Last time: Luke and Lorelai shared a dance and a first date, which ended in
a horribly awkward kiss.
***
It was Friday morning. It had been approximately a day since the "Kiss from Hell." Lorelai was at the Dragonfly getting ready for the opening party later that evening. She hadn't slept well the night before in anticipation of the inn finally opening. She hadn't seen Luke since Wednesday night and their awkward kiss goodnight. She wasn't avoiding him she just had a lot of last minute business to take care of. She stood at the desk sorting through an odd assortment of bills and invoices yet to be paid. She was completely oblivious to the figure that had walked up to the desk until he hit the service bell to her right. Lorelai looked up and saw Luke standing in front of her with a large cup of coffee, bag and a smile.
"Hey," she said, her lips breaking into a smile.
"Hey," he responded with the same smile. "You haven't been to the diner so I thought I would bring the diner to you on account of how busy you've been. I also believe I have you to thank for the basket full of assorted, trashy magazines that happened to show up on my doorstep this morning?"
"That is so nice of you," she said putting her pen down on the heap of paper in front of her. "And yes, you do have me to thank for the assorted news magazines I left outside your door. You'll also be glad to know that you will soon be receiving your very own subscription to People in four to six weeks," she smiled.
"Great, I was wondering how I was going to keep up on the next Nick and Jessica Variety Hour," he wryly replied.
"Ahh, see you did like them! So, would it be too forward if I asked what's in the bag?" she asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know," he teased her with his voice full of innuendo.
"You're very dirty when you want to be Luke Danes. Now give me," she said reaching across the desk and grabbing the bag from his hands. She hurriedly opened the bag and screeched giddily. "Chocolate and jelly and sprinkled oh my! Sprinkled, I think I've missed you most of all," she said taking in the aroma.
"I couldn't narrow it down since all donuts seem to be your favorite," he said.
"Thanks. I really appreciate it," she replied. It was at this point that they just stared at each other, neither sure of what to say next. They both knew their next meeting would be weird given the horrendous attempt at a proper goodnight kiss on Wednesday.
"So," Luke broke the ice, "I just wanted to say that Wednesday was nice. I mean it definitely had a weird moment there at the end, but I had fun." Luke blushed slightly remembering his awkward movement away and hers forward and his forward and her away again. It definitely wasn't how he had imagined their first official kiss going.
"Yeah, it was a little odd, but I think when things settle down here we'll have time to work on that," Lorelai replied slightly unsure of herself. She couldn't believe she felt so unsure, especially around Luke.
Luke was happy to hear that she was willing to forget about the "Kiss from Hell" and move forward. Although he had an inkling that Lorelai felt the way he was feeling, he needed to be sure. That was really his ulterior motive for bringing her breakfast. He was planning on telling her how he felt about her. He realized he should have told her on Wednesday but he couldn't muster the courage to actually say out loud what he had been feeling for all these years.
"So listen," Luke started. "I know you're busy with things here, but I wanted to talk to you for a minute about some stuff." Lorelai nodded for him to continue. "Um, on Wednesday I should have --," but he was cut off. At that moment the noise of a saw buzzed through the room. The noise made both Lorelai and Luke jump. Lorelai came out from behind the desk and took Luke by the arm out the front door.
"It was a little noisy in there with last minute touches," she explained when they got to a quieter spot on the front lawn. She hadn't let go of his arm and Luke took the opportunity to slip his hand over hers. He turned to face her and took her other hand in his. They were staring at each other before Luke finally broke the silence.
"So, the other night was great, but I kind of realized we didn't really talk about what was going on with us. I'm kind of a planning kind of guy and so I realized I probably should have told you --," he was cut off again, but his time by the sound of Sookie coming out on the porch yelling for Lorelai.
"Oh there you are!" Sookie exclaimed. "I've been looking all over for you. I am having a crisis! Did we decide on flan or tiny tartlets for tonight?" Sookie had approached Luke and Lorelai and immediately noticed they were holding hands. She felt horrible. Especially when Lorelai's gaze was clearing telling her that she had interrupted something. "You know what," Sookie continued backing away from them, "it's not a crisis. It can wait. You two do whatever it is you were about to do." With that Sookie was back inside the Inn and Luke and Lorelai turned back to each other.
"Okay, sorry." Lorelai said. She had a sense that whatever Luke was going to say it was important. "Continue."
"Okay so I had a good time Wednesday and the real reason I came here today wasn't just to pile you with coffee and donuts," Luke started.
"It wasn't? What else is there?" Lorelai joked.
"Look, I really just need to tell you how I --," Luke was cut off yet again.
"Lorelai," Emily said as she approached the two of them from her car. "I need to speak to you please." Luke dropped Lorelai's hands in defeat. It was fairly clear to him that this declaration of feeling would have to wait until a more suitable time. Lorelai was caught between Luke and Emily. She really wanted to know what Luke was trying in vain to spit out, but she was also wondering what her mother was doing here. Luke didn't give Lorelai time to decide what to do. He made the decision for her.
"Ya know what, I'm gonna go back to the diner. We'll talk later," he said as he turned to his truck.
"Are you sure?" she asked feebly.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Don't worry about it," Luke said with a small, sad smile. He had just gotten his courage up and now it would have to wait.
"Okay, thanks," Lorelai half-whispered. She caught up to Luke and put a hand on his arm and whispered, "I wasn't expecting her to be here and with everything going on with my Dad she might need to talk. Maybe she'll actually tell me their officially separated."
"No problem. I'll see you later," he said knowingly as he got into his truck and backed down the drive.
Lorelai turned back toward her mother. She walked up to her and said, "What are you doing here Mom? Don't you think you were a little rude?"
"I'm sorry Lorelai," Emily apologized. "Is there something going on with you and the flannel man?"
"Luke, mom. His name is Luke and you know it," Lorelai sighed as she walked back into the inn. The sawing had stopped and she trudged up the steps. Emily followed quickly behind her.
"I'm sorry. I do know his name is Luke. Is there something going on with you and Luke? What about Jason? " Emily inquired again.
"I don't want to talk about this Mom," Lorelai evaded. "Did you need something? What are you doing here? The party isn't until tonight."
"I came to find out what I should wear," Emily said.
"You came all the way here to find out what you should wear?" Lorelai asked slightly agitated. What nerve her mother had stopping by unannounced, breaking up her conversation with Luke and then demanding information on her relationship with him. Lorelai took her spot behind the desk and pretended to flip through the papers on the desk.
"Yes."
"So you were in Hartford and decided, 'hey I've got nothing going on today, I think I'll drive all the way to Stars Hollow to ask Lorelai what I should wear tonight?'" Lorelai gestured wildly with her hands in emphasis her point.
"Is that so hard to believe?"
"Yes. Yes, Mom, it's a little hard to believe even for you. What's going on?"
"Nothing is going on Lorelai," Emily enforced. "I had a rather light day today and I thought I'd drop by to see what I should wear. I'm sorry if that bothers you and I'm sorry if that ruins your plans with Luke. What is going on with Luke? Are going to tell me or are you going to shut me out on this too?" Emily asked, hurt.
Lorelai sighed. Of course Emily was going to bring up the fact that she hid her relationship with Jason from her. She couldn't believe how hypocritical her mother was being. She kept making Lorelai feel guilty for hiding the truth about Jason, yet she was separated from Richard and hadn't even bothered to let Lorelai know.
"It doesn't bother me that you're here okay? It's just not like you. But I guess you haven't really acted like yourself lately anyway. And I'm not shutting you out of my life. For your information I broke up with Jason because he is suing Dad. I'd think you should know that," Lorelai said pointedly and threw the stack of correspondence in her hands down on the desk. "And what is going on with Luke is new and I don't know what it is yet, okay?"
"You broke up with Jason?" Emily asked surprised.
"Yes, I broke up with Jason. Didn't Dad tell you?" Luke had taught Lorelai how to fish and she was in the mood to catch her mother in a lie. She was tired of the lies and pretenses her parents had made her put up with. If Emily could be upset with her for dating Jason behind her back then Lorelai could certainly be upset with her mother for leaving her father behind hers.
"No, he didn't mention it," Emily said glumly averting eye contact.
Lorelai took the opportunity and rounded the desk and stood next to her mother. "Wow, that's really odd. I would have thought that would have been a big topic in the Gilmore household," Lorelai would not back down. Emily, feeling very uncomfortable walked over the couch in the Dragonfly lobby and sat down. Lorelai followed in hot pursuit.
"And speaking of shutting people out of key aspects of their life," Lorelai continued, "what have you and Dad been up to lately?"
"I don't know what you mean Lorelai," Emily said staring intently at her purse.
"You don't know what I'm talking about? How about the fact that you don't sleep at home anymore?" Lorelai sat down next to her mother like a cat ready to pounce. She knew she was pushing Emily and she knew she was being horrible, but she could help it. She had so much stress with the inn that she couldn't handle the fact that she knew her parent's were hiding their separation from her.
"What?" Emily gasped. She lifted her eyes up to meet Lorelai's and immediately the tears began to well up. Lorelai instantly felt horrible. She instinctively put an arm around Emily's shoulder in an effort to comfort her, which was kind of odd, but also kind of nice.
"I'm sorry Mom, I shouldn't have said that," Lorelai backtracked. "I, it's just that, Rory and I saw you leave with clothes after dinner a few weeks ago and you and Dad have been acting so weird lately. What happened?"
"Oh Lorelai this isn't any of your business," Emily said pulling away from her. "Your father just isn't the man I thought he was," Emily said wiping her eyes. She was silent for a moment before she turned back to Lorelai with dry eyes. "Now, any suggestions for what I should wear tonight?"
"That's it?" Lorelai asked stunned. "You're just going to admit you're separated because Dad isn't who you thought he was and move on?"
"Yes Lorelai, I am," Emily said standing up.
"Why? I don't understand. Are you getting divorced?"
"Lorelai honestly, I am not having this conversation with you," Emily said.
"Mom, tell me," Lorelai said with a softened tone. "Please, are you and Dad okay or are you getting a divorce?"
"I don't know Lorelai," Emily replied defeated, but honest.
"Oh my god," Lorelai whispered. "I don't know what to say."
"Just tell me what you're wearing tonight so I know what is suitable," Emily replied very business-like.
"Um, I'm wearing a black dress," Lorelai responded robotically.
"Floor length, tea length or cocktail?" was Emily's cold response.
"Uh, cocktail. But Mom, you can't just tell me you might be getting divorced and change the subject," Lorelai protested.
"Yes I can. Thank you. See, it wasn't so hard to answer my simple question," Emily said fully composed. "I'll see you tonight at 7 p.m." With that Emily walked swiftly out of the Dragonfly and left Lorelai sitting on the couch stunned. She knew that her parents were separated but she didn't honestly think they could get a divorce. She tried to compose herself. There was still much work to be done before the party.
***
Luke had only been back at the diner for about 10 minutes when he had a sudden urge to get back in his truck and drive back to the inn. He knew that he was interrupted three times while trying to tell Lorelai how he felt, but he had a nagging feeling that he had to tell her at that very moment. How many times had he thought about telling her only to find her with some other guy? How many times had he thought about telling her only to lose his nerve? Thinking about all the moments he had already wasted he told Caesar to watch the diner again. He had somewhere very important to be.
Lorelai was trying to concentrate on her work, but she couldn't escape the horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach. Why did her mother have to come visit today? Why did she push her into admitting the truth about her and Richard? She didn't know why she forced her mother into admitting the separation. That had been cruel. Lorelai had been under so much pressure lately that something had to give, and that something just happened to be her patience with her mother. She was completely in a daze when she felt someone staring at her. She looked up and despite herself she smiled. He smiled back at her and approached the desk.
"Jason," Lorelai said.
"Lorelai," he replied. 'I was afraid you wouldn't be so pleased to see me."
"I just really needed a friendly face right now," she stated.
"Is everything okay?" Jason asked concerned.
Lorelai waved her hand as if to dismiss his concern. "It's fine. I'm fine. How are you?"
"I've been better, but I actually came here to talk to you about something," Jason said.
"Okay, shoot."
"Well, the last time we spoke I was suing your father over the business. I can understand your issue with that and I've thought about it. Quite honestly Lorelai I have been miserable without you. These last few weeks have completely, for lack of better word, sucked. I didn't have my partner in crime to joke with and I didn't have to anyone to talk to about my current predicament. I've hated it," Jason laid it out.
"Jason, I don't know what --," he cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"I know. You don't have to say anything. My point, which I am not getting to very quickly, is that I miss you and this morning I decided I would do whatever it took to get you back. That's why I called my lawyer and dropped my lawsuit against your father." Jason walked to the other side of the desk and was standing next to Lorelai. He took her face in his hands and looked her in the eye. "I miss you and basically I'm in love with you Lorelai Gilmore."
Lorelai didn't know what to think. Her head was spinning. She had fun with Jason and the only reason she broke up with him was because of her father. Before she knew it she felt Jason's lips on her hers and she wasn't pulling away. It felt so good to be needed and comforted especially after what happened with her mother. She was kissing Jason. She was kissing Jason? She soon came to the realization that she didn't want to be kissing Jason. She wished that Jason were Luke. When that thought dawned on her she pulled away from him, but not before she turned her head to the side and caught a glimpse of Luke.
"You've got to be kidding me," Luke spat in disgust as he quickly exited the inn.
Jason turned upon hearing Luke's voice and he looked at Lorelai, but she was already half way out of the room following Luke.
"Lorelai?" Jason questioned.
Lorelai turned, but continued to walk backwards toward the door. Jason noticed her eyes were starting to tear up.
"Jason I'm sorry," Lorelai hurriedly tried to explain. "I can't do this again. I like you, I think you're great, but I'm not in love with you. I didn't realize it until just now. I have to go. I'm sorry," was all Lorelai could manage to spit out before she ran out the door.
"Was that Duke? Are you in love with Duke?" Jason questioned to no one in particular.
*** TBC
***
It was Friday morning. It had been approximately a day since the "Kiss from Hell." Lorelai was at the Dragonfly getting ready for the opening party later that evening. She hadn't slept well the night before in anticipation of the inn finally opening. She hadn't seen Luke since Wednesday night and their awkward kiss goodnight. She wasn't avoiding him she just had a lot of last minute business to take care of. She stood at the desk sorting through an odd assortment of bills and invoices yet to be paid. She was completely oblivious to the figure that had walked up to the desk until he hit the service bell to her right. Lorelai looked up and saw Luke standing in front of her with a large cup of coffee, bag and a smile.
"Hey," she said, her lips breaking into a smile.
"Hey," he responded with the same smile. "You haven't been to the diner so I thought I would bring the diner to you on account of how busy you've been. I also believe I have you to thank for the basket full of assorted, trashy magazines that happened to show up on my doorstep this morning?"
"That is so nice of you," she said putting her pen down on the heap of paper in front of her. "And yes, you do have me to thank for the assorted news magazines I left outside your door. You'll also be glad to know that you will soon be receiving your very own subscription to People in four to six weeks," she smiled.
"Great, I was wondering how I was going to keep up on the next Nick and Jessica Variety Hour," he wryly replied.
"Ahh, see you did like them! So, would it be too forward if I asked what's in the bag?" she asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know," he teased her with his voice full of innuendo.
"You're very dirty when you want to be Luke Danes. Now give me," she said reaching across the desk and grabbing the bag from his hands. She hurriedly opened the bag and screeched giddily. "Chocolate and jelly and sprinkled oh my! Sprinkled, I think I've missed you most of all," she said taking in the aroma.
"I couldn't narrow it down since all donuts seem to be your favorite," he said.
"Thanks. I really appreciate it," she replied. It was at this point that they just stared at each other, neither sure of what to say next. They both knew their next meeting would be weird given the horrendous attempt at a proper goodnight kiss on Wednesday.
"So," Luke broke the ice, "I just wanted to say that Wednesday was nice. I mean it definitely had a weird moment there at the end, but I had fun." Luke blushed slightly remembering his awkward movement away and hers forward and his forward and her away again. It definitely wasn't how he had imagined their first official kiss going.
"Yeah, it was a little odd, but I think when things settle down here we'll have time to work on that," Lorelai replied slightly unsure of herself. She couldn't believe she felt so unsure, especially around Luke.
Luke was happy to hear that she was willing to forget about the "Kiss from Hell" and move forward. Although he had an inkling that Lorelai felt the way he was feeling, he needed to be sure. That was really his ulterior motive for bringing her breakfast. He was planning on telling her how he felt about her. He realized he should have told her on Wednesday but he couldn't muster the courage to actually say out loud what he had been feeling for all these years.
"So listen," Luke started. "I know you're busy with things here, but I wanted to talk to you for a minute about some stuff." Lorelai nodded for him to continue. "Um, on Wednesday I should have --," but he was cut off. At that moment the noise of a saw buzzed through the room. The noise made both Lorelai and Luke jump. Lorelai came out from behind the desk and took Luke by the arm out the front door.
"It was a little noisy in there with last minute touches," she explained when they got to a quieter spot on the front lawn. She hadn't let go of his arm and Luke took the opportunity to slip his hand over hers. He turned to face her and took her other hand in his. They were staring at each other before Luke finally broke the silence.
"So, the other night was great, but I kind of realized we didn't really talk about what was going on with us. I'm kind of a planning kind of guy and so I realized I probably should have told you --," he was cut off again, but his time by the sound of Sookie coming out on the porch yelling for Lorelai.
"Oh there you are!" Sookie exclaimed. "I've been looking all over for you. I am having a crisis! Did we decide on flan or tiny tartlets for tonight?" Sookie had approached Luke and Lorelai and immediately noticed they were holding hands. She felt horrible. Especially when Lorelai's gaze was clearing telling her that she had interrupted something. "You know what," Sookie continued backing away from them, "it's not a crisis. It can wait. You two do whatever it is you were about to do." With that Sookie was back inside the Inn and Luke and Lorelai turned back to each other.
"Okay, sorry." Lorelai said. She had a sense that whatever Luke was going to say it was important. "Continue."
"Okay so I had a good time Wednesday and the real reason I came here today wasn't just to pile you with coffee and donuts," Luke started.
"It wasn't? What else is there?" Lorelai joked.
"Look, I really just need to tell you how I --," Luke was cut off yet again.
"Lorelai," Emily said as she approached the two of them from her car. "I need to speak to you please." Luke dropped Lorelai's hands in defeat. It was fairly clear to him that this declaration of feeling would have to wait until a more suitable time. Lorelai was caught between Luke and Emily. She really wanted to know what Luke was trying in vain to spit out, but she was also wondering what her mother was doing here. Luke didn't give Lorelai time to decide what to do. He made the decision for her.
"Ya know what, I'm gonna go back to the diner. We'll talk later," he said as he turned to his truck.
"Are you sure?" she asked feebly.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Don't worry about it," Luke said with a small, sad smile. He had just gotten his courage up and now it would have to wait.
"Okay, thanks," Lorelai half-whispered. She caught up to Luke and put a hand on his arm and whispered, "I wasn't expecting her to be here and with everything going on with my Dad she might need to talk. Maybe she'll actually tell me their officially separated."
"No problem. I'll see you later," he said knowingly as he got into his truck and backed down the drive.
Lorelai turned back toward her mother. She walked up to her and said, "What are you doing here Mom? Don't you think you were a little rude?"
"I'm sorry Lorelai," Emily apologized. "Is there something going on with you and the flannel man?"
"Luke, mom. His name is Luke and you know it," Lorelai sighed as she walked back into the inn. The sawing had stopped and she trudged up the steps. Emily followed quickly behind her.
"I'm sorry. I do know his name is Luke. Is there something going on with you and Luke? What about Jason? " Emily inquired again.
"I don't want to talk about this Mom," Lorelai evaded. "Did you need something? What are you doing here? The party isn't until tonight."
"I came to find out what I should wear," Emily said.
"You came all the way here to find out what you should wear?" Lorelai asked slightly agitated. What nerve her mother had stopping by unannounced, breaking up her conversation with Luke and then demanding information on her relationship with him. Lorelai took her spot behind the desk and pretended to flip through the papers on the desk.
"Yes."
"So you were in Hartford and decided, 'hey I've got nothing going on today, I think I'll drive all the way to Stars Hollow to ask Lorelai what I should wear tonight?'" Lorelai gestured wildly with her hands in emphasis her point.
"Is that so hard to believe?"
"Yes. Yes, Mom, it's a little hard to believe even for you. What's going on?"
"Nothing is going on Lorelai," Emily enforced. "I had a rather light day today and I thought I'd drop by to see what I should wear. I'm sorry if that bothers you and I'm sorry if that ruins your plans with Luke. What is going on with Luke? Are going to tell me or are you going to shut me out on this too?" Emily asked, hurt.
Lorelai sighed. Of course Emily was going to bring up the fact that she hid her relationship with Jason from her. She couldn't believe how hypocritical her mother was being. She kept making Lorelai feel guilty for hiding the truth about Jason, yet she was separated from Richard and hadn't even bothered to let Lorelai know.
"It doesn't bother me that you're here okay? It's just not like you. But I guess you haven't really acted like yourself lately anyway. And I'm not shutting you out of my life. For your information I broke up with Jason because he is suing Dad. I'd think you should know that," Lorelai said pointedly and threw the stack of correspondence in her hands down on the desk. "And what is going on with Luke is new and I don't know what it is yet, okay?"
"You broke up with Jason?" Emily asked surprised.
"Yes, I broke up with Jason. Didn't Dad tell you?" Luke had taught Lorelai how to fish and she was in the mood to catch her mother in a lie. She was tired of the lies and pretenses her parents had made her put up with. If Emily could be upset with her for dating Jason behind her back then Lorelai could certainly be upset with her mother for leaving her father behind hers.
"No, he didn't mention it," Emily said glumly averting eye contact.
Lorelai took the opportunity and rounded the desk and stood next to her mother. "Wow, that's really odd. I would have thought that would have been a big topic in the Gilmore household," Lorelai would not back down. Emily, feeling very uncomfortable walked over the couch in the Dragonfly lobby and sat down. Lorelai followed in hot pursuit.
"And speaking of shutting people out of key aspects of their life," Lorelai continued, "what have you and Dad been up to lately?"
"I don't know what you mean Lorelai," Emily said staring intently at her purse.
"You don't know what I'm talking about? How about the fact that you don't sleep at home anymore?" Lorelai sat down next to her mother like a cat ready to pounce. She knew she was pushing Emily and she knew she was being horrible, but she could help it. She had so much stress with the inn that she couldn't handle the fact that she knew her parent's were hiding their separation from her.
"What?" Emily gasped. She lifted her eyes up to meet Lorelai's and immediately the tears began to well up. Lorelai instantly felt horrible. She instinctively put an arm around Emily's shoulder in an effort to comfort her, which was kind of odd, but also kind of nice.
"I'm sorry Mom, I shouldn't have said that," Lorelai backtracked. "I, it's just that, Rory and I saw you leave with clothes after dinner a few weeks ago and you and Dad have been acting so weird lately. What happened?"
"Oh Lorelai this isn't any of your business," Emily said pulling away from her. "Your father just isn't the man I thought he was," Emily said wiping her eyes. She was silent for a moment before she turned back to Lorelai with dry eyes. "Now, any suggestions for what I should wear tonight?"
"That's it?" Lorelai asked stunned. "You're just going to admit you're separated because Dad isn't who you thought he was and move on?"
"Yes Lorelai, I am," Emily said standing up.
"Why? I don't understand. Are you getting divorced?"
"Lorelai honestly, I am not having this conversation with you," Emily said.
"Mom, tell me," Lorelai said with a softened tone. "Please, are you and Dad okay or are you getting a divorce?"
"I don't know Lorelai," Emily replied defeated, but honest.
"Oh my god," Lorelai whispered. "I don't know what to say."
"Just tell me what you're wearing tonight so I know what is suitable," Emily replied very business-like.
"Um, I'm wearing a black dress," Lorelai responded robotically.
"Floor length, tea length or cocktail?" was Emily's cold response.
"Uh, cocktail. But Mom, you can't just tell me you might be getting divorced and change the subject," Lorelai protested.
"Yes I can. Thank you. See, it wasn't so hard to answer my simple question," Emily said fully composed. "I'll see you tonight at 7 p.m." With that Emily walked swiftly out of the Dragonfly and left Lorelai sitting on the couch stunned. She knew that her parents were separated but she didn't honestly think they could get a divorce. She tried to compose herself. There was still much work to be done before the party.
***
Luke had only been back at the diner for about 10 minutes when he had a sudden urge to get back in his truck and drive back to the inn. He knew that he was interrupted three times while trying to tell Lorelai how he felt, but he had a nagging feeling that he had to tell her at that very moment. How many times had he thought about telling her only to find her with some other guy? How many times had he thought about telling her only to lose his nerve? Thinking about all the moments he had already wasted he told Caesar to watch the diner again. He had somewhere very important to be.
Lorelai was trying to concentrate on her work, but she couldn't escape the horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach. Why did her mother have to come visit today? Why did she push her into admitting the truth about her and Richard? She didn't know why she forced her mother into admitting the separation. That had been cruel. Lorelai had been under so much pressure lately that something had to give, and that something just happened to be her patience with her mother. She was completely in a daze when she felt someone staring at her. She looked up and despite herself she smiled. He smiled back at her and approached the desk.
"Jason," Lorelai said.
"Lorelai," he replied. 'I was afraid you wouldn't be so pleased to see me."
"I just really needed a friendly face right now," she stated.
"Is everything okay?" Jason asked concerned.
Lorelai waved her hand as if to dismiss his concern. "It's fine. I'm fine. How are you?"
"I've been better, but I actually came here to talk to you about something," Jason said.
"Okay, shoot."
"Well, the last time we spoke I was suing your father over the business. I can understand your issue with that and I've thought about it. Quite honestly Lorelai I have been miserable without you. These last few weeks have completely, for lack of better word, sucked. I didn't have my partner in crime to joke with and I didn't have to anyone to talk to about my current predicament. I've hated it," Jason laid it out.
"Jason, I don't know what --," he cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"I know. You don't have to say anything. My point, which I am not getting to very quickly, is that I miss you and this morning I decided I would do whatever it took to get you back. That's why I called my lawyer and dropped my lawsuit against your father." Jason walked to the other side of the desk and was standing next to Lorelai. He took her face in his hands and looked her in the eye. "I miss you and basically I'm in love with you Lorelai Gilmore."
Lorelai didn't know what to think. Her head was spinning. She had fun with Jason and the only reason she broke up with him was because of her father. Before she knew it she felt Jason's lips on her hers and she wasn't pulling away. It felt so good to be needed and comforted especially after what happened with her mother. She was kissing Jason. She was kissing Jason? She soon came to the realization that she didn't want to be kissing Jason. She wished that Jason were Luke. When that thought dawned on her she pulled away from him, but not before she turned her head to the side and caught a glimpse of Luke.
"You've got to be kidding me," Luke spat in disgust as he quickly exited the inn.
Jason turned upon hearing Luke's voice and he looked at Lorelai, but she was already half way out of the room following Luke.
"Lorelai?" Jason questioned.
Lorelai turned, but continued to walk backwards toward the door. Jason noticed her eyes were starting to tear up.
"Jason I'm sorry," Lorelai hurriedly tried to explain. "I can't do this again. I like you, I think you're great, but I'm not in love with you. I didn't realize it until just now. I have to go. I'm sorry," was all Lorelai could manage to spit out before she ran out the door.
"Was that Duke? Are you in love with Duke?" Jason questioned to no one in particular.
*** TBC