INT. LUKE'S DINER – NIGHT
The Diner is starting to empty. Only three people are left eating.

Rory sits on a barstool while Jess mops behind the counter.

Rory turns around and looks at Jess.

Jess stops and looks back at Rory.

JESS
What?

RORY
Nothing.

Rory turns back around.

JESS
What's on your mind, Rory?

Rory doesn't answer.

Jess shrugs and continues mopping the floor.

Rory turns around again.

RORY
Why her?

JESS
The one I wanted wasn't available.

Jess stares straight into Rory's eyes.

Rory meets his gaze. She clears her throat and looks away.

RORY
I'm glad you didn't ditch tonight.

JESS
(quickly)
I didn't do it for you.

RORY
(offended)
I know that.

JESS
Just making myself clear.

RORY
Crystal.

Silence.

RORY
Okay, I'm tired of this.
(beat)
I want to make out.

JESS
(looks up)
Excuse me?

Rory's eyes widen.

RORY
Make up. I said make UP. Not make out. Why would I say make out? That doesn't make sense. We're just friends.

Jess starts to smirk. He leans on the mop handle and looks at Rory.

JESS
You sure?

Rory starts to fidget.

RORY
Yes.

JESS
Friends?

RORY
That's what we are.

JESS
Friends.

RORY
Pals. One hundred percent platonic.

JESS
Huh.

RORY
Or acquaintances, even. We're not that close as to be labeled "pals," really.

JESS
Not really.

RORY
Glad that's settled.

JESS
So this topic is dead.

RORY
Multiple stab wounds to the chest. Heart failure. Blunt force trauma. Asfix—

JESS
Rory, I get it.

They both awkwardly stare at an empty mug beside Rory.

RORY
Oh.
(beat)
Okay.


INT. BALLROOM – NIGHT
Lorelai and Christopher face each other, with his arms still around her.

CHRISTOPHER
You have no idea how glad I am that you came tonight.

LORELAI
Why?

CHRISTOPHER
Because I missed you so much, Lor.

Christopher leans in and tries to kiss Lorelai.

Lorelai pushes him back.

LORELAI
What do you think you're doing?
(beat)
If you think that I came here to see you, you are dead wrong, Chris.

CHRISTOPHER
Why did you come, then?

Lorelai's voice begins to tremble.

LORELAI
I came here because I am a mature, level-headed woman. I'm here to show you that I can handle whatever situation you hurl at me, Chris. You are not the center of the universe, and I'm sorry if I've played any part to making you think that.

Everyone in the room stops talking and gathers around the two.

CHRISTOPHER
I love you, Lorelai.

Lorelai glares at Christopher.

LORELAI
Then stop hurting me.

Lorelai leaves.

Christopher tries to go after her, but Luke grabs his arm.

LUKE
Leave her alone, Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER
But—

LUKE
You can't have Sherri and Lorelai at the same time.
(beat)
Be thankful that you have at least one, unlike some people.

Luke starts to go after Lorelai.

CHRISTOPHER
Luke!

LUKE
What?

CHRISTOPHER
Take care of her. She's special.

LUKE
I knew that long before you did.

Luke walks away leaving a disappointed Chris behind.

LUKE
(cont'd)
Jackass.


EXT. GARDEN – NIGHT
The GARDEN is quiet. In a small area, there are old-fashioned benches positioned around a small fountain.

Lorelai sits on one of the benches, facing away.

Luke arrives a moment later and stops a few steps away. He takes a deep breath and walks over to Lorelai.

LUKE
Are you okay?

LORELAI
I'm fine. I'm just…

Lorelai breaks down into tears.

Luke jumps and looks around nervously. He sits beside Lorelai and puts a self-conscious arm around her shoulders.

Lorelai cries into Luke's chest.

LORELAI
(cont'd)
I sorry, Luke. I know how much you hate crying, but...

LUKE
Normally, I'd never do this but…

Luke closes his eyes and sighs.

LUKE
(cont'd)
Let it all out.

Lorelai does as he says. She hacks and gasps in Luke's arms.

Luke's face softens and he pulls her tighter against him.

LUKE
That guy's a jerk-off.

LORELAI
(sniffs)
I know.

LUKE
And I thought Taylor was a putz.

Lorelai smiles and gives him a choked laugh.

EMILY (O.S.)
Lorelai?

From the darkness, Emily steps out looking sad.

Luke and Lorelai look up.

LORELAI
Mom?

EMILY
Lorelai, I came out here to tell you…

Emily hesitates.

LORELAI
How badly I handled the 'situation'? Huh, mom? How childish I looked, throwing a tantrum in front of all those people? How the DAR will be talking about this and about you until the end of the year? How I—

EMILY
(loudly)
How proud of you I am.

LORELAI
Excuse me?

EMILY
I…
(beat)
I'm proud of you, Lorelai. And I'm sorry for forcing you to do this. It was insensitive of me and I had no idea how much Christopher hurt you.

Lorelai smiles wanly.

LORELAI
It's okay, mom. I'm glad that I came.

Emily smiles, an almost regal smile, and nods.

A moment passes between mother and daughter.

Finally, Emily clasps her hands.

EMILY
Well, I'd better get back to the party. People are waiting for me.

Emily turns to leave.

LORELAI
Mom.

Emily looks back.

LORELAI
Thank you.

Emily smiles again, but shorter this time.

Then she leaves.