Nathan grunted as he struggled to lift the weight. He hated doing his upper body but staying in shape was a necessity. He was even happier when his older brother had been cleared to return to the gym. Wasn't that the whole point of working out together? Motivating each other? Having fun? One brother spotting while the other benched? Speaking of spotting, Nathan cursed as his arms gave way and a weight bigger than him nearly came crashing down on his chest.
"Luke!"
"Huh? Damn, bro. Sorry", he apologized as he put the weight back in its place.
Nathan sat up from his position.
"Alright, dude. What gives?"
"Nothing. Sorry about that. I was just thinking about something."
"No shit and it nearly killed me. You've been daydreaming for hours. What's going on, Lucas? Talk to me, man."
Lucas sighed. So it was that obvious, huh? Wiping his sweaty face with a towel, he took a seat on the bench across from his younger brother. He took a deep breath.
"It's Brooke, man."
"Woman troubles", Nathan smirked. "I kind of figured that. What's going on?"
"Nothing, it's just…well, okay I guess it's something. I mean, don't get me wrong. I am proud of Brooke winning that Emmy. It has done all kinds of stuff for her career and she's really happy. She's even doing a new TV show"
"Yeah, Hales said something about that. It's cool they're doing it in Wilmington."
"She's actually getting all kinds of offers. TV shows, movies, appearances, magazines…"
"That's a good thing…right?"
"It's her career and it's what she loves. Brooke is happy so of course that's a good thing but…"
"Uh oh. Here comes the but."
"I fell in love with Brooke Davis, the normal sweet girl from New York not some glamour girl, glitzy actress. I mean, I knew what she did and I respected it but things were going pretty slow when we met. Now everything seems to be taking off at lightening speed. She's everywhere and everybody wants her. I'm excited for her but before the Emmy we had talked about settling down here. We were supposed to have this normal, quiet life and now it's just different."
"That's opportunity, man. You can't expect her to give all that up now?"
"No I don't and believe me, I don't want her to but this is hard. Nate, it's a lot harder than I thought it would be."
"Where is all this coming from? Did something happen?"
"Yeah…she, um…Brooke got this offer for a lot of money, a little over a million to do…to do, Playboy."
Lucas could barely say it.
"Playboy?" Nathan practically yelled.
"Dude, lower your freaking voice."
"Sorry", Nathan whispered. "Playboy? Bro, really?"
"Really."
"That's hot. Who would have known my brother dating a centerfold?" Nathan laughed. "Sweet."
Lucas gave him a look that signified a beatdown was surely on the way if he didn't shit his trap.
"That's the problem, jackhole", Lucas shook his head. "I don't want to date a centerfold."
"Why not? That's every man's fantasy."
"Fantasies are one thing but when it's actually reality, you're talking about a whole new ballgame."
"Dude…"
"What if it was Haley? Think about that Nate. You love your wife, right? And Hales is beautiful and she does have a nice body. But that body is for your eyes and your enjoyment only, right? Imagine her being naked in front of the whole world. Imagine any Joe Blow off the street knowing what your woman looks like without clothes."
"Sorry, Luke. I guess I never thought of it like that."
"Not only that but imagine having to all of a sudden share her with the world. With fans and producers and the media. It's just weird."
"What are you going to do?"
"What can I do?"
"Besides get used to it?" Nathan grinned. "I don't know what to tell you, big brother. I hear what you're saying and I feel where you're coming from but in all truth, you kind of knew what you were getting into when you rang Savannah Spaulding's bell, so to speak. It's not like you're dating a school teacher from Charlotte. You're with a famous actress. That's just the way it is."
"I guess", Lucas mumbled.
"If the Playboy thing is really bothering you that much, talk to Brooke. I'm sure she'll understand. And if she does do it, yeah it could be a little weird for you but it's just a job. It's just business. Hell, I'd take my clothes off for a million dollars and show the junk off to everyone. But just remember, it's you Brooke loves and it's you she comes home to every night and it's you she…well, you know…"
"Actually, I don't know", Lucas sighed.
"What do you mean? Wait, you guys haven't…"
"Not yet."
"Luke!"
"We make out and kiss and touch and even get naked but so far we haven't…I mean, I haven't…"
"Dude, what are you, eight?" Nathan teased with a laugh. "Afraid to go to third base?"
"Shut up, ass. I can't. I…you know, my little buddy still has problems rising to the occasion, so to speak."
"Damn. Sorry dude. I didn't know."
"It's not exactly the sort of thing you go around bragging about. Anyway, the doctor says it's only a matter of time. Apparently, you have to 'practice' at it."
"Practice, huh? Well, go for it. You'll never know until you try, man."
"Yeah but that's embarrassing. I don't want to look like a bigger idiot than I already do. I want to be able to satisfy my woman. Hell, Brooke is a huge star now. What if she leaves me for Leonardo DiCaprio or Matt Damon or hell, any dude that can keep it up longer than ten minutes?"
"Brooke loves you and she understands your medical condition. Just like you understand about her career. You guys are from different worlds and it's going to take a lot of compromise and sacrifice of pride but you'll eventually get it together. Luke, you just have to trust each other. You have to communicate."
Lucas nodded. Maybe Nathan was on to something.
"Who would have known little brother that you'd turn out so smart…and so sensitive?" Lucas joked.
"Haley wears off on you after a while. But don't get it twisted. I can still kick your ass", Nathan grinned. "Now come on. Back to our workout and try not to kill me this time, please."
"Whatever…hey man?"
"What's up?"
"For a million bucks, you'd do Playgirl?"
"There isn't too much I wouldn't do for a million bucks sitting in front of me. Wouldn't you?"
"I…I don't know."
"Why not? I think Dan passed on some good genes other than basketball. Scott men are pretty much good in that department. I wouldn't mind showing off my big surprise."
"Big surprise?" Lucas teased. "Come on, dude. You can't fool me. Not that I was looking but I've seen you in the showers after games."
"Haley doesn't complain…"
"Too much info. Best friend plus little brother does not equal bed for me. Damn! I was hoping little Britt was a product of immaculate conception."
Nathan laughed and punched his brother as Lucas playfully punched back. For a few hours in the gym, he could be himself and have fun and think about the big issues later. Nathan was right. He and Brooke needed to talk and Lucas decided they would do just that…eventually. As soon as he could muster the nerve.
