Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters!

Lucas hung up the phone, rubbing his forehead in frustration. He couldn't believe that he'd forgotten about Brooke's trip. He hadn't made any plans for Charity because he assumed that she could stay with Brooke. Now it was looking like he was going to have to call his agent back, again, and push back the start date for his book tour.

He wandered out of his study and into the kitchen. He would have called his mother, but she was going to visit his sister, Lily, at school. He was proud of his sister. It had been a bit of a shock for his mother when Lily announced that she had applied for and won admission to the very private and elite boarding school, Asheville Academy. His pride was somewhat tempered by his annoyance at his current problem. Sitting down at the kitchen table to think, Lucas saw a note from Lauren. He smiled as he read over it quickly. The note was to inform him that she and Charity were out for the night and that Peyton would like him to call her.

His smile dropped as he read over Peyton's name. He had messed things up with Peyton terribly this time. He had agreed to wait until his divorce was final, before pursuing a relationship with her. He hadn't wanted to, but it was what Peyton wanted. He threw himself into his work, to keep him from running back to Peyton. His divorce was final the day that his editor called and told him that his book had made the bestseller's list. Before he knew what was happening, he was in and out of meetings and flying to New York constantly for meetings with his new agent. He felt as if he'd been in a whirlwind that was about to culminate with his national book signing tour. He'd barely had time to eat or sleep these past few months, let alone find time for Peyton. So many times he'd wanted to pick up the phone and tell her that he loved her, but he didn't want to tie her down to someone who didn't have any extra time for her. He had promised himself that as soon as he wrapped up his tour that he would take the first flight home and straight to her house.

Sighing, he dropped Lauren's note and headed back into his study to phone Peyton.

"Hello Peyton." He greeted her as she answered the phone.

"Lucas, I was hoping you'd call. I wanted to let you know that Lauren and I are going to Raleigh. Lauren is going to camp after all and I'm going to go with her. I'm actually entering some of my art into a show." Peyton explained. Lucas noted that she sounded happy. It had been a long time since she'd sounded happy.

"That's great! New work?" He asked. The last he knew, she hadn't been drawing in some time.

"Yep, I've had a creative streak, lately." She replied. This knowledge made Lucas realize how little he knew about her life, outside of Lauren.

"That's great." Lucas said softly.

"What's the matter Luke? You sound upset." Peyton asked with concern.

"I screwed up somehow. I'm supposed to leave for New York on Tuesday and I thought that Brooke was in town until next Friday. She actually left today and Charity doesn't leave for Raleigh until Friday. I'd ask my mom if Charity could stay with her, but she's leaving tomorrow to visit Lily for the week." Lucas explained, tiredly. There was silence on the line for a moment.

"Why didn't you ask me? She can stay here, it's not a big deal at all. Besides, Lauren and I are going anyway, it just makes sense." Peyton offered. Lucas had thought about asking her, but it just hadn't felt right.

"Are you sure? That would be wonderful!" Lucas exclaimed.

"Absolutely. We'll have some good old girly bonding time." Peyton chuckled.

"Thank you, so much, for this Peyton." Lucas said graciously. It meant a lot to him that Peyton would do this for him.

"Not a problem. I guess I'll see you on Monday." Peyton confirmed before hanging up. Lucas returned the phone to it's cradle. He was glad for the excuse to see Peyton. He hadn't had many and honestly, he wasn't sure why he felt he needed one.

Glancing at the clock, he decided to call it a night. He knew better than to wait up for the girls. Charity would act insulted, and besides, he knew that Lauren would have them home at a decent hour.