Disclaimer: The characters don't belong to me, but rather to the WB.
Thanks for all the great reviews. I wasn't sure where I was going with this, but thanks to the reviews and suggestions, I was able to make this a story with direction. Thanks! Keep reading and keep enjoying!
Three more days, thought Lucas, as he tied the stained apron around his waist, three more days and he would be off restriction. By Sunday, Lucas could go about town as he pleased. He was counting down the days.
Keith had worked late twice more during the week, and each time Lucas had called Brooke and invited her over. His uncle had not figured it out, and it had kept Lucas sane. At least somewhat sane. After a session of kissing and groping, Lucas would be ready to go further, and Brooke too was ready to go all the way. It took all their self-control to stop and be safe.
"Lucas. Hey Lucas snap out of it. I need you to wipe down those tables." Haley waved a dirty rag in his face.
"You're liking this way too much Haley."
"What?"
"Underlings. You're enjoying this way too much. Just remember you only have about three more days to push me around."
A huge smile spread across Haley's face. "I'll enjoy it while I can." She pushed the rag into Lucas's hand and pushed him towards the tables.
Lucas didn't remember the café being so busy in the afternoons, but lately it seemed that an after school crowd was making Karen's Café their hangout. The revenue would be nice for his mother and Lucas hoped the crowd would stay, but he was afraid he and Nathan were part of the draw to the restaurant. Many of the teens who were hanging out were basketball groupies that Lucas recognized from the games. Some were the guys from the team, who weren't sure what to do, now that Whitey had cancelled practice indefinitely.
"Hey Scott," called one of their second-string teammates. Both Lucas and Nathan turned around. "I don't care which one!" laughed the teammate. "One of you, bring me a coke, okay! I'm parched."
"It's your table," Lucas told Nathan.
"I'm up to my eyeballs here, can't you please cover this?"
"Your table man," Lucas insisted.
Nathan threw down a rag into the basin of dirty dishes and went to the counter to pour a coke. He threw darts at Lucas with his eyes. He wondered what happened to the truce they had made earlier that week? Anytime Lucas was able, he stuck it to Nathan, making this waiting gig unbearable. Fortunately, Haley was there to calm him down every time he felt like punching his brother in the gut.
The after-school crowd kept Lucas, Nathan, and Haley hopping from table to table to the kitchen and back. The workout was more intense than one of Whitey's practice sessions. It was a half-hour to quitting time when the door to the café opened and Dan walked in. "Son," he called out. Lucas turned around. At the sight of Dan his stomach muscles clenched together. Why did he always turn when Dan called out that word? It wasn't the first time this had happened. By now, Lucas should recognize Dan's voice. It was almost as if he wanted Dan to call him son. His eyes met with Dan's and their gaze held for just a moment. Lucas turned back and continued to wipe the table feverishly. "Nathan," Dan ammended. "We need to talk." Nathan stopped in his tracks. He glanced at Lucas, who was working hard at wiping a spot off the table. If he rubbed any harder, he would take the shellac off. "It's not a good time, Dad," said Nathan. "Come on, son, let's talk." Lucas went to the counter and grabbed the order for one of his tables. He took a quick look at Nathan and saw his brother struggling to maintain his composure. Nathan was clenching the pencil and order pad so hard his knuckles were turning white. "Nathan," called Lucas. "Your order's up. Table six," he said. "Come on," he urged. "Stop slacking off. We've all got to pull our weight around here." Lucas handed him the tray, but not before Dan said, "can't you take that for him." "I have enough of my own tables," he said. Lucas caught a grateful look from Nathan. "Nathan," said Dan, following his son to table six, "it's been a week. We've got to talk." "It's not a good time, Dad." Nathan slid the food off the tray and handed it to the people at the table. The group wordlessly switched dishes, not giving Nathan and grief about mixing up their orders. It was as if the entire café was trying to help Nathan out of his uncomfortable predicament. "Then how about tonight. Why don't we meet for dinner after you finish your shift here?" "Can't," said Nathan. "I have plans." "What sort of plans." Nathan gave out the last of the order and held the empty tray at his side. "Lucas and I have plans." It felt as if all buzzing in the restaurant stopped. Lucas stared at Nathan. Plans. Hanging out Monday while they were both out of school had been weird enough, but making plans, that was bizarre. Dan would never buy that line! "Can't you change the plans?" "No," piped in Lucas. "We're getting together to see how we can convince Coach Durham to resume practice. The team needs Nathan there." Lucas didn't know what possessed him to help Nathan, let alone to talk to Dan. But watching him standing before his father, helpless, trying to figure out a way to stay away from him made Lucas want to protect his brother. Lucas imagined a recovering drug addict fight the temptation of drugs the same way. "Nathan, you can make time for your old man. I insist." Just then Deb walked out. She surveyed the scene, took a deep breath and said, "Dan, you heard the boy. He has plans tonight." She walked up to her estranged husband and put a hand on his arm. "Tomorrow the three of us can meet for dinner after the café closes. For now, please leave." Dan shot an angry look at Deb, but he retreated and left the diner. "Thanks," said Nathan. "I appreciate the cover." Lucas shrugged and they went back to work.
After dinner, Keith had left to work on a car in his garage. Lucas had immediately called Brooke and while he waited for her, he sat on the couch and mulled over what Keith had told him during supper. "Your mom called while you were in school," he informed his nephew. Lucas raised his brow. "How is she doing?" "She's enjoying the classes. I told her about your flu," he said. "You did? Thanks man." "She'll probably call tomorrow before school to see how you're feeling." "I'll tell her the truth. I'm feeling much better." Keith nodded. "You owe me one," he said, waving his fork at Lucas. "You owe me a big one." Recalling the conversation, Lucas felt guilty for calling Brooke, but the thought of missing an opportunity of making out, was too much to bear. Three more days, he kept reminding himself. Three more days and he could stop sneaking around. "That was quick," said Lucas, answering the door when the doorbell rang. "I just called five minutes ago." Standing in the threshold was not Brooke, but Nathan. "I hope you don't mind. My D- Dan doesn't give up easily. I thought the last place he would come looking for me, is here." "You're probably right about that," said Lucas. He waved Nathan in as Brooke bounded up the front steps. "What do we have here?" she asked. "I don't believe my eyes. Nathan Scott are you visiting your brother?" "Oh," said Nathan, ignoring Brooke's question. "I didn't realize you made plans. I can find someplace else to go. Maybe Haley's place is safe." Lucas hated the idea of Nathan spending time at Haley. Especially since her parents were in New York visiting one of Haley's brothers. "No, come in Nathan. You can hang out here." It wasn't like he and Brooke were going to have sex anyway, which is what they both wanted. "Nathan is trying to avoid his father," explained Lucas.
He led the two guests into the living room and walked into the kitchen to find some refreshments.
"I know about being avoided," Brooke said. "My parents try to avoid me like the plague. They leave cash lying around for me to grab and then leave me to my own devices." She had a false cheery voice. Luke had wondered about her parents and how she managed to get rip roaring drunk so often without getting into trouble.
"You know, this deserves a blurb in the morning paper," continued Brooke.
"What do you mean?" Nathan asked.
"The whole town knows that you guys hate each other and here you two are hanging out."
"Lucas is just doing me a favor. My - Dan," he corrected himself, "wouldn't dare show up here."
Brooke's smile faded. "He giving you a hard time?" she asked.
"He hasn't had the chance. Deb won't let him near me. But today he showed up at the café." Nathan told her how Lucas came to his rescue. Luke noticed a grateful tone in Nathan's voice as he set down drinks and chips on the coffee table.
"Will Keith mind that I'm here?" asked Nathan.
Lucas shrugged his shoulders as he sat down on the couch, next to Brooke. "Keith's not here. Besides, you're his nephew too."
Brooke snuggled up next to Lucas, leaning her head on his chest.
"If you guys want some privacy," Nathan said, "I can go."
"No!" they both shouted simultaneously. "Stay." This no sex thing was getting harder and harder. Lucas was appreciative for Nathan's company. He wasn't sure how he and Brooke would have held out.
Lucas flipped on the TV and put his feet up on the table. He put an arm around Brooke and silently the three of the watched the set, occasionally commenting on the program. But it was a slow TV night and Lucas was tired, perhaps from the antibiotics, which caused him to be sluggish, and he fell asleep.
Suddenly, he was being shaken awake by a rough hand. "Care to explain?" asked Keith.
Groggily, Lucas sat up, shrugging Brooke off his chest.
"Mr. Scott," Brooke said jumping up.
"Keith," cried Nathan.
Keith took a double take. He hadn't noticed his other nephew sitting in the easy chair. "You're here too? I thought you were grounded."
"I was. Am. I was just avoiding Dan tonight. I hope you don't mind, I invited Brooke along."
Lucas looked imploring at his uncle.
"You all better go home. It's late and you have school tomorrow." Keith ushered the teens to the front door and watched them climb into their cars. "I should never have covered for you," Keith said, turning to Lucas as soon as they were alone. "You have done nothing but misuse my trust since your mom left. It ends here Lucas. One more screw up and I tell Karen everything."
"That's not fair," Lucas said. "Don't ruin her dream -"
"I'm not the one ruining the dream, Lucas. That would be you. But obviously, you need her more than any of us realized. One more chance, kid and that's it."
Thanks for all the great reviews. I wasn't sure where I was going with this, but thanks to the reviews and suggestions, I was able to make this a story with direction. Thanks! Keep reading and keep enjoying!
Three more days, thought Lucas, as he tied the stained apron around his waist, three more days and he would be off restriction. By Sunday, Lucas could go about town as he pleased. He was counting down the days.
Keith had worked late twice more during the week, and each time Lucas had called Brooke and invited her over. His uncle had not figured it out, and it had kept Lucas sane. At least somewhat sane. After a session of kissing and groping, Lucas would be ready to go further, and Brooke too was ready to go all the way. It took all their self-control to stop and be safe.
"Lucas. Hey Lucas snap out of it. I need you to wipe down those tables." Haley waved a dirty rag in his face.
"You're liking this way too much Haley."
"What?"
"Underlings. You're enjoying this way too much. Just remember you only have about three more days to push me around."
A huge smile spread across Haley's face. "I'll enjoy it while I can." She pushed the rag into Lucas's hand and pushed him towards the tables.
Lucas didn't remember the café being so busy in the afternoons, but lately it seemed that an after school crowd was making Karen's Café their hangout. The revenue would be nice for his mother and Lucas hoped the crowd would stay, but he was afraid he and Nathan were part of the draw to the restaurant. Many of the teens who were hanging out were basketball groupies that Lucas recognized from the games. Some were the guys from the team, who weren't sure what to do, now that Whitey had cancelled practice indefinitely.
"Hey Scott," called one of their second-string teammates. Both Lucas and Nathan turned around. "I don't care which one!" laughed the teammate. "One of you, bring me a coke, okay! I'm parched."
"It's your table," Lucas told Nathan.
"I'm up to my eyeballs here, can't you please cover this?"
"Your table man," Lucas insisted.
Nathan threw down a rag into the basin of dirty dishes and went to the counter to pour a coke. He threw darts at Lucas with his eyes. He wondered what happened to the truce they had made earlier that week? Anytime Lucas was able, he stuck it to Nathan, making this waiting gig unbearable. Fortunately, Haley was there to calm him down every time he felt like punching his brother in the gut.
The after-school crowd kept Lucas, Nathan, and Haley hopping from table to table to the kitchen and back. The workout was more intense than one of Whitey's practice sessions. It was a half-hour to quitting time when the door to the café opened and Dan walked in. "Son," he called out. Lucas turned around. At the sight of Dan his stomach muscles clenched together. Why did he always turn when Dan called out that word? It wasn't the first time this had happened. By now, Lucas should recognize Dan's voice. It was almost as if he wanted Dan to call him son. His eyes met with Dan's and their gaze held for just a moment. Lucas turned back and continued to wipe the table feverishly. "Nathan," Dan ammended. "We need to talk." Nathan stopped in his tracks. He glanced at Lucas, who was working hard at wiping a spot off the table. If he rubbed any harder, he would take the shellac off. "It's not a good time, Dad," said Nathan. "Come on, son, let's talk." Lucas went to the counter and grabbed the order for one of his tables. He took a quick look at Nathan and saw his brother struggling to maintain his composure. Nathan was clenching the pencil and order pad so hard his knuckles were turning white. "Nathan," called Lucas. "Your order's up. Table six," he said. "Come on," he urged. "Stop slacking off. We've all got to pull our weight around here." Lucas handed him the tray, but not before Dan said, "can't you take that for him." "I have enough of my own tables," he said. Lucas caught a grateful look from Nathan. "Nathan," said Dan, following his son to table six, "it's been a week. We've got to talk." "It's not a good time, Dad." Nathan slid the food off the tray and handed it to the people at the table. The group wordlessly switched dishes, not giving Nathan and grief about mixing up their orders. It was as if the entire café was trying to help Nathan out of his uncomfortable predicament. "Then how about tonight. Why don't we meet for dinner after you finish your shift here?" "Can't," said Nathan. "I have plans." "What sort of plans." Nathan gave out the last of the order and held the empty tray at his side. "Lucas and I have plans." It felt as if all buzzing in the restaurant stopped. Lucas stared at Nathan. Plans. Hanging out Monday while they were both out of school had been weird enough, but making plans, that was bizarre. Dan would never buy that line! "Can't you change the plans?" "No," piped in Lucas. "We're getting together to see how we can convince Coach Durham to resume practice. The team needs Nathan there." Lucas didn't know what possessed him to help Nathan, let alone to talk to Dan. But watching him standing before his father, helpless, trying to figure out a way to stay away from him made Lucas want to protect his brother. Lucas imagined a recovering drug addict fight the temptation of drugs the same way. "Nathan, you can make time for your old man. I insist." Just then Deb walked out. She surveyed the scene, took a deep breath and said, "Dan, you heard the boy. He has plans tonight." She walked up to her estranged husband and put a hand on his arm. "Tomorrow the three of us can meet for dinner after the café closes. For now, please leave." Dan shot an angry look at Deb, but he retreated and left the diner. "Thanks," said Nathan. "I appreciate the cover." Lucas shrugged and they went back to work.
After dinner, Keith had left to work on a car in his garage. Lucas had immediately called Brooke and while he waited for her, he sat on the couch and mulled over what Keith had told him during supper. "Your mom called while you were in school," he informed his nephew. Lucas raised his brow. "How is she doing?" "She's enjoying the classes. I told her about your flu," he said. "You did? Thanks man." "She'll probably call tomorrow before school to see how you're feeling." "I'll tell her the truth. I'm feeling much better." Keith nodded. "You owe me one," he said, waving his fork at Lucas. "You owe me a big one." Recalling the conversation, Lucas felt guilty for calling Brooke, but the thought of missing an opportunity of making out, was too much to bear. Three more days, he kept reminding himself. Three more days and he could stop sneaking around. "That was quick," said Lucas, answering the door when the doorbell rang. "I just called five minutes ago." Standing in the threshold was not Brooke, but Nathan. "I hope you don't mind. My D- Dan doesn't give up easily. I thought the last place he would come looking for me, is here." "You're probably right about that," said Lucas. He waved Nathan in as Brooke bounded up the front steps. "What do we have here?" she asked. "I don't believe my eyes. Nathan Scott are you visiting your brother?" "Oh," said Nathan, ignoring Brooke's question. "I didn't realize you made plans. I can find someplace else to go. Maybe Haley's place is safe." Lucas hated the idea of Nathan spending time at Haley. Especially since her parents were in New York visiting one of Haley's brothers. "No, come in Nathan. You can hang out here." It wasn't like he and Brooke were going to have sex anyway, which is what they both wanted. "Nathan is trying to avoid his father," explained Lucas.
He led the two guests into the living room and walked into the kitchen to find some refreshments.
"I know about being avoided," Brooke said. "My parents try to avoid me like the plague. They leave cash lying around for me to grab and then leave me to my own devices." She had a false cheery voice. Luke had wondered about her parents and how she managed to get rip roaring drunk so often without getting into trouble.
"You know, this deserves a blurb in the morning paper," continued Brooke.
"What do you mean?" Nathan asked.
"The whole town knows that you guys hate each other and here you two are hanging out."
"Lucas is just doing me a favor. My - Dan," he corrected himself, "wouldn't dare show up here."
Brooke's smile faded. "He giving you a hard time?" she asked.
"He hasn't had the chance. Deb won't let him near me. But today he showed up at the café." Nathan told her how Lucas came to his rescue. Luke noticed a grateful tone in Nathan's voice as he set down drinks and chips on the coffee table.
"Will Keith mind that I'm here?" asked Nathan.
Lucas shrugged his shoulders as he sat down on the couch, next to Brooke. "Keith's not here. Besides, you're his nephew too."
Brooke snuggled up next to Lucas, leaning her head on his chest.
"If you guys want some privacy," Nathan said, "I can go."
"No!" they both shouted simultaneously. "Stay." This no sex thing was getting harder and harder. Lucas was appreciative for Nathan's company. He wasn't sure how he and Brooke would have held out.
Lucas flipped on the TV and put his feet up on the table. He put an arm around Brooke and silently the three of the watched the set, occasionally commenting on the program. But it was a slow TV night and Lucas was tired, perhaps from the antibiotics, which caused him to be sluggish, and he fell asleep.
Suddenly, he was being shaken awake by a rough hand. "Care to explain?" asked Keith.
Groggily, Lucas sat up, shrugging Brooke off his chest.
"Mr. Scott," Brooke said jumping up.
"Keith," cried Nathan.
Keith took a double take. He hadn't noticed his other nephew sitting in the easy chair. "You're here too? I thought you were grounded."
"I was. Am. I was just avoiding Dan tonight. I hope you don't mind, I invited Brooke along."
Lucas looked imploring at his uncle.
"You all better go home. It's late and you have school tomorrow." Keith ushered the teens to the front door and watched them climb into their cars. "I should never have covered for you," Keith said, turning to Lucas as soon as they were alone. "You have done nothing but misuse my trust since your mom left. It ends here Lucas. One more screw up and I tell Karen everything."
"That's not fair," Lucas said. "Don't ruin her dream -"
"I'm not the one ruining the dream, Lucas. That would be you. But obviously, you need her more than any of us realized. One more chance, kid and that's it."