So Far -- Christopher goes to Lorelai to talk about Rory. Luke comes by after closing the diner and sees them drinking beer together in the kitchen.

Chapter Six

A Real Swell Guy

"So what about breakfast tomorrow? There's this little restaurant in Hartford called Palmer's, and it's got some great food. How about if Rory and I meet you there about eight o'clock for breakfast?"

"Eight's just a little bit early to drive all the way to Hartford just for breakfast."

"Then how about an early lunch? Say about eleven?"

"Well, that's a little better. ELEVEN?" Lorelai suddenly felt a surge of panic. "Oh, my God, what time is it?"

"Almost midnight. Why?"

"Luke said he was going to be here by eleven."

"Maybe he changed his mind."

"Or maybe he saw your car and decided not to come in. Oh God, I can just imagine what he's thinking. I need to explain this to him."

"Lorelai, focus here. Are you going to meet us for lunch or not?"

"What? Sure, I guess. Christopher, I have to go, and you have to go."

"So now this Luke is more important than Rory?"

"What? How can you say a thing like that? How can you even THINK that?"

"Well, it seems to me all of a sudden you're running after this guy and you've forgotten all about Rory. Are you going to be there or should we just forget about it?"

"NO! Yes, I'll be there!"

"Do you even know where the place is?"

"I can find it! I'll be there, Palmer's, at eleven o'clock."

Lorelai grabbed her purse and rushed herself and Christopher out of her house.

When she got to the diner, all the lights were out. Lorelai got the spare key from above the door and let herself inside. She climbed the stairs to Luke's apartment; that door was unlocked. She went in and walked over to the bed where Luke was sleeping.

Lorelai turned on the bedside lamp then sat on the side of the bed.

"Luke, wake up."

"What do you want?" he said without moving.

"I want to say I'm sorry. I know you know Christopher was there. But I swear, I didn't know he was coming over."

Luke turned over and squinted up at the light.

"Finished off that bottle of tequila already?"

Lorelai felt a momentary flash of anger and stood up.

"You're never going to forget that, are you? And you're never going to let me forget it. Is this how it's always going to be, every time Christopher's name is mentioned you throw that in my face?"

"All I know is that he was there and you two were looking pretty chummy."

"He said Rory was hurting, just like I am, and he wants to help us get back together."

"I'm sure he does. He's a real swell guy, a real humanitarian."

"Luke, don't be like that. I know Chris hasn't been such a great guy lately, but he's trying to do something good here."

"And you believe that – he has nothing on his mind but getting you two back together? No other agenda, no ulterior motive? Come on, Lorelai, we both know better than that!"

"Okay, maybe he does, I don't know, but right now he holds the trump card. If I want to see Rory I have to play along with him."

"Go home, Lorelai, it's late and I have to get up early."

"Luke, please . . . ."

Luke turned off the light and rolled over away from Lorelai. She started to go, but hesitated.

For almost a minute Lorelai stood in the dark trying to decide what to do or say.

"Just so you'll know, I'm meeting Christopher, and Rory, for lunch tomorrow in Hartford."

"You're still here?"

"No," Lorelai answered sadly. "I guess I'm not."

Lorelai walked back down the stairs and left the diner. By the time she got to her Jeep she was angry.

She was angry at Luke for not realizing how much she missed Rory and how badly she wanted her back in her life.

She was angry at Christopher for putting her in the position of hurting Luke, again.

And she was angry at herself for not being able to think of something, anything, so she wouldn't have to play Christopher's game.

………

The next morning she arrive at the restaurant at 10:45. When she went in, she saw Christopher sitting alone at a table. Gigi was in a highchair beside him.

"Where's Rory?"

"She'll be along a little later."

"What do you mean? I thought she was with you."

"She was, but she wanted me to drop her off at your parents' so she could take a shower and change clothes."

Lorelai wasn't sure if she believed him.

"Come on, Lorelai, sit down. She'll BE here."

Lorelai sat across from Christopher, and away from Gigi. She didn't want to be distracted by this little girl who reminded her so much of Rory when she was that age.

"So, did you and – Luke patch things up?"

"We're good."

Lorelai flagged down a waitress and ordered coffee.

"How long did she say she'd be?" Lorelai asked.

"She didn't, but you know how women are, takes them forever to get ready."

"Not Rory. I've never seen anyone so punctual, so obsessed with being on time. When is she coming?"

"Would you like me to call her?"

"Actually, I would."

"Sure. No problem."

Christopher took out his cell phone and called Rory's. After a few rings he hung up.

"Not answering, she must have it turned off. I'll try Emily."

"Hello."

"Emily, this is Christopher, is Rory there?"

"No. She said there were a couple of books she forgot to get from her dorm room. I thought she said she told you, but I'll tell her you called when she gets back."

"That's okay, thanks. I'll just call back later. You have a good day."

"Well?"

"Emily said Rory told her she wasn't feeling very well and wanted to lay down for a while."

"So -- she's not coming."

"Not right now, but she might a little later."

"Then I guess there's no reason for me to be here, is there?"

Lorelai gathered her things to leave.

"Lorelai, you're already here, so you might as well eat something. Maybe by the time we finish lunch she'll show up. Unless you'd rather not wait for her."

Lorelai took a deep, frustrated breath.

"Fine. I'll eat and I'll wait."

To Be Continued