CHAPTER 1

William's Hardware

Luke is ringing up a sale. Lorelai walks in, goes over to Luke and says, "hey, what's up?"

Luke is dazed at her beauty and outgoingness and says, "Hey! Are you new in town?"

Lorelai says, "ya, I just moved here. I got a job at the Independence Inn." Luke responds by saying, "Mia, the owner, is a great lady." Lorelai agrees.

"So, what's your name?" asks Luke "Mine's Luke."

"I'm Lorelai."

Luke notices Rory. "So what's your sister's name? She's an angel."

"Her name is Rory, but she isn't my sister. She is my daughter," Lorelai states hesitantly.

Luke acts embarrassed. "Sorry to embarrass you like that."

"It's ok. I should be used to it by now. After all, she is already 6 months old."

"And how old are you? 18, 19?" Luke wonders

Lorelai just replies as though she's used to it, "16"

"Wow, you look older!"

Lorelai says back, "well, having a kid does that to you."

Luke say's thoughtfully, "Yeah, I guess it does"

Lorelai changes the subject, "So, how old are you?"

Luke responds, "17"

"Cool."

An awkward silence ensues, but is soon stopped. "Well, I guess I should get back to work. They sent me down here for something, but I can't for the life of me remember what it is."

"Well, come back when you remember."

"Thanks, I will. Rory, say bye to Luke." Then, in a smaller, higher voice she says, "Bye Luke" and waves Rory's hand. Then, in her regular voice, she says good bye herself. She turns around to leave, but Luke stops her. "Lorelai,"

She turns around. "Yeah?"

Luke stammers, "would… do… would you like to go to dinner with me sometime?"

Lorelai smiles her Lorelai smile! "Yeah, that would be nice. When?"

Luke says, "How about Friday? I'll pick you up. Where do you live?"

"The Crap Shack," Lorelai replied.

"Where?" Luke was very confused.

Lorelai felt bad for him so she explained, "the potting shed at the inn, but you can pick me up in the lobby. What time?"

"How does 7 o'clock sound?"

"Sounds good. See you then."

"Ok, bye."

Lorelai turned and walked out. Both of them were smiling like fools.

The Independence Inn kitchen

Lorelai runs in to the kitchen yelling for Sookie. "Sookie! Are you in here?"

Sookie pops up from behind the counter. "Yeah, I'm over here."

Lorelai is so excited. "Guess what?"

"What?"

"I'm going on date!"

"Cool! With who?"

"A sexy guy from the hardware store!"

"Wow, you're going on a date with Luke!"

"You know him!"

"Of course, every girl in town knows him! He's hott! Plus, this isn't Hartford. It's the Hollow!"

Lorelai concedes. "Good point." They both start laughing.

"I'll watch Rory! We'll have so much fun stayin' up past bedtime, watchin' dirty movies and swearing. I can't forget to bring the beer."

Lorelai bursts out laughing. "That's just mean! But thanks. I am still new here and I don't like asking people to watch her. She's supposed to be my responsibility."

Sookie was very understanding. "Don't worry about it."

"Thanks. Ok, I have got to get back to work so Mia doesn't fire me before I get to go on my date. I don't want to have to move to another town that can't be as nice as this one. Bye!"

"Bye!"

"The Crap Shack"

Friday night has finally arrived. I can't wait to go! I haven't been on a date for 2 years. We all know what happened next! Here comes the stork. Anyway, I can't wait to go out with Luke. He is the first guy who hasn't shied away when he found out about Rory.

"Rory, Mommy's going to go on a date with a boy she really likes and hopes to see again. You get to stay here with Sookie and have lots of fun!"

Rory gurgles and smiles at Lorelai.

"That's my girl!" Lorelai hears a knock at the door. "Sookie's here!" After she opens the door Lorelai says "Thanks for helping me out, Sookie. I just have to finish getting ready. I don't know if Luke knows that he is supposed to be 5 minutes late! Thanks Sookie! I'll be back by 10! I love you Rory."

Sookie smiles and says, "Don't worry about it. The boys will be gone by 9!" They both smile. "We'll be fine."