Chapter Ten

"Damn it!"

"Now what?"

"Every time I try to call Logan, they keep telling me he's in a meeting."

"Hon, he knows what time you're arriving. So why are getting so upset?"

"Because I want to tell him I've changed my mind. I've decided to stay here with you a little longer."

"NO! You have been pining away for Logan for over a month now. There is no reason for you not to go to England."

"But I have to be here, you know, when everyone finds out you're pregnant, and it's not Luke's."

"Rory, I appreciate the support, believe me, I really do. But I won't start showing so it's noticeable for months, and you'll be back long before then, unless you decide to stay until classes start up again."

"Three weeks. I told Logan I would only stay three, maybe four weeks, and then I was coming back here."

"So why all the drama?"

"I just feel like I'm running out on you. I ought to be here for you."

"I'm fine. I'm a big girl now. And you're not staying."

"But –"

"The limo is coming to take you to New York, and I'm going to Weston's for breakfast. Case closed. So, when is it supposed to be here?"

"In fifteen or twenty minutes."

"Plenty of time for another cup of coffee. Did you remember to pack your pop tarts?"

"Ten boxes."

"That's my girl."

As Lorelai watched Rory climb into the limousine, it was hard not to ask her not to go. But she knew how much Rory missed Logan. And she was sure there may be some difficult days ahead and didn't want to take out her frustrations on Rory. That was what Michel was for

x--------x

Lorelai was on her third cup of coffee and her second raspberry strudel. The coffee wasn't as good as Luke's, but she was used to it by now. She could have gone to the Dragonfly for breakfast, but she was theretoo muchas it was.

"Lorelai, hi."

Even though she had been watching the people going by through the window, somehow April had come in without Lorelai seeing her. She felt a surge of panic as she looked to see if Luke was with her, or nearby. He wasn't.

"May I sit down?"

"Of course you can. Would you like some coffee?"

"No thanks. But some hot chocolate would be nice."

Lorelai went to the counter to order the hot chocolate, then went back to the table.

"So what are you doing here? I thought Luke didn't want you wandering around?"

"I'm spending a couple of days here while my mom is visiting my aunt in Albany. That's the capital of New York, you know. Most people think it's New York City."

Lorelai couldn't help but smile. She really liked April.

"Anyway, she's getting married in couple of weeks, my aunt, that is, not my mom, and she's helping her out some. And the diner is so busy there's no place to sit and I didn't want to stay up in Luke's apartment. So, I told him I wanted to walk around, but I think he was so distracted he didn't realize he said it was okay. I really like Stars Hollow. It has some interesting stores. And when I saw you sitting in here all alone, I thought I'd come in and say hello. So – hello."

"And hello to you, too."

April sipped her hot chocolate as Lorelai drank more of her coffee.

"It's funny, but even though Luke seems grumpier than usual, the diner has really been busy the past month. And the people seem to be a lot more tolerant than they usually are."

Lorelai had a feeling she knew why. The word had gotten around that the two of them weren't together, and the town was showing its support for Luke. Actually for both of them. The lunch and dinner crowds at the Dragonfly was twice what it was a month ago. At least Taylor wasn't stupid enough to start that pink and blue ribbon nonsense again.

"Well, they've know Luke for a long time. They know he has his good days and his bad days."

As they sat there, Lorelai had a feeling April wanted to say something to her, but decided not to push it.

"So, who's watching you mom's store while she's gone."

"She closed it up. She said losing a few days of sales wouldn't hurt anything."

"I was in there the day after your party. It's a nice store. Your mom's got a good thing going there."

"She told me you came by. And I'm really sorry she got mad at you. I don't understand why it was such a big deal."

"Well, she didn't know me, and she didn't know I'd be there. She thought it was just going to be you girls and Luke."

"But none of the other kids' parents were upset about it."

"Well, speaking as a single parent, I can see why she is so protective of you."

"I hoped that you and I could be friends. I thought maybe that you would start coming into the diner when I was there. But everyone says you and Luke are not together anymore."

"We are having some problems, but I'm hoping we can work them out."

"I didn't even know you and Luke were engaged. Why didn't he tell me?"

"Luke just wanted to get to know you first, before I got thrown into the mix."

April ordered a second cup of hot chocolate.

"I think it's my fault you and Luke aren't together anymore." April said without warning.

TBC