CHAPTER SEVEN

The rest of the day flew by. The new kitchen appliances had been installed at the inn. Sookie was in heaven. When the girls left for Hartford, she was touching and admiring every part of them.

Rory insisted on driving her beautiful new car. She was anxious to spend some time with her grandparents and thank them again for everything. Lorelai didn't mind, she had lots to think about. Life had been hectic since they returned, and it wasn't going to change anytime soon.

The dinner was uneventful, which was a big deal in the Gilmore household. She could tell her parents enjoyed having David as a houseguest. The three of them seemed to have settled into a friendly pattern. Rory left soon after and Richard and Emily excused themselves too. David and Lorelai were finally alone with the whole evening ahead.

"I can't believe we are actually alone. Seems like weeks since that plane trip. How is life here at the Gilmores? Hope your experience is better than mine. Has dad been keeping you busy? He tends to like to do everything himself, control issues." Lorelai rambled.

"So far so good. Actually your dad has been great. He's given me lots of responsibility and let me learn on my own. Life here is pleasant. They don't bother me and I try to stay out of the way. I've been driving around Hartford and getting acclimated. I've looked at some condos and even been to some furniture stores. It's been fun and I've had tonight to look forward to."

"Smooth, mister. I'm going to have to watch myself around you. Remember my parents are right upstairs."

"I'll remember that. But they like me. They know I would never take advantage of their beautiful, only daughter. Plus, I now for a fact, that once they are asleep-an earthquake wouldn't wake them up."

Lorelai laughed. They had an easy way with each other. They sat outside on the patio and just got to know each other. A little wine, lots of innuendo, and soon sweet kisses. He didn't leave her breathless but she thought there was potential here. She made him take her home fairly early. She really wanted to take this slow.

David wanted more; more time, more kisses, more Lorelai. Respecting her need to go slowly, he drove her back to Stars Hollow. He loved her little house, and saw her personality in every room. It was fun and full of life just like her. There were a few more kisses and then he was on his way back to Hartford. He was coming Sunday afternoon to take her to dinner and see more of the town.

Lorelai waved goodbye with a smile. She had enjoyed the evening and was already looking forward to Sunday. She was curious to see his reaction to life in Stars Hollow. Her intention was to stay forever and any man in her life needed to accept that. This was her home and her life. She and Luke had agreed about that just the other night. Luke....wonder what he did tonight?

Luke had a special evening of his own. Nicole had stopped in the diner and that had turned into dinner and a nice talk afterwards. She told him about her trip and all the fun he had missed. They parted with a kiss and very confused feelings. He thought it was over but she didn't seem sure. Lorelai was right again..........

Lorelai awoke with a start. That dream again but more vivid than ever. She had such a promising night with David, how could she be dreaming of Luke? She got up and tried to figure it out. Something was keeping Luke foremost in her mind.

Across town, Luke slept like a baby.

Lorelai didn't make it back to the diner until Saturday night. Luke had just flipped the sign to closed, but always left the door unlocked....subconsciously for her. It had been a quiet night so he had most of his work done. She came in just as he was ready to leave.

"Where are you off to? I'm bored, I need some Luke time."

"Hi, to you too. Luke time? What is Luke time?"

"Luke time-time I spend with Luke. You know coffee, talk, pie......"

"Got ya. Not tonight, sorry."

"Big date?"

"Nah, just want to get out of here. Thought I'd go for a drive. Guess you could join me...."

"Sure, sounds like fun. Been a long time since we've been anywhere together. I am so not counting that school thing!"

Luke looked puzzled, then remembered, "I'll never forget that one. Lorelai corrupts the youth of Stars Hollow."

"Yeah, yeah, very funny. So where are we going?"

"I usually just drive aimlessly-any suggestions?"

"Aimlessly sounds fine. How far is that?"

"Maybe we should just walk. You can walk and talk at the same time, right?"

"Luke, you're mean. Tough day? Can't be the company."

They headed out the door into the warm night. "So how was the Gilmore family dinner?"

"Actually it was fine. Pleasant really. We bored them to death with the pictures so they went to bed early. We're going to try it again next week."

"And the guy-was he there too?"

"The guy is David, and yes, he was there. He brought me home actually. He wanted to see more of Stars Hollow."

"Yeah, sure. More of something..."

"Luke, what's up? You don't even know the guy."

"Neither do you. There's just something about him, stalkerish."

"Stalkerish? Is that even a word? And I am getting to know him. He's very nice. I'm going to see him again tomorrow. Any questions you want answered?"

"Nope. He's your problem. Hope you two have fun."

"We will! Think I'll head home now. Can't take much more of the warmth." Lorelai stalked off.

Luke didn't know why he acted like such a jerk. A few minutes later he found her sitting on her porch, beer in hand.

"Any chance you'd offer a jerk one of those?"

"Depends, are you the jerk?"

"Yeah, big time. And I'm sorry. Don't know what came over me."

Lorelai moved over and patted the seat next to her. "Well, sit down jerk and I'll get you one. Sounds like you need it as much as I do. Life has been weird lately. Sounds like it's been like that for you too."

"You could say that. I saw Nicole last night. We had dinner and a talk"

"Told you"

"I know. That was my first thought."

"So, are you back with her?"

"No. I still don't feel that way about her. Sometimes I think she's just in it because she doesn't like to lose."

"Not true Luke. Any girl would be lucky to be with you. Take it from me. There aren't many really great guys out there. You're a member of a small club my friend."

"Thanks. Is David a member of this club?'

"Don't start again Luke. Drink your beer and be good.'

Luke laughed. They sat on the porch for a long time, drinking beers and talking. Rory came home and thought they looked pretty cozy. And she didn't mind a bit. "Goodnight, you two."

"It must be late. Maybe I should go."

"I'm not tired, are you? I know you don't run on caffeine like I do so I'd understand..."

"Funny. I'm out-my days start early, remember?"

"Oh yeah, gotta set that alarm clock."

They both thought about that night in the apartment and Lorelai's dream.

"But only one and the one in my apartment not the thirty in your room."

"You remembered--I'm touched."

"Of course, I remembered. A guy doesn't forget a thing like that, especially one that belongs to my club. Dreams are funny things."

Lorelai agreed with that. She walked him to the steps and gave him a hug. "Goodnight, my friend. It was fun. See ya tomorrow."

"Yeah, see ya." And for some unknown reason, he gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. She smiled, he smiled back. And then he was gone.