(The boy)

Pacey and Missy stumbled into the vee berth. Missy slid her shirt over her head and pulled pacey to her. Without thinking Pacey unhooked her bra. She reached for Pacey and slid his shirt over his head. They put their arms around each other and their lips met.

(The girl)

Rory was silent on the drive home. She was weighing in her mind if she should invite John in and see how things would progress. She liked John, but he did have a habit of annoying her. She knew he meant well, but.

John found a parking spot near her apartment entrance. Usually they would kiss a bit and then he would walk her to her front door. John turned the ignition off and reached over for her. Rory kissed him and broke the kiss. "John, would you like to come up and have a night cap?"

This was the first time he was ever invited to Rory's apartment after a date. Maybe things would start going his way. "Yes Rory I'd like a nightcap." John could hardly keep the excitement out of his voice.

(The girl)

One thing Paris and Rory had in common was they both liked to be on time. They chose a small Italian restaurant that was not trendy and usually quiet, but the food was fantastic. They walked over to a booth and took seats across from each other. The waiter appeared and gave them their menus and left. "Rory, why do you have this sudden interest in Andie McPhee?"

"Can't you just tell me about her without asking a lot of questions Paris?

Paris shook her head side to side. "No Rory I can't. What I don't understand is why would write an article about her? Are you a medical writer now?"

Rory was nervously twisting a spoon. "Paris, I I it's hard to explain. Can we leave it at that?"

Paris gazed at her silently. "Okay. Paris reached into her purse and took out some pictures. The first picture was of four girls standing in front of a beach umbrella. Rory instantly recognized Paris. Paris reached over and with her finger tapped the girl on the far left of the photo. "That's her."

Rory pushed Paris's finger aside and took in the picture. Her heart sank; the girl she was looking at was beautiful and wearing a bikini Rory would never think of wearing. Besides having curves in the right places she was toned and obviously athletic. Rory shook her head, no wonder he never forgot her. Rory looked up. "She's beautiful Paris."

"Rory what is going on? You look as if someone had just stolen your puppy?"

Rory thought back to last night. She made John a drink and they started making out on the couch. It was wrong. She felt nothing. Rory snapped back to reality. "Paris I think I am in love with a man who is in love with her."

Paris left her breath out slowly. "I didn't see that one coming? Who is the man and how do you know he is in love with her?"

"His name is Pacey-"

"What kind of name is Pacey? I never heard of it before."

"I know it's an odd name but it works for him. Anyway I met him on my last assignment when I was in Sydney-"

"Australia, I didn't know you went there."

"No Paris Sydney Nova Scotia. He is a boat captain I met."

Paris arched her eyebrows. "A boat captain, that's a new one, I didn't think men of the sea were your type. So how would a Canadian know Andie McPhee?"

He's not Canadian. Pacey is from Capeside Massachusetts.

My family took me on a vacation there once Rory. From what I can remember it's a quaint little town."

"Come on Paris, tell me about her."

"Dr. McPhee is an oncologist doing research at Yale. She is brilliant. I hate to say this, but her grades were better than mine. She's friendly and has an infectious personality. Sometimes she is so perky I want to shoot her."

"Come on Paris you're so morass anything would be perky next to you. Do you have any contact with her anymore?"

"Yes Rory I do. We are working on a joint research project about cancer of the heart. Extremely rare; it's something we are doing on the side. I usually speak to her once a week. I'm going to New Haven this Friday to have dinner with her. Do you want to come with?"

"I don't know if I should Paris. I do think it is ironic she turned up at Yale; my old alma mater."

The waiter returned. "Are you ladies ready to order?"

Paris looked up. "I'll take the lasagna and I guess a glass of your house wine."

The waiter looked to Rory. She hadn't even opened her menu. "I'll take the same."

"Would you ladies like your wine now or served with your meal."

"We'll take it now." Paris replied.

"Very well." The waiter bowed slightly and departed.

Rory figured she might as well come clean about Pacey. Paris would eventually get it out of her anyway. Paris, essentially Pacey picked me up in a bar-"

Paris about dropped her water glass. "He what? Since when did you start getting picked up in bars?"

"It's not like that Paris. We were the only two drinking in the hotel lounge and we started talking and had dinner together. He knew I was unhappy about missing Thanksgiving with my family and when I visited the yacht he was delivering; he had prepared Thanksgiving dinner for me. That was so kind and thoughtful, I loved it. The rain and wind picked up and instead of walking back to the hotel I decided to stay on the boat till morning."

"Paris studied her friend. God she was so innocent looking. Paris also knew that Rory was lonely. "You didn't?"

Rory felt her face turn red and she looked down at the table. Softly she replied. "I did?"

"Oh my God Rory did you even know him for twenty four hours?"

Rory looked up and smiled weakly. "Twenty nine hours if I remember correctly." Rory felt her courage returning. "Paris it was right and we spent every night together and somewhere along the line I think I fell in love with him, but I also knew there was a girl in his past that he still had strong feelings for. Do you remember Josephine Potter? She is the girl we run into once awhile. She dated Pacey back in high school. So I figured she would know who the mystery woman was so I asked her and she gave me the name."

"I remember her Rory. She graduated from Worthington; a wanna be Ivy League college. I don't like her."

"Paris you don't like anyone. Anyway I had to know about this woman, but I guess it actually doesn't matter anymore."

"Okay Rory you just threw me a curve. Why doesn't it matter any longer?"

"I haven't heard from him since he left. I was supposed to meet him before he sailed butmy editor called and I could not get him off the phone. By the time I got to the dock he was out in the channel. He waved to me and that's the end of it I guess. I took John home last night."

Paris half stood and leaned over the table. "Rory are you out of your friggin mind. What's with you?"

Just then the waiter appeared with the lasagna and Paris had to stifle herself till he left. "Please tell me you didn't. He's not the right guy for you."

"I started to Paris. I was going to do it, but I couldn't. I felt as if I was cheating. I stopped it. I'll say one thing about John. He is a gentleman. We stopped and he did not give me any grief."

"I know John is a nice guy Rory, but he can be annoying at times. He hovers."

Rory nodded her head in agreement. "Let's eat and we can finish this conversation after lunch."

The two woman waited till the dishes were cleared and they had their second glass of wine before they resumed their conversation. "Rory are you sure it isn't your hormones kicking in?"

"Probably they were, but there was so much more. I can't explain it."

"But he is gone Rory."

"I know Paris. Paris, I think I'll take you up on the dinner in New Haven. I think I want to meet Andie McPhee."

(The boy)

Pacey broke the embrace. Breathing heavily he panted. "Missy, I am so sorry, but I can't."

Puzzled Missy sat up." What do you mean you can't?" She glanced at Pacey who just had his briefs on. "From what I see you can."

"Missy I'm so sorry. I think I may be in love with someone and this just doesn't feel right."

"Pacey, I'm not a girl who sleeps around. I just broke up with my boyfriend. He cheated on me. To me this feels right."

"Missy let's get dressed and Missy you're sexy beautiful and gorgeous and I just may look back at this and kick myself in the ass for being an idiot."

Missy quickly dressed and stepped into the cabin. Pacey followed her. She turned and put her hands on Pacey shoulders. "You must really be in love with her to stop when you did. I wish a man would love me like that.' Then Missy hauled back and slapped across the face. "That is for just because."

Pacey put his hand on his reddened cheek. Because what? I didn't deserve that."

"Oh yes you did Pacey and let's just leave it at because. Missy turned to leave and then turned back to Pacey. "Come on I'll drop you off at your motel. Not that you deserve the ride?"

Ten minutes later Missy arrived at Pacey's hotel. "Get out and don't you dare try and kiss me or touch me or anything." Then her voice became less strident. "Look Pacey, if you come into bar tomorrow; it will be good. Right now I am hurt and feel like a tramp. So get out of my car."

As soon as Pacey closed the car door Missy peeled out of the parking lot spraying him with gravel Pacey shook his head. "I feel like an ass" he mumbled to himself. Once in his room he took out a beer from the room fridge, popped the can top and took a deep drink. He liked Missy and he never should have let it get as far as it did if all was normal in his life Missy would most likely have wound up being his girlfriend. She was nice looking smart and fun. What in the hell did Rory Gilmore do to him?" He took another deep drink, killing the bottle. Pacey reached over and took another out of the fridge. Pacey leaned back and thought of Rory. A phone call would not work for him. He needed to look her in the eye when he asked her why she stood him up. Slowly Pacey made up his mind. He would fly back to Miami Beach, pack a bag and drive to New York City.

Originally he had planned on spending a few days at Fernandina Beach. Pacey opened the phone book to airlines and started dialing their reservations desks. He got lucky on his first call. United Airlines had open seats on their on a flight leaving at ten fifteen AM. Perfect. Pacey made the reservation and stretched out on his bed. Pacey mentally calculated the miles, thirteen hundred, and a two day drive; which would bring him to New York City over the weekend. He fell asleep wondering what he was going to say to Rory.

(The girl)

Rory was driving her old 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport on the familiar Merritt Parkway toward New Haven. Rory was lucky her apartment building had a parking garage where she kept the Jeep. She rarely used it in the city and mostly used the Jeep for trips home.

Paris was sitting next to her quietly reading over some notes she had made for her conversation with Andie McPhee. Paris and Rory agreed that it would be Rory's decision to reveal to Andie McPhee that she knew Pacey. She was nervous about the dinner. They were going to dine at Prime 16; a casual restaurant known for its cold beer and burgers. Rory knew the place well. When she dated Logan they went there quite a bit. Logan and his two idiot friends flashed in her mind, what was she thinking back in those days. Saying no to him was probably one of the best moves of her life. All she wanted to do was live her life a bit before becoming a wife. Rory immediately knew she made the right decision when he petulantly stormed away at her no to his proposal and her counter proposal of let's keep on dating. It infuriated her that he had her whole future planned out and didn't even consult her about it. Logan was one of the few things Jess was right about. He was an arrogant ass. It had been a long time since she had thought of Jess. Rory shook her head and stifled a small laugh. Jess was just as arrogant as Logan. Rory turned to Paris. "Hey do you think I have a thing for arrogant men?

Paris removed her glasses. What in the world are you talking about?"

"You know Paris; a couple of my serious boyfriends were really hung up on how great they were."

"Why in the world are you thinking about that now? No I don't think so. The guys you date tend to be pretty nice bland men these days. I liked that first guy you dated; boy did Louise want to get her hands on him."

"I don't want to talk about Dean. I made several serious mistakes with him."

"You mean like sleeping with him when he was married?"

"Yes Paris thanks for reminding me; that was one of my mistakes with him. Let's drop Dean."

"Whatever you say Rory, but why are you brining up old boyfriends now?"

"Paris I have no idea. They just popped into my mind. Here's the turn off."

Rory navigated her car through the familiar streets of New Haven. Prime 16 had a parking lot and Rory found an empty spot and parked. "Do you think she is here yet Paris?"

Probably, to Dr. McPhee being on time is being fifteen minutes early."

The two women walked through the door. Rory was nervous; she almost grabbed Paris hand for comfort. Rory scanned the room. "I don't see her Paris."

"I do the booth at the back of the restaurant." Rory followed Paris to the booth.

Andie seeing her colleague approaching stood and greeted Paris. "Andrea, I hope you don't mind but I brought a friend along. Andrea McPhee meet Rory Gilmore."

"Please call me Andie." Andie's handshake was surprisingly firm.

Rory smiled then I shall call you Andie. Rory was very secure with her looks and knew men found her attractive, but this woman was stunning.

The three women sat down and Andie turned to Rory. "What is your specialty?"

"Actually Andie I am a reporter for the New York Times and I am not here to write an article.

Paris quickly jumped into the conversation. "Rory was a classmate of mine at Yale, I invited her along."

Rory excused herself from the table and walked to the ladies room. "What am I doing here?" Rory peered into the mirror and started comparing herself with Andie McPhee. A sinking feeling was overcoming her. Her breasts were too small and her hips were too wide. Maybe she had better legs? Rory sighed if Andie's legs were like the rest of her they would be perfect. Then a thought came to her. "I am an accomplished attractive woman; why am I standing in a bathroom comparing myself with someone. I'm thirty four not sixteen." Rory rejoined the table.

Paris and Andie were comparing notes. Andie was very gracious to her. Offering to stop and telling Paris that they could do this over the phone later on in the week. "Just go ahead I'm fine." Rory said.

The waiter took their order of burgers' and three mugs of cold beer. They all decided on the blue cheese burger with sautéed onions. Finally Andie spoke up. "Come on Paris, we can talk about this another day, I'd like to get to know your friend. If you don't mind tell me about yourself Rory."

Rory smiled. "Well I am not a doctor. I come from a small town about forty five minutes from here called Stars Hollow; I attended high school and Yale with Paris. After several false starts I became the travel writer for the Times.-"

"Ohh." Andie exclaimed. You're that Rory Gilmore. I didn't realize it. I read your column all the time. I'd love to travel, in fact I lived in Italy for a year, but now I can't so I live vicariously through your column. I really loved your piece on Sydney Nova Scotia. It was different than your other columns."

"How so Andie?" Rory had a glimpse of Paris's amused smile.

"Don't get me wrong Rory you're a terrific writer, but that article had passion. It was if you were in love with Sydney, or you were in love with someone at the time." Andie smiled at Rory. Come on tell me. Have you just fallen in love or something?"

Rory turned white. She couldn't lie to her. "Yes-

Paris interrupted, "Hey look at the hat that girl is wearing."

They turned and looked. "Paris I don't see a funny hat."

"You were to late Andie, she just took it off."

Rory knew she had to direct the conversation away from herself. Then she started feeling a bit creepy. From what she could tell Andie was a lovely woman, and she felt bad playing this game with her. Rory made up her mind. "Andie do you have a boyfriend?"

"Why yes I do. I have been seeing him for about three months. With our schedules it is hard to get together sometimes."

"Is he a doctor?" Paris asked.

"No Paris, he's a fireman. I guess I have a thing for blue collar men. I always have."

"Andie." Rory hesitated.

"Yes Rory."

Rory took a deep breath a softly spoke. "I met a friend of yours recently."

"Oh how nice. Who is she?"

"Pacey Witter."

The silence was uncomfortable; Paris looked between the two women. Andie broke out in a warm smile. "How is he? Where did you meet him?'

Just then the burgers arrived. The conversation ceased till the waiter left.

"Where did you meet him Rory and what is he doing now."

Rory looked at Paris for moral support. Paris was a blank. I met him in Sydney Andie. He delivers yachts.

Andie took a drink. "Pacey always did love the sea. I'm glad he is doing something he loves. I didn't know he still spoke about me."

"He does Andie and he speaks quite highly of you." He never mentioned you by name but he did tell me you went to Harvard Medical, and you were from Cape Side. I knew that Paris went to Harvard Medical also so I thought she might know you. I also have a very casual acquaintance that is from Cape Side; Josephine Potter.-"

I see Rory, you got the name from Joey and then asked Paris if she knew me, which she does and then you attended dinner with her to check me out. Am I right?"

Rory bowed her head and softly replied "Yes, I am so ashamed."

"Are you in love with him Rory?"

Rory looked Andie in the eye; she really did have gray eyes. "Yes I am."

Andie was quiet for a moment; then smiled." Rory I would have done the same thing, forget about it. I am glad he is safe and sound and doing well."

Rory was relieved. "I guess I was wrong Andie. I felt that you two had some sort of bond and you were still in love or something."

"Rory let me tell you something. I am in love with him and I will always be in love with him, but some things are not meant to be. I think that this is one of them. I am not in competition with you over his affections."

"Andie I don't understand."

"You will, and if you are the one that he comes back to. You're the one. So let's drop this and talk about important things. "So Paris I see our New England Patriots kicked the crap out of the New York Jets.

Paris excitedly jumped into the conversation. "Yes! Wasn't Tom Brady fantastic?" I bet they are going to meet the New Orleans Saints in the super bowl and kick the crap out of them."

Rory knew nothing of football. She attended one game at Yale and that ended in a disaster when her grandparents got into a fight. While Paris and Andie debated football she thought of Andie. She liked her. Also Rory was grateful for the gracious way she let her off the hook, but as Andie said. "If you're the one he comes back to you're the one." Well she hadn't heard from Pacey in over a month. "I guess I am not the one." She thought.

Three hours later they were done. Well ladies Andie slurred. I think we all need to take a cab home. I'd invite you to stay at my place but I have company. My brother is in town visiting There is a nice hotel down the street. I'll have the cab drop you guys off."

Paris and Rory looked at each other. Paris nodded. "That's a good idea Andie."

"Andie, two things."

"Sure Rory what do you want to know."

" Well the first thing is something I want you to know. I haven't seen him in over a month, so I guess I'm not the one."

Andie took Rory's hand. "I'm sorry Rory. I know exactly how you feel."

Rory squeezed Andie's hand. "I guess you would. One more thing, how do you stay so fit?"

Andie laughed. "I used to be a competitive swimmer and I still swim quite a bit. It relieves the stress, Can't you tell from my way too big for a girl shoulders.

Rory laughed and took her hand back. "I never noticed."

"Okay you two. I have a cab let's go."

(The girl and The boy)

Rory pulled into her assigned parking spot and woke Paris. "Come on sleepy head. Come on up for some coffee.

Reluctantly Paris followed Rory to her apartment. Rory drank Industrial strength coffee. One cup of that stuff and she should be wide awake and zinging off the walls. When they entered the apartment her answering machine was beeping.

Rory hit playback and listened to her messages. The first one was from John, Rory deleted it. She wasn't in the mood for his crap. The second one was from her mother. She hit save. The third message was from the front desk of her work. "Sorry to bother you Miss Gilmore, but there is a man standing here insisting that he see you. I told him you weren't at work. He said he would wait."

Rory listened to the time stamp, It was twenty minutes ago. She called the front desk. "Hi this is Rory Gilmore. Is he still there?"

"Yes Miss Gilmore."

"Please put him on."

"One minute"

Then a familiar voice came on the line. "How are you Rory?"

Rory's knees felt weak. Sarcastically she replied. "Fine what are you doing in New York? What did you do deliver a yacht here and figured you'd look me up for a booty call?"

"Rory no, nothing like that; I want to see you.

"Pacey you have had over five weeks to call or come see me. You didn't."

"You weren't on the pier Rory. I felt like you didn't want to see me anymore."

"Pacey I was on the pier. You waved to me, so stop lying."

Please believe me I didn't see you. I was waving goodbye to Sydney. Its a little habit I have when I leave a port. Come on let me come see you.'

Rory looked over to Paris who was vigorously shaking her head yes. Okay put the front desk back on."

"Miss Gilmore."

"Do me a favor and give him my address and phone number in case he gets lost."

"Yes Miss Gilmore. Have a good day."

"Rory hung the phone up and looked over to Paris. "You've got to go."

"No. you invited me up for a cup of coffee and I want it. Besides I want to see what this guy looks like."

"Paris please."

"No forget it. I took you to meet Dr. McPhee and you're going to let me stay. I have a vested interest in this. So please make the coffee.

Rory hastily made the coffee. Then realized she was still in the same clothes as yesterday. "Paris, pour the coffee yourself. I have to shower and change before he gets here." Rory ran to her room to select an outfit.

Paris poured herself a cup of coffee and noticed Rory running for the bathroom for her shower. Ten minutes later the bell rung. Paris answered the door and before her stood a tall man in jeans with a pea coat over his brown sweater. "Damn damn damn Rory where did you find this one." Paris said under her breath. "You must be Pacey Witter."

"Yes I am"

"Please come in. My name is Paris and would you like a cup of coffee?

"Yes thank you.

"Come sit at the kitchen table and I'll get you a cup. Rory will most likely be out in a few minutes."

"So Paris you're Rory's friend; she spoke of you often."

"I hope it was all good."

"Yes it was.-"

"Just then Rory appeared at the kitchen holding a towel in front of her. Paris have you seen."

Rory noticed pacey sitting at the table. With a shriek she turned and fled.

Paris dryly commented. She forgot to cover her backside, but I bet you've already seen that plenty of times."

Pacey smiled. "No comment."

Ten minutes later Rory walked out wearing tan slacks and a light blue blouse that brought out the blue of her eyes. Her damp hair was tied back in a ponytail. "Paris you're an ass. How could you do this to me? Get out."

"No."

"Paris this is personal. So could you leave?"

"No. You can go into your bedroom and talk, but I am not leaving."

"Paris if you don't leave I'm going to tell everyone about that cop you see for a couple of hours once or twice a week."

"Go ahead. I'm not leaving."

Exasperated, Rory took Pacey by the hand and led him to the spare bedroom and closed the door. She turned and angrily faced him. Do you know what you did to me? I felt like a slut."

"But Rory you weren't there. I thought you blew me off. Rory I love you. That is why I came to New York. I wanted to tell you in person."

Rory looked down and Pacey took her into his arms and kissed her. Rory felt the passion coming back. She missed him she missed his touch. "But, she thought, there are two things. One she wasn't getting laid with Paris in the next room, even though Paris never had any qualms about doing it when they were roommates. Secondly, Andie McPhee, she had to be sure that he was over her." Reluctantly she pushed Pacey away. "Wait here."

After a moment Rory returned and handed Pacey a folded piece of paper. "Go see her."

"Go see who?" Pacey then unfolded the paper. He turned white. Then softly he spoke. "How do you know her?"

"I had dinner with her last night. And yes we spoke of you."

"Did Joey give this to you?"

"No. Joey gave me her name, but I don't think Joey has any idea where she is."

"So how did you find her?"

"I am a reporter Pacey. I know how to do these things. I want you to go see her."

"Why would you want that Rory? It doesn't make sense."

"It makes all the sense in the world. I am not going to spend the rest of my life wondering if she would show up and you leave with her."

"I wouldn't do that. She wouldn't do that."

"Yes if you were still in love you would. I know this for a fact."

"How so Rory?"

Rory hesitated. "Because I had an affair with a married man and destroyed their marriage. I was in love with him and I didn't care that he was married."

Pacey stood quietly in shock. "Rory that is the one thing I would never expect from you."

"That is how I know Pacey. So please leave and if you come back we'll go from there."

Without a word Pacey folded the paper up and put it in his pocket. Then he turned and walked out of the room. Rory sat on the bed and put her head in her hands. She felt the tears trickle down her cheeks. Suddenly an arm went around her. "Are you alright Rory?"

Rory looked up at her friend. He didn't tear the paper up. He left to go see her.

"You told him to; I'm sorry I overheard."

"Yes, but he could have thrown it away."

"Rory, I am going to ask you a question. In fact you don't have to answer, but I want you to think about it."

"What is there to ask Paris, so ask away?"

Quietly Paris spoke. "Rory let's turn this around. If he had handed you Dean's number and address, what would you have done?"

Rory looked up defiantly. "I would have ripped it up and threw it away."

"Rory let's be honest you would not have done that."

"Paris I really don't know, I'd like to think I would have thrown it away, but I really don't know."

"I think you do know Rory. Shall I go and buy us some chocolate ice cream?"

Rory nodded yes and lay down on the bed to await Paris's return.

A/N This story has no villains and it can end one of three ways. Pacey and Andie reunite, Pacey comes back for Rory. Or Pacey winds up with neither of them. Please leave your opinion via PM or in a review

To Be Continued…