A/N: Sorry for the shortness, but it's kind of a transition chapter.
Walking Away
Chapter 5: Just Came to Say…
The at events that took place at her Thanksgiving dinner were not what Francine Hayden was prepared for. Usually when Lorelai Gilmore was invited over, she went out of her way to be a complete nuisance to Francine and the other guests. She would say inappropriate things, take every opportunity to mention "the girl" and her many accomplishments and would usually insult everything that Francine held dear. This dinner, however, was different. In fact, Lorelai barely spoke, except to ask for more food.
After dessert, Lorelai asked to speak to Chris in the library while Francine and Gigi spent time together watching some special on the television.
"So, Lorelai, do you know what you want?"
"Yes, I do, but first, Chris, I want to thank you for taking such good care of me the last six months. I know I couldn't have been that much fun to deal with, but you did."
"Lor," he said, taking her hand. "I love you. I always have, and I always will."
"I know, Chris, but I don't love you. I'm still in love with Luke. I saw him today, and I realized he is the one I'm supposed to be with."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am. I went to the diner today for Thanksgiving, and I knew what I wanted. I just have to let go of the past and try to get the future I want and deserve because I deserve to be happy for once."
"It didn't work out before, Lor. What makes you think it will work out this time? He abandoned you before."
"No, he didn't. I ran away from him because I couldn't tell him how I really felt. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. He is seeing someone else now, but I know he still loves me, too. If I don't try one last time, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."
"Lor, I can't guarantee I'll be here if you change your mind. Gigi needs a mother, and I wanted that to be you. She really loves you, but if you come back in six months, I may not be waiting for you."
"Don't wait for me, Chris. There is someone out there for you. Go and find her."
Lorelai gave him a kiss on the cheek before walking out of the library, then the house. She got in her car and drove back to Stars Hollow, where she found Paul Anka waiting at the door to go outside. Seeing the anguished look on his face gave her an idea.
"Are you sure you can't stay?" Luke asked Julie as they sat at a table in the diner. "It's less than 30 minutes to Hartford."
"I'm sorry, Luke, but I have to be in at 6 a.m., and I didn't bring any of my stuff, so I'd have to leave here at 4:30 if I wanted to be on time."
"Maybe you could start leaving a few things here."
"Really? Are you ready to start seeing my stuff around your apartment?"
"Sure. It wouldn't bother me."
"Well, you do have that shelf in the bathroom you don't use. I could keep a few things on it."
Julie noticed Luke's face register a reaction to this suggestion, but he didn't say anything.
"You know, you are always welcome to come and spend the night at my place. I know you're not found of the big, bad city, but I have a big bed and it's not that far back here."
"I can't tonight because my Thursday deliveries are coming tomorrow. Then, April will be here over the weekend."
"Well, then I'll bring some things over Monday. Good night," she said, kissing him across the table before leaving the diner.
"Good night," he said, locking the diner's door behind her.
The diner was already cleaned, so he headed up to his apartment, fed Ralph, then washed his hands. As he was drying them, the phone rang. He figured Julie had forgotten something there and wanted him to bring it out.
"What did you forget?" he said as he answered the phone.
"Oh, there are so many answers to that question," Lorelai said with a laugh.
"Lorelai?"
"Hi, Luke. I need your help again."
"Paul Anka missing again?"
"Oh, no, this is a different kind of favor. When I got home, I realized that Paul Anka can'tget out ofthe house if I'm gone too long, and he needs a doggie door, and I was hoping you could help me install it?"
"Sure, I guess. Have you bought the door yet?"
"Well, no. I need help with that, too."
"Okay. I have some time tomorrow. I can help then."
"Can you drive me and Paul Anka to the pet store to let him pick out his door?"
"How about I meet you there? I have to open the diner, but I'll have some free time after the breakfast rush."
"Great. I'll meet you at Stars Hollow Pets and More at 10?"
"I'll see you then."
Luke hung up the phone and let his mind wander. Would he be able to go back to a friendship with Lorelai now that they were no longer lovers? Would their friendship affect his relationship with Julie like it had with Rachel and Nicole?
"I guess I'll find out tomorrow," he said as he changed into his sweats for bed.
Lorelai had a smile on her face as she hung up the phone. She didn't know much, but she knew one thing. If she and Luke were alone together long enough, it would only be a matter of time before she could wear down his resistance.
She knew he still loved her, she only had to remind him why they had been ready to get married before they both imploded on their relationship.
"So Paul Anka," she said to her mutt who was already pretending to sleep on his doggy bed. "What type of door do you want?"
