Ok, ok – so it took a LONG time for this chapter to present itself, but believe me, it was well worth the wait! Mexico was a relaxing blessing, an insanely hot blessing, but a blessing nonetheless! By the way, I like the heat!
Now, without further ado, I invite you all back to Star's Hollow and this hot little story!
Finally, after what seemed an enternity, Luke's day of release was upon them. In reality, he had only been in the hospital for a couple days, rest and recuperation heading the agenda. The Star's Hollow brigade had long since returned home, much to the disappointment of Judy. They were really starting to grow on her, especially that Kirk. Judy even suggested taking one last look at his sore little rump, causing Kirk to scream rather unbecomingly. Seconds later he could be seen running down the street shouting the Lord's name in vain.
Lorelai had remained by Luke's side for the duration of his hospital stay, much to the comfort and pleasure of both parties. At this precise moment, the two were packing up the odds and ends of Luke's clothing, or lack there of. Luke had always been a light traveler.
"Thanks again for all your help Lorelai," Luke kindly remarked.
"The bill's in the mail…and you're welcome!" Lorelai playfully returned.
Luke smiled, "So, what are your plans for today?" Luke paused before continuing, "By the way, what day is this anyway?"
Lorelai laughed, "Well my dear, it's a bright and airy Tuesday morning in the lovely month of May. The year is 2004, the year of the monkey to be exact. The year that Martha Stewart was found guilty, Michael Eisner got the boot from Disney, Tony Randall kicked the bucket and Everybody still Loves Raymond! Any more questions?"
Luke was impressed and slightly overwhelmed by Lorelai's wealth of media knowledge, "As much as I am grateful for your current events special, I was really hoping that you would answer my first question."
"Oh, well what was it?" She had forgotten.
"Your plans…do you have any for today?" He fervently hoped otherwise. Luke had become quite used to having her around.
"Well, I think that I should pay a little visit to the Inn, make sure the roof hasn't caved in and that Sookie hasn't injured herself or the guests…and Michele hasn't alienated the guests…and Patty hasn't sexually harassed the guests…"
"Good luck with that," Luke smirked.
"Well I figure if I can prevent just one of those four scenarios from happening, then I've done my job!" Lorelai laughed.
"I'd go for the roof," Luke instructed.
"I dunno, do you think we really need one? Perhaps a more natural approach is the key, bringing people closer to nature. People like that kind of thing," crazy people, Lorelai though to herself.
"That means bringing yourself closer to nature in the process Lorelai," Luke knew that was certainly out of the question.
"Ah crap. Roof it is." He knew her too well.
"You should come by the diner later…that is, if the Inn is still in one piece. I still owe you some coffee."
"And I still need the coffee. So I will be there," she flirted.
"I'll be there too," he smiled warmly.
"Good," she smiled back
"Good" he echoed.
They stared at each other goofy-faced for a little too long.
"So I'm gonna go now. I'll see you later," Lorelai inched towards the door.
"See you later, definitely." Luke agreed as Lorelai slowly exited.
There was a lot for both of them to think about now that they had finally parted. Luke needed to teach her a lesson for lying to him, or manipulating the truth, as some would suggest. And Lorelai needed to decide if she was indeed ready to pursue a relationship with Luke or if friendship was their safest bet.
Driving once again down Dragonfly Lane reminded Lorelai of her daughter. Rory had suggested to her mother in a previous phone call that a trip to Europe with Emily might do them both some good. It seemed more likely that Rory was using this opportunity as a means to escape her current situation. Nevertheless, the Gilmore's were very headstrong creatures and it would prove rather pointless for Lorelai to argue. It was concluded that Rory would be accompanying Emily, much to the elder's delight, and the two would be departing on Thursday.
Lorelai received a gracious welcome upon her returning to the Inn. Sookie rushed to the door and hugged her dear friend incredibly tight, as if it had been months since their last visit. Michel even stuck his snooty nose out the door and nodded in Lorelai's direction. And the roof was looking very solid and sturdy, perhaps the greatest gift of all.
Lorelai spent the afternoon tending to odd jobs here and there and chatting sporadically to Sookie.
"Sook, do you really think this is a good idea? I mean, it's Luke, our Luke, diner Luke…I just don't know if I can picture us together, you know?"
Sookie rolled her eyes. "Lorelai, you are the only woman I can picture with Luke. You two are perfect for each other. Just give it a chance!"
"I don't know how."
"What do you mean?"
"He still doesn't know we kissed, he doesn't remember our dance at the wedding…"
"Then you have to tell him." Sookie was stern
"You make it sound so easy," Lorelai sighed.
"Buck up sweetheart, this is your show, this is your shining moment. Flirt shamelessly, wear scandalous clothing and go to bed ridiculously late. That man will be putty in your hands!" Sookie was a wicked, wicked woman.
Lorelai laughed, "Shameless is my middle name!"
"That's the spirit! Now, go get your man!"
"Yes ma'am!" The two girls hugged for what seemed the twentieth time that day. Lorelai walked with great determination through the lobby and outside, stopping briefly on the porch of her establishment. Memories of the kisses flooded her mind and suddenly, her motivation increased ten fold. She wanted to kiss that man again and again. The diner was calling…
Stay tuned folks! The next chapter will be up in a jiffy, and I do mean a JIFFY!
Let's bring on the Heat and Remember to REVIEW too!