A.N: THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the feedback. It really means a lot to me. I
will try to write faster, really! Oh, and please don't hold it against me
if I got the spelling of some names wrong.
The Games People Play
4. Competition
For the second Saturday in a row Lorelai, Rory, Luke and Lane were at the club in Hartford.
A sign out the front announced the Chilton tennis tournament and Rory looked at it nervously.
"Don't worry sweetie, you'll be fine." Lorelai was being perceptive and slung her arm around her daughter's shoulder as the entered the club.
"Isn't it just about participation anyway?" Lane asked, "you don't have to win to put it on your Harvard application."
"That's true."
"We're proud of you no matter what." Lorelai declared dramatically.
"Okay now you're just being corny." Rory complained as Paris raced up to them and dragged Rory away.
"Good, you're here. We only have 42 minutes before our first game."
Rory looked desperately over her shoulder.
"Good luck." Lane mouthed, before saying goodbye to Lorelai and Luke and going to find Henry.
Luke turned to Lorelai, "so what are we going to do for 42 minutes?"
"You got any suggestions?"
"I can't imagine what I'd do at a country club, so whatever you want," he said
"Yes! I was hoping you'd say that! Follow me."
"Where are we going?"
"The coffee shop."
"I should have known." Luke put his arm around Lorelai's waist as they walked.
She was surprised and looked at him questioningly.
"We have an audience," he explained.
Lorelai looked over at one of the woman Becky had been talking to about her the other week. The woman waved and whispered to her friend. 'The rumour mill is active.' Lorelai thought to herself.
"Right, thanks, Luke. Didn't peg you as being big on public display's of affection thought."
"Yeah, well, don't get used to it," Luke replied gruffly, ducking his head.
"Then I'll just have to enjoy it while I can." Lorelai slung her arm around his waist and threaded her fingers through his belt loops.
"So how many cups of coffee do you think I can consume in 39 minutes?" she asked.
"Waaay too many."
"Too much coffee? No such thing."
"You're a worry."
"I am not a worry."
"You are such a worry."
"Am not, honey-bunches."
"Are too apple-pie."
"Okay, we've got Madeleine and Louise in the first round, that's a walkover. We should win the second round as well, so it's not until after that we have to worry..."
Rory tuned out as Paris went on about the draw. She wondered where Tristan was. True to his laid-back form they hadn't even arranged to meet. Maybe he wouldn't even show up. 'I should be so lucky,' Rory thought.
"Geller-Gilmore?" A coordinator called out, interrupting Rory's thoughts, "you got 15 minutes to warm up on court three."
Paris stopped examining the draw and she and Rory found court three.
Tristan was already standing there.
"What are you doing here?" Paris demanded, "We have court three."
"No way, our 15 minutes just started." Tristan was playing with Henry in the male doubles.
"I don't care. Off, now!"
"Calm down guys, they probably want us to share courts." Rory fought to keep the peace between her two partners.
Both Tristan and Paris looked at her as though share was a foreign word.
Paris sighed grudgingly, "okay, we're wasting time. Come on Henry."
Henry was sitting off the side of the court talking to Lane.
"I didn't know you and Tristan were friends," Lane was saying.
"We're not really. Coach wants us to play together to practice for next season. But he's not a bad guy," Henry responded.
"I think he likes Rory, what do you reckon?"
"Yeah, for a guy who could have any girl he wants he sure spends a lot of time on her."
Lane nodded thoughtfully, "anyway, you better go. I'm scared of Paris."
"You worried about me?" Henry smiled at her.
"No, she needs you in one piece cos you're her partner. It's me I'm worried about."
"I'll protect you, I promise!" Henry told her as he joined the others on the court.
When their 15 minutes were up, Tristan and Henry left for their first game.
"I guess I'll see you later." Rory said.
"Do I get a good luck kiss?" Tristan asked hopefully.
"Sure. Paris, Tristan wants something from you!" Rory sang out.
"ssh!" Tristan was thankful Paris was too busy harassing the coordinator to notice, "I meant from you."
"I know." Rory said innocently.
"Well how 'bout a congratulatory kiss when I win?"
"IF you win the whole tournament I MAY consider it. But don't hold your breath."
"My heart's thumping in anticipation."
"Rory! If you can tear yourself away from lover-boy we have a match to prepare for." Paris called impatiently.
"Lorelai!"
Lorelai ducked her head and looked around the café nervously.
"Do you always react like that when someone calls you name?" Luke asked.
"Only around here."
"Lorelai Gilmore!" The voice called again. It was Eva from the Booster Club.
Lorelai relaxed a little as Eva joined their table, "Hi Eva, good to see you again. You remember Luke?"
"The man from Stars Hollow. Of course I do," Eva smiled flirtatiously, "are you here for the Chilton tournament?"
"Yes. Rory's playing." Lorelai responded, rubbing her hand possessively along Luke's arm, a move not unnoticed by Eva.
"Well this is a surprise, you two. I guess you know what his taste in women is after all, Lorelai," she commented, "how long have you two been together?"
"Five weeks, three days and 18 hours of bliss." Lorelai lied convincingly.
Luke raised her eyebrows, "I didn't realise you were counting."
"I treasure every minute with you, baby-cakes." Lorelai kissed the air in front of his face.
"Well isn't that sweet." Eva said uncertainly.
"Hello everyone!" A bubbly voice sang out.
Lorelai ducked and looked around again, "what is it with this place?"
It was Becky with Aubrey, also from the Boosters.
"Hi Becky, didn't expect to see you here again." Lorelai said.
"Of course I'm here, where else you I be?"
"Well, after dinner last week…"
"Oh, that was nothing. Forget about it!" Becky brushed it off.
"Happens ALL the time," Eva whispered to Lorelai.
Luke was looking uncomfortable surrounded by so many women. He tapped Lorelai on the shoulder.
"I'm gonna go for a walk or something, I'll catch you later."
"Okay, sure." Lorelai replied as he stood up.
The other three women looked at the two of them expectantly. Lorelai and Luke looked and each other and shared a quick and awkward kiss.
"Bye muffin."
"So tell us all about you and the strong diner man." Aubrey began searching for gossip as soon as Luke left.
"Why is everyone here so interested in my life? It's as bad as Stars Hollow." Lorelai complained.
"Well you know with your past people are curious. But we're happy for you. You're involved in Chilton, you have a new man. We're interested." Eva said.
"Plus now that I'm married I have to live vicariously through someone else's love life." Aubrey explained.
"There's really nothing to tell," Lorelai insisted and changed the subject, "so Aubrey, how's Stephanie?"
"Stephanie? Damn, I could have sworn her name was Sarah."
Eva and Lorelai shared a smile and Lorelai excused herself, "I better go find Luke. See you later."
Lorelai went the bathroom before going to find Luke she was in a stall when she heard Eva and Becky come in.
"…and she's with that gorgeous man. I'm so jealous." Eva was saying.
"Well, I don't see that relationship lasting very long." Becky replied confidently.
"Why not?"
"Lorelai Gilmore can't keep a man for any substantial period of time. I'd put money on it."
"Becky, that's a terrible thing to say." Eva scolded.
"I thought you were interested in him." Becky finished touching up her makeup and left the bathroom.
"That doesn't mean…" Eva followed Becky outside and the door swung closed before Lorelai emerged from the stall.
"What a bitch." Lorelai laughed as she went to find Luke.
She found him sitting on the side of the court where Rory's first match was to be played, next to Eva and Aubrey.
"Lukey-babe! You didn't save me a seat!" she complained. Luke was sitting right on the edge of the stand.
"Oh surely you two lovebirds can share?" Eva insisted.
Lorelai and Luke looked at each other and winced.
"Why not?" Luke said finally.
Lorelai shrugged and plonked herself down on his lap.
"Oof," Luke grunted, "that's it, no more burgers for you."
"Hey!" Lorelai protested, slapping him on the shoulder playfully.
"Lorelai what are you doing? Get off that man, this isn't a trashy nightclub."
Lorelai buried her head in Luke's shoulder, "help, I'm going crazy, I'm hearing my mother's disapproving voice in my mind."
"Lorelai, it's not in your mind." Luke lifted her head and Lorelai saw Emily standing with her arms crossed.
"Damn, I wasn't imagining it. You're real," Lorelai jumped up, "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"Your father and I have come to watch our granddaughter play tennis. We didn't expect to see her mother acting like a cheap-"
"You remember Luke right?" Lorelai cut her off.
"Yes, the ice man."
"Hello Mrs Gilmore."
"And Eva and Aubrey from the booster club."
"Of course, how are you?" Emily asked politely.
Lorelai looked impatient, "Mom, can we talk?" she asked after a minute of pleasantries were exchanged.
Emily said goodbye to the other women, "excuse my daughter's rudeness. It was good to see you again."
She and Lorelai then moved off several metres.
"Look, Rory's match is about to start. Can we please not fight today? For her sake." Lorelai begged.
"For Rory's sake, of course." But Emily still looked annoyed, "how long has this relationship been going on Lorelai? Do we have to wait for your next engagement before we find out?"
"Ohhhh, You're mad because you think Luke and I are dating and I didn't tell you?"
"You're not dating? But I heard it from Biddy Charlton as well. And what were you doing sitting in his lap?"
"Do you know Becky Marshall-Homes?" Lorelai asked.
"That woman is an idiot! What does she have to do with anything?"
Lorelai explained the whole story.
Emily sighed in despair, "this is maddness. How did I end up with a daughter like you?"
"Just lucky I guess." Lorelai replied and they rejoined the others just as the girls were entering the court. Eva and Aubrey had moved so Richard and Emily could sit with Luke and Lorelai.
"Go Rory! Woo-hoo. Rory, Rory." Lorelai cheered.
"I don't know you." Luke said from her right.
"Stop embarrassing the poor girl." Emily insisted from the left.
"Aw, but look how cute she looks out there. She looks so… athletic. It's weird."
"She just looks like Rory in a tennis dress." Luke said.
"That's it! That's what's wrong with this picture. Where did she get a tennis dress from?"
"I bought it for her." Emily said.
"Cos I'm such a neglectful mother for never buying her a tennis dress." Lorelai rolled her eyes.
"I brought you five."
"And I never wore any of them. You could have given them to Rory. When did you have time to go shopping anyway."
"Rory told us at dinner."
"Yeah, last night."
"No, last week."
"Huh? No she didn't"
"Of course she did, you were there Lorelai."
"Really? Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"Hmm must have been in body only. Or else it was my evil twin. Hey imagine how my fun that would be?"
"Two Lorelai's? God help the world." Luke muttered.
"ssh! They're starting," Lorelai hissed.
Paris' prediction was right. She and Rory won their first match convincingly. The last point was decided when Madeleine's second serve hit the back of Louise's head.
"Ow!" Louise cried.
"Yes. One down!" Paris cheered.
Rory approached the net. "Are you alright?" she asked Louise.
"I'm so sorry," Madeleine was saying.
"You messed up my hair!" Louise accused.
"Yep, she's fine," Rory said.
"Why can't you learn how to serve?" Louise complained.
"You should be happy I can't hit the ball very hard. And it's not my fault your big head got in the way!"
"I do not have a big head!"
"Okay, I'm sorry, that was low. I promise I'll fix your hair," Madeleine told Louise.
The crowd clapped politely as the four girls shook hands and Madeleine and Louise hugged.
Rory and Paris just looked at each other.
"Are we supposed to hug or something?"
"Nope, I'm good."
"Me too."
They turned around and Paris walked off one side of the court to collect her bag while Rory went the other way to see her family.
"That was wonderful, Rory." Emily said proudly.
"Yeah, you really kicked butt." Lorelai said.
"Thank you. I have to go, see you at my next game?"
"We wouldn't miss it." Richard promised.
By the time Rory reached the locker room Louise had made a full recovery and was advising Madeleine who held up two dresses.
"Go with the red, definitely. It's fabulous."
"Really?" Madeleine turned to Rory, "are you coming tonight? What do you think I should wear?"
"Coming where?"
"Back here. To the awards ceremony for the tournament, which is really just like an after party."
"Oh, I don't think so."
"You should," Louise encouraged, "and bring your tall boyfriend."
"He's not my boyfriend any more."
"All the more reason for you to bring him."
"If we win, you have to be here." Paris said.
Rory admired Madeleine's black dress, "That's really nice."
"You can borrow it if you like, I'm going with the red."
"Oh no, I couldn't."
"Please do, if you don't then Louise will and last time she borrowed a dress I got it back reeking of beer and minus one strap."
"I got it fixed eventually," Louise protested, "and it wasn't even me who broke the strap. Is it my fault Tim got carried away?"
"Yes!" Madeleine and Paris chorused.
"But the black dress doesn't have any straps to break." Louise pointed out.
"Sorry, Louise, I offered it to Rory first."
"Thanks, I'll take good care of it." Rory promised.
"If you're finished sorting out your wardrobe, we have another match to play." Paris said to Rory.
Rory and Paris made it through another two rounds before they were narrowly defeated in the semi finals. Rory was pretty pleased with the effort and even Paris didn't look too pissed off.
"I, um, just wanted to say, uh, thank you for being my partner," she said to Rory as they sat watching Tristan and Henry win their final.
Rory nodded, "and thanks for forcing me to all those practice, they made me 100% better."
"Good, well now we've go that out of the way we can go back to being competitors. I'll see you later."
"Well, good luck." Rory said.
"Whatever." Paris called over her shoulder.
"Hey." A sweaty Tristan jogged up to Rory with a big grin on his face. "Do I get my kiss now?" he asked hopefully.
"Oh you must have misunderstood, I meant if you won the mixed doubles as well."
"Well in that case you better get your cute little butt on to court four where our first match is and start practicing. Wouldn't want you to hold me back now."
"Jerk!" Rory stalked off even though she knew he was only teasing, "and leave my butt out of this!"
Tristan and Rory made it to the final where they were up against Paris and Henry.
Lane stood at the side of the court, unsure of whether to cheer for her best friend or her boyfriend.
Rory went to talk to her through the fence, "I don't care if you cheer for Henry. This tournament doesn't really mean anything to me, you know that."
"Well, okay."
"Besides, if we lose I get out of kissing Tristan."
"What?" Lane asked.
"I'll tell you later." Rory promised.
"You better. Good luck!"
Rory stood in the middle of the court and looked around, "why are all these people watching us?" she asked Tristan.
"It's okay, they're here for me," he bragged, waving to a group of girls.
Rory rolled her eyes.
"Ready?" The umpire called.
"As I'll ever be." Rory mumbled. She couldn't help feeling intimidated, knowing she was easily the worst player on the court. But Tristan was very encouraging and Rory concentrated on just getting each shot back into play. Henry, being such a nice guy, had toned his serve down so she could actually manage to return it, much to Paris' disgust.
In the end (you don't really want a breakdown of the game do you?) Rory and Tristan just lost.
Henry and Paris gave each other high fives.
"Good game." Henry said as he shook Rory's hand.
"Congrats, man." Tristan patted Henry on the back.
Paris and Rory shook hands firmly and seriously.
"Well Gilmore," Tristan looked at Rory, "we didn't win, I guess you're safe for now."
Rory surprised Tristan, and herself, by giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "sorry we didn't win."
"You did good," Tristan told her, "will I see you tonight?"
"Maybe," Rory smiled.
"Hopefully." Tristan corrected.
Rory collected her things and was engulfed by her family.
"We're very proud of you, Rory." Richard and Emily congratulated her before saying goodbye.
"So does this mean you're the next Jennifer Capriati?" Lorelai asked.
"You mean without the whole shop-lifting/drug abuse stage?" Rory asked.
"But that's the best part." Lorelai said as she, Rory, Luke and Lane headed for the car.
TBC…
Please keep the reviews coming! I welcome any suggestions!
The Games People Play
4. Competition
For the second Saturday in a row Lorelai, Rory, Luke and Lane were at the club in Hartford.
A sign out the front announced the Chilton tennis tournament and Rory looked at it nervously.
"Don't worry sweetie, you'll be fine." Lorelai was being perceptive and slung her arm around her daughter's shoulder as the entered the club.
"Isn't it just about participation anyway?" Lane asked, "you don't have to win to put it on your Harvard application."
"That's true."
"We're proud of you no matter what." Lorelai declared dramatically.
"Okay now you're just being corny." Rory complained as Paris raced up to them and dragged Rory away.
"Good, you're here. We only have 42 minutes before our first game."
Rory looked desperately over her shoulder.
"Good luck." Lane mouthed, before saying goodbye to Lorelai and Luke and going to find Henry.
Luke turned to Lorelai, "so what are we going to do for 42 minutes?"
"You got any suggestions?"
"I can't imagine what I'd do at a country club, so whatever you want," he said
"Yes! I was hoping you'd say that! Follow me."
"Where are we going?"
"The coffee shop."
"I should have known." Luke put his arm around Lorelai's waist as they walked.
She was surprised and looked at him questioningly.
"We have an audience," he explained.
Lorelai looked over at one of the woman Becky had been talking to about her the other week. The woman waved and whispered to her friend. 'The rumour mill is active.' Lorelai thought to herself.
"Right, thanks, Luke. Didn't peg you as being big on public display's of affection thought."
"Yeah, well, don't get used to it," Luke replied gruffly, ducking his head.
"Then I'll just have to enjoy it while I can." Lorelai slung her arm around his waist and threaded her fingers through his belt loops.
"So how many cups of coffee do you think I can consume in 39 minutes?" she asked.
"Waaay too many."
"Too much coffee? No such thing."
"You're a worry."
"I am not a worry."
"You are such a worry."
"Am not, honey-bunches."
"Are too apple-pie."
"Okay, we've got Madeleine and Louise in the first round, that's a walkover. We should win the second round as well, so it's not until after that we have to worry..."
Rory tuned out as Paris went on about the draw. She wondered where Tristan was. True to his laid-back form they hadn't even arranged to meet. Maybe he wouldn't even show up. 'I should be so lucky,' Rory thought.
"Geller-Gilmore?" A coordinator called out, interrupting Rory's thoughts, "you got 15 minutes to warm up on court three."
Paris stopped examining the draw and she and Rory found court three.
Tristan was already standing there.
"What are you doing here?" Paris demanded, "We have court three."
"No way, our 15 minutes just started." Tristan was playing with Henry in the male doubles.
"I don't care. Off, now!"
"Calm down guys, they probably want us to share courts." Rory fought to keep the peace between her two partners.
Both Tristan and Paris looked at her as though share was a foreign word.
Paris sighed grudgingly, "okay, we're wasting time. Come on Henry."
Henry was sitting off the side of the court talking to Lane.
"I didn't know you and Tristan were friends," Lane was saying.
"We're not really. Coach wants us to play together to practice for next season. But he's not a bad guy," Henry responded.
"I think he likes Rory, what do you reckon?"
"Yeah, for a guy who could have any girl he wants he sure spends a lot of time on her."
Lane nodded thoughtfully, "anyway, you better go. I'm scared of Paris."
"You worried about me?" Henry smiled at her.
"No, she needs you in one piece cos you're her partner. It's me I'm worried about."
"I'll protect you, I promise!" Henry told her as he joined the others on the court.
When their 15 minutes were up, Tristan and Henry left for their first game.
"I guess I'll see you later." Rory said.
"Do I get a good luck kiss?" Tristan asked hopefully.
"Sure. Paris, Tristan wants something from you!" Rory sang out.
"ssh!" Tristan was thankful Paris was too busy harassing the coordinator to notice, "I meant from you."
"I know." Rory said innocently.
"Well how 'bout a congratulatory kiss when I win?"
"IF you win the whole tournament I MAY consider it. But don't hold your breath."
"My heart's thumping in anticipation."
"Rory! If you can tear yourself away from lover-boy we have a match to prepare for." Paris called impatiently.
"Lorelai!"
Lorelai ducked her head and looked around the café nervously.
"Do you always react like that when someone calls you name?" Luke asked.
"Only around here."
"Lorelai Gilmore!" The voice called again. It was Eva from the Booster Club.
Lorelai relaxed a little as Eva joined their table, "Hi Eva, good to see you again. You remember Luke?"
"The man from Stars Hollow. Of course I do," Eva smiled flirtatiously, "are you here for the Chilton tournament?"
"Yes. Rory's playing." Lorelai responded, rubbing her hand possessively along Luke's arm, a move not unnoticed by Eva.
"Well this is a surprise, you two. I guess you know what his taste in women is after all, Lorelai," she commented, "how long have you two been together?"
"Five weeks, three days and 18 hours of bliss." Lorelai lied convincingly.
Luke raised her eyebrows, "I didn't realise you were counting."
"I treasure every minute with you, baby-cakes." Lorelai kissed the air in front of his face.
"Well isn't that sweet." Eva said uncertainly.
"Hello everyone!" A bubbly voice sang out.
Lorelai ducked and looked around again, "what is it with this place?"
It was Becky with Aubrey, also from the Boosters.
"Hi Becky, didn't expect to see you here again." Lorelai said.
"Of course I'm here, where else you I be?"
"Well, after dinner last week…"
"Oh, that was nothing. Forget about it!" Becky brushed it off.
"Happens ALL the time," Eva whispered to Lorelai.
Luke was looking uncomfortable surrounded by so many women. He tapped Lorelai on the shoulder.
"I'm gonna go for a walk or something, I'll catch you later."
"Okay, sure." Lorelai replied as he stood up.
The other three women looked at the two of them expectantly. Lorelai and Luke looked and each other and shared a quick and awkward kiss.
"Bye muffin."
"So tell us all about you and the strong diner man." Aubrey began searching for gossip as soon as Luke left.
"Why is everyone here so interested in my life? It's as bad as Stars Hollow." Lorelai complained.
"Well you know with your past people are curious. But we're happy for you. You're involved in Chilton, you have a new man. We're interested." Eva said.
"Plus now that I'm married I have to live vicariously through someone else's love life." Aubrey explained.
"There's really nothing to tell," Lorelai insisted and changed the subject, "so Aubrey, how's Stephanie?"
"Stephanie? Damn, I could have sworn her name was Sarah."
Eva and Lorelai shared a smile and Lorelai excused herself, "I better go find Luke. See you later."
Lorelai went the bathroom before going to find Luke she was in a stall when she heard Eva and Becky come in.
"…and she's with that gorgeous man. I'm so jealous." Eva was saying.
"Well, I don't see that relationship lasting very long." Becky replied confidently.
"Why not?"
"Lorelai Gilmore can't keep a man for any substantial period of time. I'd put money on it."
"Becky, that's a terrible thing to say." Eva scolded.
"I thought you were interested in him." Becky finished touching up her makeup and left the bathroom.
"That doesn't mean…" Eva followed Becky outside and the door swung closed before Lorelai emerged from the stall.
"What a bitch." Lorelai laughed as she went to find Luke.
She found him sitting on the side of the court where Rory's first match was to be played, next to Eva and Aubrey.
"Lukey-babe! You didn't save me a seat!" she complained. Luke was sitting right on the edge of the stand.
"Oh surely you two lovebirds can share?" Eva insisted.
Lorelai and Luke looked at each other and winced.
"Why not?" Luke said finally.
Lorelai shrugged and plonked herself down on his lap.
"Oof," Luke grunted, "that's it, no more burgers for you."
"Hey!" Lorelai protested, slapping him on the shoulder playfully.
"Lorelai what are you doing? Get off that man, this isn't a trashy nightclub."
Lorelai buried her head in Luke's shoulder, "help, I'm going crazy, I'm hearing my mother's disapproving voice in my mind."
"Lorelai, it's not in your mind." Luke lifted her head and Lorelai saw Emily standing with her arms crossed.
"Damn, I wasn't imagining it. You're real," Lorelai jumped up, "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"Your father and I have come to watch our granddaughter play tennis. We didn't expect to see her mother acting like a cheap-"
"You remember Luke right?" Lorelai cut her off.
"Yes, the ice man."
"Hello Mrs Gilmore."
"And Eva and Aubrey from the booster club."
"Of course, how are you?" Emily asked politely.
Lorelai looked impatient, "Mom, can we talk?" she asked after a minute of pleasantries were exchanged.
Emily said goodbye to the other women, "excuse my daughter's rudeness. It was good to see you again."
She and Lorelai then moved off several metres.
"Look, Rory's match is about to start. Can we please not fight today? For her sake." Lorelai begged.
"For Rory's sake, of course." But Emily still looked annoyed, "how long has this relationship been going on Lorelai? Do we have to wait for your next engagement before we find out?"
"Ohhhh, You're mad because you think Luke and I are dating and I didn't tell you?"
"You're not dating? But I heard it from Biddy Charlton as well. And what were you doing sitting in his lap?"
"Do you know Becky Marshall-Homes?" Lorelai asked.
"That woman is an idiot! What does she have to do with anything?"
Lorelai explained the whole story.
Emily sighed in despair, "this is maddness. How did I end up with a daughter like you?"
"Just lucky I guess." Lorelai replied and they rejoined the others just as the girls were entering the court. Eva and Aubrey had moved so Richard and Emily could sit with Luke and Lorelai.
"Go Rory! Woo-hoo. Rory, Rory." Lorelai cheered.
"I don't know you." Luke said from her right.
"Stop embarrassing the poor girl." Emily insisted from the left.
"Aw, but look how cute she looks out there. She looks so… athletic. It's weird."
"She just looks like Rory in a tennis dress." Luke said.
"That's it! That's what's wrong with this picture. Where did she get a tennis dress from?"
"I bought it for her." Emily said.
"Cos I'm such a neglectful mother for never buying her a tennis dress." Lorelai rolled her eyes.
"I brought you five."
"And I never wore any of them. You could have given them to Rory. When did you have time to go shopping anyway."
"Rory told us at dinner."
"Yeah, last night."
"No, last week."
"Huh? No she didn't"
"Of course she did, you were there Lorelai."
"Really? Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"Hmm must have been in body only. Or else it was my evil twin. Hey imagine how my fun that would be?"
"Two Lorelai's? God help the world." Luke muttered.
"ssh! They're starting," Lorelai hissed.
Paris' prediction was right. She and Rory won their first match convincingly. The last point was decided when Madeleine's second serve hit the back of Louise's head.
"Ow!" Louise cried.
"Yes. One down!" Paris cheered.
Rory approached the net. "Are you alright?" she asked Louise.
"I'm so sorry," Madeleine was saying.
"You messed up my hair!" Louise accused.
"Yep, she's fine," Rory said.
"Why can't you learn how to serve?" Louise complained.
"You should be happy I can't hit the ball very hard. And it's not my fault your big head got in the way!"
"I do not have a big head!"
"Okay, I'm sorry, that was low. I promise I'll fix your hair," Madeleine told Louise.
The crowd clapped politely as the four girls shook hands and Madeleine and Louise hugged.
Rory and Paris just looked at each other.
"Are we supposed to hug or something?"
"Nope, I'm good."
"Me too."
They turned around and Paris walked off one side of the court to collect her bag while Rory went the other way to see her family.
"That was wonderful, Rory." Emily said proudly.
"Yeah, you really kicked butt." Lorelai said.
"Thank you. I have to go, see you at my next game?"
"We wouldn't miss it." Richard promised.
By the time Rory reached the locker room Louise had made a full recovery and was advising Madeleine who held up two dresses.
"Go with the red, definitely. It's fabulous."
"Really?" Madeleine turned to Rory, "are you coming tonight? What do you think I should wear?"
"Coming where?"
"Back here. To the awards ceremony for the tournament, which is really just like an after party."
"Oh, I don't think so."
"You should," Louise encouraged, "and bring your tall boyfriend."
"He's not my boyfriend any more."
"All the more reason for you to bring him."
"If we win, you have to be here." Paris said.
Rory admired Madeleine's black dress, "That's really nice."
"You can borrow it if you like, I'm going with the red."
"Oh no, I couldn't."
"Please do, if you don't then Louise will and last time she borrowed a dress I got it back reeking of beer and minus one strap."
"I got it fixed eventually," Louise protested, "and it wasn't even me who broke the strap. Is it my fault Tim got carried away?"
"Yes!" Madeleine and Paris chorused.
"But the black dress doesn't have any straps to break." Louise pointed out.
"Sorry, Louise, I offered it to Rory first."
"Thanks, I'll take good care of it." Rory promised.
"If you're finished sorting out your wardrobe, we have another match to play." Paris said to Rory.
Rory and Paris made it through another two rounds before they were narrowly defeated in the semi finals. Rory was pretty pleased with the effort and even Paris didn't look too pissed off.
"I, um, just wanted to say, uh, thank you for being my partner," she said to Rory as they sat watching Tristan and Henry win their final.
Rory nodded, "and thanks for forcing me to all those practice, they made me 100% better."
"Good, well now we've go that out of the way we can go back to being competitors. I'll see you later."
"Well, good luck." Rory said.
"Whatever." Paris called over her shoulder.
"Hey." A sweaty Tristan jogged up to Rory with a big grin on his face. "Do I get my kiss now?" he asked hopefully.
"Oh you must have misunderstood, I meant if you won the mixed doubles as well."
"Well in that case you better get your cute little butt on to court four where our first match is and start practicing. Wouldn't want you to hold me back now."
"Jerk!" Rory stalked off even though she knew he was only teasing, "and leave my butt out of this!"
Tristan and Rory made it to the final where they were up against Paris and Henry.
Lane stood at the side of the court, unsure of whether to cheer for her best friend or her boyfriend.
Rory went to talk to her through the fence, "I don't care if you cheer for Henry. This tournament doesn't really mean anything to me, you know that."
"Well, okay."
"Besides, if we lose I get out of kissing Tristan."
"What?" Lane asked.
"I'll tell you later." Rory promised.
"You better. Good luck!"
Rory stood in the middle of the court and looked around, "why are all these people watching us?" she asked Tristan.
"It's okay, they're here for me," he bragged, waving to a group of girls.
Rory rolled her eyes.
"Ready?" The umpire called.
"As I'll ever be." Rory mumbled. She couldn't help feeling intimidated, knowing she was easily the worst player on the court. But Tristan was very encouraging and Rory concentrated on just getting each shot back into play. Henry, being such a nice guy, had toned his serve down so she could actually manage to return it, much to Paris' disgust.
In the end (you don't really want a breakdown of the game do you?) Rory and Tristan just lost.
Henry and Paris gave each other high fives.
"Good game." Henry said as he shook Rory's hand.
"Congrats, man." Tristan patted Henry on the back.
Paris and Rory shook hands firmly and seriously.
"Well Gilmore," Tristan looked at Rory, "we didn't win, I guess you're safe for now."
Rory surprised Tristan, and herself, by giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "sorry we didn't win."
"You did good," Tristan told her, "will I see you tonight?"
"Maybe," Rory smiled.
"Hopefully." Tristan corrected.
Rory collected her things and was engulfed by her family.
"We're very proud of you, Rory." Richard and Emily congratulated her before saying goodbye.
"So does this mean you're the next Jennifer Capriati?" Lorelai asked.
"You mean without the whole shop-lifting/drug abuse stage?" Rory asked.
"But that's the best part." Lorelai said as she, Rory, Luke and Lane headed for the car.
TBC…
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