Luke's Daughters

Chapter Three

Luke

"Caesar, I need two orders of scrambled eggs with bacon on the side!" I called just as the bell above the door chimed, announcing new customers. "And Lane, the table by the window wants to order."

"On it, boss!" They both called back while I stood behind the counter, taking care of the customers who wanted to pay.

"Your know, the table by the window is Table 4." I recognized my wife's voice and looked up. She took her usual spot at the counter and Rory sat down right beside her.

"When did you number my tables?" I asked gruffly.

"Years ago!" Lorelai exclaimed. "Honestly Luke, how are we supposed to make this marriage work when you clearly don't listen to a word I am saying? I mean, think about the kids!"

"Yeah, think about the kid!" Rory jumped in, pointing to herself.

I gave them an exasperated look. "Just tell me what you want to eat, huh."

"Scrambled eggs, bacon on the side!"

"French toast!"

"You heard that, Caesar?"

"Already scrambling and toasting, boss!" He called back from the kitchen. "They sound famished!"

"Don't they always?" I joked back which Lorelai and Rory of course immediately started denying.

"Rory!" Lane called and rushed over to her friend. They both looked at me pleadingly and I nodded, indicating that yes, Lane was free to take her break. Both girls grinned and immediately started talking.

"So, when is April coming here again?" Lorelai asked suddenly.

"She should be arriving any minute now. As should the letter." I started tapping my foot impatiently. The bell chimed again and my head flew up, only to see Kirk entering the diner.

"Wow, Dad," Rory said. "You're a nervous wreck!"

"He's been like this all morning, sugar!" Babette called over from her table.

"Yeah, what's got his panties in a twist?" Miss Patty, who was sitting next to Babette, jumped in.

I took a deep breath. "I just want things to go smoothly," I said quietly, so only the three women in front of me could hear.

Before either of them could respond, the bell chimed again. And finally the right person walked in. April looked around the diner shyly before heading towards the counter. She only relaxed when she saw me standing right there. I gestured for Lane to please take over for me and she immediately went behind the register. I mouthed a quick "Thanks" and received an encouraging smile. April took a seat at the counter, coincidentally right next to Rory and I went over to her. Lorelai and Rory were trying - and failing - to subtly watch us.

"Morning, April." I greeted.

"Hi, Luke." April smiled. "So, was the mailman here already?" April looked just as impatient to find out about the news as I felt.

"Not yet. But he should be here soon," I told her. "Are you hungry?"

"I am actually." I handed her a menu and she studied it carefully. "Hm ... what should I get? Scrambled eggs or French Toast?"

"Scrambled eggs!" "French Toast!" Lorelai and Rory couldn't help themselves and immediately advocated their respective orders. I rolled my eyes at the two of them and April just looked at them with a surprised and slightly confused expression.

"Erm ... thanks?" Her answer was more of a question.

"April, I would like you to meet my wife Lorelai and my daughter Rory." I introduced with a smile. "Lorelai, Rory, this is April."