Sorry for the long wait.
Disclaimer: I do not own OTH.
After retreating to the beach house, I spend most of my day anxiously awaiting the night. I have etched in my memory every aroma and feeling that was involved. To hold her in my arms underneath the stars was more than I could have hoped for in a million years, and it was so much more than I thought would ever happen between us again.
While cleaning up for the night's events, I think back to the days when we were together. I remember every comment she ever made about my clothing. I use this to find the perfect thing to make Peyton Sawyer think I am sexy again.
Shuffling through my closet, I realize that I am never going to find anything good enough to wear tonight. The only thought that comes to mind is to raid my clothing designer best friend's. I should have a little time before she returns home.
I am five minutes into my rummaging, when the door to Brooke's room comes ajar and I hear her voice approaching me. "Peyton, what are you doing in my closet?" She doesn't ask in a mad tone, but one filled with curiousity.
I normally turn Brooke down when she asks if I want to borrow something of hers. I tell her that the thought of going through her closet scares the hell out of me because of the size of her collection. This must be why I see confusion upon her face. "I really needed to find something to wear tonight, I have to go check out this band in Raleigh later. I know I don't normally go through your clothes, but I feel I should pay more attention to my appearance nowadays."
A smirk spreads across her face, and a brow quirks and then I hear "P. Sawyer, have you met a guy?"
I can feel my cheeks reddening, and I can only pray she doesn't notice. I don't know how she would react if she knew my feelings for Nathan. I am not even sure if she knows Haley and Nathan split. "No, it's not that. I just feel like dressing to impress. I need to learn from my famous designer best friend how to look better." I say while giving her a smile. I am very proud of her accomplishments in the fashion industry.
"Ok, I'll accept that answer for now, but at least let me help, you look lost…Do you want to look hot, sexy, and sleek or a business like record exec?"
"Sexy, definitely sexy." I know that Brooke will succeed in giving me just the look I need to impress a certain blue eyed, brown haired Scott.
"Yeah, okay, and tell me about the guy now"
"What guy, there is not a guy." I say it quickly, and I am sure she knows I am lying, so I continue. "Look, I don't know if this band is any good, and quite frankly, I haven't had a good night out in a while so I might as well live it up, right?"
The protective Brooke comes out with "Are you going alone, you know that isn't too safe? I could work it out so I could go with you if you need me to. And by the way, just where were you last night? A night I actually stay at home and you leave. Seriously though, I was worried."
"I was at the beach last night. Nathan was there. It has been a long time since we have truly acted like friends rather than acquaintances. I forgot how much I enjoyed his company. He is going to go with me to Raleigh."
I see her brow raise, and I wonder if she can see through the friendship. Her next sentence lets me know she can see through my façade. "Peyton, he is married." She says it disappointedly, and I then know that Haley hasn't mentioned the divorce to her yet.
"Brooke…"
"No don't Brooke me, I thought that you had grown through the years. Or that it was just Lucas. You did this to me before and I will not let you do this to Haley."
"He and Haley have gotten a divorce, they aren't together anymore. And I am just being his friend right now."
"No, I saw the look in your eyes when you said his name. I know you want him now. You can't hide it. I don't know when this started, but I will not support it. Nathan and Haley might be divorced but their love will not disappear. They belong together."
"Bu…" is all I can get out before she continues.
"I'm sorry you need to stay gone when you leave for Raleigh tonight. I can't live with this Peyton."
She walked out the door, slamming it, and I know that getting my best friend back this time will be difficult. I have hurt her too badly in the past.
So I continue to my own closet and begin packing. I have just enough time to get my stuff in the car before it will be time to leave for Raleigh. I drop my car off at Tric and text Nathan to meet me there instead of the house.
Peyton has sent me a text telling me to meet her at Tric instead of her house. I know something must be wrong. Peyton has never texted me. She was always one for phone calls and voice interaction. So I quickly throw on my jacket and leave to meet Peyton. If something is wrong I want to be there for her. If not, then I hope tonight turns out to be a good night.