SEGMENT THREE
INT. LUKE'S DINER – FRIDAY MORNING
Liz and TJ arrive at the diner with Doula. Luke is at the counter (as usual) wiping it down after the morning rush.
LIZ: Hey, big brother! (Sets Doula in the stroller that TJ sets next to her)
LUKE: (Looks down at Doula and smiles) Hey. Coffee?
LIZ: (As she sits at the counter) Actually I'm still feeling congested after that cold I had last week. Do you have any of that smelly tea you usually drink?
LUKE: It's not smelly. It's mint green tea.
LIZ: Right.
TJ: (Sits down as well and waits for Luke to serve him, but Luke walks away – to the back - to get the tea) Okay, that's fine. I will get my own coffee (TJ moves to the back of the counter)
TJ: (Looks at Liz and jokes as he pours himself coffee) Boy, watch Luke get pissed off when he sees me back here.
Luke walks back with some tea bags.
TJ: (Starts to apologize as he struggles to set the pot back) Oh, I was just getting…
LUKE: (Surprisingly) Oh, I could've gotten that for you TJ. Here let me (he takes the pot and places it back where it belongs – TJ is surprised at how nice he is as he walks back to his seat).
LUKE: (As he sets a mug of hot water and some tea bags in front of Liz) Muffins, anyone?
TJ: You know, I love those blueberry muffins you usually have.
LUKE: (Opens the lid of the tier and places a couple of muffins in front of TJ) Well then, have two. (Liz is amused and disturbed at how nice Luke is to her husband)
LIZ: Hey, what about me?
TJ: Get your own.
LUKE: Of course. (He gets another muffin and places it in front of Liz)
LIZ: (Looks down) Just one?
LUKE: Oh, did you want two?
LIZ: No. (Looks at TJ already halfway through his first muffin – she looks back at Luke) Why are you being so nice to him?
TJ: Shh, don't question it.
LUKE: (Looks at TJ) Who? Him? (Looks back at Liz and chuckles) I'm always nice to you guys.
TJ: (Looks up and protests) Not to me. Never to me.
LIZ: If you need him to do something, you know you don't have to be nice to him. (TJ looks up from his coffee)
LUKE: (Chuckles again and looks at TJ) Oh no, I don't need you to do anything.
LIZ: (Changes the topic. She grins as she continues) Hey, how's it going with Lorelai? (Thinks) Ah, that's why you're so chipper!
LUKE: I'm not chipper. I'm always nice to TJ.
LIZ: Deny it all you want, Luke. But that woman makes you happy and you can't do anything about it.
TJ: I say, all will be gravy until there's a hospital and a daughter involved.
LIZ: Oh stop, TJ.
LUKE: (Occupied with thoughts of his own) You actually missed her. She was here a few minutes ago.
LIZ: Oh yeah? (As she picks on her muffin and feeds Doula a few crumbs) How's that beautiful daughter of hers?
LUKE: (Nods – still occupied) Good. Good. She's doing well in Iowa.
LIZ: (Not paying any attention) That's good.
LUKE: (Looks at TJ) Oh hey, I did need to talk to you about something.
TJ: (With his mouth full) Oh yeah?
LUKE: I was thinking of putting up some shelves in the apartment. Do you have a few minutes to look at the space?
TJ: (Looks at the rest of his muffin and coffee) Now?
LUKE: You can bring it with you, TJ.
TJ: (Jumps off the seat) Oh, okay. (To Liz) Be back in a bit, babe.
LIZ: (Still occupied with Doula) Okay.
LUKE: Caesar, I'll be back in a bit.
CAESAR: (Shouts from the back) Okay, boss!
CUT INT. LUKE'S APARTMENT – A MINUTE LATER
Camera on Luke and TJ entering the apartment. TJ walks to the table and sets his plate and mug.
LUKE: (Walks towards April's bedroom) I'm going to get this part of the apartment closed. With a door and everything so April can have her own room. (TJ nods) And I want to make sure she has everything she needs in her room… and I think shelves would be nice.
TJ: (With his hands on his side, continues to nod as he examines the wall space) Right… right. (Then walks to the table and picks up the stuff to go back downstairs) Just let me know how big and where you would like it to go, and I will make it happen, brother-in-law. (Pauses a second to state one more thing) The fee however has gone up again… you know, since the last time I put up shelves for you.
LUKE: (Nods) Of course.
TJ: Okay. Great. I'll see you down there.
LUKE: (Continues to stand in one place... contemplating. He speaks up before TJ makes it through the doors) Actually, TJ… I have something else I need to talk to you about (swallows a bit nervously). If you have a minute.
TJ: (Stops as he senses the tone. He walks back to the table) Oh, this sounds serious. (He pulls a chair and takes a seat and motions for Luke to sit as well) Anything for you, Luke.
LUKE: (Sighs and pulls a chair as well. He slouches in his seat and begins) Now, I don't know why I feel the need to talk to you about this. And I don't want to really think about why because that will only make me question my own sanity…
TJ: (Raises his brows) Gee, great opener. My self-esteem thanks you.
LUKE: (Sighs again) What if…
TJ: (Rolls his eyes) Aw come on, this is not one of those hypothetical things – is it? Last time we had a discussion like this, I ended up having a big fight with Liz and she made me sleep in crazy Carrie's house. And it wasn't fun seeing as her son's the spawn of the devil.
LUKE: (Confused) Crazy Carrie has a daughter.
TJ: Oh. (Pause) Well, go on – and no more hypothetical thing-a-magees.
LUKE: (Sighs yet again) It so happens… (looks up and points at TJ) and I swear to God, I will hurt you if you repeat this to anyone.
TJ: (Very curious) I believe you, and that's why I won't tell anyone. Not even Liz. (Gestures) Cross my heart.
LUKE: (Continues) It so happens that since Lorelai and I got together… again… I haven't spent time at the house.
TJ: At her house?
LUKE: Yes.
TJ: (As if a light bulb turns on) Ohhh, I see where this is going.
LUKE: Can you let me finish?
TJ: Go on.
LUKE: She asked me today if there was a reason why I hadn't… especially since she and Christopher got married and he lived in that house with her… you know…
TJ: And you said…
LUKE: No. I said it was a coincidence.
TJ: Is it?
LUKE: (Frustrated) I don't know. I think it's a coincidence. It never occurred to me…
TJ: But subconsciously, it's not a coincidence.
LUKE: What?
TJ: I don't know much about all that mumjo jumbo, Luke. I'm just saying. If I was in your shoes – I'd be a little weirded out about it too. I mean, here you and Lorelai were… ready to get married… and the next thing you know, the two of you break up and she goes off and marries another man and lives in the same exact house that the two of you had planned to live in your whole life together (this makes Luke trail off and realize something – but TJ continues). If I were you, I wouldn't even trust her.
LUKE: (Looks at TJ, and continues softly) I trust her.
TJ: Then what's the problem? If you love her and you want this to work, I don't understand why the house should be an issue.
LUKE: (Confused at TJ's logic) Wait a minute. You just said you'd be weirded out about the house too.
TJ: Yes, but I changed my mind as I went on. (Pause) Look… I just think that if this is it for the two of you. If she's the one you want to spend the rest of your life with… for real this time, I say you have to face the minor issues (gestures) head on… and figure it out together… and move on. (Luke is surprised at TJ's words) You know what I mean? (Whispers as if there are others around) Although, it's still not too late to change your mind about her.
LUKE: (Rolls his eyes) I'm not going to change my mind about her.
TJ: Okay. (Looks around) Well, if there's nothing else – I'd like to get back to my wife and kid. (He gets up and whispers again) Liz has been a little needy the past few days… with the cold and all.
LUKE: (Gets up at well) Yeah, ye… (pats him on the shoulder) Thanks, TJ.
TJ: (Nods) Anytime. Hey, do you think I could get another blueberry muffin on my way out?
LUKE: (Subtly smiles) Sure.
TJ leaves. Camera on Luke staring at the front door – processing everything.
EXT. GILMORE MANSION – FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER
Luke and Lorelai have just arrived. They are prepping for their entrance into the Gilmore mansion.
LUKE: (As he walks to the front door with Lorelai) Are you sure this is a good idea? Are you sure Emily isn't behind that door ready with pitchforks and machetes to get me? I bet she even blames me for the breakup of your marriage to Christopher. (This makes Lorelai look at him)
LORELAI: You know she doesn't think that. (Continues on) Although, if she did - she'd have a point.
LUKE: (Turns his head suddenly) What?
LORELAI: Just saying… Chris and I didn't work out because it wasn't meant to be. And to make matters slightly complicated, I was already taken (she looks at Luke with friendly eyes)…
LUKE: (Can't help but smile, but after a pause - he responds softly) Hey, what do you say after dinner – we head back home… I will grab some food from the diner… and we do one of your movie nights?
LORELAI: (Surprised) At the house?
LUKE: (Suggestively, he nods) Yeah.
LORELAI: (Smiles sweetly) Sounds great.
LUKE: (Smiles and reaches for the door bell – then sighs as he looks at the door) Here we go.
LORELAI: (Reassuringly) I got your back.
INT. GILMORE MANSION
Camera on Emily as she opens the door.
EMILY: (With her usual smile – times a few hundred) Well hello!
LORELAI: (Senses something odd) Hi mom.
LUKE: (Nods) Emily.
EMILY: (As she examines them both) Well, come in! Come in!
LORELAI: (Raises her eyes at Luke as she enters her childhood home) Where's dad?
EMILY: (A grin is still on her face) In the living room. (Looks at Luke) It's wonderful to see you again, Luke!
LUKE: (Unsure how to respond) Oh, yeah… (nods) same here.
INT. LIVING ROOM
As she walks into the living room with Luke, Lorelai notices a couple of used glasses and a half empty bottle of scotch on the coffee table. Richard is at the cart already making some drinks. He sees them enter and stops for a minute to shake Luke's hand.
RICHARD: (Glowing happily and with a few too many drinks in him - he extends his arm) Luke… great to see you again.
LUKE: (Nods as he extends his arm as well) Yeah… same here.
RICHARD: (As he points to the cart) What will you have?
LORELAI: (Notices her father's mannerisms but jumps in as she takes a seat) Vodka with a twist, please.
RICHARD: Actually I think I made the perfect Mojito. Would any of you like to try? (Luke nods as he stands next to the cart)
LORELAI: (Confused) You know how to make Mojitos? Why didn't I know this the past 39 years of my life?
EMILY: (As she sits in her chair, she laughs at Lorelai's "joke" – which makes Lorelai worry) He just found the perfect recipe…
RICHARD: (finishes the sentence)… thanks to Absolut. (Both men walk to the ladies with their drinks – then they take a seat. Richard notices the open scotch on the coffee table) Oh, Emily – we forgot to put the scotch away.
EMILY: (Usually very anal about such things) Oh… I completely forgot. (Calls out to the maid) Nina!?
LORELAI: (Confused she looks at Luke – then back at Emily) Did you have company?
RICHARD: Oh no…
EMILY: … we were just having a little drink before dinner.
LORELAI: (Looks at the drink Emily has in her hand) Hmm.
LUKE: (Awkwardly, he announces after he takes a sip of Richard's new Mojito) This is very good, Richard.
LORELAI: (As she sips on hers too) Mmm… best Mojito I've ever had.
EMILY: (Sighs) It's such a refreshing drink. (Laughs) Especially now that the summers are getting warmer by the day. (Richard joins her laugh)
LORELAI: (Looks at Emily and Richard with quizzical eyes) Yeah.
Pause. Everyone sighs.
Scene Fades.
CUT INT. GILMORE DINING ROOM
Dinner has already started. As we fade in, we hear laughter – that of Richard and Emily. They are playing out some sort of hilarious scene that they had encountered. All of this is terrifying to both Lorelai and Luke.
RICHARD: (Trying to contain his laughter between his meal) … so we tell the old man, go about your business boy… because we are here to stay. We are not leaving until we see the manager – not knowing that he was in fact the manager! (Lorelai is beyond disturbed at their behavior. Richard raises his glass of wine) Here's to our 20s! Oh how we miss you! Cheers!
Luke is confused, yet trying to be polite – he chuckles and awkwardly raises his glass. Emily starts to laugh even more.
EMILY: Cheers! (Unexpectedly burps out loud) Oh! Excuse me. I don't know what has come over me.
LORELAI: A few too many drinks? Maybe?
EMILY: (Brushes it off) Oh hush, Lorelai. (Looks at Luke) Excuse my daughter, Luke. She doesn't know what she's talking about. (Luke stays safe)
LORELAI: (Not being able to take any more of it) Umm… mom… dad? (Her parents look up at her) What's going on?
EMILY: (Looks at Richard) What do you mean?
RICHARD: (Looks at Emily as well) Yes, what do you mean Lorelai?
LORELAI: You are both very drunk!
EMILY: We're not drunk. We're just… we're just "tipsy"
LORELAI: (Rolls her eyes) Okay fine… but why?
EMILY: (Continues to deny there being a reason) Why? There's no reason…
RICHARD: (Sobers up and steps in as he realizes that they needed to explain their current behavior) Emily, I think it's obvious to Lorelai (looks at Luke) and Luke that this isn't our typical Friday night dinner. (Emily sighs as Richard turns to Lorelai to explain) We have just found out that one of our new investments wasn't any good.
LORELAI: Okay.
RICHARD: (Looks at Luke) I'm sorry for our behavior Luke… (looks back at Lorelai) A few months ago, per someone's trusted word and expertise, I invested in a new – up and coming company.
LORELAI: Oh no. I'm afraid to ask…
RICHARD: (Continues as Emily examines Luke – sitting there all quiet) Yes, well the company just filed for bankruptcy. Something that was not expected… and completely out of the blue.
LORELAI: Please tell me you didn't invest all your money on this thing.
RICHARD: Of course not, Lorelai. We are not idiots. (looks at Emily) Although, I was an idiot for trusting his judgment.
LORELAI: Whose judgment?
The elder Gilmores stay quiet.
LORELAI: (Repeats – but suspiciously) Whose judgement?
RICHARD: (Turns to Luke) I am sorry to bring up his name in front of you, Luke. (Looks at Lorelai) Your idiotic ex-husband is the very man who recommended the stock and encouraged me to invest.
LORELAI: (Looks at Luke to make sure he was okay with the mention of the name – Luke gestures to say it is) Did you tell him about it?
RICHARD: (Suggestively) Oh, I've already had my little spat with him.
EMILY: (Adds as Luke still tries to stay out of it) It was more than just a spat, Richard. It should teach him never to push people into such things.
LORELAI: You know better than to invest in something just based on someone's word, dad.
RICHARD: I know Lorelai. If I didn't, this certainly taught me a lesson.
LORELAI: (Not wanting to pry but concerned) On a ball park figure… how much did this cost you?
RICHARD: Oh, just a few thousands…. Nothing that could hurt us financially (Luke raises his brows as he looks down at his food) … but it was a waste… and I'm not fond of wasting money.
LORELAI: (Still not understanding the reason for being tipsy) So, this is why the two of you are one shot short of being drunk?
EMILY: Now, now… all of that is behind us… let's drop this topic and talk about something else. Shall we?
RICHARD: (As he resumes eating his dinner) Brilliant idea, Emily.
EMILY: (Looks at Luke – Luke somehow had anticipated the topic would lead to him) Luke, how is your daughter? You have to bring her for dinner before we leave for Europe in a couple of weeks.
Scene fades as Luke begins to respond.
CUT EXT. GILMORE MANSION – END OF FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER
Luke and Lorelai are exiting the house.
EMILY: Have a goodnight!
RICHARD: Drive safe.
LUKE: Thanks again. Goodnight.
LORELAI: (As the door closes) Goodnight, mom. Goodnight, dad.
They stand near the door as they have done before.
LUKE: (As he places his hands on his sides) Well, that was interesting.
LORELAI: (Continues sarcastically) Oh yeah, especially loved the part where mom grilled you even further about April and the custody hearing after you told her that April now lives in New Mexico and isn't able to attend Friday night dinner before they leave for Europe. All very entertaining.
LUKE: (Looks at her and responds sympathetically) Well, at least it's out now… and they won't grill me anymore.
LORELAI: Trust me hon, they'll find something else. (Takes a moment to examine him) Hey, sorry you had to hear his name… and dad go on about how he screwed up.
LUKE: (Cuts in and sincerely puts her worries to rest) It's not a big deal, Lorelai. Besides… (gets a bit cocky as he walks to the passenger side of the truck to let Lorelai in)… it was refreshing.
LORELAI: (As she gets in, she is amused at Luke's gloating expression) Really?
LUKE: (Smiles, then walks around and gets in himself) Really.
LORELAI: Do you still want to do movie night?
LUKE: Of course, I do. I will drop you off at your place… go over to the diner get some food and we'll start your movie night.
LORELAI: (Smiling) Sounds good.
Luke starts the engine.
CUT INT. LORELAI'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – AN HOUR LATER
Lorelai – already changed into comfortable clothing – is placing more snacks on the coffee table, and fluffing the cushions so everything will be comfortable during her movie night with Luke. Camera also reveals the old 19-inch TV back in the living room with no signs of a flatscreen ever being there.
CUT EXT. LORELAI'S HOUSE – SAME TIME
Luke has just arrived. Camera follows him as he walks towards the steps with a big bag of food in one hand. Camera stops as he does before he reaches the steps. As the camera pans around to reveal his face, we see an expression that has suddenly taken over his mood. An expression that can only be described as fear and uncertainty. It seems as though he had just started to breathe a bit heavily and that his heart was pounding uncontrollably. He cannot get himself to move another step further.
CUT INT. LORELAI'S HOUSE – SAME TIME
Lorelai begins to turn certain lights off and on to find the best lighting for an enjoyable night with her man. Once she is finished fiddling with the lights, realizing that it has been a while since Luke had dropped her off - she looks at the time on her cell phone. Then she plops down on the couch and she goes through the DVDs set on the coffee table one more time. Impatience gets the better of her, and she slouches back on the couch and sighs.
Her cell phone rings.
LORELAI: (Picks it up as she sees who it is – she smiles) Hey… don't tell me you don't have any pie left.
Scenes cut between Lorelai's front yard and her living room.
LUKE: (Not being able to follow up with a witty response – he says in a deep serious tone) Lorelai.
LORELAI: (Chuckles at his sudden tone) Are you on your way? I'm starving.
LUKE: (Swallows and continues) Lorelai, I can't do it.
LORELAI: (Her smile gradually vanishes) Can't do… what? Luke, where are you?
LUKE: I'm outside your house.
LORELAI: What? (Suddenly gets up off the couch and moves to the front door – as she opens the door) Well, come on in then. (She sees Luke out on the yard – she looks at the stairs – then back at Luke as he puts his cell phone in his pocket. She sees his expression and steps out quickly – but gradually climbs down the porch steps) Luke?
LUKE: (Places a hand on his forehead) I can't do it. (Lorelai is uncertain how to react) I was fine… you know. I was fine when I didn't know. But after you talked to me this morning, all I could think about was… this. That I maybe hate your house… (he nods) and I know it seems stupid, and petty… (Lorelai shakes her head to disagree)… but I hate it. I hate that he lived here with you. And… and… (Points at the steps) I hate those steps… and it's ridiculous! (Stammers a bit and his voice cracks in the middle of the sentence) I... I... hate that you were standing right there when you told me about that night. I hate that that was the first day, in the entire time I've known you… that I hated you for (gestures) a brief moment. (Concedes) And you know that I feel more for you now than I've felt before… I hope you know that (Lorelai nods as she holds back her emotions. Pause.) I just need to get over this little … thing… you know?
LORELAI: (Softly, as she stands on the last step) I know. (Sighs) Luke… (continues almost desperately) what do you want me to do? Tell me, and I will do anything to make this right.
LUKE: (Sighs) I just need to get over it, Lorelai.
LORELAI: Ok.
LUKE: But not tonight. (Lorelai nods sympathetically as Luke stretches out the bag of food). There's two burgers in there with a whole container of fries, and a whole pie (still looking at Luke's face, Lorelai takes the bag. Luke looks up at her) I'm sorry.
LORELAI: (Sympathetically) Don't be.
LUKE: I'll see you tomorrow? (Lorelai nods – Luke turns to leave)
Camera on Lorelai as she watches Luke exit her front yard. She heavily sighs, and turns around and examines her house.
Scene fades.
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I made this segment longer than usual. Thoughts? Speculations on the next segment? All reviews are welcome.
Will update with final segment as soon as possible.