CHAPTER 8
Luke was a world away when Lorelai claimed a seat on the counter.
"Have anything stronger than coffee?" Lorelai interrupted his thoughts.
"Nothing down here. Unless you want to start a drinking habit, there's whiskey in my office," he sarcastically retorted.
"My, who gave you a wedgie in your undies this morning?" Lorelai caustically responded.
"Well pardon me if I don't feel like being Mister Sunshine this morning," he said to her.
Dropping his tone a notch, he stage whispered, "After I woo you, meet you half way in your kooky existence and give every sign to show my affection for you, you bat me away when the slightest trouble comes your way. Instead of sharing your hysterics with me after Rory's messenger boy came a-knocking this morning, you turn me away like I was a cab driver or something. I'm sorry that my psychic connection with Cleo had been out since she'd been sent to the Penn. But for God's sake, woman, humor me!"
Lorelai was hurt with the way Luke was reacting to her. "I can't believe that I'm getting this from you! Luke, this "thing" between us… It's all Greek to me right now."
"Which part of it is?" he asked curtly.
At the corner of the diner, Miss Patty noticed the heated argument between the couple. Making light of the situation, she called out, "Oh you two. Why don't you just go upstairs and get it done and over with it. It will keep you from getting pimples!" Miss Patty's glance landed on Lorelai. Seconds later, she looked at Luke and said, "And it will get rid of that scowl on your face."
Luke shot Miss Patty and evil glare as he walked away to service a customer that just got seated. Lorelai sheepishly smiled at Miss Patty as she conversed with Babette like nothing happened.
Lorelai quickly surveyed the room. Then her glance went out the bay window. Across the street she spotted Dean. She didn't know if he saw her but she clearly saw his discomfort. He deliberated on the notion whether or not to take a step toward the diner. After seconds of squirming, Dean turned around and walked away from her periphery.
Luke unceremoniously clanging a plate of food and a coffee mug on the counter jarred her thoughts.
"Eat," he ordered.
She absentmindedly picked up the fork and played with the scrambled eggs. She stared at the pat of butter that melted on the warm toast.
What is Rory doing right now? Why is she with Tristin? Does the town know about last night and would Rory or Lindsey or Dean be pitied?
These questions ran through Lorelai's head.
"What? Food not good enough for you?" Luke snapped.
Annoyed with Luke's tone of voice, Lorelai plunked down her fork noisily, went around the counter and dragged Luke by his forearm. Bewildered, Luke allowed her to lead them upstairs to his office.
Once they reached the room, Lorelai quietly closed the door and faced Luke.
"Rory slept with Dean last night."
Luke's jaw dropped. A myriad of emotions flashed in his eyes and none of them expressed the proper response to the moment. He saw the hurt in Lorelai's eyes. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. Since no words could seem to come to his mouth to comfort her, Luke took Lorelai into his arms and embraced her.