Luke is behind the counter pouring a mug of coffee for a couple of customers as he discreetly looks towards Richard – who happens to be chatting up with the locals. Luke looks away as he sets the coffee pot in its place. Then he is surprised to see Richard suddenly walk around the counter…
RICHARD: (As he walks closer) Luke…
LUKE: (Watches uncomfortably as Richard approaches him on his side of the counter) Ugh… Yeah?
RICHARD: (Gestures) That wonderful gentleman over there and his wife would like their mugs refilled.
LUKE: (Looks over and sees Babette grinning back at Luke) Oh sure.
RICHARD: (Offers) Let me? I would be happy to refill their mugs.
LUKE: (Surprised) Oh… (looks at the coffee pot in his hand – then stretches to hand it to Richard) Sure.
At that same moment, Lorelai enters the diner through the curtains and sees Richard.
LORELAI: (As she sees her dad walking over to a table with a coffee pot in hand) Oh, good morning dad (then tries not to look over at Luke and his death stare)…
RICHARD: A very good morning to you too, Lorelai! (Richard goes about filling the customers' mugs).
LORELAI: (As Lorelai sets her purse on a stool, she softly continues with a guilty face) Good morning.
Luke grunts, then walks around the counter…
LORELAI: (With a comically afraid expression) Oh no…
LUKE: (Suppressing his annoyance, he grins at Lorelai knowing well that Richard is in the vicinity. Then he lightly touches her arm and motions her to walk out with him) Can we talk?
LORELAI: (Knowing well that it isn't a request) Oh well… sure.
Luke and Lorelai walk out.
EXT. LUKE'S DINER…
LUKE: What's he doing here?!
LORELAI: (Knowing her guilt) Who?
LUKE: Your father… that's who!
LORELAI: Ohhh… (points at Richard through the glass window) Him? Yeah… what is he doing here? Hmm.
LUKE: Lorelai!
LORELAI: (Gives in and starts to rant) Ohhh, fine. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you. I was going to tell you Friday night but you were so stressed out and angry at the town – I decided it just wasn't a good time – and was going to tell you on Saturday, but you had that huge fight with Taylor about the pumpkins he brought into the diner… and then to make it worse, you almost threw a pumpkin through that glass window… (Luke listens but is still annoyed)… and then Sunday morning came along… and you remember what happened…
LUKE: What happened?
LORELAI: (Astounded that Luke has forgotten) You ran over Taylor's pumpkin lineup with your truck!
LUKE: (Remembers) Oh, that. (Shakes his head) But you should've told me.
LORELAI: I know, and I'm so sorry… I was actually going to tell you last night… but I had already fallen asleep by the time you came to bed… (Luke's still slightly annoyed) Sorry? (he grunts) So sorry. I will tell dad that I hadn't given you prior notice and that it would be great if we could reschedule.
LUKE: No, too late now. He's here… has been here for the last 2 hours. (Sighs) And he seems to be enjoying the company (Both Luke and Lorelai look through the diner window and see Richard chatting up with more townies).
LORELAI: (With a pout-y expression looks up at Luke) Are you sure you're okay with this?
LUKE: (Sighs again) Sure.
LORELAI: (Smiles) Good. (But then gets distracted by something or someone on the sidewalk/bench behind Luke)… Ugh… is that Kirk?
LUKE: (Looks behind him and sees a disheveled Kirk on the bench – waking up from what seems like a long nap) What the…
Scene fades as a confused Luke and Lorelai look at each other.
INT. THE MUSE (CAFÉ ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE COURANT) – MONDAY AFTERNOON
Rory is at a table stirring the content in her to-go cup as Ken walks over holding a tray with what looks like his lunch.
RORY: (To Ken as he joins her) I love this place.
KEN: (As he sits down and starts to unwrap his sandwich) Ah, that's the first sign of a true Courant employee.
RORY: (Chuckles) What is? When they realize they love the café across the street.
KEN: (Nods) Yup (Then he takes a small bite of his sandwich)
RORY: (Looks around and admires her surroundings) There's just this cool vibe in here (Then she spots him and her tone clearly changes) Ugh… yeah (Looks at her own sandwich).
KEN: (Notices the tone and looks at the counter. He spots Nate in line) Alrighty.
RORY: (Tries to act as if nothing is up) What?
KEN: He shows up and you suddenly freeze.
RORY: (Protests) No, I don't.
KEN: (Amused) No? (Rory is unsure) It's like you go into fake Rory mode when he's around. Why is that?
RORY: (Chuckles at the ridiculousness) What? "Fake Rory" mode?
KEN: (Sees Nate pick up his lunch – and notices Ken – he acknowledges his friend and walks out the door) Yeah, you're completely different around him. And definitely more relaxed around everyone else at work.
RORY: I am?
KEN: (Lifts his own to-go cup up to his lips) You know, he's not so bad… (Thinks) I take that back… he's actually a great guy… everyone thinks so…
RORY: (Sighs) Easy for you to say, you guys are good friends.
KEN: That's true. I may be bias… he is after all the godfather of my children. (Looks at Rory as she looks pensive) But seriously, Ror… he's a good guy… if you take the chance to get to know him.
RORY: (Sits up) Tell me one good thing about him… besides the fact that he's a great writer… (shakes her head) because I can't argue with you there.
KEN: (Prepares to reveal something) You know that shelter around the corner from here? (Rory thinks) The Broad Street Shelter on the corner of Capitol and Broad?
RORY: Oh yeah, I've passed it a few times. What about it?
KEN: (Amused that she's clueless) The dude runs the place, Rory.
RORY: (Confused) What?
KEN: (Smiles) Nate runs that shelter.
RORY: (Surprised) No.
KEN: (Nods) Yes. A big chunk of his paycheck goes to that place. (Chuckles) Why do you think he's living the way he does? I mean the dude's parents are loaded… yet he looks like he borrowed his clothes from Damien Rice.
RORY: (Intrigued and confused at the same time) How? I don't…
KEN: I'm surprised you didn't already know. Everyone at work knows… in fact when the holiday season comes around; most of us pitch in and help out.
RORY: (Completely taken by surprise) How long has he been…
KEN: About three years ago, he asked his dad a favor and started leasing that building… (picks up the rest of his sandwich) Why do you think he's always so scattered and can never be found in the building when you need him?
RORY: Rob doesn't mind?
KEN: (Smirks) Like you said… he's a great writer. It never gets in the way of his work at the Courant.
RORY: (Unsure of what to think or say) Wow… (she feels her heart randomly beating faster at what Ken had just revealed. Camera closes in on her face).
INT. DRAGONFLY INN KITCHEN – MONDAY AFTERNOON
Lorelai walks into the kitchen as the scene opens.
LORELAI: Hey Sookie. (Looks around) I'm so hungry.
SOOKIE: (As she continues going about her chef duties) Didn't you just have two slices of pie?
LORELAI: (Frowns at her best friend) What's your point?
SOOKIE: (Chuckles and walks over to a plate on the opposite side of the counter, and reveals what's on it) Ta-da!
LORELAI: (Sees a huge absolutely delicious-looking sandwich) Ooh! (She takes it) You're so good to me.
SOOKIE: (Chuckles again as she goes back to her work) So… how's it going?
LORELAI: Good… good. (Reveals) A little nervous…
SOOKIE: (Stops what she's doing and looks up) About?
LORELAI: Dad and Luke…
SOOKIE: Ah… Richard and Luke spending the day together is scary (chuckles).
LORELAI: (Thinks) I think I may stop by a little later to check in… you know?
SOOKIE: Good idea. (pause) Hey, so what are your plans for Thanksgiving?
LORELAI: Luke and I decided to have a small family brunch at the house since it's almost completed. It will be the two of us, Rory and Liz, TJ and Doula. And you, Jackson and the kids are more than welcome to join us. Luke makes a mean turkey.
SOOKIE: Thank you. But (Makes a face) the in-laws are coming.
LORELAI: (Remembers) Oh yeah… good luck with that.
SOOKIE: Aren't you also going to your parents'?
LORELAI: Yes, but we're going to pretend it's the first Turkey we're about to bite into…
SOOKIE: Ah!
Michel walks in with the phone in his hand.
MICHEL: (Sees an untouched sandwich on the counter next to Lorelai) Oh that looks disgusting!
LORELAI: (Grins) But I bet it tastes divine! (Looks at the phone) What is it, Michel?
MICHEL: It's your mother.
LORELAI: (Rolls her eyes) Oh nice (Reaches to take the phone off his hand – but he pulls back).
MICHEL: Not on the phone… The call is for Sookie (Looks at Sookie and hands her the phone – as Lorelai stands there confused) It's your husband. (Looks at Lorelai) You're mother is waiting out there for you.
LORELAI: (Annoyed at Michel, she frowns) Evil! (She then pushes the sandwich at Michel and walks out).
MICHEL: (Smiles) Why thank you.
SOOKIE: (frowns) Thought you just said it looked disgusting.
MICHEL: (As he bites into it) Did I?
INT. DRAGONFLY INN CHECK-IN AREA
LORELAI: (Sees Emily by the desk looking through her schedule) Mom.
EMILY: (Looks up from her planner) Lorelai.
LORELAI: (Walks behind the desk) What are you doing here? (exaggerates) I thought you had a busy schedule with lots of appointments today…
EMILY: I do. And this is one of them.
LORELAI: (Thinks) Did I miss a meeting on my calendar?
EMILY: (As she closes the planner) No, I was merely coming by to ask you about your plans for Thanksgiving. I expect we will see you and Luke next Thursday?
LORELAI: Yes, we will be there. We couldn't have done this over the phone?
EMILY: (Opens the planner again and writes something down) I was passing by the inn.
LORELAI: (Smiles) Okay.
EMILY: (Flips to another page – Lorelai looks on curiously) Are we still meeting on Friday to finalize everything with the caterer?
LORELAI: That's this Friday? We're going to finalize the catering thing on "Black Friday"?
EMILY: Yes, we are. Is there a problem?
LORELAI: Oh no… no… it's just that Rory and I wanted to do some crazy shopping that day.
EMILY: Well, too bad. (Closes the planner) I will see you and Luke at the house on Thursday for dinner, and on Friday you and I will meet with the caterer again.
LORELAI: (Sighs) Okay.
EMILY: (Turns on her heel to leave, but after a few steps – she turns) Lorelai?
LORELAI: Did you forget something?
EMILY: Make sure that you don't over stuff yourselves before Thanksgiving at the house? (Lorelai smiles at how easily Emily is able to gather what's going on. Emily turns on her heel again to walk out.)
INT. LUKE'S DINER – LATER THAT AFTERNOON
The diner has just hit a lull. Luke is wiping down the counter, and as he comes to a stop – he looks at Richard at the table near the window. He is looking through the menu - the table has a spread of brochures and newspapers. Luke then takes a couple of mugs from under the counter and a couple of tea bags. He places the tea-bags in and takes the hot water pot from behind him. He then pours the water into the mugs and takes them over to the table.
Placing the mugs on the table, he pulls a chair out and takes a seat.
RICHARD: (Sees the tea in front of him) Oh, thank you. (Looks at the menu) This buttermilk pancake sounds delicious. Is it a favorite?
LUKE: Lorelai seems to like it.
RICHARD: Ah. (He closes the menu and pulls the mug closer to him).
The two gentlemen sit quietly for a second. Richard sips on his hot tea as Luke looks around the diner looking for things to talk about.
RICHARD: (Breaks the silence) That soup I had this afternoon was very delicious, Luke. What was it again?
LUKE: "The pumpkin soup"?
RICHARD: (Nods) Ah yes, the pumpkin soup. Very nice.
The two gentlemen sigh almost in sync.
The ice is broken as Lorelai enters the diner.
LORELAI: (Looks around and sees Luke and Richard seated at a table – very silent) Ah, there you are. (Walks closer and smiles at both) What's going on fellas? (Luke has a subtle expression of desperation and Richard is glad to see someone else in the diner)
LUKE: I was just telling your father that he had pumpkin soup for lunch.
RICHARD: (Nods) Yes, and it was delicious.
LORELAI: Oh… (jokes) sounds like an exciting conversation.
LUKE: (Stands up and pulls a chair for Lorelai) Here… sit… let me get you something to drink.
LORELAI: (As she sits down, her face glows) Coffee?
LUKE: No. (She pouts)
RICHARD: You really shouldn't be drinking coffee in your condition, Lorelai.
Just as Luke walks up to the counter, someone walks into the diner. Everyone looks over. It's messy-haired Kirk.
LUKE: Hey Kirk. (Looks at him and his hobo-esque attire) Haven't seen you in here in a while.
KIRK: (A little confused) Hello.
Lorelai and Richard leave their seats and walk over to the disheveled man.
LORELAI: (Concerned) Kirk? Are you okay?
RICHARD: Of course he's not alright, Lorelai. Look at him.
LORELAI: Kirk, what's going on? What's up with the new … ugh… (observes his hairdo) look?
Luke and Richard suddenly start sniffing the air in the diner.
KIRK: Oh… I have been sleeping on the sidewalk and in the gazebo the past couple of days.
LORELAI: Why on earth would you do that? (Richard and Luke continue to sniff the air wondering about the origin of the smell).
RICHARD: (Realizing it's Kirk, he makes an astounded expression) My dear god, young man! You… you…
LUKE: (Makes a disgusted face and takes one large step away from Kirk) You smell like horse crap! (Richard raises an eye at Luke's frankness).
LORELAI: Fellas!
LUKE: Oh come on, you don't smell that?!
LORELAI: (Cringes a bit, but regains her strength) It doesn't matter!
KIRK: (Stands straight and continues with an expressionless face) Mother kicked me out of the house, and Lulu left me… I don't have a reason to bathe anymore.
RICHARD: (Astonished) Young man! Life itself is a reason to bathe. You can't walk around like that.
LORELAI: (Guides Kirk towards a table) What happened, Kirk?
LUKE: You're not going to let him sit, are you?
LORELAI: (Raises her eyes at Luke) Of course I am.
KIRK: (As he takes a seat, Lorelai takes a seat next to him and Richard follows – but Luke stands a few feet away) Lulu and mother haven't been talking to each other…
RICHARD: (Curiously) Lulu?
LORELAI: Kirk's fiancée (to Kirk) I thought they got along?
KIRK: They did until Lulu mentioned that she would like for us to have our own place. An apartment on Lemon… and mother went crazy. She told me that I am not to move out of the house… and Lulu got angry at me for not wanting to move… She told me that unless I moved out, she wouldn't be talking to me again.
LORELAI: (Sympathetically) Aw, Kirk.
KIRK: (With hand gestures) Then when I told mother that I wanted Lulu back and I was going to move out… she threw me out, literally. I mean, she picked me up and threw me out.
RICHARD: Now that's a strong woman. (Takes his wallet out of the pocket) Now, if it's money you need...
LUKE: (Chimes in) Don't give him money… he's got a whole lot of it.
RICHARD: (Confused) Then why is he sleeping on the sidewalk?
KIRK: (Whines) Lulu.
Richard, Lorelai and Luke look at each other.
LUKE: (Offers) I will go get you some hot soup.
LORELAI: (Jumps to her feet) I will help.
Not entirely sure what to do, Richard watches Luke and Lorelai walk away – then looks at Kirk.
KIRK: (Slowly turns to Richard) I don't smell like horse crap, do I? (Richard raises his eyes)
CUT to Luke and Lorelai behind the counter.
As Luke prepares a bowl, Lorelai walks behind the counter and closer to him.
LORELAI: (Very softly) We have to help him.
LUKE: (Points at the bowl) I'm getting him soup.
LORELAI: (Looking back and forth between the table and Luke) No, I mean… we have to put Kirk and Lulu back together.
LUKE: What? No, I don't want to put my nose where it does not belong. Pun intended.
LORELAI: Luke! We have to do this for him and Lulu. Look at the poor guy! He's miserable.
LUKE: You go ahead… I'm going to stay right here.
LORELAI: (Begs) I need your help. (Playfully pouts) Come on, Luke?
LUKE: (Stubbornly) No.
LORELAI: (Crosses her arms, and fakes) I think you and dad are getting along fine, don't you? We should make this a weekly thing. What do you say?
LUKE: What?! No! (Looks over at Richard with Kirk) No… no… Definitely not! (Sees Lorelai raising her eyes) I don't have time for this! (Gives in) I have Kirk and Lulu to deal with!
LORELAI: (Smirks, and pats him on the shoulder) That-a-boy! I will talk to Lulu tomorrow; you get Kirk to wash up, okay? (Luke grunts) Aw, you're cute. (Turns on her heel) I will get the bread and utensils.
Scene fades.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Will update with the final segment as soon as possible.
The title "You're drooling, Gilmore!" comes from the movie "The Shadow" the 1994 version. The actual line is "You're drooling, Claymore!" The final segment will wrap this up.
Review please. Merci beaucoup.