Haley couldn't believe she was back in Tree Hill. It seemed almost foreign after living in New York all summer. Her first stop had been to see Nathan, but he had adamantly turned her away. The worst part was when she asked him about Lucas he informed her that he had cut all ties with his brother and hadn't seen Lucas in months.
Haley felt awful knowing that she was the reason Lucas lost his brother. She spent a few hours that morning unpacking, but now Haley was on a mission to find her best friend. She started at his house, but when he wasn't there she headed for the café.
Haley smiled when she saw a familiar blond head standing at the counter talking to Karen. She heard him laugh before grabbing his arm and pulling him into a hug. It took him a moment, but the second Lucas realized who was in his arms, he hugged her back.
"Skywalker what the hell do you think you're doing?"
Haley and Lucas glanced up to see an angry brunette with her arms crossed over her ample chest. A year ago, Haley wouldn't have recognized the fact that the other girl was dressed in the latest designer fashions, but her stint into the music world had been quite the education.
Haley looked up at Lucas questioningly, but he only had eyes for the stranger. His face was lit up with pure joy – and was that love? His eyes tenderly gazed at the brunette and he grinned.
"My Lady you know that all others pale to your beauty. I would like to introduce my friend Haley." Lucas declared.
Summer eyed her up and down before smiling freely. "Nice to meet you. I'm Summer."
Haley smiled uncertainly and shook her offered hand. "It's nice to meet you too. How do you know Lucas?"
Lucas moved over to Summer and draped an arm across her shoulder. "Hales, Summer is my girlfriend."
"When did this happen?" Haley questioned.
"Almost two months ago – right at the beginning of summer. We've spent every day together since then." Lucas explained. "When did you get back and how long are you staying?"
"I got back yesterday, and I'm back for good. I decided my marriage is more important than my music career." Haley declared.
Summer narrowed her eyes slightly, but otherwise remained silent.
"So, where are you two headed?" Haley asked. She still couldn't get over this new development. It felt weird to see Lucas with someone besides Peyton or Brooke.
"We're going to have a picnic at the park, maybe do some reading." Lucas told her. "We were just getting lunch."
Karen came back to the counter with a large bag. "Alright you guys, I packed sandwiches – no mayo on Summer's. You've got chips and lemonade. And yes Summer, there is pie for dessert."
Summer clapped her hands and leaned over the counter to buss Karen's cheek. "Thanks Mrs. Skywalker, you're the best!"
Karen grinned at her. "You two have fun. Don't be out too late. I'll see you at dinner."
"Don't forget your dancing shoes!" Summer exclaimed as they started towards the door.
"See ya later Hales!" Lucas called out. "I'm glad you're back!" He opened the door and ushered Summer out into the sunshine.
Haley turned to Karen, who was watching the young couple with a smile on her face. "Those two seem awfully close." She observed.
"You have no idea. Lucas is completely in love with her and Summer feels the same. Neil and I figure it's only a matter of time." Karen chuckled.
"You're kidding!" Haley's eyes widened in shock. "Who's Neil?"
"Not at all. They really look out for each other. Neil is Summer's father. They moved here at the beginning of the summer from California. Lucas and Summer met by chance and they haven't been apart for an entire day since." Karen told her. "So tell me about you. How's everything going?"
"It's not." Haley shrugged. "I went to see Nathan but he didn't want anything to do with me."
"Give him time Haley. He loves you. He just needs to know that you won't leave him again." Karen counseled.
Haley sighed and nodded. "Easier said than done."
Lucas and Summer were stretched out on a blanket under a large oak tree. Lucas was sitting propped up against the tree while Summer leaned against him. Summer cuddled into Lucas and rested her head on his chest. She could hear his heartbeat steadily thumping in time to the rise and fall of his soft voice as he read to her. This was one of her favorite ways to spend time with him. Lucas had such a passion for words, and it came out when he read to her from one of his multitude of books. Currently he was reading Lord Byron, and with the soft splashes of water from the river and the wind through the trees, Summer was able to lose herself in the romantic words.
It was still shocking to her that she had met this amazing person. What was even more surprising was that he wanted to spend just as much time with her as she did with him. Summer was convinced that she and Lucas could be locked in a room together for a month and never run out of things to talk about – or even better, just sitting in silence and enjoying the other's presence. Life was pretty much perfect right then.
"And on that cheek and o'er that brow so soft, so calm, yet eloquent, the smiles that win, the tints that glow, but tell of days in goodness spent, - a mind at peace with all below, a heart whose love is innocent." Lucas read softly.
Neither Summer nor Lucas noticed the black convertible sitting a short distance away. The blond stared at the couple lazing together under the tree. Peyton knew that the girl with Lucas wasn't Brooke. Brooke was scheduled to arrive in two days from California. The two friends had spoken periodically throughout the summer. It had been a difficult summer for Peyton. Her biological mother had shown up and Peyton had been thrown by the entire situation.
She had realized that Brooke was due back in town, and Peyton wanted to stake her claim on Lucas before the other cheerleader came back and started chasing him again. Unfortunately it looked like someone else was squatting on her territory. Angry, Peyton threw her car into gear and sped off, squealing the tires as she went.
Summer and Lucas were startled by the invasion into their perfect serenity. Lucas recognized the convertible immediately. Summer just glared at the car for interrupting their perfect moment. "What a jerk." Summer growled.
"Actually, it's a she." Lucas corrected her.
"You know her?" Summer asked, looking up at him.
"Her name's Peyton Sawyer. We dated at one point last year." Lucas informed her.
"Ah! That explains the squealing of the tires." Summer nodded sagely.
"There's nothing going on between us." Lucas protested.
"You better believe it mister! But no, I meant she's probably upset that she saw us together. I just hope she gets over it. I'd hate to see her therapy bill otherwise." Summer scrunched up her nose cutely.
"What do you mean?" Lucas asked.
"Well she's going to be seeing us together a lot. If she gets that bent out of shape each time then she's going to end up in therapy – and with her tires on back-order." Summer explained with a grin.
"So you're saying that I'll be seeing you often. Is that it?" Lucas flirted, kissing her nose.
"Skywalker you're only private moments are going to be in the bathroom and in class – unless we have the same class." Summer chuckled.
"Sounds perfect." Lucas replied happily. "I couldn't think of anything better than spending every waking, and even some of the non-waking moments with you."
Summer sat up and turned to face Lucas. She straddled his legs and took his face between her hands. Leaning forward, she gently brushed his lips with her own. When he put the book aside and wrapped his arms around her waist, Summer deepened the kiss and began to leisurely explore his mouth. Lucas, a willing participant, began to begin a few explorations of his own. They finally broke apart, both of them panting.
Lucas looked deep into Summer's chocolate eyes and said softly, "I don't care about the past. You are my present and my future. Everything that happened up to this point has just worked to get us here. And there is no where I would rather be. Don't worry about Peyton or Brooke. I never could make up my mind which one I loved because I never truly loved either one of them. I was waiting for you. Now I know what love really is. You're the girl for me Summer Roberts."
"I don't have your way with words Lucas. But I want you to know that you are my destiny. No one could ever come close to you in my heart. I will love you forever Lucas Scott." Summer declared.
"And you say you don't have a way with words." Lucas chuckled as he kissed her deeply once more.
"We can't all be poets." Summer shrugged. She sat back on his legs and tilted her head. "When are you going to let me read your book anyway?"
Lucas glanced down. "I don't know. I'm scared that you'll be offended by it. I do describe Brooke and Peyton in it."
"That was before you met me Lucas. I'm not going to hold your past against you. But if you don't feel comfortable with me reading then I won't. It's OK Lucas. I don't want you to be uncomfortable." Summer assured him.
"You know what? I'm just being stupid. I'll give it to you tonight." Lucas promised.
"No Lucas. I don't want you to feel pressured into this. My feelings are not hurt, and I'm not mad. I don't have to read your book." Summer protested; scared that she was pushing him into something that he didn't want to do.
"Listen to me." Lucas held her face with both his hands. "I want you to read it. There is a lot of me in there, and I want you to know me. I also want you to feel free to be honest. If it sucks then tell me it sucks – deal?"
"Deal." Summer whispered reverently before turning her head and kissing the palm of his hand. "I love you Lucas Scott."
"I love you too Summer Roberts." Lucas smiled softly, brushing her hair away from her face. "As much as I'm enjoying this, it's getting late and we should probably go start getting ready for tonight."
"I can't believe that Dad's hospital party is supposed to be so formal. I feel like I'm back in Newport. It was kind of nice to have a break from the party scene." Summer grumbled.
"I don't know, I'm looking forward to seeing you all dressed up." Lucas teased.
"Hmm, there are certain benefits." Summer mused, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"I'm just surprised that Neil asked Mom." Lucas commented as they worked to gather their things.
"Who else would he ask? He's not interested in anyone right now, and he and your mom are friends." Summer shrugged as they walked towards the car together.
"Well Mom is pretty excited. She doesn't get to dress up very often." Lucas smiled fondly at the thought of his mother asking his opinion the night before.
"You're mom deserves it Lucas. She's really great." Summer told him softly as they got into the car.
"I know. I'm lucky to have her. She gave up a lot for my sake." Lucas told her as they drove away from the park and towards the Roberts mansion.
Lucas was sitting in the living room, already dressed in his suit when Karen came into the room. He stood up and smiled. "Mom you look beautiful." He told her sincerely.
"Thank you Lucas. You look very handsome yourself." Karen told him, giving him a quick hug. "Summer should be impressed."
"I hope so. Sometimes I look at her and I wonder what in the world she's doing with someone like me. I mean she's so classy and smart, not to mention beyond gorgeous." Lucas confessed.
"I'll tell you what she sees. She sees a young man who will never deliberately hurt her – a man who treats her like she is the most precious treasure in the world. She sees you look at her with all the love you hold in your heart and she feels safe knowing that you would always protect her. She sees her future in you Lucas." Karen told him.
"How do you know that?" Lucas asked softly.
"Because I see how she looks at you. I also know what I see in you Lucas. You aren't exactly a big mystery." Karen grinned.
Lucas chuckled and ducked his head. "Thanks Mom."
"You're welcome. Don't doubt what Summer loves about you Lucas. You are a very special young man. Even Neil trusts you to take care of his daughter. Have faith in yourself son. We all do." Karen told him.
Lucas grinned and nodded. He glanced up when he heard the knock on the door. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door – before him stood a vision in black. She was wearing a strapless black dress with a sheer fabric swirling like a cloud over pure silk. Her hair was piled on top of her head and she wore tear drop diamond earrings and a diamond necklace. Her eyes were accented with smoky shadow and her lips were so kissable that he found himself gravitating towards her without thought. He captured her moist lips and tasted the strawberry gloss she had used over the color.
Neil cleared his throat and Lucas pulled away, blushing slightly. He smiled sheepishly at Summer's father. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself." Lucas apologized.
"I'd say that was probably her intention all along." Neil chuckled. He looked up and gasped. "Karen you are a vision. I will be the envy of the hospital tonight."
Karen blushed. "Thank you Neil."
Lucas glanced over at the doctor in surprise and then shared a look with Summer. They both caught the flirting. Summer shrugged and gave him a 'what can you do' look. Lucas rolled his eyes and then took Summer's hand in his own. He kissed her fingertips delicately before he placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. "Shall we my Lady?"
"Yes, let's." Summer smiled serenely.
Karen and Neil were right behind them as they walked out to Neil's Rolls Royce. Lucas opened the back door for Summer and gallantly offered his hand for support as she sat in the car. Then he walked around and got in on the other side. After Neil had done the same for Karen, they were on their way.
"I like your car – and that is probably the worst understatement I've ever made." Lucas grinned at Neil through the rearview mirror.
Neil chuckled. "It's my pride and joy next to Summer. I only get it out for special occasions. I couldn't bear to let go of it when we moved, so I had it shipped across country in a trailer."
"It's beautiful Neil." Karen complimented.
"Thank you." Neil smiled graciously.
"So anything I need to know?" Summer asked. "What's the lay Dad?"
"Watch out for Adam Henson – blond and sneers a lot. He's a hotshot resident that weaseled his way in. He'll probably try to come on to you. He thinks that he's God's gift to women. Cynthia Albertson – red hair lots of makeup – is the resident gossip. Anything you say around her will be all over town within the hour. Let me see, Alex Riley has a drinking problem so avoid him towards the end of the night – he's the associate director of resources. He wears a rug. I think that's about it. I'll let you know as the night continues."
Lucas and Karen watched them in shock. "Um can I say huh?" Lucas spoke up.
Summer smiled at him. "It's Newport tradition. We would have to go to some sort of party every week. We avoided the easy missteps by giving each other a heads up to any situations that might form while there."
"It saved us a lot of headaches. This is nothing compared to those. Going to a party in Newport was like walking into a battlefield." Neil explained.
Karen shook her head and chuckled. "It makes me glad I've never been there."
"You would have hated it. I survived because it was all I knew, but now you'd have to drag me kicking and screaming." Summer informed her.
"Well here we go." Neil announced as he pulled into the country club parking lot.
Neil pulled the car to a stop in front of the door and the valet opened the door for Karen. Neil opened his own door, as did Lucas. Lucas hurried around and opened Summer's door for her. She took his offered hand and gracefully exited the car. Neil handed the valet his key and offered his arm to Karen. Lucas and Summer followed them into the building.
Soft jazz was being played by a small band in the corner. Elegantly dress hospital administration were milling around the room sipping Champaign. Some were dancing near the band.
"Neil! So glad to see you!" A boisterous man greeted the surgeon. "Who is this lovely lady with you?" He asked looking appreciatively at Karen.
"This is Karen Roe. Karen, this is Dennis Langley. He is the Chief of Staff at the hospital. Dennis I would also like to introduce my daughter Summer and her boyfriend Lucas Scott." Neil performed the introductions..
Dennis smiled at Summer. "Neil your daughter is a vision. You are a very fortunate young man." He told Lucas.
"I will never have another moment of good luck. I used it all when I met Summer." Lucas declared as he smiled down at his girlfriend.
"Now I see why she is so taken with you." Dennis winked. "Neil, enjoy your evening." He said before disappearing back into the crowd.
"Summer, you and Lucas go enjoy yourselves." Neil told them.
Summer smiled and nodded. "Come on Skywalker, you owe me a dance." She led him to the dance floor where several couples were moving slowly to the music.
Lucas held Summer to him and began to move sensually against her. Summer melted into him and let him take the lead. She placed her head on his chest, and they became lost in the music together.
"Would you like a drink?" Neil asked Karen.
"That would be nice, thank you." Karen agreed.
Neil led her towards the open bar and asked for two glasses of Champaign. He handed the crystal flute to Karen and then they were accosted by the first of many other members of the hospital staff.
Summer and Lucas were one of the last to realize that the music had ended. They were so caught up in their own world. Lucas took Summer's hand and led her off the dance floor. "Would you like something to drink?" Lucas asked.
"Water would be great." Summer told him.
Lucas kissed her hand and then meandered through the crowd to the bar. He was waiting for the water when someone bumped into him. He turned and scowled when he saw his father standing there.
"What are you doing here? Did you really think that you could crash a party like this? I'm calling security." Dan sneered.
"Lucas? What's taking so long?" Summer asked as she approached him. She noticed Dan standing there and Lucas' grim expression and frowned.
The bar tender placed two waters with lime slices on the bar and moved on to the next patron. Lucas took both the glasses and handed one to Summer. He took her elbow gently in his hand. "Come on, let's go find a table." He told her softly, anxious to escape his father.
"You don't belong here you know. You may dress up but you're still nothing but an unwanted bastard." Dan declared rather loudly.
Lucas didn't bother to look back at him. He schooled his features into a blank mask and continued towards an empty table. Summer glanced up at him worriedly. He was like stone. She had only seen that expression on Ryan Atwood's face before. Lucas had a very tenuous hold on his temper.
"Mr. Mayor, I'm surprised to see you here."
Dan looked next to him to see the CEO of the hospital, Michael Leary standing next to him. Michael had been speaking to his new chief surgeon when he heard the vulgar remark. He noticed Neil's furious expression and his date, Karen's worry. "Do you know what that's about?" He asked.
"I'm not sure you remember me telling you about this last week. The young man is my daughter's boyfriend and Karen's son. Dan Scott is his biological father, but he hates Lucas and has never claimed him. He uses any opportunity to attack the boy." Neil explained through clenched teeth. "Lucas is an admirable young man who I am very proud to have Summer dating." He declared, squeezing Karen's hand in support.
"I'm sorry to hear that our mayor has such a detestable character." Michael said softly. "I believe that we have suffered his presence enough. Miss Roe it was a pleasure to meet you." Michael told her graciously before crossing the room to where Dan was still standing.
Dan smiled at the powerful man. "Dr. Leary! How are you this evening?"
"I was having a splendid time when I noticed the scene you were creating here." Michael said softly.
"I'm afraid that a piece of sewage has used one of your doctor's daughters to sneak into your fundraiser. I was actually about to call security." Dan informed him with a slimy grin.
"Really? Thank you for bringing the situation to my attention. Why don't I call for security myself?" Michael smiled pleasantly as he motioned towards the man by the door.
"Excellent." Dan smirked, gleeful at the embarrassment Lucas would experience.
"Mr. Taylor, please escort Mayor Scott out of the building. I'm afraid he has been harassing one of our guests." Michael announced loud enough so that everyone nearby could hear him.
"What?" Dan's shock was amusing. "What are you talking about? I'm the mayor! You can't treat me like this! You should be throwing out that little gutter rat over there!" He exclaimed, pointing at a watching Lucas.
Lucas kept his expression blank when he noticed everyone looking at him. Summer squeezed his hand under the table and leaned over to whisper softly in his ear. His expression didn't change, but his shoulders seemed to relax a bit. Then he glanced at her and his eyes softened drastically when they fell on the beautiful girl next to him. He kissed her temple softly and then turned to watch as two security guards escorted a still protesting Dan out of the club.
Lucas sat still as the hospital CEO approached his table. The only sign of his nervousness was his tightening hold on Summer's hand under the table. Michael smiled at the young man and his lovely date.
"Mr. Scott I'm sorry for the unfortunate scene that just occurred. The Mayor was only here by asking a favor of a staff member. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening with Miss Roberts. We are very happy that you were able to join us." Michael told him softly.
Summer smiled. "Thank you Dr. Leary. The evening has been quite enjoyable so far." She told him graciously.
"Yes, thank you sir." Lucas echoed strongly.
"We all have unfortunate situations in our life. I quite admire how you have been according yourself." Michael complimented before taking his leave.
Lucas stared at Summer in shock. "Did that just happen?" He whispered.
Summer grinned. "Daddy told Dr. Leary about you last week when they were talking about their children. Daddy is very proud of you and he brags about you all the time." She informed him.
Lucas blushed slightly at the thought of Neil bragging about him. Summer laughed and kissed him gently. "I love you. Don't ever change." She told him.
"Are you alright Honey?" Karen asked as she and Neil approached the young couple. They took the two empty chairs at the table.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry to cause a scene at your party Neil." Lucas apologized.
"Lucas that was in no way your fault." Neil assured him. "Dan Scott is an ass. Thank God you are nothing like him."
Lucas smiled sheepishly.
"There's my Skywalker." Summer declared. "I don't know about you guys, but I think I'm ready to blow this joint."
Neil sighed. "That does sound good." He told them. "It's still early. Is there anything that you want to do?" He asked. Neil was enjoying the evening and wasn't ready for it to end.
"Why don't we go back to the café and have a slice of pie?" Karen suggested.
"Pie? I'm there!" Summer declared, already standing up. She took Lucas' hand. "Come on Skywalker! Your mom said the magic word."
Lucas laughed and bowed deeply. "Your wish is my command." He declared gallantly.
"Oh, we'll get to that later." Summer said with a smirk. "Right now I want pie."
Neil rolled his eyes and offered his arm to Karen. They were almost to the door when Michael stopped them.
"I hope that you aren't leaving because of the unfortunate scene earlier." Michael asked them worriedly.
"Not at all! I'm afraid we've all discovered a craving for Karen's pie." Neil smiled.
"You look like that and cook as well?" Michael chuckled.
Karen blushed prettily.
"I'm afraid it's more than just cooking. Karen owns a café in town. Her pie is the best I've ever tasted." Neil explained as he patted her hand on the crook of his elbow.
"I'll have to stop by some time and try it." Michael declared. "It was a pleasure to meet you both Karen, Lucas. I hope that you'll be able to join us again."
"Thank you." Karen smiled.
"I'll see you Monday." Neil told Michael.
Michael nodded and watched them leave the building.
Once they were back in the car, Summer leaned forward. "Mrs. Skywalker, he was totally hitting on you!" She giggled.
Karen blushed. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Neil chuckled. "I could set you up with him if you would like."
Karen rolled her eyes. "I don't think so." She had to admit Michael Leary was a very attractive man. With his blond hair and green eyes, he was quite the catch.
"Let me know. He's a widower with a twenty year old daughter. He's a good guy." Neil told her.
"My dad the match maker." Summer laughed.
"Thanks, but no thanks." Karen smiled.
No one took notice of Lucas sitting silently in the back.