CHAPTER 5
Lorelai was not in the mood to listen to Taylor Doose's litany of improvements after breakfast.
"…And out of that five page list, I suggest that you pay particular attention to numbers eighty nine, ninety two and one hundred twenty six. You know, it's the little things that count! And if you need a printer for your stationery…," Taylor said as he headed to the door.
"Lorelai will get it all taken care of without your assistance, Taylor," Miss Patty intervened.
"But Stars Hollow has a reputation to preserve! And as Stars Hollows'…," Taylor started saying.
"As Stars Hollows' defender, preserver, historian yadda yadda, Lorelai will take your considerations into thought when she reviews them in the privacy of her office. Now give her a break and leave her be to enjoy the day," Miss Patty said to hush Taylor.
Taylor snubbed Miss Patty and handed Lorelai a business card.
"Well, if you need further information and clarification with the list, call me," Taylor said as he finally walked away with the bellhop.
Lorelai shot the round man an incredulous stare.
"Don't mind him, honey. One day he'll realize that the sun does not revolve around him," Miss Patty consoled her.
"Well I wish that the sun would literally set on him so I don't have to deal with him anymore," Lorelai stated sarcastically.
"You know he means well. Tact is not just one of his stronger suits," Miss Patty added. "Well, we had a lovely time. I told Michel that Babette and I are keeping the robes. Just charge us the fee on those luxurious things… Hmm, makes me remember the good old days," she reminisced.
"Oh, Miss Patty. I'm just so glad we were able to provide you with good memories with good service," Lorelai said. "I'll be sending you a corrected bill as soon as we get everything accounted for in the inn."
"That would be lovely. And again, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I think it's better than the Independence Inn!" Miss Patty exclaimed.
"Well, I'll make sure the brochure says that. I know we need all the clients we can get right now," Lorelai said with a tired smile.
"Sugar, you don't look so hot. Where's Rory? I'd have her get you some tea from the kitchen, or something," Babette asked as she handed her bags over to Morey.
"Uhm, I sent Rory home to do a couple of chores for me, "Lorelai fibbed.
"Well you know you shouldn't stress over your inn. You're gonna be a hit, Sugar. Especially with those robes," Babette added. "Promise me that you'll have Luke or someone drop you off at home. You look tired," she reiterated.
"Well, Mary Kay knows that I have an appointment with her at nine. I'll make sure Luke gets me to my rendezvous on time," Lorelai said trying to hide her impatience.
She tried to make small talk with everyone as she ushered the last of the guests out of the inn. When she said goodbye to the last visitor, she closed the door and slumped over the cool wood. She decided that everyone should have the day off and management should convene at a later date.
Walking to the kitchen, Lorelai saw Sookie loading up the last of the pots and pans in the dishwasher. Standing next to her was a casually dressed Luke. He immediately straightened up as he saw her saunter into the room.
"Hey guys," Lorelai greeted. "Any coffee left?"
"Enough to keep my partner happy," Sookie said. "Hey, you look like something the cat dragged in."
"Thanks for the compliment, Sookie. Remind me to give you a whoopee cushion for your bonus this year," Lorelai threatened.
"Did you get some sleep?" Luke queried.
"Let's start with any," Lorelai said between coffee sips.
"How come?" Sookie asked.
"Apparently, I got all the peas under my mattress, that's why," Lorelai mumbled.
"Boy, aren't we grumpy this morning," Sookie commented.
"Well, let's see. My parents decided that they didn't like being in the honeymoon cottage," Lorelai started.
"What, too much 'The Ring' feel to it?" Sookie asked.
"I think if the Samara girl showed up, she would've been a welcome distraction to my parents' bickering," Lorelai clarified.
"Ooh, that would suck," Sookie added.
"It didn't help that when they tried to give me a piece of their minds, they saw me talking to Jason," Lorelai continued on as she bit a piece of her Danish.
"Jason was here? Why? I didn't think he made the list. Was there --" Sookie inquired.
"Oh no. He wasn't on the list. But he appearing here didn't make matters any better. Yep, there was enough sparks to burn this inn down," Lorelai pointed out.
"Well, thank God that my investment didn't go up in flames," Luke said before finishing his orange juice.
"Wait a minute," Lorelai said putting her Danish and coffee cup down. "What are you doing here? You're a guest. Guests aren't allowed to traipse into the kitchen like Goldilocks."
"Well, I'm taking the prerogative as an investor to make sure my money's making a profit. And Sookie's kitchen called me. So, how can I refuse?" Luke defended himself.
"Oh Luke, flattery will lead you anywhere," Sookie said giggling, beaming him a smile as she headed toward the wait staff to give them orders.
Luke closed the gap between him and Lorelai.
"Lorelai," he whispered. "You are a success. Don't let the little things get to you."
"Thanks," Lorelai responded with a tired smile. "I'll try not to."
Looking around, Luke set his glass on the counter and said, "Well, I need to head back to the real world here in a few. Can I offer you a lift home?"
Lorelai's eyes lit up. "You are a savior, Luke. I need to get out of here. At this moment, you stand pretty close to the patron saint of good coffee. I will erect a statue of you, in your honor, so that everyone knows about your knack for saving Lorelais in distress… At least in this instance," she said as she walked toward her office.
Luke just followed her shaking his head in amusement.