Meanwhile, as we wait for HomeMade to make its debut, Cameron has been in his cave, creating the music video for Lorelai. He’s spent the last week collecting footage from a number of sources, working all hours, day and night. He and Lorelai have decided to surprise me with the end result, which is sweet and maybe a little nerve-racking. Plus, I just miss him. Pathetic, I know. In my defense, I’ve gotten used to having him around after all his running.

He, Lorelai, and Craig have gone back and forth several times about when to release the song. Cam and I feel like, ultimately, it should be whenever Lorelai is ready. Because once it’s out there, there’ll be no stopping it. My friend has been hiding as much as any of us in Michigan. More so, maybe, because she’s not done being a star yet. She’s too talented to keep her music from the world. Honestly, if Drake Colter walked through the door right now, I would put on my highest (and only) stilettoes and kick him in the nuts. He broke not only her heart but also her spirit, and he cost her too many years. It could have all gone so differently if he’d stood by her side when everything went south.

I’m not saying you need a man to stand up for you. I’m just saying it’s nice to have someone to lean on when things get tough. Someone to take you against the kitchen island after you get done telling off your ex, finally. You know, to be there for you. Lorelai was left to topple on her own, and that’s gonna take a long time to forget. This album? It might just kick things off.

I’m glad she’s got her spirit back. There’s no containing it now.

Lorelai insists she’s ready—that she’s been ready—which is why she wants to release the single and video ASAP. As in, before the school year begins and she “chickens out and goes back to teaching third grade,” and before the pilot of HomeMade premieres.

“Everyone will want to tune in for your show after they hear your song and see the video,” she explains while perched on a barstool at Kevin’s place. It’s early on a Saturday evening … the last Saturday of the summer. “Plus, Lyle’s gonna be so annoyed.”

“Lore, it’s your song. And I don’t see any reason for Lyle to be angry. He should want his show to be successful, especially since we signed a contract for a whole season.”

“Oh, he does,” Cam says, gleefully rubbing his hands together. “But he won’t be able to take full credit and that’s gonna bug the shit out of him.”