Take Your Mother to Work Day

Lorelai stood at the front desk of the Dragonfly Inn, sipping her coffee and taking in the magnificent quiet that surrounded her. The Inn was at capacity. It was the start of what promised to be a very busy week with several large parties, the search for a new chef, and not to mention the addition of her mother to the mix. All the more reason to enjoy this brief calm before the looming storm, she thought, as she began flipping through the thick book of sample wedding invitations she'd borrowed from the printer this morning on her way to work.

By the time she was halfway through the large volume and still nothing had really caught her eye, her good mood was slipping away. They were all either to blah, too flowery, or just too ugly. She continued to page through the book, rejecting one style after another with a series of grunts and sighs. If they were going to get them printed and ready to send out in time, she really should find something in the next couple of days.

"Good morning, Lorelai," Emily cheerily greeted her daughter as she entered the lobby from the back of the Inn.

"Morning," Lorelai replied halfheartedly as she flipped over another page of stationary samples.

Emily walked around to the back of the check-in desk. "I put my coat and handbag in your office. I hope that's okay."

"That's fine," she answered turning her attention back to the book.

"Wedding invitations?" Emily asked, stepping closer to Lorelai.

"Yeah, I really need to get the order in right away," Lorelai explained, "actually, I should have had it in last week."

Emily glanced at the book. "Is that glitter?" she asked, a note of disgust in her voice

Lorelai laughed sarcastically. "Oh, there are worse. Trust me." She picked up a pad of post-it notes to mark her place and flipped back closer to the beginning of the book.

"Oh my God!" Emily exclaimed in horror. "Are those supposed to be cherubs?"

Lorelai laughed at her mother's reaction. "I guess so."

Emily bent closer to get a better look. "They're positively lewd."

"Yeah, I think they might even glow in the dark too," Lorelai added.

Emily focused her attention back to Lorelai. "I don't see how a printer that would stock something like this could possibly have an invitation you'd want to use."

"I'm coming to that conclusion myself," Lorelai sighed as she returned to her previous place in the book and scanned the next page. "This one isn't horrible," she said indicating a simple off-white rectangular invitation with raised hearts in the corners.

"No, it's not horrible," Emily agreed unenthusiastically.

They continued to look through the book together. "This one's okay." Lorelai pointed out another one a few pages later. It was a white invitation with a silver border around it.

"It's plain, but pretty," Emily observed trying very hard to keep the disappointment out of her voice. It seemed like Lorelai was settling and she didn't want her daughter to have to settle for anything less than the absolute best on her wedding day.

Lorelai turned the page again and quietly 'oohed' as she reached out and ran her fingertips gently over the invitation she'd just seen. It was white on white. The top layer was an opaque velum that held the printing and the bottom a white cardstock with a pale snowflake pattern embossed on it in pearlized white. It was just barely iridescent and the effect through the overlay gave the snowflakes the faintest hit of a shimmer. The lining of the inner envelope contained the same snowflake pattern and the outside envelope had a raised snowflake simply embossed on the flap. Excitedly, Lorelai turned to her mother and asked, "What do you think?"

Emily took a moment to consider her answer. For the better part of her daughter's life anytime she had said she liked something Lorelai instantaneously hated it, and she didn't want this to be another of those times. It was a beautiful invitation. It was easy to see how much Lorelai liked it. She hesitated a moment too long though and watched the sparkle leave her daughter's eyes.

"You don't like it," Lorelai stated flatly.

Emily made a split second decision and hoped it was the right one. "No, I do. It really is lovely, Lorelai. I think it's just perfect for a winter wedding."

"You do?" Lorelai asked in disbelief.

Emily gave her daughter a reassuring smile. "I was just surprised for a moment that we both liked the same one."

"Yeah, doesn't happen very often, does it?" Lorelai chuckled lightly.

"Why don't you go to the printer and see how quickly they can have them ready?" Emily suggested.

"I can't. I promised to help Sookie this morning. She's coming in to interview possible chefs."

"You know," Emily offered tentatively, "I could do that."

Lorelai shook her head, "Mom – "

Emily cut her off, "I am here to help you. Your wedding is important and if, as you say, those invitations should have been ordered last week, you need to get that done." Lorelai opened her mouth to speak again but Emily raised her hand to stop her. "Lorelai, your wedding is very important and you shouldn't let that suffer because you don't trust me to do things for you here."

"It's not that I don't trust you," Lorelai countered.

Emily raised a questioning eyebrow as she drew out the single syllable, "No."

Lorelai opened her mouth slightly but couldn't think of a quick way out.

"How many chefs is Sookie meeting?" Emily asked trying to determine how important Lorelai's involvement was this morning.

"I don't know; she didn't really tell me," Lorelai answered with a shrug.

"Well, are these her first meetings? Is she bringing in more after this? Does she plan to have them cook?"

"I don't know," Lorelai replied meekly.

"Well, from what I know of Sookie, I'm sure she has a plan to narrow the field. This is probably just the first round of interviews. You'll still have input before the final decision is made," Emily reasoned.

"I guess," Lorelai conceded reluctantly. "You're probably right. I'm sure Sookie has a plan. I just want to be sure that I meet this person she wants to hire before we actually hire them. I mean, I'm the one that will have to deal with them on a daily basis."

Emily smiled at her small victory. "I think that sounds very reasonable." She picked up the sample book and handed it to Lorelai. "Now, why don't you return this book and go order those invitations?"

Lorelai took the book and picked up her purse, allowing Emily to steer her out from behind the desk. "Sookie will be here soon for the interviews. The library is closed off, so she can hold them in there. Let Michel deal with any reservations. If there are any problems, just call my cell. If you have any questions, just call my cell."

"Lorelai, everything will be fine," Emily reassured her.

"But if it's not, just – "

"I'll call your cell," Emily finished her daughter's sentence as she walked her to the door.

Sookie hurried down the hallway of the Inn and toward the lobby, a thick binder clutched in her arms along with several file folders and loose papers, all of which looked in danger of falling on the floor at any moment. She stopped in the doorway and turned toward the front desk where Michel was standing. "Where's Lorelai?" she asked frantically.

"She is not here," Michel replied simply and returned his attention to the computer screen in front of him. "Leaves me to deal with everything as usual," he muttered to himself.

Sookie was unphased by his mutterings. "Where is she?"

Emily walked up behind the frazzled former chef. "Good morning, Sookie."

"Emily!" Sookie spun around and the top two files went flying, scattering papers on the floor.

"Why don't you give me those?" Emily suggested, gesturing to the binder and files in the younger woman's hands. Sookie complied and then bent down to gather up the stray papers while Emily straightened the stack in her hands. "Lorelai went out to take care of some wedding preparations. She thought you could use the library for your interviews."

"Um… okay." Sookie rose slowly and followed Emily into the library. Emily placed Sookie's things down on a round wooden table and turned to leave. "Actually, why don't you stay? I'm sure you're an expert at hiring staff." Sookie sat down and began to look through the mass of papers. "I'd really like your input."

"Well, if you're sure," Emily replied sitting down next to Sookie at the table. "When does the first applicant arrive?"

"Ten o'clock," Sookie answered as she turned the paper she was studying right side up and nodded.

Emily checked her watch. "That gives us about fifteen minutes. How many people are you seeing today?"

Sookie sighed. "Eight. I just couldn't make up my mind. They all sounded so qualified. I was hoping that one would just click, you know?"

"Well, I suppose, but I think perhaps we should come up with a system for rating them in different categories, such as cuisine, kitchen management experience, flexibility with menu items for special events."

Sookie nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, that sounds perfect."

"Now let's see what we have here." Emily reached for Sookie's files and made quick work of sorting them into orderly piles.

Lorelai entered the kitchen and headed straight for the coffeemaker. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Sookie flipping through a red binder. "I'm sorry I missed the interviews," she apologized while pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"No worries, Hon," Sookie replied distractedly as she studied the book then called out, "Four vegetarians this week, Javier. I think you should make the asparagus soufflé tonight. The shiitakes for the mushroom risotto will keep 'til tomorrow. I'll leave you an outline for the rest of the week before I go."

"Really, I thought I'd be back in time for at least some of the appointments," Lorelai checked her watch.

Sookie glanced up from the binder and flipped the page. "It's okay, really. You mother was fantastic. We knocked those interviews out like that!" She emphasized her statement with a snap of her fingers.

Lorelai nodded, a smirk on her face. "Ate 'em alive, didn't she?"

"No. Not at all."

"I really didn't think it would take so long at the printers, but who knew there were so many damn fonts? Then the ink. There are seven different shades of black. How is that possible?"

"Really, Lorelai. Your Mom had it covered," Sookie insisted.

"I'm sorry I stuck you with her. I bet she took over the whole thing, didn't she?"

"I couldn't have done it without her. We've got it narrowed down to the top three who will come in and prepare a selection of dishes. We're going to see how they work with the kitchen staff as well as what their food tastes like."

"Well that makes sense," Lorelai agreed over the rim of her coffee cup before downing half the contents.

Sookie shook her head. "I wanted to taste their food, of course, but the whole idea of having them work with our people, that was all Emily."

Lorelai turned and topped off her coffee.

"Vegans!" Sookie exclaimed. "You've got vegans booked for the weekend," she said accusingly.

Lorelai cringed. "Sorry."

"I thought we agreed no more vegans. Ever!"

"Sookie, we cannot discriminate against vegans," Lorelai replied.

"Yes! Yes, we can. How can you be expected to cook without eggs or dairy? I mean come on! Those whackos won't even eat honey. I ask you, how does that hurt the bees?"

"Sookie, I have confidence in you," Lorelai smiled and patted her on the shoulder. "I know you'll come up with something wonderful that Javier and his team can put together."

Sookie took a deep cleansing breath. "You know, this" she pointed to the offending vegan reservations, "I do not miss."

"Hey, just think, the sooner you hire the new chef, the sooner you'll be rid of vegans worries," Lorelai added supportively as she exited the kitchen.

Sookie kept grumbling. "Don't know what's matter with these stupid, twig-eating tree huggers…"

Lorelai emerged from the kitchen and heard raised voices coming from the front of the inn.

Michel was almost yelling, "You did not seriously think you could just walk out the door with our book tucked under your arm?"

"Are you accusing me of stealing?" a female voice replied.

"I most certainly am," Michel countered. "That copy of The Mermaid Chair belongs to the Dragonfly Inn. I can prove it. Just look at the dust jacket. There is a tiny tear on the back just below the UPC code.

"How exactly does that prove anything?" the woman demanded. "You're staring at the back cover right now."

Just as Lorelai rounded the corner into the lobby, Emily stepped between the two combatants. "May I be of assistance?" she asked with an air of authority mixed with a calm tone and warm smile, which were quickly noticed by the outraged guest.

"This man has just accused me of stealing a book," the woman explained.

"I'm sure there must be some sort of misunderstanding," Emily said smoothly. "Isn't that right, Michel?"

"I'm tired of guests that think they can just walk off with any book they like. I was going to read that," he pointed to the book currently clutched in the guest's hand.

Emily fixed Michel with a withering look while maintaining a serene smile. "That is a very popular book. Don't you think you could be mistaken?" Michel opened his mouth clearly about to protest again. Emily's chin jutted slightly forward and her eyes became even steelier as she looked at him. "Michel."

Michel closed his mouth and contemplated the situation for a moment, glancing between the now gloating guest and the glaring Emily Gilmore, briefly admiring the way she could glare and smile simultaneously before he turned back to the guest. "Yes, perhaps I was mistaken," he offered, his words clipped. "I am sorry."

The woman harrumphed at Michel then nodded her thanks to Emily.

"Have a safe trip home…" seeing the wedding ring on the woman's hand, Emily continued, "Mrs…"

"Sinclair," the woman replied with a smile. "Susan Sinclair."

"Well, Mrs. Sinclair, thank you again for staying at the Dragonfly. I hope we'll see you again soon."

"Thank you, I think I will." Mrs. Sinclair gave Emily a friendly smile then stepped out the front door.

Lorelai walked up behind her mother and Michel as they stood near the doorway. She leaned close to Michel and teased with a grin, "The Mermaid Chair?"

"It is the soulful tale of a middle-aged woman whose stifled dreams and desires take shape during an extended stay on Egret Island, which evokes a magical sense of whimsy and poignancy," Michel replied haughtily.

Lorelai laughed loudly. "You got that from the flyleaf, didn't you?"

Michel turned and stalked back to the reservation desk with a huff, Lorelai still laughing and Emily giving in to her own chuckles.

Lorelai smiled and shook her head. "Very impressive, Mom."

Emily glanced sideways at her daughter, an eyebrow raised quizzically.

"Getting Michel to apologize to a guest… and without the threat of bodily injury. You handled that really well, Mom."

A small smile lightened Emily's features. "I'm glad you approve."

Lorelai gave her mother an reassuring smile. "Definitely."

Emily shook her head, a look of confused amusement on her face. "The Mermaid Chair?"

Lorelai shrugged and sipped her coffee in reply as both glanced back to where Michel stood across the room muttering to himself.

Emily looked at the digital clock on her dashboard as she pulled into the driveway. It was almost seven o'clock. Shifting the gear to park, she slid the key from the ignition and grabbed her purse. As soon as she opened the door to the house, she was greeted with a fruity aroma. She placed her coat and bag on the sofa, deciding to put them away later, and strode toward the dining room. "Richard, are you here?" she called out.

He didn't respond but stepping into the dining room, she spotted her husband seated at the head of the table. It took her a moment to look around the room and take it in. It wasn't much but the lights were turned down lower than usual and there were candles surrounding the centerpiece on the table. An arrangement of fresh, seasonal flowers was an elegant complement to the lace tablecloth.

Richard rose as she walked to her seat, pulling out the chair for her. "What is all this?" she asked, scooting closer to the table.

"I sent the staff home," he spoke, his voice low and sultry against her ear as he stood up straight.

Emily turned her head to the side just as he disappeared into the kitchen. She had no idea what he was up to but she was certainly intrigued.

After a few moments, Richard returned with two plates in his hands. Placing one in front of his wife and another in front of his seat, he sat down with a satisfied smile. "Mahi mahi," he stated as Emily nodded in approval.

"It looks wonderful," she commented, picking up her silverware.

"I thought perhaps you could tell me all about your first day of work," Richard suggested.

"Oh, you wouldn't want to hear about that," Emily waved with her hand, as if dismissing the thought that he'd be interested.

"Of course I would," he insisted. "I can't imagine how many years I've sat here and told you all about my day at work."

"Well, all right," she conceded. "In case you are wondering and I'm sure you are … Lorelai and I actually made it through the whole day without getting into a fight," she began.

Richard listened as she spoke, content to see a smile upon his wife's face and a genuine sparkle in her eyes. She seemed happier than she had been in quite a long time.

After their plates were placed in the dishwasher and the table had been cleared, both Emily and Richard retreated to the living room for a drink. Handing his wife a glass, he stepped around the couch and took a seat next to her, sitting just a bit closer than usual, which didn't go unnoticed by his wife.

"I have to admit that I had my doubts about you and Lorelai working together but I'm glad to know that everything went smoothly today," Richard commented, placing his arm across Emily's shoulders as she leaned into him and took a sip of her drink. "I just hope that you realize that you and Lorelai are going to inevitably butt heads sooner or later," he reminded her, hoping that she would prepare herself for it and not be too upset should it happen.

"I know," she breathed, not wanting to think about disaster before it struck. "But today was a very nice day … though I am rather tired," she admitted.

"Well, why don't we go upstairs to bed?" he suggested.

"It is only just now eight o'clock," Emily protested, resting her head against the nape of Richard's neck.

"I noticed on the television schedule for this evening that one of the movie channels is airing an all-night musical marathon," he commented, knowing that he'd piqued her interest when her head lifted from his shoulder.

"Which musicals are they showing?" Emily inquired.

"The paper is upstairs. Why don't we go find out?" Richard suggested.

As Emily rose to her feet, she returned her glass to the drink cart and waited for her husband to do the same.

"If only I had known forty years ago that getting a job would inspire you to serve me dinner and watch musicals with me, I would have done this ages ago," she commented wryly, a playful smile upon her lips as she walked towards the staircase.

"Forty years ago I'd never have let you get away with watching musicals all night long," Richard countered, following close behind her.

"Who says that I'll be watching them all night?" she asked, turning her head back to wink at her husband before reaching their bedroom.

"You know … I think perhaps the musical marathon isn't on tonight, after all…"

"Nice try," Emily laughed, disappearing into the dressing room.