Luke's face was pale and his breathing uneven. He felt dizzy and sat down to catch his breath. Miss Patty hurried over.

"Luke, are you all right?" she asked. "Babette and I couldn't help but hear."

Luke sighed and rose, "I'm fine. Patty, I'd appreciate it if…"

"We kept this quiet?" Patty finished.

"Yeah," Luke nodded.

"Ah, sugar, consider it done," Babette affirmed.

Luke barely had a chance to thank them before the diner door opened and a lady in a business suit walked in. "Lucas William Danes?" she asked.

"Yeah," Luke replied.

She handed him a clipboard. "Sign here."

Luke scrawled his name and took the envelope.

"What is it? Certified letter?" Patty asked.

"Did you win a million dollars or something?" Babette asked.

Luke tore open the envelope and felt the tension in his chest increase as he read the words on the page.

Taylor Doesee was suing him for injuries, loss of income, and pain and suffering in the amount of $500,000.

Quickly, Luke tucked the paper away. "And the hits just keep on coming, he murmured. Then replied, "Junk mail."

Rory and Jess strolled by the market and Jess turned his chair toward the door.

"What do you want in there?" Rory asked, seeing Dean and Lindsey through the window.

"Rolling Stone," Jess replied. "And Punk World. The new issues are out. Plus, I want to bug Taylor."

Rory smiled and followed him in.

Jess selected his magazines then he spotted Dean as well. Jess was curious as to how his form competition for Rory's heart would respond to his new wheels, so Jess turned down the aisle. Rory didn't know why Jess wanted to invite this competition with Dean, but if he did, so be it.

"Hey," Dean greeted first spying Rory. "Lindsey, you remember Rory?"

"Yes, I do," Lindsey replied.

"Ah, Mrs. Forrester," Jess greeted. 'It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Hey, Jess. How are you doing?" Dean asked. "Lindsey, this is Jess Mariano."

"Well, likewise, Jess," Lindsey replied. "How are you feeling?"

"Not bad," Jess replied.

"How is everything?" Rory asked. "Everyone feeling all right?" The conversation was awkward.

"Um, Lindsey…" Dean began.

"I may be pregnant," Lindsey replied.

"Wow, that's great," Jess smiled. "Congratulations."

"Yeah, congratulations," Rory said and was surprised she meant it. She hugged Lindsey first, then Dean.

"When we know for sure we'll have you over for dinner. It'll be great to know some younger couples," Lindsey gushed.

Jess smiled and graciously accepted the invitation before retrieving a bottle of aspirin and moving to the check out.

There was a line about an aisle long and a customer was arguing with Kirk.

"I insist on speak with Mr. Doesee…"

"Mr. Doesee left me in charge. He's not able to be down here now; he's been beaten up by the guy who owns the diner…"

Rory and Jess locked gazes and Jess' eyes filled with anger. "Kirk!" he snapped. "Stop telling tales."

"I'm not telling…Luke punched Taylor in the diner the other day. He broke his nose, hurt his neck…" Kirk claimed. "Taylor will be a rich man when he gets done suing him. He'll probably own Luke's diner."

Jess felt his stomach lurch and Rory's heart started pounding in her chest. Quickly, Jess added his purchases, took a twenty out of his pocket and put it on the counter. "Keep the change," he commanded. "Come on, Rory."

Jess moved to Luke's at a speed Rory could barely keep up with on foot. When they arrived at the diner they saw Luke with Caesar and Lane at one of the tables. Caesar looked sick and Lane was crying.

"So you see," Luke was saying, "I can't afford to keep you on staff. As much as I need you, I can't afford to pay you. I'm sorry, but this is how it has to be."

Lane hugged Luke, "I'm sorry too. If you ever need help…"

"Thanks," Luke replied patting her back awkwardly. "Believe me, I wish there was another way."

"What are you going to do?" Caesar asked.

"I'll run the diner myself. I did it before. As soon as things get better…"

"I know," Caesar replied before turning to leave. "Hey, Rory. Jess," he greeted.

"What was that about?" Jess asked entering the diner.

"Nothing," Luke replied, his wall firmly in place.

Jess nodded and let it go. He understood Luke's need for space. Luke would talk when he was ready. Rory understood a different need in Luke, one she often required herself. So when Luke rebuked Jess' query about Caesar and Lane, Rory quickly dialed her cell phone.

"Dragonfly Inn, Lorelai speaking," Lorelai answered.

"Mom, you've got to come," Rory said urgently.

"What happened? Is Jess okay?" Lorelai asked.

"Yeah, but Mom, we just found out that Taylor's suing Luke. And then we overheard Luke fire Lane and Caesar," Rory told her mom.

"I'm on my way," Lorelai answered, then hung up.