"Luke's."
"Hey, can you do me a huge favor?' Lorelai asked sweetly.
"Name it." Luke replied.
"Can Rory get off the bus at your diner? I told Mia I would work a few extra hours today, she has an important dinner tomorrow."
"Sure. She can go house shopping with me."
"So it's okay then?"
"Yep." Luke replied.
"Great, thanks so much." Lorelai answered.
"Love you." Luke replied before hanging up the phone.
"I love you." Lorelai repeated.
Luke smiled for moment after hanging up the phone and then grabbed his rag from his shoulder and finished wiping down the counter. Later that afternoon he noticed that it was nearly time for Rory to be getting out of school.
"Hey, Ceasar, can you watch the dinner for a few? I'd like to run down the street and get Rory some ice cream."
"Sure, Luke." Ceasar replied as he flipped a burger into the air. "Can I have an ice cream too?"
Luke smirked. "What flavor?"
"Chocolate."
"Alright, but we're not making this a habit." Luke said as he tossed Ceasar the rag.
(Rory's school)
"Hey, blue eyesl."
Rory glanced up to see Carven staring down peacefully at her. "Hi." Rory replied as she continued to walk out of the school yard.
"Where you off to?" Carven asked following behind her.
"I have to get on my bus."
Carven stepped in front of Rory. "Good news, you don't have to ride the bus today. I'm heading over to your apartment so, your mom said it was fine for me to pick you up from school."
"But I'm going to the diner." Rory answered.
"Well..." Carven paused. "There's been a change of plans. Remember that leak in your living room?" Rory shook her head yes. "Well, your mom finally broke down and called me today, so I'm going to fix it. She thought it would be a good idea for me to pick you up on my way, that way you'll be home when she gets home from work."
Rory stood silent for a moment not sure on whether or not to believe him.
"She called the school earlier and told them to give you the message." Carven added. "I'm guessing they didn't give it to you."
"No." Rory answered. She gazed around Carven's lean body and saw her bus take out from the parking lot. "My bus!" she exclaimed. "I've missed my bus!" Rory jolted around Carven.
"Whoa!" Carven replied as his arms grasped Rory's tiny body. "It's too late for that kiddo. Come on, I'll take you home."
"No!" Rory shouted. "I don't want to go with you!" She started kicking.
"Shh, sweetie, it's okay." Carven looked around to make sure no one was watching. Quickly he threw Rory into the passenger seat of his car. He ran around to the drivers side and got in.
Rory had began crying. "I want my mommy!"
Carven started the engine. "Don't worry, you'll see here later this evening."
(Luke's Diner)
"Here, Ceasar." Luke handed him the ice cream cone. "Has Rory came in yet?"
"Nope." Ceasar replied as he enjoyed the first lick of his ice cream.
"That's odd." Luke replied gazing down at his wrist watch. "It's 3:30." Luke walked out to the corner of the street and looked around for the school bus. When he saw it coming into view he began to relax. When the bus passed him by without stopping, Luke threw down the ice cream cone and ran inside the diner.
"Independence Inn."
"I need to speak to Lorelai!" The voice replied breathlessly.
Michelle walked over and handed the phone to Lorelai. "It is for you." he replied.
"Hello?" Lorelai asked.
"Lorelai, is Rory with you?"
"Of course not, I told you she was getting off the bus at the diner today." Lorelai set down her cleaning supplies.
Luke's heart began to race. "Her bus came by, but she didn't get off."
"Have you checked the school?" Lorelai asked quickly. "Or maybe she forgot and went to the apartment. This isn't the first time she's done this, remember the day you first met her?"
Luke was impressed at how calm Lorelai was reacting. "You're right. I'll check at the school and the apartment."
"Well, call me back when you find her." Lorelai replied.