Mature sex scene at end. Enjoy!
Chapter 3- Follow the Money
Meanwhile back in Stars Hollow Lorelai and Maisy packed away the rest of the leftovers. Luke washed all the pots while Buddy dried. They had the kitchen cleaned up in no time at all. The 4 of them then made their way into the Living Room. Buddy and Maisy were worried about Luke. They knew it hadn't hit them yet. Lorelai went and put a sleeping Will to bed before coming back and joining the rest of the family in the Living room.
Maisy asked, "Luke are you really ok? I am worried about you."
Buddy then chimed in and said, "Good thinking about the key over the door frame. I didn't realize it was still there all these years later. I remember when your mom told your dad to put it there. For a while your dad kept locking himself out of the store. Something was wrong with the back door lock and the front one would get hit just the right way and would lock and lock your dad out of the store. Your mom got tired of him coming home to get the spare key and waking you up in the process when you were a baby that he started leaving one on the door frame. Oh the stupid things you remember. Maybe you should think about not putting it back?"
Luke smiled, "I never knew why it was up there. It has just been there for as long as I can remember. You really have known mom and dad forever. You probably have lots of tidbits like this one that I would love to hear someday. I think you're right I am not going to put it back. Lorelai was the last person to use it so many years ago when she painted the diner without me. It's safer for everyone to just leave the spare key here. Worse case condition I have to come back home and get it. But in all these years I have never locked myself out, even when I lived there. I do think Liz probably went there when she left here hoping I wouldn't remember about the key and that they could stay at the diner. I'm ok, not great but ok. I guess what's bothering me most of all is that she thinks everything that happened to Jess was ok and normal. That she was doing ok. That there seems to be no remorse and no plan to pay us back. Thank you both for everything you said tonight. I hope you both aren't upset with me. I just can't do it anymore. I know I technically didn't keep my promise to Dad but I feel like I have held it up long enough."
Buddy replied, "Your dad felt horrible that he left you so young and with so much debt. I don't know how much was his medical bills but I know it was a lot. He asked us to look after you both too. William never expected Liz to still be looking for help and a handout almost 20 years later. I think he was hoping for a couple of years but not almost 20. I will admit it was hard for me to hear what Jess said tonight. I know I was embarrassed for him by TJ's outburst in the church. It was all too much."
Luke replied, "Thank you for saying that. It was a lot. I was able to cut a deal with the hospital to pay Dad's medical bills. They wrote some of it off and I paid the rest off over 5 years. It was about 75 thousand dollars worth of debt that I still owed the hospital. If I didn't agree to pay off the debt they would have gone and taken the store and the house to pay their bill. You know the old house had a mortgage on it and the house was just too big for just me. The store also had a mortgage. By selling the house I was able to pay off more than half of dad's medical bills and used a little bit to buy the appliances to convert the hardware store into a diner. I was able to refinance the store and get it to a more manageable rate as I used my savings as a down payment. Just paying off the store took about 2 years. The rest took some time but I am happy to have them long ago paid off. I hate debt so any extra money I had after all the bills were paid was put directly into paying it off. I did the diner first as it had an interest rate and the medical bills were zero interest. I never really realized how much I had given Liz over the years. I used to just put a copy of the checks or bank withdrawals into a folder. We went through that folder after the wedding and Lorelai helped me and we put it all into a spreadsheet. I was gobsmacked when we added it all up. I honestly didn't realize a couple hundred here, a few thousand dollars there, a bit for groceries, a bail out of jail would add up to be over 75,000 dollars. It's just so hard as I feel so stupid. Jess should have never had to go through any of that. No one should. I do plan to be there next month in court with Jess. Lorelai, we need to find out when and where we have to be as I don't think Jess told us."
Buddy spoke and said, "I had no idea you had that much debt to pay off. It makes sense though. We knew the hardware store was struggling in the end but William would never tell us how much or how bad it was. He was so embarrassed. Now it makes sense why you were in such a hurry to sell the house. That you were able to pay off the store and the house and keep the diner going and help out Liz is incredible. Luke, you kept your promise to your dad and then some. I know he was so upset with the bills. That you are on the other side of all of that is huge. Please stop beating yourself up. We all would have stepped up to help Jess if we would have known. We are both going to be with you all next month to make sure that Jess takes Doula. This cycle has to end and I am glad that Jess stood up to Liz tonight. Just hard to believe that she could be that clueless. Now we are not going to join you all for swimming tomorrow but we would like to join for dinner. I feel like Jess needs us all to rally around him right now. You too Luke. For god's sake Luke please don't blame yourself for any of this. It is enough. You have done more than anyone could ever hope for. We are so proud of you. You just kept taking the hits and kept on going. Now if we can only get Liz into a drug and alcohol rehab everything would be right with the world but I don't think that will ever happen. It's just sad that it all came to this. Luke, know that we love you and care for you like you are our own. We never want you to feel like you didn't or couldn't do enough. You did more than enough for everyone around you."
Lorelai then said, "Sweets, Buddy is right. It's enough. You did more for Liz than even she could ever ask for. You can't blame yourself. She is an adult although she really doesn't act like one. Question for you. In your dad's will was the store or the house or anything left for her? Just curious as to why she thinks all of this is coming to her."
Luke got up and went to the office. He returned a couple of moments later with Dad's will and a letter attached. He handed all the pieces to Buddy.
Luke spoke and said, "Here's dad's will and a letter he wrote that I found after he passed. Apparently he had given Liz a lot of money before he passed to help her pay her bills and such. I was never aware of how much he gave her. I never asked. When I did ask him one day why he was helping her he told me Liz was his kid too and he had to help her. By his letter I believe that he had given about 50 thousand dollars over the years. I think that's why he left the store and house to me solely. Knowing they both had mortgages on them I was only left with about 90 thousand in equity from all of it. I had to clear out the house too. I did have a lot of furniture in storage that we used for this house and some of which was sold. So all in all after all the taxes and such were paid we probably both got about the same amount. Plus remember I had his medical bills to pay too. But somehow I don't think Liz realized or wanted to realize this. She just kept wanting more and more and more. That's when the diner was paid off in full and mine I breathed a little easier. I had a set amount to give for Dad's medical bills which was ½ the amount of the diner mortgage. Once the medical bills were gone too I was on easy street. I had gotten used to living such a simple meager life that I continued that way for a long time just trying to make sure I had a nice rainy day fund and to build back up my savings. I am a simple guy with simple tastes and simple means. Not sure if that makes sense.
For a while there I thought she might try to hire a lawyer to get more of what she seems to think she is owed. The reality though is that she isn't and wasn't owed anything. I was helping her cause she was my sister and family. But I have to tell you all when I heard Jess talk tonight and then when I saw the scars on his chest I was done. I never saw those scars when he lived with me. He always made sure to wear a shirt around me and now I know why. I am so damn proud of him to go talk to a therapist. I am sure tonight couldn't have been easy for him but somehow he got through it. I do wish Buddy that we could reach Liz and get her to admit she needs help but somehow I don't think that will happen. I don't think she has hit rock bottom yet. She may never hit rock bottom but I do promise the three of you that I am done. I will no longer give her any money or a place to stay or anything else. If I wanted to be an ass I could sue her for the money I have lent her over the years. I won't do that but this bank is officially closed. I will be there to make sure that Doula and any other children she may have will never be allowed to stay with her."
Buddy replied, "I didn't know any of this. I didn't know William gave so much money to Liz too. She just doesn't seem to get that others have worked hard for what they have and aren't looking for a handout. It actually is kinda sad."
Lorelai relied, "It is sad but until she hits rock bottom and asks for help we are just going to have to let her flounder. Luke, thank you for explaining the will and all of that. I am sure it wasn't easy. It still doesn't explain how she thinks she is entitled to all of this money. I guess she just thinks family helps family. Maybe she is thinking you got more from the house sale and all and you should have shared it with her. Did she know about your dad's medical bills and how much you had to pay? She just couldn't believe that we didn't want her here tonight and that we didn't welcome her with open arms. I did think it was weird that she didn't fight for Doula. Not even a hug or a kiss or I love you or an I will fight for you. Nothing. If someone tried to take Rory or William away from me I would have fought them tooth and nail. Maybe it's easier for them to live their carefree alcohol and drug life without having to care for Doula. Or maybe they think Jess will give her back. Who knows I am just so glad Jess started the ball rolling to make sure Liz and TJ can never be her legal guardian again."
Luke replied, "No, I guess it's my fault we never talked about how much I got from the sale of the house or how much dad's medical bills were. All she ever used to say to me was that it was so good that the diner was doing so well. She never asked if I had a lot of expenses or if I owed money or needed help or anything. It was a very one sided relationship. Only what I could do for her, not what she could do for me. I would have cut her off years ago if it wasn't for Jess and then Doula. And the crap that she calls me Big Brother, oh I hate how she says that. I know it's just to butter me up. No more. You know I don't like to talk about money but I guess I should have shown her long ago that there weren't thousands upon thousands from Dad and Mom. What I had was well invested. I don't think it would have mattered much anymore. Now not to be rude I am done. Maisy I will call you tomorrow when we know more about dinner for tomorrow night. Will that work? I don't even know which hotel they all are staying in."
Lorelai said, "They are staying at the Pierre in Hartford. Dinner is supposed to be at 6 in the dining room there. Casual dining. Apparently we are going to be a full house as I think Finn's parents may be joining us. The more the merrier."
Luke said, "Then I really feel like a shit. We had more than enough food. They could have joined us tonight."
"They were going to Finn's sister's tonight. I think it was better they weren't here to witness all of this. Hey, I was here and I know everyone and I didn't even want to witness all of this. Please don't get me wrong but I don't think Jess would have said everything he said tonight if there were strangers here. Remember he was mortified at what TJ did at his wedding."
Luke replied, "You're probably right. Jess is a lot like me, the silent type. I was actually so proud of him that he was able to say all that tonight. That was the most I have ever heard him say at one time. I don't know who his therapist is but that person needs to be commended and sent chocolates or flowers or something as they were really able to help Jess."
Maisy responded, "You too Luke. You have come out of your shell a lot since William was born but you were also the strong silent type for way too long. It was like you were afraid to get too close to anyone for the fear that they would leave you or pass away. You have come so far since you and Lorelai got together. You really should be proud of yourself. Now we are going to say goodnight but also say we are here. We are not going anywhere and if you need us you call us. We won't be a stranger and you don't be one either. Between Buddy and myself we have lots of old stories about your folks. We never really spoke about them as we didn't want to upset you but we are more than happy to tell you anything we remember."
Maisy and Buddy got up and got their coats and left for the night. Luke took Paul Anka out while Lorelai finished cleaning up the table and started the dishwasher. Once Luke was back he and Lorelai went upstairs and checked on William before going to their own bedroom.
Luke said, "I am going to take a hot shower. Care to join me."
Lorelai nodded her head and the two of them went to take a nice hot shower. Luke was happy to have the shower heads beat against his tired muscles. Lorelai could see how tense he still was and how much tonight took out of him. Once out of the shower Lorelai said, "Get on the bed on your stomach please."
Lorelai then went and got the massage oil and began at his shoulder and massaged his back in deep strong strokes working out the knots as she came to them. Luke was so enjoying the massage but also the intimate moment between the two of them. As Lorelai worked down his body he began to talk to her.
"Oh god. Lorelai please don't stop. That feels amazing. Thank you for standing by me tonight. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for our family. I know I am still in shock from everything. Ooohhh baby! Please. Right there. Ohhh. More please"
"Luke, you are so tense. You are this family's rock and I am happy to stand by your side through all of this. Your back is just all knots. Am I hurting you. Let me help you relax some."
Lorelai continued to work on his back, thighs and legs. She carefully avoided his ass and bottoms of his feet as she knew these were orgasm points for him.
"Turn over please."
Luke flipped over and Lorelai started at his feet and continued working up his strong legs to his hips. Luke was moaning as she went. She continued up his chest to his shoulders and down his arms. Once she was finished with his arms Lorelai started working on his head and did long strong strokes from the top of his head to through his neck down to his shoulders. Luke felt like jello but he was so turned on all at the same time.
"Oh god. How is it possible that I feel so much better and looser like a bowl of jello but am so turned on all at the same time. You take such good care of me. Thank you for taking care of me tonight. You knew exactly what to say about everything. You just being there keeps me cool, calm and collective. God I love you."
"Luke, let me take care of that hard on for you so you can get some sleep tonight. Relax and enjoy."
Lorelai took Luke's cock in her mouth and gave him a mind blowing blow job. Luke was moaning in ecstasy at what she was doing to him. He tried to hold onto her head and control the pace but she wouldn't let him and instead held his hands and continued on with stronger deeper strokes. Luke was on the edge in no time flat and came undone cursing her name as he shot his load and she swallowed every last drop. When he was sucked dry she removed his cock from her mouth and gave his tip a kiss before kissing her way up his body and giving him a searing kiss so he could taste himself on her. Once they stopped kissing Lorelai pulled up the blankets and snuggled up to Luke's side. She ran her hand through his hair lulling him to sleep. She knew it might be a rough night and she was genuinely afraid when all of this hit him.
Luckily Luke was able to sleep through the night and even slept in the next morning. Lorelai knew how traumatic last night was for him so she thought the more sleep the better. Lorelai was up with Will and got him breakfast while Luke slept. Luke awoke about 10 feeling so refreshed and relaxed.