Lorelai collapsed on the bed, letting the bone deep exhaustion that had been building over the last several weeks settle over her. Using the last bit of energy that she could muster, she rolled onto her side to look at Luke. "I am so ready to be done with 1987. For the first time since I was ten, I don't even care if I'm awake at midnight on New Year's Eve. I'm going to go to sleep now and I don't want to wake up again until 1988."
Luke turned onto his side to face her. "Your theory is that next year has to be better than this year?"
"It certainly can't be worse."
"Be careful," Luke cautioned her. "We didn't think this year could be as bad as it was."
"I know, but things are starting to look better."
"How do you figure?"
"We had a nice Christmas. Rory didn't even cry when we went to see Santa."
"You're basing all of your hopes for the new year on Rory liking a man in a red suit?" Luke asked skeptically.
"No, but it's a good sign."
"A sign?" he scoffed. "What else do you have?"
"William's finally done with his chemotherapy."
"The doctor hasn't said he's in remission yet."
"I'm sure that will change at his next appointment with Dr. Davies."
"Even if Dr. Davies says he's in remission, it doesn't mean he's cured. He'll still have monthly appointments for a year and then yearly appointments for another four years. He won't be considered cured until he's been cancer free for five years."
"You're determined to be negative, aren't you? Just for a change, you should try being positive. He's done with the chemotherapy and the doctor is going to say he's in remission and he's going to get through all of his appointments and he's going to be cured."
"That's five years away. It doesn't mean things are already looking better."
"Oh, I guess you're looking for something more immediate?"
"That would be nice."
"Hmm, well, Mia is looking to hire a new sous chef at the inn."
"How is that good news?"
Lorelai let out an exasperated sight, then patiently explained, "If Peter has some help in the kitchen, he might be happier. If Peter is happier, he might be nicer. If Peter is nicer, then everybody at the inn, including me, will be happier. And before you ask, this is good for you because happy wife, happy life."
Smiling, Luke asked, "Any idea when Mia plans to hire this all powerful sous chef?"
"As soon as possible."
"Then, I guess things really are starting to look better."
"I knew you'd see it my way," Lorelai stated definitively.
"Ah geez," Luke groaned. "Come here." He pulled her to him as he fell onto his back.
Lorelai landed on Luke's chest, laughing. "Now what are you going to do with me?"
"I'll think of something," Luke assured her, combing his fingers through her hair and pulling her face closer to his.
"I like how you think," Lorelai murmured against his lips before kissing him, her exhaustion temporarily forgotten.