Brace yourselves people…I have finally returned with what I hope to be the best chapter yet of this zany story! In other news, I made the executive decision to put the 'word game' to rest. It was becoming more of a nuisance than anything else – but it was fun while it lasted, and I thank you dearly for your contributions. Now, without further ado let's make our way back to the wonderful world of Stars Hollow. I hear there's a party going on…

The townies were clicking their heels as the doors slid neatly into place. The solid oak additions matched the décor perfectly. Everything was coming together wonderfully and Lorelai felt a tremendous relief. She and Luke had moved on to door number seven. Five and six had been a breeze for the accomplished craftsman. Luke truly was a man of many hidden talents, and strong as an ox. Lorelai hadn't failed to notice the rippling muscles in his back and shoulders upon easing the doors into position. Nope, she didn't mind being partners with Mr. Danes one bit.

Luke installed door number seven in record time, admiring his handy-work with a broad grin. God, Lorelai loved it when he revealed those pearly whites of his. He truly had the most brilliant of smiles.

"All done." Luke hit the door proudly, awaiting Lorelai's certain approval. How he loved to please this woman.

"Great. It's great. You did an amazing job," she smiled appreciatively. Her eyes lingered on Luke's for perhaps a second too long allowing for yet another awkward, or as some might call it, opportune moment. And again, their ogling was interrupted.

"LUNCH! Lunch is ready!" Sookie hollered from the kitchen. "Report at once to the main tent." Odd, but it sounded as though Sookie's voice was a trifle louder than normal. As though it was being amplified. Taylor may have scrounged up a megaphone after all.

It was twelve-noon, on the dot. Sookie could keep to any agenda involving food. Those worker-beavers dropped everything at the sound of 'lunch' and nearly trampled over one another as they descended the staircase and exited the building.

Once outside, a hush fell over the crowd as they surveyed Sookie's spectacular spread. The buffet tables were decked with delicacies and delights beyond compare. Sookie had decided on a Mediterranean theme. Artichokes, fish stew, Greek salad, stuffed vegetables, Moroccan couscous, baked lamb and ravioli were just the tip of the iceberg. Kirk jumped to the front of the line. He needed the sustenance. He was a rather measly character, to put it lightly. It wasn't long after the townies began stuffing their faces that someone pointed out the obvious absence of a few key participants.

"Where's Lorelai?" Sookie wondered aloud. A Gilmore's absence during feeding time was simply out of the question.

"And Luke?" Patty supplied. The food was superb, but she of course missed the eye candy.

"And Taylor!" Kirk shouted while choking back a hearty mouthful. Kirk had an unnatural fondness for the Selectman. It might have been a power thing.

All these missing people - it was a mystery indeed. One that Babette was ready to get to the bottom of. Besides, her plate was empty. "Alright, who was Lorelai's partner for the door installation thingy?"

"She was with Luke." Jackson supplied.

Patty smiled devilishly. "Then that explains their absence," she laughed naughtily. Babette and Sookie followed suit.

"What about Taylor!" Kirk brusquely interrupted the mush fest.

"Well who was Taylor's partner?" Babette continued her inquiry. Perhaps she had seen too many episodes of Law and Order.

Silence ensued.

"Ok people. Time to fess up! One of you little turncoats had the displeasure of Mr. Doose's company. Now who was it?" This time Morey chimed in. He and Babette were a tag-team, crime-fighting duo. If you could even call this a crime. The word blessing came to mind.

"YOU!" Kirk shouted, causing quite a stir. His fork prongs pointed directly at the Music Man himself. "You were partners with Taylor! What did you do to him? If you hurt him so help me god," Kirk leapt from the table and lunged straight for Morey."

Jackson and Gypsy quickly restrained the wild man. Morey looked genuinely frightened. Kirk had that effect on most people, even when subdued.

"Code Blue, Code Blue!" Patty screeched. "Where is Taylor when you need him?" Indeed.

Meanwhile, back in Room 7 – lucky number 7…

"I am so building a shrine for that woman," Lorelai cooed with delight. Her hunger pains were on the verge of mild. But that was enough for any Gilmore to warrant such an extravagant gesture.

Luke chuckled.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Lorelai walked towards the door, her feet eagerly pounding the floor in anticipation of yet another glorious feast. Just as she reached the archway, Luke grabbed her arm. She turned in haste. There was barely a foot of space between them. Lorelai swallowed, confusion coating her expression. "Luke?"

"Lorelai, we can't go." His heart was pounding.

"What? Why?"

"Because I…because," he struggled. He needed to do this. He needed to know – for the sake of his sanity. How many more chances was he going to have alone with Lorelai…in Room Seven? "Because I haven't checked the lock on this door yet." Strike three, batter's out.

She grimaced, seemingly disappointed by his revelation. But she wasn't buying it. "Well I'll test it for you," Lorelai smiled brazenly. She reached for the door and closed it.

Click.

Before she re-opened the door, Lorelai thought it best to inform Luke of her intentions. "Alright, here I go. Once this door is open I'm following my nose to the main tent. You ok with that?"

He nodded.

She placed both hands on the knob and turned sharply. Nothing. She laughed it off and turned again, harder this time. Still nothing. "Well now isn't that funny." Lorelai was quite certain Luke was trying to pull a fast one on her.

"Uh, allow me." Lorelai obligingly stepped aside. Luke was quite certain she was trying to pull a fast one on him. He grabbed the knob and turned it forcefully. One way. Then another. "Unbelievable."

Wouldn't you know it – the damn thing was jammed! How convenient.

TBC