A Few Weeks Later
5:36 PM, Wednesday
Star's Hollow Gazebo "You're a poopy!" "Good comeback," Craig said, smiling at her walking backwards away from him. "I might actually think about not tickling you anymore." He lunged for her but Lorelai swat his arms away. She squealed. Craig just laughed and tickled her again. "Stop....it..," Lorelai whined in between bursts of laughter. Craig stopped tickling her long enough to look at her. "Then what should I do?" He asked, almost flirtatiously. Lorelai was gasping for breath. They had been running around the gazebo for almost half and hour and she was exhausted. "I don't... know," She gasped. "But I'm tired.... Too much physical exertion." Craig grabbed her around her waist. She giggled as he pulled her towards him. He had a hand in the small of her back and Lorelai found herself leaning into him as he put his lips against hers. "Mmmmm," Lorelai murmured. "I like this game better." Craig laughed huskily. "Me too." ********************************** 5:38 PM, Wednesday
Luke's Diner Luke looked up from the counter and across the street to the gazebo. When he saw Lorelai and Craig kissing, he felt his face turn red. He turned his face away. So he was jealous. What else was new? God, he didn't want to see Lorelai getting hurt. Seeing her with Craig was bringing memories back... About 15 years back..
"Hey, Craig," Rachel smiled and scooted over on the bench to let Craig sit down. Craig just stood there. "I.. Uh.. Can I talk to you, Rachel?" Rachel looked at him with curious eyes. "Why?" "Well... come on," Craig motioned for her to get up and started to walk away. "But... Luke is gonna run soon," Rachel pointed to Luke stretching below. Luke looked up to see Craig standing before Rachel in the bleachers. He waved at them. Craig waved back and Rachel followed suit, weakly. Luke frowned as he saw Rachel and Craig leaving the stadium. He had seen this scene so many times before. 'He's gonna break up with her,' He thought angrily. Yes, Craig was his best friend, but he could be such a jerk sometimes. At age eighteen, Craig Diodorous had set the record for dating the most girls during high school. Almost ¾ of the Star's Hollow high school female population had gone out with him. But it didn't matter that he was a 'player', all the girls wanted him anyways. Class president, football star, honor roll, charm, looks.. The guy was Star Hollow's own Adonis. And Luke was his sidekick, quiet and subdued. The two were really unlikely pair of friends, but they had been friends for almost their entire lives. But Rachel.... She and Luke had become friends almost from the very start. He didn't really talk to girls much. Luke usually kept to Craig and his track buddies. Even at eighteen, he couldn't figure out how to talk to girls. Rachel.. she was so friendly, so open to him.. something had clicked between him. And the only thing keeping him from asking her out was.. Craig. And the fact that Rachel adored Craig. "Butch!" Luke turned around to face his coach with a calm expression on his face. Inside he was seething. How could Craig break up with Rachel?? Rachel was pretty, smart, nice.. wonderful.. "Butch! Let's go," Coach motioned for him to hurry towards the starting line. Luke jogged towards the starting line, looking behind him to see if Rachel had come back. She hadn't. "Ready.. set... GO!" The gun was shot and Luke found himself sprinting towards the end line. "BUTCH! Slow DOWN!" He heard the coach screaming at him. "YOU'RE GONNA LOSE WIND!" Luke didn't even acknowledge the coach's presence. He just kept running, faster and faster. He had to see Rachel.. 'You better not hurt her, you jerk,' Luke thought angrily, pumping his arms. Out of all the girls Craig had even dated, Luke felt that Rachel was special. Luke shook his head. 'Do I.. ?' He tried to force the thought out of his mind. Luke jumped over the last hurdle and broke through the finishing line. He put his head in between his knees and was panting heavily. The coach was running towards him. "DANES! THAT WAS AMAZING!" Luke turned around to see the other hurdlers coming through the finish line. "FREAKIN AMAZING!" The coach was still rambling. "THIS KID'S GONNA BE A STAR!!" Luke ignored the coach and struggled to get up. His body was heaving from the pain and he could barely breathe. But only one thought was on his mind. Where was Rachel? Luke started to jog out of the stadium. "BUTCH! WHERE ARE YOU GOING???" He ignored the coach and started towards the parking lot. Luke saw Rachel from across the lot. Her head was in her hands and she leaning against his truck. He jogged up to her. "Hey," Luke said. Rachel lifted her tear-stained face to him. "He broke up with me." "I know," Luke said gently and leaned on the bumper next to her. "I'm sorry." "He's such a jerk." Rachel looked down at the ground. "He likes Pamela Johnson, doesn't he?" Luke shrugged. "Don't worry about him. You're too good for him anyways." Rachel groaned in anger. "I don't understand why he would break up with me then. I know he likes her. He's been talking to her so much and eating lunch with her. God, I don't understand guys." Rachel turned to face him. "Is it my fault? Am I too clingy?" Luke sighed and pat her shoulder. "Rachel, you're a great person. You're nice and pretty and any guy would be lucky to have you." Rachel looked up to him slowly. "You think so?" Luke cleared his throat. 'Oops, shouldn't have let that one out..' "Yeah, I mean, if I were.. one of those guys to ask girls out right after.. um.. their friends dumped them.. I might.." Luke felt her lips pressed against his and his arms were soon wrapping around her body. She was warm and smelled like peaches. The sound of the bell jingling woke him out of his reverie. He saw Lorelai and Craig walk in, hand in hand. "Hey, Luke!" Lorelai called out from across the diner. "Hi." "Hey," Craig said, beaming at Lorelai. Why was he such a coward? Why couldn't he just tell Lorelai how he felt? Did Craig have to dump her first before he could tell her how he felt??? As he watched the couple sit down together, he felt anger bubbling inside of him. 'Don't hurt her..,' He thought. Luke knew the games Craig played. And the last thing he would do is let Craig hurt Lorelai. ********************************** Next Day
7:45 AM, Thursday
Luke's Diner
"Hey, Luke," Lorelai called out in a sing-song voice as she waltzed into the empty diner. Luke muttered a greeting and turned back to the coffee pot. "You're here early." "Have to get in early before the linen people come," She said cheerily. He grumbled. "I can see you're in a good mood this morning," Lorelai said cheerfully and swung her bag onto a swiveling chair next to her. She flopped down on one herself and leaned on the counter. "I'm just tired," Luke grunted. "Craig go home?" "Yup. Coffee?" She looked up at him with puppy eyes. He automatically poured her a cup. "No lecture? No satanically engineered plans of preventing me from downing another cup of heaven?" Luke shrugged. "It can't possibly be this easy," Lorelai said and furrowed her brow. "Try again. If you fail the first time, try, try, try again." He sighed and put the pot down. "Wow, you must be in a really bad mood," Lorelai set her cup down and leaned across the counter. "Talk to me, Bud." Luke threw his hands in the air. "Damnit, Lorelai," He said angrily. "Can't you see what's happening?" Lorelai was taken back. "No..." "Craig is... He just wants to get you into his bed." Luke had an awkward look on his face but his words were forceful. "What?!" Lorelai said, jumping up from her seat. "What are you talking bout? Craig's your best friend." Lorelai said poking a finger into his side. "BEST friend. You don't say bad things about your best friends." "I know him. I know that's all he does is go around sleeping with women. I was his best friend in high school, for god's sake, you don't think I know him?" "Stop it!" Lorelai yelled. "This is between Craig and I, and you have no business sticking your nose into our relationship." She was really angry now. "In high school he went out with half the cheerleading squad, most of the pep squad, and strangely enough a lot of the Future Homemakers of America girls!" "That was high school, Luke! Maybe.. He didn't know who he liked yet, okay? When people are young, they want to date different people!" Lorelai called back. "I didn't! And people don't change that easily, okay?" He shook a finger at her angrily. "You think they change but they're still the same!" "Oh, and you would be the expert in that, right?" Lorelai called back. "Change?" Luke frowned. "I don't want to argue with you." "Oh really?" Lorelai said sarcastically. "I'm sorry for being the one who started this argument." "I just don't want to see you getting hurt." Luke remarked. "No, you just don't want to see me happy because you are miserable." Lorelai said rapidly and angrily. Luke's mouth dropped open in surprise. "WHAT?" He glared at her. "You're just upset because I found this wonderful guy who likes me and you.. you're still alone," Lorelai yelled back. "I... am not miserable." "Yes you are. I see you moping around here," Lorelai said, her eyes narrowed. "Right, and you, little Ms. Know-It-All, would know why I am, right?" Luke suddenly yelled. "Because you know everything there is." She grabbed her bag. "Especially about relationships!!!" Lorelai glared at him. "Remember Max? The guy who you practically dumped at the altar? Remember him??" Luke was right in her face now. 'Oh God, Luke, what are you saying to her??!!' He thought. But it was too late. "Shut up!" Lorelai swerved around and slammed her fist down on the counter. "You're not exactly Mr. Relationship either. You haven't even dated since Rachel.. Your high school sweetheart!" "Be careful with Craig..." Luke started, narrowing his eyes. "He's not the type of guy..." Lorelai took a deep breath and interrupted him. "I think I should go now, because you obviously don't approve of my relationships." She was furious. She started to walk out of the diner but abruptly stopped and turned to face him. "Of course, I don't know why I would need your approval." She snapped and threw open the door. Lorelai glared at him one last time and walked out. Sighing, Luke leaned against the counter and put his face in his hands. ********************************** 10:04 AM, Thursday
Independence Inn "You're happy today," Lorelai grumpily commented to a smiling Michel. "Yes I am," Michel replied. "Your face is the picture of gloom today, therefore I am happy. Somehow, without even saying a word, I have already upset you. My technique is improving." "Sadist," Lorelai mumbled. "What a beautiful morning!" Michel said, spreading his arms widely. "Beautiful weather." "What next? You're going to rid of all the coffee in the world?" Lorelai grumbled. "Next on my agenda," Michel quipped and started to prance towards the kitchen. Lorelai sighed and leaned against the counter, with her face in her hands. "Uh.. Excuse me?" Lorelai looked up to find a tall, snow-haired man smiling gently at her. "Are you okay?" He asked. She laughed nervously. "I'm fine. How may I help you?" "Well," the man replied. "I'm looking for the woman who runs this place." "That would be me," Lorelai said, offering her hand. "Lorelai Gilmore." "Ahh," the man answered and shook her hand. "Is there a problem?" "No, no," he shook his head. "None at all, actually. I just wanted to compliment your incredible service and wanted to meet the woman behind it all." Lorelai smiled brightly. "Thank you very much, Mr..." "Hilton." [AN: I know nothing about the Hiltons, just made this up.. So this guy owns the entire Hilton chain, yadda, yadda.. Just play along with me here, folks.] "Hilton?" Lorelai raised an eyebrow. "As in Hilton Hotels?" "I'm glad you've heard of them," Mr. Hilton smiled. "Is there anywhere we could talk?" "Uh.. Sure," Lorelai said nodding slowly. "My office is this way." She motioned towards the door behind her. Mr. Hilton nodded and stepped into the little room. "So..," Lorelai started, sitting down. "Well, I have visited quite few hotels and inns on my trip," Mr. Hilton started. "However, I had yet to be impressed by any of them, until I came here." "Thank you." "I'm very impressed with the way everything here is run. The service is impeccable, your staff is polite and helpful..," he continued. "However, that French man was a bit rude..." Lorelai laughed. "Oh, that's just Michel." "I see," He said. "Anyways, I wanted to speak with you because a new Hilton Hotel was recently opened a new location on Fifth Avenue in New York City. I'm looking for an executive manager." Lorelai's mouth dropped open. "I'm not sure Michel would exactly fit that role..," She joked. He laughed. "I think you know what I'm going to ask next." "Where we order our linen from?" "No, if you are interested in running the new Hilton." Lorelai gaped at him. "I.. I don't know what to say," She said shaking her head. "This is.. I don't think I have enough experience to run a hotel that large and.. that important. I mean, Fifth Avenue.. This new hotel has to be a very important part of your..." "I want you to work for me," He interrupted and leaned forward. "You're very good at what you do. I came here on the recommendation of someone on my staff. I think you'd be very suited for this job." Lorelai shook her head in disbelief. "I.." 'Leave Star's Hollow?' She thought. 'That's unthinkable..' "Please think about it," Mr. Hilton said and stood up. "Here's my card." "I don't think I could take this job," Lorelai finally said. "My life is here. Moving would be unimaginable for me." He smiled. "Just think about it." He handed her his business card. "There's a six digit figure on the back of this card. You might be interested in looking at that as well." Lorelai tentatively took the card. "Thank you for coming..," She said breathlessly. "Thank you." Mr. Hilton flashed her a bright smile and quietly left the office. Lorelai turned the card over. "Holy crap!" She gaped at the salary written on the back of the card. "Wow." Not only was it six figures, it was a large six figures. She flipped the card back and read the name: James Hilton, CEO of Hilton Hotels, Inc. She let out a deep breath and tucked the card into her handbag. "Enough already!" She groaned and shook her fist at the ceiling. "Too much in one day." She thought back to her fight with Luke.. And now this. This job offer was just a headache. It was too incredible, too unbelievable, but so not for her. 'Star's Hollow is everything to me,' She thought and put her head down on her desk. 'I've lived here for years. Rory's lived here for years.... this is the only home she's ever known.' But was that the only thing that was keeping her here?
5:36 PM, Wednesday
Star's Hollow Gazebo "You're a poopy!" "Good comeback," Craig said, smiling at her walking backwards away from him. "I might actually think about not tickling you anymore." He lunged for her but Lorelai swat his arms away. She squealed. Craig just laughed and tickled her again. "Stop....it..," Lorelai whined in between bursts of laughter. Craig stopped tickling her long enough to look at her. "Then what should I do?" He asked, almost flirtatiously. Lorelai was gasping for breath. They had been running around the gazebo for almost half and hour and she was exhausted. "I don't... know," She gasped. "But I'm tired.... Too much physical exertion." Craig grabbed her around her waist. She giggled as he pulled her towards him. He had a hand in the small of her back and Lorelai found herself leaning into him as he put his lips against hers. "Mmmmm," Lorelai murmured. "I like this game better." Craig laughed huskily. "Me too." ********************************** 5:38 PM, Wednesday
Luke's Diner Luke looked up from the counter and across the street to the gazebo. When he saw Lorelai and Craig kissing, he felt his face turn red. He turned his face away. So he was jealous. What else was new? God, he didn't want to see Lorelai getting hurt. Seeing her with Craig was bringing memories back... About 15 years back..
"Hey, Craig," Rachel smiled and scooted over on the bench to let Craig sit down. Craig just stood there. "I.. Uh.. Can I talk to you, Rachel?" Rachel looked at him with curious eyes. "Why?" "Well... come on," Craig motioned for her to get up and started to walk away. "But... Luke is gonna run soon," Rachel pointed to Luke stretching below. Luke looked up to see Craig standing before Rachel in the bleachers. He waved at them. Craig waved back and Rachel followed suit, weakly. Luke frowned as he saw Rachel and Craig leaving the stadium. He had seen this scene so many times before. 'He's gonna break up with her,' He thought angrily. Yes, Craig was his best friend, but he could be such a jerk sometimes. At age eighteen, Craig Diodorous had set the record for dating the most girls during high school. Almost ¾ of the Star's Hollow high school female population had gone out with him. But it didn't matter that he was a 'player', all the girls wanted him anyways. Class president, football star, honor roll, charm, looks.. The guy was Star Hollow's own Adonis. And Luke was his sidekick, quiet and subdued. The two were really unlikely pair of friends, but they had been friends for almost their entire lives. But Rachel.... She and Luke had become friends almost from the very start. He didn't really talk to girls much. Luke usually kept to Craig and his track buddies. Even at eighteen, he couldn't figure out how to talk to girls. Rachel.. she was so friendly, so open to him.. something had clicked between him. And the only thing keeping him from asking her out was.. Craig. And the fact that Rachel adored Craig. "Butch!" Luke turned around to face his coach with a calm expression on his face. Inside he was seething. How could Craig break up with Rachel?? Rachel was pretty, smart, nice.. wonderful.. "Butch! Let's go," Coach motioned for him to hurry towards the starting line. Luke jogged towards the starting line, looking behind him to see if Rachel had come back. She hadn't. "Ready.. set... GO!" The gun was shot and Luke found himself sprinting towards the end line. "BUTCH! Slow DOWN!" He heard the coach screaming at him. "YOU'RE GONNA LOSE WIND!" Luke didn't even acknowledge the coach's presence. He just kept running, faster and faster. He had to see Rachel.. 'You better not hurt her, you jerk,' Luke thought angrily, pumping his arms. Out of all the girls Craig had even dated, Luke felt that Rachel was special. Luke shook his head. 'Do I.. ?' He tried to force the thought out of his mind. Luke jumped over the last hurdle and broke through the finishing line. He put his head in between his knees and was panting heavily. The coach was running towards him. "DANES! THAT WAS AMAZING!" Luke turned around to see the other hurdlers coming through the finish line. "FREAKIN AMAZING!" The coach was still rambling. "THIS KID'S GONNA BE A STAR!!" Luke ignored the coach and struggled to get up. His body was heaving from the pain and he could barely breathe. But only one thought was on his mind. Where was Rachel? Luke started to jog out of the stadium. "BUTCH! WHERE ARE YOU GOING???" He ignored the coach and started towards the parking lot. Luke saw Rachel from across the lot. Her head was in her hands and she leaning against his truck. He jogged up to her. "Hey," Luke said. Rachel lifted her tear-stained face to him. "He broke up with me." "I know," Luke said gently and leaned on the bumper next to her. "I'm sorry." "He's such a jerk." Rachel looked down at the ground. "He likes Pamela Johnson, doesn't he?" Luke shrugged. "Don't worry about him. You're too good for him anyways." Rachel groaned in anger. "I don't understand why he would break up with me then. I know he likes her. He's been talking to her so much and eating lunch with her. God, I don't understand guys." Rachel turned to face him. "Is it my fault? Am I too clingy?" Luke sighed and pat her shoulder. "Rachel, you're a great person. You're nice and pretty and any guy would be lucky to have you." Rachel looked up to him slowly. "You think so?" Luke cleared his throat. 'Oops, shouldn't have let that one out..' "Yeah, I mean, if I were.. one of those guys to ask girls out right after.. um.. their friends dumped them.. I might.." Luke felt her lips pressed against his and his arms were soon wrapping around her body. She was warm and smelled like peaches. The sound of the bell jingling woke him out of his reverie. He saw Lorelai and Craig walk in, hand in hand. "Hey, Luke!" Lorelai called out from across the diner. "Hi." "Hey," Craig said, beaming at Lorelai. Why was he such a coward? Why couldn't he just tell Lorelai how he felt? Did Craig have to dump her first before he could tell her how he felt??? As he watched the couple sit down together, he felt anger bubbling inside of him. 'Don't hurt her..,' He thought. Luke knew the games Craig played. And the last thing he would do is let Craig hurt Lorelai. ********************************** Next Day
7:45 AM, Thursday
Luke's Diner
"Hey, Luke," Lorelai called out in a sing-song voice as she waltzed into the empty diner. Luke muttered a greeting and turned back to the coffee pot. "You're here early." "Have to get in early before the linen people come," She said cheerily. He grumbled. "I can see you're in a good mood this morning," Lorelai said cheerfully and swung her bag onto a swiveling chair next to her. She flopped down on one herself and leaned on the counter. "I'm just tired," Luke grunted. "Craig go home?" "Yup. Coffee?" She looked up at him with puppy eyes. He automatically poured her a cup. "No lecture? No satanically engineered plans of preventing me from downing another cup of heaven?" Luke shrugged. "It can't possibly be this easy," Lorelai said and furrowed her brow. "Try again. If you fail the first time, try, try, try again." He sighed and put the pot down. "Wow, you must be in a really bad mood," Lorelai set her cup down and leaned across the counter. "Talk to me, Bud." Luke threw his hands in the air. "Damnit, Lorelai," He said angrily. "Can't you see what's happening?" Lorelai was taken back. "No..." "Craig is... He just wants to get you into his bed." Luke had an awkward look on his face but his words were forceful. "What?!" Lorelai said, jumping up from her seat. "What are you talking bout? Craig's your best friend." Lorelai said poking a finger into his side. "BEST friend. You don't say bad things about your best friends." "I know him. I know that's all he does is go around sleeping with women. I was his best friend in high school, for god's sake, you don't think I know him?" "Stop it!" Lorelai yelled. "This is between Craig and I, and you have no business sticking your nose into our relationship." She was really angry now. "In high school he went out with half the cheerleading squad, most of the pep squad, and strangely enough a lot of the Future Homemakers of America girls!" "That was high school, Luke! Maybe.. He didn't know who he liked yet, okay? When people are young, they want to date different people!" Lorelai called back. "I didn't! And people don't change that easily, okay?" He shook a finger at her angrily. "You think they change but they're still the same!" "Oh, and you would be the expert in that, right?" Lorelai called back. "Change?" Luke frowned. "I don't want to argue with you." "Oh really?" Lorelai said sarcastically. "I'm sorry for being the one who started this argument." "I just don't want to see you getting hurt." Luke remarked. "No, you just don't want to see me happy because you are miserable." Lorelai said rapidly and angrily. Luke's mouth dropped open in surprise. "WHAT?" He glared at her. "You're just upset because I found this wonderful guy who likes me and you.. you're still alone," Lorelai yelled back. "I... am not miserable." "Yes you are. I see you moping around here," Lorelai said, her eyes narrowed. "Right, and you, little Ms. Know-It-All, would know why I am, right?" Luke suddenly yelled. "Because you know everything there is." She grabbed her bag. "Especially about relationships!!!" Lorelai glared at him. "Remember Max? The guy who you practically dumped at the altar? Remember him??" Luke was right in her face now. 'Oh God, Luke, what are you saying to her??!!' He thought. But it was too late. "Shut up!" Lorelai swerved around and slammed her fist down on the counter. "You're not exactly Mr. Relationship either. You haven't even dated since Rachel.. Your high school sweetheart!" "Be careful with Craig..." Luke started, narrowing his eyes. "He's not the type of guy..." Lorelai took a deep breath and interrupted him. "I think I should go now, because you obviously don't approve of my relationships." She was furious. She started to walk out of the diner but abruptly stopped and turned to face him. "Of course, I don't know why I would need your approval." She snapped and threw open the door. Lorelai glared at him one last time and walked out. Sighing, Luke leaned against the counter and put his face in his hands. ********************************** 10:04 AM, Thursday
Independence Inn "You're happy today," Lorelai grumpily commented to a smiling Michel. "Yes I am," Michel replied. "Your face is the picture of gloom today, therefore I am happy. Somehow, without even saying a word, I have already upset you. My technique is improving." "Sadist," Lorelai mumbled. "What a beautiful morning!" Michel said, spreading his arms widely. "Beautiful weather." "What next? You're going to rid of all the coffee in the world?" Lorelai grumbled. "Next on my agenda," Michel quipped and started to prance towards the kitchen. Lorelai sighed and leaned against the counter, with her face in her hands. "Uh.. Excuse me?" Lorelai looked up to find a tall, snow-haired man smiling gently at her. "Are you okay?" He asked. She laughed nervously. "I'm fine. How may I help you?" "Well," the man replied. "I'm looking for the woman who runs this place." "That would be me," Lorelai said, offering her hand. "Lorelai Gilmore." "Ahh," the man answered and shook her hand. "Is there a problem?" "No, no," he shook his head. "None at all, actually. I just wanted to compliment your incredible service and wanted to meet the woman behind it all." Lorelai smiled brightly. "Thank you very much, Mr..." "Hilton." [AN: I know nothing about the Hiltons, just made this up.. So this guy owns the entire Hilton chain, yadda, yadda.. Just play along with me here, folks.] "Hilton?" Lorelai raised an eyebrow. "As in Hilton Hotels?" "I'm glad you've heard of them," Mr. Hilton smiled. "Is there anywhere we could talk?" "Uh.. Sure," Lorelai said nodding slowly. "My office is this way." She motioned towards the door behind her. Mr. Hilton nodded and stepped into the little room. "So..," Lorelai started, sitting down. "Well, I have visited quite few hotels and inns on my trip," Mr. Hilton started. "However, I had yet to be impressed by any of them, until I came here." "Thank you." "I'm very impressed with the way everything here is run. The service is impeccable, your staff is polite and helpful..," he continued. "However, that French man was a bit rude..." Lorelai laughed. "Oh, that's just Michel." "I see," He said. "Anyways, I wanted to speak with you because a new Hilton Hotel was recently opened a new location on Fifth Avenue in New York City. I'm looking for an executive manager." Lorelai's mouth dropped open. "I'm not sure Michel would exactly fit that role..," She joked. He laughed. "I think you know what I'm going to ask next." "Where we order our linen from?" "No, if you are interested in running the new Hilton." Lorelai gaped at him. "I.. I don't know what to say," She said shaking her head. "This is.. I don't think I have enough experience to run a hotel that large and.. that important. I mean, Fifth Avenue.. This new hotel has to be a very important part of your..." "I want you to work for me," He interrupted and leaned forward. "You're very good at what you do. I came here on the recommendation of someone on my staff. I think you'd be very suited for this job." Lorelai shook her head in disbelief. "I.." 'Leave Star's Hollow?' She thought. 'That's unthinkable..' "Please think about it," Mr. Hilton said and stood up. "Here's my card." "I don't think I could take this job," Lorelai finally said. "My life is here. Moving would be unimaginable for me." He smiled. "Just think about it." He handed her his business card. "There's a six digit figure on the back of this card. You might be interested in looking at that as well." Lorelai tentatively took the card. "Thank you for coming..," She said breathlessly. "Thank you." Mr. Hilton flashed her a bright smile and quietly left the office. Lorelai turned the card over. "Holy crap!" She gaped at the salary written on the back of the card. "Wow." Not only was it six figures, it was a large six figures. She flipped the card back and read the name: James Hilton, CEO of Hilton Hotels, Inc. She let out a deep breath and tucked the card into her handbag. "Enough already!" She groaned and shook her fist at the ceiling. "Too much in one day." She thought back to her fight with Luke.. And now this. This job offer was just a headache. It was too incredible, too unbelievable, but so not for her. 'Star's Hollow is everything to me,' She thought and put her head down on her desk. 'I've lived here for years. Rory's lived here for years.... this is the only home she's ever known.' But was that the only thing that was keeping her here?