A/N: Okay everyone, here is the new chapter! Thank you, thank you to those of you who took time to review! Really, your reviews are the reason I'm updating…so if you are reviewing, this chapter is for you! I hope you like it! Don't forget to let me know what you thought! Enjoy!

Chapter Four- Just a Feeling

Close enough to start a war,
All that I have is on the floor,
God only knows what we're fighting for,
All that I say, you always say more

Lucas

I am sitting on a barstool at Tric, waiting for Peyton. We are going to lunch today to talk about the space behind Tric that she is going to be renting. I have been helping her with business plans for the last week, and I'm not really sure why. I write books, I read books. I don't give business advice. But she is my friend, and if she needs my help, I have to be there for her. I turn around at the sound of an opening door, and Peyton is rushing in, pulling at the bag slung over her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry I'm late" She frowns, dropping the bag onto the bar and sitting next to me. She readjusts the strap of her shirt on her shoulder. "I stopped at the bank to sign papers for my business loan, and then I had to pick Jamie up from preschool because he wasn't feeling good and take him over to Haley, and its just been one of those days."

"Wow" I sigh, "Is he okay? Maybe you should've just brought him here. I am sure Haley shouldn't have him in school with her."

"Well, she was going to call Brooke," She explains. "I guess I should've just offered to bring him with me."

I nod, knowing that Peyton wasn't the best with kids, but also knowing that anyone without a job wouldn't drop a four year old off with his mom who is in the middle of teaching a High School class. I shake my head, "So, I have all of the paperwork here, you just need to sign at these places that I have marked, and the back room in Tric is all yours" I smile, happy that I get to share this exciting time with Peyton.

She bites on her bottom lip as she grins, and I can tell she is trying to keep her composure. She slowly lifts the pen, and scrawls her signature on the marked lines. She looks up at me and grins, "We should celebrate."

I agree, Peyton hands the paperwork back over to me, and we are out the door.

B.L

I hadn't realized how quickly time was passing. It seemed like Peyton and I had just left Tric and suddenly it was almost 8 pm. I had spent the majority of the day with her, and didn't even realize it. We ended up going to the local record store, and then splitting a bottle of celebratory champagne at the River Court. We had been talking, and laughing, and before we knew it, the sun had gone down and the crickets had come out. It was a fun day, and I really enjoyed spending time with Peyton again.

I walked through the front door, laying my jacket over a chair at the kitchen table. I opened the refrigerator and pulled out a water bottle.

"Hey, I was wondering when you would be home" Lindsey says, walking into the kitchen, leaning on the door frame.

"Sorry" I say, giving her a small smile. "I lost track of time" I tell her. I walk towards her and place a hand on her hip, lean in and kiss her cheek.

"Maybe you could call next time" She says, and by the sound of her voice she isn't very happy with me. But I can't really blame her. "Were you with Peyton this whole time?" She asks, and her voice comes out in a small squeak.

I rub the back of my neck, trying to think quickly and answer this question delicately. No matter what I say, it isn't going to sound good. "Yeah, we were going over the paperwork for Tric."

"I know that Luke," Lindsey sighs, "But you were gone for the whole day." She steps away from me and walks into the living room. She sits down on the couch and I follow her. "I feel like I barely see you anymore. If its not Peyton needing your help, then its Brooke. If you are home, you are always writing, and don't get me wrong, I love that you are. But your inspiration had some pretty unique timing, it happened to spark right when they came back to town."

I sit down next to her, and rest my hand on her knee. "I'm sorry Linds. I feel bad, and I do miss you when I'm not with you. But they are my friends, I help them just like I would if Haley needed something."

She stands up, letting my hand fall from her leg. "Yeah, maybe that's true Luke, but Haley isn't your ex-girlfriend." She sighs, and runs her fingers through her hair. "I don't want to talk about it anymore. Maybe you should think of where your priorities really lie Lucas, because I am getting tired of being last on your list. I'm going to bed, I'll see you in the morning."

I open my mouth, but no words come out. I watch as Lindsey walks towards our bedroom, and I know that I am going to be sleeping on the couch tonight.

B.L

I wake up on the couch, and the first thing I notice is that my back is sore and I have a kink in my neck. Thank God its Saturday. It was a rough night, and I feel like I need to apologize to Lindsey. I stand from the couch, not noticing as the small afghan falls from my lap. I have no idea what time it is, so I creep towards our bedroom and slowly open the door. I am surprised to find the bed empty. I scratch the back of my head, and walk towards the bedside table. She left a note, and all it says is that she will be home later.

I decide to go for a run to help clear my head. My mind is swirling with thoughts of Lindsey, Peyton, and Brooke. I feel better at first, but by the time I get home the distractions are still there. I check my cell phone to see if Lindsey has called, since she still isn't home, and all I have is a missed call from Haley. After showering quickly I head over to Haley and Nathan's house.

"Hey, is anybody home?" I call as I step into the house.

"Uncle Luke!" Jamie yells, running across the house to greet me.

"Hey J-Man," I smile, feeling extremely happy and lucky. If only I was greeted this way everywhere I went. "What are you guys up to today?"

"Well, my dad isn't here. He's practicing basketball in Charlotte this weekend" Jamie explains, walking through the house while I follow him. "Mom is letting me play video games, but only for a half hour. She said they will fry my brain if I play them for longer than that." He looks up at me, shaking his head in disappointment

I laugh, "Well, if that's what she said, then she is probably right." I settle down on the couch next to Jamie, and watch as he frantically pushes buttons to make a free throw on his basketball game. I have no idea how this kid got so good a video games. "Where is your mom?"

"Uhhhh" Jamie sighs, obviously too interested in his game to give me a real answer.

"Alright then" I laugh, "I guess I will go find her myself."

I walk out of the living room, and Jamie doesn't even notice I'm gone. I walk through the kitchen, and find Haley in the laundry room pouring fabric softener into the washer.

"There you are" I say, leaning against the door.

Haley jumps backwards, placing her hand across her heart, "Really Lucas? You know I hate it when you sneak up on me" She says, her breath rattled.

"I'm sorry" I laugh, even though this happens nearly every time I come over. It's not really my fault her back is always turned to me. "You called, and I figured I would just come over. I thought you would be expecting me."

Haley closes the lid of the washer, and pushes a laundry basket out of the way with her foot. "Yeah, because I am so good at reading your mind." She waves a hand at me. "Where's Lindsey? Did she come with you?" Haley asks, and I follow her out of the laundry room, stopping to sit at the bar in the kitchen where she can keep an eye on Jamie.

"No," I say, trying to sound casual. Usually its me and Lindsey that come over on Saturdays, obviously Haley is going to think something is going on, and I really don't feel like rehashing what happened last night.

"Hmm" Haley sighs, staring at me as if she is waiting for more. When I don't say anything she continues, "Where is she?"

"I'm not really sure" I say with a shrug. "She was gone when I woke up this morning, and she didn't say where she went."

Haley nods slowly, the expression on her face unreadable. "You're my best friend, and that's the only reason I am telling you this. But yesterday afternoon, I stopped by your house because Jamie left his superhero cape there, and Lindsey and I had quite the little talk."

I roll my eyes, and tip my head back. I am not in the mood for this.

"She is frustrated Lucas." Haley continues, and I can tell she isn't going to let me get out of this discussion. "You have to understand where she is coming from. That girl loves you. And she feels like she is constantly competing with Brooke and Peyton. She read your book Lucas, she knows your history with them, and she knows how much each of them meant to you."

"I know Haley" I say, I am getting frustrated now, and I am suddenly regretting coming over here. "I am with her though, not Peyton, and not Brooke."

"Yeah I get that Lucas. But every time I turn around you are with Peyton or Brooke, and Lindsey is noticing it too Lucas."

"So what Haley!" I say, trying to keep my voice down and failing. Jamie turns and looks at us, and I lower my voice. "I hang out with you a lot too, should she be concerned about that?"

"Its different Lucas. And I'm not saying you are doing anything wrong, but I just think you need to realize what you are doing and who you are spending your time with, even if it is innocent." She pauses here, and I can tell she has more to say. "You just need to make a decision Lucas, I don't know if you have already or not. But I know how you felt about Peyton when she turned down your proposal, and if having her back here is making you feel differently about Lindsey, then you need to let her know. She is the one who is going to get hurt if you choose Peyton. And if you don't, then it isn't fair to Peyton either. She lived on my couch for over a month, I can tell she still has feelings for you."

"I don't know why everyone always thinks that I am just going to drop everything because Peyton is back in my life" I tell her. "I love you for trying to help Hale's, but its not really needed. So now that this conversation is over, and you've said what you need to lets just drop it."

Haley lifts up her hands in surrender, she smiles softly, "Okay, I can respect that."

"Uncle Luke" Jamie calls, walking into the room, "Do you want to play a little one on one? My video game timer went off, so now we can play the real thing outside."

I look at Haley, and she smiles. "Yeah I will play. But you have to promise not to cry when I beat you."

Jamie practically chokes on his laughter, "Yeah, sure."

I start to feel winded after playing for about ten minutes. This kid literally runs circles around me. I always go into the game talking big and knowing that I will let Jamie win, and then somehow he surprises me every single time and actually wins on his own. I can see Haley watching us from the kitchen window as she washes dishes, and she mouths 'thank you' to me. I know its hard for her with Nathan gone, and she is thankful for someone to help out with Jamie. The next time I look up at the window, Brooke is there talking with Haley, and I start to feel weak.

"You need a break Uncle Luke?" Jamie asks, pausing and laughing at me. "You are getting pretty old and tired aren't you?"

"I am not getting old" I argue back, "tired, maybe."

"We can take a break then" Jamie says, his nice little boy voice returning. "Lets go inside, we can get some juice and rest our feet."

I laugh, and sarcastically ask "How old are you?"

"Four and a half" He says plainly, opening the back sliding door and walking inside. "Aunt Brooke!" He grins, as soon as he sees her sitting on a bar stool.

"Hey handsome" She grins, flipping a curl away from her face. "I saw you playing basketball with Lucas outside, and it looked like you were winning." She looks up at me and winks, trademark Brooke Davis.

"Of course I was" He smiles, climbing onto the stool next to her. "We just had to take a juice break."

I get two glasses out of the cupboard, and fill them with grape juice. When I turn around, and hand Jamie his glass Brooke is smiling up at me. My conversation with Haley from earlier pops back into my mind, and the clarity I feel in my relationship with Lindsey becomes blurred.

"You look tired, are you okay?" Haley asks me, pulling me away from my thoughts. She always worries about my HCM, and I can't blame her.

"I'm fine," I nod, "Jamie talks big on the court, and he delivers."

"Well," Brooke says, taking the tension out of the air like she usually does. "I'm sorry to run off, but I really need to get back to the store. I am expecting delivery guys there soon, and I really don't want them scuffing up my floors" She says pursing her lips together. "I just wanted to bring you that dress, so I will be on my way! I will see you all soon, and you Mr. Basketball man," She says turning to Jamie, "Need to come over one day and play at my house."

Jamie nods, with a huge grin and a purple grape juice stain around his lips.

"It was good to see you guys" Brooke smiles, getting off of her stool and gathering her things.

"You know what, I should probably get going to" I say quickly, knowing I should be getting home to see if Lindsey is there.

"Thanks for coming over Luke" Haley says gratefully, "And thanks for the dress Brooke."

We all say our goodbyes and I walk outside with Brooke.

"I feel like I haven't seen you in weeks" I say, shoving my hands into my pockets.

Brooke nods, staring at her feet as she walks. "I know" her voice is raspy, and it gives me chills. "I've been busy with the store, and I haven't really seen anyone."

"How is that going?" I ask, trying to ignore the feelings in my gut.

"Its great" She says, her face lighting up at the mention. "It's finally starting to look like one of my stores, your mom's café really has the perfect layout."

I smile at her, because she is infectious. "Would you mind if I came over to see it?"

"Not at all" she says, her eyes locking onto mine as she smiles back.

B.L

When I get back to the house, Lindsey's car is in the driveway, and I feel extremely relieved. I walk in through our bedroom, and immediately say, "I'm really sorry about last night Linds, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

She looks up at me, and she looks tired. Then I realize her suitcase is laying on the bed, halfway full of clothes. I drop my hands to my side, and sit on the bed next to her suitcase, looking between it and her. "Where are you going?"

She closes the lid of her suitcase, and zips it up. "I'm going to New York for a few days, I need to clear my head. And I think you do too."

"I said I was sorry!" I say, feeling suddenly exhausted.

She shrugs her shoulders, and looks at me sadly. "I know Luke, but I still think we both need this time. Things have been stressful for awhile now, and I just need a few days."

I shake my head, and rub my forehead. "I guess if that's really what you need, then go." I realize there isn't anything I can do to stop her, and maybe she is right. Maybe we both need a few days to clear our heads. Things have been strained between us for the last couple of months, and I thought it was because of my lack of writing, but maybe it is something more. I watch as she drapes her purse over her shoulder, and extends the handle on her suitcase.

"Are you going to be back for Nathan's surprise party?" I ask.

She frowns and shrugs her shoulders, flipping her long hair over her shoulder, "I don't think so. But I left a present for him on the table, so you don't have to worry about getting one, and you can just take that."

I nod slowly, and then stand up and walk towards her. I pull her into a hug, and her body is stiff against mine. "I'm sorry Linds. We'll be fine though, make sure and call me."

"I will," She says softly, giving me a warm smile. "Bye Luke, I'll see you on Wednesday."

I watch as she walks out of the door, and then I fall onto my bed. I feel frustrated and angry. I feel lonely and sad. I feel confused. I really thought that Lindsey was the one for me, I was able to start fresh with her. I didn't have to worry about all of the things that happened in the past with Peyton and Brooke. I got to have a clean start, and I liked that. I thought that she would be my wife. I thought I had everything figured out finally, and then Brooke and Peyton came back into town, and as usual things seemed to get complicated. I wonder if it will always be like this. I wonder if I will ever be happy, or if Brooke and Peyton will always run through my veins.

Brooke

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me,
No, I won't ask you, you to just desert me,
I cant give you what you think you gave me,
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables

It was a weird weekend, that's for sure. Lucas came to my store to check out the progress it was making, and it felt weird having him there in the place where his mom built her legacy. I wanted him to be proud of me, I didn't want him to think that I ruined his mom's café with couture designs.

Then, I spent Saturday night with Owen. I hadn't seen him for a few days, and it was nice to blow off some steam. I feel nothing when I am with him, and I think that's what always draws me back. With Owen I don't have to worry about all of those lustful feelings, or jealousy, or anything else that comes along with love.

On Sunday afternoon, I was at my store, setting up manikins and deciding what clothing they should wear. It's only a couple of weeks until our grand opening, and I am starting to feel ready for it. While I was busy at work, there was a knock on the glass door, and I was surprised to see Lucas standing there. I of course let him in, and he didn't say much, only that he didn't want to be alone and that Lindsey was in New York. He sat on the floor, typing away on his laptop while I continued with the manikins. He didn't say much, but he seemed sad, and it made my heart hurt.

But now, its Monday, and I just know its going to be a good day. Tonight is the night of Nathan's surprise party. We are having a barbeque at their house, and then Haley got a babysitter, and we are going to have an after party at Tric. Nathan flies in from Charlotte around six, and Haley is going to pick him up and bring him back to the house where everyone will be waiting.

Jamie and I are in charge of decorations, and I can tell Haley is nervous that the confetti will never be fully vacuumed out of her living room carpet.

"Aunt Brooke" Jamie calls, and I look up at him, laughing at the sight of him holding about twenty balloons. "Where are we going to put all of these?"

"Well, you can decide. We can just leave some in the living room, and you can tie the others around the house wherever you like." He nods, and I can tell he likes the feeling of being in charge, just like I do. "Hey Jamie, have you seen the streamers?"

"Oh yeah," He says with a nod, "They are in the bag on the table."

"Great" I say, giving him a thumbs up and a smile. "After you take care of those balloons, I am going to need your help. We need to hang the streamers, so we are probably going to need a ladder."

At the mention of ladder, Jamie lets go of the balloons and lets the fly up to the ceiling. "Can I get on the ladder?" I nod and his eyes grow wide. "It's out in the garage, lets go get it!"

Luckily Haley isn't here, or she'd probably kill me. I don't think she would agree with her four year old climbing to the top of a ladder, but the kid is great at balancing up there, and I wouldn't let him fall.

"I need a piece of tape" He says, reaching his tiny hand towards me. He is a pro at taping the streamers up on the walls, and I don't really like heights so its working out perfectly.

We hear the front door open, and Haley's heels clicking furiously along the hardwood floor. "Come here buddy," I say, helping Jamie down from the ladder. He knows as well as I do that his mom would freak if she caught him up there.

We turn around in time to see Haley enter the kitchen, her arms full of grocery bags. "It looks great in here guys" She smiles, but I can tell she is stressed.

"What can we do to help?" I ask, walking over to Haley and starting to unload her groceries.

"If you can just put all of these away that would be great." She says, "I need to leave to go pick Nate up. Everyone should be getting here within the next half hour, so just make sure they all know the plan for tonight."

"Okay, we can do that" I smile. "He is going to love this Haley, stop stressing. Me and Jamie have everything under control. We will even make sure everyone uses coasters for their drinks" I say with a wink.

Haley swats at my arm, and then kneels down to give Jamie a quick hug. "You are the biggest help, you know that right?"

"Mmhmm" Jamie nods proudly. "Daddy is going to have a heart attack because he will be so surprised!"

"Oh I hope not" Haley says, laughing nervously. "So you two have everything under control, right?"

"Of course we do," I laugh, "Now get going, and if you and Nathan need to make a pit stop to," I pause, and wink at Haley, "Ya know, then go for it. You are only young once."

"Well thanks Brooke" Haley laughs, and I can't tell if she is being sarcastic or not. "I'll see you guys soon."

B.L

Nathan's surprise party has gone exactly according to plan. When Haley brought him home, me and Jamie pulled out the silly string, and Nathan was genuinely surprised. He seemed really excited, and had no idea that this had even been planned. I think everyone was surprised that Jamie didn't let the surprise slip at all. Jamie was so proud that he got to help plan his dad's birthday party, and couldn't stop talking about all of our hard decorating work. Skillz and Lucas manned the grill out by the pool, and I ate way too much. Haley definitely knows how to grocery shop for a party. After hanging out at the Scotts household for awhile, Haley put Jamie to bed and we all headed over to Tric. It's now nearly eleven, and the night is still young. I have been on the dance floor with Peyton and all of our friends for hours, and its been just like old times.

"I'm going to go get a drink" I tell Peyton in her ear, she nods and continues dancing. I am getting extremely hot and I need to take a breather. The DJ is definitely keeping things going tonight, and I need a break.

I walk over to the bar and Owen hands me a pink drink with a strawberry on the side. I smile at him, whisper 'thank you' and let him get back to work. I decide to take my drink outside in the back of Tric, to get some fresh air and away from the loud music. When I open the heavy door, I see Lucas sitting outside by himself. He has been in a funny mood, and seems to be avoiding pretty much everyone. Peyton has mentioned that to me multiple times tonight, and I can tell she is frustrated by it. But he did come alone, and I have no idea what is going on with him and Lindsey. I thought she would be here, her and Haley are pretty good friends.

I sit down next to Lucas, "Hey, I didn't know you were out here."

He looks over at me and smiles, "Yeah, I needed a break. It's crazy in there."

I nod, and set my drink down next to my leg. "Yeah tell me about it," I say, wiping my hair away from the side of my face. I can only imagine how sweaty I look right now. "The dance floor is packed! Who knew Nathan had so many friends."

"Yeah, really" Lucas says, but his mind seems like its somewhere else.

We sit in silence for a few minutes, and its kind of awkward. I focus on my drink, and when it is gone I consider going back inside. Lucas is never this quiet, and I wonder if I have done something to offend him recently. Then again, when he came to my store yesterday, he barely said a word.

"Do you ever wonder if you made the right choice?" He asks, and I am surprised by his sudden question.

"I don't know what you mean" I shrug, having a feeling that this conversation might sober me up quick.

Lucas scratches the back of his neck, and then turns to face me. "Lindsey went back to New York, and I don't know when she is coming back."

This is the first time he has really said anything about Lindsey, or what's going on, but I'm confused. "Doesn't she work there?" I ask, knowing that Lindsey is usually in New York for a couple weeks of the month.

"Well yeah, but this time she didn't go back for work." Lucas admits, I sit and wait knowing that he has more to say. "She needed a break from me, from us."

I reach my arm out instinctively and wrap it around his shoulders. "I'm sorry Luke," I say, my voice sounding raspier than usual, thanks to vodka. "I'm sure she will be back soon, everyone has silly fights."

Lucas laughs, "Yeah... You know, she left because she is jealous of you right? You and Peyton actually."

The bitterness in his voice hurts, and I withdraw my arm from his shoulders and rest my hands in my lap. Is he trying to put his problem on me? Does he really think that I am the reason Lindsey left. Because I have done nothing, and I am not taking responsibility for this. "Maybe I should go inside" I say, because I know that if I don't, I might say something I may regret later. I stand up, leaving my empty glass on the ground, and turn towards the door.

I stop when Lucas' hand grabs mine, and I turn back around. "No," He says, pulling my arm back towards him. I sigh and sit back down, I remind myself that he has been drinking, and so have I and emotions are running on high. "I didn't mean to put the blame on you or make you feel bad. You know its funny though, because just the other day, Haley was telling me the same thing. She said I need to make a choice."

I rub my forehead, all of Lucas' rambling is making my head hurt. I can't seem to follow where he is going with any of his random statements. Not that I'm not used to this. "Make a choice about?"

"Make a choice about Lindsey and Peyton. She said I need to choose one, because Lindsey feels bad when I hang out with you or Peyton, and Haley thinks that I need to choose, she thinks that I might still have feelings for Peyton, and if I do its only fair to tell Lindsey." Lucas explains, and suddenly its all making sense.

I don't really know what to say back, because my heart is sinking. I don't know if I can handle the Lucas and Peyton thing again. Just hearing him talk about her like that is making me sick to my stomach. I guess I didn't want to admit that I still have feelings for Lucas, but I do. And I don't know how much more I can take.

"Haley's right Lucas. Lindsey deserves that, and so does Peyton" I say, my voice coming out in forced breaths.

Lucas shrugs his shoulders and smiles softly. He then looks over at me and shakes his head. "But its not Peyton that they need to worry about. Peyton isn't the one that came back to town and made me question my feelings for Lindsey."

I stand up again, and Lucas stands as well. But I need to get away, back to the comfort of the bar and the bartender that awaits. "Well, then call Lindsey, let her know Lucas. She shouldn't have to be stressed out over nothing."

I step towards the railing, and look down at the parking lot. I can feel Lucas staring at me, but I just need a minute to catch my breath. I have to be big the biggest idiot in the world. I don't know why I fall for Lucas Scott over and over again, knowing that I am just going to get hurt in the end. It isn't me that he wants, and it never was. Because every time he had me, he turned to Peyton. And if its not Peyton that he wants now, its obviously Lindsey. She is smart, gorgeous and accomplished. She fits right into his literary world, and she's perfect for him.

Lucas steps up to the railing besides me, and I hear him take in a deep breath. I can see him staring at me out of the corner of my eye, but I'm not going to turn my head and look at him. I just can't do it, not right now.

"Brooke" He says, his voice feather soft. "It's always been you, you know that."

But I don't know that, and I don't want him to say that. Because in the past he would tell me one thing and then do another, and I can't handle that anymore.

He steps closer to me now, and I feel his hand on my lower back. I close my eyes as a shiver runs up my arms, and I can't make myself open them. I need this to go away.

"Look at me" He says, his voice a quiet demand, a sort of plead.

My emotions are running wild, and I feel like I'm in a haze. I can hear Lucas, and I can feel his hand on my back. I turn towards him so that we are facing each other and I slowly open my eyes. When I do I watch as his lips curl into a smile, and he places his other hand on my hip.

"God, you make me weak" He says softly, and suddenly there is no space in between our bodies.

"Lucas, stop. You've been drinking, and so have I…" I say, desperate to leave this situation before it becomes something bigger.

"I haven't been drinking at all tonight Brooke, my head is clear."

He bends his head down, and I can feel his chin on my shoulder and his breath in my hair. I can't think, and I can't move. I don't know what to feel, I don't know what to say. What I do know, is that I think I like this but I know I shouldn't. I feel his head turn, and I don't know if I am imagining his lips making contact with my neck. He pulls away stares directly into my eyes. The deep blue makes my knees weak.

I take a deep breath in, and Lucas' face is coming closer to mine. I can tell he wants to kiss me, but everything is moving so slowly that I don't know if he will.

Luckily, I am somehow snapped out of my cloudy haze and back to reality. I put my hand on his chest. "Lucas, no." I say, my voice is barely audible, and I don't know if I've said anything at all. It feels like my eyes are filling up with tears, but when I close them nothing comes out. I open them again, and I can't read the look on Lucas' face. I can't tell if he is hurt or relieved, but I do know one thing, "We can't do this Lucas. You have a girlfriend. I'm not going to be that girl, I can't be. I know what it feels like when your boyfriend cheats on you, and I can't do that to someone." I take a deep breath in, and bite on my bottom lip, taking a step back, away from Lucas. "I'm sorry" I say, lifting a hand up, and then turning to go back inside Tric.

I close the big, heavy door behind me and lean against a wall. I close my eyes, take a couple deep breaths, and when I open them I am met with blonde curls.

"There you are!" Peyton exclaims. "I have been looking all over for you. Seriously Brooke, this party is just getting good and the dance floor is packed. You have got to get back out there with me. It's insane!" She stops talking suddenly, and steps back staring at me. "Are you okay? Have you been crying?" She asks, sounding concerned. She steps back towards me, wrapping her arms around me, and I rest my head on her shoulder.

I take a few breaths to compose myself and then step back. I give Peyton a small smile, knowing that I can't tell her anything that just happened. "Yeah I'm fine" I say, trying to give her a real smile. We both turn when we hear the door to outside open, and we watch Lucas walk in. Peyton smiles at him, and he smiles back, and I catch his eye for a split second. Then he is gone. "I just don't really feel very good, I think I might have drank too much. I am just going to go catch a cab and head home."

Peyton frowns. "Okay, I guess. I hope you feel better. Do you want me to walk you out?"

"No, I'm okay. But thanks P. Sawyer. If anything exciting happens tonight, you have to tell me all about it. I did notice all the smoldering hot basketball players here tonight." I say with a wink. I give her a quick hug. "I'll see you later?"

She nods, smiling. "Yeah, okay."

B.L

I am sitting at my table, in my empty quiet house, staring at my laptop. The light from the screen is giving me a headache. Or maybe its all of the thoughts that are swimming around in my head. Either way, I can't handle it.

Lucas has got to be the biggest pain in the ass I have ever had to deal with. And that is definitely saying a lot considering who my mom is. I only wish that I could get over the brooding blonde, but something about him just keeps reeling me back in, and I can't stand it. He can never just be happy with what he has, he always wants what he can't have. And somehow, I always end up right back there with him, caught up in the tangled web that I must've helped him weave.

I groan out loud, feeling frustrated and annoyed. With the confrontation with Lucas at Tric floating around in my head, I click on the screen to find a flight to New York.

I justify this in my mind, knowing that I really do need to make a trip to New York, that Lucas isn't the only reason I am going. Even if he is the main reason I booked the flight right now, I really do need to go there for work. My main offices are there, and Victoria has been bitching about me putting in time there, going over models, and magazine stuff and the new accessory line we are considering.

After my flight is booked and my ticket is printed out, I turn off my laptop and head to my bedroom. I pull my big suitcase out from under my bed, and frantically begin throwing random items of clothing into it. The good thing about having my own clothing line and company, is that if I under pack I will have something to wear once I get there.

After my suitcase is somewhat packed, I lean back against my bed and close my eyes. Why don't I ever get the boy?

A/N: What did you think of this chapter? What did you like/not like? Is there anything you want to see in the coming up chapters? I love hearing any input that you have! Review, and I will update soon! Hope you all liked this one!

Thank you to those of you who reviewed the last chapter. It really is your reviews that make me write and update my stories. Without your reviews I would have no inspiration to continue! So keep it up, and so will I!

AlwaysRiverCourt, perfectcouples, Lisa, Alysef, Crazygirl54 (thanks for reviewing all 3 chapters J ), Sunshine, BrucasBangelBrylan, Whiters, DANI OTH, -Sorry if I missed anyone!