A/N: The song Haley sings in this chapter is a real life song from Bethany Joy Lenz-Galeotti's group Everly. I did not make it up and do not own it. Hope you guys enjoy!

Jake's POV

There was pancake batter splattered everywhere. On the countertops, on the floor, and in her hair. She danced around the kitchen grabbing more eggs and butter as she giddily hummed a familiar tune. I stirred the batter in the bowl and watched her with a smile, thinking if all my mornings were like this, I would die a happy man. She caught me watching her and smiled back with dimples deep enough to stand in.

"What?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. I shook my head, nothing, and kept smiling but her curiosity didn't end there. She placed the eggs and batter down on the counter and pranced around behind me. Her hands crept up around my waist and found there way to my chest. She stood to her tiptoes and nuzzled her nose in my neck before whispering, "It's never just nothing with you." I laughed because it was true and because of how much she knew me. Satisfied with just my laughter she slipped away again, this time to the cabinet looking for cinnamon and vanilla extract I was sure. They were her favorite additions to morning pancakes and she always begged me to add them to the mix. My eyes fell upon her again as she reached to the cabinet above the stove. Her messy bun had fallen from the top of her head to the nape of her neck and wavy pieces of brown locks had escaped the scrunchy she used to hold it all together. My old college shirt draped over her body and bared her slightly tan thighs. I traced her body from her waist down to her blue toenails and she caught me watching her again. This time she bit her lip and didn't say a word.

"The batter's done." I smirked. She silently placed the cinnamon and vanilla extract next to the bowl.

"Not quite." She uttered like I knew she would. I sighed playfully and added a few sprinkles and drops of each. I dipped my finger in and scooped up a little bit of the mix. I held it up to her mouth and she sucked it off. "Perfect." She smiled.

"Just like you." I let the words effortlessly slip from my mouth but I didn't care. I was so lost in love with her and I wanted her to know how much. I placed my hand on the small of her back and pulled her into me. Our lips met as I tangled my other hand in her hair. She sunk into my chest and relaxed in the warmth of my mouth. The controlled kiss became a grapple for skin and a continuous roaming of lips until we tripped over each other and landed on the kitchen floor. I caught her on my stomach and we laughed at our clumsiness.

"You are a mess Jake Jageilski." She chuckled. I smiled and brushed back her batter filled hair while she lay on top of me. I searched her eyes and found solace in the hazel windows.

"I could love you forever Brooke Davis." I sighed with a full chest.

"You have to get used to calling me Brooke Jagielski." She laughed. I laughed too and pulled her in for another kiss. Before I knew it, we were rolling around on the batter painted floor only concerned with holding each other.

My eyes cracked open as the sunlight blared through my window. I did my best to blink the sleep out of my eyes as I slowly lifted my head. A mess of brown hair lay across my chest and porcelain arms across my waist. I sat up a little more half hoping the brunette was Brooke. It seemed I was mixing my dreams with reality, as it turned out to be Quinn sleeping peacefully on my stomach. This was the third time in the last two weeks that she spent the night and I wasn't sure why I was still dreaming about Brooke. It was nice having Quinn there. It was nice having someone to wake up too again. Besides, Brooke and I hadn't spoken in two weeks. She wasn't answering my calls or text messages. She didn't even answer the door when I stopped by her house, although her car was in the driveway. I was just accepting the fact that she was never going to speak to me again and I didn't blame her.

Quinn moved around slowly before opening her eyes. She looked up at me and smiled, I did my best to smile back.

"Good morning." She said softly.

"Good morning." I replied. She lifted her head up for a kiss and I complied. White bed sheets covered our naked tangled bodies and everything was perfect. Or at least it was supposed to be. She rolled over to the side of the bed pulling much of the sheets along with her to cover up.

"I'd better head out, I have a class to get to." She yawned. I nodded my head.

"Yeah, I have to drop Jenny at the sitter and head to the shop." Quinn pulled on her shirt and pants as she stood up and zipped her zipper. I sat up too and reached for my sweat pants. I walked over to her and pulled her in close for a goodbye kiss. She wrapped her arms around my neck.

"I look forward to many more mornings with you." She smiled into another kiss.

"You better." I teased.

I wasn't much of a daydreamer but I had trouble keeping my mind in one place once I got to work. Everyone around me was moving at a fast pace and I felt stuck in still motion. I thought of Brooke, then I thought of Quinn, then I thought of Brooke again. Back and forth, back and forth like a teetering balance shifting between each side. Quinn was gorgeous, smart, funny, kind and insanely talented. I knew she loved me and the deepest part of me knew I could lover her. I could easily see her being a great step-mom to Jenny and that warmed my heart more than anything. But with Brooke I didn't have to think, everything just felt right. We were like that time I squeezed lime into my vanilla cake batter, a surprisingly good mix. As hard as I tried I couldn't stop thinking about our kiss, the ginger on her lips, or the way she smelled like vanilla bath soap. She was fiercely independent, indeed, like wildfire and to be honest I wasn't quite sure if I could contain her. But like a moth drawn to the flame I wasn't sure if I could stay away. I thought back to a time not too long after Brooke and I found out we'd tied the knot. Jenny wanted to invite Brooke over for a day at the park. We spent the entire day together until Jenny wore herself out. We ended up back at my apartment where I put Jenny down to sleep and found Brooke sitting on the couch fiddling my grandmother's ring between her fingers.

"I never gave this back to you." She said without taking her eyes off the ring as I sat down beside her. She placed it down on the coffee table and let out a quiet sigh.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked curiously.

It took a while for her to answer and for a moment I thought she wouldn't until she opened her mouth and said, "Julia Roberts."

"Thinking about hot women. Maybe we're more alike then I thought." I smiled. She nudged my arm and chuckled a little.

"I used to worship her when I was little. My favorite movie was My Best Friend's Wedding with her and Dermot Mulroney and by the time I was 14 I knew it like word for word."

"Impressive."

"I know, it really was. Anyway the movie is a classic but I hated the ending. Julia Roberts watches her best friend and the love of her life whisk away his new bride while she sits around in this god-awful purple dress, alone."

"Oh god, not purple." I said dryly.

"I know! The point is, after watching the movie again last night I didn't hate the ending. I thought it was pretty brilliant. All my life, I've been dreaming of the perfect guy and this perfect love and ultimately the perfect wedding. But what if its just supposed to be me, wearing purple and dancing with my gay best friend while 'I Say a Little Prayer' plays in the background."

"I'm so confused." I uttered with a furrowed brow.

"Sorry." She apologized as she realized she was beginning to ramble. "I 'm just starting to think that our whole situation is God's way of telling me I focus too much on finding love. Maybe its not in the cards for me."

"You know, my grandfather used to say that my Grandmother fell from the sky. She showed up when he least expected it, but when he needed her most. He proposed to her with that very ring and they were married until he died."

"That's so sweet." She cooed.

"Yeah, I'm sure that ring has a bit of their magic in it. Hopefully, a little of it rubbed off on you." I added.

"That would be nice." She smiled. Her dimples dug into her cheek as she stared at the ring on the table. Silence fell upon us briefly.

"Is that still your favorite movie?" I asked curiously.

"How could it not be? I melt every time during that scene when they're on the boat and Dermot Mulroney turns to Julia Roberts and begins singing 'The Way You Look Tonight' in a hushed tone. It's perfect."

"I never really liked that song. Its a little corny and overused in movies."

"Jake Jageilski are you high? That song is so sweet and endearing, and soulful and-"

"Corny." I stated plainly. She nudged me again with a smile and I laughed at her frustration.

"What do you know anyway?" She said laughing a little herself.

"Keep the ring." I shrugged.

"What? No, it belonged to your grandparents who I'm sure intended for you to give it to the woman you love." She exclaimed.

"Yeah, but we are married and I figure you can take better care of it than me. I carry it around in my wallet for goodness sake."

"But it's too nice."

"Just think of it as doing me a favor, just until we get the annulment. Besides, what kind of man asks for the ring back after the wedding?"

"The cheap kind." She smiled as she picked the ring back up and fiddled it between her fingers once more.

"Are you day dreaming?" Cam asked as pulled on his apron. I snapped out of my thoughts and looked him up and down.

"Are you late?" I asked back.

"Sorry man, I had this fiery hot Dominican girl over and everything was all good until this morning."

"What happened this morning?"

"She showed her true colors. The girl is crazy, muy loca. I told her I was headed to work and she refused to leave!"

"Serves you right for your promiscuity."

"Hey, one bad egg out of a dozen doesn't mean you throw out the whole egg carton." Cam shrugged as he floured down the counter. I laughed and shook my head in disappointment at the same time. "Were you daydreaming about the wife or the girlfriend?" He smirked.

"Both." I answered honestly.

"Brooke still isn't talking to you?" He asked. I shook my head and pounded my frustration into and block of dough.

"She wouldn't even answer the door when I stopped by.

"Serves you right! Man, you're the worst husband I ever met." Cam chuckled. I pushed him off to the side.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

"Of course not." He smiled. "How are things with you and Quinn?"

"Great actually. She slept over for the third time and it was nice. It felt right."

"But you can't stop thinking about Brooke, huh?" He questioned rhetorically. I shook my head again and pounded the dough in frustration once more. "Man, what are you doing?"

"I'm kneading dough, what does it look like?"

"I mean with Quinn and Brooke. You can't keep lying to Quinn, especially if you have feelings for Brooke. It's not right."

"Says the guy who was once in a relationship with three women at once."

"Look man I'm scum, I know I'm scum but that's not you. You are painfully honest and you never like to hurt people. So be honest with them and be honest with yourself. Who is it that you want to be with? Man up, and decide." He squeezed my shoulder before disappearing off into the back.

Peyton's POV

"Brooke, come on!" I yelled as I knocked on her door. "It's just coffee around the corner."

"I'm not leaving this house!" She yelled back.

"But its been two weeks already! Everyone has already forgotten about what happened, I promise. I've been watching E! News every night and they've already moved on to Kim Kardashian." With that she cracked open the door enough to poke her head out.

"You swear?" She asked. I held up the scouts honor sign and crossed m fingers behind my back. The truth was that I hated E! News and stayed far away from it.

"Now put on some descent clothes and meet me outside in five minutes." I smiled. She smiled back and nodded her head.

Barnaby Brothers' Coffee was our favorite coffee shop lately. Since Karen's Café shut down we had to find a new place with the same great quality. It was a close second but still nothing in comparison. Brooke hid behind her sunglasses as we sat in the very back of the shop away from the window. She slowly sipped her coffee and rubbed her temples.

"Are you hung-over?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Maybe." She shrugged. "It pays to have a wine cellar and something about Marvin Gaye's voice makes you just wanna keep on sippin'." She said sarcastically.

"Brooke, you can't just drink alone like that. Its not healthy or safe." I urged. "Besides if your gonna drink, do it to Elliot Smith or something." Brooke let out a small laugh and it lightened the air in the room a bit. I smiled and took a sip of my coffee. I took it black with no cream or sugar. "So how have you been?"

"I've been okay." She shrugged. " I'm over what happened at my show if that's what you're asking. Once the initial shock wore off, I was fine."

"Yeah the night was pretty intense. I know you really liked Julian and I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry."

"Peyton you are not the one who needs to do the apologizing."

"I know but since we know there is no chance in hell you'll hear one from Victoria, I figured mine would suffice."

"Solidarity sister." She said as she held up her cup. I tapped mine against hers and we both took a sip simultaneously.

"Jake bolted out there pretty fast after you. Did he ever catch up?" I asked curiously. Brooke quickly shook her head.

"He stopped by, but I didn't answer. Just wanted to be alone, you know?" She shrugged. I nodded my head in understanding.

"But still it was sweet of him to check up on you."

"Yes it was." She said softly. Silence fell upon us momentarily. I fiddled my thumbs in my lap and looked over Brooke's shoulder at all the people in the shop.

"Can I tell you a secret? "

"You know how much I love those." She smirked.

"I know what I'm about to say is completely selfish and insane and I hate myself for even feeling this way but sometimes I feel like I'm not over Jake." I spat it all out in one breath. Brooke almost choked on her coffee. "I know, its bad."

"You mean you still have feelings for him?" She interrogated.

"I don't know. I don't think so, I mean whenever I see him I get paralyzed by nostalgia and my heart quickens and I feel all hot." I said honestly.

"But you're married, with a baby."

"I know, I know." I sighed. Silence fell upon us again. I began fiddling my fingers once more and Brooke took a couple more sips of her coffee. She looked really pale and seemed to be taking the news very badly.

"So what does this all mean?" She asked.

"Nothing!" I answered quickly. "I love Lucas with everything that I am, and now we have Sawyer and she is the best thing that has ever happened to me and honestly I have no regrets. No regrets at all."

"But?"

"But, Jake and I just sort of ended abruptly. When I left Savannah I left him behind and we never got closure. I guess a small part of me will always wonder what if."

"Well we all wonder. There's nothing wrong with that, hun. You loved him. He was a big part of your life." She said trying her best to comfort me.

"I guess I just needed to say it. I've been carrying that around for a while and I just wanted to get it off my chest. I just need to hear that I'm not a bad person."

"Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer, you are not a bad person." She took my hand in hers and gave it a good squeeze. I smiled. "You're just a mental fornicator." And with those last words we erupted in laughter.

I walked up to the doors of The Cakery and took a deep breath before walking in. The place was really quite remarkable. It was huge but homey with blue and green walls. The smell of cake batter hovered in the air and the place was packed with customers. Some sitting, some ordering. I walked up to the counter where a petite red head was finishing up with a customer. When she was done she looked up at me with a smile.

"May I help you?"

"Yes, actually. I need to talk to Jake Jagielski, is he here?"

"He should be somewhere in the back, let me check for you." She politely replied before disappearing into the back. I leaned up against the counter, grabbed a menu and began flipping through it. There was an abundance of things to choose from: birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cakes for corporate events, one tiered, two tiered, three tiered, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, strawberry. My mouth was watering at the possibilities.

"Peyton?" I heard Jake call from behind. My heart began pounding against my chest and I was feeling really hot again. I whipped around and met his smile.

"Hey Jake." I smiled back. He came from around the counter and approached me for a hug. We embraced awkwardly for a brief moment before parting.

"What's going on, Sunny said you needed to talk to me?"

"Yeah, I need a cake."

"I can do that." He smiled, "What's the occasion and when do you need it by?"

"So I don't know if you know but Brooke's birthday is next week and with everything that she's been dealing with I wanted this one to be a really good one. Anyway, Haley, Millicent, Sam and I are planning a surprise party and the cake you made for my wedding was absolutely amazing so I just thought-"

"Say no more, I'm all yours." He stopped me from rambling and motioned with his hands to a table by the window. We sat down as he pulled out a notepad and pen. "So what did you have in mind?"

"Uh, wow right to it then, huh? I hadn't really thought about it." I laughed nervously. I wasn't sure why I was so nervous, I'd had a million and one conversations with Jake before and they were easy and comfortable. This was the first time we'd been alone since he came to town and even though we were in his shop surrounded by lots of people, I couldn't ignore the cluster of anxious knots sitting in my stomach.

"That's okay, this is my favorite part so I can help you out with a few questions. Cool?" He asked. I nodded my head and smiled again. "Ok, about how many people are you expecting?"

"Nothing too big, just her really close friends. Maybe, 15 if I include all the kids."

"Great, so what kind of cake does she like?"

"She loves chocolate!" I said a little too quickly. Jake began writing that down. "But she loves cheesecake too…and strawberry."

"Never made a strawberry, chocolate, cheesecake before but I'm open to the challenge."

"Oh god that actually sounds gross." I cringed. Jake laughed and I loosened up a bit.

"No this is good, we're bouncing ideas around. Now for the appearance of the cake, do you want multiple tiers or one tier?"

"I think one big tier would be great, that way it's easy to store whatever's left over."

"Ok, her favorite color is baby blue right?" He asked.

"Yeah, how'd you know that?" I asked curiously.

"Oh, um her car in high school was baby blue so I just assumed." He said stumbling over his words a little bit. "Ok, this is just an idea but I'm thinking a really big chocolate cake with Hershey's kisses embedded inside covered by baby blue fondant in the shape of the letter "B". I'll surround it with cheesecake cupcakes topped with strawberries and if you give me free reign I can put intricate white ink designs all over the cake."

"That sounds perfect, actually." I said in amazement. "Wow, you're some sort of creative genius."

"Only when it comes to cake." He smirked.

"No I'm serious. In high school, I always knew you would end up doing something amazing but this is so much more than I could've ever hoped for you." I shared honestly. He looked down in an attempt to hide his blushing.

"Honestly, that really means a lot coming from you Peyton." He placed his hand on mine and gave a sincere smile.

"Boss! Your consultation is here." Sunny called over from the register. I looked over at the couple eagerly looking at the cakes on display. They were young and giddy so I assumed they were engaged.

"Well duty calls. Did I get everything you needed?" He asked as he started to get up.

"Yeah that's everything. Of course you're invited as well, details will go out later and you can bring Jenny of course."

"Great, I'll personally keep you updated about the cake and it was really nice seeing you Peyton. I hope we can catch up really soon, you know, when things are less busy." He motioned around to the shop and I could see just how busy it was.

"Yeah me too. This place is always packed." I said hoping it sounded more like a compliment than a complaint.

"Yeah, I'm thankful for all the business. Oh! Before I forget, we're having an Open Mic Night this evening." He said as he pulled a flyer from his apron pocket. "I've been meaning to tell you guys, but my mind has been somewhere else lately. Anyway, I think Haley may be performing and it'd be cool if you stopped by too. Maybe bring Luke or Brooke or whoever." He shrugged as he handed me the flyer.

"Yeah this sounds really fun. I'll be there." I smiled.

"Great." He replied.

Brooke's POV

"Brooke please!" Peyton begged as I put my dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

"For the millionth time, no." I said firmly.

"But it's perfect timing. Luke decided to stay home with Sawyer and I'm thinking after the event Jake and I can finally have some time to talk but I don't want to go alone. Brooke please, I really need you."

"Peyton, I really don't want to go."

"But why? This still isn't about keeping a low profile is it? What happened at your show is old news!" She assured as she walked over to the kitchen. "If you want me to beg I will." She began assuming the position on her knees. I rolled my eyes and sighed deeply as she folded her hands together and pouted her lips.

"I can't believe I'm going to help my married best friend get closure from her ex boyfriend. This is so not ok." I groaned.

"Oh thank you Brooke! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She cheered as she jumped up to wrap me in a hug.

"I didn't realize how important this was to you." I said when we parted.

"I just need to get it over with so I can move on. Its been eating at me for a while." She shrugged.

"So what if you guys don't get a chance to talk?" I asked hypothetically. Peyton shrugged her shoulders.

"There will be other times I guess, but I have seize the opportunity, right?"

I nodded my head in agreement. I was trying to be supportive but my stomach was in knots because I knew I was lying to her face. I told myself it was for the best. Jake and I would get the annulment soon and our marriage would be water under the bridge. She didn't have to know. I was doing my best to push Jake to the back of my mind and I was nervous about seeing him tonight. I hoped he would be too busy to notice me. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was embarrassed about the other night. He kissed me like he meant it, like he was feeling what I was feeling. I realize now that I was half naked and he was just caught in the moment. It was foolish of me to think he could have feelings for me while he was with Quinn. Jake wasn't that kind of guy. He was sweet, honest, and noble. I was sure he even confessed our tryst to Quinn that very day because it was eating his conscience alive.

"Have you talked to Jake lately?" I questioned, immediately regretting the question after it left my mouth.

"Yeah for a little bit, why?" She replied.

"No reason." I shrugged, "I just haven't talked to him in a while, and was wondering how he was doing."

"Well you're gonna see him tonight. Ask him for yourself." She exclaimed.

I wasn't consciously trying to look sexy. Peyton pointed out that I might have overdone it for a casual open mic night at a bakery. I stuck to all black leather skinny pants, a black tank, white Louboutins and red lipstick. Considering that I would've worn the same thing to the grocery store, I told her she was exaggerating. Besides, there was nothing wrong with reminding Jake what he was missing out on.

We arrived at The Cakery a little late, in the middle of someone's performance. A tall blonde boy who couldn't have been more than eighteen was singing to the strum of his guitar and the whole room was captivated by his voice. We scurried in quietly and found a high table in the back. The room was dim and little string lights hung all across the ceiling relaxing the mood. The smell of cake batter fluttered in the air like something was cooking. The turnout was amazing. I was briefly reminded of the first open mic night at Karen's café and a feeling of nostalgia flooded over me. The guy on stage must've been from Tree Hill High. He reminded me of Haley in a way. Like a caged bird let out for the first time.

"This is so great." Peyton whispered. I nodded in agreement.

"You should think about signing this guy, he's awesome."

"That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea." Peyton smiled as she looked at the boy on stage like he was a rare jewel found beneath the rubble. I scanned the room for Jake. It wasn't that I was looking to get his attention; I was looking to avoid him. Instead my eyes found Haley. She was sitting with Nathan and Quinn of course. I wish I would've brought Sam, I thought to myself. At least then, I wouldn't be forced into a three-way conversation when Peyton hunted Jake down to talk. Haley looked back for a second and I waved my arms hoping to get her attention. She saw us and smiled as she waved back.

When the boy finished his song, Jake appeared on stage and asked the crowd to give him another round or applause. They complied and I felt a knot form in my stomach again. He looked handsome. His hair was freshly cut and he was wearing a white button shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I averted my eyes down to the fake candles on our table and started fiddling with my thumbs. I felt nervous again and embarrassment seeped its way back in.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, that was Casey Mitchell with his original song 'Sleep Easy.' Next I would like to invite a very talented woman up to the stage. I am so lucky to call this girl a dear friend. She is dropping her second album soon and is on her way to doing great things. Ladies and Gentlemen please help me in welcoming Haley James Scott!" He bellowed out to the crowd. We went crazy with screams and claps as Haley rose to take the stage. She toted her guitar around her shoulders and comfortably took a seat upon the stool.

"Hey guys, this song is called 'Stars'." She began strumming a beautiful rhythm of notes before singing along to the melody.

Everyday I find I am looking for me
And these unfinished lives
Every movement and emotion settles my heart
It is paralyzing

Maybe I am crazy
I say there is a better way
And these waves come crashing on my shore
I will not be moved 'cause I know who I am

When the stars all go home
I won't fight to be known
I will listen for your voice
That calls me home

The crowd was eating the song up and swaying from side to side. There was something very calming about Haley's voice. She looked at home on that stage. I glanced over at Nathan; he was smiling and looked more in love with his wife than ever before. Jake was now sitting next to Quinn with his arm wrapper around her shoulder. I felt the jealousy seeping into my skin and I couldn't pull my eyes away from them. I felt caught so deep in my feelings for him and I wanted nothing more than to free myself from them. More than anything I felt guilty. I felt guilty for kissing another girl's boyfriend, I felt guilty about being in a fraudulent marriage, and most of all I felt guilty for lying to Peyton.

"Peyton." I whispered across the table. She looked at me as I caught her attention. I searched her face for a moment and tried to savor her content expression. "I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" She asked as concern flashed across her face. I braced myself to deliver the news. I wasn't sure what her reaction was going to be but I was prepared to face the consequences of my actions.

"What's up guys!" Cam exclaimed in a loud whisper as he approached our table. I was filled with relief as he embraced me in a hug.

"Hey Cam, how are you? You remember Peyton right?" I asked quickly trying to change the subject from my attempt at a confession.

"Yes I do, how are you?" He asked her.

"I'm good." Peyton smiled. Just then Haley finished her song and the crowd erupted in applause. We stood to our feet, screamed and howled as she took her bow. Jake met her on stage once more and they embraced in a brief hug.

"Ok guys, we're gonna take a brief intermission. We'll be back in 10 minutes." He said into the mic. The room quickly filled with conversation and people getting up to use the restroom or get refreshments from the register.

"Has Jake seen you guys yet?" Cam asked.

"No we haven't gotten a chance to say hi." Peyton said quickly.

"I'll let him know you guys are here." He smiled and disappeared into the crowd before I could stop him. I began contemplating running to the restroom but there was already a line forming at the door.

"What were you going to tell me?" Peyton asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"Oh. Um, I forgot. It was probably nothing." I shrugged, doing my best to be casual about it. She shrugged it off as well. I could see Cam leading Jake, Quinn, Nathan and Haley over to us. My heart started putting in overtime in my chest and I felt hot all over. I began fidgeting in my seat trying to calm myself down but it was no use. I put my brave face on as they approached us. I did everything I could not to look Jake in the eyes as we exchanged hugs between everyone.

"Haley, I'm starting to think we should put a live version of that song on your album. You sounded amazing up there." Peyton cooed.

"Yeah, I really loved the song." I added enthusiastically.

"Thanks a lot guys, your support means a lot." Haley smiled.

"I'm really glad you guys could make it." Jake piped in. I could feel his eyes on me but I did my best to avoid his.

"Thanks for the invite." Peyton replied. "This place looks great and the show is awesome so far."

"Thank you! We're really hoping to establish a relationship with this town so this is just a first step." He explained.

Suddenly Cam's voice came over the microphone as he asked for everyone's attention. He was standing on stage with a few other shop members.

"So we know this is intermission but we wanted to see if you guys could help us get a friend of ours to the stage. We run this shop together but I bet most of you guys didn't know he was a talented singer. Jake, come on up here and show the people what you can do." He smiled excitedly. Jake looked caught off guard and adorably nervous as the crowd began clapping and cheering. He was shaking his head and tried his best to decline but the crowd kept cheering.

"I didn't know you could sing!" Quinn exclaimed with excitement.

"C'mon Jake. It's been a while, show us if you still got it." Peyton chuckled.

"I can't, I don't even have a guitar." He replied.

"Use mine!" Haley smiled deviously. He sighed and grabbed the guitar before heading toward the stage. The crowd started clapping louder and Quinn howled as he climbed the steps the microphone. Jake playfully pushed Cam to the side. I saw him mouth "I'm gonna kill you" and laughed a little bite. The rest of his crew patted him on the back for encouragement and exited stage left. He pulled the guitar strap over his shoulder and brought the stool closer to the microphone before taking a seat.

"Hi guys." He said nervously. Quinn howled again and I rolled my eyes. "I didn't plan on performing but I guess things change." The crowd fell silent under the sound of his voice. As much as I wanted to pretend that I wasn't interested, I was actually excited to hear him sing as I realized I'd never heard him before. "Uh, this song is for someone very special to me. She knows who she is."

I felt a pain in my chest as Quinn tried to hide her smile. She was beaming with excitement and my jealousy was overcome by sadness that I could no longer deny. Then, in his own rendition, Jake's husky and low voice began to flood the room:

Someday, when I'm awfully low,

When the world is cold,

I will feel a glow just thinking oooof you,

And the way you look tonight,

Immediately I looked up to the stage in surprise and our eyes met. He was staring right at me penetrating through with each lyric. I couldn't believe he remembered. It was like everyone in the room disappeared and it was just the two of us there. Frozen in that moment together. I started to feel hot again, this time from confusion. He wasn't breaking his gaze and I wasn't sure what to feel anymore. My heart race quickened and the room started feeling smaller and smaller. Before I knew it, I was grabbing my purse and making a dash for the door. I could hear Peyton whispering my name as I quickly walked away, but even louder I could still hear Jake's voice:

Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm,

And your cheeks so soft,

There is nothing for me but to love you,

And the way you look tonight.

There it is! Hope you guys liked it. Let me know what you think will happen next and what you hope will happen next. And don't hesitate to let me know what you think about this chapter. Hopefully your feedback will encourage me to keep writing.