Title: A Wedding Story, Chapter 12 – Dolly's boobs or whatever

Author: Gluglug

Spoiler Warning/Timing: Late Fourth Season

Rating: PG-13

Summary: His sister's impending wedding leads Luke to make some decisions about his own life. SPOILER WARNING

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.

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About an hour later, Liz came into the diner to say goodbye. Luke wasn't downstairs so she went upstairs to the apartment and knocked on the door.

"It's open."

"Hey, Luke, TJ and I are just about to hit the road...."

The sight of her brother sitting on the couch with a six-pack on the coffee table in front of him and still dressed in his fancy wedding clothes stopped her.

"What happened?" Liz asked, standing over the couch.

He looked over at her. "What makes you think something happened?"

Liz sat down beside him and gave him a concerned look. "Well, I know you absolutely hate getting dressed up and you would've been back in your flannel by now. And what's with the drinking alone?"

"You want a beer?" He drunkenly said, handing her a bottle.

Liz patted her stomach. "Um, normally I would join you but I have a growing baby inside of me that wouldn't appreciate mommy drinking."

"Oops, sorry, I forgot." Luke said, continuing to sip from his bottle.

"Luke, what's wrong? Did something happen with Nicole?" Liz asked.

"Why would you think that?" Luke asked.

"Well, Carrie told me that she saw her heading towards her car earlier and said she looked upset. Tell me what happened."

Luke sighed. "Well, it seems that you are no longer the big loser of the Danes family. That title has now been officially transferred to me."

"Luke, what are you talking about, you're not a loser." Liz assured him.

"Oh, yeah? Then who is the one who's got a brand new marriage and kid on the way, while the other one's not so brand new marriage is officially down the toilet?"

"I'm guessing that the former is me and the latter is you?" Liz replied.

"Bingo, you win the prize. Not sure what it is yet...." Luke trailed off.

Liz touched his arm. "Luke put down the beer, please. What are you saying – are you and Nicole finished?"

"Yeah, that's what I'm saying." Luke said. "Well you should be happy, Liz – you've been wanting this marriage to be over, now it's over."

"Only because you were miserable, Luke. Nicole wasn't the right woman for you. And the whole moving to Chicago thing would've never worked – you hate big cities. I mean every time you came to see me in New York, you never stopped complaining about the noise and the pollution."

"I know that, Liz. But do I look happy now that she's gone?"

"No, you don't. But it's understandable that you'd be upset, Luke. I mean, you tried to make it work but it didn't. I'm sure this is very painful for you even if you didn't love her..."

"How do you know that? How do you know that I didn't love Nicole?" Luke raised his voice.

"I don't know that. Maybe you did in your own way. But she's not the love of your life, we both know that."

"I guess she wasn't." Luke sighed. "But at least with her I wasn't alone. Now I'm alone again – just a big loser."

"Luke, you're not a loser. Don't you remember my speech to you this morning? It wasn't just some I'm-getting-married, let's-be-sentimental crap. I meant every word. You're my hero, Luke and I would swear that you're Lorelai's hero, too. She loves you."

"Yeah, right. What makes you think that she would want me now? I'm damaged goods, I'm not good enough for her."

"Oh, that is such bullshit and you know it. We're all damaged in some way - but the right person can change all that. I'm living proof of that."

Luke looked at his sister's earnest face. He wanted to believe her, he truly did. But the pain of his failure was too fresh and the alcohol was feeding his insecurities. He also didn't want to take up any more of her time. She was about to start her new life and he didn't want to bring her down with him.

"Liz, I appreciate your concern. But I think you should get going – I'm sure TJ is waiting for you."

Liz smiled. "Yeah, he is. I should go. But I'm worried about you."

Luke shook his head. "Don't be. I'll be okay. You go have fun visiting Dolly's boobs or whatever it is you're doing."

"Dollywood, it's a theme park. I'll be sure to send you a postcard and tell you all about it."

Liz stood up and so did Luke, a bit unsteadily.

"I think it's time to put away the beers. Why don't you take a few days away from the diner, go fishing or do whatever it is you do when you're stressed out? Go clear your head, it'll do you good."

"Sounds like a good idea." Luke agreed as Liz pulled him into a hug.

"Everything will be okay. Just give it some time."

"I'll try." He said. "Oh, and congratulations."

"Thanks, Luke. Talk to you soon." Liz smiled and headed out the door.

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Lorelai awoke the next morning and opened her front door to get the Sunday paper. Next to the paper was a big box on her doorstep. She lugged the box inside and opened it – it was filled with jars of premium Colombian coffee. She smiled and opened the note that was attached to the box.

"Lorelai –

I didn't forget about our bet – here's at least a week's worth of free coffee, your favorite kind. I apologize in advance but I won't be able to make it for you in person, so I hope your coffee maker is up to the task.

I've closed the diner for a few days – just needed to get away and clear my head. When I return, I'll tell you all about it but in the meantime I just need some peace and quiet. Good luck with the Dragonfly opening – I'm sure you'll do great.

Luke"

TBC