Thank you for the kind reviews. As usual, I don't own anything related to OTH.

Chapter 5

It's still light outside, a bit past six. The Mustang is not on the driveway, so she knows Lucas is not around. Peyton opens the front door and walks in. She was hoping to catch one last glimpse of Lucas. It's like an itch, it bothers her, she tries not to scratch, but she can't stop herself. She finds it very frustrating, that he won't just surrender to what he clearly feels. Besides, why is he helping Brooke?

Brooke is still sketching. Peyton approaches the drawing board, peeking at the work. Brooke works fast, clean, very comfortable with her tools. The drawings themselves mean less than nothing to Peyton. Brooke's work is about sexy, fresh, great feel and affordable. The kind of stuff Peyton wouldn't be caught dead on. Probably brilliant work, given how wildly successful Brooke is. She puts the last touches on the current sketch, and puts the pencil on the holder. She then gets up, stretches, moaning a bit and smiles at Peyton. "Hey, P. Sawyer. How was your day?"

"You know. Lay some tracks, stroke some egos, get screwed by a big label... regular day in the music business. You?"

"Made some progress on my Spring line. It's going well, I hope." She points at the sketches. "What do you think?"

"Looks cool."

"Well, thank you." The lightly dismissive tone annoys Brooke. She knows Peyton looks down on her a little. True artist to lowly commercial jobber. Not that Brooke cares. The respect she gets and the size of her bank account are enough to scare away any old feelings of inadequacy. Truth be told, Brooke thinks Peyton is a snazzy dresser with a very keen sense of style. She's the kind of woman that doesn't need Brooke's work. Brooke wants to help the millions of women that lack a sense of personal style to feel sexy and cool. And, of course, to make a shitload of money too. However, since payback is a Brooke, she goes for a little contempt of her own. "So, what's next for our little label?"

The sarcastic tone prickles Peyton. "Actually, I'm going to see a band in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I just came home to pack a bag. I should be back in a couple of days." She waves a fake goodbye. "Have fun playing house with my guy."

Annoyance turns into a hot spike of anger. Trouble is, that's precisely how she thinks of Lucas. Peyton's guy. But thinking of him that way is just old Brooke protecting herself, and she knows it. It would feel nice to show this bitch how much her guy still likes his Pretty Girl. Brooke shakes her head. Lucas, curse his fickle heart, would probably go for it, if she's reading his puppy dog stares right. He's angry with Peyton. Brooke snorts. Resurrect the old triangle of death out of spite? Not in high school anymore. She tries to get a grip on herself. "If you want to say goodbye, he's upstairs at the nursery. Have a nice trip."

Peyton frowns. "His car is not outside."

"I think Taylor dropped him on her way somewhere."

The jealous tone is unmistakable. "He lets her drive Keith's car?"

Brooke can't help herself. "Of course he does." And, with her sweetest, innocent smile, she twists the knife a bit. "Have you taken a good look at that girl?"

Peyton growls. "Bitch!" She turns around and makes her way upstairs. Brooke is left wondering who Peyton was referring to.

=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I've just finished diapering and dressing Angie, and we're about to head out for a walk when Peyton comes in. I try to push down my anger, as I don't want it to bother Angie.

"Hi, Luke."

"Hi."

She looks at Angie, and does not smile. "Can I hold her a bit?"

"No." Given her demeanor, she is sure to upset the the baby.

She gives me a death stare, and crosses her arms under her breasts. "Fine! Be that way." I shrug. "I'm leaving."

I wasn't trying to provoke her, I think, but can't avoid the hopeful tone in my reply. "For good?"

She stares at me, her blood boiling. She retains enough self-control not to explode in front of Angie. Her reply is in a furious whisper. "No. I'll be back in a couple of days."

Still, Angie fusses a bit. Probably my fault. "See ya, then."

I hear her door slam as I walk down the stairs. I'm actually laughing a bit. Brooke is looking at us, a little frown on her face. "What's funny?"

"She's always been a door slammer."

Brooke looks shocked for a second, but then she lowers her eyes and smiles. "True."

"I'm taking her for a walk. Just half a mile along the beach and back. Wanna join?"

Brooke looks at her work and thinks for a second. "Sure. Give me a minute to grab my flip-flops."

We end up walking next to the surf. The tide is low, which gives the beach a long stretch of sand. I walk slowly, carrying Angie. Brooke walks along, her sandals in hand. The light is coming mostly from the nearly full moon over the ocean. We've been walking in silence for a while, when Brooke turns to me. "You've been a godsend, Broody. Thank you."

I play a bit with Angie. "It's been a real pleasure."

Brooke sounds a little worried. "Don't you have to work?"

"Not right now." I decide to expand. "I'm still suspended from coaching, another couple of months at least. The book is going to be edited, but they haven't designated who's going to replace Lindsay yet. That's pretty time-consuming once it starts, so I'm not beginning another project right this minute. I was going to tend bar at Tric, because your boyfriend vanished without giving notice, but Taylor solved that problem."

"I see. Not my boyfriend, though. He didn't give me notice either."

I don't really like the sound of that. "What happened?"

"We were doing fine, you know? Taking it slow. The moment the jackass heard I was fostering a kid, he split. He doesn't even know it's temporary."

What an ass. "Sorry."

"I'm just glad I found out early. Before things got serious."

I decide to tease her a bit. "Wow. So mature..." She slaps me on the shouder. "Ouch!"

"Don't mock me, Broody. I'm not the cheerleader anymore. I'm the CEO of a large corporation, you know?"

Something in what she just said moves me. I recall the lost girl who took off her top in the backseat of my car, and the accomplished young woman that graduated high school two years later. "I'll never be surprised by your success, Pretty Girl."

She shows a little self-deprecating sneer. "You're the only one."

I think for a second. "Mom."

"What?"

"I'm not the only one. My mom feels the same way. She's very proud of you."

Brooke sighs and smiles, her eyes taking a distant cast. "Did you tell her about Angie?"

"Of course. I even sent her a picture."

"I should call her more often."

"She knows you're busy."

"That's no excuse. You know that, for many years, I'd call her every week. Sometimes we'd talk for a minute, sometimes I would pour my heart for hours. Talking to her kept me sane."

"I'm glad she could be that person for you. I could never really open up to her like that."

"Why not?"

"I could never really unload my crap on her. She'd worry."

"You have Tutormom."

"She has her hands full with her own life. You know that."

Brooke shrugs. "And where do you unload your crap, Broody?"

"Keith."

o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

I'm running out of steam, as I push through the last half-mile of the run. Taylor is still barely winded, bouncing effortlessly ahead, her tiny shorts with "slut" written across her ass, just mocking me. I slow down to a walk, and she walks back, matching pace with me.

"Did I push too hard, squirt?" She sounds a little concerned, damn her.

I wave my hands dismissively, a bit too winded to respond in full sentences. "Nah."

"That was a good run. I'm gonna do some forms before hitting the shower. Wanna join?"

I was never into martial arts, but I enjoy working out with her. "Sure. If you take it slowly."

We work out at the backyard, in the grassy shade of a centenary walnut tree. She shows me the motions, slowly and silently, and I try to follow as I can. Once in a while she stops and corrects my stance or my movement, without hurry or pressure. I find the instruction soothing. After a while she nods in approval, and we cycle through the series of motions in parallel, while I try to emulate her graceful delivery the best I can. We end the little improvised lesson exchanging a series of kicks, punches, blocks and dodges.

She smiles, as we hydrate. "That was a good first lesson, stud."

"I enjoyed it. Thanks."

"Wanna make it a habit? We can alternate tae-kwon-do and weights after the run."

"Won't you get bored, pulling a newbie along?" Her solo training is much more intense than what we were doing.

"Nah. Polishing the beginning stuff is good. Besides, if I'm staying more than a few weeks, I should find a dojang and join an advanced practice."

After breakfast and a shower, we drive to Tric. The cleaning crew had done their job, so the place is spotless, but the deposit needed some organizing. As Taylor straightens the supplies, I go to the office to check messages and do some paperwork. She's sitting at the bar counter when I come out. "So, what do you think?"

"It's much bigger than I expected."

"The house is rated for four hundred and fifty."

"That's a bit much for one bartender."

"We usually have two Friday and Saturday, three if the act is popular.. It can get pretty crowded. There's four college kids that rotate as assistant tenders. So, will you do it?"

She looks around. "It's a nice place." She picks up a flier with last season's program and frowns.

"What?"

"A bit highbrow for my taste." She puts her hands behind her back and does a couple of sideways steps. "I'm a country and western girl, you know."

I laugh. "I should have guessed." I sit next to her. "We could get a good C & W act sometime. Peyton would never go for it, and she does most of the booking, but I'm pretty sure your sister could help us find something nice."

"It's a deal then. I'll manage your bar, you and little sis find an act good for us regular American folk."

"One condition, though."

"What?"

"You teach me some steps. I've always wanted to learn country dancing."

She squints at me and gives me a shoulder shove. "It's easier than tae-kwon-do, boss. Two things, though. You wear boots and a hat, and you don't step on my toes."

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Haley is watching her boys playing in the pool, while she washes some greens. Taylor walks in, and takes in the view. Nathan is twirling Jamie around.

"Handsome pair, little sis."

Haley sighs. "What's up? Where's Lucas?"

"He's firing up the grill. We brought burgers and franks, as requested. Boss told me to bring him a cold beer."

"Boss?"

"Meet the new Tric manager." She curtsies.

Haley raises her eyebrows. "Well... you're really setting down roots, aren't you."

"So far, I'm having fun." She nibbles on a piece of lettuce. "What's up with the scrawny blonde?"

"The band told her they would sign a contract with Red Bedroom if she agreed to manage the remainder of their tour. They are damn good."

"So, she's gone. How long."

"If she agrees, she'll be on the road for a couple of months."

"Perfect. That should be enough." Taylor looks around. "Is lil' Miss Pepper coming today?"

Haley giggles. "She should be here any minute. You know how it is with babies."

"Actually, I have no clue."

Haley looks outside again. Jamie just found saw Lucas, and is running across the yard. She yells. "James Lucas Scott! No running on wet feet!"

He flinches, slows down to a fast walk and yells back. "Sorry, mom!"

Taylor can't help but smile. She heard those same words and tone with "Taylor Lee James" from her mother's mouth. And her answer wasn't that polite. "Well-raised squirt, little sis. Reminds me of his uncle."

Haley can't deny it. It's not just the looks either. The boy is thoughtful, articulate and polite. "I swear I never..."

Taylor laughs "I know. You're lucky, though. I suspect Nate wasn't as nice at this age. The nice boy thing is all you."

They watch and Nathan gets out of the pool and walks towards Lucas. He waves at Haley and Taylor.

"Yum."

"Look no touch, slut."

Taylor flicks her hair and smirks. "Been there, done that."

Haley slaps Taylor on the shoulder, half kidding. "I hate you."

"Hey! Easy, tiger. He's good for you, and that's all I care about."

Haley sighs, thinking exactly how good Nathan is. "You better take a six-pack to your boss, Minion. I'll join you outside in a bit."

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I'm placing the burgers and franks on the grill, with Jamie sitting on my shoulders, giving instructions. Nathan approaches with a smile. "You better not burn those burgers, big brother."

"I'm calling the shots, daddy. Uncle Lucas is just following orders."

"We'd better let the pros take charge, JLuke. Your dad is pretty good with this stuff."

Jamie crosses his arms as I set him down. "And who do you think I learned from?"

I step aside and let Nathan man the grill. Taylor walks out, bringing a six pack and a bag of chips. Each of the grown ups grabs one. "Thanks, gorgeous."

She bumps me in passing and kneels in front of Jamie. "Can I get a kiss from my handsome nephew?"

"Sure, Aunt Tay." He gives her a peck in the cheek and winks at her. "You could probably get a kiss from uncle Lucas too."

We laugh. Taylor looks at me with a smile. "I'm pretty sure I could, too."

"Are you uncle Lucas girl now?"

"I'm curious to know the answer too," adds Nathan.

I exchange a look with Taylor and we both smile. "We're friends, JLuke. That's all."

Nathan snorts. "Friends." Nathan is a little jealous, but he can't acknowledge that, even to himself.

"He's my boss now."

I decide to explain. "Tay will be managing Tric."

"So, you're sticking around?"

"For a while."

"Yay! That's cool, aunt Tay." Jamie gets bored with the weird conversation. He grabs Taylor's hand and pulls. "Wanna play ball with uncle Lucas and I? We'll go easy on you."

Taylor looks at the brothers, who silently encourage her. "Sure. Just show me how it's done."

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Brooke arrives at the Scotts with Angie asleep. She takes the stroller out of the trunk and accommodates baby and baby stuff. She smell of grilling meat answered by a growl from her own stomach. Smiling, she walks around the house, cross a gate and into the backyard. There she sees Nathan filling a tray with grilled meats, and Haley arranging the picnic table.

"Hey, guys!"

Haley lifts her eyes to the brunette with the stroller. "Hey yourself, Tigger."

Nathan smiles and waves. "Hi, Brooke. How's the cutie?"

Brooke preens a bit, playfully. "As cute as always, thank you very much!"

Haley laughs. "He meant the baby, you twit!"

A fake pout. "Aww. I guess I can't compete with baby Angel, can I? Where's my godson?"

"He's playing ball with Taylor and Lucas."

Brooke lifts one eyebrow. "Wow. Really?"

Haley answers teasingly, while smiling at the sleeping baby.. "I guess you have some competition for favorite aunt too."

Brooke replies in a huff. "We'll see about that!"

Nathan laughs loudly and replies to Brooke's backside. "Tell them lunch is ready, Brookie!"

The court is a cemented space on the side of the house, with a single backboard and basket attached to the wall at regulation height. When Brooke rounds the corner, she sees Lucas holding Jamie above his head by the waist, while Jamie is dunking the ball and Taylor is on her knees, grabbing Lucas by one leg. Lucas and Taylor are laughing hysterically, while Jamie is narrating. "James Scott goes for the dunk... and he scores! Ladies and gentlemen, the boy is unstoppable!"

Brooke is utterly unprepared for the stab of longing and jealousy that hits her. The two boys closest to her heart, and one of the few women she ever looked up to. They look awesome together. They are all on the ground, laughing, before Jamie notices her standing there.

The joy in his voice is unmistakable. "Aunt Brooke!" He jumps up and runs into her arms, and she can't avoid laughing.

"Hey, little man. What's up?"

"I was playing ball with uncle Lucas and aunt Tay." Lucas and Taylor get up and approach as well. "Do you know my aunt Tay? She's awesome!"

"Of course I know her. We were in the cheer squad together."

Jamie turns to Taylor. "You were a cheerleader too? Like aunt Brooke, aunt Peyton and Mommy? "

"Sure. I taught Brooke and Peyton a lot of their moves." She winks at Brooke. "But I was never captain."

"You should have been."

"Nah. Morgan was really keen on it, and I didn't want the fight."

Brooke looks pensive for a second. "Wiser than you look, even then."

I grab Taylor by the waist, and pull her into a half-hug. "You got that right." I check out the carriage. "How's our Angel?"

Lucas physical intimacy with Taylor, together with him referring to Angie as "our Angel" sends Brooke into an emotional tailspin. She covers it with a fake cough spell, that doesn't deceive anybody, but allows her to recover her composure. "She slept from when you tucked her in until four in the morning. She fussed a bit afterwards. I think she was disappointed you weren't around." She turns to Taylor. "Oh, by the way, lunch is ready."

I begin to push the carriage around the house, and Brooke follows me, giving a detailed account of Angie's morning.

Taylor and Jamie are left behind, looking at Lucas and Brooke walking away. Jamie gives a deep sigh. Taylor frowns at the little boy. "What?"

"I wish..." He lets the sentence drop.

"What, James Lucas?"

"Promise not to tell?"

"Cross my heart."

"I wish they would get together."

"Lucas and Brooke?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"They are just like mom and dad, just sad instead of happy."

Taylor looks at Jamie like he's grown another head. "You're brilliant, you know?"

Jamie sighs again. "So they tell me."

Taylor giggles. "Should we try to get them back together?"

Jamie looks excited for a second. "Really?" Then his shoulders sag, and he looks defeated. "Mom says we shouldn't meddle."

Taylor smiles and grabs Jamie by the hand. "Let me tell you about meddling..."