SEGMENT TWO
INT. THE MUSE CAFÉ – FRIDAY MORNING (End of May)
Scene opens on Rory, sitting at a table by the window, reading something on the laptop situated in front of her on the table. As the camera pans, we see that she's reading Nate's latest blog on the New York Times' website. The camera pans around, and on the table we see a Moleskine book, the New York Times, and a couple of other belongings that suggest Rory isn't alone. The camera cuts to the side as Nate approaches the table with two cups of coffee and a muffin. Rory smiles a bit as she continues to read…
NATE: Here you go (places their breakfast on the table).
RORY: (Barely looking up) I love this (points to the screen and then Looks up at Nate) It's a great piece…
NATE: (Sits across from her and sips on his coffee) Figured I'd make an effort since it's the last one for at least three months.
RORY: (Closes the laptop and pushes the device to the side as she takes the muffin and cuts it into two pieces) I'm going to miss those blogs.
NATE: (With a cheeky smile, he looks at her as he picks on his portion of the muffin) No you won't, why settle for reading my muddled rants when you can hear it in person?
RORY: True.
NATE: (Remembers as he takes a sip of his coffee) Hey, I forgot to mention… (Rory looks up curiously), Gus called me a couple of days ago…
RORY: And?
NATE: Remember Jonah Callum, the guy at the meetings?
RORY: (Nods) Yeah, he's been with the New York Times for a decade, hasn't he?
NATE: Gus mentioned he was out.
RORY: (Surprised) The Times let go of Jonah?
NATE: (Shakes his head) No, he was pulled from the project – along with a couple of others.
RORY: (Curiously) Why?
NATE: Guess they're cutting back a bit.
RORY: (Pouts) Poor Jonah.
NATE: On the contrary, he was supposedly thankful… something about having a lot on his plate…
RORY: (Shakes her head) Yes, but I'm sure it was such a hassle to rearrange his life to fit everything in only to be taken off the project.
NATE: Anyway, I don't know who else Gus mentioned it to… so it's between us…
RORY: Lips are sealed. (Changes the topic) You know, I looked at our itineraries again. Not exactly the most comfortable living arrangements… but I've always been intrigued by nomadic life.
NATE: It's the living arrangements here that I'm uncomfortable with... (Rory looks up as Nate sighs and takes a moment before he continues) … we need to find a place to crash for the next few days…
RORY: (Nods) I agree. While the first couple of nights at the shelter seemed "romantic" – it's getting risky to sleep in your office.
NATE: (Argues) If only you'd be comfortable crashing at my folks'… I told you, Rose is over the whole thing.
RORY: Your mother may be over it, but I'm certainly not. (With a deep sigh, she shakes her head) God, that was so embarrassing. I don't think I can even look at her with a straight face anymore.
NATE: (Amused) Really, it's in the past. Everything's fine.
RORY: No, it's not. I'm terrified of seeing your parents again. (With an idea) Maybe we should talk to her?
NATE: Who?
RORY: Rose. Your mother. Apologize and try to move on… or something.
NATE: (Shakes his head) Hey, I have nothing to talk to her about. And Gilmore, she has moved on… trust me.
RORY: But I'd feel more comfortable if I cleared the air… you know?
NATE: (With a smile, shakes his head) Whatever you want to do…
RORY: (With her mind made up, she nods) Right… I will go see her tomorrow.
NATE: (Amused at how paranoid she gets) If you think it's best.
Rory nods and flips open the newspaper as Nate watches her.
NATE: … are you coming over to the shelter tonight?
RORY: (Nods) Yeah, I put my name down to clean up tonight. After dinner at my grandparents' of course. I don't want to miss it since it's the last one for a while.
NATE: Understandable.
RORY: (Sighs and exclaims) You know, as uncomfortable as those dinners can be at times, I think I'm going to miss them while I'm gone. (Pouts) I'm going to miss Gladys' cooking. Hope she will still be around in three months.
NATE: (Explains as he fondly remembers) When I was in South Africa a few years ago …there's was this contemporary African place in Johannesburg called Lekgotla - Great atmosphere, great music… (looks up at Rory) I'll take you there… it's umm… it's not quite like the Birch Room at Butter (the restaurant) - but definitely an experience.
RORY: (Smiles) I can't wait. (Takes a deep breath as Nate looks on) In fact, I'm so excited, I… I can't wait to see and experience it all. I know it's a lot of work and we probably won't have a lot of time to do our own thing, but it's the most amazing opportunity ever… You won't believe how grateful I am… (the two look at each other for a moment)… I can't wait.
Scene fades.
INT. LUKE'S DINER – FRIDAY MID-MORNING
Scene opens in the diner, as Lorelai sits at a table by the window. Beside her we see a cute stroller with Nicholas safely tucked inside. As Lorelai casually looks outside the window, she does a double-take to make out the familiar face across the street. The camera cuts to April as she hides behind the side-wall of a building. Curiously, Lorelai follows her step-daughter's gaze and sees the young man she's hiding from. It's Giles Robinson, Taylor's nephew. With an expression of amusement, Lorelai turns around to see Luke as he approaches her table.
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey. (Luke looks down at Nicholas and smiles) Thought we'd pay a visit…
Luke adjusts the small blanket on Nicholas, and then looks up at his wife and gives her a quick peck on the lips.
LUKE: What would you like to order?
LORELAI: (Tries to be nonchalant) Oh, just a blueberry muffin and a regular coffee… please.
LUKE: A blueberry muffin and a decaf coffee… got it.
LORELAI: (Grunts a bit in a girlish way) Darn.
As Luke squats and tends to Nicholas, Lorelai looks outside again. Scene cuts to April, who is now behind another wall of another building trying desperately not to run into the boy who seems to be hanging out with other teens at the heart of the town.
LORELAI: (Looks at Luke) You know, we should go on a small vacation this summer.
LUKE: (Looks up from the stroller) This summer? (Points) With our one-month old baby?
LORELAI: (Rolls her eyes) Not this very moment… Two weeks in Maine after Nick gets all his first shots… We could rent a place by the coast. I'm sure April would love it. The four of us could spend a lot more time with each other without the hassle of running into familiar faces… (adds) Besides, April's with us until school starts in the fall… how often do you think Anna would agree to let us keep her all summer?
LUKE: (Ponders) It is a nice idea. But I don't know… it's probably a bit late to find places to rent.
LORELAI: (Shrugs) Probably…
LUKE: (As he stands up) Let's talk about it later tonight? (Lorelai nods) Let me get you that muffin now…
As Luke looks outside the window, he sees April sneaking around town. Lorelai watches her as well.
LUKE: Hmm. She won't have to do that for long, I hear Taylor's sending the kid back to his parents.
LORELAI: Hmm.
Just as Lorelai turns, Lane enters the scene through the curtained doorway.
LANE: (Excited to see Nicholas and Lorelai) Hey!
Luke moves away to the back as Lane takes a seat next to the stroller.
LANE: (Looks into the stroller) Aw, look at him! He's adorable, Lorelai.
LORELAI: He is.
LANE: Hey, so where's Rory? I haven't seen her around…
LORELAI: She's been busy with the shelter, and the last bit of packing. I hardly get to see her anymore.
LANE: Ah… (Does a double-take as she sees April outside) She's still dodging Giles, I see.
LORELAI: (With a sympathetic smile) Poor kid.
LANE: (Turns to her best friend's mother) So, I was meaning to ask you… are we doing anything for Rory? I mean a big farewell bash… like last year?
LORELAI: She actually mentioned that she'd rather not have one since she'll be back at the end of the summer. Rory's planning on doing personal goodbyes to everyone… so, be prepared to have a drop-in soon...
LANE: Will do. (Sighs and looks down at Nicholas) You know what?
LORELAI: (Curiously) What?
LANE: It would be crazy amazing if Nicholas and my boys end up being good friends… unless of course, you and Luke decide to move away from Stars Hollow.
LORELAI: (Shakes her head) Not going to happen. This town is it for us, babe.
Just then the door swings open, and April storms into the diner in a huff… which prompts everyone to suddenly look up at the intruder.
APRIL: (In a frustrated yet comical tone she looks at Luke) That's it! We're soooo moving!! (Luke stands stunned at the dramatic entrance)
Scene fades as Lane and Lorelai suppress their laughter.
INT. CRAP SHACK – FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Rory enters the house to find that no one's there. Scene cuts as she walks through the hallway and into the kitchen.
RORY: Anyone home? (Stands by the table and sighs, and then turns and opens the refrigerator door to grab a bottle of water. She closes the door and sees a piece of paper with large penmanship)
The piece of paper reads, "We're out. Will be back at 2pm." Rory looks at the little clock on the counter and sees that it's 2:05 p.m. Since her mother's known for her punctuality (or lack there of), Rory sighs and walks into her bedroom. As the camera cuts to the interior of the bedroom, we see a couple of large luggage open on the bed. As Rory begins to move things around, her cell phone rings…
RORY: (Sees who it is and flips the phone) Hello grandma.
Scene CUTS between the crap shack and INT. GILMORE MANSION
EMILY: (Standing by the kitchen island) Hello Rory. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time?
RORY: Not at all… what's up?
EMILY: I'm assuming you're still coming for dinner tonight?
RORY: Of course, I am.
EMILY: Very good… (In a softer tone) I was also wondering if you'd like to invite Nate… (Rory is surprised as Emily continues) I mean, it's the last day we see the both of you for a while…
RORY: (Caught off guard) Oh… umm…
EMILY: It's perfectly fine if you'd rather not. I was just asking, Rory.
RORY: Oh, grandma… I don't think he's available tonight.
EMILY: Perfectly fine.
RORY: (Feeling a bit guilty) I mean, I think he has some prior commitment.
EMILY: (With a pleasant expression) Like I said, Rory, I was just wondering.
RORY: (Continues feeling guilty) Besides, I don't know if it's a good idea…
EMILY: (Nods) I understand.
RORY: (continues as Emily curiously listens on the phone)… you know, it's still very new with the two of us. I wouldn't want him get the wrong idea…
EMILY: (Holds up her hand) Rory… I understand.
RORY: Oh, okay. Thanks.
EMILY: (Changes the topic) I haven't made up my mind about dessert. Do you have a preference?
RORY: Ooh, something chocolate.
EMILY: (With a smile) Something chocolate it is. (Hears a beep) Oh, what's that?
RORY: (Realizes it's on her end) Oh, I have another call coming in…
EMILY: (Hurries) Well then, I'll see you tonight.
RORY: Bye grandma! (Rory quickly tries to switch over to the other call, but misses it) Shucks! (Sighs)
Behind her we see Lorelai entering the bedroom, which makes Rory jump a little.
RORY: Oh my god! (Holding her chest) When did you get in?
LORELAI: Like five minutes ago… Nicholas fell asleep on the way back so I just put him in the crib upstairs. Besides, I heard you on the phone…
RORY: (Turns back to her luggage as Lorelai takes a seat in the chair near the table) Yeah, it was grandma…
LORELAI: Oh yeah?
RORY: (Looks down at her mother) She wanted to know if I'd like to invite Nate for dinner…
LORELAI: (Surprised) Tonight?
RORY: (Nods) I told her he was busy…
LORELAI: (Tilts her head) Is he?
RORY: (With a shrug) Kind of…
LORELAI: (Shakes her head) But you didn't want him there?
RORY: Oh no… that's not it at all. I just… (unsure) I don't know… Not sure if he'd even be interested. (Sighs) Although, grandma was considerate enough to ask…
LORELAI: (Suggests) Well, I guess there's no harm asking him… (tilts her head again) right?
RORY: You're right.
LORELAI: (Changes the topic) So hey, when you see Luke later, try to convince him that two weeks on the coast of Maine in July would be a great idea?
RORY: (Surprised) You're going to Maine without me?!
LORELAI: You're going to African without me.
RORY: That sounds like a great trip, mom.
LORELAI: Yeah… with April and Nicholas…
RORY: (Sits on the edge of the bed) Definitely! Luke's not sold?
LORELAI: He needs a teensy bit of convincing… also, I need to do some googling and find places for rent.
RORY: (Offers) Oh, I'll help you with that. (After a pause) That'll be a great time off for the four of you. Just the family.
LORELAI: I know, and April would be thrilled…
RORY: (Sighs) I wish I was fifteen again… like right now.
LORELAI: (Curiously) Why?
RORY: Not that hated my life when I was growing up… I mean, far from it… but I can't help but be a little jealous of the life Nicholas is going to have with you and Luke… and April.
LORELAI: Aw babe, you also have me, Luke, April… and Nicholas in your life.
RORY: I know… it's just so great to see you happy with a real family. I just wish I wasn't too old to be a part of it…
LORELAI: (In a serious tone) Rory, you are a part of it… you have always been… and always will be.
Rory smiles at her mother. A moment later…
LORELAI: (Randomly) So Emily asked you if you'd like to invite Nate, huh?
RORY: Yup.
LORELAI: (Stands up) Guess that's better than inviting him without your knowledge.
RORY: Agreed.
LORELAI: (Pats her daughter's shoulder) I'll leave you alone to call him…
Rory sighs and picks up her cell phone from the bed as Lorelai exits the scene.
RORY: (Holds the phone up to her ear) Hey, it's me.
Scene CUTS between what looks like the INT. BROAD STREET SHELTER and Rory's bedroom.
NATE: (Holding the phone between his ear and raised-shoulder, he responds as he carries a couple of boxes around) Hey.
RORY: Busy?
NATE: Nope… got a shipment of canned food today. What's up?
RORY: I'm calling because… (a pause later) you know I'm having dinner with grandma and grandpa… right?
NATE: Right.
RORY: Well, grandma wanted to extend the invitation… to you…
NATE: (Holds the phone with his hand) Oh.
RORY: (Brushes it off with a slight chuckle) I told her you were probably busy and wouldn't be able to make it.
NATE: No… no… not busy.
RORY: (Surprised) Oh.
NATE: Well, I have to help clean up later tonight… but I should be able to spend a couple of hours with your family.
RORY: (Surprised at his response) Well… umm… so you wouldn't mind joining us?
NATE: (Shrugs) Why would I mind?
RORY: I don't know…
NATE: (Explains) Besides, I know how much your grandparents mean to you, especially Richard. I'd like to get to know them more…
RORY: (After a pause, a subtle smile appears on her face) Okay then… great…
NATE: (Nods) Great.
RORY: (Stands up, walks over to the doorway, and leans against the frame as she watches Lorelai in the kitchen doing something or other) So I guess I'll pick you up…
NATE: Sounds like a good plan…
RORY: (Nods) 6:45, then.
NATE: 'kay… see ya.
Rory hangs up, and looks at Lorelai in an enlightened manner.
LORELAI: (Curiously raises an eye) What?
RORY: (Gestures at her cell phone) I like him. (Lorelai smiles at her daughter and goes about her business… but Rory's phone beeps) Oh, I've got a message…
Rory turns back into her bedroom as she holds the phone up to her ear… The viewers cannot hear what's being said, but Rory's expression gradually turns to concern as she listens to the voicemail.
Scene cuts to the next…
EXT. DiLUCA MANSION – FRIDAY NIGHT
Scene opens as Nate (in a suit minus the tie) gets in Rory's Prius.
NATE: (Shuts the door, and leans in and gives Rory a quick peck on the cheek before tending to the seatbelt) Hey.
RORY: (Notices his appearance – and the lack of a tie) My, how very Obama of you.
NATE: (With a deadpan expression) I dress to impress.
Rory smiles and then her mind wanders a bit as she looks ahead. A moment passes…
NATE: (Curiously looks at the driveway, and then at Rory) Why isn't the car moving?
RORY: (Snaps out of it) Oh sorry…
NATE: What is it?
RORY: (Places her hands on the top of the steering wheel and looks to her side at Nate) I got a call from Gus… well, I missed the call and I got a message from him.
NATE: (Curiously) And?
RORY: He didn't really say much… just that he needed to talk to me about something. (Adds) He sounded serious. Asked me to call him on Sunday…
NATE: (Evidently not as concerned) Okay, then you'll call him on Sunday. Why do you look worried…?
RORY: He sounded very "professional" – and serious… he's never had that tone in our conversations before.
NATE: (Clearly confused) I don't get it…
RORY: With the recent cut backs and all… (With a concerned expression, she looks at him) Nate, I think he's going to lay me off the project.
NATE: (Surprised at her conclusion) What?
Scene fades on Rory and Nate in the Prius.
……………………END OF SEGMENT TWO
Will update with segment three as soon as possible.
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