THE BEST INTENTIONS OF MICE AND WOMEN

Rory led the way to Doose's market chatting inanely all the way. The three girls entered the bustling market. "Wait here and I will find him."

Rory walked toward the rear of the market. Five minutes later Paris spotted her walking dejectedly down an aisle "What did he say Rory?"

Rory sighed. "I just don't understand it. He would not talk to me. I tried to tell him it was for you, but he walked away from me. I am sorry Paris"

"Paris closed her eyes and took a deep breath. That was an expensive ploy she tried to meet Dean in a seemingly innocent way. Good thing her mother liked antiques. Back to square one she was. "Come on Louise let's go back to the room and figure out what we want to do later on."

"But Paris." Rory said in a pleading voice. "I still have things I would like to show you in town."

Paris wanted to go back to the room and try and think things out. Plus she had to entertain Louise to a point; so she would not start asking questions that Paris did not want to answer. "Rory why don't we meet up for dinner?"

The disappointed look on Rory's face changed into a bright smile. "Sounds great I'll call later on."

Back in the sanctuary of their room Paris was pacing the floor. She walked to the TV turned and walked back to her bed. Sat then stood up and walked to the fireplace where she made a quick about face and walked to the bathroom. Louise was watching her with a mixture of amusement and anxiety. Something was up and Paris looked as she was on the verge of exploding.

Paris's mind was racing. She wanted to meet Dean in a seemingly natural casual way. No way in hell did she want Rory Gilmore or anyone else that she was deliberately pursing Dean. They would all think she was going after Rory's leftovers. She hated finishing second to Rory.

Finally Louise had enough. She mustered up her courage and asked Paris in a timid voice. "Paris what is going on?"

"Nothing Louise." Paris snapped back. "We are here for a relaxing weekend."

Louise scratched her head. If this was Paris's method of relaxing; she would hate to see her when Paris was agitated. Paris, you're wearing a hole in the carpet."

Paris stopped in mid stride ready to bring the full fury of her wrath down upon Louise's head. Louise was right she thought. Also she still may need Louise's help later on. "You're right Louise. I need to relax I have no idea what has gotten into me. We'll go and have a nice dinner with Rory and maybe another stroll through town. Let's take a nap and we will be refreshed for tonight."

Paris's mind was a jumble of conflicting thoughts and schemes. None of them practical. Finally she decided that the desk was still the key. Paris decided to somehow go off alone the next day and find Dean and her helpless little girl act just may win him over to deliver the desk, and then she would proceed from there. Problem solved; she drifted off into a content sleep.

Paris and Louise were dressed awaiting Rory who had called earlier. Rory was going to take them to a fancy restaurant she knew about. Louise was excited about going and Paris was content in her knowledge that her problem was solved.

Paris opened the door when she heard the knock. Rory bounded in all smiles. "Paris, I have good news for you. I felt so bad that I could not get Dean to even talk to me. And I know you really want to get that desk home. "So." Rory added with even a bigger smile. "My mom and Luke were going to Hartford to see a movie and I talked Luke into helping you out. So he picked up the desk from Mrs. Kim's and is delivering the desk to your house in Hartford. He told me to tell you not to worry about anything as he was going there anyway. Isn't that great?"