Title: Season 4 Bent Style
Episode: 4.09
Episode Title: Tailgate
Author: Bent137
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own any of it despite my acting as a writer for the show.
Author's Notes: Thanks to Roxy, who beta'd this chapter too.
Spoilers: Season Four Episode Nine. Yes, I did say Season 4, as in the one not aired at all yet.

Gilmore Girls
Episode 4.09
Tailgate

Writer: Ashley/Bent137
Executive Producer: Daniel Palladino
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino

Starring:
Lauren Graham
Alexis Bledel
Liza Weil
and
Kelly Bishop

special appearance by Edward Herrmann

CLIPS

INT. JASON STILES OFFICE - DAY

JASON "DIGGER" STILES and LORELAI are fighting.

LAUREN GRAHAM (VOICE OVER)

Previously, on Gilmore Girls...

JASON

Lorelai, will you go to dinner with me?

LORELAI

Fine. One dinner.

EXT. YALE QUAD - DAY

RORY is standing looking at a guy sitting at the base of a tree.

RORY

This is my study tree.

HOT GUY

I see. Well, I've been studying here for a year and two months so I doubt I'm about to let a petty little freshman scare me away. It's a free world and if I want to sit here I will. There are plenty of trees around if you're looking for one.

INT. GILMORE SITTING ROOM - NIGHT

EMILY, RICHARD, and RORY are walking out. LORELAI and JASON are talking.

LORELAI


I mean, what are you doing here?

JASON


Well, you seemed to be avoiding me, so I figured what better way to find out than to come over for dinner.

EXT. YALE COURTYARD - DAY

CUTE GUY/BEN and RORY are sitting under the tree talking.

RORY

My name's actually Lorelai, I'm named after my mother, but my friends call me Rory. It helps lessen the confusion.

CUTE GUY

I see.

RORY

What's your name?

CUTE GUY

My name is Benedict. However anyone not a relative or over forty calls me Ben.

INT. YALE HALL - NIGHT

MARTY is asleep on the floor. RORY nudges his shoulder gently with her slippered foot.

MARTY

Huh? Where am I?

RORY

The first floor of Durfee.

MARTY

I'm naked.

RORY nods.

TEASER

1 INT. GILMORE DINING ROOM - NIGHT

RICHARD GILMORE, EMILY GILMORE, LORELAI GILMORE, and RORY GILMORE are at the dinner table eating.

RICHARD GILMORE

So Rory, I imagine you're going to the game tomorrow?

RORY GILMORE

I was thinking about it, but I haven't bought a ticket.

LORELAI GILMORE

What game?

RICHARD


What game?

EMILY GILMORE

It's only the biggest game of the year, Lorelai.

LORELAI looks to RORY for help.

RORY

The Yale versus Harvard game.

LORELAI

Oh, right. Football?

RICHARD scoffs.

RICHARD

Football she asks. Of course football. Anyways, Rory, your grandmother and I go every year.

EMILY

Yes, it's great fun.

RICHARD

We always buy a block of seats and we've got an extra ticket if you like.

RORY

Sure, I'd love to join you.

LORELAI

Can I come?

EMILY

You hate football.

LORELAI

I don't hate football.

EMILY

Yes you do, I remember when you were Rory's age, we took you and you said you hated football.

LORELAI

Well things change.

RICHARD

Do you really want to go?

LORELAI

Yes. I want to see what it's all about, partake in the memories and watch Yale beat Harvard!

RORY

Mom, are you sure?

LORELAI

Yes I'm sure.

RICHARD

Okay, well, we did have two extra tickets. We were going to have Rory invite that lovely friend of hers, Paris.

RORY

Oh, Paris bought her ticket a long time ago.

RICHARD

Really?

RORY

Yes, she's very excited.

LORELAI

Paris?

RORY

Paris. She wants to create a memory so she says. I really think she wants to see Yale beat the crap out of Harvard. She is pretty vindictive, life coach or no life coach.

LORELAI

That's true.

RICHARD

Well then it's settled, we'll meet you there at nine in the morning.

LORELAI

Okay, great. We'll be there.

CREDITS

ACT ONE

2 EXT. YALE - DAY

LORELAI and RORY are walking through a crowd.

RORY

So, I saw a message on the machine last night from Jason.

LORELAI

Really?

RORY

Did you call him back?

LORELAI

Actually yeah, I did.

RORY

And what'd he want?

LORELAI

He wanted to take me out to dinner tonight.

RORY

What'd you say?

LORELAI

I said I had plans today. He's keeping the reservation just in case.

RORY

Poor Jason.

LORELAI

What?

RORY

You keep leading him on.

LORELAI

I do not!

RORY

Do you intend on going out with him?

LORELAI

Well, it's just weird. With my parents and him being dad's business partner and all.

RORY

That's what I thought.

EMILY (O.S.)

Girls!

EMILY and RICHARD are waving to them from up ahead. LORELAI and RORY hurry and catch up with them.

RICHARD

We didn't know if you'd make it.

LORELAI

Oh, no we just had trouble finding a parking spot.

EMILY

Oh yes, it is difficult today.

RICHARD

Well I'm glad you're here. There's plenty to do.

LORELAI

When does the game start?

RICHARD

Oh not until this afternoon.

LORELAI glances at RORY.

RICHARD (CONT.)

First we're going to go see Dan.

LORELAI

Dan?

RICHARD and EMILY walk off. LORELAI and RORY follow them.

LORELAI

Dan?

3 EXT. YALE COURTYARD - DAY.

RICHARD and EMILY walk up to a case with a stuffed bulldog in it. LORELAI and RORY follow.

RICHARD

Lorelai, Rory, meet Dan.

LORELAI

Hi Dan.

RICHARD

Dan was the first Yale mascot. also known as, Handsome Dan.

LORELAI

I can see why. He's got cotton in his butt.

EMILY

Lorelai.

RICHARD

Every year your mother and I visit Dan before the game.

LORELAI

Right, because it's tradition of course.

EMILY

Exactly.

RICHARD

Emily, I think it's time for the toast.

EMILY

I agree.

LORELAI

Toast?

EMILY pulls four little cups out of her bag and opens them to their full capacity, handing one each to LORELAI, RORY and RICHARD. She then pulls out two flasks.

RICHARD

Ah, the Rory flask.

HE hands it to her.

RICHARD (CONT.)

And the fun flask.

LORELAI

I think I like football.

RICHARD fills up LORELAI, EMILY, and HIS cups while RORY fills her own. HE and EMILY raise theirs towards Dan. LORELAI and RORY follow.

RICHARD

To Dan! May our men have wings on their feet and steel in their hearts in this most important of games.

EMILY

To Dan!

RICHARD and EMILY drink.

LORELAI and RORY

To Dan!

THEY drink.

LORELAI

So, now what.

EMILY

Well, now we head over to the tailgate.

RICHARD and EMILY start walking.

LORELAI

Tailgate?

LORELAI and RORY follow them.

LORELAI (CONT.)

Did they really just say tailgate, or is it the fun flask talking?

4 EXT. YALE PARKING LOT - DAY

RICHARD, EMILY, RORY and LORELAI are walking through the crowds. LORELAI and RORY are hanging back.

LORELAI

Look at all these people.

RORY

And all this food.

LORELAI

Who knew so many people liked football?

RORY

and tailgating. They have burgers. They have, fish I think.

LORELAI

Oh look at that barbeque chicken, it's beautiful.

RORY

It is.

THEY stop next to the grill with the chicken on it, where a guy, BENNIE is tending it.

LORELAI

That's some nice looking chicken.

BENNIE

Thanks.

LORELAI

I'm Lorelai, this is Rory, what's your name master chicken maker?

BENNIE

I'm Bennie.

LORELAI

Nice to meet you and your chicken, Bennie. So, what kind of sauce do you use? A homemade recipe?

BENNIE

Well, kind of. I start with the bottled kind though.

LORELAI

I see.

EMILY comes up behind them.

EMILY

Lorelai, stop harassing people at Rory's school.

LORELAI

I was just complimenting him on his fine looking chicken. It certainly looks delicious, I wonder if it tastes as good.

RORY

Mom.

LORELAI

Huh?

RORY points behind her. LORELAI turns and spots an RV with tables set up outside of it. RICHARD is talking to a chef, while a maid places a tray on the table.

LORELAI

Bye Bennie.

LORELAI and RORY walk over to the RV.

5 EXT. YALE - GILMORE RV - DAY

LORELAI, RORY and RICHARD are sitting at a picnic table. EMILY is at the table behind them fixing bloody marys.

RICHARD

How are the drinks coming Emily?

EMILY

Just fine.

RICHARD

Good. So, how are you enjoying the day so far, Lorelai?

LORELAI

Oh, it's better than I expected.

RICHARD

Well that's good.

PENNILYN LOTT (OFF SCREEN)

Hello Richard, Emily.

PENNILYN LOTT is standing near the table where EMILY is fixing drinks.

EMILY

Hello Pennilyn. How are you?

PENNILYN

I'm fine and you?

EMILY

Fine. How is Steven?

PENNILYN

He's got a touch of the flu I'm afraid, he's very upset about missing the game.

RICHARD

I can imagine.

PENNILYN

How are you Richard?

RICHARD

Just fine, thank you. This is my daughter, Lorelai, and her daughter, Rory. This is Rory's first year at Yale.

PENNILYN

Congratulations. Well, it was nice seeing you again Emily and Richard, and meeting you Lorelai and Rory. I simply must be going.

EMILY

Oh, very well. Farewell.

PENNILYN walks away.

LORELAI

Was that my other mommy?

RICHARD

Excuse me?

LORELAI

Was that the woman Mom stole you from. Your college fiance.

EMILY

Lorelai.

LORELAI

Well, was it?

RICHARD

Yes, as a matter of fact it was.

EMILY sighs and brings two drinks over to them.

EMILY

Here, drink your drinks and lets not discuss it any longer.

RICHARD and LORELAI take their drinks from her. LORELAI takes a sip.

LORELAI

This is very good, Mom.

EMILY

Thank you.

LORELAI

So, why didn't we invite Pennilyn to join us?

EMILY

Because we just don't. We ask about each others families, and then say goodbye. That's all. We're simply polite to one another, we don't invite each other to do anything.

LORELAI

Uh, Okay.

LORELAI and RICHARD take a drink of their Bloody Mary's simultaneously.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

6 EXT. YALE - OUTSIDE BATHROOMS - DAY

A long line is coming out of the ladies room. RORY comes out past the line. She's just past another doorway when MARTY emerges and follows her.

MARTY

Hey, Rory!

RORY turns around.

RORY

Hey Marty.

MARTY catches up with her and they begin walking together.

MARTY

I didn't know you would be here.

RORY

Oh, yeah. My grandparents come every year so I came with them.

MARTY

That's cool. Are you guys tailgating? My family's tailgating. We're having burgers and dogs.

RORY

That sounds cool. We're tailgating too, but I'm not sure what we're having yet. So far we've just been snacking on cheese and crackers.

MARTY

That's cool.

RORY

Yeah, we're actually right up here.

MARTY

Oh my family is too. Did you see that RV? It's amazing. Must be some really rich people.

RORY

Oh, yeah. Some really rich people. Or you know, some rich people and their not so rich daughter and granddaughter.

THEY approach the R.V.

LORELAI (OFF SCREEN)

Rory! There you are.

MARTY

Oh, it's uh, yours isn't it?

RORY

No! Well, yeah, but no, not really. It's my grandparents. My mom and I are just, with them.

MARTY

It's okay, Rory. My foot is already well acquainted with my mouth.

LORELAI approaches them.

LORELAI

Hey, was the bathroom line short or should I be looking for some bushes?

RORY

Well, when I left I would say it could go either way.

LORELAI

Great, what use are you?

RORY

None.

LORELAI

Who is this?

RICHARD and EMILY come up behind LORELAI.

RORY

Oh, this is Marty. Marty, this is my mother, Lorelai, and my grandparents, Emily and Richard.

LORELAI

Naked guy?

MARTY

I see my reputation proceeds me.

EMILY

Naked guy? What does that mean?

MARTY

Oh there was just an incident with a party and I fell asleep in the hallway and woke up naked.

RICHARD

Oh that's nothing! I was naked for an entire month my senior year.

LORELAI

So much there I didn't need to know.

EMILY

Richard!

RICHARD

It's true. Some classmates and I wore nothing but our ties for a month protesting against the new set of dress codes.

LORELAI

I don't know if I should be proud or disgusted.

7 EXT. YALE - BATHROOMS - DAY

The line is now twice as long as when RORY was there. LORELAI exits the bathrooms. As she turns a corner heading back to the RV she runs into PENNILYN.

LORELAI

Oh I'm sorry. Oh, Hello Pennilyn.

PENNILYN

Hello Lorelai. How's the line?

LORELAI

Horrible, of course, but not as bad as some I've seen.

PENNILYN

Isn't that always the case?

EMILY begins to come around the corner but stops.

PENNILYN (CONT.)

So, you have a beautiful daughter.

LORELAI

Thank you.

PENNILYN

It must be very difficult to pay for all the things she needs at Yale with the Independence Inn having been closed.

LORELAI

Oh, my father told you about that?

PENNILYN

Yes, he also said you'd been looking at another inn for a couple years now.

LORELAI

As a matter of fact yes, I just bought it.

PENNILYN

That's wonderful.

EMILY narrows her eyes and comes from around the corner.

EMILY

Pennilyn.

PENNILYN

Emily. I'd better get in line. It was a pleasure speaking to you Lorelai.

LORELAI

You too.

PENNILYN walks away.

8 EXT. YALE - MARTY'S GROUP - DAY

RORY and MARTY are standing near a pick up truck. A bunch of guys MARTY'S age are standing around drinking and cooking on a Red Devil grill.

RORY

I better go.

MARTY

Alright, thanks for coming over and meeting the guys.

RORY

No problem. You got a nice set up here. My mom bought a Red Devil a couple of years ago, but we've never used it. She put it in our garage and it got lost. My friend started using the garage for band practices, so when we cleaned it we found it.

MARTY

That's funny. Well, see you later.

RORY

Yeah, later.

RORY starts walking away. She gets a couple yards away when she hears someone call her name.

BEN (OFF SCREEN)

Rory!

RORY looks towards the sound and sees BEN running towards her.

RORY

Hey Ben.

BEN

I didn't expect to see you here.

RORY

Uh, why?

BEN

You don't seem the football type.

RORY

Well I'm not, but I am the tailgating type. I'm not afraid to admit I like food.

BEN laughs.

RORY

Plus I'm here with my grandparents and mother.

BEN

I see. I like your sweater.

RORY

Thanks. I, uh, better get back. I've been gone kind of long.

BEN

Right. Okay, I'll see you at the tree on Monday?

RORY

You bet!

RORY continues walking. BEN watches a moment then turns back to where he came from.

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

9 EXT. YALE - GILMORE R.V. - DAY

RICHARD, EMILY, LORELAI and RORY are sitting at a table eating cheese and crackers. PARIS GELLAR walks up.

EMILY

Paris! How nice to see you. Have a seat.

PARIS GELLAR

Thank you.

PARIS sits next to RORY

PARIS (CONT.)

Hello Rory, Lorelai, Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore.

LORELAI

Hi Paris, help yourself to some cheese and crackers.

EMILY

Yes, can I get you something to drink, a coke maybe?

PARIS

Thank you, a coke would be nice.

EMILY signals for a maid to get PARIS a coke. The MAID does and sets it in front of PARIS promptly.

RORY

Is your family here?

PARIS

Oh no, they're not. It's okay though.

RICHARD

Are you enjoying yourself so far?

PARIS

I guess so. I've been walking around saying hi to people I know, and I saw Dan, both of them.

LORELAI

Both of them?

EMILY

The original and the current Dan. Dan hasn't been by here yet.

PARIS

I even brought my camera and took some pictures.

PARIS pulls out her camera and sets it on the table.

RORY

Oh? What of?

PARIS

Well, both Dan's, and a guy without a shirt on all painted in school colors.

EMILY

Oh my.

PARIS

And Janet's group. She's here with a bunch of her track friends. They have a couple of pick up trucks and are roasting vegetables.

LORELAI

We should get someone to take a picture of you here with us.

LORELAI gets up and grabs PARIS' camera.

PARIS

Oh really, it's fine.

LORELAI

No, no. I insist. You need memories.

LORELAI stops an elderly gentleman who is walking by.

LORELAI

Excuse me sir, could you take a picture for us?

GENTLEMAN

Sure, no problem.

The GENTLEMAN takes the camera from LORELAI and looks at them at the table through the view finder. LORELAI hurries and sits back down.

GENTLEMAN

Smile everyone.

EVERYONE smiles

GENTLEMAN

One, two, three.

A flash goes off and the GENTLEMAN hands the camera back to LORELAI

GENTLEMAN

Richard, I didn't realize until just now this was your family.

RICHARD

Asher! Why I hardly recognized you.

RICHARD and PROFESSOR ASHER FLEMING shake hands

RICHARD

Imagine that, just running into each other. You remember my wife Emily?

EMILY

Hello Asher.

ASHER

Emily, looking lovely as usual.

ASHER takes her hand and kisses it. He then turns to Lorelai.

ASHER

And you must be Lorelai, I've heard so much about you.

LORELAI

All bad I assume.

ASHER

Oh no, not all bad. So what brings you all to this neck of the woods?

RICHARD

My granddaughter Rory just started Yale.

ASHER

Well that's wonderful.

ASHER shakes RORY'S hand

ASHER (CONT.)

Congratulations.

RORY

Thank you, Mr. Fleming. I'd like you to meet my friend Paris as well.

ASHER shakes PARIS' hand.

ASHER

Pleased to meet you Paris.

PARIS

I'm pleased to meet you as well. I loved your book.

ASHER

Why thank you. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear I'll be teaching a class here starting next semester.

PARIS

Very pleased indeed. I'll make sure to take it.

ASHER

I look forward to it, and you as well Rory. Well, it's been nice seeing you again Richard and Emily, and meeting you all, but I must be going.

RICHARD

Very well, enjoy the game, Asher.

ASHER

I'm sure I will, Richard.

ASHER walks away.

PARIS

That was Asher Fleming.

RICHARD

Yes.

PARIS

That was Asher Fleming.

EVERYONE but PARIS looks at PARIS.

LORELAI

So Asher Fleming is to Paris as, say, Michael Vartan is to me.

10 EXT. YALE - DAY

RICHARD is standing with a group of YOUNG MEN, the WHIFFENPOOFS singing.

RICHARD and WHIFFENPOOFS

Sing the Whiffenpoofs assembled, with their glasses raised on high! And the magic of their singing, casts a spell.

EMILY approaches from the side and watches silently and stiffly.

RICHARD and WHIFFENPOOFS (CONT.)

Yes the magic of their singing, of the songs we love so well; "Shall I Wasting" and "Mavoureen" and the rest! We will serenade our Louie, Till health and voices fail. And we'll pass and be forgotten with the rest.

RICHARD spots EMILY and smiles at her while singing.

RICHARD and WHIFFENPOOFS (CONT.)

We are poor little lambs, who have lost our way. Baa! Baa! Baa! We are little, black sheep, who have gone astray! Baa! Baa! Baa!

EMILY'S face shows exactly what she thinks of those lyrics in light of recent revelations.

RICHARD AND WHIIFENPOOFS (CONT.)

Gentlemen, songsters, off on a spree, doomed from here to eternity; Lord! Have mercy on such as we, Baa! Baa! Baa!

The small crowd gathered applauds as they finish.

RICHARD

Well gentlemen, after all that singing, I think it's time for something to quench my parched throat. Wouldn't you agree?

Several WHIFFENPOOFS nod and speak affirmatives.

RICHARD

Come on, we can get some refreshments at my family's area.

The WHIFFENPOOFS follow RICHARD to where EMILY has returned to the RV.

RICHARD

Emily! Why don't we get these nice young men something to drink.

EMILY

I believe you are perfectly capable of doing so.

RICHARD

Excuse me? Emily, is something wrong.

EMILY

Why, whatever could be wrong Richard?

LORELAI is sitting at a picnic table near the WHIFFENPOOFS.

LORELAI

Abort, abort! Run! Danger, Will Robinson, danger.

RICHARD

What has gotten into you today Emily?

EMILY

What has gotten into me? What has gotten into me, perhaps it's what has been getting a hold of you!

LORELAI gestures at the WHIFFENPOOFS

LORELAI

I said, "Danger, Will Robinson, danger!"

The WHIFFENPOOFS take the hint and leave quickly.

RICHARD

What in the devil are you talking about?

EMILY

I'm talking about you keeping in touch with Pennilyn Lotts!

RICHARD

You knew that Emily.

EMILY

I knew that we exchanged pleasantries with her here every year. I had no idea you'd been keeping in contact with her otherwise. Keeping her updated on our lives, on Lorelai and Rory's lives.

RICHARD

I didn't see how it matters. So I'd been having lunch with her every year. It's just two old friends catching up.

EMILY

How long?

RICHARD

I don't know, since we got married.

EMILY

Since we got married? and you don't see how it matters!

EMILY stops and hmphs. She walks off.

LORELAI

I'll check on her.

RICHARD looks perplexed.

11 EXT. YALE - DAY

LORELAI is hurrying to catch up with EMILY

LORELAI

Mom!

EMILY turns.

EMILY

What now Lorelai?

LORELAI

I just wanted to see if you were okay.

EMILY

I'm fine.

LORELAI

You didn't seem fine when you were fighting with Dad.

EMILY

Well I'm fine.

LORELAI

Mom, it's okay to be upset about this, to be mad at Dad for not telling you.

EMILY

Oh, and what about you?

LORELAI

Me?

EMILY

Is it okay to be mad at you?

LORELAI

No, wait, why are you mad at me?

EMILY

If it hadn't been for you I'd have never found out.

LORELAI

It's not like I plotted this. Besides, wouldn't you rather know than not know?

EMILY

I was perfectly happy not knowing. Now you've come and ruined it all. I'm second guessing your father.

LORELAI

I'm sorry.

EMILY

Do you have any idea what you did?

LORELAI

I didn't do anything wrong, Mom!

EMILY

Now he and I are going to have to decide if we want to confront this head on, or sweep it under the rug.

LORELAI snorts.

LORELAI

I think it's a little late for that.

EMILY

Your comments are not needed Lorelai. Not after what you've done.

RORY walks up.

RORY

What's going on? Are you guys fighting?

LORELAI

Not anymore. Come on Rory, we're going home.

LORELAI starts walking away, RORY follows her.

RORY

But the game.

LORELAI

If you want to stay you can.

RORY

What happened?

LORELAI

Your grandmother and grandfather got into a fight, and apparently she thinks it's my fault.

RORY

What'd you do?

LORELAI

What'd I do? What do you mean by that?

RORY

I didn't mean it like that I meant, well, what started it.

LORELAI

Mom over heard me talking to Pennilynn, apparently Dad's been having lunch with her once a year, every year since Mom and Dad got married.

RORY

Wow.

LORELAI

Wow is right.

RORY

I am going to stay, but you go. Maybe it's not too late to call Jason.

LORELAI

You know what? You're right.

RORY

I am?

LORELAI

Yes. Why should I keep worrying about what Mom thinks when she treats me like this? I'm calling Jason.

LORELAI pulls out her cell phone and starts dialing.

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

12 INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

LORELAI and JASON enter. LORELAI looks around the dark interior as Jason talks to the hostess. The hostess begins to walk away, JASON takes LORELAI'S arm and follows the hostess at a slight distance.

LORELAI (WHISPERING)

This is a nice place, and we're being seated right away. You sure know how to woo a girl.

JASON

I try.

LORELAI

Is that Ted Koppel?

JASON

Where?

LORELAI

There, at the table in the corner.

JASON

It is.

LORELAI

Well I'm impressed. You're making a good first impression.

JASON leads her through a doorway into a private room. LORELAI looks confused. The hostess sets menus on the table and leaves.

LORELAI

What is this?

JASON

Our table.

LORELAI

Oh, but, we're in here, alone.

JASON

Right, it's a private room.

LORELAI

Oh.

LORELAI is quiet as they study their menus.

LORELAI

Did you ask for a private room?

JASON

Yes. You hate it don't you?

LORELAI

No, it's just...

JASON


Weird.

LORELAI

Yeah a little. I can get over it though.

THEY go back to reading their menus. A burst of laughter comes from the outside room followed by the sound of a dish breaking. As applause can be heard LORELAI looks to the door longingly.

JASON

Let's go.

LORELAI

What?

JASON

Let's go. You don't like it here, we'll just go somewhere else.

LORELAI

Okay.

THEY get up and leave.

13 INT. JASON'S CAR - NIGHT

JASON is driving, LORELAI is sitting silently in the passenger seat.

JASON

So, you must be hungry, where would you like to go?

LORELAI

Oh, I'm not hungry, not really.

JASON

Right, you tailgated.

LORELAI

But you must be hungry.

JASON

Not really.

THEY'RE quiet a moment.

LORELAI

God, I'm starving.

JASON

Me too.

LORELAI

You said you weren't hungry!

JASON

So did you!

LORELAI

Take the next exit.

JASON

Why?

LORELAI

There's a great taco place there.

JASON

Oh.

LORELAI

You like taco's right?

JASON

Not really.

LORELAI

Okay well, um, pull in here!

JASON

It's a grocery store.

LORELAI

So? At least we know it has food, and probably a large variety.

JASON pulls into a parking spot in front of a grocery store.

14 EXT - YALE DORMS - NIGHT

RORY is walking down a sidewalk in front of a dorm. She runs into BEN in front of the doors.

BEN

Rory! Hi.

RORY

Oh hey, sorry.

BEN

It's okay. I didn't expect to run into you here, literally.

RORY

Yeah, me neither. Is this your dorm?

BEN

Sure is. So, how'd you like the game?

RORY

I read.

BEN

Me too.

RORY

Really?

BEN

Yeah. I'm not much of a football fan, but my friends dragged me so I had to put on my school spirit face for it.

RORY

I bet it was glad to get some use.

BEN

Yeah, I don't really use it much. Say, you want to come in for some cocoa? That was my plans. My roommate Jordan has a hot plate that we use to heat up water with for instant soup and instant coffee and that sort of thing.

RORY

That sounds cool, and I'd like to, but I have to get back to my dorm and write an article.

BEN

Who are you insulting this time?

RORY

Very funny.

BEN

Sorry. Well that's okay, some other time.

RORY

Definitely.

BEN

Have fun writing.

RORY

Bye.

BEN walks up to the door while RORY watches him. BEN pauses at the door to wave at RORY who waves back before he goes inside and she continues on.

15 INT. SUPERMARKET - NIGHT

LORELAI is in the chip isle searching the racks for something. JASON comes up the aisle with a basket.

JASON

Hey, I got us a four pack of dinner rolls from the bakery.

LORELAI

Darn.

JASON

Sorry, I didn't know you were so against carbs, I should have guessed with your figure.

LORELAI

Oh no, that's not it. Carbs are good, they're great even. It's the chips.

JASON

Okay.

LORELAI picks up a tube of chips.

LORELAI

It's just they usually have these in the smaller ones and I can't find them.

JASON looks with her briefly.

JASON

I don't see them either. So, get the big one.

LORELAI

I like the small ones, they're cute and little and they fit in my purse so I can grab them on my way out the door.

JASON

I see. Hold on a second.

JASON walks over to the next aisle, LORELAI looks confused. A moment later JASON comes back with a stock boy.

JASON

Come on.

LORELAI

Come on? Come on where?

JASON

He's going to let us go in back to look for it.

LORELAI

Wow, you're good.

LORELAI and JASON follow the stock boy.

16 EXT. YALE - NIGHT

RORY approaches her dorm. She stops suddenly. We see that she sees PARIS and PROFESSOR FLEMING standing together farther down the walk. They're oblivious to Rory, talking, PARIS gesticulating wildly. RORY shrugs and smiles to herself.

RORY

Looks like Paris got her interview.

RORY turns and walks into the dorm. The door's barely closed when suddenly PROFESSOR FLEMING leans down and hugs PARIS tightly, kissing her forehead. She smiles up at him and leans up to kiss him on the mouth.

END

Guest Starring:

- Bennie

Linda Gehringer - Pennilyn Lott

Wayne Wilcox - Marty

Michael York - Professor Asher Fleming

Mike Erwin - Ben(edict)

Melissa Jones - Maid

The Whiffenpoofs - Themselves

Chris Eigeman - Jason