Chapter 5

Brooke knew that if she was going to pull this off, she had to act fast. Haley would be returning soon, and Brooke did not want any kinks in her plan. All she knew at this point is that there were two fine looking men over there, and that she and Haley had to have them. Of course it would probably take some convincing for Haley to realize this, but that did not stop Brooke from sauntering over to the table occupied by Nathan and Lucas.

Brooke confidently stepped up to the table, put on her best smile, and said, "Which one of you boys is Nathan?"

Nathan answered, "That would be me, and this is my brother Lucas."

Brooke smiled and said, "Ooh brothers, looks like we just scored two for the price of one tonight."

Nathan laughed while Lucas smiled and thought, Wow this girl is hot, unfortunately she seems exactly like the type of girl that would throw herself at Nathan.

Brooke continued, "So Hot Shot and Broody, you gentlemen up to joining my friend and I. My other friend had to leave, so you can't expect us to finish that champagne all by ourselves can you."

Nathan and Lucas just nodded and got up with Brooke. All the while Nathan and Brooke were thinking to themselves Score!

When the three returned to the table, Brooke started in with, "So Broody, I know that Hot Shot over there plays basketball. What do you do?"

Lucas' heart skipped a beat as he thought, Is she trying to flirt with me? He then answered with, "I'm a writer for Sports Illustrated."

"Wow, sports must run in the family." Brooke answered. "Did you ever play yourself?"

Lucas still shocked that she was paying attention to him answered, "I did up until college. I had to quit when I was diagnosed with a heart condition."

Brooke gave him a look of genuine concern.

Seeing Brooke's look, Lucas continued, "Its not that big of a deal, I just have to keep my heart rate within certain limits. I can do pretty much anything except my doctor says that sports are just too dangerous."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Brooke said, "That's too bad."

Haley who said to Brooke in a disgusted tone, "Brooke, what are they doing here?", soon interrupted the conversation.

Brooke not missing a beat said, "Tutorgirl, you've met Nathan and this is Lucas. They've come to help us drink this fine bottle of champagne."

Haley just said, "Lucas, Nathan, can you just excuse Brooke and I for a minute?"

The girls stepped away leaving the boys alone.

Nathan broke the silence and said to his brother, "Dude if you want her, I'm not going to interfere."

Lucas just said, "What?"

Nathan answered, "You know what I'm talking about. Brooke. It is obvious that she is into you and you are into her."

Lucas smiled and said, "You really think so?"

"She's one step away from tattooing your name on her ass.", Nathan replied.

Lucas just looked as his brother smiled and said, "Shut up dude" although inside he was jumping up and down for joy.

Meanwhile, Brooke and Haley were having a conversation of their own.

"Brooke, what the hell are you doing?" Haley asked.

"I'm taking steps so we can meet some guys." Brooke replied.

Haley answered back, "Who says I want to meet guys?"

Brooke decided to refine her approach. She started, "Haley, look, I know that Chris hurt you, but you are entitled to have fun. I'm not asking you to fall in love or have some deep committed relationship with one of these guys. I just want drinks and dancing. Plus, Lucas is really cute and seems sweet, so please Tutorgirl, please don't be mad at me."

So Brooke knew it was a cheap trick to ramble and pout, but she knew it was the only way that Haley would give in. She knew she had succeeded when Haley said, "Fine, but I don't have to have fun."

Brooke just exclaimed "Yea" and wrapped her arms around Haley in a big hug before the girls returned to the table.

Brooke walked up to Lucas and said, "Come on Broody, dance with me." She then stopped herself and gave him a panicked look.

"What's wrong Brooke?" Lucas asked.

"I'm sorry, I forgot about your heart. We can just sit. I don't mind." Brooke answered.

"Brooke, its okay. A little dancing won't kill me." Lucas said.

Brooke smiled and said, "Well, if you're sure."

The two walked off to the dance floor hand in hand, but not before Brooke mouthed the parting words to Haley, "Be nice."

Coming up:

Lucas can't believe that Brooke could be into him.

Haley and Nathan talk. Will Nathan be a jerk and screw it up?