Thank you for your comments on my story. They are extremely encouraging.

Once again, don't own the show.

Later on at the Crap Shack:

Lorelei cleared her throat and donned her best Italian accent. "Rory! In honor of your Italian experience I come bearing pizza… Sicilian pizza… with EVERYTHING on it. Rory!?!" Lorelei dropped the pizza box on the table and went to the answering machine to see if there was anything from Rory.

::Beep:: "Hey Lor, it's Chris. Just wanted to check up on my Gilmore girls and tell you I won't be able to make it to the fundraiser thingy that your mom invited me to. BUT I promise I'll be out to see you soon." ::Beep:: She shook her head at the message. 'We are too much alike.'

::Beep:: "Hey Mom. I had to stay after and research a piece for the Franklin. Paris is really laying it on thick. I'm thinking I might just have to… Gotta go, someone else needs the phone. I'll be home around seven."

Lorelei pouted and plopped on the couch. 'What shall I do for a whole hour by myself? Good Angel says wait for Rory. Bad Angel says Good Angel sucks and eat pizza. Hmmm.' She jumped off the couch and bounced back into the kitchen.

Chilton Bus Stop 6:30pm

Rory sat and read William Faulkner's Light in August. Tristan watched her from the door and smiled sincerely to himself. She was a puzzle to him. Nothing would have made him happier than to be able to have a civil conversation with her. He honestly didn't know what his problem was when he was around her. Anything he tried just wasn't good enough, that he knew was mostly his fault though.

Soccer practice had definitely been different. Gino would definitely be taking his hopes for being MVP for the season. 'I should have seen that coming.'

Gino joined Tristan on the front steps. "What are we looking at?" He turned his head to where he saw Rory climbing onto the bus. "Ah, bellissima (most beautiful). Is she yours?"

"No. She's the thorn in my side. She hates me just as much."

"Do you think I have a chance with her?" Gino smiled slyly.

Tristan's head snapped back from looking at the bus depart. "Leave her alone man. She isn't that type."

"Who said that I was interested in any certain type? Maybe I'd just like to get to know her."

"Just assumed after last night."

"You know what they say about assuming don't you?"

"Nope. I don't.

"Something about ass…makes an ass of you not me…Well that you shouldn't. I think I'll see what she's doing tomorrow night."

"If you do anything to her, I swear to God I'll rip your Italian balls off and…"

"I knew you wanted her."

Tristan blushed and shrugged. (very un-Tristan like) "Whatever man. Ask her out. Like I care."

"What's her name?"

Tristan laughed to himself. 'Who says I have to play nice?' "Her name is Mary."