x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

Rachel Virginia Gatina cordially invites you to her highly anticipated Masked Twenty-Eighth Birthday Ball Extravaganza

Thursday, the seventeenth of January, two thousand nineteen seven in the evening until midnight

The Crystal Ballroom – Hotel Marriott 6677 Sea Harbor Drive · Orlando, Florida 32821

Cocktails 6:00 pm

Dinner 7:30 pm

"The event is black-tie. You can bring a plus one but please respond by the twenty-eighth of December two thousand eighteen so we can expect you."

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

November, 26, 2018…NYC, New York

Brooke Davis, co-owner of Lady in Red Cafe, frowned at the invitation in her hand and wondered when was the last time she seen the vivacious redhead. It couldn't have been as long as she imagined it to be... could it?

But yet it had to be because she was straining her brain to try and remember the last time they were face to face or in the same room together.

"Wow…"

"What?" Haley James, co-owner of Lady in Red Cafe, asked as she watched her lifelong friend sit down slowly.

Brooke frowned, "Do you remember Rachel Gatina?"

Haley rolled her eyes then said with a sarcastic chuckle, "Ugh do I? She tried to steal my boyfriend. Why do you bring her up?"

"Well she just invited me and a plus one to her birthday thing—"

"Don't even think about it Tigger! You and her were never a good mix!"

"I know but she was so fun to be around—and honestly if that whole trying to steal Clay thing hadn't happened you guys would be great friends too."

Haley rolled her eyes, "Says the woman that's racking her brain trying to remember the last time she saw the slutty bitch."

Brooke tossed a pillow at her then hissed playfully. "The claws come out! I wonder why is that? Are you afraid that when I see her again she'll replace you as my best friend?"

Haley snorted inelegantly before saying, "Like that'll happen."

"Damn right it wouldn't. We've been through a lot you and I and this rollercoaster isn't stopping anytime soon. So come with me to this party. If only to see if Rachel gets so wasted that she falls into a bowl of punch again."

Haley face held a semi guilty expression. "Oh I meant to tell you about that…she actually didn't fall. It was more like she was 'accidentally' pushed."

Brooke cackled, "You!"

She shrugged, "I'm sorry I saw an opportunity and took it. Sue me."

"Who are you right now?" Brooke asked humorously, completely baffled that she never knew that part of the story.

"Ha ha. It wasn't my most stellar moment I admit but you can not tell me she didn't deserve it."

Brooke was still dying from laughing so hard that she was red in the face. After sobering she told her, "You should definitely come with a warning label that says: Warning do not get on this ones bad side or you'll activate dynamite."

Haley tossed the pillow back at Brooke, "Shut up. You're one to talk. Your bad side is way easier to get to than mine."

"So are you gonna be my plus one?"

Haley looked at her in complete shock, "You're not gonna fight me on what I just said?"

Brooke shrugged, "I can't debate the truth. So are you in or out?"

"Fine... I'll go." Brooke let out a squeal as she jumped over to Haley's side of the couch and hugged her tightly. As she always did when she got her way.

"Good because I already RSVP'd."

"Brooke!!! Ugh, fine! But you so owe me!" She said even as Brooke was bouncing with her in her arms.

She stopped bouncing but continued to hug her as she said, "I will soo make it up to you!"

Haley met her eye and said half-seriously, "You'd better…"

"We can do whatever you want when we get down there."

"Down there as in where?"

Brooke grinned, "Orlando, Florida."

Haley frowned then complained, "Why did she have to pick Florida of all places? Tropical weather always makes my hair frizz up."

"I don't know but since it's winter it's probably not going to be as warm as you think. And while we're on the subject we have to go shopping."

"How is that on the subject?"

"Shopping, party in Florida hello?"

Haley allowed Brooke to pull her up and sighed, "Fine but we can't spend forever in the mall Brooke."

"Um no." Brooke said as she began to bundle up, "We need the perfect gowns for this thing so we my dear best friend are going to a boutique to get measured." Brooke said in a fast pace as she grabbed her keys. "And since I know fashion I will sketch exactly what we need."

"Then what do you need me for?" Haley asked as Brooke locked up their condo.

"Your exact measurements."

Haley had to shrug then admit, "Ah, you got me there."

Smiling while shaking her head, Brooke unlocked her jet black BMW M6 and settled herself in the butter soft leather seats. Once Haley was settled in she turned the ignition and sighed, excited for the first time in months. This party was going to be one she would always remember. She could feel it.

~x~

November, 27, 2018…Charlotte, North Carolina

Lucas Scott stared down at the invitation that just made it into his possession and scoffed with a small smile on his face. He hadn't seen nor heard from Rachel Gatina since before graduation which had to have been at least nine years ago. And if he remembered correctly they had been really cool when they parted ways.

But why reach out now? he thought pensively.

"Okay it's official!" Peyton Sawyer, his aspiring record label head aka professional groupie roommate exclaimed as she burst through their door coming from God knows where.

"What's official?" he asked as he peeked up from his book that also housed the invitation.

"I am bored out of my mind and I feel like doing something stupid because of it." Peyton said out loud, flopping down on the couch.

Lucas, reclining back, still flipping through his favorite Jane Austen novel. "Do Nathan, he's pretty stupid."

"That's not what your girlfriend said last night." Nathan joked back.

Lucas grabbed a pillow from behind his back and threw it at him then muttered, "Dick."

"Tool."

Nathan Scott, his pain in the ass little brother and roommate as of a few weeks ago when his girlfriend kicked him to the curb for reasons he refused to open up about. And he had been getting on his nerves ever since.

It's not like he didn't love his brother but his selfish pity-me attitude was a bit much. Lucas had to constantly remind himself of all Nathan had gone through.

"Come on guys I'm serious. I really wanna do something crazy. Something that no one expects me to do."

"Well you can go to Rachel's masked birthday ball thing. No one would ever expect you to go to one of those functions."

Nathan looked at his brother and asked, "What?" Lucas handed him the invite. His dark blue eyes poured over the card, "Is this the same Rachel that literally brought a on the go karaoke machine and performed 'Wicked Game' to some guy during lunch break when we were all in school?"

"The same one."

"Do you know if she'll have any bands there?"

Lucas turned his attention to her then said, "This is Rachel we're talking about. I'm pretty sure she will have a kick ass band. And did I mention that it's in Florida? The sunshine state? And in Orlando which has House of Blues."

Peyton looked at him and bit her lip thoughtfully before saying, "Why not! Let's do it."

"Alright... I'll RSVP and have you as my plus one."

Peyton grinned and hissed, "Awesome!"

Nathan however looked at him expectantly and when he didn't hear anything he snapped, "Dude what about me?"

"You can house sit—"

"Dude come on! I have literally only seen this four walls for the past few weeks. If anyone should go it's me!"

Lucas looked at Peyton who shrugged helplessly saying, "He has a point…"

"And besides there might be a few single women there—"

"I'm not sure if you should get back in the dating pool yet. Who knows! Missy might take your sorry ass back—"

"Luke I'm going to put it to you this way...she's never coming back to me. And if you were a good big brother like you usually are you would make sure that there's no way that I'm missing that party."

Lucas rolled his eyes then said, "Alright fine! But you owe me bro!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know you'd do anything for me."

"Shut the hell up." He murmured while typing an email accepting her invitation and typed out how many guests were coming with him. Lucas prayed that he wouldn't regret this.

"So what's the dress code?" Peyton asked oh so casually, but inside she was praying that it wasn't—

"Black tie."

Even though she was panicking Peyton laughed, "Do you guys even own a tux?"

"Do you own a dress?" Lucas shot back playfully.

Peyton stuck out her tongue and fiddled with the tassels on one of the pillows.

Everyone that knew Peyton Sawyer knew that she had never been the girlie type. Instead her style was bomber jackets, jeans, combat boots and a t-shirt with a band logo on it. There were only a few occasions where she had dressed up, his mom's wedding to Keith, homecoming and prom.

"Don't worry we have time to find some duds."

Nathan snorted with laughter. "Who even says duds anymore?"

"Nathan…your dick belongs in your pants, not in your personality."

"Guys before this becomes a pissing contest…one question."

Lucas looked at her then asked, "And what is that?"

"How are we supposed to get there and pay for clothes?"

He hadn't thought of that.

Lucas exhaled then shook his head and started typing, making his apologies and excuses for pulling out. Almost ten minutes later Rachel responded. And Lucas read it aloud. "Don't worry about it. I got that already covered. And three people's fine. Thank you for RSVPing! I can't wait to see you, Rachel."

"She has it covered?"

Lucas eyebrows rise in shock as he replied, "Yeah apparently. Well now that leaves us to get tuxedos and you a dress."

-x-

January, 1, 2019…

Once she had gotten confirmation from everyone attending Rachel Gatina, heiress and full time model, had sent everyone that accepted the invitation masks, plane tickets and their room key (she pulled some strings to make that happen) with a note thanking everyone and informing them that the celebration turned into a three day celebration. In fact she wasn't thinking about costs or what anyone would think. She was excited for the first time since she was a seventeen year old girl and was actually really looking forward to seeing everyone again. Even the one that think they don't like her.

"Are you sure you want to do this Rach?" Owen Morello, the man she loves dearly and former head of her security asked as they sent the final packages off. "There's still time—"

Rachel turned to face him and cupped his beard roughened cheek and smiled, "I appreciate what you're about to say but I want to do this. I'm really happy right now so please let me enjoy this."

Owen sighed and nodded, "Anything for you. But if it gets to be too much—"

"You'll pull the plug I know." she then kissed him tenderly, "Everything's gonna work out fine. You'll see."

"I admire your optimism."

Rachel looked back at him and smirked, "Is that all you admire?"

Owen chuckled then followed behind her, slightly giving chase after she started to run, her laughter echoing the walls of the multimillion dollar mansion.

~x~

January, 16, 2019

Lucas carried his and Peyton's bag, rushing through the terminal to catch their flight out. Nathan as always had made them late but was now somehow ahead of them even though Lucas had their tickets. Each of them putting in for time off their jobs weeks ago.

When they finally made it on board to their seats, the trio let out a sigh of relief and smiled.

Lucas turned to Nathan who was seated to his left and left little space between his thumb and index finger saying, "We were this close to not making it on time."

"I'm sorry that my alarm was somehow unplugged—" Nathan said as he tried to get comfortable in his seat.

"Nathan YOU unplugged your alarm." Peyton said with a chuckle. "You always do. But today was the one day you shouldn't have because we were relying on it."

Lucas shook his head, "I'm investing in one as soon as we make it back home. I definitely do not want to go through this again."

"Stop whining—we made it didn't we?"

"Have you heard anything from Missy?" Peyton asked, wondering if the two could get over the mystery hurdle that they were facing.

Nathan closed his eyes and exhaled, "Nope."

"It's a long flight…and it would be a great thing to release that tension from holding everything in by confiding in us."

"She's right. You've been really tight lipped about the breakup. I just wanna know what happened…how you two were so happy to her dropping your stuff on the curb?" Lucas added, looking at his brother with concern.

"You guys really wanna do this now? Fine. Missy kicked me out of our place because I wasn't what she wanted anymore. In fact what she wanted was in our living room when I got home from work that fateful day. He was willing to offer her everything I couldn't."

"And what was that?"

"Marriage. A family." Nathan sighed, "I didn't have much of a role model for either of those things so how can I possibly ever offer that to anyone? She didn't want to hear me out so here we are."

"Well then she wasn't the one. Because if she was…those things wouldn't be hard to offer. No matter the excuses." Lucas said as he clapped him in the shoulder. "One day you will meet the one for you bro."

Nathan shrugged, "Eh I'm not sweating it. If it happens great. If it doesn't that's fine too."

The stewardess made her way to the front and gathered everyone's attention saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Flight 342A with service from North Carolina to Florida. We are currently second in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately five minutes time. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing American Airlines. Enjoy your flight."

"Here we go…"

~x~

January, 17, 2019…

Brooke and Haley finally arrived at the hotel after getting horribly lost. They ended up going on Orange Blossom Trail and saw a lot of unsavory people including prostitutes. The women didn't dare ask them for directions. Instead Brooke rerouted the GPS and Haley followed the directions exactly instead of sightseeing, missing turns and almost getting into two accidents like the first time.

"Hello can I help you?" the desk attendant asked before they reached the elevator.

After being motioned over Brooke smiled, her dimples on display. "Hi we're guests of Rachel Gatina. She gave us a key and room number already."

Sandy L, the blonde desk attendant nodded, "I understand that but I still need to see your IDs to make sure that you are indeed a part of the guest list. Hotel policy."

Brooke rolled her eyes then rummaged through her purse. Haley did the same, until both produced their IDs and handed them over. "Can we go now? It's almost noon and my friend and I are exhausted."

Sandy nodded and motioned for the bellhop to come over.

"Ma'am?" He asked as he stood in front of the women, his eyes taking in Brooke appreciatively.

"Can you please take these ladies luggage upstairs please? Suite 938."

Brooke was the first on the elevator, and Haley second. Haley noticed that her friend was checking out the bellhops rear, her dark eyebrow hiking in appreciation. A few minutes later he led them to their suite and helped them settle in, hanging up their gowns and putting away their glam case.

"Thank you so much…you've displayed excellent service." Brooke said with a flirty glint in her hazel-green eyes.

The good looking bellhop blushed and smiled in return then shrugged bashfully, "I'm just doing my job ma'am."

"It's Brooke. Ma'am makes me think of someone old. And I don't want you to have that impression...at all." she said, her voice taking on a seductive tone that was working wonders on the poor guy.

"Speaking of age...How old are you?" Haley asked, sensing that he may be a little younger than Brooke thinks.

"I just turned eighteen a few days ago—"

Brooke's eyes widened in alarm, "So sorry to be rude but my girlfriend and I are really, REALLY tired. Thank you for your help! Bye!" she said as she hurriedly shoved him out of their room, tossing out a twenty dollar tip then slammed the door.

"I can't believe that I wanted to make out with a high schooler!" she hissed as she leaned on the solid door.

Haley chuckled then teased, "He's probably a graduate, you know."

"Did you know that he was that young?" She asked as she sat down on the plush sofa.

Haley cracked up then nodded, "The way he almost creamed his pants when you smiled at him kinda gave it away."

Brooke rolled her eyes then pointed out, "That's guys reaction to me anyway."

She frowned then nodded, "Yeah that's kinda true. Anyway it's not like he's that much younger than you! You could've still—"

"Ew no! I prefer that a guy be at least my age or older by a few years. Never younger. Who do I look like Victoria?!"

"Actually—"

Brooke glared at her then stated, "Say it and die!"

Haley then yawned and stretched, "Okay I'm going to take a nap for a couple hours in that nice looking queen size bed in there. You coming?"

"Nah I think I'm going to have a look around…"

"Okay...see you later then." she murmured while crawling into bed then flopping down in an exhausted heap.

Brooke frowned at first but then considered that Haley had been up all night helping her with her last minute packing, then added in the fact they were on a long flight and then getting lost in their rental. It had been a long day for Hales. So she would not give her grief for taking a much needed nap.

If she were honest with herself she should climb into bed herself but she wanted to look around and explore the hotel first.

She paused when a handsome boy in a black leather jacket and torn jeans entered the lobby with two people following him in. One who happened to be a leggy blonde.

Brooke smiled wickedly as her eyes devoured him up. As if he could feel her staring he turned in her direction and seemingly their eyes met. And Brooke's heart felt like it skipped a beat or two from the instant attraction.

He looked deliciously wicked from his longish blonde hair, dark blue eyes, his dangerous yet luscious curving mouth, and the cute dimple in his cheek.

Then the moment was gone as his attention was brought to the desk clerk.

He was definitely an interesting prospect.

"Well, well, well where have you been?" Haley asked as soon as Brooke walked in the door.

"Out minding my own business. I thought you were taking a nap?" she said as she sat on their bed.

"I will…but I just wanted to make sure you were ok before I go down."

Brooke smiled gratefully, "Thanks Hales. But now I'm tired too."

"I'm so ready to go down."

Brooke giggled, "That's what she said."

Haley groaned then said, "Brooke I'm too tired to filter my words so please shut up!"

The two friends fell asleep without another sound, having been that tired. All too soon though the alarm for them to wake up for the party sounded. Despite it being an hour long nap the two felt refreshed and excited for the ball tonight.

Brooke helped Haley style her dark blonde hair into a waterfall braid and curls. She then applied the amethyst eyeshadow then created a smokey effect with a shimmery purple stick, lining the inner upper and lower rims of her hazel eyes with a waterproof kohl pencil, and top her long lashes with mascara. She then applied a small amount of blush and pale pink lip gloss.

"Okay your turn. Sit."

Brooke chuckled and did as her friend commanded with a demure, "Yes ma'am…"

Haley began styling Brooke's dark tresses in a sleek formal updo with long spiral tendrils. She then applied a golden shadow on the eyelids making her eyeliner stand out effortlessly, then she painted her lips a deep red that miraculously matched her dress.

"To be honest now that we're here… and just so you know I really hate to admit this but I'm kind of excited for tonight." Haley said as she continued painting her lips with just enough lipstick.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah…call me crazy but I am."

Brooke chuckled then teased her good-naturedly, "Ah, the spirit of Rachel has finally begun to work it's charms—"

She shot her friend a look, "I wouldn't go that far."

"Damn I knew it was too good to be true."

-x-

The trio walked into the spacious lounge, Peyton who wore a black spaghetti strapped gown and a black venetian mask, her blonde hair swept into an elegant updo, Lucas wearing a white tuxedo and black vest while Nathan in classic black and white. Each brother wearing a plain black mask. The three taking in the sight of people filling up the space.

"Damn! How many people Rachel actually knew?" Lucas muttered to them as he saw a few more people filling in.

"Whoa…" Nathan said as he saw two stunning women enter the lounge.

"Hey I think I know that girl…" Lucas said in a stunned tone as he watched Brooke adjust her sparkling silver venetian mask then smoothed the front of her dress before walking fully into the room. "Well not know her...but I seen her before."

"Which one? The one in red or green?" Nathan asked, his interest wholly invested on the woman wearing a deep green off-the-shoulder satin ball gown and a gold sparkling venetian mask.

"The lady in red…I'm going to see if she's thirsty." he said in a far away tone, already walking away from their group.

Peyton gaped after him. "Um what about me?"

Nathan followed suit saying, "Do what you came for. Go nuts."

"I'll have a single malt scotch." Lucas said, feeling almost out of place in the opulent setting. He then turned to the beauty a few spaces away from him. "And you?"

Her eyes fastened on him, a little flicker of surprise were within her hazel-green eyes.

"Ah, you again…" she said sauntering closer to him, a sinful smile on her face. "You clean up pretty good."

"Yeah—but please, don't mind me."

Her eyes took him in slowly, and she asked, "What are you doing here?"

Lucas eyes narrowed playfully as he replied, "I could ask the same of you, but I have a sneaky suspicion that we may know the same person."

"You may be right."

"Do I get an introduction this time?" he asked, completely enthralled by the beautiful stranger before him.

She tilted her head slightly, her spiraling tendrils brushing her creamy shoulder. She then offered her hand saying, "Brooke Davis."

He took her hand in his and kissed it gently, heat in his eyes. "Lucas Scott…"

Brooke blushed prettily and reluctantly removed her hand from his. "It's nice to formally meet you."

"Likewise…"

Lucas eyebrow hiked as he asked, "About that drink?"

"I will take the leg spreader. You Hales?" Almost laughing outright at the adorable blush that tainted his stubbled cheeks.

"Brooke?" Nathan asked, knowing that unique voice and drink choice anywhere. He was completely stunned to see her here of all places.

Her eyes squinted then widened with joy. "Natey?! Oh my gosh I am so glad to see you! I can't believe that you are here!" She said as she hugged him tightly.

"How do you know each other?" Haley asked, feeling for the first time a bit of envy for her gorgeous friend.

"You remember I used to be the cheer captain in high school. Natey was the captain of the basketball team. You remember Hales I used to call him Hotshot." Brooke explained to her, well more like gushed.

Nathan's attention turned to the 5'4 beauty next to his old friend and smirked, "Hales?"

"Haley actually…Haley James." She said as she shook his hand. "And Hotshot is definitely ringing some bells."

"Did you ever order a drink?" Nathan asked as he saw Brooke enjoying her cocktail.

Haley shook her head, "I don't really drink."

Lucas nodded, "I remember you now. We had chemistry together. Mr. Orson."

Haley grinned, "Oh yeah! Oh my goodness we used to have a good time in there."

"I usually have a pretty good memory…why can I not remember meeting you?" Nathan asked Haley, knowing that he would have remembered her.

"That's because Haley was busy in the library tutoring than actually living." Brooke teased.

"Yeah and because of that I was able to save your ass so we could graduate together."

Brooke laughed and shrugged, "I can't deny that. That's true."

"Sounds a lot like how Lucas used to be."

"How long have you been friends?" Lucas asked curiously, wanting to know more about the woman in the red dress.

"For…" Brooke paused, frowning a bit.

Haley tapped her chin, "For…"

"For ages! I want to say middle school but it feels longer…"

Haley rolled her eyes and gave a short laugh, "It was longer. We met in elementary and were friends in 5th grade."

"Well technically I am right—just a grade off so you can't be mad at me." She said as she hugged her suddenly. She then set her eyes on the two handsome men before them and asked, "What about you two? How long have you been friends?"

"We're brothers so all of our lives?" Nathan said with a cute chuckle.

Lucas pointed at his brother then corrected, "Most of our life. Remember Dan kept us separated for a good while." He then leaned against the bar and asked, "How is it that we ran in the same circles but never met before now?"

Brooke flashed him a half smile then shrugged slightly, "I have no idea."

"I can't believe you douchebags left me!" Peyton said as she finally located them.

"Brooke this is our friend Peyton Sawyer. She came with us here." Lucas explained as soon as he saw the misunderstanding forming in her face.

Brooke nodded, "Is it like a three's company deal? Or are you into an alternative lifestyle—"

"Ohhhhh no. There's nothing like that happening between me and these two. They're like my brothers." Peyton said as she shuddered with disgust.

"Attention everyone dinner is now being served so follow me to the dining area."

The group of five entered the dining area and were luckily seated at the same table. But there was a man already seated there who no one recognized. Clearing her throat Brooke was the first to introduce herself effectively breaking the silence, "Hi I'm Brooke."

"Name's Jake Jagielski." He said with an awkward wave.

"I'm Haley."

"Lucas and this is my brother Nathan."

Peyton looked at Jake and a blush dusted her cheeks, "And I'm Peyton."

"Nice to meet everyone." Jake said politely. "Anybody have a clue why she invited all of us here? Most of the people I talked to haven't seen Rachel in years."

"Not a clue. I was actually wondering the same thing." Lucas said before a waiter walked up to take their orders. He looked up at the waiter and said, "Sorry we're still undecided."

The waitress smiled professionally and said, "No problem. Just motion me over when you're ready to order."

"Okay thanks!"

"Let's just go ahead and order and talk about this afterwards." Brooke suggested, already opening her menu.

After perusing the menu the group was ready to order. They all made conversation and got to know a bit about each other, sone making jokes as they shared a meal together. Brooke, ever the effervescent one entertained the most.

"It's true! Rachel and I would do the craziest crap but it was so fun. I'll be honest I miss it." Brooke said with a laugh after regaling the group with a tale of her and Rachel's high school adventures.

"You miss what?" Peyton asked, mildly curious.

Brooke shrugged, "I miss having fun. Having zero responsibilities. Just doing something for the hell of it. I mean adulting sucks."

Haley chuckled and took away her cocktail, "And that's enough for you."

"No she has a point. I mean I have been feeling the same way lately."

"Thank you!" Brooke said with a triumphant smile as she took her cocktail back from Haley's possession.

A tapping on a champagne glass interrupted the coming laughter, quieting the entire room. A tall gentleman that was built like a linebacker stood up and said into the microphone, "Can I have everyone's attention... thank you. My name's Owen Morello and I'm Rachel's husband. I just wanted to say thank you guys for coming to help celebrate this amazing woman. She couldn't believe how many of you showed up for her and it's touched her heart. For that alone I'm grateful. Anyway um we'll be singing Happy birthday in the count of three and then will be serving that huge cake. Okay one… two… three…"

"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Rachel...happy birthday to you!" The room sang, making the birthday girl blush and tear up as the beautifully decorated cake was wheeled to her.

"Happy birthday baby. I love you. Make a wish."

"I love you more." Rachel wiped her tears and blew out the candles shaped like a 2 and a 8 successfully, the room erupting in well wishes.

"Wow... I can't believe that she's married." Brooke said with a frown, "And she did it before me! Ugh that slut."

The table laughed as Haley made a grab for her drink again saying, "And we're back to square one."

Noticing most couples were making their way towards the ballroom Lucas got up from the table and made his way to her side, extending his left hand, palm up, slightly above waist level to the woman he could not stop looking at for the past hour and offer her his hand. "Would you like to dance?"

Brooke smiled, liking the way his smile transformed his face from brooding mystery man to a genuinely handsome one. "Absolutely."

While holding her with her left hand, pull her slightly towards his side, and place his right hand on the top/middle of her back, keeping her relatively close to him. Lucas continued walking out onto the dance floor with her, using that hand on her back to shield her from bumping into other people, which made Brooke feel safe and secure in his care.

Lucas skillfully maneuvered Brooke into his arms and carefully brought her into his body, not too close and yet not too far apart. Perfectly respectfully positioned.

"I don't know what I expected out of coming here but I'm glad I did." Lucas admitted as they continued swaying to the music.

Brooke eyes met his as she asked, "Oh really?"

Lucas tilted his head in confirmation and Brooke smiled, "Well in that case I'm definitely glad that you're here…"

~x~

After partying all night most of the guests were ready to call it a night. Seeing this Rachel quickly grabbed a mic and said, "Before you all retire for the night I have something to say…" she took a deep breath and continued to speak, "You may be wondering why I asked you all here... especially since most of you I haven't seen or spoken to in years." Rachel said with a flare and saucy smile that she was famous for. She then shrugged, "Truth is…I was bored. And I asked you all here to participate in a game of sorts."

"I knew that this was a bad idea…" Haley whispered in Brooke's ear.

Rachel looked in their direction and added, "Nothing insidious I promise…just a fully funded three day weekend of fun. Your rooms are paid for, food and drinks are paid for...and a little spending money for fun outside the hotel. All I ask is for your participation."

"What's the game?" Anton Taylor asked curiously as he folded his arms, his posture defensive.

Rachel smirked then answered mysteriously, "I will send out an email to each guest detailing the rules and activities. Should you choose to accept the invitation for the game... you are to meet here at 7:00 a.m sharp."

"What's the prize?"

"You'll have to win to find out." she said as she winked and smiled mischievously.

"I'm not playing unless I know what I'm playing for." Nathan, ever so competitive, replied as he stood next to Haley.

Rachel rolled her eyes, "Alright fine, suck the mystery and fun out of it why don't you. There's a mystery prize and a cash prize. For now I can only tell you that should you win all events you will win six million dollars." She then grinned at the crowds stunned faces and said, "Happy gaming ladies and gentlemen."