A/N- So I have some explaining to do. If you noticed the lack of a chapter yesterday, I want to apologize to you for that. As you know, that never happens with me (though I guess I really can't say that anymore), but a health thing came up that unfortunately I wasn't really able to power through very well. So that's why I didn't get around to posting last night, since I didn't have anything written in advance to post given such a situation. In the future I will try to anticipate and prepare better for such a possibility. But I'm doing better now and I hope you enjoy what I consider to be the second half to the latest chapter. And next chapter you can expect to be much longer and very exciting, with the return of the infamous Friday Night Dinners. I may even post an extra chapter sometime in the next week to make up for the other day. Anyway, I know you will all be kind and forgiving and wonderful, but it does bug me that I didn't do it, hence the apology, and I will do my best to ensure it doesn't happen again. Also sorry for the typos in the last chapter, health/stress/life have all been off the charts crazy so there's your explanation. Please read and review, let me know what you think. I missed reading your reviews today! Trust me, if any of you actually missed reading this today, I missed reading how you all respond to it. So it was a double loss, hopefully to be made up for by a double gain very soon. I do not own Gilmore Girls but I now almost officially own my apartment (5 days and I will ACTUALLY own it!).
Chapter 80
Half an hour later, Luke opened the door to the diner to find Rory and Jess sitting at the counter, talking and holding hands. As soon as he entered they turned their heads toward him, their fingers remaining interlocked and their smiles intact. Jess nodded towards Luke.
"Hey. Take a seat at the counter. Let me get you some tea," Jess offered, looking apologetically at Rory as he pulled his hand away from hers and she began to make her patented pouty face.
"Thanks, Jess," Luke said cautiously, "Hey, Rory."
"Hi Luke," Rory smiled, "Where's Mom?"
"Parking around the side," he answered, "For some reason the street's busy today."
"Well it's beautiful outside."
"It's icy and slushy."
"Bite your tongue!" Lorelai admonished Luke as she walked inside, "You cannot speak of my soul mate that way. Oh, hello Loinfruit."
"I thought we killed that nickname years ago," Rory sighed deeply, turning pink as Jess raised his eyebrows at her while he poured Luke's tea.
"It's been resurrected," Lorelai replied, "After all, it is the season for that kind of thing. Hooligan, can you please caffeinate me? It's for the good of the general population."
"Don't I know it," Jess mumbled, smirking as he quickly grabbed the coffee pot and filled a mug for Lorelai, "Enjoy your addiction."
"I plan to," Lorelai answered, a grin lighting her face as she raised the cup to her lips. After a huge gulp she looked at them expectantly. "So…"
"Well…Jess and I have some news."
"I gathered that from the 'Come over and hear our news' bit."
"Well, the news is that we're together."
"We're in a relationship," Jess affirmed, "And we wanted you two to be the first to know."
"So…" Rory looked at her mother anxiously. Lorelai smiled widely.
"Finally!" she exclaimed, getting up and walking over to Rory to hug her, "It only took you forever."
"I second that," Luke smirked at Jess, who narrowed his eyes.
"Like you have any right to talk," he retorted, earning a blush of frustration from Luke, much to his satisfaction.
"But…really…you're happy about this?" Rory asked her mother carefully, "I mean, I know how you felt last time, and I would understand if you're not…"
"But I am, Rory," Lorelai answered firmly, "Really. I could not ask for someone better for you. And for the last few months you've been happier, calmer, more yourself than I've ever seen you. I have nothing but love for this decision."
"Thank you, Lorelai," Jess smiled at her and she nodded, smiling back. "Luke?"
"You're happy, I'm happy," Luke said honestly, "Though it's even better that it's Rory. Even though I don't think there's any man who's worthy of her, you're the kind of guy that comes close, that would try to become worthy. Even if you aren't a prince."
"Don't get where the monarchy comes in, but thanks for the support," Jess replied, meeting his uncle's eyes gratefully, "It really means a lot to me."
"To us," Rory added, "You're family to me, Luke."
"Don't say that too loud," Lorelai warned, "People will start connecting the dots."
"But what about…"
"Oh my god, if you give me the Cher argument again I swear I am going to fling your tiny little body across this diner."
"Violent response for a Clueless reference."
"Why don't you two take off and enjoy your insanity for the day? Jess and I will handle the diner and then we'll meet you over at your parents for dinner tonight."
"We?" Jess asked incredulously, turning to face his uncle.
"We," Luke answered firmly.
"Okay," Lorelai smiled, "I guess I can kidnap Rory for the day. Otherwise I'm betting she really wouldn't be getting much done around here. Depending on how you define the word…"
"And it's time to leave. Bye Luke. Goodbye Jess," Rory leaned across the counter and kissed Jess, softly and lingeringly, before pulling her mother away by the arm.
