Chapter 31: Changes, Changes, Changes

The following week, Lorelai was swamped. After sneaking a quick visit to Sookie, she hurriedly grabbed a muffin and some coffee to help tie her over until lunch. As she exited the kitchen, Lorelai ran into Mia in the lobby.

"Hello, Lorelai! I'm glad I caught you. If you don't mind, I'd like you to come by my office in an hour or so. I want to talk to you about something."

A small and unsure smile spread across Lorelai's face as she responded, "Uh, sure. You're the boss."

"Don't worry; it's nothing bad. I just wanted to get your input on something."

"Okay… yeah. I'll be there."

Despite Mia's reassurance, Lorelai was confused for the rest of her shift. A little over an hour later, she cautiously stepped into Mia's office while knocking on the doorframe. Much to her liking, she was met with a bright smile from Mia.

"Oh, good. You're here."

"So…" Lorelai spoke hesitantly, "What did you want to talk to me about."

Standing up from behind her desk, Mia rounded the corner, and joined Lorelai in the chair next to her. Taking Lorelai's hands in hers, Mia began to speak confidently. "Well… you know as well as I do that these interviews I've been doing haven't been successful, so I've got to thinking. Lorelai, amidst all of this, you have done an outstanding job, so I wanted to let you know that the position as front desk manager is available to you if you want it, and I am hoping that you will take it."

A look of complete shock completely took over Lorelai's face and her voice. "Oh my gosh, Mia… Are you serious? Have you been talking to Luke?"

"Lucas," Mia questioned with a slight chuckle at her reaction, "No. I haven't. Why do you ask?"

"Well, when we were out on Friday, he mentioned something about me asking you for an interview, but I wasn't sure if I was qualified."

"Lorelai, I know you may not have the resume of a normal desk manger, but you and I both know that you know the workings of this place inside and out. Lucas was right. I have no doubt you'll do nothing short of great at this."

"I'll definitely take the job, since you're offering," Lorelai said happily with tears beginning to pool in her eyes, "I really don't know how to thank you." As much as she tried to stop it, a few tears escaped her eyes. Wiping them away, she continued,
"I'm sorry… I don't mean to be so emotional. I'm just so excited."

"It's something to be excited about," Mia spoke kindly, "For the record, it will be different hours, but you will have weekends off, a raise in pay, and you'll receive a bonus. I will have to properly train you for a couple of weeks, though."

Realizing just how much this change in position would affect her life, Lorelai placed her face in her hands, and spoke slightly muffled, "Do you know what this means? Mia, I will finally be able to buy a house!"

"It's my pleasure. You deserve it. You've worked incredibly hard since you stared here, and I can't think of anyone worthier of the position."

Standing up, Lorelai pulled Mia in for a long hug. "Thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done without you." Taking a deep breath, she stepped back and smiled. "Do you think it would be possible for me to take my lunch break early?"

With a knowing smile, Mia questioned, "Would this have something to do with a certain diner owner."

"Possibly…"

"Oh go on, Lorelai," Mia laughed, "He'll be proud of you. We'll discuss more later."

Scrambling into the diner, Lorelai grabbed Luke's wrist and pulled him with her to the curtain, up the stairs, and into his apartment. Behind her, Luke was calling her name, but amidst her excitement, she heard nothing.

Closing the door behind them, he pulled his arm back from her grip and stared at her with a confused look on his face. "What the hell?"

Before Luke could even grasp what was happening, Lorelai launched herself into his arms and began to squeal. "I did it! I did it! I did it!"

Seeing her excitement, he couldn't keep a smile from appearing on his face. "What did you do," he chuckled.

"I got the job! Mia offered me the desk manager job without an interview!"

"I told you you were perfect for it."

"I know that's what you said, but I didn't think it would ever happen! Babe, not only did I just get a huge promotion, but I also finally have enough money to get a down payment for a house! I get a bonus with the promotion, and with what I've already saved, I have enough!"

Unable to hide his pride in her, Luke hugged Lorelai tightly to him and beamed, "Lorelai, that's amazing!"

"I know! I mean, I love the potting shed. It has been a great house for Rory and me, but I can finally have a home… I can give my little girl a real home," Lorelai exclaimed, choking out the end of her sentence, as her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Dropping a soft kiss to the top of her forehead, Luke spoke tenderly, "I am so proud of you. I knew you could do it. You've come to Stars Hollow and made an amazing life for you and Rory, and your hard work is finally paying off."

"Do you think I can handle it," Lorelai questioned softly, leaning into his chest.

"I already told you that you could handle it."

"When?"

"When we discussed it Friday… Lorelai, you'll do fine. I know you will."

"Thanks…I'm just so happy," she whispered softly. Looking up, she brought Luke's lips to hers in a sweet kiss. When they finally broke apart, Lorelai asked calmly, "Will you come house hunting with us this weekend?"

"Are you sure you don't want it to be just you and Rory?"

Shaking her head vehemently, she answered, "No. Absolutely not. I want you there. Plus, you know a lot more than I do about whether things need repairs and other home stuff."

"Well then, yeah… I wouldn't miss it."

As if by some unspoken agreement, they remained in embraced for a while. There was no talking, no kissing, and no joking. It was as if something was exhilarating and intimate about holding each other's gaze in this happy moment.

After a few minutes, Luke broke the silence with a light kiss and sighed. "As much as I like having you here right now, I've got to get back downstairs."

Poking her bottom lip out, Lorelai pouted and responded sadly, "I know."

"I'm sorry," he replied, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, "But why don't you and Rory come by tonight after you get off, and we'll celebrate."

"Don't you have to close?"

"I'm supposed to close, but I can make time for you."

"Are you sure," she questioned, "I don't want you to have to close early or anything… We can celebrate later."

"I'm sure. This is huge news, and I want to treat you and Rory."

"Okay, we'll meet you here."

As Luke turned to walk away, Lorelai snagged him by the belt loop and pulled him back for a long, passionate kiss. When they finally broke, Luke asked breathlessly, "What was that for?"

"Just for being you," Lorelai answered, smiling back at him adoringly.

"Well, let me return the favor."

After pulling her in for another long one, he pulled back and sighed with a slight grin, "That never gets old."

"And I don't think it ever will… I'll see you later babe."

Around 6 o'clock, Rory burst through the diner door with Lorelai trailing behind. "Daddy Luke! Did you hear the news," she asked excitedly, running behind the counter and throwing herself at Luke the same way her mother did earlier, "Mommy got a new job, and we are gonna get a house! A real house!"

"I heard, Rory! That's great news!"

"That means I'll have more room for my books! Will you build me more shelves?"

Hearing Rory's excited speech, Lorelai laughed. "Woah, hold on there, hon. We actually need to get the house before we can put him to work."

"Oh yeah, sorry."

"It's okay," Luke reassured. Patting her on the back, he allowed Rory back around to the front of the counter. "If there isn't enough room for your book collection in the house then I will definitely build some for you."

With a bright smile, she answered happily, "Thanks Daddy Luke!"

Clapping his hands together, Luke made his way around the counter. "So, are you guys ready to go?"

A look of confusion took over Lorelai's face. "Go? Where are we going? I thought we were going to eat here…"

"I thought we'd go somewhere a little different, if that's alright with you."

"Okay, and are you going to tell me where we're going?"

A slight grin grew on his face as he lifted Rory into the cab, "You'll find out when we get there."

A few minutes into the ride, Lorelai finally realized where they were headed. "Luke," she began cautiously, happiness tinging her voice, "Are we going to where I think we're going? Are we going to Sniffy's?"

"And if we were, what would you think?"

"I'd be excited! I haven't seen Buddy and Maisy in a while… and you know, I'm pretty fond of the place, myself."

Before Luke could respond, their conversation was broken by a curious Rory. "Sniffy's? Mommy, what's that?"

"Well, Sniffy's is a restaurant owned by some of Luke's friends. I've been before, and I really think you're gonna like it."

When they arrived at the restaurant, the trio walked in, Rory in the middle, holding each of their hands. Guided by Luke, they made their way to the back of the restaurant to his normal reserved booth.

"Lucas! It's good to see you son," Maisy exclaimed approaching the table and bringing him in for a hug. Turning to Lorelai, she added, "And Lorelai, it's even better to see you again! Who's this little one we've got here?"

By this point, Rory had moved slightly behind Lorelai's leg. "Well, this is my daughter, Rory,"

Seeing Rory's shyness, Maisy bent down and extended her hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Rory. I'm Maisy."

Taking her hand, Rory hesitantly responded, "Hi… So you are Daddy Luke's friend?"

"Daddy Luke, huh?" Casting her glace to Luke, Maisy saw his blushed face and a small grin. Turning back to Rory, she continued, "Yep, I sure am."

"This is a cool restaurant. It's a lot bigger than the diner."

"That it is." Turning to Luke, Maisy patted him on the shoulder. "Lucas, what do you say to taking the little one here back to the kitchen to show her around and meet Buddy?"

"Really? The kitchen? Can we do that, Daddy Luke?!"

With a small chuckle at the Rory's excitement, Luke took her small hand in his. "Sure, come on… Lorelai, you good here?"

At her nod, he left, leaving her and Maisy at the booth alone.

"Thank you so much, Maisy. You didn't have to do that."

"It's my pleasure," the older woman said with a genuine smile, "Plus that gives us some time to gossip without little ears listening or Lucas blushing."

A small laugh escaped Lorelai's lips. "He does get embarrassed a lot… Although I usually try to embarrass him on purpose."

"He makes it to easy… So, how is my boy treating you?"

"He's amazing," Lorelai answered in a slightly cheerier voice than she expected, "To both me and Rory. I'm sure you don't expect anything less, though."

"Of course! I assumed he treats you both right, but I wanted to make sure. It's nothing a swift kick in the rear wouldn't fix if he wasn't," Maisy added with a laugh. "I see he has taken to your daughter."

"Oh yes, and she to him. Luke is wrapped so far around Rory's finger… You wouldn't believe the things she can get him to do."

"He gets it honest. William was the same way with Lizzie. So much so that Luke took notice, and he swore that he would never act that way if he had a daughter."

"So much for that," Lorelai smiled, "For someone who claimed that he hated kids, he really is good with her."

"Oh please, you and I both know that he just acts tough."

"Tell me about it… He's a softie and a big sap. He can act all gruff and grumbly around the town, but he's definitely not."

"Well, just to let you know, from what I've seen since you kids started dating, Lucas is happy."

At that, Lorelai couldn't help but allow a smile tug at her lips. "I sure hope so."

"He is… and let me tell you, Buddy and I are too. You are a thousand times better than that Rachel broad."

"Maisy," Lorelai gasped and laughed, "You are so bad!"

"Well, I just call it like I see it. She was always running in and out of here, "rootless" as she called it, and stomped all over Lucas's heart in the process. I don't see you doing that."

Saddened to think that Luke ever had to go through something like that, Lorelai answered confidently, "Trust me. I don't plan on it… He's a good guy. The best, actually." At her words, she began blushing slightly as the thoughts of how great Luke was ran through her mind.

Noticing the look on Lorelai's face, Maisy squeezed her hand and responded, "Well… I see you're nothing short of smitten."

"You have no idea."

Hearing little footsteps approaching, Lorelai looked over to see Luke and Rory returning to the table.

"I hate to break up the gossip mill, but Buddy called for you," Luke spoke with a grin, "Apparently he can't decide our entrees for tonight without you."

Rolling her eyes jokingly, Maisy rose from the table and turned to Lorelai, "Men, right?"

"Don't I know it," Lorelai chuckled. "It was nice talking to you."

Once Maisy left the table, Luke and Rory joined Lorelai in the booth. Before Rory could get settled, she was pulled by her mother into her lap. "So, hon, did you enjoy your tour?"

"Yeah! The kitchen was really big! Did you know that Daddy Luke used to work here?"

"I did… Did you meet Buddy while you were back there?"

"Yep! Buddy was super funny."

Appearing at the table, Bubby and Maisy began to set down appetizers and champagne, along with a flute of apple juice for Rory. "You bet I'm funny," Buddy chuckled while sitting everything down on the table, obviously having heard the end of their conversation. "So, Lucas tells me we're celebrating a new job and a new home… Congratulations, Lorelai!"

"Thank you, Buddy. This is quite the spread we've got going on, and thanks for the apple juice for the little one here… She doesn't like being left out."

"Yeah," Rory added cheerily, "Thanks! Are you gonna eat with us?"

"We'd love too, hon," Maisy smiled and replied, "But right now it's a little busy in here. Maybe once things slow down a bit, Buddy and I will come back and tell you some funny stories from Lucas's childhood."

This comment was met with a groan from Luke and a laugh from Lorelai. Quickly, Lorelai added, "I'd love it… I imagine little Lucas was quite the handful."

"Didn't I tell you not to call me Lucas," Luke grumbled.

"Among a few other names… I think you did. But when do I ever listen?"

"Lorelai," Luke answered in a warning tone.

"Well, they're doing it, so I thought I'd just follow suit."

"Well, they've also been calling me that since I was running around in diapers. There's not much I can do to change it… You on the other hand have not seen me in diapers, so you have no reason to."

Reaching over to cover Rory's ears to prevent her from hearing her next comment, Lorelai countered, "I've seen you in less than diapers… does that count?"

"Lorelai!" A bright blush tinged Luke's cheek as he scolded her.

A once silent Buddy and Maisy both began laughing, unable to resist, "Boy Lucas," Buddy added, "She sure knows how to rile you up."

"You have no idea…"

Soon after Buddy and Maisy left the table, Luke, Lorelai, and Rory chatted lightheartedly through dinner. Much to Rory's delight, the older couple was able to come back and join them for a little while, allowing their restaurant staff to take over.

On the way to Stars Hollow, Rory fell asleep while Lorelai sat staring out the window, taking in all that happened in they day. Out of nowhere, her reverie was broken by Luke's voice.

Clearing his throat, he spoke quietly, trying not to disturb Rory. "So, what did you and Maisy talk about while we were gone."

With a smirk, Lorelai couldn't help but tease. "Wouldn't you like to know."

"It was all good things, I hope."

Reaching over Rory in the middle, Lorelai grabbed Luke's hand and laced her fingers through his. "Don't worry. If we had talked much longer, we probably would have started the "We Love Lucas" fan club."

With his trademark eye roll, Luke laughed, "Great."

The cab went silent for a few seconds. Looking over quickly, Luke could tell by the look on Lorelai's face that she wanted to talk about something. Soon, he was proven right when she began to speak again.

"You know, I was thinking."

"Uh oh, that's never good," Luke joked.

"Hey," Lorelai scoffed, squeezing his hand playfully, "I'm being serious here… I was thinking that once I get a house and get Rory settled and everything, we should have Maisy and Buddy over for dinner. Maybe I could invite Mia over too."

"And what made you think of this?"

"I don't know… I have dinner with my parents coming up eventually…"

Before she could finish, Luke stopped her. "So you decided we'd have dinner with your parents when they get back, then?"

Looking down with slight embarrassment, Lorelai spoke. "Uh, yeah. Did I not tell you that? I think we should… Dad seemed to really want us to come, so I guess we can try it again." Shaking her head, wanting to be clear of discussing more about her parents, Lorelai continued more confidently, "Anyway, since we will be having dinner with my family, I thought it might be cool to have dinner with yours… Well, they're technically not your family, but you know what I mean."

As it became obvious that she was about to start rambling, Luke lifted their intertwined hands to his lips, placing a kiss on the back of her hand. "I do know what you mean, and I think they'd love it, but we can discuss details later… We're here. Do you want me to get her?"

"If you want."

Pulling a sleeping Rory from the seat, Luke settled her into his arms. Walking into the shed, he laid her on the bed and Lorelai tucked her in as Luke walked to the door. Meeting him there a few seconds later, Lorelai draped her arms loosely around Luke's shoulders, running the fingers of one of her hands through the curls at the nape of his neck. "So…" she spoke calmly, "Thanks for dinner. We would have been fine just eating at the diner."

Luke responded by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "I thought you might like something else for a change… Plus, this way, I didn't have to cook for once."

"As, so this was all for personal gain then," Lorelai laughed.

"Of course. It had nothing to do with showing you how proud I am of you."

Leaning up on her toes, Lorelai placed a light kiss on his lips. "But really, thank you."

"No problem." Loosening his grip a little, Luke looked down at her. "I should probably go so you can get to bed. You've got a big day tomorrow."

"I know… I've got a full week of training ahead of me." Running one hand down his chest, she spoke softly, "Are you really sure that I can do this."

"I already told you you could do this… and I already told you that I already told you you could do this."

"And you're absolutely positively certain that you're sure?"

"Lorelai," Luke laughed.

"I know… I'm being insane." Planting a kiss to his cotton clad chest she continued, "Drive back safely, okay. I kinda like my diner guy."

"I guess I like my coffee addict too… I'll see you in the morning before work?"

"Well, you are my dealer, so…."

With a slight grin, Luke placed one last kiss on her lips. "Good night, Lorelai."

"Good night, Luke."

Closing the door as he left, Lorelai shuffled to get ready for bed. Taking a look around the shed, she realized just how much her life was about to change… for the better.