7. Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell

Complete story — includes the ending

Joey is astonished to learn that Audrey dumped Pacey, and Audrey castigates her for being an absent friend. Performing with Hell's Belles, she gets drunk, despite Eddie's too-little-too-late refusal to serve her more alcohol, and, during an enthusiastic performance of " One Way or Another," trashes the bar. This is an embarrassment to not only Joey but Jen, who had invited C.J. out in an attempt to romance him. C.J., watching Audrey's antics, speculates a deeper depression, and admits that his own experience with alcoholism is why he now refuses to date anymore. Jen, masking her hurt, accepts his rejection... but after she leaves, he crosses the street to sit with Audrey and try to console her. David, who is also at the performance, is left high and dry: Jack invited him on a date, but instead went to a book signing hosted by Professor Freeman, who will be leaving at the end of the semester; Freeman admits that he and his wife have separated, implying that Jack's encouragement of his leaving the closet has had its effect. Finally, Rich Rinaldi invites everyone who passed the Series 7 Exam, including Pacey, to New Orleans to celebrate; there, Pacey hits it off with a beautiful woman, but is shocked to discover she is a call girl whom Rich hired to jolly Pacey out of his post-breakup blues. Pacey is furious and verbally attacks Rich, who proclaims he's just trying to be a friend. Eddie, who earlier criticized Joey for her choices in supporting Audrey, apologizes, and the two agree to go on a real date. Absent: James Van Der Beek