CHAPTER THREE

Damn Alexander Graham Bell!!!! He invented this stupid telephone and now all I'm doing is answering it. Lorelai had planned to sleep late but the phone had started ringing at eight o'clock and hadn't stopped since. First her dad, asking what time the temp was coming, then Sookie, reminding her about their late morning meeting, and now, the one she really didn't mind, Rory. Boy, did she have a surprise for her-ungrateful child.

"Hi, mom. Just checking in. Anything new in Stars Hollow I should know about?"

"Do you mean how was your first night at the diner, and are you going back?"

"Uh, well, I guess if it sounds that way..ok...that's why I called. So how was it? Inquiring minds have to know. Did you fight? Did he rant? Did Nicole show up?" Come on give it up."

"Good morning to you too. I love you and miss you by the way."

"Yea, me too. Quit stalling, details please."

"For your information, it was fine. Better than fine, it was fun. We didn't fight, he didn't rant, we even talked-liked the civilized adults that we are."

"Sure mom. And Taylor ran away with the spoon. I know it's early so call me back after you've had coffee. I can tell by the sound of your voice that you're still vertical."

"You would be too, if you had worked two jobs yesterday. Worked my fingers to the bone-even sacrificed a nail. That's true dedication, if you ask me."

"Call me later, mom. Love you. Miss you. Bye."

Lorelai hung up the phone smiling. Ha! Won the bet. I knew I would. Life is good.

Lorelai made it to Sookie's just in time for their meeting. The inn stuff was keeping them busy but it was exciting and coming right along. .Sookie was getting rounder and rounder and happier and happier. Lorelai was happy for her but sometimes just a little envious. Sookie had it all. Why couldn't she find it too? Soookie was experimenting in the kitchen and Lorelai spent most of the afternoon there. They talked, and laughed, and ate her new creations. And before she knew it, it was time to go to the diner.

Luke looked up when he heard the bell on the door. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself. Pretty quiet in here."

"Yep. The quiet before the hungry herds descend. How was your day?" Handing her a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might be in earlier."

"I had important stuff to do. Can't spend all my time here you know. This is your kingdom, not mine. But now I am here to serve......day two....and they said I wouldn't last."

Luke laughed, how true, how true. Me on the top of that list.

"Tonight should be busy. Big bowling night, not much cooking going on in Stars Hollow on Wednesday."

"Funny Luke. We don't have a bowling alley here. Think I didn't know that?"

"Just checking. Want to help me in the store room?"

"Is that diner slang for want some candy little girl?"

"Whatever.....follow me."

"I'd follow you anywhere, handsome. To the end of the earth, to outer space, to a case of pickles?"

"My kingdom, welcome to it."

She ranted to him about that God-awful invention of the telephone and her lack of sleep and gloated about her conversation with Rory. He laughed and did a little ranting of his own. It was just typical Luke and Lorelai stuff. And soon they were busy with the dinner crowd.

They got slammed right before closing. It was late when Luke finally turned the sign to "Closed'. They set about cleaning and closing up. They got it done in record time and Luke offered to walk her home. He really needed to get out of the diner and that excuse was as good as any.

He walked her to the door and she invited him in for coffee-in to make the coffee. They sat at the kitchen table and really didn't say much. It had been a long day for both of them.

"This is nice, Luke."

"Yea, I guess. A little strange...you're so quiet...."

"I'm so tired."

"Guess I'll go so you can get to bed."

"Not yet. I'm liking this quiet thing here."

"You're missing Rory. Nights are tough, huh?"

"You know me too well. Nights are the worst. I'm all alone, the house is quiet, her room is empty."

"Yep, lonely nights are the worst."

Lorelai realized Luke probably knew more about lonely nights than she ever would.

"Thanks for walking me home, and making the coffee. I'm good now."

"OK. Guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"Can't wait." Lorelai walked him to the door. Impulsively, she reached up and gave him a quick hug. "You're a good friend, goodnight."

Luke walked home and fell into bed. He was tired but couldn't get to sleep. Staring at the ceiling, he remembered he had forgotten to call Nicole. Tomorrow, first thing, do not forget....call Lorelai........ Nicole....call Nicole. Sleep Luke, you need sleep. And when sleep finally came, he was thinking about the warmth of that very quick hug.

Lorelai was fighting her own sleep demons. She had fallen asleep quickly but awoke with a start. Crazy dream--Luke as Santa Claus--red flannel, no fur. Rory will laugh at this one. With that she rolled over and slept fitfully the rest of the night.