"Tell me again why I'm here?" Luke asked as they pulled up into the Gilmore driveway.
"Because I asked and you agreed." Lorelai pointed out.
"Are you going to tell him the other reason?" Rory whispered to Jess conspiratorially.
"I wasn't planning on it."
"Don't worry Luke we have plenty to distract them with tonight." Rory told him.
"Lorelai you're not going to mention that we're Alien Abduction Alliance again are you?" Jess inquired.
"No it's time for a new bit for the maid."
"How about getting out of the car and going inside?" Luke suggested.
"Spoilsport."
They got of the car. Lorelai rang the bell.
She was just about to say something witty when she realised Emily had opened the door.
"Hey Mom. What happened to the maid?"
"She's attempting not to burn dinner." Emily replied. "Rory, Jess, Luke. Please come in."
"Thank you for inviting me Mrs Gilmore." Luke said politely.
Rory swatted Jess's arm when she saw the smirk on his face.
"Please come in and take a seat."
"Hey Grandpa." Rory said when the walked into the living room.
"Rory." Richard greeted her. "Lorelai, Jess, Luke it's nice to see you again."
"You too." Luke replied.
"So Mom what's new?" Lorelai inquired.
"We're holding a silent auction to raise money for the Historical Society next week." Emily replied.
"That's great Mom." Lorelai said with her usual impatience when she didn't get the answer she wanted. "Anyone we know die?"
"Mom." Rory whispered under her breath.
"Now that you mention it." Richard said. "Straub Hayden died last week."
"Really?" Lorelai raised her eyebrows. "Someone didn't think to call and let us know. I've known him thirty years?"
"Since you haven't talked to the Hayden's in several years, we would have mentioned it tonight." Emily remarked. "We went to the funeral."
"You didn't think we'd like to pay our respects?" Lorelai asked. Luke and Jess were feeling uncomfortable.
"It was a small funeral, just family and close friends."
"What's Rory chopped liver?" Lorelai inquired. "I think being his granddaughter counts as family."
"How did you find out? The obituaries?" Richard asked.
"Two lawyers came to see Rory."
"Lawyers? Rory?" Richard sat up straight her.
"He left me some money."
"Excuse me for a minute." Luke said smelling something burning from the kitchen and went to investigate while Rory explained about her inheritance.
The maid cursed as she dropped the tray onto the counter.
"Is everything okay?" Luke inquired.
"I'm sorry please don't tell Mrs Gilmore." The maid pleaded.
"I won't. What is the problem?" He asked.
"I keep burning the almonds I'm supposed to be toasting for the salad." She admitted.
"Do you have a skillet?" Luke inquired.
"Yes sir."
"Get it and I'll help you take care of the almonds."
"Sir, you're Mrs Gilmore's guest I can't…"
"I own a diner; she already disapproves of me enough. Just let me help, if she asks you can tell her I insisted."
"Okay." The maid agreed and went to get him a skillet.
G
"That's a lot of money." Richard commented.
"A very generous inheritance indeed."
"I'm feeling a little hot." Rory said. "Would be okay if I stepped outside for a moment?"
"Of course." Emily agreed. "Jess you should go with her."
"Yes ma'am."
"Where did Luke disappear to?" Emily inquired realising he wasn't back.
TBC