Shoe Boxes and Socks

"Mom hurry up we're gonna be late!" Rory yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

"I'm coming, and since when have we ever been late to anything?" Lorelei said but as Rory opened her mouth to speak she cut in again. "Don't answer that."

"As you wish."

"Speaking of wishes I was watching Pinocchio the other day…"

"You were watching what?"

"Hush child, anyway like I said, I was watching Pinocchio then when it was over I decided that I'd try it."

"Wishing on a star?"

"No turning into a donkey, needless to say I wasn't very successful."

"That's debatable." Rory said.

"Hey watch it I still am your mother."

"Not if you're Pinocchio."

"Anyway where was I? Oh yeah wish. I made a wish." Lorelei said proudly.

"What did you wish for?" Rory asked.

"Nope. Uh uh. Can't tell you or it won't come true."

"So it took you 5 minutes to tell me you made a wish?"

"No, it took me five minutes to answer all of your questions." Lorelei said mockingly.

"Let's just go."

The two Gilmore girls left the house and started their trip to their weekly dinner. As they pulled up they noticed a strange car in the driveway and immediately began hypothesizing about it.

"Maybe Grandma bought a new car."

"Or perhaps it's her latest boyfriend, your grandfather is out of town."

"Mom!"

"Hey, it's just a guess." Lorelei said as she rang the doorbell. But before it even finished ringing the door was opened by Mrs. Gilmore.

"You're late!"

"Sorry Grandma." Rory said taking off her coat. "Traffic was bad."

"The incompetence of our public workmen is unbelievable. I had lunch with a friend today downtown, and the roads were a mess. You'd think since they get paid to clean the snow off streets they would actually do it." Emily ranted.

"Um excuse me, ma'am. Dinner is ready."

"Very good, and don't say um."

"Yes ma'am."

The first half of dinner Emily questioned Rory about her upcoming classes and how she was enjoying her Christmas break. But after the main course had been cleared away she turned her attention to Lorelei, who had been off in her own little world.

"So Lorelei, how's is the Inn going?"

"Good, we have been booked for the last month and a half. Things are really starting to pick up."

"That nice, what about you and Luke? Are you still together?"

"Yes mom, we are."

"Why didn't he come tonight?"

"He had to work. Lane had a gig and Caesar had to leave early so hence the reason Luke had to work." Lorelei said irritated.

"There's no need to snap Lorelei. I was just curious as to how my daughter's relationship was going."

"Well we're doing great mom."

"I'm glad."

As Lorelei pulled up to the house she let out a big sigh.

"Mom, you ok?" Rory asked concerned.

"Yeah I'll be fine. After all Christmas is in a couple days."

"Which reminds me, we need to get a tree tomorrow." Rory started. "And I was thinking that maybe we should ask Luke to come with us."

"I think he would like that. I'll ask him."

Rory walked into the house and waited for her mother to come in. "Are you coming?"

"No, go on. I'm gonna take a walk."

"Tell Luke I said hi."

"I will." Lorelei smiled. Her daughter knew her so well. She quickly walked the short distance to Luke's.

He had been wiping down a table when he glanced at the clock. He knew any minute she would be walking through the door, ready to complain about dinner, and bug him for coffee. Before they started dating he was never able to tell her no, and it still hadn't changed. Though he had been successful in getting her to eat healthier food on occasion. He heard the bell over the door ring and he looked up from his current task.

"Hey." Luke said going over to her and locking the door behind her.

"I need…" Lorelei was cut off by Luke's lips pressing into hers. No matter how often they kissed every time was special.

After pulling back Luke finished her sentence "I know coffee, but how about some hot chocolate instead?"

"That could work to." She said giving him a smile and a kiss on the cheek.

"Good it's all ready."

"You spoil me." Lorelei said grinning.

"Yeah yeah. How was dinner?"

"Ok for the most part. She asked about you?"

"Really?"

"Well not you specifically more about us?"

"And here I was feeling special." Luke said sarcastically.

"She asked if we were still together, and why you weren't there tonight. But I explained that you had to work. And oddly enough she seemed to accept that."

"She's trying." Luke encouraged handing Lorelei a mug.

"I know, but on to happier things. Rory has specifically requested that you join us when we get our Christmas tree tomorrow."

"Really? I think I might be able to get away for that."

"Good. How does ten sound? Then we can eat lunch while we decorate."

"Alright, then how about a movie tomorrow afterwards."

"You're suggesting a movie night?" Lorelei asked feigning shock.

"Yeah well we haven't done a whole lot with Rory and I figured that we should include her more."

"I agree. She works too hard. But it will have to be a movie afternoon because my parents' party is tomorrow. And don't forget you're coming."

"I know. Do you want to pick a movie or shall I?" Luke asked.

"I will; you can bring the junk food."

"And if I don't?" He said moving to her side of the counter.

"Then you must suffer the consequences." She said.

"And what might that be?" Luke said moving closer to her.

"I don't know…I'll have to…" Luke cut her off with a kiss. She loved the feel of his lips against hers. It felt perfect every time. Never awkward, and always welcoming.

"Maybe I should rant more often."

"Works for me." He said kissing her again.

"Well as fun as this is I need to get home. I need my rest for shopping tomorrow."

"I'll walk you home." Lorelei nodded knowing it was useless to argue.