Brooke buried her face in the crook of Luke's shoulder as she fought to regain her breath. They had started the morning off with a tender lovemaking session. Usually afterwards just relaxing in his arms was the best part but there was something important she had to do. It was a conversation she had been avoiding and dreading but after her chat with Haley less than 12 hours before, Brooke knew it was time.
"Luke, can I ask you something?"
"Yeah babe. What's up?"
"Did you have a past? You know, before me?"
"You mean like other women?"
"Yeah."
"I guess. I mean, I wasn't a virgin or anything", he chuckled. "There were girlfriends and stuff. I even thought I was in love a few times but it's never been anything like this. Why? Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. Just because, I guess. I mean, you know I had a past before you. There were other guys."
"I know. But that's the past, right? I don't feel like we have to share our sexual rosters, do we?"
"No but…"
"Good. Because that doesn't matter to me. I don't care about what you did before or who you were with. We're together now and that's all that matters."
"I know but haven't you ever done something that you were ashamed of?"
"We probably all have but that's life. We're only human and people make mistakes. But I don't live my life in regret. Life is too short and too fragile. The accident taught me that. I don't want to waste time looking back when I have too much to look forward to."
Brooke took a deep breath.
"Lucas, you know I love you, right? More than anything. I want you and us forever. I mean that. I like the person that I am now and mostly that's because of you but sometimes I can't forget who I used to be."
"But you've changed."
"I know."
"Are you happy?"
"Yes but…"
"Then that's all that matters."
"There's something I have to say to you, Luke."
"Actually, there is something I have to tell you. It's been on my mind for a while but I didn't know how to say it. Right now I finally think I have the nerve so I guess I better just say it before I chicken out again. Look, I am crazy about you, Brooke Davis. I know we're young and we haven't been together that long but those are just numbers to me. What matters is what I feel inside. I love you and I know I could love you forever. You're it for me and I want to make it official."
"Lucas…"
He sat up and reached underneath their bed, pulling out a small black, jewelry box.
"Open it."
With trembling hands, she did. Brooke gasped when she saw it indeed was a diamond engagement ring.
"Oh my God! Luke…"
"I know it isn't that big and you probably deserve better. One day when I can afford it, I'll buy you the biggest rock I can find. But until then, I hope this product of my depleted savings account will do", he joked. "I love you, Brooke. Marry me."
She looked at the ring and at Lucas and back at the ring. Maybe the diamond wasn't several carats but it represented something more. It symbolized commitment and love…freedom, their future. It was the ultimate promise from the man she loved more than anything.
"Yes", she whispered though tears. "Oh my God, yes. Lucas, I will marry you."
He grinned and kissed her, lovingly placing the ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. He held her close, feeling the joy of the moment. It was paradise and he wished they could stay that way forever. Forever was interrupted by the alarm clock.
"Work calls, huh?" he sighed. "Damn, babe. Can't you just call in?"
"I wish I could but I have some important shots today. Sorry honey."
"Okay", he said kissing her. "Then we'll celebrate when you get home."
She nodded and smiled.
"I love you."
"And I love you. Thank you Brooke, for being in my life and for everything."
Brooke thought. Lucas was her everything as well. Yes she had made plenty of mistakes in the past. She had made cavalier decisions without thought to future consequences. She had been shallow and uncaring. She had slept with a scum of a director for a part she didn't get. And she had allowed Felix to greedily manipulate her life and career. Now he was back. The skeleton in her closet was back to haunt her and the knocking was growing louder.
"Sweetie, I have to get dressed", she said, prying herself from his arms.
"Okay", he said, kissing her forehead again. "Oh babe, what was it you had to tell me?"
Brooke smiled as she reached for her robe.
"It was nothing important", she shrugged. "I love you."
Showering, dressing and hurrying to Wilmington, Brooke arrived on set long before she was due in hair and make up. In her trailer, she nervously cradled her phone waiting for it to ring. Soon she finally received the phone call shehad been expecting yet dreading.
"It's been a week, Brookie. What's it gonna be?"
"You win, Felix", Brooke sighed in a monotone voice. "Just like always, you win."
"Glad you see it my way. It just so happens that of all places, I am in North Carolina right now just a few miles from your set."
"What a fucking coincidence", she mumbled sarcastically.
"I'm pulling up now. Have the guard wave me through. I'll come to your trailer with instructions to wire the cash to my account. You send the money, I personally hand deliver the tape. It's that simple so don't go making this harder than it has to be. Be outside in five minutes and no funny business, got it?"
Brooke didn't answer because of the lump forming in her throat.
"You got it, bitch?" he snarled.
"Yes" she whispered. "I got you."
So Brooke had made her decision. What else was she supposed to do? She had tried to convince herself that it was the right thing to do, the only thing she could do. The whole situation disgusted her. How could she have ever trusted and cared for someone so evil and heartless? Brooke was consumed with guilt and literally got sick as she prepared to transfer money she had worked so hard to earn. It unnerved her. It was dirty money. Dirty money for an even dirtier person. Sure enough, minutes later, Felix dapper and tanned in his khakis arrived. His dark eyes danced with greed as he watched Brooke finalize the transaction. He was watering at the mouth like a damned cartoon character.
"Thanks, Brookie", he winked. "I give you my word that I will spend it wisely."
"Whatever", she rolled her eyes. "You can choke on it for all I care. Just hand over the video."
"Here you go. A promise is a promise and yes this is the only copy before you ask. Scout's Honor, my pet. Anyway, I have a plane to catch so I have to cut this little reunion short but uh, might I suggest you give it a good view later. Pretty entertaining stuff but I don't have to tell you that. After all, you were there", he laughed.
"Do you have any idea how much I hate you right now?"
"I'm sorry you feel that way, Toots. We were good together once. Oh, by the way. Nice ring. Did crip boy win it at the arcade? I guess going slumming worked out after all for you. Ciao."
He turned and left and Brooke was absolutely stunned. She watched him walk away hoping he had walked out of her life for good. Stuffing the tape in her purse, she sighed, fighting back tears. She had done what she had to do and like Lucas said…no regrets.
"Miss Davis, you're needed in wardrobe in five", an assistant knocked and called out.
Brooke got herself together, held her head high and walked onto the set, which she owned. It was time to do what she did best and she would do it with no regrets.
