Chapter Four
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by..7 days post kiss, 1pm
"I just don't understand why we couldn't just stop at Luke's and fill up on coffee before we got on the highway. I can't believe you of all people would force us to wait half an hour for a fix," Rory continued to argue as they stood in a line at a Starbucks located just outside of Hartford.
"Rory, I really don't feel like talking about it just yet, ok? Let's wait until we get to where we're going, settle in, and then we'll talk it all out, ok?"
"All of it?" Rory asked warily, unsure if she wanted to divulge everything relating to her current problematic situation.
"Yes. If you tell me yours, I'll tell you mine," Lorelai attempted to joke, just as she noticed the server at the counter waiting expectantly for them. "Oh quick, you go order and I'll give Mia a call."
Rory stepped forward and pulled out some cash as she gave their order, and Lorelai stepped outside, pulling her cell phone out. When Mia answered, she quickly explained the situation, telling her that she and Rory had left town quite suddenly and hadn't thought out exactly where they were going. Mia caught on in an instant, and graciously offered them the use of her beach house on the coast. Lorelai thanked her profusely and hung up, just as Rory came outside with two massive cups of steaming coffee.
"Ok, we're all set. Mia said she'd call the estate agent now to let him know we're coming in to pick up the keys."
"Great. Good to know we finally know where exactly we're heading."
"Haha. Come on, let's get moving!"
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7 days post kiss, 8pm
He had decided to walk there, to give himself some time to think through exactly what he was going to say this time. He swore to himself repeatedly that he was not going to let himself blow his top, or let out any harsh, cruel words, regardless of what she was going to say; regardless of how infuriating she would undoubtedly be. When he'd come that morning, he hadn't thought about it. He had just grabbed the thermos, emptied the pot of coffee into it and stormed out to his truck. Before he knew what he was doing, he was knocking on her door and then making her feel bad without even asking if she had an explanation. His gut was telling him he already knew, but the entire day since had his head telling him he had been unfair and that he really should find out the truth before jumping to conclusions. Anything could have happened since last Saturday. Rory could be hurt; hell Lorelai could have been hurt.
This time he was determined to have a long serious talk with her. He wasn't going to let her hide from him. If she was leaving to go out, he wouldn't let her go until they had a few things straight.
As he turned the corner, he was disappointed to see the house in darkness, and only Rory's car in the driveway. There was definitely no one home, so he headed across Babette's yard instead, ringing the doorbell and waiting impatiently.
The door opened and a surprised Babette stepped outside. "Oh hi sugar, what can I do you for? Morey and I were just sittin' down to listen to some Chet. You wanna come in for a while? I could get you some tea if you like or.."
"No no Babette, that's ok. I was just wondering if you knew where Lorelai was?"
"Oh are you lookin' for her? I saw her and Rory packing the car this afternoon. Looked like they were going away for a couple days. They had bags and everything. They didn't ask us to check the mail or watch the house or anything, so I don't think they'll be gone long. I'm surprised you didn't know. I woulda thought they'd stop by the diner for some of your home cookin' before they left?"
"No, I haven't seen her since this morning."
"You sure you don't want to stay for some tea? I'm sure I have some chamomile in there somewhere."
"No, I gotta get back. I'll see you later Babette," he smiled briefly, and turned to head back to the diner.
Typical. It was just so damn typical that he'd missed his chance again. It had taken him all day to figure out what the hell to do next, and then it was too late. He thought he'd been making real progress ever since he had bought that self-help book. He thought he had learned something from it, but knowing and doing were two completely different things. He felt like most of his courage had been used up over the last couple of weeks, between asking her out, twice, asking her to dance, kissing her. It had all been him. He realised then just how much effort he had put into getting what he wanted, and he decided that he wasn't about to give up. Maybe Sookie would know where they'd gone. Lorelai would have had to talk to her about it, with the inn about to open officially. He quickened his pace, anxious now to continue on his plan of action. He wasn't going to let another chance pass him by.
His knock sounded distinctly anxious upon Sookie's door. He had no clue as to whether Lorelai had told anyone about their.. jeez, he could even define what was going on between them. Were they dating, even though so far, it consisted of one sort-of-date, where she hadn't even realised that's what it was until it was over, and a couple of short lived, intense kisses. Was that dating?
"Luke, hey!" Sookie smiled at her unexpected visitor. "Come on in. I hope you don't mind the mess, you cannot believe how much stuff babies accumulate in such a short amount of time." She didn't even wait for him to protest, just turned around and walked into the living room. Luke reluctantly followed her in and sat in the chair beside the couch. "So, to what do I owe this visit?" She asked with a smile.
"Um, I don't mean to intrude. I actually just wanted to ask you if you'd seen Lorelai," he started to explain.
"Wait, she didn't come to see you before they left? Wow, didn't think I'd ever see the day that Lorelai turns down a chance at your coffee before a road trip."
"So they're definitely gone then?" Luke sighed dejectedly.
"How did you know?"
"I went over to their place, but it was dark, so I asked Babette."
Sookie nodded, eyeing him thoughtfully.
"What?" he asked, instantly defensive at the inquisitive look gleaming in her eye.
"Did something happen with you two? Are you fighting about something?"
"What makes you say that? We're not.. I mean.. oh hell," he sighed, rolling his eyes at himself and decided that he needed to talk about it. He didn't know whether Sookie was the wisest choice, but knowing that he would have to wait it all out for at least another two days, he knew he'd crack unless he let off some steam. "We're not exactly fighting, but we're not completely ok either," he began, unsure if he really wanted to be stringing this many words together in a row.
"What do you mean? Since when?"
"Last weekend."
"Oh at the test run? Wasn't that a great weekend? I mean I know a lot of things happened, some not so good, you know with Jason and Lorelai's parents, but overall I think it went well. Don't you think it went well?"
"Yeah, it's great Sookie. You and Lorelai have done an amazing job with that place." He took this opportunity to back out of explaining anything further. He'd lost his nerve, and he just didn't have it in him to start being more forthcoming with someone else. It was hard enough with Lorelai. "Um, so do you know when they're getting back?"
"Oh, I told her if she takes more than two days, I'm hunting her down," she replied hastily.
"Ok, well I guess I'll just see her in a couple days then." He stood and headed back to the door, opening it and stepping out onto the porch. He stopped and turned back to her, nodding and offering a gruff, "Thanks."
"Sure," Sookie replied. She watched him head down the steps, and then called to him, "You know, I don't know exactly what you were talking about before, but it sounds important. She does have her cell you know."
He turned to look at her, his expression giving away nothing of the turmoil inside. He nodded quickly and headed back down the street, deciding that he'd done enough for tonight.
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TBC
Note: The chapter title is from the song "Smile", sung by Nat King Cole, among others. Hope you're sticking with me here, I swear I'm getting there, it's all just build up while my head is writing the scene where they're finally in the same room again. Shouldn't be too far away! What will keep me motivated is some reviews, so please, let me know if I'm doing ok :)