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Chapter 3- The diner

Hector was up and had breakfast and honestly was wearing a hole in the floor with his pacing. He was grateful that David was going to be driving. Truth be told he was a nervous wreck. Today had to go well.

David dropped him off at 11:15 and Hector took a moment to look around. It definitely looked like a small town but it had a homey sense to it. He thought I could be happy here. He schooled back his emotions and said to himself don't get carried away you have to meet Luke and get the job first.

Hector walked into the diner and was quickly at ease. It looked exactly like the type of place he wanted to someday open. He could pass on the window to the store next door though. It looked weird and he wondered why it was there. He looked around and smiled. He had a good feeling about today and everything.

Hector went and sat at the counter and a short Asian woman came up to him and asked, "Hello, what can I get you to drink?"

Hector replied, "Hello I am here to see Luke. He is expecting me. My name is Hector."

'Hi Hector I'm Lane. It's nice to meet you. I will go get Luke for you. He's in the storeroom."

Lane went and got Luke. Hector felt overdressed in his chino and button down.

Luke said, "Hi Hector. It's nice to meet you. Let's go take a table and talk for a bit if that's ok. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee?"

"That would be great. Can I get a glass of water? I don't drink coffee."

Luke grabbed 2 glasses of water and went and sat at the table Hector moved to.

Luke started to talk, "So I spoke to David briefly on Sunday. It was a whirlwind and a very emotional weekend. Let me tell you a little about this place and then we can see if you are still interested. Does that seem fair? Lane, why don't you and Cesar join us."

Hector nodded.

"Ok we are a family business. This was my dad's place, a hardware store hence the sign out front before I changed it to a diner. I can't bear to take down the old sign and no, I couldn't see myself counting screws for the rest of my life. I enjoy cooking a whole lot more than hardware. We have been open for 15 years now. We are open 7 to 7 7 days a week except Mondays when we are open 7 to 2. Casual family environment. Comfort foods, your basic eggs, omelettes, pancakes, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Some basic dinner specials. Nothing too fancy. If they want fancy they go to the Dragonfly. If they want Asian or Chinese or just weird they go to Al's. Don't ask and don't order the blue manicotti. Sorry just my opinion. Just down home good food. Water, soda, coffee, juice, milk, tea, ice tea. No alcohol. Jeans and t-shirts are fine. No real uniform but no curse words or gross pictures on your t's please and no holey jeans. This is my normal outfit for here. I would be looking for you to be willing to be front of the house and waiting tables or busing them depending on the situation but also cooking in the back. Cesar or I or John will do the register for a bit then I would ask you to help with that too. All three of us would switch between the jobs as so no one would be stuck at the grill all day. John doesn't cook. We are old school. Order pads and pens or pencils. We never went automated and we seem to be doing just fine. I do the books by hand too but Lorelai, my fiance is trying to convince me to change to a computer program. I will admit I am not very tech savvy. I will have to hire another person as I am losing Zack and Lane. They got a job with the Morgan's Sunday morning. I am excited for them but will miss them all the same. I am happy to teach you the ordering, the books, stock room and all of that stuff too. I can pay you $17 to start. We would review your pay after 30 days and after 30 days you would be eligible for healthcare. I understand from David that it is your dream to someday open your own place. What made you decide on a diner? Is this something you might be interested in? Do you have any questions for me? What did I forget? I feel like I forgot something."

Hector responded, "Thank you for even talking with me and giving me the chance. Yes I am interested. I have no problem doing front or back of the house stuff. I want to learn it all. I would love to learn it old school as you say. My teachers have said that's the best way then you aren't relying on a computer machine that may or may not work when you need it to. Not sure if that makes sense. I am a hard worker and am a team player. Is that the same Lane I met when I came in? Thank you for giving me a chance and being willing to teach me. I am not sure why but I haven't gotten any nibbles when it comes to my internship and honestly I was beginning to lose hope. I do know I still have to cook for you. $17 to start seems more than fair. Honesty I know it's an internship and I am happy for it to be an unpaid one. So I guess I am a little overdressed in my chinos and button down. Sorry, trying to make a good impression. Like I said I am a little nervous."

Luke chuckles and says, "Just a little. Relax, we are a casual group. Cesar, to catch you up, Rory's other half Finn's brother recommended Hector to us. David, Finn's brother, is going to be doing his cooking internship with Sookie and Lorelai. David recommended Hector to us to replace Lane when she goes to work at Finn' families new hotel in Hartford. They got the gig as the new house band. I know it's a little confusing. Hector here is finishing cooking school soon and his dream is to be able to open his own diner. He still has to cook for me, a hamburger and turkey burger both with fries and a salad. What else have I forgotten?"

Cesar spoke up and said, "Welcome. Not sure I got how you got to us but that's ok. Welcome anyway. That sounded way too confusing. What made you want to open a diner? We are very much like a small family here and we take care of our own. Welcome to the family."

Hector replied, "Yes that was a little weird how I found myself here but I am excited for the opportunity. When David called me on Sunday night and told me about the weekend and how he met Lorelai, Rory, you Luke and even you Lane it seemed like a dream come true. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. David said he felt like he should go play the lottery. I guess I am a big fan of comfort foods. Nothing with a prissy sauce. I can make them and have made them many times in school. I just don't personally enjoy them. I was brought up on the idea that a comfort meal can solve just about anything. My abuelita was big on home cooking mexican foods. While I do like them and I can cook them all they just aren't my favorite but please don't tell my abuelita. I would hate to hurt her feelings. To answer your question I just like comfort foods and a hamburger, grill cheese, slice of pie and such are just plain good food. I like the idea of friends and family around good food. Does that make sense? What else can I answer for you all? I am single. Need to find a place to live so if you have any ideas I am all ears. I like the idea of small town life but have never lived in it before. I grew up in Florida and am originally from Miami. I hate the heat of Miami though and love the snow in winter. Miami is too who you know and what's the new fancy food place this week for me. I am a simple guy with simple tastes. Lane that sounds really cool. Congratulations on your new job!"

Lane replied, "Thank you. We are really excited. It was totally out of the blue and very unexpected but honestly the whole weekend was like that. But oh so much fun. I met David this past weekend and he was so nice. His wife too but I don't remember her name. Zach, my husband and bandmate and I are still letting it all sink in. I know you just said you were looking for a place. We are going to be moving soon and our apartment is going to be available. You're welcome to come take a look at it if you would like. If you are looking for a roommate I know Brian is looking to rent one of the rooms in his new place. Oh sorry, you don't know who Brian is. Brian is one of our bandmates. I can imagine that this is probably a huge culture shock for you to be here instead of Miami. You will find that Stars Hollow is a small knit family. We all are here to pitch in and help a fellow neighbor and friend. My mom owns the antique store across the square. Please don't judge me by her. She is very strict, very religious and would never eat anything from here. She is a sprouted wheat and wheat balls kind of person. Uber health nut. We should warn you that Miss Patty and Babbette like to gossip about anyone and everyone. Also as a word of caution Miss Patty likes to pinch the guys butts. Oh and there is like a festival here almost every weekend it seems like. It brings in lots of tourists and this place will be packed. Oh and stay away from Miss Patty's punch. I don't know what's in it but one cup and you will be knocked on your ass. Drunk out of your mind at least I am."

Luke piped in and said, "Lane, it's not just you. One cup is one too much for me too and I am a lot bigger than you. Hector when do you finish school and is there any paperwork I have to fill out for you? Hold on I am going to go lock the door. Sorry nosy neighbors sometimes. I should let you know that I am getting married January 10th at the Dragonfly and going on our honeymoon for 2 weeks. Cesar will be taking care of the place in my absence. Will that be a problem with your school? Lorelai and I are moving in 3 weeks. In town so hopefully it won't be too bad. I will probably be off for a couple of days to get us settled. Lane knows this but we haven't told anyone in town yet. Lorelai and I are moving to the house I grew up in. Lane and Zach are going to be moving into our old place. But the reason that Lorelai and I are moving is that Lorelai is pregnant with triplets. Yes I know go big or go home. We are going big. It's scary and crazy and everything else. Please don't say anything as we haven't told many people yet. She is due in June. We have no idea what we are having but as long as they and Lorelai are healthy we don't care. Anything else I may have forgotten?"

Hector replied, "I have paperwork you would need to sign that I can do my internship here. My teacher would want to come and check out the place and may have some questions for you. I am told they want to make sure it is a real place and not a made up place. Especially as no one has ever interned here before. You would have to sign paperwork that says I can stay here for 6 months to do my internship. I am happy to stay longer than that if I pass the cooking part but it is technically a 6 month program. I would need Monday mornings off as I have one final class that only meets on Mondays from 9-11 in Hartford. I am happy to come in once I get done with class. It's a pastry class not my favorite but required for me to graduate. I am happy to bring you my baked goods if you all would like to try them. Wow! Congratulations on getting married, moving and the babies. You seem so calm for 3 babies. I would be a nervous wreck always. I am happy to pick up and do any extra shifts or help out in any way. I don't mind helping move or anything else. I am just so grateful that you will let me be here and work here. I know I still have to cook for you."

Cesar replied, "Holy shit! Oh sorry. So that's why you are moving. I wondered but never asked. I figured you would tell me when you were ready. I am also happy to help in any way you need me. Congratulations Luke on all of it. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy."

Luke replied, "Thank you very much. Ok for the last weird but important piece of information. Emily, Lorelai's mom is crazy. She picked a fight and caused a scene on Saturday night and made me, Lorelai, Rory and Finn and a few others very uncomfortable. Rory basically told her off and told her she would never be a part of their lives. They know we are moving and that Lane and Zach are moving to our new place. We ask that you all not tell anyone where we are moving too. Ok this sounds very vague. Let me explain. We got an invitation the same as Lane about a month ago telling us a date, what to wear, formal wear, what time the limo was coming for us and to please pack an overnight bag. And a phone number to rsvp but attendance was required. Nothing more. To say we were stumped was an understatement. Lane did you know ahead of time?"

Lane spoke and said, "We were in the dark as much as you were Luke. I am glad momma didn't ask a lot of questions as I couldn't answer any of them. Oh sorry Hector I should explain. My mom had my twin 3 year boys over for a sleepover Saturday night. Anyway Luke please continue."

Luke spoke and said, "We got there, checked in and got a card that says to be in this room at 6pm sharp. We went and got changed. When we got there Lorelai was taken to her seat and I was asked to wait. I was sweating bullets unsure what was going on. There was security and everything seemed very hush hush. Anyway I was taken to Rory's room where she was in a beautiful white wedding gown. She asked me to walk her down the aisle. Her and Finn were married in a conservatory filled with the most gorgeous flowers I have ever seen. It was a very small intimate affair with all of us helping and having a part. It was like nothing I have ever seen or heard before. Their minister was apparently a friend from Yale and knew them both very well. There were only 17 of us invited. We had an amazing evening. I even proposed to Lorelai that night. Three very prominent Hartford society families were combined Saturday night. Needless to say Emily, Rory's grandmother and Lorelai's mom was very upset that it wasn't the wedding she always pictured for Rory. It wasn't high society enough and they didn't invite 500 of their closest friends, business associates and everyone else. Basically you had to be very special or close to Rory or Finn to even get an invitation. What did I forget about Lane."

Lane spoke and said, "The service was magical and Luke is right that room looked and smelled outrageous. When Rory and Finn spoke their own vows there wasn't a dry eye in the place except for maybe Emily. You know that part that the minister says if you object to a wedding you should speak now or forever hold your peace and no one ever has the nerve to speak. Well Emily actually had the nerve to object. Seth the minister actually shut her down. It was beautiful. Then she picked a fight right after they were married and again during the reception. It was crazy that she was mad. I have known about Finn for like forever and he is such a sweet guy. I will admit that sometimes I had a hard time understanding the Australia to US translations."

Hector chuckled and said, "Oh my. She really is nuts. I personally hate that wedding line. But who has the nerve to object. Crazy. Oh you should have seen when David, Finn's brother got flustered in class or his cake came out wrong. I could almost never understand him as the accent seemed thicker. David told me about the wedding when I spoke to him Sunday night but not about how small it was or Emily. Honestly he might have told me but when he told me he found me an internship and one for himself as well I was blown away. I had been looking for my internship for 9 months and no one would even give me the time of day. I had one person tell me that with a name like Hector Rivera I should want to intern in a Mexican food establishment. That really hurt and would honestly probably feel like I was back in my abuelita's kitchen."

Cesar spoke and said, "I understand that. When I meet new people and tell them I work in a diner I get the same stupid stereotypes. It sounds like a magical weekend. I am so excited for Rory. I won't say a word. But I know he has to be a special guy if Rory chose him. Wow your mother-in-law to be sounds like a piece of work."

Luke spoke and said, "They are on their honeymoon and are not ready to tell the busybodies in this town. Rory had it out with Emily Saturday and Sunday. It was not pretty. Lorelai had it out with Emily on Sunday and Emily tried to pull the I am a grandparent I have rights card. Colin, the best man and a lawyer went into a whole spiel that these would be her grandchildren and great grandchildren and that Connecticut does not have grandparents or great grandparents rights and that Emily lost again. It was nice for that witch oh sorry person to be put in her place. Emily doesn't like me as I am not from society. According to her I am beneath Lorelai. Now Rory and Finn have asked that we keep this all hush hush till they are ready to tell everyone when they get back from their honeymoon in 3 weeks. Have we answered all the questions? Hector are you ready to cook? Again nothing fancy just want to see how you handle the kitchen and all."

Hector replied, "I brought more casual clothes, could I change first and then I am ready to cook. Wow! That party and everything sounds amazing. I promise I won't say anything. I would love to see pictures though when they get them. I can just imagine how amazing that room must have been. I'm ready. Thank you all for explaining everything for me. Thank you for making me feel like family. That's something I miss being so far away from home. Ok Luke, I have a couple of questions. What temperature would you like the burger and what type of salad were you looking for."

Luke replied, "Grab your bag and you can either change in the bathroom that's right down the hall or you are welcome to go through the curtain and up the stairs to my old apartment and change there. I will tell you temps when you get back."

Hector went upstairs to change and Luke turned to Cesar and Lane and said, "I was thinking of a hamburger so we can know if he knows meat temperatures so I am thinking medium rare. A turkey burger as they dry out if not cooked right and should he do a basic salad? What are you all thinking? Did I forget anything?"

Cesar replied, "A turkey burger is good as those can get really tough and dry if not cooked right. I like the idea of a basic salad and a regular hamburger. I like him. He seems like a nice down to earth guy. Lane what do you think?"

Lane replied, "I like him. He seems sweet and genuine. I hope he's a good cook. Then I won't feel so bad leaving you all in a lurch."

Luke replied, "Lane, I am so proud of you being able to get your dream job. You don't have to feel bad that you are leaving. We know you are not leaving right away and you are always welcome to come back for extra shifts if you want or need to. I have known you as long as I have known Rory and I am your kids godparent. I am not going anywhere. You're going to be Aunt Lane to my kids. I hope you know how much I love you. "

Alne blushed and smiled and said, "I love you too Luke. I am not leaving you. I want to be Auntie Lane to your kids. I want to be your kids port in the storm like Lorelai was for me growing up."

Hector came back quickly and was much more casually dressed. Now he looked like he fit in there. He made everything that was asked cooked to perfection. Luke stood in the doorway to the kitchen just watching him. He worked neatly and cleaned up his station as he went. Luke has satisfied he would be a good addition to their group.

Lorelai and David came for lunch. Luke had closed the dinner for lunch that day opening at 1 pm and the 6 of them sat and ate lunch together. They talked and everyone got to know each other. This seemed more important to Luke then any money he may have lost. At 12:45 Lorelai and David headed back to the inn and Cesar reopened the diner.

Luke said, "You passed the cooking portion and the internship and job is yours if you want it. Monday mornings are not a problem at all. I would love to see what you bake sometime. I love to bake muffins, pies and cookies for the diner and sometimes for myself as well. If I run out of time I just go get it all from Weston's bakery but I do like to bake myself too."

Hector replied, "Yes I want it. Thank you. I would love to exchange baking recipes with you and bake with you if you would like. I am like a little sponge. I want to learn it all."

Luke and Hector sat at a table and Luke filled out all the required forms for Hector's internship. It took about a half hour to get everything done. Luke also had Hector fill out employment paperwork.

When Patty came in about 1 Luke asked, "Hey Patty do you know of any one bedroom apartments for rent in town?"

Patty thought for a moment and said, "There is a nice one on Peach street that just came on and is fully renovated and another one on Birch street too but I think that one might be 2 bedrooms."

Luke replied, "Thanks. Hector here is my new hire and is looking to move into town. Patty keep your hands to yourself."

Patty giggled and Hector was slightly embarrassed.

Luke turned to Hector and said, "Now you have choices."

David came back for Hector about 2 and the two of them went back to David's place to talk.

Both David and Hector had the jobs. They were both over the moon excited. Hector would forever be grateful to David for finding him the internship.