Chapter 8: From Sexy to Startling

Despite Lorelai trying her best to wish the day away, Friday quickly arrived. Luke arrived at the shed at 6 pm sharp, though he didn't expect Lorelai to be ready until 6:15. To his surprise, she was the one who answered the door.

"Hey, I… Wow." He stopped mid-sentence, taking in her appearance. Lorelai was wearing a knee-length, off the shoulder, emerald green dress. It was covered in lace and had a sweet heart neckline.

"I thought it was your dad's birthday, not mine," he growled into her ear. Looking over her shoulder for Rory, and not seeing her, Luke pulled Lorelai against him and kissed her soundly.

"So you like it," she asked innocently.

"More than like," he grinned, "You look beautiful, stunning, sexy, and every other word in the world."

"What about me," Rory asked happily.

Pulling apart quickly, Luke began to blush as Lorelai answered, "What about you, hon?"

"Do I look beautiful, stunning, and… what was the other word?"

Lorelai tried to stifle a laugh as Luke's eyes went wide.

"He said "sexy" hon," Lorelai said quickly, "But don't worry about that word. You'll learn more about it when you are older."

"Oh, so it is an adult thing?"

"Yep, and we'll discuss it when you get there."

"Okay! I'm gonna go get my shoes, and then I'll be ready to go!"

As Rory went to search for her shoes, Lorelai burst out laughing, and Luke breathed a sigh of relief.

"You should have seen your face, Luke! I thought 12 shades of red was a lot, this time, it was about 50!"

"Well, how was I supposed to react? Gosh… I have to watch my words when I'm around here."

"Babe, it's fine. Sexy is not a bad word, and she's just curious. Plus, I told her it was an "adult thing" so she knows she will learn it eventually. She's usually satisfied with that."

"I'm glad you knew what to say. I'm new to this "Daddy Luke" thing, so my skills aren't that great, yet."

"Don't worry babe, you'll get there," she replied and kissed him softly, "And trust me, you'll get plenty of opportunities with Rory. She's veeerrrryyy curious."

"Aw jeez…"

"It's fine. Just take it in stride… Now, let's get going. I would hate to be informed by my mother of how much of a disappointment I currently am because I was late, before we could even talk about how much of a disappointment I was as a teenager," she deadpanned.

"Woah," Luke stated plainly as they drove up to the Gilmore home.

"I know. Try living in it… So, I wanted to talk to you before we go in," Lorelai said seriously.

"Uh, okay, is this appropriate for little ears to hear," he replied, gesturing to Rory in the back seat.

"She's reading. She probably hasn't even noticed the car has stopped. Right Rory?"

There was no answer.

"See," Lorelai said laughing, "I told you."

"Okay then, so what did you want to discuss."

"I have to let you in on the ground rules when it comes to parties with my parents."

"Come on, Lorelai. It can't be that bad," he said, rolling his eyes.

"You can think whatever the hell you want, Luke, but these are my parents, and I know them. They can tear you limb from limb with their subtle insults, and a lot of times, it is hard to stay calm, so please, let me warn you."

"If you think it is going to be that bad, then fine, warn me."

Returning the eye roll because of his inattentiveness, she responded passionately, "Luke! Please! I know that you think that I am exaggerating, but something bad always happens at these parties. I promise, I am not underestimating your ability to handle your emotions properly, but I need to warn you. You are so important to me, babe, and I don't want anything that my parents say or anyone else says to change anything between you and me."

Noticing the dread in her voice, he decided it was better to take her advice. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her. Reaching over the center console, he gently laced his fingers with hers and replied, "Okay… I don't want anything to change either, so tell me. I'm all ears, Lorelai."

"Good evening Lorelai, Rory."

Rolling her eyes at her mother's obvious avoidance of Luke, Lorelai wanted to call her out. Not wanting to start a fight before she even made it in the door, she decided against it, and replied coldly, "Hi mom… say hello Rory."

"Hi…" Rory spoke shyly.

"That is a lovely dress you have on, Rory."

"Thank you. Luke told me that I looked beautiful."

"Is that so," Emily replied, pursing her lips and shooting a glare at the couple, "Come. Let's go find Richard."

As Emily's led the way, Rory followed, and Luke and Lorelai trailed slowly behind.

"Did you see her face when Rory mentioned you," Lorelai whispered, "She looked like she was about to explode."

"She looked like she wanted to kill me. How can one person have so much hatred for someone she doesn't even know?"

"She's Emily Gilmore. Enough said."

"Richard," Emily kindly spoke, drawing her husband away from his colleagues, "Lorelai and Rory have arrived."

"Hi dad," Lorelai called cautiously.

"Hello Lorelai," Richard replied smiling, 'I'm glad you could make it." Turning to Luke, he extended his hand, "And you must be Luke. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."

"Now… where is my granddaughter," he asked with a smirk, acting as if he could not see Rory.

"I'm down here…" she called shyly, swaying and looking down at her shoes.

"Why Rory, Look at you! You've gotten so big!"

A small smile appeared on Rory's face. "I'm the tallest kid in my class… and I'm the only one that can read chapter books… I'm pretty proud of that."

"Chapter books? At age five? Well, my dear, you must be very smart."

"I guess I am… Do you like to read?"

"I do. In fact, I have a lot of chapter books. How about this? Before you leave, come and find me, and I will show you my study and all the books I have."

"Okay!"

Lorelai could tell by the way her mother was gritting her teeth that she was jealous of how well Rory had taken to Richard.

"Now, Lorelai," Emily interrupted Richard and Rory's conversation forcefully, "I expect you and him to circulate."

"Of course, mother. Come on, Rory. You too, Luke."

After an hour of listening to adult conversation, Rory was tired of standing. Rory pulled on Luke's arm, immediately gaining his attention. She held up her arms, and Luke, knowing what she meant, scooped her up into his arms. From across the room, Emily was watching, appalled that Lorelai would allow Luke to hold Rory as if she was his daughter. With wide eyes, she crossed the room, and interrupted Lorelai's conversation.

"If you could excuse Lorelai and I for a moment. I need her help with something."

As she pulled Lorelai into the kitchen, she began to speak irately, "What is that man doing holding Rory? He is not her father."

Trying not to rise to the bait, Lorelai spoke calmly, "Well mom, Rory is only five. She is probably tired, and she probably asked Luke to hold her."

"Lorelai, how could you be so careless? He is a strange man! How could you allow someone so unpleasant near your daughter?"

Finding it hard to keep calm, Lorelai took a deep breath and responded coarsely, "Mom! He is not a strange man! He is my boyfriend, and he cares about Rory."

"Oh please! As if a man of his class would actually care for a child. He probably only tolerates Rory so that he can get what he wants out of you!"

All of her patience quickly faded away, and Lorelai began to yell, capturing the attention of the kitchen staff. "You're unbelievable! You don't even know him!"

"I know that if he is from that dinky little town of yours, then he is not good enough for you!"

"He cares for Rory like she's his own, and that's more than you, her own blood, do! You know what, tell dad goodnight for us. We're leaving!"

Storming out of the kitchen, Lorelai went straight to Rory and Luke, but to no surprise, Emily followed.

"Lorelai, you will not walk away from me! We are in the middle of a discussion!"

"Yeah, well I'm ending it. Come on Luke, let's go."

As they rushed to the door, Lorelai's world continued to come crashing down, as an unexpected guest made an appearance.

"Oh Lorelai, Look," Emily spoke haughtily, "Christopher is here!"

"I see that mom," she replied coldly, turning to Chris, she continued, "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Well, thanks for the kind greeting Lor. I just came because your mother invited me," he snarked, leaning in to kiss her.

Before he could make contact, she pushed him away. "No."

"Lorelai," Emily admonished, "That was very rude of you. He is your daughter's father."

Lorelai scoffed, "Yeah, biologically, but not in any other way." Turning back to Chris, she warned him, "Chris, Rory is having a good night with me and Luke. You can see her, of course, but I swear to heaven, if you upset her…"

Before she could finish, he glanced over her shoulder and saw Luke, carrying Rory, approaching. "Luke? As in your friend Luke? What the hell is he doing here? I thought you weren't dating!"

"Well, you thought wrong …Stop making a scene," she spoke in a low, cautioning tone.

Noticing the growing conflict from across the room, Richard made his way to his daughter. "Is there a problem here?"

"No dad, we are just having a discussion," Lorelai answered quickly, hoping to end the conversation and leave.

"Actually, Richard, there is," Chris cut off, "Did you know that she was trying to replace me with some lowlife?"

"Chris! Leave it alone! This is not the time to have this conversation!"

"I'm serious Lor! Are you seriously trying to replace me with some one so beneath you?"

"I am not trying to replace you! Luke is my boyfriend, but he is not trying to be Rory's father. Although, she is clinging to him more than usual, because he IS being more of a father to her than you are! Now, I am asking you one more time, drop it. I don't want to fight with you."

"No! I won't drop it… You can't blame me for anything! I'm busy! I have to work! I can't spend all of my time taking care of some kid!"

"Some kid? Are you kidding me right now," Lorelai began to yell, "Chris, she is your daughter! Was Rory planned? No! But I love her so much, and I have dropped everything to be the best mother I can for her! I don't give a damn if you have to work! I work all the time, yet I'm still involved!"

"Lorelai," Luke spoke softly, trying to calm her down.

Turning around to see him, she noticed Rory clinging to him with wide eyes, shaking. At the sight of her, Lorelai immediately started tearing up.

"Dad, can you do me a favor and take Rory into your office and show her your books?"

"Sure, Lorelai. I…"

"No Mommy," Rory shouted crying, "I want to stay with you and Daddy Luke!"

Silence settled in the group, as her mother's and Chris's mouths dropped open. The quiet was short lived, as Christopher resumed yelling.

"Did she just call him daddy," Chris exclaimed loudly, "Rory, he is not your father! I am!"

"He's right, Lorelai," Emily added on, "Rory, that man is not her father! You have no business calling him daddy."

"Mom, Chris! Stop! You're upsetting her!"

"Everyone, shut up!" Luke's voice boomed throughout the foyer. Everyone there stood and stared at him, shocked by his outburst. "Christopher, Emily, I don't know what the hell you think gives you the right to yell at Rory, but I swear on everything that his holy, if you continue, we are going to have a problem."

Putting Rory on the ground and lowering himself to her, he spoke tenderly, "Hey princess… I know you're scared, but everything is going to be just fine." Just as they did in the diner before the picnic, he lifted his pinky and wrapped it around hers. "See, it's a promise. Now, do as your mommy said and go with your grandpa for a minute. I heard he had a lot of cool books."

"Okay, but don't leave me," she replied sniffling, a few tears still escaping her eyes.

"We never would."

Smiling at how Luke handled Rory, Richard patted Luke's shoulder. Taking Rory's hand, he led her to the office.

"Luke," Emily began as soon as the office door shut, "You ought to be ashamed of yourself for yelling in my house like that! Did your parents not teach you any manners? Probably not! I wouldn't expect anyone of your kind to know how to behave themselves."

At the sound of the word parents, the fire appeared in Lorelai's eyes. Stepping back to Luke, she grabbed his hand tightly for support and began ranting, "Mom! You will not speak to Luke like that and you will not mention his parents! For your information, Luke is the most well-mannered person I know, until someone like you or Chris piss him off! Also, he is the only reason Rory and I are here tonight! I was planning on cutting you and dad out, but he convinced me to come to this party! Part of me hoped this would open the door to us trying to have a relationship, but as you have shown tonight, that's not going to happen!" As she ranted, tears began to fall down her face. "And you, Chris! I've tried! I've tried for five years to get you involved in mine and Rory's life, but you said no! Now that I actually have someone to care about us, you suddenly act like you are concerned! You don't care about Rory, though; you're only jealous of Luke, and that kills me! That little girl in there has cried for her daddy, and you never came one time! Now she has Luke! He's done more with her in the past three months than you've done in Rory's entire lifetime! Now, take you're judgmental and jealous ass, and get out of my life! Unless you truly want to care about Rory, I don't want you here!"

"Lor, I do care about Rory!"

"Oh really? Is that why you called her some kid? Is that why you just yelled at her? Is that why you've been absent her whole life?" Not able to stand it anymore, Lorelai turned and sobbed into Luke's shoulder. Immediately, he began to run his and up and down her back and held her tight to him, trying his best to soothe her.

"Lor,"

Suddenly, Emily spoke up, surprising everyone. "Christopher, I think it's time for you to leave."

"But Emily…"

"I said, it is time for you to leave."

With Chris gone, Luke walked Lorelai into the living room and sat with her on the couch. Eventually, when she was calm enough to speak, she looked up at him with love in her eyes and spoke softly, "Thank you… for everything."

Kissing her temple, he replied in the same tone, "I could say the same to you. Thank you for defending me out there."

"I couldn't just let mom talk to you like that. She has no idea how great you are."

"And neither of them realize how great you and Rory are."

For a moment, they sat in silence, but soon, Lorelai leaned giggled into his chest.

"What's so funny?"

Looking up, she shimmied onto his lap and pecked his cheek. "Boy, we are sappy, if we want to be. If you or I ever heard a couple talk like we are talking to each other, we would mock them so badly."

"And that's why I refuse to do this in public."

"But, you're willing to do it with me in private."

With a cocky grin, he began slowly stroking her thigh. Leaning forward, he growled into her ear, "There's a lot of things I'm willing do with you in private."

Slapping his chest, Lorelai replied jokingly, "Mr. Danes, how dare you insinuate such a thing in my parents' home!"

"It got you to smile, didn't it?"

"It did…" she replied softly, leaning her forehead against his, "Thank you."

"Anytime…Now that you've calmed down, do you want to go get Rory?"

"Oh gosh, Rory… I really hope that Chris being here and yelling at her doesn't hurt her too badly. She was just getting over his last visit… Did I tell you that she tried calling him multiple times after that day he showed up?"

"No."

"Well she did. He didn't answer one of them, and he never called her back. He's such a jackass."

Luke chuckled, "I know… He is definitely that. But, if Rory is upset after this, then we'll just help her deal with it. She's a strong kid, and she's got a great mom to help her get through it."

"Yeah, and an awesome Daddy Luke too," she smiled, "Let's go get our kid.

"Hey baby. Are you having fun with Grandpa," Lorelai asked hesitantly as she and Luke walked through the office door.

"Mommy," she yelled, running straight into Lorelai's arms, "I was so scared you were going to leave me…Is dad gone?"

"Don't worry hon, I would never leave you… And yes, he is gone. I'm sorry you didn't get to spend any time with him."

"I don't want to. He and Grandma were mean to you… and to him," she said while pointing sadly in Luke's direction, "Am I in trouble for calling him Daddy?"

"Of course not," Lorelai replied, kissing Rory on the cheek, "You can call him whatever you want."

"Okay… good."

Removing herself from Lorelai's arms, Rory went over and hugged Luke. While they talked to each other, Lorelai caught Richard's eye. Pulling him to the corner of the office, she began to thank him. "Thank you, dad. I'm so sorry for causing a scene, but thank you for bringing Rory in here. I didn't want her to witness that."

"Lorelai, it was my pleasure. You know, she is a very bright girl. I'm incredibly surprised by her level of intelligence at such a young age."

"Oh believe me, I know she's smart. She has been reading since the age of three, and she hasn't stopped since. She is also the smartest kid in her class. We've got quite the Einstein on our hands."

Noticing her use of the word we, he smiled. "Lorelai, thank you for coming. I know you probably didn't have a good time, and I promise, I had nothing to do with Chrisopher's appearance. I'm happy you were here, though."

"You're welcome," she replied smiling, "Though, you should probably thank Luke, too. He's the one that gave me the push to come."

"Tell me," he prodded curiously, "How is he with Rory?"

"Just look at them," she said pointing and glancing in Luke and Rory's direction. Luke had taken Rory over to the chair in the corner and was reading to her. "Dad, she loves him and is starting to lean on him as her father. When I met Luke, I wasn't looking for him to become Rory's father, and he's not actively trying to take over the role, but it is just happening. I can't say I blame her though."

"You know, neither can I. The way he calmed her down was quite impressive."

"I know… Wait… You don't care about whether he works at a diner? You don't care about his social status," she asked, genuinely surprised.

"Lorelai, all I have ever wanted is for someone to love you and Rory like you deserve to be loved. As it appears, I think you've found just the man."

"You think he loves me?"

"Isn't it obvious," Richard replied chuckling, "He put up with all of this mess tonight, and instead of running, he's right by your side. He seems to be quite the catch."

"You know, I think so too." Lorelai cautiously stepped forward and hugged him. "Happy Birthday Daddy. Thanks for inviting me."

Patting her back, Richard replied quietly, "You're welcome, Lorelai. I hope to see you again soon."

"Maybe we can arrange that; I'm sure Rory would love it. Although, I might need some time alone with you without mom. She's not on the top of my list of people who I want to spend time with, at the moment."

"I completely understand."

"I've got to get Rory home. It's pretty late, and I am sure she is tired. I'll try to give you a call later this week… It's the same number, right," she asked with a small smile on her face.

"It's the same number."

The car ride back was silent. While Rory was asleep in the back, Lorelai stared out the window, absorbed in her own thoughts about the night. Luke, wanting to give Lorelai time to process, didn't push, knowing she would talk when she was ready.

"I'm so confused right now," she whispered.

"Confused about what?"

"Huh," Lorelai looked over quickly.

"I said, confused about what?"

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean for that to slip out."

"Okay… but you still haven't answered. Confused about what?"

"Nothing…"

"Lorelai," he warned, "It's obviously something if you are trying so hard not to tell me."

"Fine, it's something. Something stupid my mom said, but nonetheless, it's bugging the hell out of me."

"What did she say? I thought you had already gotten over what happened tonight, earlier."

"Luke… can we wait til' we get back to Stars Hollow? I'd rather not have this conversation in the car."

"I guess that's fine."

After Lorelai got Rory settled in bed, she reemerged into the room and joined Luke on the couch. After a few minutes of silence, Luke finally spoke. "So, are you gonna start, or am I gonna have to wait all night?"

"Luke, I'm just trying to figure out how to tell you what's on my mind."

"Well, start with what your mom said. What did she say that has you so rattled?"

"It's stupid."

"Okay… As good as that is to know, that wasn't my question."

"I know. I just don't want you to be mad," she responded carefully.

"Should I be mad?"

"I don't know… gosh Luke! This is so stupid that I feel the need to ask you this, but why do you care for Rory?"

"What do you mean why?"

"I mean, why do you take time out of your life to help a five-year-old, when you hate kids? I've heard from everyone in this town that you hate kids, but for some reason, you all of a sudden have a change of heart and seem to care for Rory like she's your own."

"That's because I do! Where is all of this coming from?"

Sighing, she stood up and began pacing the room. "When my mom pulled me into the kitchen, we argued, and, of course, we argued about you. And… she is convinced that you only act like you care for Rory because you want to sleep with me."

Aggravated at her mother for the idea and at Lorelai for even entertaining it, he raised his voice slightly, "Are you serious? We haven't even slept together, yet I'm still here! If I wanted that, there are many other routes I could take other than faking to like a kid just to get with her mother!"

"Shhh! Don't wake Rory up!" Shaking her head, she continued, "I know that you could find an easier situation, if you wanted too, and you are soooo good with Rory that there is no way you could be faking! I keep telling myself that, but for some reason, my mother has made me doubt! I can't help it."

"Lorelai, are you seriously standing here telling me that you think I only stay around because I want to sleep with you?"

She stopped pacing, and just stared at the ground, not responding to Luke's question.

"Are you insane," he asked, yelling.

"I said not so loud!" Grabbing his hand, she pulled him off the couch and out the door. Now that they were outside, Lorelai decided she could let loose, and began yelling, herself. "No Luke! I'm not insane! It just scares me! Everything we have, up until this moment, has been going so right! If something happened and, all of a sudden, you decided you wanted something easier, someone with less baggage, I would be devastated!"

"So this isn't even about Rory? This is about you and your inability to trust in something good! Lorelai, you don't think that I'm worried that suddenly, one day, you'll wake up and realize that you could actually find someone better than me? I'm always worrying about the future! You're not the only one who has had someone reject you when you needed them most!"

Lorelai threw her hands into her face, out of frustration. "Ughhh, I know that! And that's why I hate myself for even thinking this way! You've been through a lot of hurt too, and I know that you would never want to do something like that to anyone!"

"Then why? Why are you throwing your walls back up when earlier tonight, we finally pulled them down? Why are you expecting me to eventually reject you?"

"I don't know, Luke!" she replied hesitantly, avoiding his glance.

"Lorelai, you're doing that thing where you avoid my eyes, again. I know you know…You're just afraid to tell me!"

"Luke, please," she pled, trying not to let her walls down.

"No. I can't stand here and be in a relationship if you're just gonna continuously doubt everything I do… but I don't want to let you go," he said, taking her hands in his and staring in her eyes, pleading for an answer.

Turning out of his grasp, she took a few steps back, and turned her back to him.

"Lorelai…"

"Luke," she spoke, barely loud enough so he could hear. "This is what happens when I see my mother. She makes me feel so awful about the decisions I've made. She tears me down, and I can't help but feel worthless."

Her voice cracked and tears rand down her face, as she continued, "I'm just not used to being wanted. No one wants a woman who uses dry humor to cover her insecurities. No one wants a woman who has all these walls, preventing people from getting too close. No one wants a woman who was pregnant at sixteen. No one…" she trailed off.

Hearing her confession, his breath caught in his throat. Stepping towards her, he slowly turned her around, pulling her to him. Caressing her face, he spoke softly, "Call me crazy, but I do. I want that woman. Because that woman, despite all the faults she thinks she has, is perfect to me." Leaning in, he pulled her lips to his for a long, soft kiss.

Breaking for air, Luke pulled her closer. He dropped a kiss to the top of her head and continued, "Lorelai. I know you're not used to it, but I want you. I want you, I want Rory, and I want all the baggage that comes with you."

Pulling back, she looked him straight in the eyes, and spoke sincerely, "I… I… Luke, I don't know what to say. It's just my insecurity, and I'm working through it. Things normally don't work out for me, but I really want this to work."

"Lorelai. This thing we've got going here, you, me, and Rory, is the most important thing I have in my life, and I'm gonna do everything in my power to keep it. I'm all in… Are you?"

A small smile grew on Lorelai's face, as she took Luke's hands in hers. "Yeah, all in… I think I can do that."

A/N: Looks like all of y'all were right! For the record, I am definitely NOT a Chris fan. While this portrayal may make him seem worse than he was in the show, I wanted to have Lorelai say everything that I wanted to hear her say to Chris in the original series. I have no sympathy for someone who abandons their kid, especially Chris didn't have a reason to abandon Rory like he did; he was just selfish.