CHAPTER SIX

Lorelai and Rory headed to the diner, anxious to get back into the old routine. Luke smiled when they came in. "And all is right in Stars Hollow, once again."

"Too early in the morning for so much sunshine. Bring coffee in big mugs.....in fact, bring the pot."

Luke and Lorelai quickly fell into their own routine. Secretly, they both harbored a new awareness of each other. But Lorelai had another awareness- David. She had dreams of Luke at night and thoughts of David during the day. What was a girl to do? Friday dinner was looming and she was looking forward to seeing him again. She hoped good old mom and dad would just let things happen naturally. Like that was going to happen.

"So what are you girls doing your first weekend home? Hot dates tonight?"

"Hot dates with the Gilmores, remember, Friday night is back on." Lorelai looked at Rory, Rory looked out the window, and Luke remembered the houseguest.

"Shouldn't be too bad. You can talk about the trip, and Rory getting ready to leave..."

"Luke, we don't speak of that. Mom is in denial. She still thinks I may..."

"Not true, not true, I know you are happy to leave me and the nest. Wait until you see that outside world, missy. That's all I'm going to say."

Luke smiled but he knew it was going to be the greatest pain the girls had ever known. Rory had already come to him to make sure he would be there for her mom. She knew she would be busy at school and Lorelai would be busy with the inn, but she was worried about the nights. Nights were always the worst times for Lorelai. She hated being alone-that's how the late diner visits had started. Nights always were the best for Luke. The diner was closed and she often stopped in. They had the best talks at night, letting their guards down. Rory was growing up and Lorelai needed to adjust to that and get on with her own life.

"Guess I'll see you later tonight then-I know I can always count on a Friday night rant."

"Usually, but tonight I have something else going. So maybe you'll get a Saturday morning rant instead." Lorelai thought of her 'after dinner' date with David.

"Oh, ok. Well have fun at dinner tonight. Hope it's not too bad." Luke, put two and two together.

The girls soon left. Lorelai felt bad about not telling Luke the complete truth. It just didn't feel right. Luke watched them leave thinking about Friday night dinner at the Gilmores.

Lorelai didn't know why she felt so reluctant about sharing her personal life with Luke. She and he had talked about Nicole all the time. She had known pretty much everything that went on there. Their late night talks were always easy and they talked about everything else. She just felt weird talking about another guy. He had gotten a little information from here about Alex. That was the first time she noticed the reluctance. .

Luke knew she was holding something back. It didn't take much to figure out that it involved the new guy. It's always two steps forward three steps back with her.

Both started to wonder just exactly what was going on. Luke knew he had certain feelings for Lorelai but he didn't want to rock that particular boat just yet. They had been there for as long as her could remember but lately they seemed more intense. He was starting to feel like he should take charge and make a move. All these dreams must mean something. Lorelai wasn't sure what was going on in her mind or heart. There was this neat new guy who she found some attraction to. But then there was Luke-good old Luke, her friend and coffee supplier. Lately she saw him in a different way. There had been those dreams-that had nothing to do with friendship.

And that's how Friday started in Stars Hollow. Two friends, crazy dreams, and lots of questions.