory, I think you may know his grandson. He was in your class at Chilton."
"And there's the strings" Lorelai whispers to Rory. "Sorry kid, I think this is a setup."
"What was that Lorelai?"
"Nothing Mom, let's go get drinks"
-----
As the three women enter the living room, Rory can see the backs of a blonde-haired man sitting next to whom she assumes to be his grandfather. A younger girl facing toward the doorway looks up and upon seeing Rory screams.
"Evelyn, what's wrong? What was that for?" the young man asks.
The voice sends a shiver up Rory's spine. It is so familiar yet she cannot figure out why, until he turns around.
"Tristan?" Rory asks almost to herself.
"Mary" He breathes with a smirk.
"Rory and I are going to grab something from her room, we'll be right back. Hi Dad."
"Hello Lorelai, Rory" Richard says, not noticing the tension in the room. "So, Janlan, what were you saying?"
-----
Up in Rory's room, Lorelai sits down on the bed while Rory leans against the door and slides to the ground.
"Okay, hun, you are scaring mommy here. What was that downstairs?"
Rory looks up at her mother slowly and whispers "Bible Boy."
Lorelai's look of concern transforms into a sly grin. "Bible Boy" she repeats. "Huh, doesn't look evil…more like heavenly."
"Mom! What am I going to do? I haven't seen him since…"
"Romeo and Juliet?" Lorelai laughs.
"Yes! We have to leave," she pleads. "How did you sneak out of here?"
"I think even your grandfather will notice if we go missing. Come on, let's go back down there before Grandma hurts someone."
-----
"Tristan, that's the girl! That's her! Didn't you recognize her? It's your Mary!" Evelyn squeals, not bothering to suppress her grin.
"Evie, let's talk about this later, okay?" Tristan asks, looking between the grandparents and the staircase.
"What could be taking so long? Did they have to write a novel?" Emily grumbles.
"No, it was just a short story Mom. Sorry to keep you waiting, I know how you love my conversational skills" Lorelai says as she and Rory descend the steps. Rory feels a blush creep onto her face as Tristan's face comes to view. His ever-present smirk is replaced by a true smile as he stares at Rory, taking in her beauty.
"Good. Dinner's ready, shall we eat?" Richard asks the Dugreys.
-----
As Janlan stands after dinner, the conversation begins to turn into goodnights. "Emily, Richard dinner was downright wonderful. This was Evelyn's favorite, right Evie?"
"Yes, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore" she says, looking from her brother to Rory.
Lorelai stops with Rory at the door, "So, Mom and Dad, thanks for…this. Mr. Dugrey it was nice to see you again. Nice to meet you Evelyn, Tristan. Rory, I'll see you later?"
Rory, without taking her eyes off Tristan, briefly nods her head at Lorelai.
Once outside, Janlan and Evelyn leave Tristan to talk to his 'Mary'.
-----
"So, Mary…" Tristan begins.
Rory smiles at the use of the nickname. "I see that you haven't changed much Tristan."
"Now Mary, is that a bad thing?"
"No it's actually nice. I've missed our banter. You look pretty much the same."
"You are even more beautiful now than the day I had to leave you in that hallway Juliet." Suddenly a panicked look washes over Tristan's face as he realizes what has escaped his mouth.
"And it's nice to know what kind of effect I have on you" Rory says as she leans against her car, mimicking his trademark smirk.
"Well, Mary's got a brand new 'tude" he mocks while mirroring her smirk.
-----