Page 76 of Pity Play

“Trina has taken care of that for you.” He adds, “She’s covered the tip, as well, so you’re good to go whenever you’re finished.”

Lorelai thanks him profusely before telling me, “That was an unexpected treat.”

“Those are the best kind.” My tone is heavy with innuendo, and I have to remind myself to pull it back.

Yet, as we stand and make our way to the exit, I can’t help but wonder if things were different, if tonight could have signaled a new beginning for us.

But instead of dancing around the edges of what could have been, I know what I have to do.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

LORELAI

Holy cow! The tension over dinner was other-worldly. I came here expecting to maintain a friendly atmosphere while simultaneously making it clear that I no longer harbored any romantic feelings for Luke. I blew that spectacularly.

“Would you like to walk around for a bit?” I ask as we leave the restaurant. I tell Luke, “I can give you a tour.” For effect, I bat my eyes once or twice as though suggesting we visit some dark corners where we can enjoy more kisses like we shared last week.

Instead of jumping at my offer, Luke looks at his watch, which makes me wonder if I’d imagined our chemistry. “I’m sorry, Lorelai, I really need to get going.”

I want to demand to know where he can possibly have to go. His shift is over at Pop’s—not that his dad’s diner is still open. He can’t possibly be needed at home, as his parents are probably already in bed.

As if he can feel my frustration, he explains, “I’m leaving early in the morning for Chicago. I need to pack up.”

I want to know why he can’t leave mid-morning, but I don’t ask. Instead, I wait quietly for him to explain the tightness of hisschedule. When he doesn’t, I say, “Well, then you’d best be on your way.”

He leans in as though he’s going to kiss my cheek. My body immediately turns rigid with indignation. No way, buddy. You don’t enjoy a meal like that and then refuse a tour only to put your lips on me. Not gonna happen. I pull away with enough force that I catch him unaware, causing him to stumble a few feet before regaining his balance.

“Have a good night, Luke,” I say before quickly turning and walking away. I huff and grumble to myself all the way to my car.What was that?I know I claimed I wasn’t interested in anything happening between us tonight, but that was before we actually ate together. That meal was one of the most erotic experiences of my life and we didn’t even touch one another.

I’m so frustrated right now, I don’t know what to do. Part of me wants to find Luke and demand to know what his problem is. But I’ve chased that man for too long. It’s time for me to regain some lost dignity.

My brain flashes to the Valentine’s Day I gave Luke a heart that I made out of a paper doily. The inscription read:I love you with my whole heart.I even put on lipstick and kissed the paper.

I cringe to think that most of my memories involving him are me declaring my undying love, and him looking for a way to get away from me. Like tonight! Gah! I’m so over being treated like a pesky little kid, I could kick a wall.

I sit in my car and wait for Luke to leave the lodge but he doesn’t appear to be in as big of a hurry as he would have had me believe. Either that, or he’s afraid to come out for fear I’d egg him.Why didn’t I bring a couple of dozen eggs with me?Reminder: Take eggs along to all future dates in case it becomes clear the man I shared my evening with deserves to get pelted.

My phone beeps, so I look down to read the incoming text. It’s from Luke.

Luke

Lorelai, I had a lovely evening. Thank you so much.

Bite me.But I don’t send that because I don’t want him to think he matters enough to make me mad.

Me

The food was wonderful

Luke

So was the company.

Me

Have a safe trip back to Chicago.

Luke

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