I tightened my grip, only half of me comforting him. The other half didn't want to let go yet. My face buried in his plaid shirt I breathed in his soapy, coffee, Luke smell. After a few moments he pushed me away and filled a cup with coffee.
"Luke, could you please tell me what's wrong?" I pleaded.
"Listen, you wouldn't understand. It would make you upset and therefore I refuse to tell you!"
"You know I'll haul it outta you eventually. It may just as well be voluntary."
"I know you don't understand why I can't tell you, but respect my decision."
"Ok, well.. If you change your mind call me, okay? Oh, I have to go meet Max."
"Good. Will you leave now?" I ignored him and continued.
"I have to answer his proposal today." I scrunched up my face. "I've been dreading it all week."
"Well there's your answer then." He didn't stop cleaning to answer.
"What? Why? Why would you say that?" I demanded.
"It's obvious that if you've been dreading your answer, it shouldn't be yes." When he said that, he looked up and must have realized what had come out of his mouth. "It's your decision and I support whatever you say." I smiled at him as I turned and started for the door.
*****
I walked up the driveway, and saw Max sitting on the porch.
"Uh... Weren't we suppose to meet at the park?"
"Hello to you too. If you remember correctly, I called you last night and we decided I'd pick you up."
"Obviously I don't remember....oh wait, there it is." I looked at the closed door and then back at him. "Rory decide you shouldn't come in?"
He pulled a blue post-it out of his pocket and handed it to me.
"When I got here, I found this on the door. So after reading it, I assumed she wasn't here." Scribbled in Rory's handwriting were a few sentences explaining that she was spending the night at Lane's.
"And so you're right again. Instead of going out, can we stay here and talk?" I moved to the couch and sat down.
"Oh. Sure. Why not." He sat down beside me and pulled me towards him. I found his lips against mine. I kissed him back, but it didn't feel right. Not comfortable like hugging Luke was. That was silly..... of course it was comfortable, Luke was my friend. I pulled away with a worried look on my face.
"Max..... I can't." I said quickly.
"Can't what?"
"Do this. Kiss you, marry you.. pretend everything's ok when it isn't."
"I thought it was something you wanted..."
"You asked me to marry you. To end a fight. I can't get past that, and it worries me. I can't stay in this relationship." I turned away from him.
"So I should leave then." He stood up and started to walk away, but turned around. "Does this have something to do with Luke?" he questioned.
"You can't get over the whole 'Lorelai has a male friend' thing can you? You think that I can't have a friendship with a guy without him falling for me? I have news for you. Luke has been there for me since I left Hartford. He's been here when you weren't. He understands how I feel without me saying a word. He makes amazing coffee and doesn't always make me pay for my food. You don't understand that and I'm sorry. Goodbye." I looked at the door with tears stinging my eyes.
"You're wrong Lorelai. I do understand. Think about everything you just said, and tell me he doesn't love you. You can't see what's been right there all along, but everyone around you can." He turned around and walked to his car. I followed him down the steps and stood on the front path. It started to rain as he drove away, and that's a moment I'll always remember.