Denial

Brooke stood behind the counter, her eyes wandering around the empty store. For the first time since her attack, she was back at work. She'd visited the store last week with Karen and it hadn't been as hard as she thought it would be. Of course, it hadn't been easy either, but she had needed to do it in order to move forward.

She was working by herself today. Millicent and Mouth were in Omaha again, packing up their stuff so they could move back to Tree Hill. Karen had left two days ago and Brooke, along with everyone else, was missing her, but she talked with her everyday on the phone and, for now, that was good enough.

It was still a little strange to be working again and she hadn't even officially started working, considering the store didn't open for another five minutes. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the long day she was sure to have. That was when she heard a knock on the front door, which, out of paranoia, she'd locked when she'd first arrived . A smile lit up her face as she saw Lucas peering through the window, grinning back at her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, as she let him into the store.

"I thought you could use some help."

"That's sweet, Luke, but have you ever actually worked in retail before?"

"No, but, no offense, it's not exactly rocket science. And didn't you tell me a while ago that I could help out if you needed me?"

"Yes, but I'm fine, Lucas. Today's a weekday, so it really shouldn't be too busy. Shouldn't you be working on that movie script of yours, anyway?"

"I have to meet with the producer first, so no. Come on, Brooke, I've got nothing else to do today and I want to help."

It was obvious that he wasn't going to give up, so she just shook her head in amusement, giving in to his demands.

"Fine, but I'm paying you."

"No you're not and we're not even gonna argue about that, so don't even try."

"Lucas—."

"Nope! Don't say anything else because it'll only get you nowhere. Now, what do you want me to do?"

She glared playfully at him, but pointed over to the counter. "I guess you can work at the register, since you used to do that at your mom's café."

"See," he said with a cute grin as he made his way to cash register, "I am useful."

"Yeah, yeah. Just watch it, Scott, or I'm going to be forced to pay you."

"I love how you're threatening me with money."

She chuckled lightly, but sent him a pointed look as she made her way back over to the door, flipping the sign in the front from closed to open. Truthfully, she was really glad to have him come in to help. She knew the store wouldn't be busy today, but at the same time, it would be hard to manage all by herself. And, of course, she could use the company; she'd have been bored out of her mind otherwise.

"And now we're open for business," Lucas said, rubbing his hands together excitedly.

"Yes, it looks like we've got a huge crowd today," she said sarcastically.

Dropping onto the couch, she rested her feet on the small coffee table in front of it. A second later, Lucas was sitting next to her. He looked at her, an odd smile on his face that she couldn't quite read. One thing she did know, though, was that he obviously had something on his mind.

"What's up with you?"

"I don't know what you mean."

She kinked an eyebrow. "Luke, something's going on in that crazy head of yours, it's obvious."

He put on an innocent front. "I really don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes, you do. Now spit it out."

He relaxed back into the couch, staring straight ahead of him. "Honestly, I've got a lot of stuff on my mind."

"Like what?"

He shrugged. "I don't know...stuff."

"Stuff, huh?" she said, chuckling. "Way to be specific. Come on, Lucas, you can tell me anything."

He smiled softly at her, nodding. "I know I can... I guess mostly I've been thinking about this whole movie. It's kind of crazy..."

"I know, but it's a great opportunity. You're not thinking about not going through with it, are you?"

"No, no, of course not..." He sighed, frowning slightly. "I'm just worried about how it's gonna come out. Certain events might get lost in translation, you know?"

This had been the same reaction he'd had a few days ago, when he first got the call about the movie, and she was a little surprised that he was still hung up on it.

"Well, you're writing the script, Luke. It's in your hands. If you're worried about things getting lost in translation or whatever, then make sure they don't. It's your book and your life. Do whatever you want with it."

His frown turned into a small smile. "Yeah, you're right. I don't know why it's been bothering me so much, anyway...I think it's because it's been so long since I've actually paid attention to this particular book, since my other one's been taking up all my time. It's going to be kind of weird to go back to it again after all this time."

She put a reassuring hand on his leg. "It's gonna be great, Luke, I already know it."

"Thanks," he said, putting his hand over hers. "You're the best, you know that?"

"Yeah," she said, as if it was obvious to the whole world.

He chuckled softly. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."

"Right back at you."

Their eyes locked and this was one of those moments where she could never appreciate the friendship they had enough. It still amazed her how they'd gotten to this point, how he'd managed to become one of her best friends, second only to Peyton. It was something that she'd never take for granted.

"So," he said, breaking the silence that had formed between them, "I've been meaning to ask you about Owen."

She let out a very loud sigh at the mention of her ex-boyfriend. After learning about his little tryst with Peyton, there was no way that Owen could ever get in her good graces again.

"You don't sound so enthusiastic."

"That's because Owen's an asshole."

"The way he left you, I'd have to agree."

"It's not just that..." She trailed off, unsure if she should tell him about Owen and Peyton. She didn't want his opinion of Peyton to go down, especially since his and Peyton friendship was finally getting back on track.

Lucas, however, was very curious. "What do you mean?"

"Well..." She figured she'd tell him, since he'd probably figure out anyway. "It turns out Owen had a little fling with Peyton."

Lucas' eyes widened in surprise. "What kind of fling?"

"A drunken one night stand kind of fling."

He remained speechless for a few moments. "Wow," he finally said.

"Yeah, I was more than shocked to hear about it."

"And when did it happen?"

"A few weeks ago, but Peyton told me after the game the other night."

He looked angry now. "I can't believe either of them would do that to you."

"Peyton and I have talked about it and everything is fine between us, so don't worry about me and her. I can't say the same about me and Owen, though."

"What a jerk," Lucas said, shaking his head in disgust. "And to think he had the nerve to come up and try to apologize to you after the game about how he left, as if he expected you to just take him back..."

"You don't have to worry about that happening, either. I think it's safe to say that our ship has sailed."

He looked happy to hear that, something that made Brooke smile. She always found the stubborn, overprotective side of Lucas cute. She was also flattered that Lucas cared so much about her; she knew he'd do just about anything to keep her safe, to save her. That hadn't changed over the years and she was glad for that.

"Hey," she said, putting a hand on his arm. The air turned serious as he looked at her softly. "I just wanted to thank you for being here for me, not just these past few months, but ever since I've come home to Tree Hill. You've been so amazing and I appreciate everything you've done more than anything."

His eyes bore intensely into hers. "I'd do anything for you," he said simply.

There was such an overwhelming amount of sincerity in his words that it was impossible not to believe him. And then she was reminded of a time when he'd said something similar— anything for you. It had been in high school, a time when they were great friends, closer than any time before, but they'd also been struggling with their feelings for each other, each of them tucking any romantic feelings away for the same reason; they didn't want to ruin their friendship.

And those thoughts led to a new one— this time a blinding fear— and that was that their friendship now would end up the same way their friendship had ended that year in high school: a full-blown relationship. And that would lead to a few blissful months spent in love and happiness, which would inevitably end to a a breakup, most likely a result of Peyton or simply her own insecurities standing in their way, and, that, in turn, would once again result in a broken friendship that would take years to recover.

But then she calmed down enough to realize that their situation now was completely different. This was because neither of them had any romantic feelings for each other. At least she thought they didn't. She couldn't speak for Lucas, of course, but she was pretty sure he was long over her. And she had no romantic interest in him whatsoever.

Well, maybe that was a bit of a lie. There'd been times— not even that long ago— when she imagined being with him again, but she knew it would never happen and she quickly stopped entertaining such ridiculous thoughts. There was no way the two of them would work again. It was Peyton and Lucas, it always had been, and she wouldn't get in the way of them again. Of course, Peyton and Lucas didn't actually want to be with each other anymore, but Brooke wouldn't put it past either of them to change their minds and there was no way she would be put in the middle of that. No, she and Lucas would never work; it was stupid to even think about.

She wasn't even aware of the frustrated sigh that left her lips until Lucas sent her a curious stare and asked her what was wrong. She didn't say anything, because she wasn't sure. A minute ago, she'd been sitting comfortably with him, enjoying his company and his friendship, and now, here she was, trying to deny any sort of romantic feelings she had for him. Because she didn't have any. She was sure of that...maybe not a hundred percent sure, but close to it...

Who was she trying to kid? She knew without a doubt that the love she had for him had never gone away in the five years since they were last together. Yes, she'd hidden it extremely well, even to the point where she had no trouble believing that she'd actually moved on, but it was still there, no matter how much she hated to admit it.

Her feelings for him had been lying dormant for all these years, but now it seemed they were back and they wanted out. But she wouldn't let that happen. She'd spent five years hiding it and she didn't have a problem continuing to do so. Although she was finding it very hard now, as his eyes penetrated hers so intensely that she had to look away.

It was like she was in high school all over again and she hated herself for becoming so vulnerable to him. But how could she possibly not be drawn to him again? He'd been the best friend she could ask for these past few months, helping her with Angie and then taking care of her after her attack. He'd saved her just like he promised he would, and he did it because he loved her, not because he had to. The only thing she was unsure of, now, was if his love for her was that of a friend or more. She didn't want to know, though. A relationship with Lucas was too complicated, not to mention that she could never risk ruining her friendship with both Lucas and Peyton. Nothing was worth that.

"Brooke? Are you okay?"

She turned to look at the object of her thoughts and then she nodded slowly. She was going to bury her feelings for him again, this time once and for all.

"I'm fine."

Lucas didn't seem entirely convinced, but she was mercifully spared any more questions as the first costumer of the day entered the store. She sent Lucas a small but confident smile before going to, once again, hide behind her work.

888

Lucas stared blankly at the computer screen. He wasn't sure what he should be doing right now. Brooke had sent him home that afternoon when Haley had come to the store to help out and he hadn't been able to argue with her. He supposed he could get a head start on the script, but he really wasn't in the mood to do any sort of writing at the moment.

Luckily he was saved from making any sort of decision as he heard a knock on the door. It was coming from the front door, meaning that whoever was there must not be very familiar with him because most of his friends came straight to his bedroom door. And like he expected, when he opened the door, he was greeted by an unfamiliar face.

"How can I help you?"

The stranger broke out into an enthusiastic smile at the sight of him. "Lucas Scott, right?"

"Yeah, that's me..."

The stranger's smile broadened. "It's really an honor to finally meet you, Lucas," the man said, taking Lucas' hand and shaking it. "It's kind of crazy to be in the town I've read so much about. Not everything's exactly how I imagined it, but I visited that Rivercourt of yours and I have to say that I think I got that spot on."

Lucas was more than confused now and luckily the stranger in front of him seemed to recognize it.

"I'm so sorry, I got caught up in everything and forgot to introduce myself. I'm Julian Baker. We talked on the phone a couple nights ago about making your book into a movie."

"Oh, right," Lucas said, everything finally clicking in his mind. "Wow, I had no idea you'd be coming to soon."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about showing up with no notice. I just had an opening in my schedule and I had to take it."

"It's no problem, I'm just a little surprised. Come on in, though."

He led Julian into the living room. The movie producer glanced around the room with a big grin on his lips.

"Is this the same house you lived in in your book?"

"Yes, it is. I actually bought it from my mom a few years ago when she moved away, so now it's all mine."

"Great place for a family," Julian said conversationally.

"It is, but unfortunately right now it's just a bachelor pad, which should explain the mess to you. Sorry about that, by the way."

"No problem. Houses aren't homes with a little mess, right?"

Lucas chuckled softly, liking Julian already. "Yup."

They both took a seat on the couch. Lucas wasn't sure exactly what this impromptu meeting was going to bring, but he was curious to find out.

"I have to say, Lucas, your book was amazing. When I first read it...well, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it blew me away. So it means a lot to know that you're willing to trust me with this movie."

"Well, I'm just honored that you think it's good enough to be made into a movie. So how exactly is this whole thing gonna work, anyway?"

Julian grinned, setting the notebook he'd been carrying down on the coffee table in front of them and opening it up. He quickly started explaining the specifics and, as Lucas listened to him go on enthusiastically about each detail, he could already tell that this Julian was a guy he could trust.

888

When Peyton returned home from the recording studio that night, she found Brooke in the kitchen, pulling out bags of takeout. Brooke sent her a cheerful smile.

"How was your day, P. Sawyer?"

"Productive. And what about you? How as your first day back at work?"

"It was really nice, actually. Lucas and Haley helped out most of the day, so it was pretty easy."

Peyton was glad to see Brooke acting like her normal self again; she was genuinely moving on."That's good."

She took a seat at the kitchen table, noticing the seemingly endless amount of Chinese food that Brooke was now setting onto the table.

"What's up with the crazy amounts of food?"

"Lucas is coming over tonight and he's bringing the guy that wants to produce his movie with him."

"He's already here?" she asked in surprise. She thought Lucas had said it would be a couple of weeks before he met up with the producer.

"Apparently. Lucas said that the producer's actually pretty cool and he's really excited about the movie. And, since Lucas was coming over tonight anyway, I thought I'd invite the producer over here too, you know, so we can scope him out and see if he's as great as Lucas made him about to be."

Peyton shrugged. "Sounds good to me. Lucas didn't say anything more about this guy, did he? Because if this producer guy is hot, I'm thinking I'm gonna need to change into something a little more...appealing."

"Lucas did not mention if this guy was hot or not," Brooke said with a laugh, "but you look great, Peyton, so I wouldn't worry."

Peyton didn't really agree, considering the fact that she'd spent the whole day cooped up in her studio and could really use a shower, but she was too lazy to do anything about it now.

She silently watched Brooke move around the kitchen, taking out plates and glasses. Brooke was doing this all for Lucas, even if she didn't admit it. Now that she'd moved past Lucas, Peyton could better appreciate the friendship between her two friends. She could also now tell that the friendship between the two of them was definitely more than they made it out to be. She'd known that for awhile now, actually, and she'd been wanting to ask Brooke about it. Now, it seemed, she finally had a chance to do so.

"So you and Lucas have been spending a lot of time together lately," she began casually.

Brooke whipped around, looking at Peyton curiously. "Yeah...he's been great."

"I haven't seen you this close since high school."

"Yeah..."

Brooke glanced down at the counter and Peyton felt bad for putting her on the spot, but at the same time she couldn't help but want to know more; she wanted to know if Brooke's feelings for Lucas went beyond friendship.

"Brooke, do you have feelings for Lucas?"

She didn't mean to come out so bluntly, but she didn't know how else to do it.

"Of course not," Brooke answered, clearly surprised that she had asked that in the first place. Peyton didn't believe her, though. Not for a second.

It was obvious that this conversation was much more uncomfortable for Brooke than it was for her and that was probably because Brooke thought that she would be completely against the idea of her having feelings for Lucas. Brooke was wrong, though, because she was completely fine with it and she wanted her to know that.

"You know I'd be fine if you and Lucas decided that you wanted to get back together. Actually, I'd be incredibly happy for you both."

Brooke just shook her head, her expression now dark. "Peyton, I..."

But she couldn't say anything else because the door bell had rung, signaling the arrival of Lucas and his movie producer. Brooke looked incredibly relieved for the distraction as she practically ran over to answer the door. Peyton just sighed, standing up to follow her; their conversation would have to continue on later.

When she made it to the door, though, she was pretty sure that her and Brooke's conversation would be the last thing on her mind for some time to come because, standing next to Lucas, was the man that had sent her back to Tree Hill last year— the man that she'd once been in love with.

"Julian..."

A/N: I wasn't originally intending to end the chapter there, but I decided to leave a cliffhanger just for fun :D... So now the Peyton/Julian relationship will be introduced, meaning that this story is finally starting to get on its way. There's still a lot more to come, though, so keep sticking with me because I think it's really going to start getting interesting soon.

As usual, thanks so much for reading and please remember to review!