A/N: Okay, so it's been a long time. I'm not going to give you any excuses except to simply let you know that I have been busy, really busy. This story was definitely put on the back burner until I pretty much forgot about it. But, I read through everything that I had already written back when I started posting the story (which is probably like 4 more chapters) and I realized that I really do love this story and that now that I actually have a break in my life, that I do want to continue it. So, as long as you guys still want to read it I am going to continue updating! I'm sorry for the horribly long delay, and I promise that if you are still reading that I will update by the end of the week! P.S. I have to dedicate this chapter to those of you that emailed me asking about the story, and reminding me that I needed to figure it out and update. You guys are neat, A+ readers for sure.

Chapter Three- We Get On

I'd conducted a plan
To bump into you most accidentally
But, I was walking along
And I bumped into you much more heavily
Than I'd originally planned

Lucas

On Saturday I wake up early. For some reason I had a hard time sleeping last night. When I can't sit still in bed any longer, I get up and put on a pair of basketball shorts. I pause when I hear Lindsey mumble something in her sleep, and watch as she turns and pulls the blankets up to her chest. She is still sound asleep and I envy her.

I walk into the kitchen and get a water bottle out of the fridge. After taking a long drink, I decide that I need to get rid of some of the pent up energy I have. I write Lindsey a quick note, and leave the house.

Running is not exactly smiled upon with the heart condition I have, so I try to stay at a steady jog. I find that when I am in shape, eating right, and taking my medicine, that I have less problems with my heart. I think stress has a lot to do with it as well, and with my lack of writing lately, stress has definitely been present.

The streets are quiet and still as I jog. There are few cars on the streets, and the sky is blue. Every once in awhile, someone drives by me and honks, then waves. Everyone knows everyone in Tree Hill. It is starting to heat up, but isn't unbearably hot yet. I stop at the corner of my neighborhood, and try to decide which way to go. I can either run towards the beach, or I can run past Nathans house and go to the River Court.

B.L

As I stand on the doorstep, I wonder if this really was a good idea. It's only 6:30 in the morning, and it's a weekend. I am starting to question my sanity, if I wake up Jamie, Haley will question it for me.

The front door opens slowly, and its making me a little nervous.

"Oh god!" Brooke shrieks, jumping back and placing her hand over her heart. "Geez Lucas, you can't just stand there like that…all quiet this early in the morning. Its creepy as hell!"

I try not to laugh, but I can't help but not smile. "Sorry," I say, "I really didn't mean to scare you."

"What are you doing here?" Brooke asks, one hand placed near her heart as she tries to catch her breath from being scared. She is holding a cup of coffee, so at least I didn't wake her up.

I take a step back and scratch the side of my head. A stupid habit that I can't kick. "Well, I was going for a run and decided to see if maybe you wanted to join?"

Brooke purses her lips together in thought and then nods slowly. "Yeah, I was going to go anyways, so why not?" She steps aside, opening the door a little bit wider. "I'm going to go change real quick, you can come in but everyone is sleeping so I suggest you keep quiet."

I nod my head in understanding and follow Brooke into the house. The quiet is too noticeable. I am so used to the chaos of Jamie, that I can't remember a time that I was in this specific house and surrounded by an uncomfortable silence.

I walk into the kitchen and sit on a barstool. I pull the morning newspaper towards me, and pretend like I am reading it. If I look beyond the dining room, I can barely see into the living room where Peyton is asleep on the couch bed. I haven't seen her for a couple of days, and I feel kind of guilty. I make a mental note to call her later, we need to finish up paperwork for her recording studio that I think she is ready to start.

When I see Brooke walk into the kitchen in her spandex pants, I am relieved. She waves me towards the front door and I follow her out.

B.L

"God," I barely breathe out, panting heavily as I lean over. "You are a force to be reckoned with."

Brooke waves a hand at me, "Oh, barely." She says modestly, sitting on the picnic table.

"No really," I say, walking slowly towards her and taking a seat next to her. "You are fast. Like marathon winning fast. I didn't even know you were a runner."

"it's a new hobby" She says almost nonchalantly, but really I am impressed with her. And she doesn't even know it. "And anyways, I couldn't keep up with you on the basketball court if it killed me."

"Well I am glad I can keep my dignity on the court," I say with a laugh.

"Hey, me and the girls are going to the beach later. I was thinking of inviting Lindsey." Brooke says, and then pauses, looking up at me with her big hazel-green eyes. "Do you think that would be weird?"

Yes. "No," I say with a shrug. "She would probably really like that."

Brooke nods, and sits quietly pulling on the hem of her baggy t-shirt. I feel like she is acting weird, but then I realize that I might not know the brunette as well as I used to. I usually can't get her to sit still or be quiet, but she seems perfectly content in the silence. The more I think about it, the more awkward it feels.

"Ready to head back?" She asks, breaking me from my thoughts. "You don't have to run clear back to Naley's, if you want to just break off when we get in between their house and yours we can."

I don't know what to say, because I really don't mind running with her back to Nathan and Haley's. I know I would feel better if I knew she got back safely, but I kind of feel like she doesn't want me to.

"Really Luke, that would be silly. It's too far out of your way" She says again, making the decision for me.

B.L

When I open my front door I am met with the smell of breakfast. I walk into the kitchen, head straight for the fridge for new, cold water.

"Hey baby" Lindsey smiles, holding up a spatula. "How was your run?"

"It was good," I say in between drinks. "I'm exhausted though…"

Lindsey frowns, setting her spatula down on the counter. She steps towards me and wraps her arms around me, even though I am covered in sweat. "Are you okay?" She asks, running a finger along my forehead. "You didn't overdo it, did you?"

I feel bad, because she is always worried about my heart. It's nice to be on the receiving end of the worry sometimes, and this just reminds me of the reasons that I truly care about her. "I'm fine Linds," I say, reassuring her. I kiss her forehead and squeeze her sides. "I took my medicine today, and I actually feel pretty good, I'm just tired."

She nods, "Well, I made biscuits and gravy" her smile returns to her face as she walks back towards the stove.

"That sounds great" I smile, it smells amazing. "I'm going to go grab a shower, and then I will come join you."

B.L

My life with Lindsey is comfortable, and its easy. She cares about me, and I care about her. We somehow fall into a comfortable rhythm together, and it makes life bearable. I like not having to worry so much, not to have to think about everything that was happening around me and the consequences that it would have on my relationship. Being with Lindsey is easy, and I hate to think that I take advantage of that. All I know is that I like her, I like spending time with her, and I am always happy to come home to her.

We sit side by side as we eat breakfast. I scan the sports section of the newspaper while she looks through an old issue of B. Davis magazine. I rest my hand on her thigh, and can't help but watch her as she reads through the pages and it makes me wonder what kind of thoughts Brooke Davis is putting her head, and I definitely know the feeling.

As if she is reading my mind, Lindsey links her fingers through mine and looks up at me. "Guess who called me while you were in the shower?" I raise my eyebrows in question and watch as Lindsey smiles. "Brooke did," She sounds excited, "She invited me to go to the beach with her and Haley today…" She pauses, looking down at our hands. "I was kind of excited, I mean, that she called to ask me to come. I would expect it from Haley, but I don't know. I'm just excited."

I smile at her, her genuine excitement makes me happy. "Good, I'm glad. You guys will have fun… As long as you like tanning and gossiping."

"I think I can handle an afternoon of that" She grins. I know she misses her friends from back home, so I'm glad she is getting a chance to go out with the girls here. "What are you going to do today?"

I shrug, folding up the newspaper and setting it aside. "I think I'm going to head down to the River Court with the guys. I promised Jamie that we could play basketball, and since you will be busy today it's a good opportunity."

"That will be fun" Lindsey smiles, she stands from her chair, and stands behind me. She wraps her arms around my neck and rests her chin on my shoulder. She kisses my cheek, "I'm going to go get ready."

B.L

Playing basketball with Jamie is more tiring than playing an actual game. That kid definitely has energy, and actually can run pretty fast while dribbling a basketball. NBA, watch out. After we play around on the court for awhile, Jamie starts throwing the basketball at flocks of birds that have perched in a tree by the court. He thinks its extremely funny, and it reminds me of the mischief of being a little boy.

"Your kid is going to raise hell, you know that right?" I laugh, patting Nathan on the back. He is watching Jamie with wide eyes, and I can tell that he is trying to decide if he should stop his son or not.

"It's just harmless fun. Hopefully he calms down as he gets older," Nathan says with a nervous laugh.

"Haley would be freaking out if she was here right now" I laugh, watching as Jamie starts kicking the basketball like a soccer ball. "If I hadn't seen that kid asleep, I wouldn't believe that he did."

"Dad!" Jamie practically yells, running over to the picnic table we are sitting at. "Dad, can we go down by the river and throw rocks?"

"As long as you promise to stop tormenting birds" Nathan says, and Jamie laughs uncontrollably. "Come on monster, no touching the water though."

"Okay!" Jamie promises, running towards the river.

We follow him down there, Nathan making sure that Jamie isn't getting too close to the water. I think that Haley has made him a little bit nervous. Jamie is walking along the waters edge, picking up the biggest rocks he can find, and long sticks. We step up behind him, and let him go wild, throwing stuff into the river.

"So how are things going with you?" Nathan asks, and I can tell that there is more to this question that it seems.

"Things are good, you know. Normal I guess." I say with a shrug, hoping that this is as far as this little conversation goes.

Nathan laughs, "I guess it is normal for Lucas Scott to have multiple girls bowing at his feet."

I shake my head and can't help but smile. I can't believe this guy is my brother. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, first we have Lindsey. Strong, silent type and obviously in love with you. Why? Well, we can't really figure it out. And next up, we have the two constants in your life…Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer." Nathan holds his hand up to shush me, "And don't try to deny it because Peyton has been sleeping on my couch, and I hear her talking about you. And well, its Peyton. She's always been there. And the Brooke thing. You two are always ending up in the same places, somehow. You guys have serious history." He pauses for a few seconds. "God, how do you deal with all of this?"

"Well its pretty easy. See, I only have one girlfriend" I say easily. I should've known this conversation was bound to arise. "Brooke and Peyton are just friends. And if I remember correctly, you have history with both of them as well, they have both been sleeping under your roof, but no one expects them to be sleeping in your bed."

"That's true" Nathan says with a shrug, but by the way he is looking at me, I can tell he thinks that something is up.

After awhile we decide to head home. I drop Nathan and Jamie off at their house, and then head home. The sun is starting to set, so I am hoping that Lindsey is home. I know she has to go back to New York in a few days, and I want to be able to spend at least a little time with her before she leaves. The more I feel like wanting to see her, the better I feel about my feelings with her.

Maybe everyone is right. Maybe with Peyton and Brooke back in town I should be careful. I can't deny the way I want to be around them, but I always justified it because I haven't seen them for so long. But I need to be careful. I have Lindsey, and she is good for me.

I walk into the house our bedroom and I hear the shower running. I decide to order a pizza, because I don't feel like cooking.

I'm sitting at my laptop when Lindsey comes out of the bathroom, drying her hair with a towel.

"Hey babe" She smiles, obviously happy to see me typing away at my laptop. She leans down and kisses me quickly. "How are you?" She asks, but I know that she really wants to know how the writing is coming.

"I'm good, and I actually have had some sudden inspiration" I smile, tipping my laptop screen down and watching her as she sits on the bed. "How was your day?"

"It was good" She grins, letting her wet hair spill out over her robe. "It was extremely relaxing and therapeutic. I don't know why I don't take advantage of having the beach so close more often."

"So you guys had a good time then?"

"Yeah we did" She says softly, and then pauses for a moment, biting on her lip. As I watch her, I can't help but think of Brooke, biting on her lip when she's frustrated, or when she's thinking. I shake the thoughts from my head as soon as Lindsey starts talking again. "I had a lot of fun with Haley, and Brooke was really nice. But I don't think Peyton likes me. I tried to talk to her and stuff, but she practically ignored me all day. Brooke told me not to worry, that that's just how Peyton is. But I don't know, I feel bad."

I'm not surprised, Brooke has always been a good friend, and no wonder she would even be a good friend to my girlfriend. But Peyton, she's another story.

B.L

Lindsey has been gone for over a week now, and my house has been extremely quiet. Her trip in New York got extended, and now she is flying to Chicago to meet with a new author. We usually talk on the phone every night, and I can tell she misses me. But I'm not so sure anymore, and it scares me. The distance is making me realize how different we really are. And that maybe our relationship is too easy. I always liked the simplicity of us, but now I am starting to wonder if it should be different. I have a feeling we are sliding away from the romantic side of our relationship, and over to the friendship side. I try to ignore these thoughts that I have, because I don't want things to change. I have been staying away from Peyton and Brooke, because I don't want them to complicate what I am feeling.

I have written a lot over the past week. I don't know how I suddenly was so inspired to write, but it just seemed to happen. I am glad, because it has kept me busy. I know that Lindsey is going to be extremely happy when she gets home. Between coaching the Ravens and writing I haven't had time to remember.

B.L

I completely forgot that Brooke was moving into her new house this week, and I feel like a complete ass. Last week she suddenly changed her mind and said that she didn't need any help moving, but I still feel like I should have been there. When I remember it's almost 9 p.m. on a Monday night, and I wonder if I should stop by. And suddenly the thought of seeing her is making me anxious.

I decide to get dressed, and run some gel through my still wet hair. I look in the pantry and find a bottle of wine, and decide that it will do for now as a housewarming present.

The drive to her house is quick, and for some reason I am feeling nervous. I walk up to her front door, and start to think that maybe stopping by without calling wasn't a good idea. I know Brooke has been seeing Owen from Tric, and I really don't want to see her with another guy. Right as I am about to change my mind, turn around, and go home, the front door opens.

"I thought I saw headlights" Brooke says, smiling up at me. She is wearing shorts and a tank top, with her hair tucked behind her ears. She looks so little, and I got a sudden urge to hug her. But I quickly removed that idea from my thoughts. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to come in?" She asks with a small laugh, and her dimples almost make me melt.

I lift up the bottle of wine, "Congratulations on the new house" I say, handing the bottle to her. She examines the bottle and smiles at me, closing the door after I come in. "Sorry that I came over without calling, I hope you aren't busy" I tell her, unconsciously scanning her house for signs of Owen.

She waves a hand at me, "Don't be silly, you don't need to call." I follow her into the living room, and we sit down on the couch. "I was just working on some designs. And I was actually about ready for a wine break," She says with a wink. She turns the volume down on her iPod and sits at the end of the couch, tucking her long legs underneath her.

It always amazes me at how comfortable we are around each other. I guess Brooke has always been that way.

"So Mr. Broody Writer Boy, how have you been doing lately?" Brooke asks, twirling a strand of hair on her finger.

"I actually have been doing pretty good. And have actually been writing, which is a good change."

"Yeah, Lindsey did say that you had been struggling in that department" She frowns, "But at least you have something going now. I'm sure she will be thrilled." I nod, and Brooke continues, "Where is she anyways? How come she didn't come over with you?"

There are a million answers to this questions. Should I tell her, I would rather be alone with you and not have my girlfriend here? But instead, I give the easy answer, "She is actually in New York still, and on her way to Chicago tomorrow."

Brooke gives a big nod as she forms an 'O' with her mouth. "I see," She says. "She's really nice Luke."

I fell like she is trying to reassure me, but I can sense a hitch in her voice, and I am hoping its because she might not like the idea of me having a girlfriend. But I know that I am just making all of this up, and that Brooke is just being nice, and is genuinely happy for me.

I change the subject, feeling awkward talking about Lindsey with Brooke. "So, how's your new store going? When are you guys going to be ready to open?"

She shrugs, always modest. Even though we have all watched her shoot to superstardom. Her name has become a brand, her face an icon.

"It's all running pretty smoothly. The café was in pretty good shape so it's not taking much to get it ready" She says. I watch as she scoots to the farthest end of the couch away from me, turns her body to face me and stretches her legs acriss the couch, resting her feet in my lap as she leans back against the arm of the couch. This reminds me of High School, and I think I like it.

"Victoria is still having a fit over it though. You should have heard the phone call when she heard about me buying a house!" Brooke laughs, wiggling her feet around on my leg. "I think she thought that I would get sick of Tree Hill, and move back to New York without even opening the store here. But I think once I bought the house she realized I was serious."

I shake my head, typical Victoria. I wish she could open her eyes and actually see what an amazing daughter she has. I don't really know what to say to make Brooke feel better, so instead I hold one of her feet in my hand and smile at her, "You are doing great Brooke. You really should be proud of yourself. You have accomplished more than most of us could dream of."

Brooke gives me a small, slanted smile and shrugs her shoulder. "I guess. But maybe I just got lucky, ya know? And what if I open this store here and I realize that Victoria really is the brains of this whole operation and I fail miserably."

It breaks my heart to see Brooke doubt herself, and I just want to reach over and wipe the frown off of her face and replace it with the smile that makes a bad day good.

I run my hand along her foot and ankle, and look into her hazel eyes. "That's not going to happen Brooke, don't even worry about it. You had your business running before Victoria came back into your life. You can do this. Victoria is the one that should be worried, not you. And I am here to help you, we all are."

She smiles at me, but its not a full Brooke Davis smile. "Well thanks." She waves a hand at me, "Anyways, enough of this sob story stuff. I'm going to go open the wine."

Brooke

Its nearly midnight, and the wine that Lucas brought over is gradually diminishing. I feel light, but heavy at the same time. I don't remember laughing this much in a long time. It's good to have my friend Lucas back.

Somehow the conversation turned to High School, which can be scary. But thanks to the wine, it all just seems so easy.

Lucas lifts his wine glass up, and leans towards me. "Oh God, remember that time, was it before or after I got the tattoo? That Keith walked in on us in my bedroom?" He's laughing, and I find myself following along.

"How could I forget?" I laugh, holding my hand to my head in sudden embarrassment. "Luke, that was soooo bad! I don't know what was worse, Keith walking in on us or Deb catching us buying condoms!"

"I think the worst part was probably Deb telling on me" Lucas laughs, his hand resting on my knee. "We definitely got into a lot of trouble, but it was worth it. I miss you Brooke."

He's staring at me know, his eyes not breaking contact with mine. The laughter has died down, and the mood has suddenly changed from silly to serious. We are sitting a little too closely now, and I am starting to think that maybe wine wasn't the best idea. While Lucas stares at me, I find myself starting to breathe heavier and the weight of his hand on my knee seems to be getting heavier. There is one thought repeating over and over again in my head: Lucas has a girlfriend, this shouldn't be happening.

Emotions seem to be running on high, and I know that tonight I have had feelings that should be kept under the rug. We are adults now, and we need to act like it.

"I guess I should probably be going, let you go to bed." Lucas says, and I feel bad because I'm sure he feels at least a little bit awkward.

I nod, and rest my hand on top of his hand, to hopefully make him feel better. We are friends, and I decide its okay for friends to reminisce over the past. It's actually quite normal and that makes me feel better.

"I had fun tonight Luke," I say in a quiet voice, reaching my hand to my face and moving a piece of hair behind my ears.

"I did too" He says, and his smile makes my heart beat faster. He then stands up, and reaches for my hand to help me off of the couch and I amaze at how fast I sobered up.

I follow him to the door, and lean against it after he opens it.

"Have a good night Brooke" He says, and he leans in and gives me a small hug, his touch seems feather light.

He pauses for a second, and a little too quickly I blurt out, "You shouldn't be driving!" He starts laughing, probably at the sudden outburst and I feel my cheeks turn pink. "I mean, you can sleep on my couch if you need to…"

I can tell he is considering it, and I hope he stays. I know I would feel horrible if something happened on his drive home considering the amount of wine we drank. Then again, when it comes to wine I am a lightweight. But we are known for our car accidents around here.

"If you're sure its not a problem" He finally says, and I nod quickly.

"Really, I would feel better if you didn't drive." I am actually extremely relieved.

He follows me back into the house, locking the front door. I get him a few blankets, and a pillow and help him make a bed on the couch.

"If you need anything let me know" I say, after he is settled in.

He nods and smiles at me, "thanks Brooke. Goodnight."

"Night Luke."

B.L

The next morning I wake up around ten, which is extremely late for me. I pull on a robe, and walk into my bathroom to put some cream under my eyes because I can tell it is going to be one of those days. I brush my teeth like I normally do after I wake up, and then I remember that Lucas slept on my couch last night.

I walk downstairs, and I can't hear anything. I wonder if he is still sleeping too. But when I walk into the living room I notice that the couch is empty. The blankets are folded into a neat pile with the pillow on top. On top of the pillow is a note from Lucas.

Brookers,

Sorry to leave so early without saying bye.

Had to go to work, basketball calls.

Thanks for last night, we should do it again soon.

Have a good day.

Xx Lucas

I smile at the note, leaving it on top of the pillows. And then I wonder what have I gotten myself into.

B.L

"Millie, I am a complete and utter mess!" I frown, running my hand through my hair. "What is wrong with me?"

It's frustrating when I can't talk to either of my best friends about my maybe feelings for Lucas Scott. But for obvious reasons, it just wouldn't be smart. Luckily Millie flew in this morning to help with the Tree Hill store, and she has become one of my closest friends after working together in New York for so many years. Millie is used to my rants, and she is good at letting me get everything out before giving advice, and I love her for it.

"I mean, its Lucas Scott! I shouldn't like him, not after everything we've been through! God, he screwed me up completely in High School, but then again I have Clothes Over Bro's to thank him for." I ramble, pacing back and forth in the empty Karen's Café/Clothes Over Bro's store. "You know what? Maybe these are just phantom feelings…not real." I groan loudly, and stop in front of Millie. I am feeling desperate, "What am I going to do?"

"Well, I guess you have two choices," Millie says calmly, looking absolutely adorable in her glasses with her long dark brown curly hair. "You can either A. Ignore them, and hope they go away and that they are in fact 'phantom'. Or B. You can acknowledge them, talk to Lucas about it, and maybe he feels the same way."

I frown, and suck in a long deep breath, thinking about the choices that Millie has offered me. "He has a girlfriend Millie" I say softly, this being only one of the speed bumps in this Lucas Scott scenario. "And honestly, why am I even freaking out over this? Lucas and I didn't work the first time, or the second time, or even the time he came to New York a couple years ago. Why would it work this time? It won't. We just aren't meant to be. So I guess I am going to go with choice A. and stop obsessing over this, and focus on my clothes and my store."

"I think you are making the right choice Brooke" Millie says, walking towards me and pulling me into a hug.

B.L

I haven't seen Lucas in over a week, since the night he slept over at my house. I am considering this a blessing. I need time to reevaluate all of my feelings, and I just can't seem to do that with the presence of Lucas Scott hanging over me. He has tried to call me a few times, and every time I call him back he doesn't answer. It has been a serious case of phone tag, and I am okay with that.

Millie and I have been extremely busy with the new store. I have had a lot of decisions to make regarding it, and Millie has been an angel to help me. We are finally ordering clothes, and I am getting extremely anxious to open the new store.

I spent Saturday with Haley and Jamie, and she said that Lindsey is back in town. I am having mixed feelings about this. My head is telling me that this is a good thing, that things can get back to normal. But my heart is a different story. Sometimes I sense jealousy against her, and I know that's stupid, because she is a great girl and I really like her.

I have hardly seen Peyton either. I move back to Tree Hill to be surrounded by my friends who are my biggest support system, and I end up hardly seeing them. But we are all busy. Peyton is working on her record label, and has been going to clubs and any other imaginable place trying to scope talent to sign. While her life revolves around the Tree Hill night life, mine revolves around business meetings, clothing samples and a sketchbook.

Haley told me that Peyton was looking for an apartment or a house, and I make a mental note to call her. I should be there for her through all of this, and for some reason I keep making excuses not to be. That has got to end. I need to stop hiding from everyone. I miss my friends.

B.L

It's Wednesday afternoon, and Millie and I just got out of a meeting. We went over sales figures, and finalized the new line. I feel happy, and rejuvenated. The store will be opening by the end of the month, and Victoria is finally calming down and at least acting like she is okay with me being in Tree Hill. I am in a good mood, and I have decided to take the rest of the day off.

When I walk into Haley's house, it is very quiet. I decided to come over and surprise her and Jamie, I have missed spending time with them.

"Hale's!" I call as I walk through the hall, "Jamie!"

There is no answer. I know they are home, I saw Haley's car in the driveway. I walk through the kitchen, and peek out the back door. I smile as soon as I see Jamie running circles around his basketball hoop.

"There you guys are" I grin, opening the backdoor and stepping outside.

Haley jumps, obviously startled at my sudden appearance. "My God, Brooke! You scared me" She says, laughing.

"Aunt Brooke!" Jamie shrills, throwing his basketball over his shoulders and running towards me, hugging my waist.

"Hey handsome" I smile, ruffling his hair.

"Mom signed me up for a basketball team today!" He smiles, and I give him a thumbs up. "Wanna watch me practice?"

"Of course" I smile, sitting in a chair next to Haley.

"Its surprising to see you on a weekday" Haley says, smiling in Jamie's direction as he dribbles his ball.

I shrug, "I decided to take the day off. I needed some Tutor-Mom and Godson time."

"Well I'm glad. We've missed having you around all the time." Haley says. "Your absence hasn't been because of any men, has it? Any bartenders?"

I laugh and shake my head. If she only knew. "Actually, I haven't seen Owen for awhile." She raises an eyebrow at me and I swat at her arm. "I've been working a lot. My store opens next month you know. I don't have time for bartenders." I wink.

"Well maybe you should make time for bartenders. Owen is cute, and I think he really likes you Brooke." She pauses, and glances over at me. "You need to take time for yourself."

"Well what are you doing to take time for yourself? Huh, Mrs. James-Scott?" I prod, showing her that the door swings two ways. "Any songs recorded lately?"

Haley shrugs, and starts pulling on her hair. "Okay fine. You win, I shouldn't have said anything." She bites on her lip, and I can tell that this is something she thinks about a lot. "It's just hard. I mean, Nathan is gone most of the time, and Jamie needs me. I feel like it would be selfish to just start recording an album. Family first, right?" She shrugs.

I wish I could understand, I wish I had that family to put first. But I can't, and I don't. It would be easy to tell Haley to follow her heart, and start recording, but just because its easy to say doesn't mean its easy to do. I frown, and wrap an arm around Haley, hugging her towards my side. When we were younger it all seemed so easy. Our dreams were in reach. I started my clothing line when we were seniors. Even when I thought my life was over after Lucas and I broke up, I still was able to follow my dreams and design amazing clothes. And Haley, Haley was a rock star in High School. She went on tour, and performed in front of hundreds of fans every night. And even though her and Nathan went through a rough patch because of it, they still found their way back to each other, and they both were able to follow their dreams. But now here we are, 22 years old- stuck, frustrated, lonely and confused.

"I'm sorry Hale's," I finally say, my voice coming out in a barely there whisper.

"Well, on a lighter note" She says, her mega-watt smile returning to her face as she sits up straighter. "I am planning a surprise party for Nathan. I am definitely going to need some help."

My eyes grow big and I can't help but clap. I love parties, and I love to help plan them. "Eee!" I squeal, "Party store, here we come!"

A/N: So what did you think? Leave me a review and let me know that you are still reading and want to read more! That way I will know if its worth it for me to keep writing and update! Thanks for reading. You guys are the best :)