DISCLAIMER: Seriously, I think we all know that I don't get paid to do
this. If anyone should want to pay me, well, hey, I won't complain.
Rory stayed up, not wanting to look like she was waiting for Lorelai to get home from her date with the young god-like man that had picked her up five hours prior. She sat reading one of the books that Jess had taken pity on her and loaned her from his personal collection to give her something to do tonight. Well, he called it an alibi, but she smacked him for that. She heard at long last a car door outside. She willed herself to sit tight and not run over to the window to pry. She knew Lorelai would give her details, but she just had a feeling about this kid.
Outside, Lorelai waited for Tristan to come around to open her door for her. She had to give it to him, he really could be a gentleman, despite all the taunting he'd tried to inflict upon her the first few weeks of school. He came around and held out his hand to help her out of the car. She giggled at the gesture and walked along side him slowly up to the steps of the porch.
"So," he said as they turned towards each other and stopped.
"Yeah, so," she smiled at him. They hadn't yet kissed, and she was definitely thinking one really incredible end of date kiss was in order.
"Can I call you sometime?"
"You better," she insisted.
"How about tomorrow?"
"Yeah, oh, I have to do this thing, but it shouldn't take long. I'll give you my cell number, just in case."
"Alright."
"Lorelai?"
"Yes?"
He hesitated in words, but continued to move closer to her. She had just written her cell number on the back of his hand, and he had taken her hand in his after she had done that. He was now just centimeters from her; she could feel the heat of him all over her. Her breath hitched, and she felt powerless to do anything but look into his eyes. This guy was magnetic, that was the only word to explain it.
"Can I kiss you?" he breathed.
She nodded, not sure where the power to move her head had come from. His lips descended on hers and she forgot where she was. She knew only the soft touch of his demanding lips, moving against hers. She kissed him back, pulling him even closer to her. It lasted not long enough for either of their satisfaction, but they pulled back in order to breathe and Lorelai remembered where she was, and how many peeping eyes were probably watching them. She pulled back a little further, placing a hand on his chest and looking down at her hand.
"I should get inside," she whispered in a regretful tone.
"Right. I'll talk to you soon," he promised.
She smiled at how he seemed to be just as mesmerized as she was. She slowly backed away from him, hating the loss of contact and finally turned to go up the stairs and into the house. She closed the door behind her and rested back against it. She could still feel his lips on hers. She smiled, touching her lips lightly with her fingers. She opened her eyes to notice that the living room was still lit up, and she could see her mother's head against a pillow on the couch.
"How was the date?" Rory asked as Lorelai came in and sat down next to her on the couch.
"It was good."
"Good. Right. I can see that. Tell me, are you planning on coming back to Earth anytime soon?"
Lorelai blushed a little and hit her mom with a pillow.
"Seriously, what did he do to make you that happy?" Rory asked, now a little concerned.
"He kissed me."
"Where exactly did he kiss you?"
"Mom! On the mouth! Jeez, what is wrong with you?"
"I'm sorry, but you're giving off the 'I just had sex' glow," Rory informed her.
"Well, I've never had sex, but I can't imagine anything being better than what I just experienced."
Rory looked at her love-struck daughter, now highly concerned. She remembered that all-encompassing feeling. She now had to say things she had hoped wouldn't be an issue 'til at least college.
"Lor, now, don't freak out, but I think we should go to the doctor this week."
"For what?"
"Birth control."
"Mom, please! I had one good date."
"You've been going on a lot of dates. I've never seen you like this after any of the other guys. I remember what it's like, honey, and I would have been a lot better off if my mom had done this for me."
"I'm not having sex," Lorelai groaned.
"But you will, someday," Rory countered.
"Someday. And I'll let you know before that day happens."
"Honey, I know in theory that sounds like a good plan, but it doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes things just happen."
Lorelai played with the hem of her shirt. She looked up at her mom, who looked genuinely concerned, but not angry.
"I'll think about it, okay?"
"Okay. That's good enough for now. You should get to bed, Jess asked for you to be there for lunch, and after that you can show Luke around."
"Did you go over there tonight?"
"Yeah. I met Luke. He seems like a good kid, just not too thrilled to be here right now."
"Alright. I'll see you in the morning."
Lorelai hugged her mom and wandered back to her bedroom. She got into her pajamas and lay down in bed, but she wasn't tired at all. All she could think about was Tristan. She'd been out with plenty of boys, but she never thought about any of them like this. He filled her thoughts, the things they had talked about, the way he moved, and the way his lips felt against hers. It was just all she could think about.
Upstairs, Rory also lay awake in bed. She tried to sleep, but tossed and turned over the thought that her daughter might need birth control, and might be about to have sex in the near future. She gave up after a little while and picked up the phone.
"Hello?" came the sleepy voice on the other end.
"It's me."
"What's up?" came the reply through a loud yawn.
"I think I'm turning into my mother."
"Impossible."
"You don't even know my mother."
"Yes, but I do listen when you talk, contrary to popular belief, and you aren't your mother."
"Well, I'm empathizing with my mother. That's bad enough."
"What happened?"
"It's Lorelai."
"Is she alright?"
"She's fine, Jess, she's not hurt or anything. I think she's going to have sex."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's just, she came home from her date all dreamy and spaced out and ... glowy."
"Glowy?"
"Like post-coital glow."
"Did you ask her about it?"
"Yes. She said she just kissed him, but if she's like this already," she trailed off.
"Rory, you've raised a really smart kid. She'll be fine. Even if she does have sex, which both you and I know you can't really keep teenagers from doing, she'll be safe."
"The thought is just really unnerving. And not really cooperating with me getting any sleep."
"Or me, evidently."
"I'm sorry. I'll let you get back to sleep."
"It's fine. So, what do you make of the book I lent you?"
Rory smiled and settled back against her pillows and started talking with Jess. It comforted her, to talk about books, which he knew. She was so glad to have someone that knew her so well. After a while, she felt like her mind had wound down enough to sleep. She thanked Jess and fell into a sound sleep.
The girls set out just before noon for the diner. They walked, as it was a nice sunny afternoon, and the town was decorated in deep oranges, browns, yellows and reds for the fall season. It was October, and there were several town festivals lined up for the next several weeks.
"I love fall."
"Me too."
"The best clothes."
"Pretty leaves."
"Thanksgiving."
"Pumpkin pie."
"Halloween candy."
"Halloween costumes."
"Ooh, good one."
"I know."
"So, tell me more about last night."
"What about it?"
"What movie did you see?"
"Gladiator."
"Wow, that's still in theaters?"
"Yep. It's a favorite for Oscar, you know."
"So, what about dinner?"
"He took me to a fun restaurant in Hartford."
"Fun?"
"Lots of atmosphere, not stuffy, good portion sizes."
"And is this boy literate?"
"He's 4th in our class."
"Impressive. What are you these days?"
"2nd."
"Do I tell you that I'm proud of you enough?"
"Yes," Lorelai smiled at her mother.
"Good. So, what's on the official town tour?"
"Well, the gazebo, the main shopping area, the park over by the Inn. Stars Hollow High, so he won't get lost on his way to school, the ball fields, incase he's the jock type. You know, the usual."
"Well, I'm sure if anyone can make this town seem exciting, it's you," Rory laughed.
"I am a major supporter of all townie activities," Lorelai agreed.
They entered the bookstore, arms interlinked. Jess looked up and tried to hide the smile he felt tugging at his lips. He was glad that Rory seemed okay, after the late night phone call he'd received the night before. Business had been quiet so far today, the after church crowd wouldn't hit for another hour or so. Luke had been up for hours, and came down with nothing to do, so Jess had him shelving books most of the morning while he did inventory.
"So, you two want coffee?"
"And some sandwiches, if you have any fresh."
"All of our stuff is fresh," Jess reminded her.
"Then two coffees and two sandwiches."
"Coming right up."
They sat down at a table and Lorelai looked around.
"Where's Luke?" she asked Jess as he came back with their food.
"He's on the back wall, shelving some stuff."
"Jess, he's only been here a few hours and you have him working?"
"He was bored, it's not like slave labor!"
Rory shook her head, and Jess went off to get Luke. He reappeared at the table with a dust covered Luke. Luke looked at Lorelai and couldn't take his eyes off her. She had just taken a big bite of sandwich as Jess introduced them and she stuck out her hand and smiled with her lips sealed tightly due to all the food in her mouth. Luke dusted his hand on his shirt and shook her hand.
Finally managing to swallow, she spoke, "So, are you ready to see the town?"
"Uh, yeah, I just need to go change. I'm all dusty from those books."
"Great, I'll be here," she told him, taking her hand back. He'd held onto it a bit longer than necessary.
"Right." He turned and went upstairs to change, and Rory looked at he daughter. She saw the way Luke looked at her. She felt bad, knowing that Lorelai's attentions were other places, but she said nothing.
As Lorelai and Rory finished eating, Luke reemerged wearing a clean t-shirt and jeans. Lorelai stood up, waving to her mother as they walked out the door on their way out of the bookstore.
Rory turned to Jess and waved him over. He walked over with a strange look on his face. Rory was peering out the windows at the two teenagers.
"What?"
"Did you see that?"
"What?"
"The way Luke looked at her."
"Uh, no crazy lady, I didn't."
"I think he likes her."
"He just met her."
"So?"
"So how could he feel anything?"
"Haven't you ever instantly felt something for someone you just met?"
"Like 'love at first sight'"? He said with a lilt of teasing in his voice.
"What, you're telling me you don't believe in that?"
"I have no idea whether or not that truly exists. I've never experienced it before."
"So you're saying it may exist," she prodded.
"It might. I doubt it, but it might. Why, have you ever felt something like that?"
"I'm not sure."
"How can you not be sure?"
"I've had people that I've instantly felt close to. I don't know if it was love or not, but it makes me think the real thing exists."
"Okay, I'll give you that."
"So, it might be possible that Luke likes Lorelai."
"Doesn't she have a boyfriend?"
"Not technically. I don't know. I don't like the idea of her being committed like that. She's only sixteen," Rory pointed out.
"Come on, let's go," he said, flipping the sign on the door to closed.
"What are you doing?"
"It's dead in here, let's go upstairs so you can finally pick through my books."
"Really?"
"I offer it once, then it's gone."
Rory stood quickly and raced up the stairs. She knew Jess was just being nice, taking pity on her and her personal problems, but she didn't care. Jess had the most extensive personal collection of books she'd ever seen. She felt like she could spend days looking through it and only be a quarter done.
"So, we'll start with the basics. That over there is Stars Hollow High," she pointed across the town square as they stepped outside.
"Right, good to know," Luke commented.
"It's not that bad. I went there for a year, before I transferred to private school."
"You go to private school? Where's that at?"
"It's in Hartford," she shrugged as she twirled some hair out of her face.
"Too smart for this town, huh?"
"Something like that. I want to go to Harvard, and Stars Hollow High wasn't really cutting it," she explained, starting to feel strange talking about herself so much with this guy. "So, what are you into?"
"Into?"
"Are you a jock, a brain, druggie, what?"
"Well, I don't do drugs or drink at all. I'm not dumb, but I wouldn't call myself a brain. I do run track," he rambled a little bit.
"So you're a jock."
"I don't like labels," Luke groaned.
"Fine, fine. But you'll get one. This is a tiny, weird little town. You can't really do much and get away with it. Trust me," she warned him.
He nodded and they walked along for a while. She occasionally pointed things out of interest. Or what she thought might be interesting to him. They ended up at the park on the grounds of the Independence Inn where Sookie works. They sat down in the grass to rest a moment.
"Oh, and this town has a lot of festivals, town pride type stuff."
"Wow, that's swell," he sarcastically replied.
"No, they're fun!" Lorelai laughed.
"What kind of festivals?"
"Well, pretty soon there's the bid-a-basket sale, we have a founder's firelight festival in February, and there's just tons of others. Good food, everyone comes out, sometimes there's dancing and people tell stories, it's just great traditions."
"Well, I don't dance, and I'm not big on social gatherings," he informed her.
"So, Luke, what do you like?"
"Well, I --," he was cut off by the sound of her cell phone ringing. She put up her finger to him to indicate she'd be a minute as she answered her phone.
"Hello? ... Oh, hi, no, this is fine. ... No, I'm not busy. ... Yeah, I had a great time too. ... Tonight? ... Sure, no, I just have to be home earlier on school nights. ... Hehehe. ... Yeah. ... Okay, I'll see you then. Bye."
Luke watched as Lorelai talked to whoever was on the other end of the line. She was obviously happy and making plans. It had to be the guy she went out with the night before.
"Sorry about that."
"No problem. Boyfriend?"
"Uh, not sure yet. Maybe," she said happily.
"So, you have to get going?"
"No, he's coming later, around six. I have some time. So, do you have a girlfriend in New York?" Lorelai asked as they stood up to walk back towards town.
"No. I did, but we broke up a few months ago."
"I've never really had a boyfriend. I mean, I date, but nothing really serious."
"So, this guy is different?"
"Yeah. He is," she said shyly, looking down at her feet as she walked.
"So, what is there to do for fun around here?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Well, Jess shows movies on Friday and Saturday nights at the bookstore. There are a couple of nicer restaurants. There's usually some team sport game to go to at the high school. For a real movie theater, you have to go to Woodbury or Hartford. There's also shopping in Hartford and anything else you can think of."
He nodded, realizing he would probably be seeing a lot of movies while he was here.
"So, how long are you going to be around?"
He shrugged. "Not sure. I guess until Liz comes back, but I don't know."
"Liz?"
"My mom."
She looked at him thoughtfully and continued to walk beside him.
"So, what do you do for fun?"
"Um, well, I don't have a lot of free time. School keeps me pretty busy. Friday nights we go to my grandparents in Hartford. I tend to go out a lot on Saturdays, or we head to the bookstore for a movie. Sometimes we have our own movie nights, complete with junk food and our own dialogue. You should join us sometime."
"Maybe I will," he smiled at her as they walked on.
AN: Thanks to everyone who's reviewing this story! It means a lot to me.
Rory stayed up, not wanting to look like she was waiting for Lorelai to get home from her date with the young god-like man that had picked her up five hours prior. She sat reading one of the books that Jess had taken pity on her and loaned her from his personal collection to give her something to do tonight. Well, he called it an alibi, but she smacked him for that. She heard at long last a car door outside. She willed herself to sit tight and not run over to the window to pry. She knew Lorelai would give her details, but she just had a feeling about this kid.
Outside, Lorelai waited for Tristan to come around to open her door for her. She had to give it to him, he really could be a gentleman, despite all the taunting he'd tried to inflict upon her the first few weeks of school. He came around and held out his hand to help her out of the car. She giggled at the gesture and walked along side him slowly up to the steps of the porch.
"So," he said as they turned towards each other and stopped.
"Yeah, so," she smiled at him. They hadn't yet kissed, and she was definitely thinking one really incredible end of date kiss was in order.
"Can I call you sometime?"
"You better," she insisted.
"How about tomorrow?"
"Yeah, oh, I have to do this thing, but it shouldn't take long. I'll give you my cell number, just in case."
"Alright."
"Lorelai?"
"Yes?"
He hesitated in words, but continued to move closer to her. She had just written her cell number on the back of his hand, and he had taken her hand in his after she had done that. He was now just centimeters from her; she could feel the heat of him all over her. Her breath hitched, and she felt powerless to do anything but look into his eyes. This guy was magnetic, that was the only word to explain it.
"Can I kiss you?" he breathed.
She nodded, not sure where the power to move her head had come from. His lips descended on hers and she forgot where she was. She knew only the soft touch of his demanding lips, moving against hers. She kissed him back, pulling him even closer to her. It lasted not long enough for either of their satisfaction, but they pulled back in order to breathe and Lorelai remembered where she was, and how many peeping eyes were probably watching them. She pulled back a little further, placing a hand on his chest and looking down at her hand.
"I should get inside," she whispered in a regretful tone.
"Right. I'll talk to you soon," he promised.
She smiled at how he seemed to be just as mesmerized as she was. She slowly backed away from him, hating the loss of contact and finally turned to go up the stairs and into the house. She closed the door behind her and rested back against it. She could still feel his lips on hers. She smiled, touching her lips lightly with her fingers. She opened her eyes to notice that the living room was still lit up, and she could see her mother's head against a pillow on the couch.
"How was the date?" Rory asked as Lorelai came in and sat down next to her on the couch.
"It was good."
"Good. Right. I can see that. Tell me, are you planning on coming back to Earth anytime soon?"
Lorelai blushed a little and hit her mom with a pillow.
"Seriously, what did he do to make you that happy?" Rory asked, now a little concerned.
"He kissed me."
"Where exactly did he kiss you?"
"Mom! On the mouth! Jeez, what is wrong with you?"
"I'm sorry, but you're giving off the 'I just had sex' glow," Rory informed her.
"Well, I've never had sex, but I can't imagine anything being better than what I just experienced."
Rory looked at her love-struck daughter, now highly concerned. She remembered that all-encompassing feeling. She now had to say things she had hoped wouldn't be an issue 'til at least college.
"Lor, now, don't freak out, but I think we should go to the doctor this week."
"For what?"
"Birth control."
"Mom, please! I had one good date."
"You've been going on a lot of dates. I've never seen you like this after any of the other guys. I remember what it's like, honey, and I would have been a lot better off if my mom had done this for me."
"I'm not having sex," Lorelai groaned.
"But you will, someday," Rory countered.
"Someday. And I'll let you know before that day happens."
"Honey, I know in theory that sounds like a good plan, but it doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes things just happen."
Lorelai played with the hem of her shirt. She looked up at her mom, who looked genuinely concerned, but not angry.
"I'll think about it, okay?"
"Okay. That's good enough for now. You should get to bed, Jess asked for you to be there for lunch, and after that you can show Luke around."
"Did you go over there tonight?"
"Yeah. I met Luke. He seems like a good kid, just not too thrilled to be here right now."
"Alright. I'll see you in the morning."
Lorelai hugged her mom and wandered back to her bedroom. She got into her pajamas and lay down in bed, but she wasn't tired at all. All she could think about was Tristan. She'd been out with plenty of boys, but she never thought about any of them like this. He filled her thoughts, the things they had talked about, the way he moved, and the way his lips felt against hers. It was just all she could think about.
Upstairs, Rory also lay awake in bed. She tried to sleep, but tossed and turned over the thought that her daughter might need birth control, and might be about to have sex in the near future. She gave up after a little while and picked up the phone.
"Hello?" came the sleepy voice on the other end.
"It's me."
"What's up?" came the reply through a loud yawn.
"I think I'm turning into my mother."
"Impossible."
"You don't even know my mother."
"Yes, but I do listen when you talk, contrary to popular belief, and you aren't your mother."
"Well, I'm empathizing with my mother. That's bad enough."
"What happened?"
"It's Lorelai."
"Is she alright?"
"She's fine, Jess, she's not hurt or anything. I think she's going to have sex."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's just, she came home from her date all dreamy and spaced out and ... glowy."
"Glowy?"
"Like post-coital glow."
"Did you ask her about it?"
"Yes. She said she just kissed him, but if she's like this already," she trailed off.
"Rory, you've raised a really smart kid. She'll be fine. Even if she does have sex, which both you and I know you can't really keep teenagers from doing, she'll be safe."
"The thought is just really unnerving. And not really cooperating with me getting any sleep."
"Or me, evidently."
"I'm sorry. I'll let you get back to sleep."
"It's fine. So, what do you make of the book I lent you?"
Rory smiled and settled back against her pillows and started talking with Jess. It comforted her, to talk about books, which he knew. She was so glad to have someone that knew her so well. After a while, she felt like her mind had wound down enough to sleep. She thanked Jess and fell into a sound sleep.
The girls set out just before noon for the diner. They walked, as it was a nice sunny afternoon, and the town was decorated in deep oranges, browns, yellows and reds for the fall season. It was October, and there were several town festivals lined up for the next several weeks.
"I love fall."
"Me too."
"The best clothes."
"Pretty leaves."
"Thanksgiving."
"Pumpkin pie."
"Halloween candy."
"Halloween costumes."
"Ooh, good one."
"I know."
"So, tell me more about last night."
"What about it?"
"What movie did you see?"
"Gladiator."
"Wow, that's still in theaters?"
"Yep. It's a favorite for Oscar, you know."
"So, what about dinner?"
"He took me to a fun restaurant in Hartford."
"Fun?"
"Lots of atmosphere, not stuffy, good portion sizes."
"And is this boy literate?"
"He's 4th in our class."
"Impressive. What are you these days?"
"2nd."
"Do I tell you that I'm proud of you enough?"
"Yes," Lorelai smiled at her mother.
"Good. So, what's on the official town tour?"
"Well, the gazebo, the main shopping area, the park over by the Inn. Stars Hollow High, so he won't get lost on his way to school, the ball fields, incase he's the jock type. You know, the usual."
"Well, I'm sure if anyone can make this town seem exciting, it's you," Rory laughed.
"I am a major supporter of all townie activities," Lorelai agreed.
They entered the bookstore, arms interlinked. Jess looked up and tried to hide the smile he felt tugging at his lips. He was glad that Rory seemed okay, after the late night phone call he'd received the night before. Business had been quiet so far today, the after church crowd wouldn't hit for another hour or so. Luke had been up for hours, and came down with nothing to do, so Jess had him shelving books most of the morning while he did inventory.
"So, you two want coffee?"
"And some sandwiches, if you have any fresh."
"All of our stuff is fresh," Jess reminded her.
"Then two coffees and two sandwiches."
"Coming right up."
They sat down at a table and Lorelai looked around.
"Where's Luke?" she asked Jess as he came back with their food.
"He's on the back wall, shelving some stuff."
"Jess, he's only been here a few hours and you have him working?"
"He was bored, it's not like slave labor!"
Rory shook her head, and Jess went off to get Luke. He reappeared at the table with a dust covered Luke. Luke looked at Lorelai and couldn't take his eyes off her. She had just taken a big bite of sandwich as Jess introduced them and she stuck out her hand and smiled with her lips sealed tightly due to all the food in her mouth. Luke dusted his hand on his shirt and shook her hand.
Finally managing to swallow, she spoke, "So, are you ready to see the town?"
"Uh, yeah, I just need to go change. I'm all dusty from those books."
"Great, I'll be here," she told him, taking her hand back. He'd held onto it a bit longer than necessary.
"Right." He turned and went upstairs to change, and Rory looked at he daughter. She saw the way Luke looked at her. She felt bad, knowing that Lorelai's attentions were other places, but she said nothing.
As Lorelai and Rory finished eating, Luke reemerged wearing a clean t-shirt and jeans. Lorelai stood up, waving to her mother as they walked out the door on their way out of the bookstore.
Rory turned to Jess and waved him over. He walked over with a strange look on his face. Rory was peering out the windows at the two teenagers.
"What?"
"Did you see that?"
"What?"
"The way Luke looked at her."
"Uh, no crazy lady, I didn't."
"I think he likes her."
"He just met her."
"So?"
"So how could he feel anything?"
"Haven't you ever instantly felt something for someone you just met?"
"Like 'love at first sight'"? He said with a lilt of teasing in his voice.
"What, you're telling me you don't believe in that?"
"I have no idea whether or not that truly exists. I've never experienced it before."
"So you're saying it may exist," she prodded.
"It might. I doubt it, but it might. Why, have you ever felt something like that?"
"I'm not sure."
"How can you not be sure?"
"I've had people that I've instantly felt close to. I don't know if it was love or not, but it makes me think the real thing exists."
"Okay, I'll give you that."
"So, it might be possible that Luke likes Lorelai."
"Doesn't she have a boyfriend?"
"Not technically. I don't know. I don't like the idea of her being committed like that. She's only sixteen," Rory pointed out.
"Come on, let's go," he said, flipping the sign on the door to closed.
"What are you doing?"
"It's dead in here, let's go upstairs so you can finally pick through my books."
"Really?"
"I offer it once, then it's gone."
Rory stood quickly and raced up the stairs. She knew Jess was just being nice, taking pity on her and her personal problems, but she didn't care. Jess had the most extensive personal collection of books she'd ever seen. She felt like she could spend days looking through it and only be a quarter done.
"So, we'll start with the basics. That over there is Stars Hollow High," she pointed across the town square as they stepped outside.
"Right, good to know," Luke commented.
"It's not that bad. I went there for a year, before I transferred to private school."
"You go to private school? Where's that at?"
"It's in Hartford," she shrugged as she twirled some hair out of her face.
"Too smart for this town, huh?"
"Something like that. I want to go to Harvard, and Stars Hollow High wasn't really cutting it," she explained, starting to feel strange talking about herself so much with this guy. "So, what are you into?"
"Into?"
"Are you a jock, a brain, druggie, what?"
"Well, I don't do drugs or drink at all. I'm not dumb, but I wouldn't call myself a brain. I do run track," he rambled a little bit.
"So you're a jock."
"I don't like labels," Luke groaned.
"Fine, fine. But you'll get one. This is a tiny, weird little town. You can't really do much and get away with it. Trust me," she warned him.
He nodded and they walked along for a while. She occasionally pointed things out of interest. Or what she thought might be interesting to him. They ended up at the park on the grounds of the Independence Inn where Sookie works. They sat down in the grass to rest a moment.
"Oh, and this town has a lot of festivals, town pride type stuff."
"Wow, that's swell," he sarcastically replied.
"No, they're fun!" Lorelai laughed.
"What kind of festivals?"
"Well, pretty soon there's the bid-a-basket sale, we have a founder's firelight festival in February, and there's just tons of others. Good food, everyone comes out, sometimes there's dancing and people tell stories, it's just great traditions."
"Well, I don't dance, and I'm not big on social gatherings," he informed her.
"So, Luke, what do you like?"
"Well, I --," he was cut off by the sound of her cell phone ringing. She put up her finger to him to indicate she'd be a minute as she answered her phone.
"Hello? ... Oh, hi, no, this is fine. ... No, I'm not busy. ... Yeah, I had a great time too. ... Tonight? ... Sure, no, I just have to be home earlier on school nights. ... Hehehe. ... Yeah. ... Okay, I'll see you then. Bye."
Luke watched as Lorelai talked to whoever was on the other end of the line. She was obviously happy and making plans. It had to be the guy she went out with the night before.
"Sorry about that."
"No problem. Boyfriend?"
"Uh, not sure yet. Maybe," she said happily.
"So, you have to get going?"
"No, he's coming later, around six. I have some time. So, do you have a girlfriend in New York?" Lorelai asked as they stood up to walk back towards town.
"No. I did, but we broke up a few months ago."
"I've never really had a boyfriend. I mean, I date, but nothing really serious."
"So, this guy is different?"
"Yeah. He is," she said shyly, looking down at her feet as she walked.
"So, what is there to do for fun around here?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Well, Jess shows movies on Friday and Saturday nights at the bookstore. There are a couple of nicer restaurants. There's usually some team sport game to go to at the high school. For a real movie theater, you have to go to Woodbury or Hartford. There's also shopping in Hartford and anything else you can think of."
He nodded, realizing he would probably be seeing a lot of movies while he was here.
"So, how long are you going to be around?"
He shrugged. "Not sure. I guess until Liz comes back, but I don't know."
"Liz?"
"My mom."
She looked at him thoughtfully and continued to walk beside him.
"So, what do you do for fun?"
"Um, well, I don't have a lot of free time. School keeps me pretty busy. Friday nights we go to my grandparents in Hartford. I tend to go out a lot on Saturdays, or we head to the bookstore for a movie. Sometimes we have our own movie nights, complete with junk food and our own dialogue. You should join us sometime."
"Maybe I will," he smiled at her as they walked on.
AN: Thanks to everyone who's reviewing this story! It means a lot to me.