I haven't given up on this story, it just took awhile to find the motivation. More chapters are coming soon. A huge thank you to Allison for the beta.

Chapter 17

Brooke and Nathan returned outside to the foursome, who, aside from Lucas, was gathered around the pool.

"This is a really nice place, Nathan," Steve commented accepting the drink from the much taller man.

"Thanks. It's seemed empty for awhile, but with Peyton and Lucas here now, it feels more like home." Nathan threw a deliberate smile in Haley's direction as he wrapped his arms around his "girlfriend's" waist. Peyton herself smiled and moved closer to Nathan.

Brooke stood to the side of the group with Lucas, who was busy cooking. She watched with amusement the display that was playing out in front of her. A part of her felt bad for putting her friend in the situation. However, the way she saw it, it was much worse to let her marry a guy she didn't truly love. Brooke caught the jealousy flash in her best friend's eyes as Nathan pulled the girl at his side closer. "It's only a matter of time," she thought and turned her attention back to Lucas.

"So, Peyton, how long have you and Nathan been together?" Haley questioned. She linked her fingers through Steven's, the first time they had touched since arriving, and turned her full attention to the petite blonde in front before her. If she had glanced at Nathan, she would have seen his eyes locked on the hand she had entwined with Steven's.

"Since high school."

"Wow, that's a long time. How many years exactly?"

"Nine."

"Nine years, that's impressive." Haley threw a side-glance at Nathan before continuing. "I suspect marriage is somewhere in the near future? I mean, after nine years, their can't be any real problems. So, what's taking so long, Nate?" She asked turning to him now. "It is alright if I call you Nate?"

"It's fine." He replied coolly.

"Good, so about the marriage thing…"

"Haley, I don't think that's really any of our business," Steven interjected. "You have to excuse her. She's just a bit on wedding overload with ours so near."

"It's totally understandable. I'm sure it's the only thing on her mind these days." Nathan smiled, moving his gaze to Haley. She smiled politely and finished her drink.

"Let me get you another," Nathan said taking Haley's glass from her grasp. "Steven, Peyt, would either of you like something as well?" Peyton finished hers quickly.

"Thanks, baby." She said handing him her glass.

Baby. Haley thought disgustingly. What are we 5? He doesn't look like a baby to me. Ass? Yes. Cheater? Yes. Hypocrite? Definitely yes. But baby? No.

"Can I give you a hand, Nathan?" Steven asked as he finished his drink as well.

"Yeah. Thanks, Steven."

"Excuse us," Steven said as he walked with Nathan. Nathan threw a discrete smile over his shoulder to Haley as he entered the house.
----

"What was that about?" Lucas whispered to Brooke.

"What?" She asked innocently.

"You're not very good at that."

"What?"

"Lying."

"I'll have you know I'm an excellent liar. My entire high school experience was based on a very careful net of lies."

"Well, we're not in high school anymore, Ms. Davis, and you are going to tell me what that was all about."

"What?"

"I may not know you all that well, but I certainly know my brother and he's up to something and I have a sneaky suspicion you know what it is."

"And why is that?"

"Because it all started when you two came back."

"You're very perceptive, Mr. Scott."

"So?"

"So, what?"

"You're just like him."

"Who?"

"Nathan. And unfortunately for you, spending 18 years locked up in the same house as him has made me very aware of how he works. This therefore means that I know how you work."

"Is that so?" Brooke countered, arching a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.

"Yes." "Okay, then. Let's test this little theory. What am I thinking now?" Lucas watched her for a moment and then leaned in closer, whispering something in her ear. Brooke blushed at his words as he pulled away. "Well," she said with a sigh.

"Well what?"

"I'm screwed. You really do know my game. I guess this isn't going to work."

"Oh, it'll work. I have my own games we can play."

"Really?"

He nodded and she pulled him into a mind-blowing kiss.

---

"It's nice." Peyton commented, breaking the silence that had enveloped her and Haley immediately after the boys left.

"What's that?"

"Seeing Lucas so happy. He hasn't had the best luck with relationships. Brooke seems really great."

"She is. The best friend a girl could ask for. I couldn't even manage to go to college without her."

"So you've known her awhile?"

"My whole life. We grew up next door to one another."

"That's kind of like the three of us." Haley looked confused. "Me, Nathan, and Lucas."

"Yeah, right. And I'm sorry about earlier, the wedding talk, Steven was right. I'm just a little preoccupied."

"Don't apologize. Nathan and I have been on two completely different sides of the country for the past two years."

"You don't live in California?"

"New York. I moved a few years back, for work and stuff."

"Oh. Do you like it?"

"I love the City. But it's a lot lonelier than I expected."

"You love him a lot, huh?" Haley asked, averting her eyes from the girl in front of her.

"Yeah. But our relationship isn't as simple as most. There's a lot of history."

"I'm sure the two of you will be fine," Haley supplied as realistically as possible.

"I'd like to think so."

Peyton turned to the house just as Nathan and Steven exited. Her eyes caught his and held them until he was by her side.

"Here you go ladies," Nathan said extending drinks to both ladies.

"Thank you," they both replied. Haley quickly took a large drink. This was not turning out to be the night she had expected.