Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters.

Peyton awoke the next morning, a smile already on her face. She sighed as she recalled the past evenings events. Richard had been amazingly sweet. At the end of their date, he'd walked her back to her car, kissed her goodbye and left. He hadn't even hinted at wanting to continue the date. She appreciated that. She wasn't entirely sure that she would have had the strength to stop herself, if given the opportunity to go home with Richard.

Forcing herself to get out of bed, she rummaged around for some clothes and headed to the shower. She wished she could just lie in bed all day, reminiscing about her wonderful evening. Unfortunately, real life beckoned. She had some errands to run and then she had her opening night at the gallery. She felt a rush of excitement as she thought of people viewing and commenting on her art. As she dried off, she heard the ringing of her cell phone. She quickly wrapped the towel around her and grabbed her phone off the bed. Caller ID told her that the caller was Lauren.

"Good morning, sweetie." Peyton answered, drying her hair with another towel.

"Morning. I have a problem and I need some advice. I can't really talk to Charity about it, so I'm bugging you." Lauren sighed on the other end.

"You're not bugging me. What's wrong?" She asked, wondering why Lauren couldn't talk to Charity.

"I had this, moment, with a guy. It was, I don't know, different. Anyway, I can't stop thinking about him and normally that wouldn't be a problem, but this guy is more off-limits than the Pope. Not to mention I have a boyfriend." Lauren explained. Peyton chewed her lip, nervously. Fate could be so cruel at times. Lauren was practically describing Peyton's reality.

Peyton stayed silent for a moment, lost in thought. She wanted to tell Lauren to forget about the other guy. She had wanted to be with Tyler for so long, it seemed silly to throw everything away for a guy she barely knew. On the other hand, life could be cruel, sometimes you only had one chance to find your soul mate, and you had to be willing to take risks and forsake everything safe in order to find love.

"I don't know kiddo, you've told me what you think, now tell me what you feel." Peyton said, fishing for more to go on.

"I felt like we were the only ones left in the world and when he touched me, I felt sparks. I know that's corny, but there's no other way to describe it. Of course, then he was an ass, but he had every right to be. If I make a move for this guy, I'll wreck two relationships, with people I really care about, mom." Lauren told her, the raw emotion in her voice made Peyton worry. Lauren usually wasn't one to let her feelings and emotions get the best of her.

"And what about Tyler?" Peyton asked, already knowing the answer.

"It's not like that with him. We're really good friends, we can talk forever, but I've never felt anywhere close to that way about him. Besides, I think he and Charity still have a thing for each other, but he's kinda in the same situation there, with Derek." Lauren said slowly. Peyton knew it wasn't easy for Lauren to make this kind of a decision. She was a fierce friend, she never did anything to hurt her friends, so for her to even consider doing so, was a testament to whatever she felt for this boy.

"Well then, I think you know what to do. I'm sure that everything will work out." Peyton said, feeling like she copping out by giving such random advice.

"No, I know what I'd like to do, but I can't mom. You don't understand, this boy, Zach, he's Charity's ex. She went nuts when they broke up, she stole his car and wrecked it. That's why they moved to Tree Hill. I can't date him! I can't even think about dating him!" Lauren exclaimed. Peyton started to interject, but was cut off by Lauren.

"I shouldn't even be talking about this. I've got to go, I love you." Lauren said in a rush. Peyton heard the phone click and knew that Lauren was gone. Her shoulders slumped as she closed her phone. She wished she could have given Lauren some better advice. She knew why she couldn't. It was because she knew exactly how her daughter felt.

The rest of the day she replayed her conversation with Lauren, in her head. She finally forced herself to stop, as she pulled into the gallery parking lot. Tonight was her opening night. She wanted to relish the feeling.

"Peyton, I'm so glad you're here, there's a famous author who wants to buy one of your originals!" Richard exclaimed, rushing over to her as she entered the crowded gallery. A huge grin spread across her face. She allowed herself to be pulled away by Richard. He protectively put his arm around her waist as they made their way through the crowds. They approached the man, who was engrossed in one of her drawings.

"Excuse me, Mr. Scott, I wanted to introduce you to the artist you're so enamored with." Richard said, tapping the man on the shoulder. Peyton's jaw dropped in disbelief as Lucas turned around, giving her a huge smile. She leapt into his arms, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Lucas! What are you doing here?" She exclaimed, unwilling to let him go.

"Did you really think I'd miss this? Don't you know how much I love you, silly girl?" Lucas asked, stroking her cheek. As he bent his head to kiss her, that's when she noticed Richard, walking away dejectedly, out of the corner of her eye.

"What's wrong?" Lucas asked, as he pulled away. She tried to smile, but she knew it wasn't reaching her eyes.

"Nothing. I'm glad you're here." She said softly, glancing at Richard's retreating back.