'Rory, its been three days since you called. I've been worried.'

'Sorry Mom. How are you? How is the Inn? How are things with you and Luke?'

'Good, great and even greater!' She answered. 'How are you? What have you been doing?'

'I've been good. We've been to museums and have done some site-seeing.'

'Sounds fun.'

'It actually has been. It's been nice getting to know Grandma.'

'That's good, she is your grandma after all. Has she talked about Grandpa at all?'

'No. Have you talked to him?'

'No. I don't think he wants to talk to me.'

'I think you should try.'

'I'll think about it.'

'Good. So are things hot and heavy with Luke?'

Lorelai laughed. 'It's going good. After we got back from the movie Babette was outside. So now the entire town knows.'

'Wow, how is Luke taking that? You know how he hates gossip.'

'Pretty good actually. I'm very impressed. Hon, I'm at the Inn now so I'd better go. I miss you, call sooner next time.'

'Miss you too Mom. Love you.'

'Love you too, Bye.'

Later that morning she thought about her parents. She should try to make an effort with her father. While she was thinking about it she dialed her phone. 'May I speak with Richard Gilmore please?'

'May I ask who is calling.'

'This is his daughter, Lorelai.'

'One moment please.'

'Lorelai?'

'Hi Dad. How are you?'

'Fine.' Silence.

'I talked to Rory this morning. I wanted to let you know that Mom and Rory made it to Paris OK and are having a good time.'

'That's good.'

She took the plung. 'Dad, would you like to come to the Inn for dinner tonight?'

'I can't tonight, I have a late meeting.'

'Oh, how about tomorrow night or sometime this week?'

'Let me check my schedule, I will have Tonya call you back and set something up.'

'OK, sounds good. See you later then.'

'Yes. Goodbye Lorelai.'

'Bye Dad.'

She hung up the phone sand sighed. She took the first step, at least it was a start.

That night Lorelai and Luke were sitting on the couch watching a movie. 'I called my Dad today and invited him to dinner at the Inn.'

'Really? What did he say?'

'His secretary is going to check his schedule and call me back.'

'Well, I'm sure he'll come.'

'Yeah, I have a big favor to ask you,' she paused. 'If he does agree to come to dinner would you come too?'

'Dinner with you and your father? Lorelai, I'm not sure.'

'I understand. It's OK.' She looked down at her hands.

'Just let me know what night, OK?'

She looked up at him. 'Are you sure?' He nodded.

'Thanks.'

The night of the dinner with her dad Lorelai was nervous.

Her cell phone rang. 'Hey.'

'Let me guess, you can't make it.'

'Cesar is going home sick and Lane is playing with the band tonight. I don't have anyone to cover. I'm sorry.' It was less than an hour before her father was to arrive.

'Luke, it's OK, you don't have to apologize. I can handle my father, I think.'

'You'll be fine.'

'Hi Dad, I'm glad you could make it. Would you like a tour before we sit down?'

'Yes, that would be nice.'

After the tour they sat down for dinner. 'Well Lorelai, I'm impressed. This is a lovely place.'

'Thank you, Dad.'

They ate their salads in silence. As they were waiting for the main course Lorelai asked, 'Dad, what happened between you and Mom?'

'Lorelai, I don't think it is appropriate for us to talk about it.'

'Why not? Maybe I can help.'

'I don't think you can.'

'Are things really that bad?'

'Lorelai..'

'I just don't like seeing both of you like this.'

Richard sighed. 'She was very upset about my lunches with Pennilyn. And not happy about the new business.'

'She was upset.'

'I handled things very badly. I do want to work things out with her. I love her very much you know.'

'Yes, I know. You need to tell her that too.'

'I know.'

After they finished dinner and dessert Richard rose from the table. 'The meal was delicious, thank you for inviting me.'

'You're welcome.' They started to walk to the front door.

'Lorelia, do you have their itinerary?'

'Yes, I will make you a copy. Hold on a sec.'

She handed him the paper and they walked out onto the porch. 'This is a nice view.' Richard said.

'Would you like to sit out here for a while? I can get you a drink.'

'That would be nice.'

Lorelai came back with drinks. 'So how is business going?'

'It's been a little rough, but we are doing OK. We aren't full every night but I expect it to get busier this summer.'

'All businesses take some time to get off the ground.'

'Yes. In a way I'm glad Rory is with Mom since I seem to spend most of my time here, I wouldn't have much time to spend with her.'

'Lorelai, you shouldn't work yourself so hard. Take some advice from me, your entire life should not be about working. You deserve some happiness in your personal life as well.'

'I am happy in my personal life, Dad.'

'Lorelai, are you still seeing Jas..'

'No, God no Dad.' she cut him quickly before he could finish saying his name. 'I am seeing Luke. You've met him, he was at Rory's graduation and her birthday party.'

'Ah yes, the fellow that your mother calls 'the ice man'. He owns a diner doesn't he?'

'Yes, the one in the same.'

'So do I get to officially get to meet him at some point?'

'Well, he was going to join us tonight but Cesar got sick and Lane is not working tonight so he couldn't join us.'

'I'm glad you are happy.'

'Thanks Dad. I hope you work things out with Mom, I want you to be happy too.'

Richard finished his drink and stood up. 'Thank you for inviting me. Lorelai?'

'Yes?'

'I'm proud of you.'

'Thank you, Dad.'

Tying up some loose strings. Next chapter will be Rory retuning home and some Luke/Lorelai goodness.