Mr. Brooks: Why don't you quit flirting and kiss her.
Dawson and Gretchen notice they are standing underneath the mistletoe.
Gretchen: You've gotta be kidding me.
Dawson: I had nothing to do with this.
As she moves in to kiss him, he notices somebody and is startled. He quickly gives her a kiss on the cheek and leaves the party. Joey and Pacey walk up to Gretchen.
Gretchen: That was a close call.
Joey: Trust me, you do not want to be kissed by Dawson. It is quite disgusting.
Gretchen: I guessed that.
Pacey: (to Joey) I wish you didn't know that.
Joey: So, what happened?
Gretchen: As I was about to get my civil duty over with, he gets this strange look in his eyes and, well I don't know what is wrong. Any volunteers to find out what's wrong with him?
Pacey and Joey look around, wanting not to be picked. Suddenly, Pacey spots Jen at the table, serving eggnog.
Pacey: I got a victim, er, I mean friend. I'll be right back.
He walks over to her, noticing she is putting special effort into filling the cups.
Pacey: Why are you serving eggnog to people? I thought this was a self-serve table.
Jen: Trying to avoid someone.
Pacey: Dawson?
Jen: No
Pacey: Well, good, because I need your help. Something's up with Dawson. You could go find out what that is.
Jen: Normally this requires us to make some sort of a bargain but I'm too tired and wanting to avoid Jack so, I'll do it. (walks towards door)
Pacey: Great. Wait, she agreed to talk to Dawson because she's avoiding Jack? Boy, that fight over her college plans must've been huge!
Scene: Outside party. Jen approaches Dawson but stops when she notices someone talking to him.
Voice: You know, you are the one I've always wanted.
Dawson: Look, Cheryl, I just don't understand why you have to show up now. I mean, there was nothing between us when we were together.
Cheryl: Dawson, you know I have always loved you.
Dawson: Cheryl, there is nothing going to happen between us. Get this through your head, NEVER.
Jen: (mutters) This can't be.
Cheryl: I just knew that when we were at that restaurant that there were sparks.
Dawson: I only went out with you to get Jen off my back.
Jen: (walking away) Payback's a bitch, ain't it.
Joey: So, what's the story about Dawson's freakout?
Jen: During the summer, I fixed him up with that girl that was helping at B&B while you were sailing off around the world. Sweet, naive girl named Cheryl. Well, Dawson got really mad at me for not telling him in advance - didn't speak to me for weeks. He agreed to go out with her, show her a good time, which he did under protest.
Joey: Sounds like typical Dawson behavior.
Jen: So Cheryl's a sweetie but you know him, all depressed over you and stuff. He hates the idea that this girl likes him.
Joey: I think Dawson could use someone like Cheryl in his life.
Jen: Me too.
Grams: (from other room) Jennifer, call for you. Jack again.
Jen: (irritated) I'm still not here.
Joey: Ouch, what'd he do that was so wrong? I thought you were all happy about him helping you out of the college situation.
Jen: He did nothing. It's just that, well there's something I wish he didn't know.
Joey: And that'd be?
Jen: You know, I made a mistake joking to him about it. I have no intention of letting this be an embarrassing situation.
Joey: (looks around) Oooooo-kay. (back toward the door) So you don't want me to be here?
Jen: No no no, I'm sorry.
There is a knock at the door. Grams leaves to get the door, then returns to the room with Cheryl.
Cheryl: Hey Jen.
Jen: Hey, Cher. I'm sorry, I don't believe you two have met, Cheryl Harding, this is...
Cheryl: (excitedly) Oh my god, so you're Joey. The illustrious Joey Potter. (she grabs Joey's hand and shakes it) It is so nice to finally meet you.
Joey: (grins, then looks at Jen) Jen, this is the girl who worked at B&B?
Jen: Yeah, why?
Joey: She looks so familiar, I'm not sure where we've met before.
Cheryl: Oh my god, I remember, I remember, we went to camp together, didn't we? Camp Cortland when we were like twelve?
Joey: (trying hard to smile) Thank you, I knew there was something, something... and that was it.
Cheryl: I know, I know, I've changed so much, right. Got sick of being a blonde, no offense Jen.
Jen (notices the slightly pained look on Joey's face) So Cheryl, I noticed something happening between you and Dawson. Is it true?
Cheryl: Oh, you saw us last night. Oh, I'm so sorry you saw that, Jen. Dawson is somewhat stubborn. Doesn't quite see that there could be a future for us. Maybe, who knows, but I'd like to find out.
Jen: Wait, I thought you said last night that you loved him.
Cheryl: Have to be a little dramatic to get a reaction from him, after all, subtlety just doesn't work on him. That slightly, uh..
Joey: (nods) Yeah I know.
Cheryl: Yeah, I guess you would. (stares at Joey a little too long) Oh, I forgot why I came. Wanted to invite you guys to the grand opening of my father's cafe. The Coffee Cup. It's tomorrow night if you could spread the word.
Jen: I will do that.
Cheryl: Fabulous. Well, I've gotta go. (skips out of house)
Joey: Still a little too chipper for her own good.
Jen: Yeah. Reminds me a little of Andie. So you two know each other?
Joey: Let's just say that Dawson isn't the only one who has trouble with subtlety.
Jen: Meaning?
Joey: She can be quite pushy when it comes to something she wants. Initially, when we met, she was all cool and everything. Then she kind of became a copycat. Mimicing my clothes, my hair - although still a blonde, my personality, everything.
Jen: Yeah but you guys were twelve. So what's the big deal?
Joey: When I finally confronted her, she kind of vowed vengeance (sp?). That occured when she set me up as the culprit of several pranks and got me kicked out.
Jen: First of all, since when were you into group activity. Secondly, as I said earlier, you guys were twelve.
Joey: I'm just not so sure she's not still competing with me.
Jen: If she was, wouldn't she go after Pacey?
Joey: I know, but the look she gave me kind of scared me.
Scene: In hallway at school. Pacey is kissing Joey in the hallway.
Jen: Oh, go find an empty classroom already. Jo, we need to talk.
Pacey breaks away a little bit from Joey.
Pacey: Get lost, Lindley. (resumes kiss)
Jen: Sorry, I've gotta do this. (pulls Joey away)
Joey: Hey!
Jen: Okay, I know you had urgent business to deal with and everything but..
Joey: (looking at Pacey) Quite urgent.
Jen: Fine, quite urgent, whatever. I've got some amusing news. Dawson is hiding from her.
Joey: Are you sure?
Jen: The funny thing is I don't even think he knows about the stuff you told me about her.
Joey: (notices Jack at the end of the hallway) Speaking of avoiding, when is this fight or whatever happened going to be over?
Jen: Can it just wait a day longer? Besides, (she turns around) he's talking to someone.
Scene: End of hallway.
Jack: I'm not so sure I should interfere in this whole Dawson situation, Ryan.
Ryan: Look, as long as he resists Cher, she will continue to pursue him. She's more into the chase than the catch.
Jack: I thought you and her were best friends.
Ryan: We are, but it's still sickening when she playing this game. Pretty much doomed from the start.
Jack: I'm not going to interfere. After all, the guy she's chasing is not exactly looking for anyone.
Ryan: Convince him to go on one date. She'll realize he's not worth it and move on.
Jack: That could work. I mean, one date with Dawson Leery could be enough to help her determine he's not worth it. Either that or put her to sleep.
Scene: Back to Jen and Joey. Or should I say Jen, Joey, and Cheryl, who has just arrived.
Cheryl: Hey guys, what's going on?
Joey: Not much. All set for the grand opening celebration?
Cheryl: Oh, yes, can't wait. You guys are coming, right?
Joey: Yeah.
Jen: Wouldn't miss the opportunity to have some real coffee around here. I miss the good stuff from the cafes in New York.
Cheryl: (notices Jack and Ryan talking) Didn't know he was friends with Jack McPhee.
Jen: You know him?
Cheryl: I think I would. Ryan and I have been friends for so many years. Sort of like you and Dawson were before, well, before romantic feelings interfered.
Jen: (looks at them talking) Yeah, that could be a problem.
Joey looks at Cheryl and Jen watching them.
Joey: Shouldn't we get going to (sound of school bell ringing) class?
Cheryl: Yeah, yeah, of course. So I'll see you tonight. Try to get Dawson there if you can.
Scene: At Mr. Brooks' house. Dawson is washing the windows when Jack walks by.
Dawson: Hey, what's going on?
Jack: Not much. Did you hear about the grand opening of The Coffee Cup?
Dawson: A cafe? In Capeside?
Jack: Yeah, Kent Harding, the guy that used to work at the Icehouse, decided to start his own business. Guess he didn't like being bossed around anymore.
Dawson: Harding?
Jack: Yeah, (slyly) Cheryl's father.
Dawson: Definitely not.
Jack: Come on. What is the harm in one simple date?
Dawson: Because this is already the second date?
Jack: No, this is the first date where your mind isn't solely on the day when Joey returns. Besides, there should be a law that blind dates shouldn't be considered first dates because they are always disasters and who'd want to really remember them anyway.
Dawson: Has she been begging you to ask me for a long time?
Jack: Actually, no. Ryan did the dirty work.
Dawson: You know, if there is anyone she should actually be dating, it's probably him.
Jack: Maybe, but you're only saying that to get her off your back.
Dawson: And?
Jack: And I think I hear Mr. Brooks about to come to the front door and complain about your work. I'll see you tonight. (walks away)
Dawson: No you won't.
Scene: Dawson has just pulled into the driveway at Leery's when he spots Jen sitting on the front step.
Dawson: Not you too.
Jen: You bet, me too. What is so wrong with her?
Dawson: Let me guess. Cheryl's platonic friend asked you to ask me too.
Jen: (looks at him strangely) No, she did. What are you talking about?
Dawson: Jack was here, trying to rope me to go to the opening with her. Apparently, Ryan was trying to play matchmaker using him as the go-between.
Jen: So? You just have to attend. Doesn't even have to be with her. Just a group of friends. Cheryl didn't say anything about you two going together, just that you'd be there.
Dawson: (gives her an annoyed look) Fine. Just stop bugging me about it.
Jack: (looking at picture of family) Maybe I should go back to staying with Jen and her grandmother. After all, Dad's back to working in Providence so he wouldn't mind. I doubt this whole dream thing is that serious. Just a little embarrassed by me finding out. I hope that's all it is. I'll talk to her tonight.
There is a knock at the door. Jack walks up to open it and finds Ryan there.
Ryan: Hey, do you think he agreed?
Jack: I think he's warming up to the idea. Come on in.
Ryan: Thanks. Can't stay long. I'm working at Coffee Cup so gotta help them set up for the opening. (trying to act nonchalant) So, the whole gang is attending?
Jack: Yeah, assuming Dawson agrees. Why, is there someone you're particularly interested in seeing?
Ryan: (hurriedly) No, no reason at all.
Jack: (raises an eyebrow) Sure. It's Jen, isn't it?
Ryan: Yes, no, well, not exactly that. (looks at his watch) I think I'm going to hear it when I get to the cafe. Yeah, I'm certainly in trouble. Gotta go.
Jack shakes his head and closes the door.
Scene: Witter apartment. There is a knock on the door.
Pacey: (with a slice of toast in his hand) Coming, coming, coming.
He opens the door to find Joey. He greets her with a kiss.
Joey: I love this greeting. Do you greet all the people who come like that?
Pacey: Oh yeah, but it's driving away the few friends Doug had. (kisses her more passionately)
Joey: Well, aren't you frisky. (grabs the toast out of his hand and throws it on the floor) and starving.
Pacey: Hey, that was my lunch.
Joey: It'll just have to wait for another hour.
Pacey shrugs, then pulls her onto the couch so that she lands on top of him and continues kissing her.
Pacey: Oh yeah, the grand opening.
Joey: Do you think Cheryl and Dawson make a good couple?
Pacey: (esasperated) Sure. (notices look on Joey's face and gets up) Oh great. You knew Dawson was going to move on sooner or later.
Joey: I know, but I was so sure it'd be with Gretchen.
Gretchen: (from another room) I did not just deserve that.
Pacey: I agree. I don't see any possibility of that happening. Mistletoe is one thing but an actual kiss? Pul-lease.
Gretchen: (enters room) Since when did you start taking my side?
Pacey: The woman just ruined the Witter name and I felt obliged to defend it.
Joey smirked.
Gretchen: Look, I'm kind of friends with the guy and that's enough. That's about all I could take. So what's this about a party I've been hearing.
Joey: Just the opening of a cafe.
Gretchen: A cafe? In Capeside? Why didn't I hear about this sooner?
Pacey: You're interested?
Gretchen: The first thing you'll learn if and when you ever go to college is that your true love ends up being coffee. I can't stand the deli's coffee.
Pacey: You go there everyday for it.
Gretchen: Just not the same. So, I'll take you guys in an hour?
Scene: The Coffee Cup. Cheryl is setting up balloons when Ryan walks in.
Cheryl: It's about time, Farrell.
Ryan: Sorry, I was just making sure he'd attend.
Cheryl: Make sure who'd... dammit, you had to stick your nose into my personal life. Again.
Ryan: (teases) You know you love it when I do that.
Cheryl: Cut it out. Now Dawson will think I'm pushing too hard.
Ryan: No he won't. The guy is pretty damn clueless.
Cheryl glares at him.
Ryan: (retreats) That was actually what my source said about him.
Cheryl: Your source? No wait, let me guess, Jack McPhee is your source.
Ryan: Who else? Out of the people in that clique, he's the easiest to get to him.
Cheryl: No, Jen is. She found out about that little scene at the Christmas party.
Ryan: Oh, where you told Dawson that you were his (sing-song) soulmate.
Cheryl: (punches him in the arm) I would never use that word to describe what we have. It is simply too strong a word to use on a person I've only dated once. You are one to talk, hanging around Jack, trying to get information you're too damn chicken to flat out ask.
Ryan: (snidely)I learn from the best, my little princess.
Scene: Leery house. Dawson walks into the house to find Mitch and Gail making out on the couch.
Dawson: This is why I would never watch thirtysomething.
Gail gets up and straightens her blouse.
Mitch: How was your day at Brooks?
Dawson: Just as you think you can actually see a smile on his face, he gets crankier. Anyway, is it okay if I work tonight?
Mitch and Gail look at each other. Gail gets up and feels his forehead, and shakes her head.
Mitch: Why would you volunteer to do that?
Dawson: Need an excuse to not go to something.
Gail: I'd say no. Mitch and I are planning to attend a grand opening and was hoping you'd come as well. It's for ...
Dawson: Not you too. Fine, I guess I've been cornered. I'll go.