A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed. You aren't supposed to know who the dream was about. It will not be revealed until the story is almost over. I'm not even really sure who I want it to be yet. I have an idea, but we'll see how the story goes.

Chapter Three

Lucas was kind of surprised at how excited he was at the idea of spending time with Peyton. This was an unusual feeling for him, because usually he only felt this way when he was going to hang out with Brooke. He tried not to focus on what he was feeling, it was easier that way. It was just easier when he didn't have to think about anything. He threw on some semi clean clothes and headed out the door to go meet Peyton.

When he arrived at the cafe, he saw that Peyton had changed her outfit. Apparently, it was a rule. Lucas laughed to himself at the thought. Peyton's elbows were propped on the counter and her head was resting in her hands, when she suddenly jumped out of fear as someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"Oh my, God!" She exclaimed. "You scared me."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. Care to tell me what's got you so preoccupied?"

"It's... nothing. Did you call Brooke?"

"Damnit! I knew I forgot something."

"LUCAS! That is the only reason why I agreed to spending time alone with you. You better call her right now." Her voice was steadily rising and she punched him in the arm.

"Relax, okay? I'll call her."

Lucas took his cell phone out and looked for Brooke's number. He put the phone to his ear and waited to her her cheery voice on the other end, but he got her voice mail instead.

"Hey, pretty girl. It's me. I just wanted to let you know that I ran into Peyton on my way home and we're gonna hang out for a little bit this afternoon. We're still on for tonight, I hope. Hope you're having a good time with Mouth. See you later."

Lucas hung up his phone and turned his attention back to Peyton, who was now turned around looking at him with a smile on her face.

"Now that wasn't so hard was it?" she said as she turned back around.

The both laughed as he joined her at the counter. There was no awkwardness or silence between them the whole afternoon. They laughed and ate and talked of books, music and each other's lives. He was comfortable around Peyton, and could tell she was also at ease. He was glad she agreed to hang with him today. He'd rather have her as a friend than nothing at all. They were both having such a good time together that they hadn't realized hours passed, until Brooke showed up.

Brooke entered the cafe and saw her best friend with her boyfriend. Her body reacted to this sight. A fire started in her stomach and it was getting hard to control it. She calmed herself down a bit before she cautiously approached where they were sitting. Neither of them noticed that she arrived, and she didn't want to make her presence known because she wanted to hear what they were talking about.

"Where's your Dad now?" She heard Lucas ask.

"Oh, I'm not entirely sure. He hasn't checked in, in a couple of days. I expect to hear from him soon." Peyton replied as she fiddled with her napkin.

"Do you worry about him a lot when he doesn't check in?" Lucas asked as he turned his body a little to face her.

"Yeah, I kinda have to. He's pretty much all I have left, ya know?" She said as she lifted her head and met his eyes.

"Don't be silly, Peyt. You've got me." He said intently staring at her. Peyton shyly smiled at his remark and turned her face away from his. Brooke's eyes widened at his response and she could no longer keep quiet.

"Hey, boyfriend. Hey, friend," she said pointedly.

Both of them were startled by the voice coming from behind them and they quickly turned around to face her.

"Brooke," Lucas said, "What brings you by here? I thought we were hanging out later...tonight."

"Lucas – it is later. Um, can I talk to you over here?" Brooke asked as she inched further away from Peyton and exited the cafe. Peyton gave Lucas an understanding look and he got up and went to where Brooke was.

"Lucas what the hell is going on?" Brooke demanded.

"Nothing, I swear. I called you and left you a message about hanging out with Peyton," he replied innocently.

"NO! I mean why are you saying those kinds of things to Peyton, Lucas? I just don't understand you. You're my boyfriend, not hers," she said growing angrier.

"Calm down, okay? I didn't mean anything by it. Peyton is my friend," he said pleading with her.

"You NEVER mean anything by it Lucas, but it still hurts." Lucas could see the hurt in her eyes and he immediately went into recovery mode.

"Listen to me, Brooke. You are my girlfriend. I love you. Nothing is going on with Peyton. Okay?"

Brooke's face and demeanor relaxed and his words flowed over her. Lucas grabbed her and pulled her in for a hug and she didn't resist. Her head was still resting on his body when she said in a small, quite voice, "I just wish that you'd say things like that to me."

"Awww..c'mon, you're my pretty girl. Don't frown We'll do something fun tonight. Anything you want."

"Really!" she said excitedly

"Yes and you can tell me what you want to do when I get back. Just let me say good-bye to Peyton. Then it's just me and you, babe."

"Fine," she said as she sighed and flashed him a fake smile.

Lucas re-entered the cafe and approached Peyton. Before he could even say anything to her he could tell by the look on her face that she knew exactly what was going on.

"Luke, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have agreed to come. It's my fault." Peyton stated.

"Don't be sorry. I really..."

Peyton cut him off before he could say anything else. "Please, just don't say anything. It's okay. I don't want you to make it worse. You shouldn't even be in here. Go back out there to Brooke." He could've been mistaken but he swear he heard a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Alright," he said resigned as he got up and headed towards the door. He stopped just as he was about open it and looked back at Peyton with understanding eyes. "Thanks, Peyt."

"For what?"

"Oh, you know," he nodded in her direction as he pushed the door open.

"Finished?" Brooke asked

"Yes, did you decide where you want to go?"

"It's not exactly where I wanna go...it's more like what I wanna do." She said with a devious look on her face.

"Oh, well, in that case..." Lucas' head turned in mid sentence as he saw Peyton exiting the cafe. There was a quick glance between them and she turned her back to both of them and started walking in the other direction. Lucas put his arm around Brooke and finished his sentence, "...your place, or mine?"

Brooke giggled and pulled him in for a hug. Lucas wasn't sure why, but he continued to watch Peyton walk away.