Chapter 2: Never Thought...

"What did Peyton feed you this morning, man? You've been grinning all day," remarked Nathan as he and his older brother played a little one-on-one.

Lucas just laughed, "Nothing man. I'm just enjoying married life, that's all!"

Nathan laughed himself, "You know, they say marriage is in a state of bliss for the first couple of months. Then, it rears its ugly head soon after."

Lucas just smiled as he shrugged, "No ugly head here, just a wife I'm completely in love with."

Nathan nodded, "Yeah, I can see that. How's Kyle by the way?"

"He's a good boy. I love him. Oh yeah, Mom just came by this morning. She wants to spend some time with her grandson," answered Lucas as he made another three-point shot.

Nathan ran after the ball and passed it back to Lucas who remained standing by the three-point area, "That's good. I guess you and Peyt have some time alone."

Lucas smiled as he turned to his brother, "Yeah, I made some plans for the two of us tonight."

Nathan looked at him quite surprised, "I guess Scott's always know how to make their women feel special, huh?"

Lucas nodded as he laughed, "Looks like I'm living up to my Scott name after all."

"Hey Luke, Nate!" a man called out as he approached them.

Lucas turned around and smiled, "Hey Jonah, what's up?" Jonah Simmons is Nathan and Lucas' manager. So far, the guys could not be more pleased with the work he's been doing for them. Jonah has managed to get them some of the most high-paying endorsements. He has also been a key factor in giving both men a much needed publicity back when they were still rookies in the NBA.

Nathan studied Jonah from afar. "I can't believe I actually listen to this guy," he remarked to himself as he watched Jonah make his way to them. As he did, he received high-fives from the rest of the guys on the team. "There he is, 'The Eye'," muttered Nathan as he watched their manager walk towards them. Jonah got the said nickname since he's always been known to spot the most promising players even before they set foot in the NBA Draft. Indeed, he has an honorable reputation among the NBA community. For one, he is good friends with most of the team owners and managers. He's usually seen hanging out with the big men of NBA. Aside from that, he is also known to be able to obtain the kind of endorsement contracts any player would die to be signed to.

"So, please tell me you're both available tonight," began Jonah as he approached Nathan and Lucas. "There's a cocktail party at Liberty. A lot of the advertising scouts will be there. I can get you both bigger endorsement contracts than the ones you already have," explained Jonah with gleam on his eyes.

Lucas just laughed, "Well, that sounds promising Jonah, but I've already made other plans for tonight."

"C'mon Luke, what could be more important than this?" asked Jonah curiously to one of his towering clients.

Lucas leans toward his 5'1 manager to answer, "Um, my wife. I planned a romantic evening for us tonight so I really can't come. Well, maybe we can drop by."

Nathan scoffed at Lucas upon hearing his brother's explanation, "Drop by? Knowing you and Peyton...the moment you guys get it on, you forget everything!"

"Hey man, it's not like you and Haley don't end up doing the same thing," Lucas shot back as he laughed.

Jonah just shaked his head in disbelief, "You two are unbelievable!"

"When you have a girlfriend, Jonah, you'll understand," said Nathan as he grinned at their manager.

"Speaking of significant others, maybe you should do something for yourself tonight...for a change," suggested Lucas with a devilish grin.

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Jonah curiously.

"Instead of fixing us up with endorsement deals, why don't you try fixing yourself up with one of the fine women in the party? Hey, I bet the cheerleaders would be there too. Don't you like...what's her name?" asked Nathan as he turned to his brother.

"Rebecca," answered Lucas knowingly. He turned to Jonah and poked him lightly on the arm, "C'mon man, maybe you can finally ask Rebecca out tonight."

Jonah sighed, "I don't know...I think she's not interested in me. I'm not her type."

"What's her type then?" asked Nathan.

"She likes guys on jerseys, not ones wearing a suit and tie," replied Jonah sadly.

"But she does talk to you an awful lot. I've seen her approach you on court during our games," remarked Lucas who was starting to get puzzled.

"She does talk to me alright. But, she keeps asking me about the players on this team...who's available, who's taken, who's about to get divorced," answered Jonah miserably.

"Then, forget about her. Find someone else. How about you join the dating circuit tonight?" suggested Nathan.

"You make it sound like I won't be able to play the role of your manager tonight. Does this mean that you're not going too?" asked Jonah worriedly to Nathan.

Nathan just laughed, "Relax man, I'll be there. I might take Haley along as well." Nathan couldn't help but smile at the thought of his girlfriend.

"Based on our latest reports, it seems that putting up a manufacturing facility in Eastern Europe would prove to be highly cost-effective," proposed Eric Ames at the corporate meeting of Lane Industries that afternoon.

Ethan nodded at his adviser as he gave the proposal a thought, "Eastern Europe...I was hoping we could build our new plant somewhere here in the United States."

"Ethan, we looked into that possibility as well. When we computed the cost, however, we learned that it would be cheaper for us to use Eastern European labor," answered Claudia Lane, Ethan's business associate and first cousin.

Ethan shrugged, "I supposed we can try putting up a plant say...in Hungary or Scotland. I'm just concerned about the people's knowledge there in handling our operations."

Eric Ames raised his hand to speak, "Well, Mr. Lane, sir, I can confidently say that our training programs have never failed us in preparing our work force for our operations."

Ethan smiled at the remark. "Thank you for thinking of everything, Gramps, "he said to himself as he caught sight of his late grandfather's picture, hanging by their office walls. Ever since he was a young boy, he has always admired his grandfather. His grandmother called him the ideal husband, a true family man who has also managed to found one of the most successful family companies known today. Ethan's father soon took the chairman position and expanded the company even more. Now, the chairmanship has been passed on to Ethan who is taking the role with a great sense of responsibility. Determined to expand the company even more, he is constantly looking for new markets and new areas, which can serve as a venue for cost-effective production.

"So Ethan, what do you think?" asked Claudia, interrupting Ethan's thoughts.

"Uh...," Ethan began rather startled. "I think..." Ethan was about to continue when he heard a beep from the intercom.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Lane, but Ms. Santino is here to see you," said Anna, Ethan's secretary.

Ethan grinned upon hearing Maria's name, "Please tell her to come in, Anna. Thank you." Turning to the members of the board, he smiled at them, "I think that I would give you my decision by tomorrow. I just want to study the feasibility of this proposal further."

The members of the board nodded as they collected their papers and left the room. Just as soon as the door opened, Maria walked in with a nervous smile on her face, "I should have known you were having a meeting. I didn't interrupt anything, I hope."

Claudia smiled upon seeing Maria, "Not at all, Maria. Ethan can't make up his mind anyway." Turning to her cousin, "Isn't it rather too early to be having wedding jitters, cuz?"

Ethan just smiled at his cousin,"Who said anything about wedding jitters?"

Maria just laughed as she approached Ethan and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "It's alright, baby, I think having wedding jitters is sweet!" she whispered into his ear.

Ethan laughed as he faced his fiancé, "In that case, I do have wedding jitters!" Ethan pulled Maria closer. She ended up sitting on his lap as they shared a long, passionate kiss.

Meanwhile, Claudia was still in the room. She just smiled as she saw how happy her cousin is. "Um...I'm just 'gonna go. I'll see you both around, "she muttered as she hurriedly stepped out to give the couple some privacy.

As soon as they pulled away from the kiss, both just giggled. "Claudia must think we've gone crazy!" remarked Maria as she played with Ethan's hair.

Ethan grinned as he held up Maria's hand, which proudly showed their engagement ring, "I think this says how crazily in love I am about you."

Maria smiled at her fiancé, "You know, I've been thinking about our wedding lately."

"Me too, I thought we'll do whatever you like," suggested Ethan.

Maria's eyes lit up, "Really? Oh Ethan, you are just so sweet!"

Ethan just laughed as he held her hand, "I know it would make you happy."

"Then you don't mind if we have our wedding here, in New York?" asked Maria with hopeful eyes.

Ethan's face suddenly looked puzzled, "I thought you wanted to do it in our ranch."

Maria sighed as she let her head rest on Ethan's shoulder, "Well...I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and...I really think it would be best to have the wedding where I'm from. I mean, I grew up here, Ethan...it would really mean a lot to me if we get married here. Besides, we did meet in Central Park for the first time." Ethan smiled upon remembering that fateful day when they were both just four years old. Their families ran into each other while strolling onto Central Park. While the parents chatted among themselves, Ethan and Maria were left to play with each other. That day, they developed a close bond. At that time, they never expected that their relationship would ever escalate to an intimate level. Nevertheless, both Ethan and Maria knew they would be perfect for each other the moment their paths crossed once again.

Ethan nodded as he gave Maria a quick kiss, "If that makes you happy, a New York wedding it is!"

Maria smiled with delight as she put her arms around Ethan's neck and gave him another passionate kiss, "Oh...I love you!"

Ethan was happy upon seeing Maria satisfied, "So, can we now talk about lunch? I just have to finish a few things and we can go. Where do you want to eat?"

At the sound of lunch, the happiness on Maria's face vanished, "Oh...Ethan, I'm afraid I can't join you for lunch today. I'm actually running late for a meeting. Maybe we can just meet up for dinner?"

Ethan sighed with disappointment, "Sure baby, I'll see you tonight."

Maria nodded as she quickly kissed him on the cheek before standing up from his lap, "Okay baby, I'll see you later then." With that, she straightened her skirt and walked out of the office. As she passed by the doorway, she suddenly stuck her head out to Ethan, "Oh, I know this really good wedding planning agency here in NY. I'm sure they can help us."

Ethan nodded with a smile, "Great, maybe we could meet with them together one of these days."

Maria nodded, "That would be wonderful. You know Ethan, you're making me fall in love with you even more." Ethan just laughed as Maria winked at him before she left.

Brooke hurriedly rushed into the office as she stepped out of the elevator. Liz, her secretary caught up with her as she made her way to her office, "Oh Ms. Davis, your 10 'o clock is already waiting for you in your office."

Brooke sighed as she kept walking, "Just great. How does she look like?"

Liz looked at her confused, "Excuse me, ma'am?"

Brooke turned to her impatiently, "I said how does she look like, Liz? Is she in her 20's, 30's...50's, oh God forbid!"

Liz suddenly got startled as she flipped open the folder she was holding, "Um...she's 24, ma'am."

"Young...fresh," commented Brooke as she kept walking.

"She has recently started her own clothing line," continued Liz as she read the file.

Brooke suddenly grinned, "Fashion icon...chic...sassy...I'm thinking wedding right in the heart of New York City. We can have the reception at a really trendy bar, a fun and flirtatious evening!"

Liz smiled in admiration to her boss. Brooke has a way of getting things done. It's what Kate, Bliss' owner, likes about her. Liz tried her best to keep up with Brooke as they made their way to her office, "Oh by the way, Ms. Davis, the woman's name is Ci-"

"Cindy?" Brooke remarked with surprise as she stopped dead on her tracks right in front of her office and recognized the woman who was seated beside her desk.

Cindy turned around and looked just as surprised to see Brooke, "Well...well, Brooke Davis, I didn't expect you would be planning our wedding, Nick and I."

Brooke just smiled, "I didn't expect you'd be my 10 o' clock."

Cindy laughed coldly, "Late as usual and you don't even bother to apologize. You still suck at apologies, Brooke. You know, you should really improve on that."

Brooke just took a deep breath as she forced another smile. "Liz..." she called out as she began, "Can you give this woman here a cup of coffee while I go over to Kate?" Before she left, Brooke turned to Cindy with a haughty smile as she continued to give Liz instructions, "Oh Liz, double the packets of sugar on that java, it would take a lot to rid of the bitterness this woman has brought to my office." With that, she stepped out hurriedly. "I've got to find Kate," she muttered under her breath as she made her way to her boss' posh city view office.

Knocking before opening the door, Brooke stepped in. "Kate, I'm on a crisis!" she remarked in a panic as she sat in front of Kate's desk.

Kate just laughed as she looked up from the wedding magazine that she was reading, "Calm down, Brooke. You're not fat!"

Brooke just rolled her eyes, "It's not that...it's worse!"

Kate just smiled as she leaned towards one of her more promising wedding planners, "Alright, who is he and when did you screw him up?"

Brooke took a deep breath before she replied, "He's my new client's fiancé and she caught us making out in his car after a basketball game!"

Kate just stared at her surprised, "Oh my, this is a crisis!"

"I really don't think Cindy has forgiven me yet, although it's already been like...8 years," Brooke added with a slight hint of disgust.

Kate suddenly found herself giggling, "Well, was he good?"

Brooke shrugged, "He's alright, but I've had better."

Kate just laughed as she rolled her eyes, "You are unbelievable! Well, then I guess you don't mind just being professional and going on with this wedding."

Brooke looked at Kate with pleading eyes, "No, I don't think so...that woman is really cold on me, Kate. Weddings are supposed to be romantic, intimate... warm. I just can't plan a wedding with an ogre bride-to-be!"

Kate laughed upon hearing Brooke's explanation, "Then what do you want me to do, Brooke?"

"Can you pass Cindy on to someone else?" asked Brooke with hopeful eyes.

"You do know that you're only one wedding short for your promotion eligibility. Are you sure you don't want to just entertain this...ogre?" asked Kate intently.

Brooke sighed as she shook her head vigorously, "Not even if I'm offered a Vogue cover!" Brooke thought for awhile before she continued, "Well, I'll make you a deal. Give Cindy to someone else and I'll entertain the next needing-a-planner-bride-to-be, no matter who it is."

Suddenly the phone rang. It was Kate's direct line and she immediately picked it up, "Hello...oh hi...you're engaged, I don't believe this! Kate suddenly looked knowingly at Brooke, "Well, I know just the perfect wedding planner for you. I'll give you one my best!"

Brooke smiled as she mouthed out a "thank you" to Kate. Suddenly, she felt like all her troubles have been lifted up from her. "There's no such thing as double jeopardy in weddings, is there?" she asked herself as she remained seated in front of Kate.

When Haley arrived at her desk, she frowned at what she saw. "Oh, this is going to be a long day!" she muttered under her breath as she stared at the huge stack of paper on her desk. She was doing some research for a story she's working on. Apparently, she's only managed to collect reading material and was yet to get started on reading all of them. Instinctively, she picked up the phone for a quick call. As she heard someone pick up on the other line, she greeted, "Hey, it's me."

Brooke's voice seemed really happy as she answered, "Oh hey Haley, looks like I can do lunch today after all!"

Haley managed to give a sly laugh as she frowned at the paper pile on her desk, "Well, looks like I can't. Maybe another time?"

Brooke's voice was suddenly full of concern, "Having a tough day at work?"

Haley found herself nodding, "Yeah, I got a deadline to meet so I think I'll be stuck here the whole day."

"Alright well, let's do something when you're done slaving off your desk. Oh FYI, Cindy was my 10 o' clock," Brooke said with a giggle.

Haley eye's suddenly widened in shock, "As in Cindy...Nick's Cindy?"

"Uhuh...don't worry, I kicked her out of my clientele list. I told Kate I don't do weddings for ogres!" Brooke explained in a matter-of-fact tone.

Haley suddenly burst into laughter, "If I remember correctly, you were the one who made out with someone else's boyfriend so, that would make you the ogre!"

Brooke just laughed, "Oh...please! In fact, I was doing Nick a favor...letting him have a taste of what he's missing."

At this point, Haley just rolled her eyes in disbelief, "Right? You know Cindy can be a war freak. I sure hope you didn't tell her that straight in the face."

"Of course not, I'll make sure I'm holding a baseball bat or a gun first!" answered Brooke confidently.

Haley just nodded, "Well alright...you go have a blast playing with people's wedding fancies while I get some boring work done."

"Alright Hales, see you when I see you!" answered Brooke as she hang up.

Haley couldn't help but smile as she put the phone down and started to reach out for some of her research materials. "Hales, I got an exclusive for you," said a familiar voice who suddenly appeared by her desk.

Haley looked up and smiled. It was her editor Dave who was giving her a familiar knowing smile. "What's up, Dave? Is this 'gonna be worth my time?" she asked as she folded her arms across her chest and leaned on her chair.

Dave just laughed, "Well for starters, I'm sending you to Paris."

Haley's eyes widened with excitement as she leaned closer to Dave, "Are you serious? Coz' if this is just a joke, Dave, I'm not sure if I ever want to listen to anything you say."

Dave nodded as he grinned, "No Haley, I'm not making anything up. You're going to Paris. I need you to do a runway report."

Haley just looked at him puzzled, "Wait, you want me to do...."

"A fashion report, Ms. James!" Dave said as he continued Haley's sentence.

Haley was really taken by surprise, "But I don't do fashion reports."

"Well, you do now. There's this young upcoming designer who will be making a debut on the runway and his PR agency asked for you," explained Dave.

Haley shook her head in disbelief, "Why would someone want a fashion report from me?"

"Perhaps, they want a...fresh perspective," suggested Dave.

Haley just sighed as she nodded, "Alright, then I guess I'm off to Paris."

Dave let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Haley's decision, "Great, you better start packing up then."

Haley suddenly looked up with a puzzled face, "What do you mean?"

Dave just grinned as he handed Haley her plane ticket, "Your plane leaves tonight. Oh if you have time, can you grab me a box of éclairs? Have fun, Hales!" With that, Dave waved good-bye and headed back into his office.

Haley let out a sigh as she checked out her plane ticket. "Well, at least I'm flying first class," she remarked to herself.

Suddenly, the phone on Haley's desk rang. She immediately picked it up, "Hello?"

"Remember your red strappy dress? Put it on tonight," greeted a husky voice from the other end of the line.

Haley's eye's widened in puzzlement, "Nate, what's going on?"

Haley could hear Nathan chuckling a little, "Well, there's this cocktail party tonight for the team and I want to show off my girlfriend. Not that you already look stunning as you are, but that red dress makes you look even more...special."

Haley just laughed, "Hmm...special, right! Well, as much as I want to make you a proud boyfriend tonight, I also have an editor who'll be expecting a praiseworthy fashion report."

"You've got a fashion show to cover tonight?" asked Nathan curiously.

"Umm...yeah, I do. It's this designer who's new in the fashion scene," explained Haley as she looked over the press release that a co-writer just handed to her on the designer.

"Oh...well, maybe we can go there together and then, we'll go to the party afterwards," suggested Nathan with a hopeful voice.

"Well..." Haley sighed before she continued, "That would be great...if I weren't going to be about a thousand miles away. Nathan, I'm flying off to Paris tonight."

"Tonight? Well, I sure didn't see this coming," Nathan's voice was clearly full of disappointment and this made Haley feel really bad.

"Nate, I promise I'll make it up to you. I just have to do this. It's my job," Haley said as she desperately tried to explain. There was silence on the other end of the line. All Haley could hear was Nathan sighing with disappointment. After some time, Haley couldn't take it anymore, "Nathan, are you okay?"

Finally, Nathan spoke up, "Um...yeah, guess I'll just hang out with Jonah then."

Haley suddenly had a puzzled expression on his face, "Where's Lucas?"

Nathan let out another sigh before he answered, "Lucas is not coming tonight. He planned something special for him and Peyton."

Haley felt her heart sinking upon realizing how bad Nathan must be feeling at that very moment, "Nate, I promise I'll make it up to you. Look...just go to the party and have fun."

Nathan managed to give a sly laugh, "I don't know if that's possible. I guess, I'll just work on getting some more endorsement deals. I'll miss you, Hales. Uhh...listen, I 'gotta go, love you!" With that, Nathan immediately hanged up before Haley could say anything.

Haley just stared at the phone. "I love you too," she muttered under her breath.

"Mrs. Scott, you've been getting great reviews from the press," greeted Rachel as Peyton walked into her gallery.

Peyton smiled with satisfaction as she took off her coat and looked around her exhibit, "Thanks Rachel. You know at some point, I didn't think anyone will like it."

Rachel just smiled at her boss, "Well, they love your style ma'am. They say it's so fresh. They've never seen any work like it."

Peyton smiled gratefully at her as she made her way to her desk, "Well, that's good to hear." As she reached her desk, she saw a light blinking on her voice mail. She couldn't help but grin upon seeing it. She had a good idea who the message was from. She turned to Rachel and gave her a familiar look, the one that meant she needs some privacy. Rachel immediately understood Peyton and just smiled at her as she started to leave, "Um, I'll just grab some coffee."

Not wanting to wait any longer, she immediately hit a button to check her message for the morning. The voice on the device said, "You have 1 new voice mail, received 9:45 today." Then, a familiar voice greeted her from the voice mail, "Hi baby, it's me. I miss you...I know we've only been a couple of hours apart but, I miss you Peyton. I love you! I knew you wouldn't be at work yet so I thought I'd talk to your voice mail. Oh yeah, don't forget our plans tonight...you do know I was serious about what I said this morning, right? Damn, I feel like we've just gotten married! I'll pick you up after practice. I promise baby, we're 'gonna have the time of our lives. Can't wait till later. I love you again!"

Peyton just stood in front of the voice mail, smiling as she stared at it. "Am I the luckiest woman in New York or what? "she muttered under her breath.

A/N: I would like to thank everyone who gave me reviews for chapter one. It really means a lot to me! To oth/o.c.fan213, the final chapters of This Time Around should give you a good picture of what had happened to Brooke and Jake & where they're at in this story. Also, thank you so much for taking interest in this story. I really hope you all keep your reviews coming. It inspires me to keep going with this sequel. Thanks again!