Title: (Chapter 5) Springsteen, The Smiths and a paper bag
Author: Gluglug
Spoiler Warning/Timing: Third Season, post-Haunted Leg
Rating: PG (for language)
Summary: The date continues.
Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls and all characters are property of The Dubba Dubba Dubba WB, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Amy Sherman- Palladino. They don't belong to me, just borrowing.
Once they were back on the road, Lorelai drank her coffee.
"Mm-hm. This is great coffee, almost as good as yours." She noticed that Luke hasn't touched his tea. "Luke, don't you want your tea? It's probably getting cold."
"I'll drink it when we get to Hammonasset Point. I don't mind my tea, if you'll pardon the expression, lukewarm."
"Lukewarm, huh?" Lorelai pictured herself and Luke snuggling on the beach under a blanket. "So, we're going to Hammonasset? I've never been but I heard it's beautiful."
"It is - that's why I want you to see it. Traffic's light tonight, we'll be there sooner than I thought - in about 20 minutes."
A few minutes passed in comfortable silence. Well, almost comfortable. Luke was not used to Lorelai being quiet. He took a penny from the change holder and handed it to her.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Lorelai chuckled. "How cute, you're giving me a penny! Actually, I'm not thinking about much of anything for once. I'm just trying to take it all in and enjoy the moment."
"Lorelai Gilmore, introspective woman! Are you going to tell me that you've taken up meditation, too?" Hey, I guess I'm not used to you being quiet.should probably enjoy this moment while it lasts, huh?"
Lorelai playfully hit his arm. "Rude!"
"Hey, do you still want to listen to the CD?"
"Good idea, I almost forgot. Luke, remind me to take it with me when tonight's over." Lorelai cued the CD past the first few tracks they had listened to on the way to dinner. She hit track number four, "There is a light that never goes out" by The Smiths.
"Take me out tonight..."
Luke hadn't heard the song in at least 15 years. "The Smiths? I can't believe Jess put this song on here!"
"You know the Smiths? I would've taken you for a Springsteen fan, not a Smiths fan!"
"Hey, what's wrong with Springsteen? His new stuff is amazing. And in high school, I was into his music way before that damn Courtney-whats-her- name-from-Friends video."
"Cox, her name is Cox." She did a bad Butthead impression. "Huh-huh, you said Cox! Anyway, there's nothing wrong with Springsteen. It's just that when I was younger, there were two camps - Springsteen fans and Smiths fans. Never the twain did meet."
Luke's senior year memories came flooding back. "I was in the Springsteen camp, obviously. But my girlfriend, Beth, was a rabid Smiths fan. She dragged me to one of their concerts in New York. It was horrible - the singer flailing all over the stage like a dying cow. The only thing that made it bearable was the guitar player and that she made out with me during the songs. Apparently, all that whining turned her on."
"You went? I'm SO jealous - I think that was one of their last gigs before they split! I couldn't find a decent babysitter for Rory. You know, I found Morrissey kind of sexy, too, for a gay-celibate-vegetarian with a James Dean obsession."
"So this is turning you on? Anyway, that summer Beth moved to New York to go to college and dumped me. And do you know what I did? I spent weeks listening to nothing but the Smiths tapes she made me. My dad thought I was suicidal!" To Lorelai's amazement, Luke sang along, off key. "And if a ten ton truck kills the both of us, to die by your side, well the pleasure the privilege is mine."
Lorelai was agape. "This is precious. You know, I wonder if Jess knew about your secret Smiths phase and decided to torture you."
"How could he? I burned all of those tapes. He probably thought you would like this."
Lorelai laughed. "I am loving this! I'm having this CD bronzed and placed next to Rory's baby shoes!"
"Well, I hate to interrupt your fun, but we're here." He pulled into an empty parking lot at Hammonasset Point Park.
They exited the car and Luke removed a large beach bag from the trunk.
"Luke, you forgot your lukewarm tea!"
"Ah, forget the tea. There's the boardwalk - do you want to go up there? We could walk on the beach, but we'd have to take off our shoes."
Lorelai mocked him. "Well, yes, because we wouldn't want to get sand in them. Hey, we drove all the way here and I want to feel the sand on my toes!" She spied a bench. "Let's go over there."
Luke sat next to her. "Give me your shoes, I'll put them in the beach bag. Do you want this blanket?"
She nodded, took the blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "A flannel blanket, of course. Do you buy this stuff in bulk?"
He took her hand and they started to walk on the sand. "Oh, it's cold. Let's find a nice spot and lay down the other blanket."
Lorelai looked at him sideways. "Sorry, did you say you wanted to lay me down on a blanket?"
Luke enjoyed the way she was blatantly flirting with him, but it also made him a little uncomfortable. He was trying to be the perfect gentleman, and she wasn't making it easy.
"I said we should lay the blanket down on the sand so our feet don't get cold."
"That's what I thought. You want to lie down with me on a blanket."
A compromise was in order. "Make you a deal? Help me with the blanket and maybe I'll lie down next to you."
Lorelai helped him place the blanket on the sand. "You are such a tease. A girl has to be pretty aggressive to get anywhere with you."
Luke sat down and offered his hand to her. "It's called being a gentleman."
She lowered herself into a cross legged position. "So, Luke, why did you want to bring me here? I mean it's a nice spot and everything but why does it mean so much to you?" She paused. "Hey, you didn't lose your virginity here, did you?"
"Who told you?"
"Lucky guess..it wasn't to the Smiths chick, was it?"
Luke was embarrassed. "Am I that transparent? But that's not why I brought you here. This has been one of my favorite places ever since I was a kid. Before my mom died, my family used to spend our summer weekends here. We'd have barbecues in the park with Antonio's family and then we'd go swimming, play Frisbee, you know, beach stuff. And ever since my parents passed, whenever I come here, I feel connected to them."
Lorelai wanted to make a John Edward joke but resisted the urge. "Wow, you're nostalgic tonight. Hey, here's a question, knowing what you know, as a 30-something adult, what would you change about your life growing up?"
"Hmm. I think I would've liked to have been closer to my parents. I mean we had an ok relationship, but if I knew both my folks would be gone way before I had kids of my own."
She was surprised by the wistful tone in his voice. His previous comments about parenthood led her to believe he wasn't one for changing diapers or late night feedings. But she'd always thought he'd make a great dad. "You want kids?"
"Sure. You know, I'm kind of envious of you and Rory. That parent-child connection, I really want that some day. Hey what about you, would you change anything?
"I've thought about this a lot, given my situation. I mean there's some things I would've loved to have known about childrearing - the fact that you get no sleep - for one. But my relationship with Rory, that's something that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world."
Now it was his turn, he remembered the last time he'd asked her, when she was engaged to Max and she got defensive. "Hey, do you want more kids...um, I hope I'm not being too personal?"
"You're not being too personal, Luke. I do, with the right person. Although I'd better get moving because according to Sylvia Ann Hewlett my ovaries are drying up as we speak! Sorry, that was me being way too personal!"
"Just a little. By the way, I did get that reference, in case you were wondering. I do read the newspaper. So, you're saying with the right guy.."
"Yes, but don't worry, I'm not planning to get pregnant tonight, in case you were wondering."
Parenthood could wait but Lorelai's lips couldn't, by the way she was gazing at him. Luke pulled her close and kissed her, this time allowing their tongues to mingle and their hands to roam. He pulled her down with him on the blanket.
She wasn't surprised that Luke was a good kisser - he might win that contest after all. His lips were soft and sweet and as they traveled down her neck to her collarbone, her desire to be closer to him grew. "Maybe we'll need to revise that plan."
Luke felt his heart beat accelerate, to the point where he couldn't catch his breath. He sat up abruptly, holding his chest. "Lorelai, stop!"
Lorelai was startled. "What's wrong? Luke, you don't look well!"
"I think I'm having a heart attack! I can't catch.my.breath!"
"Do you have shooting pains in your left arm?" Luke shook his head. How could he be having a heart attack, being all Mr. Healthy? Lorelai realized what might be wrong with him. She reached for her purse and pulled out the paper bag.
"Here, take this bag - put it over your nose and mouth and just breathe."
Luke followed her instructions as she gently rubbed his back, giving words of encouragement. After about a minute or two of breathing into the bag, he felt better. He handed her the bag, still winded.
"That was scary- Lorelai, you saved my life!"
She was relieved. "Hey, I knew the bag would come in handy. Although I thought I would be having an anxiety attack, not you!"
Luke was red faced. "Is that what that was? I've never had one of those before, I swear! I really thought I was having a heart attack."
"Do you have any idea what brought that on?"
"I don't know. I guess I just.you know, freaked out. I mean, I've always wanted to be kissing you like that. Instead of enjoying it, I started getting scared and thought, what if I mess this up? And then my heart started beating really fast and I couldn't catch my breath." He exhaled sharply. "Do you still have the bag?"
"It's right here. I'm right here." She was concerned, looking at his distressed face. "Are you gonna be ok? You know, we don't have to rush - it's only the first date. Just relax."
"Easy for you to say."
"Hello, who had a freak-out the minute we left my house? Who was avoiding you at the diner yesterday because I was afraid to say the wrong thing? But, Luke, somehow you always make it ok for me. I only hope I can do the same for you."
"You're doing it now. Lorelai, I'm sorry I freaked out - I guess I thought you were expecting me to seduce you under the moonlight, but that's not my style. Maybe you had me pegged after all, that I'm shy."
"Luke, I'm sorry. I think I've been coming on a little too strong tonight. Remember I told you that sometimes I overcompensate? I mean, make no mistake, I'm very attracted to you and I think we can have something really special."
"Me too."
"Not because everyone else says so, but because I feel it in my heart whenever you look at me."
Luke looked into her eyes. "Same here. Hey, I want to try that kissing thing again."
"See? Maybe you're not so shy after all, but let's take it easy this time."
Lorelai gave Luke a chaste kiss on his mouth and they settled back on the blanket. The anxiety attack had left him spent. He leaned his head on her chest and she placed the blanket she had wrapped around her shoulders over him and stroked his hair.
This was a perfect moment. Lorelai had the sky above her, the beach below and Luke in her arms. "Hey, let's just relax and enjoy the moment together, huh?"
He closed his eyes. "Sounds perfect."
They stayed like that for a while until Lorelai broke the silence. "Feel better?"
"Much, I think I could fall asleep here. But shouldn't we be getting home? Didn't Rory say she wanted you home by one?" He glanced at his watch. "If we leave now, we should make it."
"I don't think Rory was serious about the curfew. She can't ground me, you know..or can she? But, I guess we should, you do have to open the diner later this morning?"
"Yeah, I guess we should get moving."
They reluctantly untangled themselves from their position on the blanket. They stood and stretched and then folded the blankets. Hand in hand, they returned to the bench to put on their shoes. They returned to the car and put the beach bag back in the trunk.
Lorelai noticed that Luke still looked sleepy. "Are you ok to drive? I'm the one who still has some caffeine in her system."
He yawned. "You don't mind? You know the way?"
"I can find my way."
"No doubt." He handed her the keys.
Lorelai opened the passenger side for Luke, buckled him into the seat and gave him a kiss. She shut the door and got into the driver's side, adjusting the seat. When she looked over at him, he'd fallen asleep. He looked so sweet and innocent, so she watched over him for a moment.
Lorelai started the car, left the parking lot and got on the highway. She turned the CD player on, purposely keeping the volume low not to wake Luke. She wondered what other surprises Jess had in store for her.
"Perfect Day" by the Velvet Underground was the next track. "Oh, it's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spent it with you, such a perfect day, you just keep me hanging on."
Lorelai listened to the rest of the CD, skipping past upbeat songs such as The Go-Go's "Head over Heels," and The Cure's "Just Like Heaven." She'd play those for Rory and Lane and they could dance around the living room.
She finally got to the last track, The Bangles' "Eternal Flame." This was her favorite romantic song, so she mouthed along. "Close your eyes, give me your hand darling, do you feel my heart beating, do you understand, do you feel the same, or am I only dreaming, this eternal flame?"
Luke heard Lorelai singing softly and stirred. He noticed a tear or two rolling down her cheek.
He murmured, "You're not dreaming, Lorelai".
He startled her. "Oh Luke, did I wake you? I meant to keep the music down. I just wanted to listen while driving."
"It's fine." He noticed the Stars Hollow exit. "Hey, we're almost home."
"Since you're Mr. Sleepyhead, should I drop you at home first? I could return the car for you tomorrow - I know you might not have time with the diner and all."
"You wouldn't mind? It's all paid for - you just have to return it by noon and hand in the keys."
"No problem - it'll give me an opportunity to check out the other rentals on the lot. What car should I rent for our next date?"
The words "next date" made Luke smile. "When's our next date?"
"Next Saturday? Would you mind an afternoon date? Rory and I made plans that night for the John Cusack 80s movie marathon. You know, Better off Dead, The Sure Thing, and my all time fave Say Anything. None of this Serendipity or America's Sweethearts crap. Maybe even Grosse Point Blank, it was made in the 90s but it's got an 80s soundtrack, so we might let it slide."
Luke was always amazed by her encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture. "Hey, I know I can't compete with Cusack, but what are we doing?"
Lorelai had no idea yet, so she relied on something familiar. "Hmm. It's a surprise and wear something pretty!"
"Is that all you're giving me?"
"Well, I may give you hints this week at the diner in exchange for free coffee refills. Hey, we're home. Can I walk you to your door?"
"I think I'll need some help. I'm tired, all that sea air."
"And the anxiety attack didn't help either, huh?"
Lorelai exited the driver's side and went around and helped Luke out of the car. She retrieved the beach bag from the trunk and handed it to him. With their arms around each other's waists, they approached his door.
Luke put down the bag and faced her. "Thanks for walking me to my door."
"You're welcome." She looked his tired face. "Luke, I had a strange and wonderful time tonight, a night to remember!"
Luke smiled wearily. "You can say that again, although there are some parts I'd like to forget. Hey, don't forget to take the CD with you before returning the car."
"I won't forget. Good night, Luke."
They held each other for a moment and shared a goodnight kiss.
"Good night, Lorelai. Sweet Dreams." Luke picked up the bag and went inside.
Lorelai got back into the car and sat in the driver's seat. She ejected the CD, placed it into the case and put it in her purse. She sighed contentedly and pondered the title - Luke and Lorelai 4-Eva? It was too soon to tell, but..
She looked at her watch and decided it was time to get home. If Rory stayed up to watch SNL she might catch her before she had gone to bed. She had so much to tell her.
A/N: Here's where the story ends. My favorite part of writing this was picking out the songs. Most of these are favorites from that era - you can tell I was in high school in the mid '80s. I also picked bands that have been name-checked or appeared on the show, to try to be as authentic as possible.
I think the moment I got hooked on GG was when Lane was depressed and listening to "Pictures of You" by The Cure during "Love and War and Snow." Oh, and the sad look on Luke's face when he saw Lorelai and Max kissing.
Also, I've never been to Hammonasset Point, don't know if it's that nice. I looked on a map of CT and it seemed like a good location (due south of Hartford).
Author: Gluglug
Spoiler Warning/Timing: Third Season, post-Haunted Leg
Rating: PG (for language)
Summary: The date continues.
Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls and all characters are property of The Dubba Dubba Dubba WB, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Amy Sherman- Palladino. They don't belong to me, just borrowing.
Once they were back on the road, Lorelai drank her coffee.
"Mm-hm. This is great coffee, almost as good as yours." She noticed that Luke hasn't touched his tea. "Luke, don't you want your tea? It's probably getting cold."
"I'll drink it when we get to Hammonasset Point. I don't mind my tea, if you'll pardon the expression, lukewarm."
"Lukewarm, huh?" Lorelai pictured herself and Luke snuggling on the beach under a blanket. "So, we're going to Hammonasset? I've never been but I heard it's beautiful."
"It is - that's why I want you to see it. Traffic's light tonight, we'll be there sooner than I thought - in about 20 minutes."
A few minutes passed in comfortable silence. Well, almost comfortable. Luke was not used to Lorelai being quiet. He took a penny from the change holder and handed it to her.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Lorelai chuckled. "How cute, you're giving me a penny! Actually, I'm not thinking about much of anything for once. I'm just trying to take it all in and enjoy the moment."
"Lorelai Gilmore, introspective woman! Are you going to tell me that you've taken up meditation, too?" Hey, I guess I'm not used to you being quiet.should probably enjoy this moment while it lasts, huh?"
Lorelai playfully hit his arm. "Rude!"
"Hey, do you still want to listen to the CD?"
"Good idea, I almost forgot. Luke, remind me to take it with me when tonight's over." Lorelai cued the CD past the first few tracks they had listened to on the way to dinner. She hit track number four, "There is a light that never goes out" by The Smiths.
"Take me out tonight..."
Luke hadn't heard the song in at least 15 years. "The Smiths? I can't believe Jess put this song on here!"
"You know the Smiths? I would've taken you for a Springsteen fan, not a Smiths fan!"
"Hey, what's wrong with Springsteen? His new stuff is amazing. And in high school, I was into his music way before that damn Courtney-whats-her- name-from-Friends video."
"Cox, her name is Cox." She did a bad Butthead impression. "Huh-huh, you said Cox! Anyway, there's nothing wrong with Springsteen. It's just that when I was younger, there were two camps - Springsteen fans and Smiths fans. Never the twain did meet."
Luke's senior year memories came flooding back. "I was in the Springsteen camp, obviously. But my girlfriend, Beth, was a rabid Smiths fan. She dragged me to one of their concerts in New York. It was horrible - the singer flailing all over the stage like a dying cow. The only thing that made it bearable was the guitar player and that she made out with me during the songs. Apparently, all that whining turned her on."
"You went? I'm SO jealous - I think that was one of their last gigs before they split! I couldn't find a decent babysitter for Rory. You know, I found Morrissey kind of sexy, too, for a gay-celibate-vegetarian with a James Dean obsession."
"So this is turning you on? Anyway, that summer Beth moved to New York to go to college and dumped me. And do you know what I did? I spent weeks listening to nothing but the Smiths tapes she made me. My dad thought I was suicidal!" To Lorelai's amazement, Luke sang along, off key. "And if a ten ton truck kills the both of us, to die by your side, well the pleasure the privilege is mine."
Lorelai was agape. "This is precious. You know, I wonder if Jess knew about your secret Smiths phase and decided to torture you."
"How could he? I burned all of those tapes. He probably thought you would like this."
Lorelai laughed. "I am loving this! I'm having this CD bronzed and placed next to Rory's baby shoes!"
"Well, I hate to interrupt your fun, but we're here." He pulled into an empty parking lot at Hammonasset Point Park.
They exited the car and Luke removed a large beach bag from the trunk.
"Luke, you forgot your lukewarm tea!"
"Ah, forget the tea. There's the boardwalk - do you want to go up there? We could walk on the beach, but we'd have to take off our shoes."
Lorelai mocked him. "Well, yes, because we wouldn't want to get sand in them. Hey, we drove all the way here and I want to feel the sand on my toes!" She spied a bench. "Let's go over there."
Luke sat next to her. "Give me your shoes, I'll put them in the beach bag. Do you want this blanket?"
She nodded, took the blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "A flannel blanket, of course. Do you buy this stuff in bulk?"
He took her hand and they started to walk on the sand. "Oh, it's cold. Let's find a nice spot and lay down the other blanket."
Lorelai looked at him sideways. "Sorry, did you say you wanted to lay me down on a blanket?"
Luke enjoyed the way she was blatantly flirting with him, but it also made him a little uncomfortable. He was trying to be the perfect gentleman, and she wasn't making it easy.
"I said we should lay the blanket down on the sand so our feet don't get cold."
"That's what I thought. You want to lie down with me on a blanket."
A compromise was in order. "Make you a deal? Help me with the blanket and maybe I'll lie down next to you."
Lorelai helped him place the blanket on the sand. "You are such a tease. A girl has to be pretty aggressive to get anywhere with you."
Luke sat down and offered his hand to her. "It's called being a gentleman."
She lowered herself into a cross legged position. "So, Luke, why did you want to bring me here? I mean it's a nice spot and everything but why does it mean so much to you?" She paused. "Hey, you didn't lose your virginity here, did you?"
"Who told you?"
"Lucky guess..it wasn't to the Smiths chick, was it?"
Luke was embarrassed. "Am I that transparent? But that's not why I brought you here. This has been one of my favorite places ever since I was a kid. Before my mom died, my family used to spend our summer weekends here. We'd have barbecues in the park with Antonio's family and then we'd go swimming, play Frisbee, you know, beach stuff. And ever since my parents passed, whenever I come here, I feel connected to them."
Lorelai wanted to make a John Edward joke but resisted the urge. "Wow, you're nostalgic tonight. Hey, here's a question, knowing what you know, as a 30-something adult, what would you change about your life growing up?"
"Hmm. I think I would've liked to have been closer to my parents. I mean we had an ok relationship, but if I knew both my folks would be gone way before I had kids of my own."
She was surprised by the wistful tone in his voice. His previous comments about parenthood led her to believe he wasn't one for changing diapers or late night feedings. But she'd always thought he'd make a great dad. "You want kids?"
"Sure. You know, I'm kind of envious of you and Rory. That parent-child connection, I really want that some day. Hey what about you, would you change anything?
"I've thought about this a lot, given my situation. I mean there's some things I would've loved to have known about childrearing - the fact that you get no sleep - for one. But my relationship with Rory, that's something that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world."
Now it was his turn, he remembered the last time he'd asked her, when she was engaged to Max and she got defensive. "Hey, do you want more kids...um, I hope I'm not being too personal?"
"You're not being too personal, Luke. I do, with the right person. Although I'd better get moving because according to Sylvia Ann Hewlett my ovaries are drying up as we speak! Sorry, that was me being way too personal!"
"Just a little. By the way, I did get that reference, in case you were wondering. I do read the newspaper. So, you're saying with the right guy.."
"Yes, but don't worry, I'm not planning to get pregnant tonight, in case you were wondering."
Parenthood could wait but Lorelai's lips couldn't, by the way she was gazing at him. Luke pulled her close and kissed her, this time allowing their tongues to mingle and their hands to roam. He pulled her down with him on the blanket.
She wasn't surprised that Luke was a good kisser - he might win that contest after all. His lips were soft and sweet and as they traveled down her neck to her collarbone, her desire to be closer to him grew. "Maybe we'll need to revise that plan."
Luke felt his heart beat accelerate, to the point where he couldn't catch his breath. He sat up abruptly, holding his chest. "Lorelai, stop!"
Lorelai was startled. "What's wrong? Luke, you don't look well!"
"I think I'm having a heart attack! I can't catch.my.breath!"
"Do you have shooting pains in your left arm?" Luke shook his head. How could he be having a heart attack, being all Mr. Healthy? Lorelai realized what might be wrong with him. She reached for her purse and pulled out the paper bag.
"Here, take this bag - put it over your nose and mouth and just breathe."
Luke followed her instructions as she gently rubbed his back, giving words of encouragement. After about a minute or two of breathing into the bag, he felt better. He handed her the bag, still winded.
"That was scary- Lorelai, you saved my life!"
She was relieved. "Hey, I knew the bag would come in handy. Although I thought I would be having an anxiety attack, not you!"
Luke was red faced. "Is that what that was? I've never had one of those before, I swear! I really thought I was having a heart attack."
"Do you have any idea what brought that on?"
"I don't know. I guess I just.you know, freaked out. I mean, I've always wanted to be kissing you like that. Instead of enjoying it, I started getting scared and thought, what if I mess this up? And then my heart started beating really fast and I couldn't catch my breath." He exhaled sharply. "Do you still have the bag?"
"It's right here. I'm right here." She was concerned, looking at his distressed face. "Are you gonna be ok? You know, we don't have to rush - it's only the first date. Just relax."
"Easy for you to say."
"Hello, who had a freak-out the minute we left my house? Who was avoiding you at the diner yesterday because I was afraid to say the wrong thing? But, Luke, somehow you always make it ok for me. I only hope I can do the same for you."
"You're doing it now. Lorelai, I'm sorry I freaked out - I guess I thought you were expecting me to seduce you under the moonlight, but that's not my style. Maybe you had me pegged after all, that I'm shy."
"Luke, I'm sorry. I think I've been coming on a little too strong tonight. Remember I told you that sometimes I overcompensate? I mean, make no mistake, I'm very attracted to you and I think we can have something really special."
"Me too."
"Not because everyone else says so, but because I feel it in my heart whenever you look at me."
Luke looked into her eyes. "Same here. Hey, I want to try that kissing thing again."
"See? Maybe you're not so shy after all, but let's take it easy this time."
Lorelai gave Luke a chaste kiss on his mouth and they settled back on the blanket. The anxiety attack had left him spent. He leaned his head on her chest and she placed the blanket she had wrapped around her shoulders over him and stroked his hair.
This was a perfect moment. Lorelai had the sky above her, the beach below and Luke in her arms. "Hey, let's just relax and enjoy the moment together, huh?"
He closed his eyes. "Sounds perfect."
They stayed like that for a while until Lorelai broke the silence. "Feel better?"
"Much, I think I could fall asleep here. But shouldn't we be getting home? Didn't Rory say she wanted you home by one?" He glanced at his watch. "If we leave now, we should make it."
"I don't think Rory was serious about the curfew. She can't ground me, you know..or can she? But, I guess we should, you do have to open the diner later this morning?"
"Yeah, I guess we should get moving."
They reluctantly untangled themselves from their position on the blanket. They stood and stretched and then folded the blankets. Hand in hand, they returned to the bench to put on their shoes. They returned to the car and put the beach bag back in the trunk.
Lorelai noticed that Luke still looked sleepy. "Are you ok to drive? I'm the one who still has some caffeine in her system."
He yawned. "You don't mind? You know the way?"
"I can find my way."
"No doubt." He handed her the keys.
Lorelai opened the passenger side for Luke, buckled him into the seat and gave him a kiss. She shut the door and got into the driver's side, adjusting the seat. When she looked over at him, he'd fallen asleep. He looked so sweet and innocent, so she watched over him for a moment.
Lorelai started the car, left the parking lot and got on the highway. She turned the CD player on, purposely keeping the volume low not to wake Luke. She wondered what other surprises Jess had in store for her.
"Perfect Day" by the Velvet Underground was the next track. "Oh, it's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spent it with you, such a perfect day, you just keep me hanging on."
Lorelai listened to the rest of the CD, skipping past upbeat songs such as The Go-Go's "Head over Heels," and The Cure's "Just Like Heaven." She'd play those for Rory and Lane and they could dance around the living room.
She finally got to the last track, The Bangles' "Eternal Flame." This was her favorite romantic song, so she mouthed along. "Close your eyes, give me your hand darling, do you feel my heart beating, do you understand, do you feel the same, or am I only dreaming, this eternal flame?"
Luke heard Lorelai singing softly and stirred. He noticed a tear or two rolling down her cheek.
He murmured, "You're not dreaming, Lorelai".
He startled her. "Oh Luke, did I wake you? I meant to keep the music down. I just wanted to listen while driving."
"It's fine." He noticed the Stars Hollow exit. "Hey, we're almost home."
"Since you're Mr. Sleepyhead, should I drop you at home first? I could return the car for you tomorrow - I know you might not have time with the diner and all."
"You wouldn't mind? It's all paid for - you just have to return it by noon and hand in the keys."
"No problem - it'll give me an opportunity to check out the other rentals on the lot. What car should I rent for our next date?"
The words "next date" made Luke smile. "When's our next date?"
"Next Saturday? Would you mind an afternoon date? Rory and I made plans that night for the John Cusack 80s movie marathon. You know, Better off Dead, The Sure Thing, and my all time fave Say Anything. None of this Serendipity or America's Sweethearts crap. Maybe even Grosse Point Blank, it was made in the 90s but it's got an 80s soundtrack, so we might let it slide."
Luke was always amazed by her encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture. "Hey, I know I can't compete with Cusack, but what are we doing?"
Lorelai had no idea yet, so she relied on something familiar. "Hmm. It's a surprise and wear something pretty!"
"Is that all you're giving me?"
"Well, I may give you hints this week at the diner in exchange for free coffee refills. Hey, we're home. Can I walk you to your door?"
"I think I'll need some help. I'm tired, all that sea air."
"And the anxiety attack didn't help either, huh?"
Lorelai exited the driver's side and went around and helped Luke out of the car. She retrieved the beach bag from the trunk and handed it to him. With their arms around each other's waists, they approached his door.
Luke put down the bag and faced her. "Thanks for walking me to my door."
"You're welcome." She looked his tired face. "Luke, I had a strange and wonderful time tonight, a night to remember!"
Luke smiled wearily. "You can say that again, although there are some parts I'd like to forget. Hey, don't forget to take the CD with you before returning the car."
"I won't forget. Good night, Luke."
They held each other for a moment and shared a goodnight kiss.
"Good night, Lorelai. Sweet Dreams." Luke picked up the bag and went inside.
Lorelai got back into the car and sat in the driver's seat. She ejected the CD, placed it into the case and put it in her purse. She sighed contentedly and pondered the title - Luke and Lorelai 4-Eva? It was too soon to tell, but..
She looked at her watch and decided it was time to get home. If Rory stayed up to watch SNL she might catch her before she had gone to bed. She had so much to tell her.
A/N: Here's where the story ends. My favorite part of writing this was picking out the songs. Most of these are favorites from that era - you can tell I was in high school in the mid '80s. I also picked bands that have been name-checked or appeared on the show, to try to be as authentic as possible.
I think the moment I got hooked on GG was when Lane was depressed and listening to "Pictures of You" by The Cure during "Love and War and Snow." Oh, and the sad look on Luke's face when he saw Lorelai and Max kissing.
Also, I've never been to Hammonasset Point, don't know if it's that nice. I looked on a map of CT and it seemed like a good location (due south of Hartford).