Once again, another short chapter, but that's just the way that this story is going to work.
After the set was over Rory prepared herself to leave when she felt movement to her right. She glanced over and saw the singer leaning on the bar giving his drink order to the bar tender. She couldn't leave now because it would only draw attention to herself so instead she hid her face with her right hand hoping that he wouldn't just happen to look over. No such luck.
"Hey," she heard a husky voice say, "You new in town? I don't think I've seen you around before."
Her hand muffled her reply, "Well, Chicago's a big city. And I don't get out much."
She heard him laugh a bit and then he stretched out his hand, "I'm Tristan. What's your name?"
Rory awkwardly reached her left hand across her body to shake his, "I'm…um, my name's Leigh."
"Well, that's a very beautiful name."
Just then a heavy set man walked past them and bumped Tristan in the back, causing him to knock over Rory's purse. All of her belongings poured out and she quickly reached forward to grab them with her right hand, revealing her true identity.
When she realized her mistake she looked up to see what Tristan's reaction would be to seeing her again. But instead of surprise at who she truly was, he seemed surprised for a completely different reason.
"Wow," he breathed, "And a beautiful face to go with a beautiful name."
Rory laughed a little, confused, "Well then I guess I ought to tell you the truth. Leigh's my middle name. I usually don't give my first name to strangers I meet in a bar."
Tristan smiled sincerely, "Well, that's very respectable. And I understand if you still don't want to tell me your first name."
She looked at him skeptically until she was positive that he didn't recognize her, "No, it's okay. My name's Rory, Rory Gilmore."
Once again he didn't give a reaction and just restated his name, "Tristan, Tristan DuGrey."
Rory glanced at her watch a sighed, "I'm so sorry, but I really have to go. It was nice meeting you Tristan. Maybe we'll bump into each other again sometime."
He abruptly stood up and eagerly nodded his head, "Yeah. How about tomorrow morning? I know this great coffee shop, just around the corner."
She smiled, "Sure, what time?"
"Well, if eight isn't too early…"
But he didn't have time to finish his question because she quickly said, "Eight's perfect. See you then," before rushing through the crowd and out the door to fresh air.
Rory left the bar that night both confused and pleased. Did he really not remember her? Why did that hurt so much? And she was happy that she wouldn't have to search for a coffee shop at this godforsaken hour just so it would fit into her morning schedule. She had one offered to her.