"You're kidding!"

"I wish."

"You were getting lovey dovey with the Evil One?"

"It was just an act."

"You were getting lovey dovey with the Evil One!"

"Are you listening to me?"

"Rory was getting lovey dovey with the spawn of Satan!"

"Did you miss the part about Dean?"

Lorelai fell silent at this question. She knew Rory still felt uncomfortable discussing Dean.

"It all worked out, though, right?"

Rory sighed, hugging a pillow to herself. "I guess."

"Goody!"

"It's not over yet. Madeline says I'm only in the doorway."

"So uh…how far is it from the doorway to the inside?" Lorelai asked, playing along with the analogy.

"A VERY long trip. Madeline's been at it two years and counting."

"How long did you say you have."

Rory moaned, and her words came out garbled.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Two months."

Lorelai cringed. "Chunky monkey time?"

Rory could only nod mutely.