Chapter 2

Brooke and Hayley were sitting in their local beauty salon, both getting manicures and pedicures. Hayley had already watched Brooke get her hair curled into loose waves that flowed around her face. They'd also both got massages and once this was done they were heading back to Brooke's to get her all dressed.

Brooke couldn't believe how quickly the day had gone, it was already 4.30, and she knew it would take them nearly an hour to get back to her apartment, they were going to hit rush hour traffic at this rate. She was really excited, it reminded her of when she was getting ready for her first proper date with Lucas when they were at school. She had the same butterflies in her stomach she had then.

Just as she thought, Brooke got home at 5.30, so she only had 1 ½ hours to get dressed, do make up and make sure her hair was perfect. She wanted to be able to make a grand entrance into the front room when Lucas got home, she could just imagine his jaw hitting the floor. Hayley fixed them drinks in the kitchen and then sat on the bed watching Brooke expertly apply her make up. Hayley was reading a magazine as Brooke put on sexy lingerie and the dress she hoped would make Lucas' eyes pop out. It certainly worked on Hayley when Brooke asked her for an opinon on it.

"Oh my god Brooke, you look amazing" Brooke was wearing a full length, black halter neck dress that was cut low in the middle between her breasts, the material finally met about half way down her ribs.

"You think it's ok? Not too slutty?" Brooke asked, she really liked the dress the first time she saw it, but was conscious of the fact she wanted to make a good impression on Lucas' team mates and the press.

"Brooke, trust me. It's stunning and you look gorgeous. The only way it would be slutty is if you fell out of the front of that dress. Which seeing as you have no bra on might actually happen. Maybe you shouldn't drink tonight!" Hayley giggled as Brooke through a pillow at her, also laughing.

"Right, finish make up, put heels on and then I guess Lucas will be here." Brooke said as she sat back down in front of the mirror and started applying blusher.

"Ok, well I'm going to head home, Nathan will be wondering where I am. You have a good night and say hi to Lucas for me." Hayley gave Brooke a kiss on the cheek before leaving the bedroom and letting herself out of the front door.

Not long afterwards, Brooke heard the front door open again and Lucas voice shout out

"Brooke are you ready? I've got a taxi waiting for us downstairs" Lucas had taken his suit with him that morning, and got changed after his final press interview earlier that evening. Brooke stood up and smoothed down her dress, picked up her handbag and then made her way out to Lucas.

"Finally, right come on then" Lucas said, barely acknowledging her let alone mentioning how she looked, before opening the front door and heading down stairs. Brooke was shocked, Lucas had always paid her compliments before, even when she was in her pyjamas and had 'just got out of bed' hair. She stood frozen for a few seconds, before hearing him shout her name again from the bottom of the stairs. Brooke finally made her feet move, and headed down to the cab, shutting the front door behind them.

TBC – what happens when they get to the awards dinner, things get better or worse?