A/n: Thank you all! The response for this story has been amazing! Hugs and kisses to all of you! Enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Four

Conflicts

"You think you have it all figure it out huh Scott?" an angry Latino man said as he came barging into Lucas' office. Lucas looked up not at all surprised to see Felix Tagarro in his office once again. He probably wanted to bother him like he usually did every day. Lucas didn't mind though, it was what he'd always done after all.

"Felix…I wish I could say what a pleasant surprise but we both know I be lying." Lucas sarcastically said, putting some papers away into his file cabinet. "What do you want now?" he asked tiredly.

"The only thing I want is for you to leave RKS and never return!"

"Well we all know that's never going to happen so anything else?" Lucas asked as he started playing around with a pen on his desk. Felix saw what he was doing and got even madder that Lucas wasn't even paying attention to him.

"You're going to bring this company down Scott. People will soon realize that what you have is beginners luck and when they do-"

"You know what Felix?" Lucas interrupted already annoyed with the way this conversation was going. It was always the same every freaking time. Felix came in, yelled while Lucas looked amused and said nothing before he kicked him out of his office only to have the same thing happen over and over again.

"I get it you're mad because my uncle trusted me with the company that you so rightfully think it's yours but guess what? It's not so please just get over it because unfortunately we're going to be working together for years and years to come."

Felix looked at him dumbstruck. He wasn't expecting for Lucas talk back so quickly.

When he came barging into Lucas' office he just did it with the plan to annoy the hell out of him but he wasn't expecting Lucas to react the way he did. Lucas was in control and Felix sure as hell wasn't supposed to allow that.

Felix took a step back calming down when an idea hit him. "You know Scott I got an interesting call the other day." Felix started saying his voice dripping with malice knowing full well what he was about to say was going to him. "And you know what?"

"What?" Lucas asked unsure of where Felix was going with this. One minute he was all mad and the next he was calm and collected. He was obviously up to something.

"My sister," Lucas tensed realizing what Felix's new strategy was. "told me she might be making a trip to New York just to see how things are with the company."

"And why would I care about that?" he asked stiffly.

"Oh come on Lucas. Everyone knows you're still in love with the woman who broke your heart." Felix mocked with spite.

"Shut up Felix." Lucas advised the Latino man. He was gripping the end of his desk trying to get his anger under control but was failing miserably. He couldn't believe Felix was sinking this low just to get a rise out of him.

"But Lucas don't you want to hear about how even though my sister cheated on you multiple times you still harbor feelings for her. That while she was fucking guys from left to right you were sitting at your apartment anxiously waiting for her return." Felix taunted while keeping a triumphal smirk on his face.

"Poor, poor Lucas. You didn't even see that coming when she left you for one of her multiple lovers huh?" And that was all it took for Lucas to grab Felix by his shirt and throw him over his desk to where he was. He threw him up against the wall roughly.

"What's the matter Lukie boy? Did that actually hurt?" Felix sneered with hatred. Never in his life had he hated someone as much as Lucas Scott so it was a huge pleasure to be the one to cause him this pain and anger. Yes he knew talking about his sister that way was wrong since technically his sister only cheated on Lucas with one guy but it felt so good to rub it in his face when he knew how much it was affecting him.

"You are one piece of shit you know that?" Lucas growled as he slammed him again into the wall.

"Well I might be a piece of shit but at least I could keep my women entertain so they won't be running off to the nearest man to satisfy their needs!"

Even if he was the CEO it was against company rules for anyone to fight in the building so he knew he had to restrain himself but boy was he having a hard time. Even when they were kids, Felix Tagarro always knew how to get under his skin.

Lucas and Felix were both from Tree Hill along with his twin sister Anna. He remembered so well how Felix would always take time out of his day to mess with him. If it wasn't to randomly pick on him by dropping his books or stealing his belongings, he would always publicly humiliate him by calling him a bastard and reminding everyone in Tree Hill how his mom was used and abandoned.

Lucas hated him of course but it wasn't like he could do something about him since Felix was always surrounded by his group of friends. It wasn't until senior year when Lucas began dating Anna that things calm down a bit but he knew Felix still hated him. He had always hated him and up to this day he wasn't even sure why.

"Mr. Scott, Ms. Sylvia Baker is here to see you." Gigi's voice ranged through the intercom interrupting the heated encounter.

Lucas gave Felix a look of pure hate before finally releasing him. "Leave now Tagarro and I swear if you return again to my office without me calling you I will not be responsible for my actions."

"This isn't over Scott." Felix threatened before hastily leaving Lucas' office. Lucas sat down rubbing his hand up and down his face in frustration. Felix was getting out of control and he needed to put a final stop to him. He needed to get rid of him, get him to leave RKS. Only problem was how to do that when he and his sister together owned thirteen percent of the company's shares.

"Gigi send Mrs. Baker right in please." Lucas said a few minutes later after remembering that she was here to see him.

"Right away sir." Gigi responded immediately.

It was a Friday afternoon when Brooke found herself humming to herself quietly as she was looking over the store's inventory. To her surprise the store was doing quite well which meant this month's rent for their house was going to be paid on time along with other bills.

Her life for once was going great just like she wanted it to.

Millie and Bevin who had been watching her all morning long were wondering what the hell had the brunette so cheery. Of course she was usually a cheerful person but now more than ever she was taking that word to a whole new level. They were both left wondering who or what was the reason behind it.

"She's finally getting laid." Bevin Mirskey, the ditzy and more outspoken one out of the two girls stated to Millie in a whisper. Millie shook her head knowing that wasn't the reason for Brooke's cheerful attitude.

"I-I don't think that's it Bevin. She's been with her boyfriend for three years." Millie simply said not wanting to get in Brooke's personal life.

"So? What if she's finally getting it the right way?"

"Bevin!" Millie shrieked, blushing as she got a look from the blonde who was surprised that Millie was able to make a noise louder than a mouse.

"I can hear you two you know." Brooke commented while keeping her head down and checking off things from the inventory list. Bevin giggled while Millie went red with embarrassment.

"Well?" Bevin questioned wanting to know what was up with the brunette.

"Well what?" Brooke said turning to look at both Millie and Bevin.

"Why are you in such a happy mood all of a sudden?"

"No reason." she answered shrugging her shoulders a bit. A smile soon found its way to her face when Brooke started remembering one of the main reasons she had been this happy lately. It had been three weeks since her and Lucas decided to be friends and she couldn't be any happier than that. They had been seeing each other in the coffee place they met whenever they had a break from work and Brooke loved their daily talks. They were refreshing.

In those three weeks that she has known him, Brooke soon realized that she was right about Lucas. He was a great guy and she loved finding new things about him. Like for example his love for basketball and his love for his family among other things. There were still a few things that she had yet to know about him but she knew that with time she was going to find out.

The only problem was that every time she met with Lucas she immediately felt bad afterwards. She hadn't exactly told Julian about Lucas yet because she wasn't sure how he was going to react and she felt extremely guilty knowing she was keeping something from him. Plus she kind of told Lucas that Julian knew about their friendship and that too was adding to her guilt.

"Oh look it's the James sisters!" Bevin pointed out excitedly when she saw Haley and Quinn James walking inside the store. Brooke turned around and smiled instantly at her best friend who smiled slightly back at her.

Brooke frowned. She thought their silly argument from a few days ago would have died down by now. She knew her friend was probably still a bit mad at her for her new budding friendship with Lucas but she thought their friendship was stronger than that.

"Hey Bunny…still mad?" Brooke greeted Haley unsure of where they stood.

"Not mad Tigger just a bit concern." Haley tiredly responded. She greeted both Millie and Bevin and then plopped down on one of the stores couches and motioned for Brooke to sit down next to her. Brooke quickly sat down after greeting Quinn and the two best friends fell into an uncomfortable silence.

The three other occupants of the room sensing that Haley and Brooke needed their "Braley" time quickly left to the store's backroom when Quinn claimed she left something there the other day as an excuse and the other two offered to help look for it.

"Lucas is just a friend Haley and I would never do something to hurt Julian." Brooke said breaking the silence.

"I know Brooke and I'm sorry for how I reacted when you told me about Lucas." Haley responded still feeling bad of how she acted with Brooke.

"It's okay; you were only trying to look out for me." she quietly said shrugging her shoulders a bit.

"Yeah I was and that's why as your best friend it's my duty to tell you that-"

"Haley please I know what you're going to say and I'm sorry but I can't do that." Brooke interrupted her friend knowing full well what she was going to say.

"Why not?" Haley wondered.

"I've known Lucas for three weeks Haley and in that time he has slowly become one of my closest friends and I just can't stop being friends with him like that. It would be like trying to stop being friends with you."

Now that hit Haley hard. Was Brooke seriously comparing their fifteen years of friendship to the three weeks she's spent with that Lucas guy?

"I-I just don't trust the guy Tigger." Haley said frowning.

"Why?" Brooke asked confused since Haley had never even met Lucas. Every time Brooke tried getting Haley and Lucas together, Haley would always make an excuse saying she had other things to do.

"It's just that…I don't trust a guy who is willing to be friends with a girl he likes when said girl has a boyfriend."

"I already told you Haley. He didn't want to at first but I convinced him."

"Either way Brooke the fact remains that he likes you and you don't even know him that well. What if he's planning to do something about it? What if it's just a plan to try and break you up with Julian?"

"Lucas isn't like that Haley and you would know that if you actually showed interest in meeting him instead of making lame excuses!" Brooke said raising her voice. She was getting mad at the way Haley kept assuming things about Lucas.

"Well excuse me for not wanting to possibly meet a two-face lying man whose only intention is to get inside your pants!" Haley yelled back. Brooke though shocked at her words was about to reply when Quinn, Millie and Bevin came rushing in.

"What are you two screaming about now?" Quinn asked as she stood between Brooke and Haley who now were standing face to face with each other.

"Nothing Quinn, your sister is just acting like a complete bi-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence Brooklyn." Haley warned when she realized what her friend was going to say.

"And why not Haley? I think that word suits you perfectly right now with the way you're acting."

"Girls please try to calm down. You are best friends for God's sake!"

Brooke ignored Quinn and focused her attention at the honey blond girl who had been her best friend since they were in grade school. "How long are you going to keep this up Haley?" Brooke asked her all irritated that her friend was still acting this way. She still wasn't fully sure what her issue with Lucas was because no matter how many times she told her that he was a good guy her friend just wouldn't listen.

"When you realize that what you're doing is wrong." Haley simply answered as she took a look around the store trying her best to ignore Brooke.

"Girls why don't you guys just make up? This whole fight is stupid and you know it."

"Your sister needs to apologize first Quinn." Brooke answered hastily crossing her arms across her chest.

"No way! You're the one who's in the wrong!"

"I'm not doing anything wrong Haley!"

"You're practically cheating on your boyfriend with some guy you barely even know!" Haley responded harshly.

"That is not true! Lucas and I are just friends!"

"With the way you keep talking about him I highly doubt that."

"You are-"

"What is going on here?" Victoria interrupted what seem to be the beginning of an argument between her daughter and Haley. She had witness this once before when they were fifteen and they got into an argument over a guy. It lasted for quite a while because both girls seem to like the guy a lot but their friendship proved stronger and they eventually made up. This time however things looked a bit too heated for her liking.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Davis but it seems like your daughter and my sister are still acting like immature teenagers." Quinn explained to a very confused Victoria.

Victoria sighed realizing what this argument was all about. She thought the whole Lucas thing was going to be over by now but she was wrong. Despite having her reservations towards Julian, Victoria didn't want her daughter to be one of those girls who cheated on their boyfriends but with the amount of time Brooke hanged out with Lucas, she knew it was bound to happen. On one hand she was happy because it meant she was right and Julian wasn't the one for Brooke but on the other hand she didn't know what kind of guy Lucas was. It scared her to think that he was one of those guys that pretended to be nice while in the inside he was anything but that.

"Hey mom I was just in the neighborhood and was wondering if…" Clay Davis' voice trailed off when he came upon the scene in front of him. "Umm what is going on here?" he questioned with a confused look on his face.

Quinn looked at her best friend and despite the situation she couldn't help but to smile at him. It was no secret to anyone in the room that Quinn liked Clay a lot but sadly he was the only one who had no idea. It also didn't help that he had his sights set on Sara Evans. With Sara on his mind, Quinn knew she had no chance with Clay at all.

"Nothing Clay just some girl problems." Quinn replied. She walked to where he was and began explaining the situation.

In the meantime Victoria was trying to find a way so that both girls could get over their disagreement. She didn't like it when Brooke and Haley were mad at each other because then her daughter would just sulk in the house until they made up.

"Alright girls it seems to me that the only way for you to get passed this is by-"

"Well that's' stupid!" Clay's voice interrupted his mom's. "I mean why doesn't Brooke just invite the guy over so we can all see if he's a good guy or not?"

Everyone turned to look at Clay not at all surprised by his outburst. He was just the kind of guy who would always speak his mind no matter what.

Victoria had to agree with her son, maybe meeting Lucas Scott was the solution. She turned to her daughter and looked at her to see what she thought of Clay's suggestion. After all she was the one who could have a say in the matter since she was the only one who knew the guy.

"Well Brooke? Are we meeting Lucas Scott?" Victoria asked.

"Well I'm not sure if he can come since he's probably working."

"Just try Cookie." Clay insisted using the childhood nickname he gave her a long time ago.

Brooke looked at Haley silently asking her if it was okay since she was the one with the actual problem. Haley nodded knowing that she couldn't put it off any longer. She had to finally meet the famous Lucas Scott.

Brooke reluctantly sent off a quick text knowing that at this time of the day he might be busy with work and not be able to come but also hoping he would be able to so that this whole mess could be solved once and for all.

"Lucas Scott." an older but still attractive woman said as she came into his office.

"Sylvia Baker what a pleasant surprise." Lucas greeted as he went over to where the older woman was to welcome her. "Is there a Board of Director's meeting I wasn't aware of?" Lucas curiously asked, knowing that Sylvia only came to the company when there was a meeting to attend. He pulled out her chair like the perfect gentleman that he was before going back to his own seat.

"Nothing like that." she responded with a kind smile. "I was actually just visiting Alexander in his office and decided to drop by. How is my son doing here anyways?"

"Best lawyer RKS has." Lucas replied with a content look on his face. "He's really proven to be quite an asset to our team of lawyers Sylvia…you should be proud."

"I am…so how are you doing Luke?"

"Great actually." Lucas responded, absentmindedly running a hand through his blond hair.

"Really? Because I saw a very angry Felix come out of your office a few minutes ago."

"You know how Felix is Sylvia."

"Well Felix is a jackass." Sylvia said, cracking a smile to the blond who couldn't help but to smile back at Sylvia's accurate statement.

"So how is your other son Julian doing? I haven't seen him in a while." Lucas said changing the topic into what he thought was a more pleasant one. Sylvia's face soon changed into an unhappy one and Lucas began to think that maybe they should have stuck with talking bad about Felix.

"Julian is…he's a huge disappointment Lucas. He cut me out of his life because I don't approve of the woman he is choosing to marry."

"Oh…that must be hard for you Sylvia and I'm sorry. I can't imagine ever doing that to my mom for some girl." Lucas said feeling bad for the woman in front of him. Sylvia had always acted with pure kindness towards him since his arrival to RKS and he had taken a liking for her. It also helped that Sylvia and his Uncle Keith used to be good friends before his uncle moved to Tree Hill to be closer to his mom.

"Not just some girl Lucas. She's one of those girls that act all sweet and innocent on the outside but when you turn your back they're nothing but manipulating calculating bitches." Sylvia spat out as her expression hardened just thinking about Brooke and the way she had changed her son completely. She hated her now more than ever and she still couldn't believe that her son would cut her out of his life for a girl like her.

"Sorry to hear that maybe your son will come to his senses soon."

"I don't think so Lucas. She has him all wrapped up around her finger." Sylvia said dejectedly, trying to suppress a sob.

"Sylvia…" Lucas tried to say something to help her but he was left speechless. He still couldn't believe that Julian could do something like that to his mom. He didn't know Julian that much; only had seen and talked to him a few times but he knew he was a good guy that loved his family.

"It's okay Lucas but let's not talk about my son anymore. There's actually an ulterior motive for me being here." she told him as she straightened herself to look more presentable. Lucas looked at her and felt compassion towards her, it was clear to see how much she was suffering even if she was trying to put on a brave face.

"You're a single man right Lucas?" Sylvia asked and he nodded his head agreeing with her statement although the image of Brooke crossed his mind for a split second before he reminded himself that she was taken and getting married. "Then I have a favor to ask."

"Sure what's going on?" Lucas asked, unsure of what kind of favor she wanted.

"My daughter Peyton she's a great girl but she lacks a social life. She has her friend Theresa and they go out and do stuff but it's not enough for me." Sylvia started to say when Lucas' phone rang signaling he had a text.

"Excuse me." Lucas said as he flip open his phone to look at the text he received. He instantly smiled when he realize the one who sent him the text was Brooke.

From: Cheery

Hey Luke if ur not 2 busy can u do me a favor?

He immediately send a quick 'Sure…whats up?' before he set his phone on vibrate and waited for her response. Meanwhile he smiled sheepishly at Sylvia with an apologetic face. "Sorry Sylvia but you were saying?"

Sylvia looked at him curiously wanting to know why a message had him so happy all of a sudden but chose to ignore it and continue with what she was here for. "As I was saying my daughter is a great girl…" and that's all he managed to hear because his phone vibrated making him lose all his concentration.

From: Cheery

Drop by my mom's store? Ppl wanna meet u

To: Cheery

Ppl?

From: Cheery

Stupid friends of mine, annoying bro n mom…u don't have 2 if u don't want 2…

To: Cheery

I want 2…ill be there in a bit

"…so if you could please do me the favor then I would most greatly appreciate it."

Lucas looked at Sylvia wondering what in the world she had just asked him to do. He was so busy texting Brooke cautiously not wanting the older woman to notice that he didn't catch a word she said.

"Well Lucas can I count on you?"

"Y-Yeah of course." Lucas replied unsure of what he just agreed to.

Sylvia stood up and Lucas followed suit. "Great well I'll let my daughter know and I'll call you for the details on your date." she told him with a smile. "Thank you Lucas you don't know how much I appreciate this." Sylvia said with a warm smile and then left his office leaving a stunned Lucas behind.

"He's on his way." Brooke let her friends and family know.

"So Loverboy is on his way huh?" Clay stated as he took a seat on the nearest chair. "Should be fun." They all looked at him wondering what he was talking about. "Interrogating him." Clay clarified upon seeing their clueless stares.

"Oh that's right plus we have to make sure our Brookie here is hanging out with a nice guy and not some total creep." Quinn said, shaking her head in agreement.

"Yeah and to make sure his intentions are just friendly and not something more." Haley added sternly.

"No, no, no! You guys are so not going to embarrass me in front of Lucas." Brooke informed them. "You," she pointed at Clay. "will not act like the overprotective big brother you are and you," she pointed at Quinn. "will not back him up like you usually do and you," she said looking at Haley. "will be on your best behavior."

"Whatever." Haley muttered as she went to sit on the couch, arms crossed.

Brooke chose to ignore her remark and also sat down waiting for Lucas to come. Victoria seeing as there was no customers decided to close the store for an early lunch and like the rest waited for Lucas to make an appearance. Thirty minutes later and there was still no sign of him and Brooke began to worry while the rest were beginning to get impatient.

"Well if your friend wanted to make an impression he sure as hell is." Haley stated with disdain, breaking the silence. There had been conversations here and there at the beginning but for the last ten minutes the store had remained quiet.

"He'll be here." Brooke simply said choosing to disregard her friend's tone.

"Sure…whatever."

"Okay what is your problem?" Brooke asked in disbelief turning to look at Haley. She was getting tired of her best friend's attitude. "I know you're mad Haley but honestly who I'm friends with is my business not yours!"

"Seriously Brooke? You're going to be this way?" Haley asked not quite believing what her friend said. "Well screw you then!" she shouted when Brooke said nothing. She started gathering her belongings. "I don't have to sit here waiting for some guy I don't even like to show up." Haley said and then without warning she stormed out of the store leaving stunned faces behind.

She was walking so fast not paying attention to where she was going as a few tears dropped from her face when she bumped into someone. She would have landed on the floor if it wasn't for the strong arms that encase her small body to steady her.

"Oh God I'm sorry. Are you okay?" the stranger asked with concern as he slowly let go of her after making sure she was well balanced. Haley stared at the stranger feeling like she had seen him before. He looked so familiar but at the same time didn't. He was tall, well built with his sandy blond hair going all over the place and he was kind of gorgeous looking, but what drew her in were his eyes.

"Those eyes." she thought to herself. "Those eyes look so familiar."

She remembered seeing those same striking blue eyes on someone else. Instantly Owen crossed her mind but then she dismissed him because his eyes were blue but not the exact same hue as this man's eyes. Then she remembered Owen's younger brother Nathan who had been invading her dreams since the day she met him.

"Are you okay?" he repeated when he noticed her tearstained face. He was afraid that he had accidently hurt her when they bumped into each other.

"I uhh…yeah I'm fine just-"

"No you're not." he stated still looking at her worriedly.

"Excuse me?"

"You're crying." he stated again with worry. "If I hurt you I'm sorry. I was just in a hurry trying to meet up with a friend and wasn't paying attention." he hurriedly and nervously said not liking seeing girls cry especially if it was because of him.

She giggled at his flustered state despite her own predicament. "No it wasn't you." Haley told him with a faint smile. "I just got in an argument with my best friend." she found herself saying.

"Sorry to hear that but everything is going to be okay. I'm sure you both will work it out eventually." he told her in a confident tone that Haley couldn't help but to believe in. She knew her and Brooke would be okay like always, they just needed some time apart to think things through.

"Thank you for your encouraging words." she said smiling. "But I have to go."

"Of course and uhh sorry again for the…you know." he told her with a warm smile. Haley smiled back saying a friendly 'good-bye' and quickly left.

She got in her car and saw that the stranger was looking at her but this time with curiosity and she smiled fondly at that. Maybe meeting strangers wasn't a total bad thing especially strangers like the one she just encountered. Still smiling she set her car on drive and made her way to the only place she knew would make her feel better.

Lucas saw that the girl he ran into go towards her car but he couldn't help but to look at her some more. She looked so familiar but he wasn't sure from where. When she finally drove off, he quickly made his way to his destination. He knew he was late but Sylvia's visit really messed him up. He wasn't sure how he was going to get out of this 'date' with her daughter who he didn't even know but he knew he had to find a way. In the meantime he quickened his pace until he arrived to the place he was supposed to meet Brooke at.

He stepped inside the small clothing store and instantly six faces turned to the front door. He recognized the familiar face of Brooke that to his concern was looking a bit unhappy at the moment. His eyebrows creased with worry and his all too familiar brooding stare began to show. He didn't like seeing Brooke sad; it was one of the few things he had come to realized from the short amount of time he knew her.

Despite her deep frown, she was as usual looking beautiful in every possible way with her simple dark blue jeans and a dark camisole that fitted her perfectly. He still couldn't believe that he got to be friends with her although he wished it was something more but he knew it was impossible.

When Brooke saw who had just arrived her face instantly lit up forgetting why she was upset in the first place. She laughed to herself when she saw that her Broody boy was already being well…broody.

"Broody!" Brooke squealed with excitement the nickname that she gave him a few weeks back. She ran up to him and hugged him like she hadn't seen him in a long time which was ridiculous to Lucas because they had just seen each other just the other day.

"Hey Cheery." Lucas replied using the nickname he decided to give her when heard the one she gave him. He pulled back from their embrace, chuckling at her excitement. "Sorry I'm late I had things to take care of."

Everyone else in the room stood there in silence watching the exchanged. The nicknames they used on each other not going unnoticed by them. Just how close were they actually?

"It's okay I knew you weren't going to let me down." Brooke told him keeping her eyes locked on the gorgeous face she had gotten so used of seeing for the past weeks.

They were looking at each other having a moment, one of those clichés ones where time stood still and nothing around them matter but themselves. It was something that made Brooke confused and yet comfortable at the same time. Unfortunately for them, the moment they were having was interrupted when Clay cleared his throat reminding them that they weren't by themselves.

They both turned to look at Clay, sheepish grins on their faces.

"Clay Davis." Clay introduced himself when he saw Brooke wasn't going to introduce them. He extended his hand to Lucas. "Brooke's older and very protective brother." Clay announced which made Brooke rolled her eyes at him.

"Hey there Clay, I heard a lot about you from your sister. I'm Lucas." Lucas responded shaking his hand.

"Heard a lot about you too." Clay replied roughly trying to intimidate him. He wanted to see what kind of guy his sister was hanging out with. So far he seemed like a nice guy but Clay wanted to keep an eye on him just in case.

"Well anyways Lucas, umm this is my mom Victoria." Lucas turned his attention to the slightly older woman and greeted her with a gentle smile. He had also heard a lot about Brooke's mom and knew how much she meant to Brooke.

"Mrs. Davis it's great to finally meet you. Brooke has told me a lot about you too but what she failed to tell me was how beautiful you are. I can see where Brooke gets her good looks from."

"Call me Victoria, Lucas." Victoria said already liking the man in front of her. She loved it when people complimented her but in especially when they were being completely honest about it. Victoria knew that the young man in front of her was being truthful and not just trying to make an impression on her. They shook hands and Brooke was relieved that so far things were going good.

"And Luke this is-"

"Millie, Bevin and Quinn right?" Lucas said naming the girls in the right order that Brooke was about to introduce them in. "It's nice to meet you all." Lucas greeted them with a gorgeous smile that all three girls couldn't help but to blush at. Clay rolled his eyes when he saw his best friend was blushing like a sixteen year old girl with a crush on the new kid in school.

"H-How did you know?" Brooke asked surprised that he knew who her friends were without her telling him. Everyone else too was surprised but remained quiet wanting to know what he responded.

"Well I listen Pretty Girl." Lucas answered casually, this nickname also not going unnoticed by everyone. "You've told me so much about your friends that I already knew who was who."

"Oh well that saves me time with the introductions huh?" Brooke joked trying to suppress this huge immense feeling that was trying to overtake her. She couldn't believe what an amazing guy Lucas was turning out to be. It took Julian a couple of months before he fully knew her friends. And even then she knew he sometimes had difficulties remembering who was who.

"Sure does…so where is the famous Haley James I've been hearing so much about?" Lucas asked with curiosity as he looked around the store for the girl in question. He was actually very anxious to meet one of the most important people in Brooke's life. He had heard so much about the girl that he felt he knew her already.

"She couldn't make it." Brooked lied not wanting to tell Lucas the real reason why Haley left. She didn't want to tell him and make him feel like it was his fault what happened between her and Haley.

"Huh, really?" Lucas asked not believing a word she said. Every time he wanted to meet her best friend Brooke would make an excuse as to why he couldn't. At first he didn't think much of it but as the days passed he started to wonder why he couldn't meet her.

"Mm-hmm."

"Bullshit."

"What?"

"I'm calling bullshit on you Brooke Davis." Lucas said crossing his arms across his chest.

"Brookie I like this guy." Clay said slapping Lucas' shoulder in a friendly manner. "He'll definitely call you out on your BS unlike a certain boyfriend of yours."

"So not helping Clayton Richard Davis." Brooke groaned giving her brother a glare he knew too well.

Clay simply smirked sliding his arm on Quinn's shoulder. "We'll leave you explain to Loverboy why your BFF is missing." Clay said, laughing when Brooke flipped him off as he guided Quinn towards the door. Quinn waved goodbye to everyone giving Lucas a friendly smile which he returned.

"Brooklyn Penelope Davis!" Victoria shrieked in surprised. "You know I don't like it when you do things like that in front of me." she chastised her daughter. Brooke groaned in frustration knowing that arguing wasn't going to help so she quickly apologized.

"We'll leave you guys to talk too." Bevin announced a bit too happily. "Bye Victoria, bye Brooke." she waved goodbye and then turned her attention to Lucas. "Bye cutie." she said giving him a sexy smirk before quickly leaving with a very embarrassed Millie trailing behind.

Victoria then turned to look at her daughter. "I'll be in the backroom if you need anything Brooke." She turned to Lucas giving him a huge smile. "Lucas it was nice meeting you and I hope that from now on you will be coming around more often."

"Thank you Mrs. Davis and I'll do my best."

"Make sure you do and we'll definitely work on that 'Mrs. Davis' thing sweetie." Victoria said before she disappeared into the backroom.

"So…" Lucas trailed off wanting to pick up their conversation from before.

"So what did you think of my friends?" she asked giving him an innocent smile. "I think they were great if you ignore a couple of things they did and said. And umm I really think they liked you." Brooke rambled off until Lucas gave her a stern look. She deeply sighed; he wasn't going to let this go. "I guess you want to know what happened to Haley huh?"

"Really? What gave you that idea?" Lucas said sarcastically.

"Don't be an ass Luke." Brooke told him softly as she sat down on the all too familiar couch. He sat down next to her taking her hand in his, silently apologizing for the way he answered her. She took a deep breath taking comfort from the way his hand felt in hers and began telling him about her fallout with Haley. She told him everything. From their first argument, to what happened the weeks that followed and in particular what occurred today.

After she was done, Brooke looked at her hands intertwining her fingers together, nervous about what his reaction was going to be. She didn't want him to feel like it was his fault because it wasn't but she knew him well enough to know he was going to blame himself.

Lucas did feel bad about what happened. He didn't want to come in between two best friends. He needed to find a way to fix this whole mess but he wasn't sure how.

"Lucas…" she said looking up at him with concern. He was awfully quiet and she was really starting to worry. "I don't want you to think this was your fault because it wasn't. Haley isn't usually like this I swear! It was just some sort of misunderstanding but she'll get over it…eventually." He still said nothing just looking at her, brooding even more than usual and that was saying something. "Please Luke…say something." she pleaded.

"You should have told me what your best friend thought about me." Lucas finally said looking at her with a look she couldn't quite read.

"You were just going to blame yourself." Brooke mumbled quietly and when she saw he was going to say something she cut him off. "Yes you were and don't you say otherwise Lucas Scott."

He chuckled a bit. "I'm kind of scared of you right now Brooke Davis. You seem to know me too well already and that's a bit scary." he lightly teased trying to lighten the mood. She smiled in response but didn't say anything.

"You know what you have to do now right?" Lucas said after a beat. She shook her head no in response. Honestly she still wasn't sure what she was going to do about Haley. She just wanted to give her the space she needed but the look Lucas was giving her was telling her he had other plans.

"You're going to find the famous Haley James and then after you will both talk like the mature adults that you are." Lucas told her as he stood up.

"I'm not doing that." Brooke said stubbornly shaking her head. She too stood up and faced him.

"Why not?" Lucas asked calmly.

"Haley is mad and if I go to her right now then we'll just get into another argument." she said sadly shrugging her shoulders. She looked vulnerable, like a little girl who was lost and scared.

He took her in his arms, resting his chin on her head. "Haley is not mad Brooke. She's just hurt. But I know she feels bad about it." he assured her.

"How do you know?" she asked, pulling away from him.

"I think I may have bumped into her when I was on my way here. She was crying so asked her what was wrong and she told me she got in a fight with her best friend." he explained carefully. "She was really upset and I got the feeling she was feeling bad about what happened."

"So you think I should go see her?"

"Yeah I do." Brooke thought about what he said but still wasn't so sure.

"What if she's really mad and doesn't want to see me again?" Brooke asked as she went back to his arms where she felt comfortable and most importantly safe.

"Won't happen." he shook his head kissing her forehead in a friendly way.

"How can you be so sure?" she asked as silent tears began to fall from her face.

"I don't know you guys that well or how you guys act around each other but from what you've told me I think I have a pretty good idea. You girls are like sisters, you have this special bond that could never or will ever be broken. Best friends forever right?" Lucas said as he wiped a few tears from her face.

"R-Right." Brooke said sniffing a bit. "Right." she said with more confidence. "Let's go find that best friend of mine."

"Let's?"

"Well duh Broody! You have to be there for moral support." Brooke kinked her eyebrow at him. "Now come on!" She started walking towards the door and Lucas couldn't help but to smile, his Cheery was definitely back.

He followed her and just as she was about to open the door he said, "Right away…Penelope."

Brooke stopped dead in her tracks and gasped in surprised. She turned around glaring at him. "Lucas Scott! Don't you dare say that God awful middle name to me ever again!" Brooke told him, slapping his arm for emphasis.

"Why Brooklyn? I think Penelope is a great middle name." Lucas teased her a bit wanting to get a rise out of her.

"Shut up!" She slapped his chest this time. "Damn my mother." Brooke muttered to herself.

"Ahhh come on I think it's an adorable name. Kinda suits you." Lucas teased once more.

"Lucas Scott I am so not talking to you right now so go away!" She stomped her way outside the store and Lucas simply laughed which made Brooke madder in response.

He ran up to her to catch up and gently grabbed her arm from behind. "I'm sorry Brooke I was only messing with you. I was just trying to cheer you up some more." he said giving her this cute pouty look of his. She gave him a look one similar to the one she gave her brother earlier and walked towards where his car was.

"Let's just go Luc-Ass." Brooke replied annoyed as she waited for him to open the door to his car. She wasn't really mad and he knew that from the way she was trying to suppress the smile that wanted to come out. He shook his head smiling; this girl was too much sometimes.

He opened the passenger door for her and then quickly went to the driver's side and got in. "Alright Cheery let's go."

Meanwhile inside the store, Victoria was by the window seeing her daughter leave with Lucas. She had seen and heard what happened between them while they were in the store and she was pleased. Lucas Scott turned out to be quite the decent guy she was hoping he was. It was obvious for her to see that her daughter and Lucas had something special going on between them. She was just hoping her daughter would realize that before she made the biggest mistake of her life in marrying Julian.

To Be Continued...

I loved the Brucas banter at the end and I hope you guys did too. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Please Review!