Chapter 3 – May 2005: Three Months Before the Breakup

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Lorelai woke up with a start. She had a dream, and by instinct, she reached over to the other side of the bed to seek Luke's comfort. After feeling how cold the side of his bed was, she suddenly remembered that he didn't stay at the house again, choosing to sleep at his apartment. He said he had early deliveries, and gave an incoherent explanation about how his meat guy didn't show up the day before so he was coming tomorrow instead. She didn't even bother to offer to stay with him at his apartment for the night. He has said no too many times.

She stayed in bed for a while, twirling a strand of hair on her finger absent-mindedly. Luke has been drifting further and further away from her, and she didn't know what to do. At first, she thought that after their talk at Martha's Vineyard, things would change. That he would finally start letting her in. That he would finally set a wedding date. That they would finally start spending time together again, like a real couple. That he would figure out a way to fit in April into their lives. That they would get married, maybe have a kid together, and start their middle.

But things didn't change. She still wasn't allowed to see April or even help him with anything, even picking up a gift for April's birthday. She was still barred from the diner whenever April was there. The only exception was when he called her out of desperation to help with the dud of a party he threw for a bunch of teenage girls. She was so ecstatic at finally being let in to his life, and went all out for April and her friends. She got them movies and pizza and makeup. She gave them makeovers and a sleepover. She was the cool girlfriend, and everybody adored her – especially April.

But everything went downhill when Anna found out that she was there during April's party. Anna went ballistic on Luke, and instead of defending his fiancée's right to spend time with April, he basically shut down. He refused to make Anna understand that Lorelai was a permanent part of his life, and April should have the right to know her and vice versa. He also refused to talk to Lorelai to assure her that she did nothing wrong, that she had a right to spend time with his daughter, and that he would make things right with Anna.

She sighed. She had to figure out a way to get their relationship back on track. Suddenly, an idea popped into her mind. Without hesitation, she called Rory.

"Hey, sweets," she greeted Rory excitedly.

"Mom?" replied a sleepy voice. "Why are you calling at this god-forsaken hour?"

Lorelai took a quick peek at her alarm clock. It was seven o'clock in the morning. "So I just had this brilliant idea that I wanted to tell you about."

Rory yawned. "Fine, what is it?"

"I'm thinking of getting Luke to go with me to New York for the weekend of June 3rd. Then… maybe when we're there, I can convince him to get married on June 3rd, like we originally planned," she burst out. "I mean, he still changes the topic when I try to set a new wedding date, but maybe it's because he hates big weddings. He did say in Martha's Vineyard that he's open to eloping. This won't technically be eloping, but we can get married at the city hall and you can come and be with us. I think it would be great."

"But Mom…"

"And once we're married, Anna said April can meet me. So Luke won't have any reason not to let us spend time together. And everything would be great. You won't mind having a step-sister right? I mean, I heard she's really smart like you…"

"Mom…"

"She's more into math and science though, according to Lane. Luke doesn't really talk about her to me. He thinks it's weird or something. I don't know why. Seriously, I don't really understand a lot of what goes through his mind. But that doesn't matter, you know…"

"Mom," Rory interrupted. "I'm not sure it's the best idea."

"What? Why not?"

"Are you really, really sure that Luke is ready to get married in two weeks? I mean, is the delay or postponement or whatever it is really just because he hates big weddings? What if he's not ready? What if he says no? Or what if he feels pressured into getting married, and resents you afterwards?"

"He won't say no. He's been pining for me for years. Remember the horoscope?"

"I do, Mom, but I'm not sure if you guys are ready to get married right now."

"What do you mean? Of course, I'm ready! I told you I'm ready to take the next step!"

"Mom, I meant I'm not sure if Luke is ready to get married."

Lorelai felt sobered. For some reason, she thought Rory would be on board her idea and would excitedly help her plan her New York wedding, but her reaction was making her really uncomfortable.

"Listen, hon, I get why you're worried. I'll… I'll think about this some more. I'll try to see where Luke's head is at. But can you promise to keep June 3rd open so you can drive up to New York for the wedding if and when I call you?"

"Of course, Mom. I just want you to be happy. You know that, right?"

"I do, I really do. I love you, sweets. Go back to sleep. Mommy's got some thinking to do."

"Love you, Mom."

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Despite Rory's lack of excitement for the idea, Lorelai couldn't shake the thought that getting married would solve all of their problems. Luke has been getting more and more distant, spending more time back in his old apartment, always saying he had early deliveries or dinner with April as an excuse. After all, the main reason why things have been awkward between them was because she couldn't spend time with April, right? And Anna said that once they're married, she can meet April.

Luke wasn't exactly thrilled when she suggested a weekend away at New York. He hated traveling, he hated packing, he hated big cities. The list went on and on but Lorelai was undeterred. "C'mon, Luke, you need a break from the diner and everything else. It will be fun!" she wheedled.

Luke sighed. He knew that Lorelai would just wear him down until he said yes. He never even realized what the date was. "Okay, fine. But I'm not doing any touristy stuff with you."

Lorelai clapped her hands in glee. "We're gonna have so much fun, I promise! I'll even pack your bags for you so that there's one less thing to worry about," she rambled. "Oh, and I'll take care of the accommodations and plan our itinerary. Seriously hon, all you have to do is drive us there and relax. I'll take care of everything."

He tried to seem excited for her sake. It was not easy considering his mind was still on how to get Anna to forgive him about the party. "Sure, thanks," he replied absent-mindedly.

If Lorelai was bothered by his less than enthusiastic response, she didn't let on. She kept talking animatedly about the things they could do in New York. He was barely listening to her when she tapped his shoulder. "Luke! I said should I go upstairs now?"

"G-go upstairs?" he asked, confused. "Why?"

"To pack your bags, silly."

"But it's a week away."

"I know! But I'm excited! Aren't you?"

"I, uh… sure. The bag I used for April's school trip is at my closet. You can use that."

"The one from Anna?" Lorelai inquired.

"Yep, that's the one."

Lorelai hesitated for a second. "Why don't we just pack one bag for both of us? I have a luggage which my mom bought for Rory when they went to Europe. It should fit all our clothes for the weekend."

Luke shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, whatever you say."

"Hey Luke, now that we're on the topic of packing and stuff…" Lorelai began hesitantly. "I was just wondering… uh, when will you move into our place?"

"Our place?"

"The Crap Shack," she said with an edge to her voice. "The same house you renovated to fit both of us. To be honest, it's a bit too big for just one of us. If the other had no plans of moving in, then the renovations should never have happened…"

"Oh," Luke replied awkwardly. "Uh, soon. I'll move in soon, I promise. It's just that I need to keep my apartment for when April comes to visit."

"April is always welcome at the Crap Shack, you know."

Luke shook his head in resignation. It's too soon, he thought to himself. "Let's just drop this, Lorelai," Luke said with a sigh. It seemed that he rarely had a conversation with Lorelai lately that didn't end up with the beginning of another argument about April or Anna.

Lorelai gave him a look and turned away.

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