Light as a feather

by Clavyus

BRUCAS. She is twenty and he is twenty four, both living in NY. They are slightly acquainted from Tree Hill. They meet, and quickly fall hard for one another. A complete story.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – Lucas

I open my eyes and check the clock. A quarter past nine. A whole day without her. I need to pull myself together, to call Hales and Mom. Yesterday was a blur. I tried to focus on my boys during practice yesterday, but my heart wasn't in it. The boys knew. We have a game next Saturday, the last of the regular season. We are already all set for the playoffs, so I scheduled just one extra practice this week. After the game, we have a break and resume practice after New Year. I think we have a good shot at the city title, but I need to pull my head out of my ass. At least two of my boys, maybe even three, have a good shot at a college scholarship, if we do well for the rest of the season.

I'm starving. Last time I ate was yesterday at lunch. After lunch I started writing. First I tried working in my book, but I couldn't get her out of my head. So I surrendered. Since all I could think was her, I wrote about her. It went all in one sitting, sixteen hours with just water and bathroom breaks. There is a five thousand word piece in my computer, called "That Night" which is the best damn piece of writing I've ever done. I didn't use names, it was all my point of view, and she was simply "her". There is a flashback to a basketball game in high school, where I describe her while cheering. I was pretty taken by her back then already, I just never realized it until now. It's hard to share a piece of art this personal, but.. I have an acquaintance on the editorial staff of the New Yorker. What the hell. I go to my computer and I send her an e-mail, attaching the story. Odds are, I'll never hear about it again.

I go to the kitchen, fix myself a latte, an OJ and a bagel with cream cheese. Still munching, I dial Hales.

"Luke! I was so worried about you. When I didn't hear from you, I almost caught a plane to New York. Did you hear from her? Did she come back? Who is this damn girl? I called you a dozen times yesterday, but just got voicemail."

"Good morning, sis. It's nice to hear your voice. No, she didn't come back, I didn't hear from her, and I am still alive, despite the Brooke-shaped hole in my heart."

"Brooke... I know her. I've met her at the cafe a couple of times. She and Karen are very close. Gorgeous, bouncy brunette. She did remind me of Taylor..."

I laugh. Taylor is Haley's sister. Four years older, fun and incredibly sexy. She waltzed into my life junior year, and turned it upside down. For two months, fifty five days, to be exact, she was my whole life. Then suddenly she left. I knew I couldn't hold onto her, but I really tried, and ended up with my first real heartbreak. Haley hasn't spoken with her since. She thinks Taylor was just playing with me. I know that's not entirely true, but I never managed to convince Hales. Taylor didn't just leave bored, she also ran away scared. Until yesterday, I've been kind of holding my breath a bit, hoping and fearing that, someday, she would come back. I guess I am finally completely over her, thanks to Brooke. "Yeah, I had no idea Brooke knew mom until she freaked, and bounced out of my life."

"But why didn't you call?"

"My muse grabbed me by the throat yesterday, and only let me go around five in the morning today. Before we continue to talk, let me send you the result of the muse attack. Read it, and call me back, ok?"

"Ok, bye."

I putz around the apartment, arranging this and that. I am in pins-and-needles, waiting for the phone. About an hour later, it rings.

"Oh my god, Luke!"

"Yeah. Did you like it?"

"I don't know where to start. OK, first, it's incredible. Best short story I've ever read. I was laughing and crying, and falling in love with her, all at the same time. And I'm not really into girls. You didn't just hit it out of the park, you sent it all the way into orbit."

"Thanks. I knew it was my best piece of writing to date, but it's nice to have it confirmed."

Haley can talk really fast when she gets excited. "Can I show it to Nathan? Can I use it in class? Did you send it to her? With this love letter she will come back running..."

"Slow down, sis. First, I love you. Second, you can show it to anyone, except her. I copyrighted it last night, and sent it to the New Yorker this morning, so I guess I am hoping everybody will read it, eventually. You know I promised her I wouldn't pursue her, so, sending this to her would not be right."

"Setting the story aside, what about you? If half of what you set down is what happened..."

"There is no fiction, Hales. The story is my point of view of that night, rendered to the best of my ability. Actually, if I am not a drunk and hungover puddle in the ground right now, it's thanks to working it out in writing. She is coming back, Hales. Now you know what happened. She couldn't possibly leave for good. Besides, she promised she would come back. "

"She did?"

"Well, Saturday morning we woke up together, still under the spell of the previous night. We made out a bit, went for a run, and she showered, while I made breakfast. French toast. She liked it, but said she had eaten better at the Cafe in Tree Hill. That's when it came out who my mom was. She got really worked up about it, said she needed time, cried, apologized, said she would be back and explain, gave me a kiss and ran away. At that's all she wrote."

"So, she wasn't mad at you. You didn't break up."

"That's right. As far as I am concerned, she is still my girlfriend, until she tells me otherwise. I just miss her like crazy. I am madly in love with her, sis. It was never like this with Taylor, or with Maddie."

"I guess I know that. You never wrote something like this about either one."

"Well..."

"You did?"

"Both. I'm a writer, Hales. That's how I digest things. You've never seen them because I never thought they were very good. The one about Maddie is pretty bitter, I don't think it should ever see the light of day. The one about Taylor is kinda sweet, just very raw and adolescent. And X-rated. I told you what happened with Taylor wasn't that simple, or one-sided. If you can stomach a steamy, half-baked story starring your sister and your best friend, I'll send it to you. It might even convince you to give her another chance."

"Hm. I'm really not sure. Let me take that under advisement, blondie. I still can't believe Taylor was both You and Nate's first. Thank god Jamie is her nephew. I know this thing between me and Taylor hurts mom a lot."

"It hurts you too, sweetie, even if you don't want to admit it."

"Maybe it's time I take your word for it and reach out to her. I know now you're really over her. And that would excuse me from reading about you and Taylor getting freaky, which I would like to avoid in this lifetime. And it's Christmas, after all."

I laugh. "I hear you, sis. And I'm glad."

"I have a question. Clearly, from the story, you were really into this girl senior year. How come I didn't know about it?"

"That's easy. Mostly, I was embarrassed. She looked like a twelve-year-old, except when she was cheering. In truth, I regret not following my heart. She is incredible, and probably already was then. Besides, you had a lot of distractions that year."

"True, I guess."

"How are Nate and Jamie?"

"Nate is home. You know he's had a great season. He is up for renewal, and they are talking a three-year contract, five mil a year plus endorsements. Jamie is still enjoying big boy school and he is doing fine. He misses you a lot."

"You know, this Saturday is the last game of the regular season for my boys. Why don't you guys come down, spend a few days sightseeing and hanging out? It would be such a thrill for my boys to meet Nate and for him to watch their game. I think they are better than our senior year Ravens, there is one boy in particular that's clearly NBA material. I would rent a nice car and we would drive back to Tree Hill on Saturday. And I could really use some family time right about now."

"I'd really like that. I love New York this time of year and Jamie would be in heaven. I am still teaching until Wednesday, but I might be able to shuffle things around and leave Tuesday night. Let me talk to Nathan, and I'll get back to you."

"All right, sis. Bye."

"Bye, Luke."

They've been married for seven years, and it's still a thrill to call her sis.I hope againt hope that before this year is over, I'll be able to take a picture of my four girls happy together. There is a car rental agency in town that specializes in vintage. I call and reserve a white 75 DeVille coupe that I've been dreaming about driving for a while now. Even if they don't come, I'm going home in style this year.

My next call is a bit more complicated. "Hi, mom."

"Lucas! It's so good to hear your voice. Lilly! Come here. Come say hi to your brother."

I hear the high pitch voice, a little breathless. God, I miss her. "Hi, Ukie! I lost my barbie's head. I can't talk right now. I miss you, bye!" My mom comes back on the phone, in time to hear me laughing. "Well, that was fast. Is everything OK?"

She only goes to the Cafe for lunch on Sundays, so I knew I would catch her at home now. "Do you have some time? I think we have a long conversation coming."

I can hear her frowning at the end of the line. "Did something happened, darling? I have about an hour before I have to be at the Cafe."

"That should do it. I met a girl Friday night. We got pretty serious, pretty quick. And, as it turns out, you know her quite well."

"Let me guess. You met Brooke. What happened to Lindsay?"

"She doesn't know it yet, but she is history. Yes, Brooke."

"I've been dreaming of seeing you two together for years. Are you together?"

"Yes and no. Something happened, that I was hoping you would help me understand. First, let me ask. What's the story with you and Brooke? And how come I didn't hear about her?"

"You might have heard Lilly talking about her friend Book."

"Holy crap! Sorry, mom. So Book is Brooke! I thought Book was a little girl. Lilly really likes her."

"She does." Mom laughs softly. "Half of Lilly's dresses are exclusive Brooke Davis designs. It's not a surprise you thought Book was a little girl. They play together, they gossip and chat. Brooke even looks like her a bit. Brooke calls every week, and they still keep up their gossip. Well, the story. You know Peyton was working at Tric for a couple of years, no? Jake introduced her to me, it was probably your sophomore year at college. She suggested a free age night at Tric, and started doing the programming, getting bands, doing the DJ thing. After a few months, she was managing Tric for me. Deb was out of the picture, and I was really thankful for the help, since Lilly was still so small. At that time, Peyton was always with Brooke, and they became regulars at the Cafe. They would come, and we would talk. If there was little movement I would sit with them and chat away. I guess I was lonely, with just a two-year-old for company. I was rather taken by Brooke from the start. She got along well with Lilly, so she started babysitting for me regularly. She also worked at the Cafe for a while. When it was closing time, she would come to the Cafe, like you and Haley did, and we would have dinner, me, Brooke and Lilly. I would go to the basketball games, just to see Brooke leading the squad. She was so good. Why didn't you know about her? The truth, she filled a hole in my heart that you and Haley left. I didn't want to say anything, because I didn't want to let you know how much it hurt not having you guys around. Now Lilly is older, much better company, and I'm dating a professor from the community college, so things are looking up. But those two years, Brooke saved my life. I don't want to talk about her. There is too much that I know in confidence, and she is a very private person. But I'll say this. She is like a daughter to me and a sister to Lilly. I care about her just as much as I care about Haley. If you hurt that girl, you will have to answer to me. Now you tell me what happened."

"To make a long story short, I met my "secret sister" on Friday, and fell totally, head-over-heels in love with her, and she with me. We were both a little freaked out how fast it happened, Brooke more than me because, if I got it right, she had never really been in love before. I just wrote an account of that night. It's rated "R", but if you don't mind knowing about the sex part, I'll send it to you. Saturday morning, during breakfast, it comes out that you are my mother. She completely flips out.

She tells me it's too much, that she needs time, that later she would come back and explain and she ran away."

"I know Brooke. I get it. She probably feels she can't go anywhere near you without my blessing now. Don't worry too much. She is going to come running through my door any minute, and I'll try to send her right back to you. The truth is that the two of you together is a dream come true for me. I'll do anything in my power to help. Send me your story. I'll try to skim over the racy bits."

I can feel something unclenching inside me. It may not be as bad as I feared. "Thanks mom. I appreciate it. All of it. It's really crazy, though."

"There is one thing I don't understand. Why didn't you go after her? That doesn't sound like you."

"There's two things. First, after Taylor, and specially after Maddie, I learned that you don't try to hold tight onto an independent, strong minded woman. I learned you need to hold with your hands open, let her feel free to come and go as she needs. So, when Brooke started getting cold feet, I promissed her that I wouldn't run after her. She could stay, if she wanted, and she could leave, if she needed, to come back when she felt she could. I told her I would be waiting. So, that's what I am doing, waiting."

"That's incredibly mature of you, son. I'm proud of you. But don't overdo it. Let her know you still care."

"I have a little idea about that. By the way, she may take some time getting to your door. I have a spy in her camp, who is keeping an eye out for me, and I know she has a crazy week ahead. I'm planning on going to Tree Hill on Saturday, by car. I'll buy a tree and do the Christmas decorations when I get there, is that ok?"

"That's fine darling. We will be waiting."

"Also, Nate, Haley and Jamie may be coming for a quick visit next week. We would go back together on Saturday. Would you mind sending Lilly along with them? I may be able to take a few days off and show her the sights. New York this time of year is pretty nice."

"That would be fine. I wish I could go too, but I can't leave the cafe right now. I wouldn't mind the time alone with my boyfriend, though. I think you will like him. His name is Andy, and he is a little younger than me. He is pretty hot."

"Mother..."

"Well, I can still have some fun at my old age. Take care of yourself, darling. And don't worry too much about your girl. Everything will turn out fine in the end. She is quite a catch, and so are you."

"Thanks, mom. I'll be seing you soon. Send a kiss to Lilly. And I'll be e-mailing you the story right now."

"Bye, darling."

"Bye."

I sent her the story. I was much happier after talking to her. I got out some of the manuscripts I wanted to read, and set to work. About a couple of hours later I got a text. "I loved the piece, even the sex bits. It's your best, truly written from the heart. You were so lucky to find each other like that. Love, Mom."

I kept working, went for a walk and a hot dog in the park, and came back to work. I was waiting to hear from Lindsay, and, around half past six, she called, sounding happy and breathless. "Hi darling, I just flew into La Guardia. Can I go to your place? I could probably be there in about an hour. I miss you terribly."

I needed to temper her expectations a bit, so I talked in a very serious tone. "Hi Lindsay. That's ok. Come to my place, I'll cook dinner. We need to talk."

She caught my tone. "Is something wrong?"

"We just need to talk. Hurry on."

"All right, Bye."

"Bye."

She arrives near eight, with a small suitcase. I take her coat. She is wearing a grey skirt, below the knee, a white blouse, white shoes, light make up and her light brown hair is shoulder length and loose. She is a beautiful girl, charming, sweet and very smart. She comes close for a kiss, but I pull out, and I see her huge blue eyes cloud with tears.

"You're breaking up with me."

The truth is, I have to be a little rough. She will be much better off angry, rather than sad, and I am the right target. "Yes. But I owe you an explanation. I made dinner. Steak, baked potato and a salad. Would you share it with me?"

"Yes. I'm starving, anyways. If I can't get what I want from you, at least I'll get some food."

We make plates and sit to eat. I serve red wine. She is quietly crying, and it breaks my heart. "I ran into someone this weekend. Someone I knew back from high school."

"You slept with her?"

"Yes I did. But that's not the point. I realized that I was not being fair with you. I like you, and I was hoping I would fall in love with you eventually. After I met this woman, I realized it would never happen."

"I missed you so much this weekend. I was falling in love with you. I think I knew you didn't feel the same way."

"I'm very sorry Lindsay. I know I am hurting you."

She is hugging herself, looking very sad. There is also a small spark of anger in her eyes, which makes me think she will be fine, after all. She gathers herself and stands up. "I am not ok with this. Maybe someday I will be, but right now, I don't want to look at you. I don't want to be near you. I'll be working from home the next few days. I know you will be going home the following week, so I'll see you next year. I hope I'll be better then. Are you with this woman now?"

"Yes."

She just picks up her coat, the suitcase and leaves.

Monday comes and goes, with the usual hustle. That evening I get a text from Haley, saying that they will be coming, with Lilly, arriving Tuesday night, around ten, in La Guardia. I tell her I'll send a limo for them. I place a cot in my room, so Nate, Hales and Jamie will sleep there, and me and Lilly will share the sofabed in the office. I arrange to have half a dozen red roses to be delivered to CoB in the morning, with the message "Miss you, girlfriend." Around nine, I get a text from her. "Thnx.", which leaves me staring at the wall, lost, for about half an hour. At ten I get a phone call that changes everything.

"Lucas, Sam here." Samantha is my acquaintance at the New Yorker.

"Hi, what's up? Did you like my piece?"

She laughs, "Did I like it? Let me put it this way. I circulated it around here yesterday. Everybody in the building is talking about it. The consensus is that it is one of the finest short stories the magazine has ever seen. My boss' boss wants to see you asap. Can you meet with him and the staff at two?" Her boss's boss is the chief editor of the New Yorker.

"I think so. Let me talk to my boss. If there is any trouble, I'll drop you a text. Otherwise, I'll be there."

"Ok, see you then."

Holy shit. Everybody has written short stories for the New Yorker. They are putting me together with all my heroes. I call Sean's secretary. "Does the boss have a minute?"

I wait about ten seconds for an answer. "He says to come over." Sean is not just my boss. He is also Lindsay's father.

I get to his office and he is standing in front of his desk, looking stern. "You broke up with her."

"I'm afraid I didn't feel about her the same way she felt about me. I'm sorry. As soon as I realized this, I ended it, but I know I hurt her. This is completely my fault. She is a wonderful girl that deserves a lot better than she got. That's not the reason I asked to speak with you."

"He lifts his eyebrows. Really?" I have enormous respect for Sean.

"I wrote a short story that I sent to the New Yorker. I just got a come hither from their chief editor. They want me there at two. Do you mind?"

He actually manages to look stern and amused. "When did you send them this story?"

"Sunday."

His eyebrows go even higher. "I see. Does this story have anything to do with you breaking up with Lindsay?"

"Yes."

"You may go. In fact, take the rest of the morning off. On two conditions. Come back and tell me what they offered you. And send me a copy of the story."

"That's fine. Goodbye, sir."

As I am closing his office door he calls.

"And by the way, Lucas. Well done. Very well done, indeed."

I go to my office, send a copy of the piece to Sean, grab my coat and leave. I just wish I could go celebrate it with her.

I drop a text to Hales instead "call me when you can" and around noon she calls me.

"Hi Luke, what's up?"

"You will not believe it."

"What?"

"I got a call from the people at the New Yorker. I have a meeting with their chief editor at two. They are going to publish the story. But it's not just that. They want something more from me."

"Wow! This is amazing. It's like you are going to the writer's NBA."

"It's even better. It's rookie of the year. I'll be an instant famous author. I'll be able to write my own ticket for the novel I'm currently writing, and for the subsequent ones."

"I'm so happy we will get to celebrate with you tonight."

"I'll buy a bottle of Crystal. Did Nate get his contract?"

"Not yet. We should be able to celebrate that next week."

"I'm only sorry I don't get to celebrate it with her."

"You know, I had a long talk with you mother yesterday. I think everything will end up fine. Your mother thinks you're both very lucky."

"I miss her so much it hurts."

"I know the feeling. Oh, by the way, I called Taylor. She is coming for Christmas."

"I'm glad. And I actually look forward to seing her again. See you tonight, Hales. Have a nice trip."

"See you Luke. Congratulations again."

"Thanks."

I get back to Sean's office around four. I talk to his secretary, and she sends me right in. Sean gets up, serves himself of a scotch on the rocks and looks at me. I just nod, and he makes me one as well. He sits, and tells me to sit as well.

"I read your piece. I get what the hoopla is about. I knew you were a good writer, but I didn't think you had that much in you. It's the girl, isn't it? She broke up with you the next day? You couldn't possibly write that piece without a huge dose of heartbreak."

As I said, Sean is really impressive. "Yes, she left me the following morning. We didn't break up, but we haven't spoken since. There are complications."

"She is married?"

"Nothing like that. We will probably work it out in the end. I need advice."

"What did they offer you?"

"They bought the story outright. A hundred, a record number for an unpublished author. They offered me a three-year contract. One more five thousand word story next year, plus two per year the following years. One mil. I asked them a day to think."

He smiles. "And what's the hold out?"

"I don't think I have five more short stories like that in me."

"You have a novel nearly done, dont you?"

"I am just about done. A serious revision, mostly."

"What is it about?"

"I have a very difficult family history. My father murdered his brother and he is in jail for it. I have a brother that was raised hating me, and that, now, is a very close friend. We were co-captains of our high school basketball team and we won the North Carolina state title in our senior year. This whole mess is the material for the novel. I've been writing it since high school."

"Is it good?"

"As good as anything we publish, sir."

"Call me Sean." He calls his secretary. "Ask David and Lindsay to come in." My heart skips a beat.

"Did she read the piece?"

"Yes. Don't worry. She knows what we are about here."

"Very well. First, you asked for advice. You should take the contract. No one in his right mind will expect you to repeat what you achieved with "That Night". They know you are going to become a brand name. They just want to lock you in while you are still relatively cheap. It works in your favor too, because in three years, things will look rather different for you. David?" David places two folders on Sean's desk.

"This first folder is your notice of termination, effective immediately. Your services as an editor are no longer required. You will find a generous severance check, including your performance bonus for this year. You have been one of the finest editors that have passed through this company, thank you. The second folder is a contract. We are offering you three million dollars, half of it in advance for sales, for three novels in the next five years. I have asked Lindsay to act as your agent in drawing this contract, which she did exceedingly well. You might want to hire her as your agent. This is just for publication of the novels in the US. You reserve all other rights, but I think you need to discuss the details with Lindsay. I would also like to appoint her as your editor, at least for the first novel. I discussed this with her, and she feels she can do this job professionally, without interference from your personal history. The reason is simple. She is the finest editor we currently have in the company, and I am sure she will do your novel justice. Please sign the termination and the receipt for the severance, and use the meeting room to continue the discussion further with Lindsay." Sean lifts his head and smiles. "You see, we would also like to lock your brand in while you are still cheap." With that, we children are dismissed.

We close the door in the meeting room, and we are alone.

"So, you read it."

"It hurt, Luke. But I get it. I am so envious of her that I could die. You didn't simply have a romantic night any girl would kill for. You then turned around and wrote an incredible piece of art in her honor, the most beautiful love letter I've ever read. I'm dying to meet this girl."

"We are not really talking right this minute."

"What? How is that possible?"

"Your father got it instantly. I could never have written that piece if something had not gone wrong. I needed the heartbreak to do it."

"You need to tell her, Luke. You need to warn her."

"Why?"

"This is going to hit the papers big tomorrow. It's very easy to discover who she is, after reading the story. Day after tomorrow, there's gonna be paparazzi after her."

"Shit. You're right. "

"It's worse. You need to explain to her my new role in your life. She was expecting you to break up with me on Sunday, which you did, honorable dog that you are. Now I am recast as your work wife, and she needs to be ok with this. There will be pictures of the two of us around, looking chummy,"

Give me a minute. I send her a text. "Pretty girl, something came up. I really hate to do this, I wanted to respect your space, but I need to talk to you. Could you please call me?"

My phone rings two minutes later. My heart jumps when I hear her voice. "Hi, boyfriend. What's up?"

"I'll leave the hallmark stuff to some other time, pretty girl, and go straight to business. After you left on Saturday, I spend sixteen hours writing straight. I wrote a short story about Friday night. It is the best piece of writing I ever did. I sent it to the New Yorker, and they took it. It's going to appear in January. They offered me a million dollar contract for more short stories. Then the publisher I work for offered me a three million dollar contract for three books. I broke up with Lindsay on Sunday, she was pretty pissed, but she read the story today, and she is sort of ok. She is acting as my agent and editor right now, but I need you to agree with that. She is really an excellent professional. This stuff is going to end on the news tomorrow. It's easy to identify you from the story, and you might get paparazzi."

I hear her giggle. It nearly kills me with longing."I see. Send me the story. I'll get back to you."

I send her the story. And hour later I get a message back. "We will meet in Tree Hill next week. I loved the story. I love you. I am yours, forever." I show her message to Lindsay. "We will be ok."

We continue to work on the details of the contract, until around six.

"We are not nearly done. You can come back tomorrow afternoon, and we will continue to hammer at this. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the New Yorker on your behalf, to negotiate the fine points of that contract. I also need you to come by early, to sign an agent contract with me. I'll also start working on some media appearances this week, maybe a collective interview."

"I'll come back tomorrow. Nine ok?"

"That's fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

On the way home, Lucas did a supermarket run, a beer run and bought a bottle of Crystal. He sent Brooke another text. "Sorry, girlfriend. Lilly will be in town for the next few days. Do you want to see her, maybe do something with her?" Five minutes later he gets a reply. "I'm incredibly busy. I'll be in front of your building tomorrow at half past seven. I'll take Lilly to the park. I'd like you to join us. Let's try not to confuse Lilly. Tomorrow morning, we're just friends."

The Scotts arrived at ten, with both six-year-olds asleep. We tuck them both and sit down in the living room to chat a bit.

"Well guys, thank you very much for coming. I distribute glasses and pop the bubbly."

"To sucess, in love and otherwise."

"Hear, hear."

"Congratulations, big brother. You really scored big this time."

"I have to tell you what happened after I talked to Hales. I went to the New Yorker, and they bought the story, for one hundred. And they offered me a million dollar contract, for five more short stories in the next three years. Then the publisher I work for offered to buy the novel I am just about done writing, plus two others, in the next five years, for three million dollars. I haven't signed anything yet, except my severance as editor. So, right now, it appears that I am an unemployed full time writer, a soon-to-be millionaire and an amateur basketball coach. And, of course, boyfriend of a fashion diva since Friday. Ah, to complete the craziness, I dumped the girl I had been seeing on Sunday, and I hired her today as my agent. The best part. I sent my piece to Brooke, she texted back saying that she loved it, loved me and that she would be mine forever. Finally, she is going to come by tomorrow at half past seven to take Lilly to the park, and I'm supposed to go with them."

"Wow, Luke. That's a lot to digest." She does a little pause. "Listen, I am dead tired. I had to teach straight the whole day to compensate for not showing up tomorrow. We will talk tomorrow. Should we meet at the Museum of Natural History for lunch? Say, half past twelve?"

"That's fine. I have to swing by the office tomorrow at nine, but afterwards I am free until two. After that, I'm stuck until I'm done vetting the publishing contracts. So, here is the deal. I'll go with Brooke and Lilly to the park at the crack of dawn. Then I'll come back, pick up Jamie and take the kids into town. I'll take them to the Central Park Zoo, and I'll meet you guys for lunch at the MNH.

Then I'll leave the kids with you and go to my meeting. Depending on how it goes, we either meet somewhere for early dinner or we meet back here. There is basketball practice at eight on the street court two blocks north. I'm looking forward to Nate seeing my boys, and vice-versa.

"This is fine, Luke. Here is Lilly's suitcase. You might want to separate a cute outfit for her to meet her Book tomorrow morning. "

"I can try, but, for sure, she will then choose something else."

"True. Good night, Lucas."

"Good night, sis."

I spend another half-hour talking about my team with Nate. Since tomorrow begins early, we both decide to call it a night.

The alarm goes off at six thirty, and a very grumpy Lilly tries to get me out of her face, until I tell her. "Lilly bear, I have a surprise for you."

That actually wakes her up. "Which surprise Ukie?" You need to have breakfact, brush your teeth and dress pretty before you can see your surprise. So, what is it going to be. Toast or Eggo?"

"Toast, with butter and jam. And a glass of OJ."

"Coming right up, princess Lilly."

We get downstairs with five minutes to spare, and precisely at half past, a limo stops, and out comes my girlfriend. She is using an off-white winter coat, and boots. Lilly immediately does precisely what I wish I could do. She yells "Book!" and runs straight into Brooke's arms.

Brooke goes down in one knee and embraces Lilly. "Hi, princess. I missed you so much."

Lilly steps back, with a huge smile in her face. "Book, this is my big brother Ukie, I mean, Lucas. He is the best big brother.". "Ukie, this is Brooke. She is my best friend in the whole world.".

"Thank you for introducing us, Lilly bear. I know your Book from school, before you were born. She is my friend too."

"That's right, silly Lilly. I like your big brother. I used to be a cheerleader when your Ukie played basketball."

Lilly's eyes open wide. "Book, did you know my daddy too, before I was born?"

"Brooke kneels down again, and picks up both her hands in hers. Mom is right, there's a family vibe there. Outside myself and mom, the only grown up I've seen Lilly this confortable around is Nate. They are crazy for each other. But even aunt Haley is not quite like that. Apparently, there is someone else both me and Lilly are crazy about, aside from mom. "No, Lilly, I didn't know your daddy. I saw him with Lucas after the games, I think, but we never talked. I wish I did."

"I don't know my daddy, Book, but I miss him." I can't avoid a brief flare of my hatred for Dan.

"I know, sweetie. But he is always watching over you, your mom and your brother."

"That's right, Lilly bear. We can go visit him Christmas day, what do you think? We can bring him flowers." We always do that, mom, Lilly and I."

"Lillies and roses, right?"

"That's right."

Brooke surprises me. "Can I come too?"

"Of course. You will be with us on Christmas this year, Book?"

"Yes I will."

The little girl opens a huge smile at the news. She looks at me asks me to pick her up. She whispers in my ear. "We need a present for her, Ukie. Something special."

I whisper back "Don't worry, Lilly bear, we'll find something."

She gives me a big hug. "Thank you. This was the best surprise ever."

Brooke looks puzzled. "You, Brooke. You were the surprise." I'm rewarded with a big dimpled smile.

We head to the park, two grown ups with Lilly swinging in the middle. We get puzzled looks from my neighbors. One of the bolder ones, a hairdresser form a shop at the corner finally asks. "Where you hiding your family, coach? Your girls are beautiful."

"I agree. The little one is my sister Lilly, and the not so little one is my friend Brooke. Girls, this is Sarah."

"Lilly gives a perfect curtsie. Nice to meet you, Sarah. Why did you call my brother "coach"?"

"Cause he is the coach of our neighborhood basketball team, sweetie. He does a really good job, and everybody around here loves him for it. There is a game coming up on Saturday, will you be there to cheer for the boys?"

Lilly looks at me. "Yes, you will be there, and I expect you to cheer very loud."

"I want to be a cheerleader, like mommy and Book."

"I'd like that, Lilly bear." I give a flirty look at my girlfriend. "I like cheerleaders."

"I'll make a warm cheerleader outfit for you to wear Saturday, Lilly. What are the team collors?"

"Green and white. We are the twenty second division Panthers. I'll send you a picture of the game jersey later today. Thank you, Brooke."

A big smile again. "You're welcome Luke. What time is the game?"

"Ten"

"I'll swing by your place at nine. I want to see Nathan, Haley and Jamie too."

"We are having lunch, all of us, at the Museum of Natural History, today at half past noon. You could join us, if you want. And come for breakfast on Saturday, say, around eight."

"You're on for breakfast, as long as you make it french toast. I have a crazy day ahead, but I'll try for lunch. I'll send you a text if I can make it."

"Very well, lets go to the park. I need to get to work."

When we come out of the park, Brooke's limo is already waiting. "Come in guys, I'll drop you off at home."

In the one-minute drive, Brooke gives Lilly a big hug. "Bye, silly Lilly. It was so good to see you."

"Bye, Bookie Cookie."

"Bye, Lucas Scott, take care of yourself."

"Bye Brooke Davis, I'll be seeing you."

She smiles. "You can count on that, baby."

We pick up Jamie, and head into town. We swing by the office. We don't meet anyone, but Lindsay had left an agent contract. It seems standard, I give her ten percent of everything, and in exchange I get the benefit of her full smarts and expertise on my behalf. Knowing Linds, this is a real bargain.

We walk to the zoo, and we have a blast there. We catch a penguin feeding, and we spend a long time at the petting area. The chemistry between Jamie and Lilly is incredible. They are very different. Jamie has a physical presence that reminds me of his father's pantherlike grace, whereas Lilly has a ballerina-like poise and delicacy that resembles my mom. They are both talkative, incredibly articulate and they tease each other constantly. There is an obvious undercurrent of deep affection between them. Jamie is very protective of Lilly. I can see the beginnings of the Scott's knight-in-shining-armor act. Lilly encourages that in him, in her subtle, princess ways. Like me, she is Scott and Roe. I glimpse some of my mother's strength and grace in her, but I don't know what a grown Scott girl is like. She is the first one in four generations. I can't wait to find out, though.

We hoof it to the Museum. Lilly is tired, so I get to carry her, a privilege I hardly ever get these days. She looks tiny and delicate, but she packs a heft after half a mile or so. Jamie is content to run along, scaring the pigeons. On the way, I get a text from Brooke saying she will not be able to join us for lunch. I can't countenance waiting until Saturday to see her again. I reply, asking her to join us for a walk to the park again tomorrow at half past seven. I guess she feels the same way, cause she instantly agrees. I tell Lilly about Brooke. She turns to me, with her huge eyes. "I wish you would marry Book and come live in Tree Hill, with me and mommy, Ukie. Do you think I can ask Santa?"

I look at her. "Santa is usually for toys and stuff, Lilly bear. But it can't hurt to ask." I guess I'm going for the same wish this year. We get to the museum restaurant, and Nate and Hales are already there. We eat, and talk about our morning, and I leave.

In the cab, I write Brooke a text message. "Could you move your business to Tree Hill, if you wished?" The phone rings about thirty seconds later.

"Why would you ask that?"

"Lilly informed me that she is asking Santa this year that we get married and move to Tree Hill to live with her and mom. I know we want to make the first part come true, but, seeing you with her this morning, I can't imagine the second part would displease you too much. So, I decided to ask."

A long pause follows. "The short answer is yes. Not right now, and not entirely. I would have to keep a business office in New York, and spend time here regularly. But the bulk of my work is designing, and that can be done anywhere." a long, long pause, and she continues, in a near whisper. "I would like to raise our children in Tree Hill."

Another long pause, mostly for my heart to quiet down a bit. "I guess we are completely in agreement on that one, pretty girl." Still downhill without brakes, I guess. But, for now, without touching too.

I spend the whole afternoon and early evening hammering out details on my publishing contract with Lindsay. She brought a copy of the contract, and a check for two hundred thousand from the New Yorker, and, by the end of the day, I have another contract, and another, five hundred thousand check from Brookline and Pearsons, for the contract signing. All together, I have a little over a million dollars in checks in my pocket, which is beginning to feel a little bizarre.

"Well, you owe me seventy grand. Not bad for a couple of days of work. I'm going to enjoy this agent gig, Luke."

"As far as I can see, you're worth every penny of it. Now what?"

"Well, the first order of business is to take care of those checks. Some of our best-selling authors work with a wealth management firm in town that has done very well by them. I took the liberty of arranging a meeting with them tomorrow at ten." She gives me a card. I don't think you'll need a personal assistant for now, but you need an answering service. You should probably have an attorney under retainer, again, there is a firm uptown that caters to the publishing world, you might want to give them a call. You eventually need a publicist, an image consultant, and maybe a personal shopper, if you don't like to do that yourself."

"My girlfriend is a famous fashion designer. I should probably talk to her about this. Can it wait until after the holidays? "

"Sure, but not much more than that. Last, I've booked a collective interview for you at the blue room of the Plaza, Friday at half past five. We've got several requests for interviews already, and we can kill several birds with one stone this way. There has been also requests for TV interviews, but we can leave that for after the holidays. Any questions?"

"Not at this time. Thanks, Linds. For everything."

"Very well, Luke, have a nice evening."

I check my messages, and there is one from Brooke, from about an hour ago. "Call me."

I call her, and she says straight. "You busy?"

"Not really. Done for the day. Heading home."

"Come to CoB now. I'll be in my office, in the fourth floor. She rattles off the address."

"I'll be there in fifteen."

When I get to her office I spend a minute just taking it in. She is sitting on her desk, busy with some paperwork and doesn't notice me. I clear my throat and she lifts her eyes, smiling at me. "Hi, boyfriend."

"Hi, pretty girl. I know we are sort-of on hold, but do you think I could steal a kiss on credit?" She gets up from her desk and walks up to me, her amber eyes bright as glass. "Yeah." She stands on tiptoe and gives me the sweetest slow kiss on the lips I have ever got. I stand there, tingling everywhere, and I can see the same longing I feel right in her eyes. "Patience, boyfriend."

"Why am I here?"

"I have something for you." She picks up a pile of three white boxes, with red bows. "Go to the bathroom there and change." Inside the boxes there are a Hugo Boss two-piece suit, a light blue shirt, Ferragamo shoes, belt and a thin purplish silk tie. I change and come back out. She looks at me critically, going around me slowly. First she removes my tie and redoes it to her satisfaction. Next, she picks up some pins, and marks places for adjustments in the suit. "Are the shoes confortable?"

"They are fine."

She nods. "You cut a very fine figure, Luke. Now, you need a trim and a manicure. She turns to her desk and writes something on a piece of paper. "Go to this address tomorrow, say, at two o'clock. They will take care of you." She continues in the same level, businesslike tone. "You will not hire an image consultant or a personal shopper. From now on, that is my job, and mine alone. Lindsay is what we call your business wife. I can work with that. You will give me all her contacts, and tell her to attend to me as if I were you. You need a law firm on retainer, and wealth management services, and this is best done by people who specialize in the publishing business, so you should go with what she recommends. We are going to split a personal assistant, you and I. I'll have Millie find some suitable people to interview, and we will do it together, when we come back from Tree Hill. I'll provide working space for our assistant here in the building. When is your collective interview?"

"Friday, half past five, at the Plaza."

"I'll be there, standing right next to you. You should say that the piece is a work of fiction, but that it was inspired in our first date. How do you feel about selling your image? I can probably get you some interesting deals in the industry."

"I have no objection in principle, but I would need to see the fine print. I couldn't, for instance, sign an exclusive contract for fancy mens shoes while I am also an inner city basketball coach. I guess."

"That's an interesting point. The coaching is a great personal image hookup. Do you mind if some press shows up on Saturday?"

"Absolutely not. The work the city league does with these kids needs all the publicity it can get."

She smiles. "I like the way your mind works, boyfriend. This is going to be a fun ride. I have a favor to ask."

"Anything for you, pretty girl."

"I want you to buy five percent of CoB. That should set you back some three hundred fifty to four hundred. It gives you a seat on the board. Tell your wealth management consultant to give Millie a call to iron out the details. The point is that I want to have a partner which I can completely count on, and that nobody knows about. That way, say, forty-seven percent is still a controlling block. Given the expansion plans, this should be very profitable too.

"This is fine. I'll be happy to be your secret partner. Give me a second, I have to change back."

I come back with the suit in one hand, and the rest of the stuff in a bag. I give her the suit. "I'll have this adjusted tomorrow morning."

I fish in my pocket for my apartment keys, and I give them to her. "Let yourself in tomorrow morning. Me and Lilly are in the office. You can keep these. Feel free to come and go, or to move in for that matter, anytime you want." I look around one last time. "By the way, this is an incredible space. I love it."

She looks at me, a sweet smile on her face. "Until Friday night, this was my favorite place in the whole world."

I have to give her the line. "What about now?"

"At your side, boyfriend. I don't care where anymore."

Traffic is pretty miserable going back home, so by the time I get there, practice is already under way. I am thankful that Nate took it upon himself to go to the court and get started. When I get there, the players are still pretty excited about having a real live NBA player among them, so it takes a while to settle them down. We do some free throw training, blocking and passing and end with a scrimmage where Nate is playing one side and I am playing the other. My team gets seriously schooled, but I cannot remember having more fun losing a game, ever.

Nathan is truly impressed. "You're right, man. Nine out of ten, these guys would have beaten our Ravens. Even with me, you and Skills at the top of our game, we could only hold our own in a very good day. And very good coaching, big brother. Do you want a job at the NBA? I could probably put in a good word."

"I'm sort of dreaming of moving back to Tree Hill and coaching the Ravens, little brother. I don't know when, but in truth, that's my endgame. High school coaching leaves free time for a full-time writing career. Thank you, though. That's really flattering.

When we walk back home, I stay back with Haley, to tell her about the walk to the park with Brooke and Lilly and my visit to CoB. After I tell her what happened, Haley comments.

"This is amazing, Luke. There are more facets to this girl than a fancy diamond."

"I know. I get a little intimidated at times. It's like having a hurricane for a girlfriend. Ah, I got it."

"What?"

"I am going to tell you something I never told anyone."

"Now you got me salivating, Luke. What?"

"For some people in my life, I have secret nicknames, that I only use to myself."

"Do I have one?"

"Yes, you were the first. But you'll be disappointed."

"I don't care. What's mine?"

"Sister. Since we were nine."

She looks at me, a little moisture in her eyes. "I am not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I love it. It's perfect. I gather you just chose "hurricane" for Brooke."

"That's right. I've been kind of thinking about this for a while, now."

"Taylor?"

"She-devil"

"Maddie?"

"Firecracker."

"Boy, you're good. Nate?"

"Well, he had one, but it kind of became obsolete."

"What?"

"Grinch. Now he is just brother."

She stares at me. "I guess that makes sense. Are there others?"

"Yes, but, I think we had enough fun."

"One last one. Jamie?"

"I'm still waiting for inspiration in his case. Lilly is princess, kinda obvious but fits. Now you can think that I am seriously considering spending the rest o my life hitched to a hurricane."

"No more fighting boredom, I guess. I envy you a bit. I am crazy about Nathan, but the action there is mostly inside."

We arrive at the apartment, Haley reads to the kids, while Nate and I shower. Pretty soon we are all asleep.