16

The next morning Lorelai called Michel to say she didn't feel well and wouldn't be in. Later Sookie called her back to see if she was okay. And Lorelai, not wanting to have to go over everything Luke told her, fibbed and assured her it wasn't serious.

Rory got home a little after eight that evening. Emily hadn't felt well and the dinner was abbreviated, omitting dessert altogether.

It was all that Rory could do to get her mother to tell her why she was feeling so much worse than the weekend before.

"But he said he was just thinking about it, didn't he? That doesn't mean he's really going to do it."

"Well, with Luke you never know."

"Then we'll just have to talk him out of it."

"But do we really want to? I mean, if he really wants to sell the diner and move away, should we even bother?"

"Hell, yes, we should! This is where Luke belongs – in Stars Hollow, and with us! How can you even think about not making him stay? I'LL talk to him if I have to!"

"No. We can't do that. This has to be his decision. He's a grown man, and who are we to be telling him what he can or can't do?"

"We're Gilmore girls, that's who!"

For the first time in over a week, Lorelai smiled, then began crying.

Lorelai put her arms around Rory, holding her tight, not trying to stop her tears from falling.

'……………………

"Did he say what time he'd be home?"

Rory and Lorelai were sitting at the kitchen table, sharing a large carton of cookie dough ice cream. It was still Friday night, about half past ten.

"No, just sometime tomorrow afternoon."

"Did he say he was coming straight here or to the diner?"

"He didn't say. Could be either one."

"We could call him and find out."

"No. We'll see him when we do."

"It's been a long day, so I think I'll turn in. Are you back in your bed, or do you want to sleep with me tonight?"

"I think I'm a big girl now. I'll sleep in my own bed."

"Okay. See you in the morning."

" 'Night, Hon. Have a good sleep."

Rory got halfway to her room then turned around.

"Hey, Mom."

"I know – 'It'll be okay.' "

"It will, you know."

Lorelai smiled lovingly at her daughter.

But her smile faded as Rory closed her bedroom door. She had a horrible feeling that things would not be okay.

Lorelai finally got into bed a little before midnight, but it was nearly three before she fell asleep.

She slept until almost eight o'clock, and woke up to the sound and smell of brewing coffee.

But before she went downstairs, Lorelai took a long, hot shower.

"Good morning," Lorelai said, trying to sound cheerful. "Been up long?"

"A couple of hours. Did some reading, got some laundry done, made a phone call or two. So how did you sleep?"

"Not bad, once I got to sleep. And you?'

"Like a baby."

They continued to make small talk for the next hour. Then Lorelai decided to go to the inn to see how things went without her there the day before. And Rory wanted to spend some time with Lane.

"See you back here about four?" Rory asked. "I'll bring Chinese."

"Sounds good to me. Tell Lane I said hi."

"Will do. Have a good day."

"You, too."

To Be Continued...