GLORY DAYS | Luke Danes

EPISODE ONE: Pilot

Lucy Delaney woke up to the sound of rain tapping against the window. It was a dreary morning, the kind that made you want to stay in bed all day. But Lucy had never been one to linger; she had places to be, things to do. 

After a quick shower, she dressed in her usual attire- jeans, a band t-shirt, and a leather jacket that had seen better days. Grabbing her phone and a notepad, she headed out the door, locking it behind her. The plan for the day was simple: head to Luke's for breakfast, get some writing done, and maybe- just maybe- figure out why she felt such a pull to this town she once despised.

The town was just waking up as Lucy made her way down the familiar streets. She passed by Doose's Market, the Stars Hollow High School, and the town square, where the gazebo stood as a testament to the town's quaint charm. It was all the same, yet everything felt different. Maybe it was her; she was different now.

As she approached Luke's Diner, she noticed something that made her pause- a woman standing in front of the diner, sipping coffee and talking animatedly with Luke. The woman had long, dark hair, and was dressed in a stylish yet casual outfit. She seemed comfortable, at ease, like she belonged there. Lucy's stomach tightened with a feeling she hadn't expected- jealousy.

Lucy walked into the diner, the bell above the door chiming softly. The place was bustling with its usual morning crowd, but her eyes were immediately drawn to the woman at the counter. She was laughing at something Luke had said, her hand playfully slapping his arm. Lucy could see the way Luke's face softened when he looked at her, and it made her chest tighten.

Luke glanced up as Lucy entered, his expression changing from amusement to surprise. "Delaney," he greeted, his tone warm but with an undercurrent of something she couldn't quite place.

"Hey, Lucas," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She slid into a seat, keeping her eyes on her hands as she fiddled with the edge of her napkin.

The woman turned at the sound of Luke's voice and looked at Lucy with curiosity. "Hi there," she said with a bright smile. "I'm Lorelai Gilmore. You must be new in town?"

Lucy hesitated, caught off guard by the woman's friendliness. "Sort of. I stayed here for a while a long time ago. I'm just passing through."

Lorelai's eyes lit up with interest. "Really? How long ago?"

"Oh god, over a decade ago I guess," Lucy said, glancing up at Luke, who was busy pouring her a cup of coffee.

Lorelai raised an eyebrow. "Wow, Stars Hollow must have left quite an impression if you're coming back after all that time."

Lucy forced a smile. "You could say that."

Luke set the coffee down in front of Lucy, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. "Lorelai, this is Delaney. Delaney, this is Lorelai Gilmore. She practically owns this place with the amount of coffee she drinks."

Lorelai laughed, the sound light and genuine. "It's true. I'm single-handedly keeping Luke in business."

Lucy couldn't help but chuckle, despite the uncomfortable knot in her stomach. "Nice to meet you, Lorelai."

"Likewise," Lorelai replied. "So, what brings you back to our little corner of the world?"

Before Lucy could answer, the door to the diner swung open, and a young woman about sixteen walked in. She had the same dark hair as Lorelai and a similar air of confidence. She made a beeline for Lorelai, dropping into the seat next to her.

"Hey, Mom," the girl said, her tone warm and familiar.

"Hey, kid," Lorelai replied, turning to face her daughter. "Rory, this is Lucy Delaney. She's an old friend of Luke's."