2016
Bloomington, Minnesota
(The Morning After)
The car pulled up to the private rear entrance and a suit wearing chauffer opened the door. A few employees and onlookers lucky enough to sneak back and get a bird's eye view of the arrival looked on with anticipation as a tiny foot with perfectly pedicured toenails attached to one long, smooth, creamy leg, emerged. Then came the rest of her. She was tinier in person but just as pretty if not more. And she had a certain air, carried herself with the confidence, dignity, sophistication and class of an elegant entrepreneuring social light. The trim body with curves in all the right places, wore a beautiful couture sundress that she had designed herself. A huge purse hung from her tiny arm and the big Jackie O sunglasses, the ones that seemed to keep coming back in style, hid her eyes. But nothing could quite hide that smile. It lit up a room. She could be dressed like a haggard bag lady and just one flash of those dimples and the world would know it was Brooke Scott.
"You ready?" she asked as she looked back in the limo.
Inside a nervous 15 year old girl exhaled deeply. She was just an average young girl from a small town in Louisiana named, Janelle Stephens. Cool things never happened to her. In fact, she had submitted her essay, video and amateur fashion designs in the Teen Vogue contest as a joke. But the joke would be on Janelle when an unexpected mid afternoon telephone call came to say she had won first place. The prize? A summer internship with the famous Clothes Over Bro's fashion line, one thousand dollars cash, a one thousand dollar shopping spree and best of all, the chance to meet, travel and work with Brooke Davis Scott.
"This place is so big!" Janelle exclaimed. "I've never been here before."
Brooke put an arm around her.
"Welcome to the world famous Mall Of America."
Immediately a hospitality team was on the scene to welcome Brooke and her entourage. As usual, there was nothing but the best, a world Brooke had been accustomed to all her life. Over the years, her expensive tastes had grown. Luckily so had her fortune. She had realized all her goals and dreams. While still in college she had married her true love, Lucas Scott. She then graduated from NYU with honors and set to work expanding the small clothing line she had started from Haley James Scott's laptop when they were just 17. She had turned it into an empire, a billion dollar industry that catered to the trendiest needs of teenage girls and young women. Everything from clothes to sleepwear to lingerie to shoes to jewelry and accessories. And adding her latest project to the line, the gorgeous 28 year old CEO had come to debut her new fragrance, Sweet Dreams.
It had taken years of hard work but Brooke had accomplished what she had originally set out to do. She and her company were both household names. She had made a difference in the business and fashion worlds. Her talent had earned her well deserved recognition, respect and wealth.
Well traveled, the savvy executive had set up the head corporate office in Los Angeles. She had then set up a store in New York City right near Times Square. Several factories exclusive to Clothes Over Bro's existed in Portland, Phoenix, Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Orlando and of course, Tree Hill. She had watched her company grow and proudly expanded the economy creating thousands of jobs. And a hands on President, she kept a watchful eye over it all. It was her life, something to be proud of. She ran a tight but smooth ship and the employees loved her. Brooke made it a point to interact with everyone from the Vice President on down to the janitors who swept the floors at night. Along with Bevin Franklin, her high school pal and long time confidante, Brooke had managed to preside over all aspects of Clothes Over Bro's even from the spacious office built in her home in Dallas, Texas.
It had been a long week. Meetings, promotional tours, and press conferences everywhere. Brooke had been nothing short of exhausted. The day before, she had worked nonstop from her home, a phone constantly to her ear, her manicured nails miraculously unscathed despite the constant key clicking on the computer. Then when she thought she had a breather, she remembered she had to pack for her red eye flight. After the Mall Of America stint, she'd have three days off. For workaholic Brooke that was the equivalent of a three month vacation for a normal person. But even with much needed time off, it was unlikely she would rest. It wasn't in her. The business was too important.
But she would be excited to not be in the air and actually have two feet planted on the ground. Dallas was her home and she loved everything about it. She loved the city and it's people. Growing up, her mother had been addicted to the prime time soap of the same name. Brooke had caught the series in syndication and had become enamored with the fictional Ewing family and all the power and pristine beauty of South Fork. Years later who would have ever known she'd have the opportunity to recreate the sprawling country ranch for herself. It looked like something out of one of those spreads in a Better Homes magazine. The soft floral colors, art, the furniture, the antiques…all of it had been handpicked by the mistress of the house. It was decorated flawlessly to the tee and she and her husband, Lucas, had built their life there together, the beautiful mansion without children but the substitution of their three dogs who had free run of the grounds.
"Are you nervous, Brooke?" an excited Janelle asked. "I am so nervous."
Bevin winked.
"Nah, she never gets nervous. Never has. Brooke lives for this sort of thing."
Brooke smiled as one of the tour assistants hurriedly approached her.
"You're on in one minute, Miss Davis. They are starting your introduction now and I'll cue you in on when it's time."
"Thank you", she nodded, running a hand through her bangs and the straight hair that fell halfway down her back, dangerously near her waist. "Oh and one more thing?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"It's Mrs. Scott", she corrected him.
Turning to Janelle, they listened as the announcer opened with announcements and then it was time.
"Without further ado, being accompanied by Teen Vogue winner, Janelle Stephens, please give a warm round of applause to Chairman and CEO of Clothes Over Bro's, Brooke Davis Scott."
Taking Janelle's hand, Brooke strutted out onto the makeshift red carpet to thunderous applause. On her way to her seat, she made sure to make plenty of eye contact, touch hands and smile broadly. She'd had a lot of practice over the years. She hadn't expected a crowd of that magnitude, but the larger the turnout, the better. That was simply more revenue in her bank account.
"Good morning, you guys or shall I say good afternoon", she waved and grinned, speaking directly into the mic. "Gosh, you have to forgive me if I seem a little out of it. I've been so busy this week with work and last night I was on my way here flying in from Texas. But I am super excited to be here and totally overwhelmed by this turn out. You guys are so great. You're the reason behind my success and why I get to do what I love every day so I thank you for that. Some of you see a new friend I have with me. Meet Janelle, everybody. She's a sweet kid but in about ten years she's probably gonna give me a run for my money. She is very talented and it has been a real pleasure having the opportunity to work with her. As some of you already know, she won a contest to have this chance, beating out thousands of worthy competitors. But her drive and flair has simply blown me away so please, give her another round of applause. Janelle, sweetie, say hi."
Janelle stood briefly and gave a nervous wave, blinking as all the cameras flashed in her young face.
"Hi, everyone."
"We are here today proudly launching the latest addition to Clothes Over Bro's, a new fragrance that will be in a store near you come September."
"Ms. Scott, what is the name of the new fragrance? Is it for men or women and how would you describe the scent?" one reporter asked.
"Great questions. Thank you. Um, first of all, the name is Sweet Dreams. It is a perfume for the ladies, however I have do have plans in the works for a men's cologne possibly out by next year. Personally, I find the scent heavenly. It's light and breezy and sweet and kind of dreamy, hence the name", she giggled.
"Brooke, your summer line was first in sales for clothing aimed at the target audience of young women once again for the fourth year in a row. How do you explain your success?"
"Thank you. I just really love clothes. I personally oversee each design and I put my heart and soul into this company. My number one goal is to please you, the customers. I wouldn't have anyone wear something I wouldn't wear. When you see the Brooke Davis Scott name and C over B logo, you know you're spending money on hip and trendy quality items at an affordable price."
"What do you have in store for us next?"
"Our fall line will launch at the end of the summer just in time for back to school. I think we really outdid ourselves this season and it's a lot of really cool boots, jeans, shirts, ponchos and handbags. I am so excited."
"Miss Stephens, what has it been like working with the fashion queen herself? Has this experience met all your expectations?"
Janelle looked up at Brooke and grinned with pure admiration.
"Um, this is honestly like the coolest thing that has ever happened to me. I am so grateful to Teen Vogue and especially Brooke for the experience. She is so nice and so talented and so smart. I have learned so much about business and fashion. But more than that, Brooke is just a really cool person. I've had so much fun hanging out with her. She's like the best person ever."
"I paid her to say that, you know", a delighted Brooke joked to the audience.
"Brooke, this is for you. You are a successful businesswoman and you have certainly made your mark on the fashion world professionally. But tell us how you are personally. What's it like in Dallas and how is your husband, Lucas Scott?"
Brooke looked over at Bevin for help but her friend was already bitching out the media organizer for allowing such personal questions. With all her humor and politeness, the ability to answer any question, Brooke had found herself backed into a corner. Lucas. The last thing she wanted to discuss was Lucas.
They had been together a long time. Some might have said time had changed both of them. Perhaps those people were right. There had been hard times, plenty of ups and downs like with any long term relationship. But they had managed to keep it together even though at times busy separate schedules kept them apart more often than not.
The union was a hard one to put into words. He was not the young man she had married so many years before. But Brooke had believed in marriage for life. Whether for love or stability or finances or convenience, she knew she would be a Scott for the rest of her life. There were times when married life wasn't peachy. There were times he had hurt her and she had hurt him but they had managed to move on the best way they knew how. Even after all the disappointments, Brooke Scott still believed in love.
She had seen him the day before. Emerging from her office, she had found him outside by the pool playing catch with the dogs…
"Hey, you."
He looked up and grinned.
"You finally decided to come up for air, I see."
Brooke shrugged.
"I'm busy."
"You're always busy."
"Yeah, it's called work, Luke. Maybe you should try it some time."
He defensively put his hands up and walked over to her.
"Someone is in a pissy mood today. Damn, baby, retract the claws. I was just messing around."
"Whatever."
He pulled her to him.
"I'm glad you're home. I missed you."
"I just bet you did."
"I did", he kissed her. "I miss you. Hell, I miss us and that gave me an idea."
"Uh oh."
"You'll like this idea, trust me. You and me alone for one week in Hawaii. I even booked that little private house we stayed in before, the one where the helicopter had to take us to it. It'll be great. Fun. Romantic. What do you say? I say you hurry up and pack. We leave first thing tomorrow."
"Oh I'm packing and I have a flight to catch alright but it's headed in the other direction. My perfume launch is tomorrow, remember? I have that big thing at Mall Of America."
"Oh that", he frowned. "Can't you cancel?"
"No way!"
"Send someone else in your place. Bev can handle it."
Brooke rolled her eyes.
"Of course she can but she won't have to because I'll be there to handle it just like I handle everything with my company. That's why it's so successful."
"Hawaii will be more fun…"
"Luke!"
He sighed.
"I can't talk you out of this, can I?"
"Not a snowball's chance in hell but you could always come with me."
"No thanks. An oversized mall with a bunch of press and all that. I'd rather be playing golf."
"So much for trying to work on our marriage."
"Our marriage would be fine if you'd stay at home once in a while."
"Lucas, that's not fair. Besides, quit your bitching. We've been dealing with the separations ever since we got together. And I do plan on taking a break."
"When?"
"Soon."
"Fine. I'll make you a deal. Go do your launch, have fun but fly back here immediately after it's over tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you at the airport. We'll have a nice dinner, go dancing…just like old times."
"Okay", she finally smiled.
Lucas kissed her.
"It's a date, Mrs. Scott."
He wrapped his arms around her as the housekeeper, Ida, walked past them and smiled.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Scott. I take it you're all set for a romantic getaway to the islands."
"Not quite, Ida. You know, Brooke. Always working. I couldn't talk her out of it."
"Mrs. Scott, you work too hard."
"I'll find time for a nice vacation one day", Brooke answered.
"Of course we will. In fact, we're heading back to Tree Hill soon. In a few weeks it is our ten year reunion."
Brooke tensed at the very mention, tightening up underneath his embrace, her facial expression visibly changing.
"I don't know about that, Luke."
"What?"
"I mean I never gave you my answer. It's something we have to talk about. I'm not even sure I'm going yet."
"Mrs. Scott, you don't want to miss your reunion."
"Yeah, Brooke."
Brooke frowned.
"We will discuss this later", she said in a more stern tone.
Ida immediately got the message and quickly made an excuse to return to the house.
"You're going, Brooke and that's final."
"I don't know if I'm going and since when did you start telling me what to do?"
Lucas walked back inside, Brooke hot on his heels.
"You're being ridiculous. You're acting like a spoiled brat."
"How dare you say that? Who do you think you are? I decide what I do and where I go. Me, not you."
Lucas smirked.
"Don't talk to me like I'm one of your damned employees", he hissed before walking away.
Brooke was so mad she could have thrown something. Then she looked around at the many framed photos that lined the walls, mantles and tabletops. Luke's basketball pictures. Brooke with various models and well known designers. Photos of the couple donating and participating in their various charities. The dogs. Their families. Pictures of them over the years. Then that one in particular. The ten year old graduation photograph of six best friends. Brooke looked at it and could only wonder what had happened? The perfume had been named, Sweet Dreams, as that is what they had on that wonderful, happy day. But over the years somehow things had turned sour.
Then she looked at another large frame on the wall, the huge picture her tactless husband had insisted on hanging up. Normally it made Brooke sick. Now it was making her furious. Seething, she picked up the phone. She had to something drastic and quick, she thought as she dialed the numbers.
"Hey", she spoke into the phone. "It's me. Look, I need a favor but it's something you have to do tonight…"
Feeling a moment of slight distress, Brooke shook off the uneasiness and sipped daintily from her water glass.
"Dallas is great. I love our home and personally things are going as well as they are professionally. And Lucas couldn't be better."
"Is he here with you today?"
"No. He had a prior engagement and was unable to make it."
"But he did see your flight off last night?"
"Oh yes. Of course."
"Well, you brought your intern, your business partner, your assistant, and your personal stylist. All that and no Lucas?" the reporter kidded.
"Isn't that a shame?" Brooke stayed right with him. "I'm terrible. One day maybe my husband will be finally be allowed in my entourage."
Once again, she had won everyone over and handled herself like the true pro that she was. The questions came to an end after she read a quick release about her new product. There were publicity photos and free mini sized samples for the fans who had turned out. The next few hours would be spent shaking hands and signing autographs.
"Mrs. Scott, you have a telephone call", one of the assistants informed her, two hours into it all.
"Take a message."
"I can't, ma'am."
"Well, as you can see, I am in the middle of something very important. Some of these people have waited hours just to meet me. I can't exactly leave right now. And if it's that important, have Bevin take the call."
"They want you, Mrs. Scott. Please. I think it's very important."
Brooke rolled her eyes.
"For the love of God", she mumbled. "I'm gonna take five."
"Brooke, is everything alright?" Bevin followed her.
"Yeah. Some stupid call that can't wait. This better be damned good."
"I'm here if you need me."
Brooke nodded taking the call.
"Hello? Hey…yes…yes…no…what do you mean…I'm sorry…slow down…I didn't understand you…"
Bevin, hearing Brooke's end, rushed to her friend's side.
"What's going on?" she whispered.
Brooke shrugged but then after a few seconds, it was more than clear what was going on. Her face turned a ghostly white.
"Oh my God…"
"Brooke, are you okay?"
She couldn't answer. She couldn't move. The entire room fell eerily silent, the only sound being the thud of the phone dropping from Brooke's limp fingers.
"Oh my God, Bev…"
"Brooke, you don't look so hot. Who was that? What did they have to say?"
Brooke opened her mouth but she couldn't speak. All she could do was cry.
