"Sorry about this, babe", Lucas apologized for the umpteenth time. "I can't believe I forgot my wallet."

"It's okay, Broody. I guess I can forgive you", Brooke sighed. "Now let's just hurry up so we can get out of here and onto my birthday dinner and the fabulous present I'm sure you bought me because you are the best boyfriend in the whole, wide world!"

"I guess I am", he chuckled. "Brooke, can you hit those lights for me?"

She shrugged and turned on the lights for the empty and darkened café. To Brooke's surprise and delight, the couple's friends and family were waiting, eager to start the celebration.

"Surprise!"

Once over the shock, Brooke smiled her best smile and hugged Lucas before making her way through the crowd. She loved a good party and she loved a good gift and more than that, she loved being the center of other people's plans.

"I know you had your heart set on a romantic dinner but I thought this would be a nice change", Lucas whispered. "You mad?"

"Of course not, Boyfriend", she smiled. "I'll take a rain check on that romantic dinner. This is what matters most. You know I love surprises and it's nice to celebrate with the people that matter most."

He winked and squeezed his girlfriend's hand as they exchanged greetings with the guests. It was nice to mingle and chit chat with everyone and Brooke was even more grateful when a meal was served. She was starving and Karen, of course had not disappointed. There was a buffet style of Baked Chicken, Swedish Meatballs, Honey Baked Ham, Vegetable Lasagna, Shells Parmesan, Rice Pilaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Macaroni Salad, homemade rolls and an assorted pastry tray. Tree Hill's unofficial caterer always came through and Brooke dug into a hefty portion at the VIP Birthday Girl's table. Seated with her and Lucas were Nathan, Haley, Skills, Fergie, Mouth, Tim and Anna. There was a setting for two more but it was strangely empty.

"I didn't know it would be this weird", Nathan commented, staring at the vacant seats.

His sentiments were on the mind of the whole crew. How strange it was to not look over and see Peyton and Jake, smiling and holding hands with Jenny in between them.

"Is Peyton gonna be here?" Brooke asked.

She was worried. They had been best friends since they were little girls. Brooke knew how much Jake and Jenny had meant to Peyton. She also knew their absences were killing her.

"She said she would", Haley offered. "I mean, of course we invited her but…"

Brooke nodded and forced her trademark dimpled smile. Everyone dug into their food, continuously complimenting Karen on how delicious everything was. It was supposed to be Brooke's day. It was her celebration but it was hard to be so upbeat. Something was obviously missing and Brooke couldn't help but reflect on how she and Peyton had spent every birthday together since they were five.

"Hit the lights, guys", Karen commanded. "Time for the birthday girl to have her cake."

A delicious three tier beautifully decorated cake was wheeled out.

"Mmmm…Triple chocolate pudding fondant. My favorite."

"How could I forget?" Karen winked.

Happy Birthday To You,

Happy Birthday To You,

Happy Birthday Dear Brooke,

Happy Birthday To You

"You know the drill, Cheery", Lucas smiled. "Close your eyes and make a wish."

Brooke did as she was told, then successfully blew out all the candles.

"Think it'll come true?" Haley smiled.

Just then the door to the café opened.

"It just did", Brooke smiled.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was Peyton. She looked great, too. Tight fitting jeans, a black shirt with a nice V necked slope and heels. Her curls and make up were meticulous.

"Hey you", Peyton said, walking over to her friends. "Happy Birthday."

"I didn't think you'd come."

"Yeah right and miss this?" Peyton smiled. "B Davis, you know me better than that, kid. Here, a present for you."

"You sure you're okay?" Brooke whispered as she leaned in to hug her. "I've been worried about you. We all are."

"I know. Sorry about that. I mean, I appreciate it but I didn't mean to make you guys worry. I'm fine. Really."

For the first time, everyone noticed that Peyton hadn't arrived alone.

"Who's the stud?" Brooke smirked. "Is he with you?"

"Yeah…actually is. Sorry about my manners. Everyone, this is my friend, Rick and Rick…this is my whole world basically."

He didn't smile and half heartedly shook the hands extended to him. Immediately Anna and Haley exchanged worried glances. Something just wasn't quite right about her Peyton's new friend.

"Well, pull up a chair, Handsome and dig into the grub", Brooke smiled. "There's plenty for everyone."

They all sat, making small talk and trying not to be too obvious as they studied the stranger only identified as Rick. He was handsome but aloof and seemingly way older than the rest of their gang. Haley couldn't help but look but the one time Rick returned her stare, she quickly averted her eyes, chilled to the bone.

"So, um, Rick. How do you know Peyton?" Anna asked.

"Funny, you should ask that, Brown Sugar. Pey and I…"

Anna shot Rick a disgusted look as the others uncomfortably caught on to the insult as well.

"Actually, Rick is a music promoter. We met at a club", Peyton quickly interjected.

"What club?" Lucas asked, immediately and sternly lapsing into big brother mode.

"This little joint in Raleigh", Rick nodded. "Does it matter?"

"I'd say so", Nathan added. "Take this as a little initiation into our crew. Peyton is like a little sis to the guys and me and we're very protective of our women. Just checking things out, man."

"I see", Rick smirked. "Just checking it out, huh? College kids. How cute!"

The young men nodded but stood their ground. It was making for an intense and awkward moment. Haley and Anna excused themselves to the restroom.

"Pey, let's get out of here", Rick finally said. "Let's ditch this place and find a real party."

"Okay babe", she smiled. "Just a minute."

"Peyton, you just got here", Brooke whined.

"I know. I should have told you I couldn't stay long. Sorry, Brooke. I promise I'll make it up to you. Besides, you are going to love my present!"

"Say your good byes. I'll be outside waiting", Rick said, leaving the table and café without acknowledging anyone else.

"You sure you okay, Skinny Girl?" Skills asked, using the nickname he had bestowed upon Peyton years ago.

"I'm fine, Skills. It's cool."

"Just checking because your friend seems kind of sketchy."

"He's a cool guy", she shrugged.

"I don't know. He looked kind of sleazy to me", Brooke observed. "Hot…but definitely sleazy."

"We're just hanging out. No big deal."

"You sure?" Lucas asked. "I mean, don't you want to hang out here and chill with us?"

"Of course Luke but I always do that. Look, Rick and I made other plans. I don't want to be rude and keep him waiting. Don't be mad but we'll hang out another time, okay?"

"You got our numbers?" Nathan asked. "If anything happens, Pey…"

"Nate, I'll be fine. Really."

After a few hugs, she waved and left the café, leaving the others dumbfounded.

"Where's Pey?" Anna asked when she and Haley returned.

"She left", Mouth shrugged.

"So soon? She just got here."

"She went to go party with that weird, shady dude."

Something wasn't right and Haley could sense it deep down. Without even thinking, she headed outside. Coming up behind Peyton's car, Peyton was in the front seat. Haley could hear laughing, then Rick reached across the seat. She was close enough but surely her eyes were deceiving her. It looked like Rick and Peyton were doing lines of cocaine. Haley was stunned and before she could say anything, Rick cranked up the engine and roared into the night.

"Hales. What are you doing?" Nathan asked, as he joined his girlfriend outside and slipped a jacket on her. "It's late and it's getting chilly. Besides, you shouldn't be out here alone."

"I'm fine", she sighed. "I was just trying to catch Peyton before she left."

"No luck, huh?"

"No."

"Sorry. That dude was kind of a dick alright but Peyton will be fine. I know she can take care of herself."

"I'm not so sure", Haley said quietly as she leaned back into her boyfriend's embrace.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I am. But I'm not so sure about Peyton."