ONE MONTH LATER

(The girl)

Rory closed her laptop. She felt lonely. She never felt lonely before, but that five days in Sydney Nova Scotia changed her. She was also pissed. The email address Pacey gave her would not accept mail. The mailbox was full. She was confused. Pacey seemed like he wanted to continue a relationship with her. The fact that she didn't have a chance to give him her phone number shouldn't matter. He knew where she worked. All he had to do was call the paper and leave a message for her.

A lawyer she causally dated, John Henderson, was taking her to a dinner party tonight John had been trying for some time to move the relationship forward. Rory sighed. She had been considering it, but after Sydney, she knew she couldn't. Damn Pacey Witter, what had he done to her. Rory finally admitted to herself that she fell for him. It wasn't her fault that she couldn't be on the pier on time. Was he acting like a petulant child or was he just a charmer who scored and moved on?

(The boy)

Pacey glanced at the clock. Two fifty PM, He was sitting in a quiet hole in the wall waterfront bar in Fernandina Beach Florida. The sort of bar the tourists say they want to go to so they could mingle with the locals, but when they walked through the front door and looked at the sagging ceiling and a wooden floor that sloped toward the center of the bar; they usually turned and walked out. Pacey picked up his beer and looked at the scarred bar top with cigarette burns and initials carved into the wood. One set of initials made him snicker sardonically. It was a heart carved into the bar. The initials framing the heart were PW and RG. He wondered if the unknown PW did find true love with the equally unknown RG.

The trip from St. Augustine was a quick pleasant trip. Only four hours in the diesel powered Bertram 31. The owner was away in Costa Rica fishing in a Marlin tournament and he wanted his boat taken to a boatyard in Fernandina Beach for upkeep. Must be nice Pacey thought, but it was a quick five hundred dollars for him and his expenses were paid. He didn't have a commission for at least another three weeks. Pacey had turned down offers. He needed time off and time to think. Why did she do that? Pacey shook his head and decided that scotch would work better than beer. Pacey finally admitted to himself that he fell for her. He couldn't believe that she did not come back. She was classy and he was rough around the edges. He hated to think that he was a little fling she could laugh about when she got together with her girlfriends. She didn't seem like that kind of girl, but you never knew. He was going to get drunk and for a while the thought of her would vanish from his mind.

(The girl)

The ringing bell startled Rory. She looked up at the clock, her date was here. Hastily she set down the scotch neat she was sipping. An acquired taste she had picked up from Pacey. Rory opened the door and there stood her date. John leaned forward and kissed her briefly.

"Good evening Rory. You look fabulous as usual."

Rory smiled. "Thank you John a lady always appreciates a compliment." Actually she hated them. "Would you like a drink before we go?" Rory stepped aside so John could enter the apartment.

John entered and Rory gestured to the kitchen table. "Bourbon and coke right?"

"Yes please Rory." He then noticed her glass of amber liquid with ice cubes. "What are you drinking?" Before Rory could answer he picked up her glass and sniffed. "Scotch?"

Johns picking up of her glass annoyed her, but Rory decided not to make an issue out of it. Silently she placed his drink before him and sat across from him at the table. "Yes John it is Scotch. Famous Grouse to be exact."

"Rory may I ask you a question?"

Rory put her finger in her drink and swirled the ice cubes around and looked up. "Sure John."

"You've changed. Ever since you have returned from your last trip you are different. Detached and what is with the scotch?"

Rory smiled weakly at John. "You're kidding. I'm the same. To answer your question about the scotch, a friend of mine drinks it and I tried his drink and decided to give it a try."

John looked up when Rory said the words his drink. "And who would this, he, be?"

Annoyed Rory replied. "John, I know a lot of men. You don't know this man and it makes no difference. Let's drink up and go."

(The girl)

Twenty minutes later they arrived at the dinner party; about thirty people in attendance. Everyone was in the parlor broken up into little groups chatting. They were greeted by the hostess who knew both her and John. Then Rory spied Josephine Potter. She barely realized that John was helping her out of her coat.

Rory turned and smiled "Thank you John." John nodded and handed the coats to a butler.

"Excuse me Rory, I'll be right back." A moment later John returned with two glasses, of white wine and handed Rory a glass.

Again John annoyed her. Why had he presumed she wanted wine? "Thank you John, but I think I'm going to stick with scotch this evening."

Startled John reached for Rory's glass. "I'm sorry, I will get you another."

"Don't bother John I'll do it myself." Rory was surprised at her tone of voice. He was annoying, but it wasn't his fault. "Look John-"

"What is wrong with you Rory? If you don't want to be here, we can leave."

"No John I'm sorry. I just have a lot on my mind. I am trying to write an article that just isn't coming together."

"Apology accepted." May I get you a Scotch now?"

Rory smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Please do." As John walked away she imagined herself at the party with Pacey, but unlike the others he would not be in a suit; he'd be in jeans and a sweater; the way she remembered him. God, she missed him.

John returned with her Scotch. "Rory, you see the white haired gentleman by the fireplace?"

Rory turned and nodded. "Yes."

"He is Judge Whitemore, I'd like to talk with him for a moment."

"Should I come with?"

"Only if you want to listen to, a lot of, corporate financial mumble jumble."

"Go ahead John. I'll be fine."

"Thanks, I won't be long."

"Take your time John. I see someone I would like to talk to and it would be girl talk and I know how much you like to listen to that."

John raised his hands in a mock surrender. "Go, I'll catch up with you in a bit."

As soon as John left Rory walked to where Josephine Potter was standing with a man Rory took to be her fiancé. "Hello Josephine, how are you?"

"I'm great Lorelai." Josephine Potter was one of the few people who called her by her given name and not by Rory, even though she knew everyone else called her Rory. "And how are you?"

"I'm good let me ask you a question."

"Sure go ahead"

"I'm not trying to be nasty, but how come you call me Lorelai when everyone else calls me Rory?"

"Why do you call me Josephine when everyone else calls me Joey?"

Rory hesitated. "I think because that is how I was introduced to you and that is what was on your name tag."

"Like wise. We really don't know each other do we?"

"You're right I guess not."

Joey gestured to the man standing by her side. "Rory this is Stan my fiancé. "

As soon as Joey said that Rory's glance went to her hand where she was sporting a diamond big enough to cancel the debt of a third world nation. "Nice to meet you Stan."

"Like wise Rory. You're the travel writer for the New York Times, right?'

Rory was surprised. "Yes I am."

"You wrote a fascinating piece recently on Sydney Nova Scotia. I enjoyed it immensely. You seemed like you were in love with the city." The passion you wrote with surprised me."

Rory blushed. "I did enjoy the city. The Chamber of Commerce was very kind in showing me around."

Stan laughed. "I guess they did. You didn't happen to fall in love with one of them did you?"

Rory about choked on her drink and blushed. "No, no I did not fall in love with a member of the Chamber of Commerce."

"I was teasing Rory please forgive me. I'm going to let you and Joey speak. I see someone I need to have a conversation with."

Stan left and Joey and Rory stared at each other. "So what do you think of the weather Rory?"

"The weather, it's cold." Then Rory blurted out. "I met a friend of yours."

"Oh that's nice. What is her name?"

"It's a he and his name is Pacey Witter."

Joey took Rory by her elbow and steered her to a quiet corner of the room. "How is he? What is he doing with his life now?"

"He's fine Joey. Pacey delivers yachts to various destinations. In fact I am in the process of writing an article about him. You two dated, right?"

"Probably I'd say more than dating. The second time around we lived together."

Rory was burning to ask Joey a question, but she didn't know how to go about it. "I guess it was real serious."

"I thought we'd be together forever Rory."

"Do you still love him Joey?'

Joey's eyes narrowed. "That's an odd question to ask when I am engaged." To prove her point Joey held up her hand for Rory to see. "For the record, no I don't." Joey paused. "Where did you meet him?"

"On my last assignment; Sydney Nova Scotia. We were talking and he said he was from Capeside and I told him I knew someone from Capeside and he asked who and I told him your name."

"I see what did you tell him about me?"

"Just about all I know about you Joey. I see you around town, we are causal acquaintances and I thought you were engaged."

"What did he say Rory?"

"He asked me to pass on his congratulations."

"Is that all?"

"Pretty much, we didn't talk about you much."

"Are you going to see him again Rory?"

"I don't think so."

"I'm glad he is doing okay. I wonder about him sometimes."

Rory took a deep breath. It was either now or never. "Joey, Pacey told me about a girl in high school that changed his life. Was that you?"

Joey smiled sardonically. "I see. What Stan said makes sense now. I have a feeling you did more than just have a causal conversation. I'd like to say I was, but the answer is no. You slept with him didn't you?"

Rory turned scarlet. Just then John rejoined her. "What are you blushing about Rory?"

"Oh, nothing she stammered. Joey told me a dirty joke."

"Oh, I'd like to hear the joke."

Joey smiled sweetly at John. "No, It's a girls only joke, sorry."

Rory regained her composure. "Joey this is my date John."

Joey took his offered hand and shook it." We've me t before John, I didn't know you were going with Rory."

"We're not really going together. We date."

"John I need a favor. I'd like to talk to Joey about an article I am writing. She may be able to help me."

"Okay come find me when you're done" John turned and walked away.

Rory watched his back till she lost sight of him; then turned to Joey. "Thanks."

"No problem. So what did you want to ask me?"

"I don't really know how to put this. Who was the other girl he dated in high school."

"He still talks about her? Like I said I would like to think I was the one who set him straight, but no. It was Andie Mcphee. He never got over her. Probably the main reason we did not work out."

"Andie McPhee." She had the name. "But Joey she cheated on him, why does he still pine for her?"

"I wish I knew, I could take some guesses, but who knows if I would be right. I am sort of surprised he still talks about her."

"Joey all he said about you was that you and he dated and it did not work out; nothing negative. And all he said about her was that she was the person that made him believe in himself, but I could tell he still had a strong emotional bond with her."

Joey shook her head. "He really got to you didn't he?" Before Rory could reply Joey added. "Be careful Rory. He's a good guy, but I'd hate to see him do to you what he did to me."

Rory paused searching for words. "Err what did he do?"

Joey took a deep breath. "He woke up one morning and told me that he loved me, but it wouldn't be fair to either one of us to continue the relationship. He packed and was gone by noon."

"So do you think Andie McPhee was the reason he left?"

"Not totally, but I think a good part of his reasoning. Rory, I need to go find Stan. Call me for lunch or I'll call you. I really would like to get to know you better."

"I'd like that Joey, how about Wednesday?"

Joey nodded. "Yes, Wednesday would be fine." Joey put her hand on Rory shoulder. I'll talk to you later." Then she walked away in search of her fiancé.

Rory needed a quiet area. She looked around and spied the balcony doors. She opened a door then slipped outside. It was freezing. She took her cellphone out of her purse and dialed a number she knew well; Paris Geller.

Second ring Paris answered. "What do you want Gilmore? I happen to be on one of my rare date."

Rory knew with Paris's schedule she did not have much time to socialize. "Paris I need to know if you know this person. She went to Harvard Medical about the same time you did."

"I should, what's her name."

"Andie McPhee."

"Yes I know her. Why do you ask?"

"Please Paris, just tell me about her. I am standing on a balcony freezing."

"Andrea McPhee, she was one year ahead of me. Very brilliant, sometimes her intensity about school reminded me of us."

"What does she look like Paris?"

"Since when did you ever care how someone you're going to write an article on looked?"

"I'm not writing an article on her. Come on Paris, I'm freezing."

"And I am on a date. Why don't you call me in the morning?"

"Please Paris."

"Okay, but you're buying me lunch tomorrow and telling me why you want to know. Dark blonde, gray eyes, athletic build. Goodbye Rory."

The phone went dead. Rory sighed and rejoined the party. She spotted John in conversation with another man. Quietly she stood by his side. "Oh Rory there you are. Rory meet James Moore. We were just talking a little business."

James smiled and took her hand. "The pleasure is mine." He looked up at Rory. "You have cold hands. You must have a warm heart. I'll talk to you later John."

"Rory you're freezing where were you?"

"I had to take a call from work and it was too noisy in here so I stepped out on the balcony." She hated lying, but it would serve no purpose to tell him the truth.

"Are you sure you're still a travel writer? I didn't know there were things so urgent in the travel business that you had to take calls on a Friday night."

Rory shrugged. "You can never tell in my business." Rory grew silent. She knew John wanted to sleep with her and be his girlfriend. Why not she thought it would take her mind off of Pacey.

(The boy)

Pacey was getting drunk. The bar was quiet and he was idly chatting with the bartender; a girl named Missy. Missy superficially reminded him of Rory; even though she was taller. She had shiny brunette hair and bright blue eyes, nowhere as near blue as Rory's. Missy was from Savannah Georgia. She was a part time college student and a part time bartender. Pacey found out during their conversation she was twenty five.

Missy returned with his latest drink in her hand and set it in front of him. "You know Pacey, what you do is so romantic; traveling all around on yachts. I'd like to do that someday. You need a crew member?"

Pacey laughed. "Do you have experience?"

"No but I'm a quick learner."

"Tell you what, leave your number with me and maybe I'll give you a call."

Missy had a musical laugh. "Sure all the guys say that. Not to many of them call."

Pacey took another look at Missy. She was tall and slender. Taller than Rory; except for her hair and eye color and the way she wore her hair, there was no resemblance. Pacey appreciatively took in her long slender legs. Yes he thought. Missy did do a pair of shorts justice.

Pacey's thoughts turned to Rory again. He missed the sound of her voice. He missed how she tended to babble when nervous. He was envious of her also. She had a close relationship with her family and he had virtually no relationship with his. Why didn't she come back? Again Pacey wondered if he was the butt of some joke. He could see Rory talking to her friends talking about the yokel she toyed with and left. Pacey shook his head. No, Rory may have rich sophisticated friends but she would not do that. Even if she had ditched him, she wouldn't do it. Pacey could read people fairly well. There was no cruel streak in her.

Pacey thought about calling her work and asking her why she stood him up, but that would be to needy. Then he wondered what she would say to Joey Potter. He could ask Joey he thought. Just call her sister Bessie and ask for her number. No he needed to move on.

Missy came by again." Pacey, I'm off would you like to pay your tab now or wait?"

"I'll pay now."

Shortly Missy returned with his bill. Pacey glanced at the bill and added a generous tip and placed his credit card on the bill.

Wordlessly Missy picked up the card and the bill and returned with a smile." Why thank you Pacey. You are very kind."

Pacey knew he needed to move on with his life; so he took a stab in the dark. "Missy would you like to have dinner with me? A place of your choosing."

Missy smiled and hesitated. She had just met him, but he seemed nice and normal. There was a steak house across the street where she was known and would feel safe. "Okay you're on; the Angus streak house across the street."

Pacey smiled." I'll wait till you're ready to go."

(The boy)

Missy was right. The steaks were delicious. Pacey thoroughly enjoyed his meal except for one thing. Missy ordered a large prime rib and just picked at it. Pacey's thoughts turned to Rory; that plate would have been empty. The girl had an amazing metabolism. She ate everything and stayed slender and trim. Rory also told him that the words physical exercise was not in her extensive vocabulary.

Pacey wondered what Rory was doing right this minute. His daydream was interrupted by Missy. "Hey where did your mind just sail off to? I was talking and you just dropped out. Am I boring?"

"Missy, you are far from boring." Actually he thought; Missy was an excellent conversationalist. "I was just trying to remember if I secured the boat properly."

"I have a car Pacey. If you want when we are finished with dinner I'll drive you to the boat and you can check."

Startled by her offer, Pacey figured it would be easier to go along then to try and explain. "Thanks Missy I appreciate that."

"It's the least I can do. After all you bought me a fabulous dinner."

"Pacey snickered to himself "Yeah one you hardly touched." Pacey had to know. "Missy may I ask you a question?"

"Sure"

"You loved the dinner and yet you hardly touched it; how come?"

Blushing Missy replied. "My mother told it wasn't ladylike to eat all of a big meal on a date. I guess some things just stick with you. Trust me this is my dinner for tomorrow night."

"You've got to be kidding me Missy. The next time we go to dinner eat all of it. I don't mind and I will still think your lady like."

"Habits are hard to break Pacey, We'll see. Okay the meal is in a doggy bag so let's go."

Missy drove an economical sensible Saturn; the perfect car for a part time student and bartender. Once Pacey folded his tall frame into the car it was surprisingly comfortable. Pacey spied a pile of books on the back seat. "Those must be your college books?"

"Yep, which way should I turn in the marina?"

Left and about one hundred yards should be the boat.

Missy stopped where Pacey indicated. "Can I come aboard also?"

"Sure."

They had to step from the dock to the boat. Pacey went first and helped Missy across. Missy this is a Bertram 31. Some people consider it the finest sports fishing boat ever built. They are not known for the amenities some of the other boats have."

Pacey took a key out of his pocket and opened the cabin door. He then flicked a switch and a dull yellow light came on.

"This is about all you get on a boat like this. As you can see it is pretty Spartan. Lower helm station, table, fridge, small galley with sink, and a head compartment to your left and in the bow a vee berth for sleeping." Pacey then made a show of checking switches panels and fuse boxes then he left the cabin and checked the lines. "I guess everything was alright, I was worrying for nothing. There is some beer in the fridge. Do you want one?"

"Sure." And the couple re-entered the cabin. Pacey took two beers out of the fridge and Missy was standing right behind him.

Startled Pacey handed her a beer. She smiled and put her unencumbered arm around Pacey and drew him to her and kissed him.

Surprised Pacey returned the kiss.

To Be Continued…..

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