It was the night of the NBA Hall of Fame Sports League dinner. The location just so happened to be Los Angeles and of course the league had sent two sets of invitations out to a Mr. and Mrs. Scott. Nathan, an active and popular NBA player of course would be in attendance with his wife and Lucas felt an obligation as well. Since Brooke's name was on his invite, somehow it was just decided that she would attend too, leaving everyone on pins and needles wondering how the night would go.

"We should get going", Brooke said as she dabbed a bit of perfume on her neck.

Her hair had been swept into one of her trademark elaborate updos that accentuated her perfect make up job and black Stella McCartney original that seductively exposed one shoulder and showed off her great legs.

"I don't know about this", Lucas said, straightening his tie. "I hate leaving Harmony with a stranger."

"Harmony won't be with strangers. She'll be with her cousins and a sitter they've had practically all their lives."

"I know but gee, Brooke after everything that's happened, it just seems that you'd be more than a little concerned leaving our daughter with someone who isn't a good friend or family."

"I am but I can't live my life in fear, looking over my shoulder every five seconds, refusing to be around people because I'm afraid there is some warped conspiracy out there that's going to get me. And I don't want my daughter to live like that either. Gosh, get over it, Lucas. Well, maybe it's harder for you considering you are the one that was so gung ho about hiring the nanny from hell."

"Whatever", he said, trying to ignore her as cheap shots between the two had suddenly become the norm. "I'll just keep the phone nearby."

"Whatever."

"Damn, Brooke can we have one night of civil, decent conversation where we aren't taking shots at each other?"

"Fine", she huffed.

"Can we call a truce?"

"I'm not at war, Lucas", she said as she breezed past him.

"Okay, Nate, what does this say to you?"

"Uh…beware of crazy wives who talk to their clothes?" he teased.

"Nathan, I'm being serious", Haley pouted. "I want to look nice for your thing tonight. Now is the pantsuit too casual? Keep in mind it's black and it is designer and kind of sexy I guess considering how much cleavage it exposes. Or should I go for something dressier? Maybe a dress itself? What do you think, honey?"

"Hales, I think you should wear whatever you want and whatever you're comfortable in. I know you'll look great in anything."

"Right answer, Mr. Scott", she grinned as she kissed him. "Besides, I have to look good considering I'll have the most handsome date on my arm."

"Speaking of dates, I don't know about this whole Luke and Brooke thing."

"It's not a date and they'll be fine."

"I don't know, Hales. You really shouldn't have tried to convince them to go. I mean, have you seen them lately? They're like the Hatfields and the McCoys."

"It'll be okay, sweetie", Haley sighed with uncertainty in her voice as her husband hugged her. "It'll be okay."

"What do you know?" Haley joked as she sipped her wine. "We actually got center aisle this year."

The ceremony was taking place at the exclusive ballroom in the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

"That just comes with the last name Scott", Nathan winked. "You should be used to that by now, Hales. Isn't that right, big brother?"

"Hey. What can I say? You're the man, Nate", Lucas said as they toasted glasses.

Dinner was served and conversation was light as everyone was tiptoeing around the other Mrs. Scott, who appeared to be in the foulest of moods.

"Brooke, you barely touched your escargot. You okay, sweetie?" Haley politely inquired.

"Oh I'm fine", Brooke shrugged with a fake smile and a hint of sarcasm. "The snails are absolutely delicious and I am having a fine time eating this fine meal with my fine brother and sister in law and soon to be ex at this fine hotel where my very world was shattered beyond repair almost two years ago."

The table fell silent. The Regent Beverly Wilshire was the place Lucas and Brooke had stayed the time he had come to play against Nathan and the Lakers. The time Brooke had come to visit Haley and her newest nephew and instead a bombshell had been dropped. It was all too close for comfort. Nathan, Haley and Lucas all prayed that they could just make it through the night while Brooke realized the only thing that would get her through the night. The others sat tight lipped as she ordered and downed drink after drink.

"Nathan, it's so good to see you, son", smiled Bob Carroll, one of the owners of the Lakers.

"Mr. Carroll", Nathan nodded.

"And Mrs. Scott, you are looking as lovely as ever", the older gentleman nodded as he kissed Haley's hand.

"Mr. Carroll, you've met my brother, Lucas…"

"Yes, yes, yes. I was so sorry to hear of your condition. What a waste. You were on your way to becoming one of the true greats in our sport. How's the heart, son?"

"I'm hanging in there, sir", Lucas nodded. "Taking one day at a time."

"You're in our thoughts and prayers."

"Thank you."

"And this must be the other, Mrs. Scott. My, my, my, you two certainly know how to pick them."

"Actually, I'm the soon to be ex Mrs. Scott", Brooke giggled a bit too loudly, raising her glass. "Or you probably know about that unless you don't read magazines or watch TV or if you've been living under a rock the past year or so."

"Uh yes, I, uh was sorry to hear about your troubles, Mrs. Scott", Mr. Carroll said as she shifted uncomfortably.

"Troubles? No troubles here, Bobby. I'm fine. Really. Life's a bitch and then you die but to get from that point to the other, you just have to keep on keeping on, huh?"

Her words were slightly slurred and she had a death grip on the man's wrist. He smiled politely trying to pull away, causing Brooke to spill her red wine all over his expensive suit and cuff links.

"Oh, Mr. Carroll", Haley said, immediately standing up and blotting his shirt with her napkin. "We are so sorry this happened, aren't we, Brooke?"

"Yeah sorry that I let a perfectly good glass of wine go to waste. "Major party foul! Anyway, where the hell is that waiter with the refills?"

Mr. Carroll excused himself, leaving three angry and embarrassed individuals and a drunken and oblivious Brooke.

"What?" she asked. "Oh God, I have to go pee. Which way is the bathroom?"

She stood and practically stumbled all the way there. Lucas was in a state of utter disbelief.

"I'll follow her before she does any more damage", Lucas sighed, as he stood.

Haley watched with disdain as Brooke made a fool of herself all the way to the ladies' room with Lucas on her heels. She had hoped a night out alone would make everything better, instead she had managed to make things even worse. She wanted to cry and seeing the look on her husband's face didn't help matters. It was the look. You couldn't be with someone as long as Haley had been with Nathan and not recognize the look. He was pissed.

"Excuse me", Brooke said all too cheerily as she walked into the swinging restroom door.

Lucas only shook his head.

"What are you doing, following me, Luke? What? Trying to sneak in for a quickie in the stalls? Sorry bud but those days are way over."

She lost her footing and what have hit the floor had he not been there to catch her.

"Well, aren't you just a regular knight in shining armor, Mr. Scott?"

He helped her to the table where Nathan was seething.

"I think it's best we just all go", he said quietly.

The valet drove up in the Escalade and Nathan tipped him generously before getting inside. It would be a tense ride back to Brentwood.

"I was having a really good time back there", Brooke chirped. "Why did we have to leave before dessert?"

"Shut up, Brooke", Nathan mumbled.

"Nate, don't talk to her like that. Honey, be nice", Haley scolded.

"Yeah honey, be nice", Brooke repeated. "Listen to Tutor Wife, she's pretty smart. Anyway, I have like the greatest idea ever. Want to know what it is? I will tell you because I know you want to know and there is no way you'll ever guess. Why don't we go back to your place and all get naked in the Jacuzzi? Sounds like fun, huh?"

"Brooke…"

"What? It's fun. At least Tutor Wife thinks it is."

Now it was Haley's turn.

"Shut up, Brooke."

"Okay…ixnay on the Jacuzzi, Nick and Jessica. You guys got any Vodka at the house?"

"That's about the last thing you need", Lucas muttered.

"Don't tell me what to do."

"Somebody needs to tell your ass what to do. Look at you, Brooke. You're a mess right now. When we get back to Nathan and Haley's, I don't want you around my daughter."

"Your daughter?"

"I didn't stutter, Brooke."

"First of all she is my daughter too and second of all, don't you ever tell me when and where I can be around her. You are being an asshole right now, newsflash, I guess but I don't feel like fighting with you. You are way killing my buzz so why don't we just save this little fight for later. It definitely works for me."

"That's the problem, Brooke. It always has to work for you."

"Boy someone is throwing stones from a glass house."

"You know what? I've had about enough of you, Brooke."

"Trust me, the feeling is more than mutual. How about this? We get back to Malibu and I take my daughter and we go back to New York. How about that?"

"You aren't taking Harmony anywhere."

"Want to bet? Lucas, don't play me. You have a better chance of playing Lotto and what's that? One in a billion."

"Just shut up!"

"No, you shut up!"

"How about both of you shut up?" Nathan yelled as he pulled the large SUV to an abrupt side of the road. "That's it. I have had it. You two are like 100 points past ridiculous and I can't take it anymore! Isn't two years of this shit enough? Lucas hurts Brooke, Brooke turns around and hurts Lucas and in the meantime everybody has to suffer! And for what? It's stupid! Maybe it's my fault for convincing you to come out to California with Lucas, Brooke or maybe it's Haley's fault for thinking the two of you could actually be civilized for one night but it comes down to either you work it out and be together or just leave each other the hell alone. Look at yourselves! How the hell am I supposed to take you back to my house in front of my children and yours when you're acting like this? You guys need to seriously come to some sort of agreement."

"I don't see that happening", Brooke muttered.

"Yeah? Well you've got ten or so odd miles to start figuring it out", Nathan said.

"What?"

"Get out. Both of you. Now."

"Nathan!" Haley screamed.

"Dude, you can't be serious", Lucas protested.

"Do I look like I'm playing around here? Because I'm not. And I'm not putting up with you two bickering like two old ladies for the rest of the night. I'm serious. Both of you get the hell out."

Lucas and Brooke slowly emerged from the vehicle and as soon as the doors were shut, Nathan roared off. It was official. He was gone. If they thought it had been a joke before, it was now painfully obvious.

"How can they just leave us here?" Brooke pouted.

"Nice work. You satisfied now?"

"This is great. Just freaking great! In my designer shoes and my nice designer dress stuck on the side of the road with you of all people."

"Yeah and you're a real treat yourself, Brooke. Just calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down. My purse and my phone were in Nate's truck, not to mention our child is at their house!"

"Well, I left my wallet and cell in the backseat, too."

"So what are we supposed to do now?"

"We start walking", Lucas shrugged.

Brooke made a face. Walk? How was she supposed to do that in heels on a lonely, dark road? Lucas had already started walking so Brooke took off after him. Her expensive heel caught in the road and she stumbled forward. Rolling his eyes, Lucas went back to help her.

"You know, when this would happen when we first got together I used to think you looked cute. Now I just think you look like a drunken fool."

"For your information, unfortunately, my buzz is long gone. I just tripped over something. And I don't need your help or your opinions and you can let go of my wrist while you're at it."

They walked in silence for a while, a stern look on Luke's face as Brooke hobbled, struggling to keep the pace.

"We wouldn't be out here if you hadn't been such an ass you know."

"No. We wouldn't be out here if you hadn't gone and got wasted as usual."

"Why is my life all of a sudden such a big concern of yours, Lucas?"

"Because you're the mother of my daughter, that's why. And that's about the only reason, trust me on that. So don't flatter yourself next time you decide to self destruct again."

"You know what? Lucas sometimes you really suck. I gave up everything to come out here and help you and…"

"I know that, Brooke. I've always known it. I've known it from day one, okay? Because you don't seem to want to let me forget it."

"I didn't know we were keeping score."

"Then if that's the case I guess we're even."

"Are we?"

"Yeah, I guess we are."

"You have a nerve. Luke, I don't think you want to go there with me."

"Why not? So you can rub in my face all the bad things I've done? All the pain I've caused you? How much I disappointed everyone? How much I failed as a man and a husband and a human being? Well, you know something Brooke, as much as you seem to love it, I don't need you in my face reminding me of it because, guess what, I live with it every single day! Every morning it's me that has to wake up and look in the mirror and face all this. Face what a mess my life has become. I'm the one that has to live with cheating on you. It was wrong and I really hurt you. Don't you think that kills me, Brooke? I love you so much but I've caused you so much pain. That makes me sick to my stomach. And just when were beginning to be friends again, I go and screw up yet again but not trusting you as a good mother. I know how much you love Harmony and that you'd never let anything happen to her. But when you needed me to trust you and believe you, I wasn't there. I turned my back on you. And for what? The lies and attention of a father that hasn't given two shits about me since the day I was born? Yeah, I live with that too. And now I have a failing heart. Go fucking figure. After everything that has happened and has been taken away, now I get to see that I'm not the man I once was…and I'll never be him again. It's all gone. The one thing my father actually gives me and it's a bad heart. So you might think I'm whiny and having a pity party but you're not the only one who's had a hard time lately."

"I know that. I know what you've been through and I know it has been hard for you but what about me? What about the life I used to have or the woman I once was Lucas? Because all that has gone away too. And it sucks and I hate it! I've tried so damn hard to hold it all together for myself and for you and for our daughter but I just couldn't. I couldn't, Lucas."

"Does that help you sleep at night?" Lucas smirked. "Brooke, get real. That is the biggest crock of shit I've ever heard. You never tried to hold it together."

"Yes I did! Do you know how hard it was for me to even think about trusting you after you cheated on me? Just when we were getting somewhere, you go and stab me in the back again. What gives?"

"Don't turn it around like you're Little Miss Innocent and you wanted to get back together before the whole Dan/Felix/Anna/Mrs. Patterson ordeal. You were still going through with the divorce even then. That was your plan from the beginning Brooke and there is nothing I could have said or done to change that. Hell, I could have cured cancer and you still wouldn't have come back."

"Don't you dare tell me how I felt", Brooke said, her eyes filling with angry tears. "Because you don't know. You think you do but you have no idea."

"I know that you never gave our marriage an honest second chance. You never even tried to forgive me. Yeah you made an effort because of Harmony and we tried the friends thing and all that was fine and dandy but through it all, you never opened your heart and gave us an honest second try. You just ran away and blamed me for everything and hid behind your issues."

"I…"

"What? You're gonna deny it, Brooke?"

"You hurt me, Lucas. God, you hurt me so much. I loved you and respected you and trusted you more than anybody in the world and that's why it hurt so much when you did what you did. That's why I couldn't get over it. You promised me. Every time my parents hurt me or ignored me or bailed when we were teens, you were always there for me. You never left. Besides Peyton, you were the only one who really gave a damn. I was so scared to let you in, so terrified to let down my guard. But you held me and you looked in my eyes and you told me that you loved me and that I could trust you and you promised, you promised me Lucas that you would never hurt me. And I believed you. You ended up hurting me most of all because I least expected it from you. You were my husband and you were supposed to protect me but you let me down, Lucas. I don't know. Maybe I let you down, too. I guess it doesn't even matter anymore, does it? So next time, you're angry at me, think about what I just said."

She stood there shivering in the night air with tears streaming down his face. She'd told him how she felt and he had told her. And it hurt. He wanted to reach out for her, hold her and tell her it would be okay but he couldn't. And she wanted to run to him, bury herself in his strong arms and never leave…but she couldn't. All they could do was just stare at each other.

"Hey! You two kids need a ride?" a cabbie said as he pulled up.

With his thumb Lucas wiped at her tears as they still just stood there.

"Look, I ain't got all night. You want me to start the meter or what?"

"Yeah", Lucas finally said, as he opened the door for her.

They eased into the warm taxi, hearts pounding, neither one saying a word.

"Yo! I recognize you from the TV. You're that Lucas Scott guy. Aw man, a Scott brother in my cab! How about that? Dude, would you mind signing something for me? My kid loves you."

Lucas nodded as he took a pen and scribbled his name on a piece of paper. His hands felt weak like one giant mass of jello. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. All he could do was stare at her and the way the moonlight reflected off her creamy skin. The way she gently trembled all over as she cried. Two years of unimaginable pain. They had gone through so much and it wasn't over. The road leading to "there" was still present and winding. They silently continued their journey, an unknown journey to wherever "there" was.