A/N: Hello all! I want to thank everyone who reads and reviews my story. I never thought my JavaJunkie fanfic would be this popular!

Chapter 11: Dads and Ducks

The following afternoon, the bells above the door rang in a way that only Lorelai could make them, signifying her presence in the diner. Much to Luke's dismay, the Lorelai he saw on the other side of the room was very different than the one he had seen earlier that morning.

Groaning loudly, Lorelai dropped her head on the counter, and immediately reached out her hand for the to-go cup of coffee that was sure to appear.

"Happy Monday to you too," Luke spoke sarcastically. "I'm pretty sure you were in a better mood when you and Rory left this morning."

Sighing, Lorelai raised her head slightly to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry… The past two days have been so great that I forgot that I had something important to do today."

"And what is that important thing?"

"I have to call my dad," she cringed as she replied.

Walking around the counter, Luke took her hands in his and led her behind the curtain, away from the prying minds of the diner customers. "Okay. So, you had a terrible time at the party… care to explain why you are making contact so soon?"

"While you were reading to Rory in my dad's study, we talked… and it was a really nice talk. Anyway, at the end, he apologized for Christopher's appearance, and he told me that he was happy I was there." Taking a breath, she leaned into his chest and continued. "It felt really good to hear that...You know? So, I asked him if his office's number was the same so that I could call him to set something up for me and Rory to see him, without the influence of my mother. He said yes, and I promised him I would call today… That's how I got to this point."

"I hate to be the voice of reason her, but it sounds like you were the one to initiate it. What's the problem?"

"I know," she sighed, and began to speak softly, "I was the one to initiate it, but Luke… I am just scared. I don't know how to have a relationship with my dad. I don't even know how a relationship with him would work."

Hearing the genuine fear in her voice, Luke began trailing his fingers through her hair and down her back in the soothing manner only he could do. "I'm sorry. This is probably the one thing I don't know how to fix… but I do have an idea. Why don't you bring him here? It's a place other than the shed, which I know you don't want him to see, and it's also not a normal restaurant. You'll feel more comfortable here, and I'll be close by if you need me."

"You wouldn't care? I know that spending the evening with my dad probably isn't the most ideal situation for you."

"Lorelai, if it helps you, then I'm all for it."

Her megawatt smile returned to her face, much to Luke's approval. "Thanks, Luke," she spoke happily, standing on her tip toes to kiss him, "I hate to do this, because I really want to kiss you more…but I've got to get back to the inn. I'll call you later and let you know what's going on."

While Lorelai knew that staying at the diner for a little while longer was what she wanted to do, if she didn't head back to the inn and make the phone call then, she might not have had the courage to do so, later.

"Gerhman-Driscoll Insurance Corporation, Richard Gilmore's office. This is Marjorie speaking. How may I help you?"

"Yes, hi Marjorie. Is Mr. Gilmore available?"

"At this moment, Mr. Gilmore is occupied. May I ask who I'm speaking with?"

"Oh, uh, yes. This is Lorelai Gilmore, Mr. Gilmore's daughter."

"Yes, Lorelai. Richard mentioned you might call today. Hold on just one moment."

As she was put on hold, Lorelai gave herself a mental pep talk, hoping she would be able to make it through this call. "You can do this," she sighed, "Your and adult, and it's just your dad. You can do this."

"This is Richard Gilmore."

"Hi, it's Lorelai," she spoke hesitantly.

"Oh, hello Lorelai. I wasn't sure you would call."

"I told you I would, dad," she replied nervously, "So, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to come to Stars Hollo sometime this week to see Rory… oh and me."

"Of course. I would love too, Lorelai. Let me check my schedule… ah, yes. I am available after 3 pm on Thursday, so what do you say to my company around 4 pm?"

"Yeah, that sounds great dad… um, are you going to mention this to mom?"

Despite his attempt to conceal it, Lorelai could hear him sigh into the phone. "At this point in time, I assume you wouldn't want me to, so I won't… However, if these visits are to continue, I will have to inform your mother of my actions eventually."

"Yes daddy. I understand. Do you still have the address to the inn?"

"I do, so Thursday at 4?"

"Yep. Thursday at 4. Bye dad."

"Goodbye Lorelai."

As she put the phone down, she couldn't tell whether the feeling she was experiencing was fear or relief. What have I gotten myself in to?

Before she felt prepared enough to face It, Thursday afternoon arrived. Pacing back and forth in the foyer of the inn, Lorelai readied herself and Rory for the night to come.

"Alright kid, your grandpa will be here any minute, so be prepared."

"Okay." Cautiously, Rory asked the biggest question that was on her mind. "Mommy, is grandma coming too?"

"No sweets, grandma isn't coming today. It's just grandpa coming to visit. You liked grandpa, remember?"

A small smile appeared on Rory's face. "Yeah, I did. He likes to read like I do."

"Exactly… and remember that while he is here. If you feel like you don't know what to say, just talk about what you like to read."

"I will… Look mommy," she exclaimed, "He's here!"

Looking out the window, sure enough, Lorelai saw her father walking up the path to the door. "I see that, hon. Why don't you go outside and greet him?"

"Okay!" At this, Rory scurried out the door as Lorelai followed slowly behind.

"Hi grandpa! It's me, Rory! Do you remember?"

Bending down to her level, Richard spoke smoothly, "Of course I do. It is very good to see you again. Have you gotten taller?"

"Maybe! Mommy says I'm growing like a weed," she rambled, "She even threatened to put a brick on my head, but I don't think that will work."

"Speaking of your mother," Lorelai chimed in, "Hi dad. It's good to see you."

"Hello, Lorelai. Thank you for inviting me. This a very charming inn."

Before Lorelai could respond, Rory interjected, "It's really cool, and there is a lake out back with ducks! Real ducks! Do you want to see?"

"Why of course, my dear, lead the way."

Without hesitation, Rory took her grandpa's hand, pulling him behind her. Lorelai, happy to let Rory take the lead, was a few steps behind, wearing a slight grin on her face. Whether she liked to admit it or not, she was happy to see Rory take to Richard so well.

"So, this is Sir Quacksalot. Mommy named him. That one is Mr. Flappy. I named him. Mia's duck is over there. Her name is Doodles."

"Well, those are some creative names. Do you spend a lot of time here, Rory?"

"Of course! Me and Mommy live here."

At the sound of Rory's words Lorelai's breath caught. Shit… I knew I forgot to tell her something. Let's get this over with.

"Do you," he asked surprised, turning to Lorelai, "You live in the business you work for?"

"Not exactly Dad..." she faltered off.

Not seeing the slight tension, Rory continued happily, "We don't live in the inn, Grandpa… Come with me, and I'll show you."

Much to Lorelai's dismay, Rory led Richard to the potting shed.

With the disapproval evident in his voice, Richard questioned, "You live in a shed?"

Avoiding his glance, Lorelai took sudden interest in the grass below, knowing that if she looked up, she would no doubt see the hurt in her father's eyes.

"We do, grandpa! It's perfect. We live in a house near the woods, just like Snow White does! Mommy and me live like princesses!"

Unseen by Rory or Richard, a small grin appeared for a short time on Lorelai's face, as she was happy that Rory had a good outlook on their less than ideal living situation.

Clearing his throat, Richard looked to change the subject. "I see. Very well then… Say, Lorelai, is there a pace you would like to have dinner?"

Glad he was unwilling to approach the topic of their living situation, Lorelai responded, "Yeah, dad. How would you feel about going to Luke's? Rory and I go almost every night, so we thought we'd include you in our tradition."

"Yeah, Grandpa! Do you want to go with us to Daddy Luke's? I haven't tried it, but Mommy says that he makes the best coffee." Extending her hand, Rory looked at Richard expectantly.

"That sounds delightful," he responded, taking her small hand in his, "I'm always looking for a good cup of coffee"

"Well, then you're in luck! Mommy says that she's never had better coffee than what is at Luke's! His is even better than Sookie's."

"Here we are, dad. This is Luke's Diner," Lorelai spoke nervously, "Uh, why don't you and Rory choose a table, and I'll go talk to Luke for a second."

Seeing her approach the counter, Luke could tell that Lorelai was a little more on edge than he thought she would be.

"Hey, how's it going," Luke asked carefully.

"As well as it can, I guess..." A slight grimace appeared on Lorelai's face as she added, "He saw the shed."

"I'm sorry. I know you didn't want him to… What did he say about it?"

"He didn't actually say anything because, of course, Rory was there to tell him how we live like princesses," she laughed softly, "But, honestly, I can tell he was disappointed."

Giving her hand a reassuring squeeze, Luke responded, "Well hopefully dinner will go better." Reaching under the counter, he poured two cups of coffee, knowing that she would need all the coffee she could get. "Here, take this and give one to your dad. I'll be over in second."

"What, no lecture," she teased, "No telling me I'm rotting my insides? No saying that I'm gonna clog my arteries if I keep being unhealthy?"

Rolling his eyes, he spoke gruffly, "I'm gonna be lucky if you make it to 35."

"Hmmm, not your most creative line, but I'll take it," leaning over the counter, she quickly pecked his lips, "See you in a minute hon."

After quickly attending to the needs of other customers, Luke made his way over to the trio sitting at the corner of the diner.

Sitting a coke for Rory on the table, Luke was met with a bright smile in return. "I didn't order, and you got me what I wanted! Thanks Luke!"

As much as he tried, Luke could not stop a grin from appearing on his face at the excitement Rory showed over the little things. "No problem, princess… So, what can I get for everyone?"

Before Lorelai could interject, Richard took the lead, "Hello Luke. I don't know what I would like to eat yet, but I would love to get another cup of coffee. This is outstanding, and might I add, this is a nice place you've got here."

"Uh, thank you Mr. Gilmore," Luke stuttered, surprised by the complement he received.

"I noticed that there was a hardware sign above the door. Is there a reason you haven't taken it down? It could be confusing for tourists."

"Dad," Lorelai quickly interrupted, hoping that he wouldn't probe too far into Luke's background.

"It's fine, Lorelai," Luke replied, with a reassuring smile, "Actually, sir, this building belonged to my father. He used it for a hardware store, but after his passing, I felt that I couldn't run that type of business, so I opened the diner. I keep the sign there in honor of his memory, I guess."

"So, the building was a family heirloom of sorts, but you built this business from the ground up, then?"

With a slight nod, Luke responded cautiously, unsure of where this conversation was headed. "Uh, I guess you could say that. I had help from some family friends when I started, but for the past few years, it's been just me and a few employees."

"Well, I must say, that's rather respectable Luke."

"Thank you, Mr. Gilmore." Out of the corner of his eye, Luke caught the sight of a slight grin on Lorelai's face. Quickly meeting her gaze, he gave her small smile in return, and proceeded to take their orders. "So, what can I get for everyone?"

"I think I want breakfast for dinner. Chocolate chip pancakes, two eggs over easy, and bacon… oooo, and forget the normal syrup. I want some of that blueberry stuff you gave me yesterday," Lorelai ordered excitedly.

"So that will be regular pancakes, without syrup, eggs, and oatmeal then," Luke teased in reply.

The bright smile disappeared from Lorelai's face, and in place she gave him a death glare. "Or, I could just go back in the kitchen and attempt to make it myself," she snarked, rising from the table.

"No. Sit… Okay, Rory, what about you?"

"Daddy Luke, can I have a cheeseburger and fries, but can I also have cheese on the fries?"

"Any chance you'll take the oatmeal…" At her shaking of her head, he continued gruffly, and with an obvious eyeroll. "You are your mother's child… For you Mr. Gilmore?"

"I think I'll have what Rory is having, but with a side salad instead of fries."

"I see Lorelai didn't get her eating habits from you," Luke joked, "Alright, I'll be back in a few."

With Luke gone, Lorelai was hesitant to start a conversation, and before she could find a comfortable topic, Richard began speaking. "Lorelai, I was hoping to get your input on something."

Not sure of where her father was headed, Lorelai answered cautiously, "Okay… and what is that?"

"I know that you wanted to avoid the topic of your mother, but I wanted to see how you would feel about attending a family dinner with the both of us once we get back from Martha's Vineyard in a few weeks."

Seeing her aggravation rise to the surface, Richard pressed on before she could vocalize her disagreement. "It would just be me, your mother, you, Rory, and if you'd like, Luke. There would be no party, and I would ensure that no unexpected guests arrive."

"Dad," she spoke carefully, trying to avoid starting something in front of Rory, "I'm not so sure that's a good idea."

"Lorelai, I don't expect an answer right away, but I just wanted to hear your thoughts. I know you'd like to avoid seeing your mother, however, I am not completely comfortable carrying on these meetings without involving her every so often."

Knowing that he wouldn't leave the topic until she formed some sort of response to satisfy him, Lorelai answered thoughtfully, "I'm going to be honest and say that I don't know what my answer will be. I promise, I will think about it. I will weigh my options, and I will talk to Rory, and even Luke, about it. With all due respect, after the stunt she pulled last time, I'm not so sure I'm ready for mom to think that all is right with us. What she tried to do seriously hurt me, dad."

"I understand. Thank you for at least entertaining the idea."

Before the conversation could continue, Luke arrived with each of their meals. "Okay, cheeseburger and salad, cheeseburger and death fries, and pancakes, two eggs over easy, and bacon."

"Oh," Lorelai spoke, a slight hint of astonishment in her voice.

"What?"

"You put the eggs on top of the pancakes."

A quiet giggle escaped Rory's lips, and she spoke softly, "Oopsies." At this same time, Richard grinned, and a chuckled. "Oh no, I forgot about this."

Hearing their strange replies, he looked at both of them with confusion written on his face, and turned back to Lorelai. "What?"

"Yeah, well, it's like two eyes staring at me. I can't eat it like this."

"What are you talking about? You always order the same thing."

"Yeah, but you usually put the eggs on the side so that my breakfast is not ogling me."

"But it's the same food."

"Hmmm, yeah, I need the eggs put on the side."

As they continued their banter, Richard leaned towards Rory and spoke softly, "Are they always like this?"

With a quiet laugh, Rory nodded her head quickly. "Mommy likes to mess with Daddy Luke. It's really funny."

Knowing how frustrating some of the quirks of his daughter could be, Richard was surprised to hear and took note of the lack of true aggravation in Luke's tone. "He seems to handle this well. Not many people can keep up with your mother's tricks."

"He does," Rory replied happily, "Sometimes he even messes with Mommy to get back at her."

Taking note of the enduring battle before them, both Richard and Rory turned their focus back to the couple.

With an exasperated sigh, Luke continued blankly, "You just want a brand-new plate."

"Yes," she responded with a big smile, "And you would be the best boyfriend every for getting it for me. "

"How about if I take this plate in the back, I take the eggs off of the pancakes, I put the same eggs on the side and bring the plate back out. What happens then?"

"Then I can eat it."

"It's the same food, just a different configuration."

"I won't know that," she smirked and replied.

"You know what, I'm just gonna take the plate in the back," he grumbled, "I'll be back."

After Lorelai's plate was returned without the ogling eggs, and after another small battle over her desire for more syrup, dinner continued in peace and was filled with lighthearted conversation. By the end of the meal Rory was hyped up and ready to take Richard on the tour of the town, and despite Lorelai's initial hesitance, by 6 pm, Rory and Richard were out the door of the diner.

"So, grandpa, this building over here is Miss Patty's Dance Studio. She was on Broadway!"

Taking in her excitement, Richard responded rather enthusiastically, "Wow, Broadway. That's quite the accomplishment."

"I think it's cool! I wasn't good at dancing though. I'm a lot better at school stuff."

"You know, Rory, doing well in school definitely is not a bad thing. It is very good to be smart… So, you enjoy school?"

At the prospect of discussing school, the light appeared in Rory's eyes. "I do! I think it is a lot of fun! I want to go to Harvard one day!"

Chuckling, Richard answered, "Harvard, huh? I'm much more of a Yale man myself. That's where I went to school."

"You went to college?"

"I did. Maybe one day I could take you to visit. You may like it just as much, or even more, than Harvard."

"That would be awesome, Grandpa!"

Continuing their tour, they eventually found themselves sitting on a bench on the other side of the square from the diner.

"So, Rory, I haven't gotten the chance to ask you. How have you been? Have you done anything fun since I last saw you?"

"I'm good! Since I am not in school, I don't have much to do. Most days I help mommy and Mia at the inn. Mia lets me read in the library sometimes."

Confused by the prospect of a child being allowed to be at work with their parent, Richard questioned carefully," Does this Mia mind you being there? Do you always go to work with your mother?"

"Mia doesn't mind at all. She says I am a good worker. I don't always stay, though. Sometimes I go with Lane to her house. Her mommy is the one that own's the antique store," Rory answered, pointing in the direction of the white house that contained the store.

"That sounds nice."

"It is. She's my best friend besides mommy," Rory continued animatedly, "But Lane's mommy is very strict, so I don't go over to her house as much. I also spend the day at the diner with Daddy Luke, if the inn is very busy. Don't tell Mommy, but he also lets me help sometimes."

"Interesting." Taking the chance to continue his evaluation of his daughter's apparent boyfriend, Richard continued, "Do you mind if I ask… What do you think of Luke?"

"I love Daddy Luke," Rory exclaimed as she grinned widely. "He's grump with a lot of people, but he is really nice to me… and he makes Mommy happy. She used to be sad sometimes before."

Puzzled by Rory's revelation, Richard asked troubledly, "And why do you say that your mother was sad?"

"I can just tell. She says I'm very ob… observant. I think that's the word."

Despite his concern over Lorelai, Richard chuckled, "Yes. Observant is correct. Your mother is right. You are very bright girl Rory… Say, what do you think about going back to the book store we passed and picking out a book. It's my treat."

"Really," Rory asked excitedly," Thanks Grandpa!"

Following their tour of the town, Rory and Richard made their way to the agreed meeting spot of the gazebo. Seeing Lorelai enter the gazebo a few minutes later, Rory broke her conversation with Richard momentarily to greet her. "Hi mommy!" Turning back to him, Rory continued happily, "So, grandpa, did you have fun?"

"I did. This is a quaint town you've got here."

A puzzled look appeared on Rory's face. "What does quaint mean?"

"Well, it's similar to charming… old fashioned."

"Stars Hollow is quaint…" she grinned widely, "I like that word." Noticing the to-go bag in Lorelai's hand, Rory gasped dramatically, "Mommy, did you have more food without me?"

Both of the adults grinned at Rory's ability to change from subject to subject so quickly. "I'm sorry hon, you were out with grandpa, so I just needed something to do while you were gone."

Huffing in frustration, Rory pleaded, "Can I go back in and see if Daddy Luke will give me some pie?"

"Sure hon. You go inside, and I'll stay out here for a minute. Say goodbye to grandpa."

"Oh yeah!" Turning to Richard, Rory wrapped her arms around his neck and spoke happily, "Bye grandpa. I had a lot of fun. Thanks for the book."

Patting her back, he answered "It was my pleasure… now go enjoy that pie."

With Rory gone, Lorelai knew that she would have to send her father off all by herself. "So," she spoke carefully as she took Rory's abandoned seat, "Thanks for coming dad. I It looks like Rory had a great time."

"Well, she's a wonderful kid. I'm glad I could come."

An awkward silence enveloped them, as neither knew how to continue. Clearing his throat, Richard took the lead hesitantly. "Lorelai… I hate to bring this up now, but since Rory is no longer around, I wanted to mention something about it. I'm sorry you felt bad enough about your mother and I that you had to come here."

"Dad…" she began softly, but faltered off, not knowing the right words.

"I know you had your reasons, though Heaven knows I may never accept them, but are you sure you don't want to come back… or at least allow us to help you pay for better conditions for you and Rory?"

"Daddy," she sighed and rambled on, "You know I won't do either of those things. I know things may seem bad, and it probably brings back all the horrible aspects of my teenage life for you… And see, I'm really sorry that you're somewhat disappointed in the life I chose, and I really wish there was something I could do to fix that, but there probably isn't. But I can accept that because I am an adult now, and I am proud of who I have become… But please, I am begging you, please, please do not make this house thing an issue. Don't feel bad, and don't worry. I'm happy here just as I am."

Remembering Rory's prior comment about Lorelai being sad, Richard was slightly comforted by the reassurance of her happiness. "Lorelai, your happiness is all I've ever wanted."

"And that's how it is. I really am happy. I've got a good job, and I'm close to being able to get a house of my own. I've got an amazing, amazing boyfriend, and I've got the best daughter on the planet." Taking a deep breath, she smiled shyly but continued, "And hopefully, I've at least got the start of a relationship with my father."

Gladdened by her apparent desire to continue in building their relationship, he spoke strongly, "You do… I mean it when I say I had a wonderful time." Standing up, he extended his hand to her. "Please, I know you said you would, but please take having dinner with your mother and I into deep consideration."

Grabbing his hand and going tentatively into a hug, she spoke quietly, "I will. Thanks for coming… I'll walk you to your car."

What started as a day filled with worry ended with all parties involved having the smallest bit of hope that things would be better in the future.