Chapter 11

Counting My Losses

Brooke plopped her feet on the couch and took a long sip from the clear liquid in her glass. She had needed this drink for so long it was about time she finally got the chance to have it! She felt the burning sensation the vodka left on her throat and sighed contently. Damned all-age club…she would find a nice spot she could take advantage of her fake id first thing tomorrow.

The lights in the living room were off, the only light in the room coming from the tv set playing an old movie she was really not paying any attention to. It was way late in the night but Brooke had decided that since sleep was very unlikely to come to her she could use this chance to relax and regroup. After tonight she certainly had a lot to think of. Mostly of course she was thinking a lot, of one thing-person. Who? But Lucas of course! Really how weird would it be for both her and Peyton to be dreaming about the same guy lying there in the same bed beside each other? So when Peyton finally had fallen asleep she got out of bed and came to the living room to have her much needed drink feeling immensely grateful that the new maid had thought of fully stocking their bar.

What a night…what a day to be more accurate. At least she was able to get through it still unscathed. Now for the days to come, she couldn't be as confident. So she needed to think of a way out and fast. So far all she had been doing ended up in getting her in a worse predicament than before. Taking another sip she started rethinking the night's events…

Putting herself together after the heated discussion she had with Lucas she had joined Bev and Theresa so as to give him a chance to explain to Haley. No, not explain, lie! But whatever…She couldn't feel guilty about that as well. She didn't care about what they did to Haley as long as Peyton never knew. Lucas could feel guilty for her, she was his nosy friend after all. She had stayed with the girls long, way too long, but she was too scared to return and face the possibility that their plan hadn't worked out. She eventually figured that since Peyton hadn't come yet to punch her in the face the plan must have gone well. So gathering all her courage she finally made her way back before her absence became suspicious.

As she approached their table an imperceptible nod from Lucas, that was again sitting with his arm around Peyton she noticed with distain, told her that apparently things had gone well, as well as expected anyway. Somehow he had managed to convince Haley, and Brooke granted him a grateful smile before resuming her position next to Nathan.

Now one would assume that the rest of the night had gone uneventful but no….of course not! Why would it? Peyton was right when she said that drama just followed Brooke Davis around as she had said long ago, apparently this summer's drama didn't stay at LA but followed her all the way to Tree Hill. So how did things go from there?

Well, first of all she had to put up with Haley's evil glares for the rest of the night. Not that she was surprised. She had to wonder what exactly Lucas had told her to make her look at her even more evilly than before if that was possible. She would have to ask him sometime maybe it would make her laugh…or cry, she couldn't be sure. Anyway, Haley certainly didn't hide her resentment towards her and had thrown a handful of snide remarks that Brooke fought hard but managed not to reciprocate she thought proud of herself. Truth be told she was just too scared that her response might tick off Haley to the point she would reveal their secret. She realized sadly that she was now forced to put up with her bitchy behavior and play nice. She had no other option, Haley James had the upper hand, for now. Brooke was determined to find something as leverage for herself. She couldn't let anyone have that kind of power over her, let alone that good-two-shoes with the self-righteous attitude. Everybody had secrets right? Well she would have to work hard enough to find the skeletons in Saint Haley's closet. Every time Haley said something she could see the guilty expression Lucas had from the corner of her eye. Of course he didn't say anything…was he scared as well, did he have to go along with it as he had to convince Haley that he hated her himself or was there a possibility that he actually agreed with her? She tried to show him that she didn't care but she was afraid Haley might catch any exchange between them so all she managed was putting on some reassuring smiles and hoped that he got the message. She didn't want him to feel bad for her, feel sorry for her. She could take Haley's remarks; they didn't touch her, right?

Putting Haley aside the highlight of the night was Nathan. Sitting here alone she could admit that she seriously liked him. He had spent the night paying attention only to her and that made her feel very special. He had paid her an enormous amount of compliments, expecting her to pay them back of course and she gladly did. They talked about the things they liked, movies and music…that kind of stuff. Peyton had told her than Nathan came off as an ass? Well, she didn't see that. He was nothing but sweet to her, albeit his cocky attitude was still there but she found that attractive. She got the impression that he wasn't usually like that and she liked that he tried to make an effort for her.

Honestly? If she hadn't met Broody this morning she would now be in bed with Nathan and not sitting in the dark living room emptying another glass of vodka. That was the second by the way; with Peyton sleeping upstairs she had to be careful not to overdo it she thought with a grimace. But the thing was that she had met Broody or Lucas or Nathan's brother or Peyton's boy-toy, take your pick. And though Nathan was hot, sweet, amazing and all that stuff…she couldn't stop thinking about Lucas. Ok…maybe a third glass was in order, she would sleep it off anyway, Peyton wouldn't know a thing. Again.

Lying to Peyton. That was a new low for her and trust me Brooke Davis had done some low things in her high school years. After coming back to the table she avoided looking or talking to Peyton. How could she look her in the eyes when she was feeding her with all these lies? When she had even put her boyfriend and one of her closest friends to lie to her? She tried to convince herself that all she was doing was for Peyton's sake. So as not to hurt her feelings. Was it really? Or was she just being selfish again? She was…afraid. Afraid that she might loose what she had with Peyt if she had told her the truth. If she had told the truth from the start as Lucas so feverishly insisted, then Peyton wouldn't be angry with her. It wasn't her fault, she had no way of knowing that the guy she met and liked so much was non other than Lucas. It was an unfortunate coincidence. But the problem was that Peyt would then realize that Brooke had a crush on her boyfriend. How could they continue the way they were with this out in the open? Most likely they wouldn't. And that was something Brooke couldn't afford. Of course now she thought that she had been wrong not to tell the truth from the start…but after the act they had put when Peyton had introduced them there was no way back. They had made a choice, however wrong it was, and they now just had to follow through with it. If she was able to turn back time then she would have been honest with her. No, not true again. If she was able to turn back time she would go back at this morning and never set foot at Rivercourt.

So being with the others she was able to avoid Peyton making it seem like she was too preoccupied with Nathan to deal with anyone else. Peyton was happy about that so that was good. Haley huffed and fumed but she wasn't able to throw any other remarks when Brooke had almost her back turned to her. Perfect. And Lucas? Well… Lucas was obviously not too thrilled with her and Nathan. Too bad for him, he would have to suck it up, because tomorrow….well…tomorrow Brooke had a date with Nathan. How did that happen you might ask? Brooke wasn't exactly sure. It wasn't her fault. No.

Let's take things from the start. She really had no intention of doing anything with Nathan right then, not when she kept thinking about his own brother. Even Brooke wasn't that much of a bitch. Though she knew she really liked him she had decided to take things slowly and just hang out with him for a while until she got over the Broody obsession she was by now definite she was suffering from. Nate would have to wait. So when he had hinted on going out this weekend she had sweetly refused claiming she had a lot of things to do before the start of school on Monday. Nathan had accepted it gracefully, willing to take the rain check she offered and they went on without any awkwardness whatsoever. So how did she end up with a date for tomorrow? Rachel. Because the night couldn't end without that bitch meddling in her business now could it? Or was it the other way around? Whatever…

Brooke was once again on her way back to their table after she had left with Bev to see Kelly and Kathy. She wasn't in the mood for her silly friends that would be surely over-excited to see her but it sure beat sitting at a table with Haley glaring at her and Lucas just staring… Furthermore she had to prepare her return to school and the cheerleading squad. She almost forgot all about that with all the shit that had been going on tonight but Bev thankfully reminded her. So she was now getting back after ensuring she had both girls on her side, determined to convince Peyt to get out of there -seriously this whole night had gone long enough- when she came upon a very unnerving sight. Nathan was standing in the middle of the dance floor with…Tim was it? and a particularly sluttish looking redhead that was apparently trying to get his attention putting on a show dancing provocatively very close to him. Nathan was not really paying attention absorbed in his conversation with Tim and Brooke would have walked away smiling if only that sluttish redhead was not the particular redhead slut. The one and only, Rachel Gatina. Now, again the mature choice would be to walk away, but no one had ever accused Brooke of being mature. She eyed the situation in front of her thoughtfully. This night had been a nightmare and she was a nervous wreck. What better than blow off some steam at Rachel? Yeap…she had been through hell tonight and it was about time she gave some back. At that moment Rachel seemed like the perfect victim. Straightening her skirt and top, actually pulling the one further up and the other further down, Brooke put on one of her trademark dimpled smiles and sauntered over where the three of them were standing.

"Natey, here you are!" She said with a baby voice as she went and laced her arms through his own, making sure to be loud enough for Rachel to hear.

Nathan seemed surprised but grinned back at her happily. Brooke noticed Rachel momentarily pausing her dancing and was sure that she heard her. Now, Tim, he was gaping.

"Brooke Davis?" He asked confused.

This question caused Rachel who had her back turned and had only heard Brooke but wasn't sure who it was since she hadn't seen her approaching to swiftly turn around almost tripping on her high heels.

Point one. Brooke thought satisfied. The element of surprise was working she observed as Rachel did nothing but stare at her with her mouth agape.

"Hey Tim, nice to see you again. And oh my…Rachel, dear, what an unexpected surprise, I didn't know Tric offered these kind of services" She answered turning to Nathan for confirmation of her last statement.

"You obviously know each other" Nathan chuckled amused.

Apparently Rachel had recovered from the surprise cause she was the one to speak next preventing Brooke from answering him.

"Brooke Davis. Well, well, well, the rumors were true after all, the resident hoe of Tree Hill High is back in business" She said with a sugary smile.

"Why? You've been on vacation this summer?" Brooke asked while the smirk never left her face.

"Why are you back Brookie, did the guys in LA finally got bored of you? Honestly, with its population I would expect you to stay there a bit longer"

"Why afraid of the competition Rach? Don't worry we're not in the same line of business. I'm not a whore"

"Oh please…you already made your way to my leftovers…" Rachel smirked looking at Nathan.

"Hey!" Nathan who was so far just enjoying their "conversation" protested annoyed.

"In my books, you're not supposed to consider someone your leftovers when he was the one that dumped your fat ass"

"Bitch" Rachel hissed.

"Loosing your cool Rachel-ho? You shouldn't, dear" Brooke said shaking her head with fake sympathy.

"Whatever Brooke, at least we dated. What are you, another notch in his belt? Really Nate, I'd heard you have screwed every single female in school after we broke up but stooping as low as that…" She said pointing with her eyes at Brooke "Are you that desperate?"

"Shut up Rachel! You have no idea what you're talking about!" Nathan yelled angry now himself.

Brooke smiled satisfied. Nathan was defending her and he was mad at Rachel. Point two.

"Whatever …I am impressed though Brookie…you sure work fast. Where did you find her anyway Nathan? Have you been checking the listings under H?"

"No, he stopped that after he saw the fat bitches listed there" Brooke replied.

Tim seemed confused and was about to ask something but Nathan cut him off.

"Not now, Tim!"

"But why? Let the poor guy speak, he may need her services after you finish with her…if you haven't already I would suggest the girls room, I'm sure Brooke will find it to her liking a bit classy for her perhaps but whatever. Although now that I think of it, she might be already too bored with it…" Rachel trailed off.

"Well, you would sure know all about that, wouldn't you Rach?" Nathan asked now even more pissed off.

Rachel obviously didn't expect Nathan to give her that kind of reply and for a second she seemed really hurt, only for second but it was enough for Brooke to see it. Point three. And now for the final shot…

"Don't bother, Nate" She said granting him a sweet smile. "Let's go we have to make plans for tomorrow"

"We do?" Nathan asked curiously taking his eyes of Rachel that he had been glaring at before.

"Of course…so what time are you picking me up for our date?" She said stressing the last word.

"But I thought…"

"Let's just say I want to thank you for…that" She said tilting her head towards a furious looking Rachel.

"Well…I'm never one to say no to such an offer" Nathan replied smirking. "See ya, man" He said towards Tim as he left with his arm still interlaced with Brooke's without bothering to acknowledge Rachel.

Brooke turned and gave a smug smile to her. Game over.

So that is how she ended up having a date with Nathan tomorrow. She knew how that would piss the hell off of Rachel and she couldn't resist it. As they walked back to the table she thought how she had let Rachel get to her and against her better judgment sort of made her agree to a date she had refused only minutes before. Anyone could see that it was all Brooke's fault…but never one to question her impulses she decided that this was for the best. After all she had just managed a major blow to Rachel even before the school had started. Tim was there and their date would make news in no time. She had just laid the ground for a spectacular return to Tree Hill High. Everybody would be sure talking about her even before she had made her first appearance at school. Moreover, the actual date made her sort of excited. Nathan had gained major points the way he stood up for her to Rachel. Now the only glitch was of course…Lucas. The thing was instead of being nervous or really excited about her upcoming date she was mostly concerned with Lucas's reaction. Well…maybe this date would help in that direction as well. Maybe if she gave a chance to Nathan he would be able to make her forget her Broody obsession faster. So everything was finally looking good, Brooke had thought positive and almost happy for the first time that night. Talk about short-lived happiness…

When they joined the others, Brooke was relieved to discover that they were actually waiting for them to head home. Apparently Lucas was… tired and Haley had to… wake up early tomorrow. Brooke assured a hesitant Peyton that she was as well tired and she really didn't mind that they were breaking it up this early. Despite her protests Peyton insisted that she would crash at her place again tonight. Brooke tried and tried to avoid it, she didn't want to face Peyton tonight, she just wanted to be alone and do something really unlike her…she wanted to…brood. She even went as far as mentioning that Lucas might want to spend the night with his girlfriend, really how she suggested that without chocking with her words was a miracle. However, Lucas had already made sure to sabotage that argument by telling Peyt he had to get back home early so as not to further infuriate his already angry father. So Brooke running out of valid excuses finally relented faking excitement at the prospect of another girl's night.

So they all headed to the parking lot and were about to say their goodbyes and head to their respective cars. And then it happened, not something big or that important really, but enough to make her consider pouring another glass of her drink every time she thought about it.

Nathan approached her smiling.

"So …about tomorrow"

Haley turned her head surprised. Lucas was talking to Mouth and thankfully didn't catch his brother's words.

"Erm…how about you pick me up around seven?" Brooke said quietly trying not to attract attention. It wasn't that everybody was not going to find out sooner or later but with both Lucas and Haley on edge she opted for later when at least she wouldn't be there to take the burnt.

"Sure, seven sounds good."

"Seven what sounds good?" Peyton that had approached them asked with an intrigued face.

Brooke groaned. Everybody had heard her and was now looking at them.

"I'm picking up Brooke for our date, tomorrow at seven" Nathan replied with a huge smile.

Brooke managed a half smile while her eyes found Lucas. The look he was giving her made her want to crawl up and die…She thought she had heard a "what the fuck" that came from Haley's way but she was unable to tear her eyes away from him. He was angry and hurt and he was looking at her with utter disbelief. Then his expression all of a sudden changed and she saw all his features harden. She fought the urge she felt to run and apologize to him. She had no reason to do that and it was also the fact that she just couldn't, not with everybody around.

"A date really? Well done, Nate, well done" She heard Peyton say again and turned to smile at her.

"Well done to you too Davis…" Peyton said shaking her head still smiling.

"Oh come on, Goldilocks…let's go!" Brooke said still feeling Lucas's eyes on her back.

She was about to drag Peyton to her car when Lucas caught her to it.

"Don't I get a goodnight kiss?" He asked as he leaned into his girlfriend.

Peyton nodded her head and leaned in to give what looked like it would be a peck on the lips when Lucas grabbed her waist and pulled her in his arms. In front of the stunned group of friends he started kissing her passionately. Peyton obviously surprised at first soon placed her arms around his neck and got into their kiss ignoring the others.

Nathan was the one to eventually fake cough and break them apart laughing. Lucas pulled away after giving her another short peck and glanced at Brooke smugly.

Now as for Brooke… you weren't supposed to feel this kind of pain when a guy you hardly knew for a day was kissing someone else. As she watched him pulling Peyton she felt the wind getting knocked out of her. As the kiss progressed she just wanted to close her eyes and forget she had ever seen it. Only she was unable to do it…she just stood there staring at the two of them wishing someone would knock her out so she wouldn't have to see anymore. When Lucas pulled away and looked at her she wasn't able to mask her feelings. She was certain he saw the full effect that kiss had on her and obviously that made him extremely happy.

Apparently she had underestimated Lucas Scott. The brooding quiet guy knew how to give as good as he received. The stunned expressions of everyone around including Peyton herself only affirmed what she already knew…this wasn't their usual goodbye, this was a show for her benefit only, courtesy of a very pissed off and dare she say it jealous Broody. So if he wanted to play that way…he should have chosen another opponent…no one beat Brooke Davis at these games. She was a pro and Lucas would have to learn that very very soon. But not right away…no. That would be too childish or too obvious, either way it wouldn't do. Revenge was a plate that was best served cold…and tomorrow Lucas Scott would realize exactly what messing with her entailed.

So deciding to act as the bigger person and honestly just to salvage anything she could since he already saw her reaction and going to kiss Nathan would only make him more sure that he got to her, she just gave a small peck on Nathan's cheek and with a casual "Can't wait for tomorrow" addressed to Nathan accompanied by a particularly seductive smile she finally got into Peyton's car not even bothering to look at Lucas's way.

She had to admit that was the perfect end to a perfect night…only it still wasn't the end. Cause of course Peyton who had no idea on how Brooke was feeling inside, was in the mood for a girl talk…and the topic? Well...the Scott brothers, what else?

"So…come on Davis, I know you're dying to say it, so out with it"

"Out with what?" Brooke that was looking out her window planning her revenge for tomorrow said confused.

"Your opinion on Lucas of course! What did you think of him?"

Right…well…right now hating his guts was gaining ground.

"He seems nice"

Now the fact that Peyton didn't crash the car after that statement should have been considered as a miracle. Anyone that knew Brooke would know that something was definitely wrong. The girl that talked a mile a minute, especially when the topic was hot looking guys…had said Lucas was nice?

"He seems nice? That's all I get? Brooke…did you really hate him that much?" Peyton asked with a worried face.

Brooke sighed…way to not be too obvious.

"What are you talking about, Blondie? Of course I didn't hate him. I told you he seemed really nice. I just…didn't talk to him that much" Brooke shrugged.

"Since when did you base your opinion about someone on you talking with him, Brooke?"

"Shut up, Blondie!"

"Come on Brooke…I'm sure you want to say more. For starters…don't you think Lucas is as hot as his brother? Or were you too blinded by Natey to notice?"

"Yeah, he's ok" Brooke shrugged again.

"Whoa…hold back with the enthusiasm Brooke!" Peyton said annoyed.

"Come on Pey…it's weird to talk about your boyfriend that way!"

"Since when?!"

"Since now! I told you he looked fine…he's like you said…not so much my type." Brooke said trying to sound as convincing as possible. Yeah…great body, the most amazing blue eyes I have ever seen that completely render me speechless…and that adorable squinting thing he does…definitely not my type.

"Look Brooke, I know your personalities are kind of…erm…opposite. Lucas is kind of closed off and I don't know how he seemed to you today. I hope you didn't think he was rude or he didn't like you. He's just that way at first, but as soon as he opens up you'll see how the two of you will get along just fine with each other. I'm sure you'll see what a great guy he is and you will like him too"

Was Peyton familiar with the phrase "be careful what you wish for"?

"It's not that Pey, really. He really seems nice and if he's good to you, which he apparently is judging from what I saw today… then I'm perfectly fine with him. Don't worry!" See…lying to Peyton wasn't that difficult after all. Now if she could only restrain herself from banging her head against the windshield…

"Thanks Brooke, after all since he's your new boy-toy's brother…you have to get along with him"

"Okay….jumping to conclusions here! Nathan isn't my new boy-toy"

"…yet" Peyton continued.

"We're just going out on a date…I just wanted to thank him"

"For what?" Peyton asked confused.

"Never mind…big story…I will say only one word…Rachel"

"Ouch! She saw you?"

"Erm…she saw us. Or better yet I saw her trying to get something on with Nathan, and thought that it would be good to save him"

"That must have been fun…" Peyton said sarcastically.

"It actually was!" Brooke giggled.

"B. Davis what did you do to her?" She said shaking her head.

"Me? Nothing…just made sure she knew that Nate was mine" Brooke replied smugly.

"Oh…he's yours isn't he? Nice Brookie…so let's repeat that question again…isn't Nate your new boy-toy?"

"Urgh…fine. Maybe he is. I have to keep myself busy" So I can take my mind of your damned boyfriend!

"Oh…I'm certain Nate aims at keeping you very busy…starting tomorrow…This is so great Brooke, I'm so excited for you!"

If only she could say the same Brooke thought as she downed the rest of her drink and refilled it one more time. That one she didn't manage to finish however as she drifted to sleep right there on the couch with the tv still playing at the background and plans of the perfect revenge for Lucas running through her head.

AN: This was kind of a filler chapter I guess to tie up some loose ends from Brooke's POV. Now the next chapter…will mostly be Lucas's POV explaining what happened with Haley, oh, and an idea your lovely reviews I admit have put into my head…what if Peyton mentioned Broody to Lucas…?

Please keep R&R. Love you guys!