I won nothing.

Chapter Eight

Lorelai, running short on time, raced home to get ready. She took a quick shower and threw on her robe. The steam from the hot water had left her hair in soft ringlets all over her head. She reapplied her make up and pulled on the new dress she had bought just for this occasion. It was black, modestly cut and showed off every curve in the most flattering way. She took an appraising look in her mirror…perfect dress to look professional yet just sexy enough to look extremely appealing and a fitting dress for a black and white wedding. Smiling, she quickly applied her lipstick and a spritz of perfume and she was off to the Dragonfly. Lorelai parked her car in her space and as she was locking it she heard behind her.

"When are you going to get a grown-up car?"

She recognized that voice. "About the time you grow up, I suppose. Hey, Christopher, I wondered if you would be here tonight."

"Have to be…I'm the best man. Check the threads. How do I look?" Chris slowly turned so she could check him out.

Lorelai gave him a once over. "You'll do. Best man, huh? All of Ed's real friends out of town?"

"Hey….. You know I look great, not every day I put on a tux. But look at you, wow! You are one fine looking woman."

Lorelai smiled back. "Flattery will get you….well, will get you nowhere…but thanks for the compliment anyway."

They fell into step together as they headed for the inn. They made some small talk and ran into some of the wedding guests as they walked in the front door.

"God, but you make a striking couple. Are you two back together after all of this time?"

Lorelai laughed and excused herself, leaving Chris alone to explain.

Lorelai took a quick walk through the kitchen. Sookie was rushing around putting the finishing touches on her dinner. The cake was on a side table looking too good to eat. Sookie saw her friend and asked the time.

"Ceremony is going to start in fifteen minute so your torture will be over soon."

Sookie laughed but Lorelai could see she was tired.

"Hey, Sook, why don't you head home as soon as they wheel out the cake. Your crew can do the clean up and I'll be around for one last check and to lock up."

"Ijust mightdo that. It's been a long day. No Luke tonight?"

"Yeah, he'll be by later. I'm hoping to get him on the dance floor at least once, hair twirl, black dress, usually works." Lorelai winked at her friend and headed out to the room where the ceremony was about to start.

Chris was standing by the entrance.

"Aren't you supposed to be holding Ed's hand, encouraging him not to run?"

"I'm waiting for my date. She got caught in traffic and just pulled into the parking lot."

"Date huh…"

"Ah, there she is." Christopher smiled.

Lorelai glanced toward the door and saw a dark haired girl, appearing to be about six months pregnant.

"Well, the Trojan man you're not."

Chris shot her a questioning glance and looked back to the doorway. A pregnant brunette had crossed in front of his date.

"No Lor, I've learned my lesson there. I haven't even 'been' with this girl yet. We're staying here tonight…."

"Too much information, Christopher, some things the proprietor doesn't need to know."

Lorelai looked back towards the door and saw a petite blond shaped very nicely, large on top, tiny waist and round hips.

"You do know how to pick them Chris." Lorelai laughed as Chris headed over to his date.

"Lorelai, this is Christina….Chris this is Lorelai."

"Hi, Lorelai, I've heard so much about you. Glad I finally get to put a face to that lovely name."

"Hi, Christina. Glad to meet you. We'll have to talk later. Right now it's time to take a seat. And Chris, I think you have a job to do."

Chris bent over and lightly kissed Christine and waved as he headed up the aisle.

Lorelai showed Christine where to sit and headed to close the door. She then took the last seat so she could quickly leave as soon as the ceremony was over.

It was simple and sweet, two people her own age, having found each other, declaring their love. It made Lorelai smile and gave her hope.

The dinner was a huge success and the cake was just crumbs now. Some of the guests had left and the rest were dancing. The DJ was playing a nice mix of oldies from the years they were in high school and the years that most of them were in college. Lorelai had danced with a lot of old high school friends and had received lots of compliments on the Dragonfly and also on her appearance. She was flying high but was impatiently waiting for Luke.

Luke had closed the diner early, taken a quick shower and dressed in nice pants and shirt. He hoped to get Lorelai on the dance floor, hold her close and just have a nice evening. So many of their nights lately had been just falling asleep from exhaustion from their work schedules. Luke couldn't find a place to park in the front so he headed around back and parked by the kitchen entrance. He walked in to find Sookie surveying the pile of dirty dishes and the other remains of the party.

"Hey, Luke."

"Looks like the party was a success."

"Yep, good time was had by all."

"Is she around?"

"Yeah, just follow your ears to the music. I'm sure you will find her there."

Lorelai had just left the bar with a glass of wine when she heard a special song from her past. She looked around and spotted Chris walking toward her.

"You have anything to do with this song?"

"Yeah, thought you might dance with me?"

"Sure the new girl won't mind?"

"She went upstairs to powder her nose."

"So when the cat's away, the mouse will play?"

"Come on, dance with me." Christopher pulled her out to the dance floor. "We haven't danced since Rory's coming out party."

"So what do you think?"

"About Rory? I think she's great. I think we should definitely keep her around."

"About Christina?"

"Well, she seems nice. I've only talked to her briefly. I do find it interesting that she can stand upright for any length of time. Do you have to stay close just in case she starts to fall over….with there being gravity and all?"

"Lor…"

"Just teasing, she seems nice and I really think she likes you. And you have that cuteness thing going."

"Cuteness thing?"

"Yeah, you know, Chris and Chrissie, so preppy and cute."

"Not unlike Luke and Lorelai." Chris shot back teasing.

"Hey, those are two strong adult names. And they do sound great together don't they?"

Chris looked at her and knew for the first time his hold was totally gone. They continued to dance and make small talk. It was the first time they had been together when all the old feelings were finally in the past. The pull was gone replaced by an easy friendship. They laughed and teased for the rest of the dance.

And that's what Luke opened the door to…Lorelai and Christopher dancing and laughing. Luke felt a jealous tug at his heart. Chris in a tux, Lorelai in a black dress, they looked great together. They were laughing and having fun and Luke couldn't ignore the past they both shared. Luke couldn't continue to watch, it was actually painful so he headed back out the door. He had to get out of there before Lorelai spotted him.

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