Chapter 20
A few minutes later Emily walked down the stairs. Lorelai felt her heart stop beating as she waited for Emily's attack.
"Luke nice to see you again" Emily said a little too cheerfully
"You too Mrs. Gilmore"
"Call me Emily please" Emily turned to her daughter "Lorelai"
"Mother... Where's dad?"
"He's in the study on a business call. I mean we leave in a few hours you'd think he'd want to make sure everything was packed and ready to go but no, can't stop him talking business" Emily paused "Lorelai why don't you give Luke a tour of the house and I'll make sure the maid has our breakfast ready. Hopefully your father will be done by then"
"Breakfast?" Lorelai asked quickly
"Yes. I thought you and Luke could join us for some breakfast if you wanted to. We don't have to leave for the airport for a few hours"
Lorelai was apprehensive about having to sit through a meal, she turned to look at Luke.
"That would be nice, thanks Mrs. Gilmore..ah ... Emily" Luke answered
"Wonderful. I'll see you at the table shortly"
Lorelai and Luke walked up the stairs. "Sorry we have to sit through breakfast with them"
"Lorelai it's okay" Luke reassured her. "I wanted to come to dinner, we'll have breakfast instead"
Lorelai lead Luke through the hall and then opened the door to a room and turned the light on "This is my old room"
Luke looked around the room "I can't imagine you in this room"
"Neither can I really. Not quite sure how I survived"
"It's just..."
"...like it belongs in a museum" Lorelai finished
Lorelai took his hand and lead him into another room "Now that was my room about 20 years ago and if you thought that was bad have a look at this" Lorelai flicked the lights on "This is Rory's room" she announced.
"What?"
"This is the room my mother had done for Rory a few months ago so she had somewhere else to stay if she wanted to"
Luke laughed, "I can't image Rory in here. It's very..."
"Pink, lacey, scary" Lorelai tried to help
"All of the above" Luke laughed
"Come on we'd better get back downstairs, the sooner we eat the sooner we can leave."
Emily and Richard were talking at the bottom of the staircase and stopped when they saw Luke and Lorelaiwalking hand-in-hand down the stairs.
Luke let go of Lorelai's hand to shake Richard's "Nice to see you again Mr. Gilmore"
"Nice to see you again Luke"
The four walked into the dining room.
The maid brought out a breakfast smorgasbord and placed it in the middle of the table.
"Wow Mom, what a spread!" Lorelai said as she looked at the huge plates of food spread across the table.
"It looks great" Luke added
"Thank you both now sit..sit"
The four of them ate breakfast and talked about Richard and Emily's trip, they talked about the diner. Lorelai just sat back on watched as Luke talked to Richard and Emily. She smiled at how natural it seemed to see Luke sitting opposite talking to her parents. Richard and Emily both seemed to have accepted Luke. This may have been the best meal at the Gilmore house she could remember.
When Emily had first got off the phone to Lorelai she wasn't sure what to think. But something Lorelai said got to her, Lorelai was letting her into a part of her life and Emily decided to give it a go. And seeing them together, Emily could tell they really cared for one another.
After breakfast Richard and Emily walked Luke and Lorelai to the door and said their goodbyes. Luke & Lorelai were walking back to the car when Lorelai pulled her keys out of her purse "Do you want to wait in the car I just have to ask my mother something... ah... Rory wanted to get their return date and I forgot to ask"
Luke took the keys "Okay"
Lorelai walked back to the front door and rang the bell. The maid answered and Lorelai walked inside as Emily was making her way into the foyer to see who it was.
"Lorelai. Did you forget something?" She asked surprised to see her back
"No, I just wanted to say... Thank you"
"Well you said it meant a lot to you" Emily replied
Lorelai nodded "It did"
"Well we'll see you for dinner when we get back"
"Have a good trip"
Lorelai turned to leave then heard Emily say,
"And tell Luke he is welcome to come to dinner as well"
"Thanks mom"
Lorelai could tell Emily still wasn't quite sure about Luke but she was making an effort. Lorelai let it go, knowing the more time her parents spent with Luke the more they'd get to know and love him.
Lorelai got back in the car and looked at Luke. Luke pulled Lorelai into a hug "Thank you".
"No thank you. Thank you for making me do this. You were right, it wasn't that bad." Lorelai admitted
"Wow. Twice you've admitted I was right in the one day"
"Don't get use to it buddy" Lorelai pointed at him
"So where to now?" Luke asked.
"We have to make a quick stop at a supermarket and then it's back to the Hollow"
Lorelai drove to a supermarket in Hartford and looked at Luke. "Do you want anything?"
"I'll come with you" Luke began to get out of the car
"No Luke, you have to stay here"
Luke looked at her confused "Why?"
"Because I only have to get a few things. I'll be really quick"
"Lorelai you're not going to make me sit in the car park are you. I'll feel stupid"
"If you're a good boy and wait here, I'll buy you a lollypop!"
Luke rolled his eyes "Lorelai"
"Please, I'll be so fast, super fast, in and out like a flash. If you shut your eyes and open them again I'll be back... you won't even know I'm gone."
"Yes I will, there'll be more air in the car"
Lorelai got out of the jeep "Well just for that, you can stay in the car" Lorelai poked her tongue out at him at shut her door.
Luke wound down his window calling out after her "But you said I couldn't come in anyway"
Lorelai kept walking towards the store.
"Crazy" Luke mumbled to himself and smiled.
Chapter 21
Lorelai ran into the store and grabbed a basket and made her way through the aisles. She grabbed items off the shelves and threw them into the basket. She made her way to the junk food picking up a few bags of chips, bags of sweets and chocolates. Then made her way to a section of the store, which was relatively unfamiliar to her. She picked up a carrot and looked at it. "How many of these things am I supposed to get?" She asked to no-one in particular. Then she asked the carrot "Do you know? ... Didn't think so." Lorelai picked up four carrots, a few apples, some lettuce and made her way to the checkout. She paid for her items and returned to the car.
"See I wasn't long at all" Lorelai said to Luke as she threw the bags over her shoulder and into the back of the jeep.
"What's in the bags?"Luke asked as he tried to reach back
Lorelai slapped his hand away."No looking Mister"
"Is that lettuce I see? I didn't think you knew what lettuce was"
"Yes Luke, it's that annoying thing you insist on putting in my burgers. There's also carrots and let me tell you they were no help at all" Lorelai said as she started up the car and drove out of the car park.
Luke thought about asking her what she was talking about but had known her long enough to just let it go. It was simpler that way.
The drove back to town and pulled into Lorelai's driveway and that's when she realized she'd forgot to tell Luke and important part of her night.
Luke looked up and saw it to. The bike was still there and as if on cue Christopher walked out of the house closing the front door behind him.
Luke turned to look at Lorelai. Lorelai was mentally kicking herself for not telling Luke that Chris had turned up. She had planned on telling him as soon as they made up but was caught up in the excitement of the morning.
"Luke" Lorelai began trying to read his face. "Um... I meant to tell you but I forgot"
Christopher just stood on the steps of the porch watching the two in the jeep. They weren't getting out and Lorelai looked a little stressed. Christopher wasn't sure if he should go up to them, go back inside or just get on his bike and ride off.
Luke was still looking at Lorelai "Um.. Ok, quick version now, I'll explain when he's gone okay. Chris turned up here, he stayed the night but he slept on the couch. He came to see Rory, nothing happened between us and I told him about you and Luke please say something."
"Can we talk about it later, I feel like an idiot just sittinghere with him looking at us"
Lorelai got out of the car again mentally berating herself for putting them in this situation. Maybe if she had of shown him the items in the bag first things would have been better. Who was she kidding? She had made a huge mistake by not telling him but she wasn't internally keeping it from him it's just when she was with Luke no one else existed.
Luke got out of the car and the walked towards Christopher. Christopher walked down the front steps until the three were standing in the middle of the lawn.
"Hey I just walked Rory to the bus and now I'm going" Chris said to Lorelai. Then he looked at Luke
"Hey, Christopher Hayden" Chris put his hand out to Luke
Luke shook it "Luke Danes"
"Well I'm going to go, thanks for letting me crash on the couch and for the stuff with Rory"
Christopher hugged Lorelai and then got on his bike.
Christopher looked at Luke "Take care of her"
Luke nodded "I will" Lorelai took Luke's hand in hers and they watched Christopher drive away.
Lorelai turned to Luke "I'm so sorry"
Luke nodded and they walked into the house.
"Luke" Lorelai tried again
"It's ok"
"No it's not. Look please I have to tell you. I want you to know everything"
Luke sat on the couch and listened to Lorelai talk about Chris showing up after their fight and how he said he's missed both her and Rory and he wanted to be family with them. Luke felt the knots of jealousy in his stomach. Lorelai could tell what she was saying would upset him but she wanted to be completely honest with him. She went on to tell him how she knew he didn't really mean it but it didn't matter because even if he did all she could think about was Luke. Lorelai told Luke she was going to tell him but when she saw him all thoughts about anyone else disappeared and she was excited about him meeting her parents that she just forgot, adding that it was probably a good sign she forgot as it proves she doesn't think about Christopher at all. When she was finished Luke took her hands in his.
"Lorelai it's ok. He's Rory's father and he should be in her life. I understand why you didn't tell me.."
Lorelai interrupted "I didn't not tell you on purpose"
"Hey I know. It's ok. I believe you"
Lorelai leaned in and kissed him, the kiss deepened then suddenly Lorelai pulled away jumped up and ran out the door.
"What the?" Luke said. He sat there for a few seconds trying to work out what had happened. He stood up and was walking towards the door when Lorelai came running back in with the bags of shopping.
"Lorelai?"
"I want to show you what I bought"
Lorelai excitedly ran into the kitchen calling for Luke to follow her. When Luke walked in Lorelai had started to unpack the contents.
Luke stood next to her.
"These you know about, they're vegetables" She said holding them up to Luke
Luke rolled his eyes "Thanks for clearing that up"
"These go in our fridge" Lorelai said pleased with herself
"Okay" Luke said slightly confused
"Luke!" Lorelai said annoyed that he hadn't got the significance of the vegetables "There are never vegetables in this house because Rory and I won't eat them meaning the vegetables are in the fridge for..."Luke looked at her blankly
"Ok" Lorelai returned to the bags and pulled out a blue toothbrush, shampoo and socks.
"What?"
"Well Luke there's something I'm trying to tell you here... I'm actually a man" She burst out laughing at her own joke. Luke had to laugh when she did, it was infectious
"These are for you" she said handing them to him "They're for you... to keep here" She said smiling at him
Suddenly it hit him.
"Lorelai, you didn't have to..."
"I know but I wanted to. I want you to be a part of my life and that means I want a repeat performance of the other night" she said wiggling her eyebrows up and down. "And when you stay over I want you to have your own things like a toothbrush and socks and I'm sure you don't want to use my shampoo and smell like flowers all day"
Luke was overwhelmed. For years he had watched her with other men and wished it were him, wishing she knew how he felt and wishing she felt the same way about him and now she did. Luke couldn't think of the appropriate thing to say. So he moved closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulled her into a deep and passionate kiss which Lorelai returned snaking her arms around his neck. When they pulled back for air, Luke looked deep into her eyes "I love you so much"
Lorelai smiled feeling her heart flutter, she'd never tire of hearing him say that. "I love you too". Lorelai grabbed Luke's hand and pulled him through the house. "Come on, let's put your stuff away and them add some of your clothing to the pile of my clothing on the floor."
Luke couldn't help adding a "Dirty"
Lorelai giggled "I hope so"
Chapter 22
A few hours later Lorelai drove Luke back to the diner promising to come by after work, then she headed to the Inn.
Just after 4:30pm that afternoon Rory came trudging into the diner, still in her school uniform with her backpack over one shoulder. She sat down at a table and sighed. Luke immediately brought her over a mug of coffee.
"Bad day?" Luke asked as he placed the coffee in front of her.
"Just long, lots of after school things"
Luke nodded
"Has Mom been in yet, she said she'd meet me here?" Rory asked
"No not yet"
"Ok, I might just start on my homework"
Luke nodded again and turned to walk off. He turned back to face Rory asking softly. "You know… if it's too noisy down here, you can study upstairs"
"Thanks Luke" Rory said touched by his offer. "It's ok, it's not that hard and I'll stop as soon as mom gets here but thanks"
"Okay"
The diner phone began to ring and Luke walked over and answered it.
"Luke's"
"Hey"
"Hey" Luke's voice said softly
"I'm stuck here for about another half an hour. You see, I was late into work this morning"
"Ah ha" Luke smiled as he thought back to why she was late
"So I had a bit to catch up on. Is Rory there?"
"Yeah she just arrived about 5 minutes ago."
"Can you let her know I'll be there as soon as I can" Lorelai sighed
"Sure. Are you okay?" Luke asked concerned
"Just tired. Didn't sleep much last night, long day today. I just want to go home and sleep for three weeks"
"I'll have lots coffee ready for you"
"Bless you. Bye"
"Bye"
Luke hung up the phone and walked into the kitchen. He came back out with a small plate of fries and walked over to Rory's table. "Your mom called, she going to be about half and hour"
"Ok"
Luke put the fries down in front of Rory. "Just to hold you over until then"
"Thanks Luke"
Luke nodded and headed back into the kitchen
When Lorelai entered the diner she walked straight up to Rory, sat down and placed her head on the table
"Long day?" Rory asked the mass of hair covering the table
"Yeah, so tired. Too tired to move… need coffee" Lorelai tilted her head to the side and noticing the empty plate next to Rory "You started with out me?"
"Luke bought me over a plate of fries so I didn't pass out from hunger waiting for you"
Lorelai smiled at Luke's thoughtfulness,he really was amazing.
Just then Luke walked over with a pot of coffee. He filled a mug for Lorelai and then refilled Rory's.
"Hey" Lorelai said perking up
"Hi. You hungry?"
"Ah always. I'll have the usual"
"Me too" Rory added
Luke rolled his eyes and walked into the kitchen.
"So much homework tonight?"
"Not all that much. I got most of it done so I'm going to Dean's for a while after dinner. Are you and Luke going out?"
"Not sure" Lorelai said as she sipped her coffee.
Luke returned with their food and they ate and chatted about their respective days.
"So tomorrow night … any plans?" Lorelai asked her daughter
"Yes, lots of Mommy/Daughter catch up time"
"Yay" Lorelai cheered
When they had finished Rory said she was going home to change and head to Deans. Lorelai went to pay for their meal.
Luke noticed Lorelai rummaging around in her purse "Put your money away, it's no good here"
"No Luke I'm going to pay. The occasional free meal is fine but I'm not going to let you feed me everyday"
"I do feed you everyday"
"You know what I mean… not for free" Lorelai put her money down on the counter. "So what time does your boss let you off?" She asked as she leaned on the counter batting her eye lashes at him
"Well I'm on good terms with the boss at the moment so anytime I like"
"Wow you must have done some good sucking up there mister." Lorelai laughed, "So you want to come over?"
"You're not too tired?"
Lorelai pretended to be shocked "What Luke, what are you saying. Too tired for what?"
Luke blushed "I just meant.. Maybe you wanted to go straight to bed" Luke tried.
Lorelai giggled "Dirty"
Luke's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red "Lorelai you know what I mean. That maybe you wanted to go home to sleep … alone… because you are tired"
Lorelai was still giggling at the look on Luke's face, trying to get himself out of the hole he'd dug. Luke looked at her laughing "Actually, no that's right. I don't think I can come over after all. I have to um count the toothpicks. Make sure we have enough"
"No Luke, I'm sorry." Lorelai tried to contain her laughter. "You know I love to tease you"
"Ah ha"
"Please" Lorelai begged
"Okay, I'll be over in an hour"
Lorelai blew Luke a small kiss. He looked around embarrassed making saw no one was watching.
"Bye" Lorelai said as she walked out the door.
Chapter 23
When Luke arrived at Lorelai's she was sitting on the porch steps, coffee mug in hand.
"Hey what are you doing out here, it's cold" Luke asked helping her up
"I was waiting for you"
"Yeah, but outside?"
"Well, I was all cozy and warm on the couch but I found myself falling asleep so I came out here to wake myself up. No chance of falling asleep out here." Luke rolled is eyes at Lorelai's logic.
As they were walking inside Lorelai yawned.
"Hey if you're that tired maybe I should go. You know, let you go to bed" Luke quickly added "alone… because you need sleep"
Lorelai giggled "Luke"
"I'm serious, you look so tired"
"Please stay Luke… Pretty please… I'll be your best, bestest friend in the whole wide world" Lorelai said in a sing-song voice
Luke looked at her seriously and spoke quietly "You are my best friend"
"And you're mine" Lorelai reply with equal seriousness. Both moved forward and kissed deeply. Luke pulling Lorelai closer to him while Lorelai wrapped her arms around his back. Eventually they pulled back and smiled at each other. Lorelai continued to stare into Luke's eyes as she lifted her arms and ran her fingers through Luke's hair then gently pulled is head forward for another long, lingering kiss. Their lips parted as they tried to regain regularly breathing patterns. Lorelai rested her head against Luke's chest, listening to his heartbeat. Luke wrapped his arms around her tighter and rested his chin on her head.
After a few minutes Lorelai lifter her head and looked at Luke "Hi" she said shyly
"Hi" Luke said with a laugh. Lorelai grabbed his hand and led him to the couch and they sat down.
"So, how was work after I left" Lorelai asked still holding Luke's hand as he ran his thumb over it softly.
"All down hill after you left"
"Awwe because you missed me?"
"No because Taylor came in yabbering about putting up posters for some stupid town event and then Kirk came in talking about another great business opportunity or something, I tuned him out after the first few words"
Lorelai laughed "See there are worse customers then me. Next time you complain about me and my coffee addiction and my incessant talking, just you remember this moment… So you want to watch some TV?"
"Okay"
Lorelai grabbed the remote "Lay down" Lorelai ordered as she started to flick through the channels.
Luke did as he was told. Grabbing a pillow for under his head then laid his head down. Lorelai lay down next to him, moving as close to him as possible. Luke put his arm around her and watched as the channels changed quickly. After a few minutes Luke put his hand on hers "Are you going to pick one?"
"There's nothing to watch" Lorelai said continuing to flip through the channels. Eventually Lorelai settled on a channel. There was nothing she really wanted to watch but she was too comfortable to move and put a video on. Luke and Lorelai lay snuggled together just enjoying being close. Lorelai could feel her eyes slowly closing.
"Hey Mom, I'm home" Rory called as she entered the house just after 9pm. "Mom" Rory called again as she walked into the living room. She suddenly stopped when she saw a leg sticking off the side of the couch. Rory looked at sight in front of her and smiled. Luke and her mother were asleep on the couch. Both facing the TV. Luke arms around Lorelai's stomach and Lorelai's hand on top of Luke's. Rory tiptoe to the hall closet grabbed a blanket and headed back into the living room. She gently placed the blanket over the sleeping couple. Luke stirred and opened his eyes, noticing Rory he jumped slightly
"Rory…um... hi"
"Hey Luke" Rory whispered "Sorry didn't mean to wake you I just thought you two might get cold" she said gesturing to the blanket that was on them.
"Ah… thanks" Luke didn't know where to look. He knew Rory washappy with them dating but he was embarrassed that she had found them asleep. He had planed on going back to his place before Rory got home. "I should get going" Luke said trying to figure out how to move without waking Lorelai.
"Luke, it's ok..stay. I'm sure mom wants you to and you don't want to incur the wrath of Lorelai for waking her up. She's not exactly friendly when she gets woken up." Rory laughed thinking about Lorelai first thing in the morning. Rory couldn't really talk, she was almost as bad.
Luke wasn't sure what to do. He wanted to stay but he also wanted to go. "Um"
"Luke it's fine…stay" Rory said sincerely
"Okay thanks. Night"
"Night Luke" Rory said before heading into her room.
"I'm glad you decided to stay" Lorelai's voice said a few seconds later.
"Lorelai were you awake?"
"Not the whole time, just for the last part"
"Which part?"
"When Rory put the blanket on us... and remind me in the morning to talk to that girl 'Wrath of Lorelai' indeed" Lorelai pouted
"Why did you pretend to be asleep?" Luke asked
"Because I knew if you knew I was awake you wouldn't of stayed and beside it's fun to watch when you're uncomfortable."
"I wasn't uncomfortable it's just… well… getting caught by your teenage daughter?"
"Luke we weren't doing anything and beside remember Rory told you she wanted you to be comfortable here… so chill" Lorelai said as she grabbed his arm and pulled it around her tighter.
"Seeing you're awake shouldn't we go upstairs"?
"My, my Luke, you certainlyare obsessed with my bed aren't you"
Luke rolled his eyes "You really are annoying when you first wake up"
Lorelai stood up "Fine. For that, I'm going to bed and you can stay on the couch"
Luke grabbed her arm and pulled her back down to him "but I love you anyway" Luke addedbefore kissing her deeply.
Lorelai stood up and pulled Luke up with her. She then stood on the couch and told Luke to turn around
"Why?"
"Because I'm tired and I can't make it up the stairs. I want a piggy back"
Luke decided it was too late and he was too tired to argue so he turned around and Lorelai jumped on his back. And hung her arms around his neck and kissed his jaw then sucked on his earlobe.
Lorelai was still kissing him as Luke made his way quickly up the stairs going as fast as he could, not sure how long his legs would hold out to her wonderful torture.
Chapter 24
Early next morning Luke got up slowly so not to wake Lorelai. He dressed and was about the walk out of the room but turned and looked at Lorelai's sleeping figure. He couldn't help himself, he walked over to her and placed a kiss on the top of her head. He watched her for another minute then dragged out the door.
Later that morning, after over sleeping, Lorelai headed straight to the Inn for a meeting.and spent the rest of the morning there. She had planned on heading to the diner later that afternoonuntil Sookie being Sookie slipped with the knife and needed Lorelai to take her to the hospital.
In the diner Luke spent the day staring at the door hoping Lorelai would come in. He knew she was busy, she had a business to run too but he hoped she'd have a few minutes to spare.
The phone rang in the diner, taking Luke away from his daydream.
"Hello" Luke answered gruffly
"Hi, it's me"
"Hi" Luke's voice softened immediately. "How are you?"
"I'm ok. I'm at the hospital"
"What, Lorelai are you okay? What happened? Do you need me to come?"
"Luke, calm down it's Sookie. She cut her hand. She's just here to get stitches"
Luke sighed with relief
"It was sweet of you to worry though"
"Yeah.. Well… you know"
"Nicely put" Lorelai laughed, "Oh I have to go Sookie's coming out. I'm going to drop her off at home then I'm going to pick Rory up from school. We're having a mother/daughter night tonight" Lorelai said excitedly
"That'll be nice" Luke said trying not to sound disappointed
"Hey I have to go. Call me when you've finished work?"
"Yeah. Bye"
"Bye"
That night after watching three movies, eating a huge amount of Chinese food and even more junk food, Lorelai was lying in bed willing the phone to ring. About 5 minutes later it did
"Candi's house of Fun" Lorelai answered
"Yes, I'd like to make a booking please. Someone tall, blonde and can we be discrete I don't want my girlfriend to know"
"Hey" Lorelai said pouting
Luke chuckled, she really was easy to tease sometimes. "Oh you sound nice, I want you"
"Better but not quite mister"
"So how's Sookie?" Luke said trying to change the subject
"Only three stitches this time. We're very proud of her. How was your day?"
"It was okay. I missed you today"
"I missed you too" Lorelai said sadly.
"How was your night?"
"I ate too much." Lorelai said rubbing her stomach "Hey Luke, come over"
"What? Now?"
"Yeah, I miss you. Come over"
"Lorelai I can't. It's late and I have to get up early"
Lorelai didn't say anything she just stuck her bottom lip out
"Don't pout" Luke added
"I wasn't"
"Yes you were, I know you and pouting doesn't work over the phone"
"What about begging. Does begging work?"
"Sometimes, but not tonight"
"Please, please, please, please" Lorelai tried
Luke wanted to cave. He hated saying no to her and he wanted nothing more than to see her but he did have to go to bed. It was getting late and he had to get up at 4am for an early delivery.
"Please, please, please, please" Lorelai was still going "Please I really, really miss you"
"Hey I miss you too but I can't. I'll make it up to you"
"Oooh .. how?"
"Well I noticed your front lawn needs to be mowed. I thought I could come over and do that tomorrow"
"and then you can mow my…"
Luke interrupted her "Don't even finish that. Geez I knew you were going to say that"
Lorelai giggled. "Well if you're gonna talk dirty"
"Lorelai, that's not what..."
Lorelai interrupted him "I was going to work from home tomorrow morning, I'd love you to come over."
"Okay see you then. Night"
"Night"
Chapter 25
The next morning Lorelai was sitting at the kitchen table working on papers for the Inn when Luke knocked on the back door, opened it and walked in.
Lorelai jumped up, almost running over to him without saying a word and kissed him passionately. They pulled back breathless and smiled at each other.
Lorelai hugged Luke tightly. "Wow, one day apart and I missed you so much."
"I missed you too" Luke said hugging her back.
"You want a drink?"
"I'm fine thanks" Luke said as he sat down in the chair Lorelai was sitting in minutes before.
"Paper work, fun" Luke said looking at the papers on the table. Lorelai grabbed a glass of water and then sat on Luke's lap. "Oh yeah... lots of fun" she sighed.
Luke wrapped his arms around Lorelai middle as she leaned against him.
"I thought I'd let you finish this and I'll start on the front yard."
"No" Lorelai out her hands on Luke's arms that were still around her middle. "Stay please"
"Sooner I start, sooner I finish, sooner we…."
Luke didn't get to finish his sentence as Lorelai was pushing Luke out the door. "Go... scoot…hurry" Lorelai giggled
About half and hour later Lorelai had finished her paperwork and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and headed out the front door. She watched as Luke pushed the mower across the lawn dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, his flannel absent. Lorelai sat on the steps and admired Luke's physic, watching the muscles on his arms as he walked across the lawn.
"Hey. How long have you been sitting there?" Luke asked as he walked over to her.
"Not long. Just admiring the view" Lorelai smiled at Luke and handed him the bottle of water.
"I'm almost done. I just want to clean up that pile of leaves over there then I'll come in"
"And have a shower first" Lorelai added.
Luke took a sip of the water then made his way over the mess of leaves. Lorelai watched him for a bit then stood up to go back inside when she heard Luke shout.
"Argh"
"Luke" Lorelai ran over to him.
"Ouch, dammit"
"Luke what's wrong?" She asked concerned
"Nothing" Luke replied as he walked toward the house
"Luke what happened?"
"I got stung by a bee okay"
"Where…" Lorelai stopped when she noticed the way Luke was walking, pulling at the back of his jeans. "Luke" Lorelai tried not to laugh
"Where did it bite you?"
"Have you got anything for bites?" Luke asked ignoring her
"Luke" Lorelai grabbed his hand. "Are you allergic to bee stings? Do you want to go to the doctor?"
"No I've been bitten before just never.." Luke didn't finish as Lorelai had burst out laughing
She calmed down a bit and finished for him "Just never on the bum?"
"Yes and it's not funny"
"Oh honey I know. I'm sorry. I'll go grab something for it. Go sit down"
Luke starred at her
"Sorry, ok just um go upstairs and lay face down on the bed, I'll be up in a minute"
Luke walked awkwardly upstairs and Lorelai followed a minute later.
"Gimme a look" she said walking into the bedroom armed with creams and band aids
"Lorelai!"
"What are you going to do this yourself? I have to make sure the sting's out"
"Look I can do it okay" Luke snapped. Lorelai handed him the contents in her hands and he walked into the bathroom and shut the door. He came out a few minutes later and found Lorelai sitting on the bed. Luke grabbed her hand "Sorry I snapped at you, it's just so humiliating"
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have laughed. Are you okay?"
"Yeah fine. It's not too bad, it'll hurt for a few hours but I'll be fine"
Lorelai stood up and hugged him. "Anything I can do?" she asked sincerely
"No it's okay" Luke pulled Lorelai into a hug. He could feel her moving against his chest "You're still laughing aren't you?"
"I'm sorry. It's just... I suddenly got very jealous of the bee"
"Lorelai" Luke rolled his eyes
"I mean I can't blame it aiming for there, you have a great rear-end"
"Lorelai"
Later that afternoon Luke & Lorelai were in the kitchen talking when Rory walked in.
"Hey sweets, how was your day?"
"Hi Luke"
"Hey Rory"
"Got an A on my paper and finished most of my article for the Franklin so a good day. How was yours?"
Luke looked at Lorelai, his eyes begging her not to say anything. Lorelai burst out laughing
"What happened?" Rory looked between Lorelai and Luke "Come on spill" Rory said sitting at the table
Luke knew she was going to tell the story to Rory eventually, they shared everything "Go on" he said shaking his head
Lorelai sat down at the table next to Rory "Well my hunky, hunky boyfriend here" Lorelai said pointing to him, Luke began to turn red "Well he was out in the yard doing all the manly stuff for us poor hopeless girlies when he got bitten by a bee"
"Awwe poor Luke" Rory said pulling out the chair on the other side of her "Do you want to sit?"
Lorelai burst out laughing again "Um, he can't sit honey"
"No" Rory put her hand over her mouth "Does it hurt?"
"No, only my ego does"
"Are you okay now?" Rory asked hoping she wouldn't follow her mother and laugh
"He's fine, we got to the bottom of it" Lorelai said laughing
That was it, Rory couldn't help herself "Mom, don't be so cheeky" Rory laughed
"Geez" Luke rolled his eyes at them and started top walk out of the room
Lorelai grabbed his arm and pulled him back into the kitchen, She hugged him tightly "Hon, we're sorry we'll just butt out now" Both the girls started laughing again.
Luke decided to end this once and for all "Yes okay it's funny. I get it but the next person to laugh won't get any coffee from the diner for a month.
"Okay I'm done" Rory announced. "Really"
"Yeah" Lorelai added. "Sorry but it is a little funny"
"Yeah for you maybe"
Lorelai gave Luke a kiss "Sorry Hon"
Rory stood up "Luke are you ok now?"
"Yeah, thanks Rory"
"What are you up to now sweets?" Lorelai asked her daughter
"I've got some study to do, then I'll probably call Dean"
"And talk all lovey dovey to each other" Lorelai added
Rory pointed to her mother "You can talk"
"Yeah well… I'm the mother." Lorelai stuck her tongue out at Rory playfully "I'm going to walk to the diner with Luke then I'll bring a pizza home"
"OK Cool" Rory headed to her room while Luke and Lorelai headed outside
Chapter 26
Rory headed to her room while Luke and Lorelai headed outside.
They walked hand-in-hand across Lorelai's yard when they heard a voice yelling after them.
"Oh no" Luke said as he pulled his hand out of Lorelai's. Lorelai gave him a look.
"Hey dolls" Babette said standing in front of them.
"Hey Babette" Lorelai answered her with a smile "What can we do for you?"
"Just wanted to see how you two crazy kids were. Haven't seen much of you around lately but then again with a new romance there are lots of other activities that will keep you inside" Babette said as she nudged Lorelai
"Geez" Luke said turning a slight shade of red
Babette continued "Nothing to be embarrassed about Doll, you're both young and good looking, I'm sure…"
Lorelai cut her off "Okay well Babette we really have to go. Luke has to get back to work"
Babette wiggled her eyebrows "I'm sure he does sugar"
Luke rolled his eyes.
"Bye Babette" Lorelai grabbed Luke's hand and began walking towards the diner
"Oh, so cute" They heard Babette shout after them
"This crazy town" Luke said shaking his head
"Oh Hon they're harmless, just excited for us"
"Yeah I know"
"But" Lorelai began "If you don't want them talking about us… then… well there's a simple solution... we could… always not be together" Lorelai waited for his reaction
Luke was shocked surely she wasn't serious, then he caught her smile, she was teasing him again.
Luke sighed "Maybe you're right"
Lorelai slapped him playfully "Hey"
"What you suggested it?" Luke laughed
"Yeah but you are supposed to say, "No way Lorelai, I love you so much, you are beautiful and I don't want to break up with you... oh and you can have all the coffee you like" Lorelai said with a smile
Luke stopped and stood in front of her. He grabbed both her hands, held them to his chest and looked deep into her eyes "Lorelai, I love you so much, you are special and beautiful and amazing. You are the best thing to ever happened to me and I'm never, ever letting you go" Luke kissed her gently "How was that?
"Waaaaaay better than mine" Lorelai said as she felt her eyes begin to well up. She put her head against his chest.
"Again with the crying" Luke said with a laugh
"Well, that was so sweet" Lorelai said looking at him "I still can't get over it"
"What?"
"You! You're just this tough guy, monosybolic guy to everyone else but you're different around me, not that I'm complaining, I love it."
"Yeah.. Well…just how I feel" Luke said shrugging
"I'm glad" she said hugging him tightly "and I feel the same about you too, you know amazing, special, not letting you go"
"Good" Luke took her hand and they walked back to the diner. "Hey thanks"
"For what?" Lorelai asked looking at him
"For not telling Babette about the bee sting, I mean, when she came over I was sure she knew...heard me yell or something"
"Yeah well, she was too preoccupied thinking aboutour bedroom activities, I'll save the bee tale for another time"
"Hey, I meant it about no coffee. The bee is never to be mentioned again"
"Yeah, yeah" Lorelai said with a smile
At the diner, Lorelai leaned over the counter and watched Luke pour her a large takeaway cup of coffee.
"Hey thanks for today" Lorelai said as she accepted the coffee "You know, clearing the yard and stuff for me and spending the day with me"
"Anytime"
Lorelai giggled "And thanks for…"
"Don't say it" Luke warned
"Say what?" Lorelai asked innocently
"Don't mention the you know what" Luke said sternly
"No… what?"
Luke rolled is eyes at her
"Ok, I gotta go" Lorelai leaned back over the counter and kissed him "Luke…?"
"Yeah"
"Thanks for bee-ing the best boyfriend" Lorelai giggled as she left the diner
"Lorelai" Luke called after her and shook his head.
Chapter 27
"Mom... Mom"
"hanamaganafsh"
"Mom wake up!" Rory tried again, shaking her mother "Mom"
"What?" Lorelai said half asleep
"I slept in, I'm not going to make the bus can you drive me to school?"
"Ah.. yeah... how long have I got?" Lorelai asked her eyes still closed
"20 minutes."
Lorelai sat up rubbing her eyes "I was having the best dream"
"Was it about Luke?" Rory asked smiling
"Maybe... why?"
"Cause you were smiling when I woke you up. And I'm guessing it was about Luke or Bono or coffee?"
Lorelai smiled thinking back to her dream
"Was it dirty?" Rory asked giggling
Lorelai blushed slightly "No"
"Liar!"
"Hey aren't you running late for school" Lorelai pointed out trying to change the subject
"Oh, I'm going to the shower" Rory said as she ran out of the room
"Ok" Lorelai thought about her dream and Luke. He took up most of her thoughts now a days. He was the last thing she thought of at night and the first thing she thought about in the morning. He was even in most of her dreams. Lorelai sighed as she looked at the other side of her bed. She'd never thought about her bed having two sides before but now one was definitely Luke's and even though they had only been going out a short time, Lorelai missed waking up next to him. She dragged herself out of her daydream and quickly dressed.
Downstairs Lorelai called out to Rory "Hon, how long have we got?"
"We have 3 minutes" Rory said looking at her watch
"Just enough time for a pop tart and coffee to go" Lorelai said walking into the kitchen.
"So Friday night and no dinner at Grandma's what are we going to do with ourselves?"
"Oh that's right" In all her thoughts of Luke Lorelai had forgotten they were off the hook tonight. Suddenly the day looked better "Um, lets head to Vegas and put all our money on red" she said excitedly
"Or we could go to Hollywood and see if we can stalk a celebrity" Rory added
"Or.."
They both looked at each other "Takeaway and movies?" They said in unison
"When did we become so boring?" Lorelai asked with a pout
"I don't know." Rory sighed
"Ok lets have a think about it and I'll meet you here after school and we both have to have a terrific plan for tonight"
"Deal"
The girls grabbed their pop tarts and mugs of coffee and headed out the door.
Later that afternoon Lorelai entered the diner.
"Hi" she said to Luke as she walked towards the counter
"Hey, I was wondering if you were coming in today"
"I had to take Rory to school this morning then I went straight to the Inn but I had to come in here, you know, to see you"
"You mean for coffee?" Luke added
"You got me"
"So, what you doing tonight?" Luke asked pouring her a mug full of coffee
"Well, what aren't I doing tonight?" Lorelai said trying to sound enthusiastic
"So nothing?"
"Nothing" Lorelai pouted "Rory and I were trying to come up with something fun to do"
"Well... um, I though maybe we could... go to.. um.. if you wanted, there's a Carnival on in Woodbury and I thought maybe you wanted to go?" Luke asked
"Oh my god, that is the best idea... but wait… I can't believe you suggested that. I didn't think that would be your thing" Lorelai looked at him curiously
"It's definitely not my thing but I thought you'd enjoy it so I can handle it for a night... Ah... and of course Rory too and Dean if she wants... I thought we could all go"
Lorelai jumped up and ran around the counter and threw her arms around Luke who looked slightly embarrassed as people in the diner watched on.
"That is the best idea ever. Oh my god I love you" Lorelai kissed him "Thank you"
"It's just a carnival" Luke said trying to quiet her down "not a big deal"
"It's not just the carnival, it's you going because it'll make me happy and thinking of Rory as well."
"It's no big deal, just a carnival" Luke repeated
"Who are you? and what have you done with Luke?" Lorelai giggled
"And just so we're clear I'm not getting my face painted or playing those stupid games and win crap that you could buy for a quarter of the price at the shops" Luke ranted
"Ah there he is" Lorelai laughed. She gave him a quick kiss. "We'll meet you here at 5:30"
"Ok bye"
When Rory arrived home from school Lorelai ran to the door.
"Ok what did you come up with for tonight?" She asked her daughter
"Nothing" Rory sighed
"Good because we have the best night planned"
"Oh what?" Rory said excitedly
"Well Luke came up with a great idea for us – Me, Luke, you and Dean - to go to the carnival in Woodbury" Lorelai said bouncing on the spot
"There's carnival, how did we not know about this?" Rory asked excitedly
"I don't know, we're slipping. So come on, ring Dean and let's get ready" Lorelai said pushing her daughter towards the phone
Rory grabbed the phone as Lorelai was heading towards the stairs. She stopped and turned towards Lorelai "Wait, Luke came up with this idea?"
"Yeah"
"Luke, diner Luke? How did you get him to agree to it?"
"No, it was his suggestion. He thought we'd like it"
"Wow he's got it for you BAD" Rory said giggling
Lorelai blushed a little "Come get moving girly, we've got a carnival to get to"