Chapter 3

Davis was walking home from school the next day, his headphones in his ears with Angels and Airwaves playing. He bopped his head along with the music as he walked through downtown Tree Hill. He turned onto the corner of Front and Grace. He entered his mom's store, Baker Man, where he found her sitting behind the front corner. Baby pictures of Davis and his brother were all over the store. Brooke used them to model her designs for as long as possible before they grew too big. He smiled and waved at his mom when she saw him walk in, "Hi mom."

"Hey kiddo," Brooke grinned. She loved that at least one of her son's was interested in the business even if it was just a way for him to earn extra allowance money. "There's some boxes in the back with your name on it. Can you unload them and stock the floor for me? I've got some inventory to take care of."

"I'll take care of them," Davis said, throwing his backpack behind the counter and heading into the backroom. He plugged his phone into the stereo and started to blast his music as he unpacked the boxes.

"Davis, I'm running across the street for a couple minutes. Can you come cover the counter?" Brooke yelled back to him. Davis went up to the counter and took his mom's seat. She headed across the street to Karen's Café, which was run by Haley and Brooke. Davis grabbed a book out of his backpack and started to read.

"Hey dude," Lydia said as she entered the store. Davis smiled and set his book down at the sight of his best friend.

"Shouldn't you be at cheer practice?" Davis asked with a smirk as Lydia sat down next to him behind the counter.

"Sawyer freaked out at the squad because we, well, suck." Lydia laughed. "So I thought I'd come visit you while Jude was still at practice. Whatcha reading there?"

"An Unkindness of Ravens," Davis said with a weak smile.

"You've read that a million times!" Lydia exclaimed. "Doesn't it ever get old?"

"I wish it did but I can never put it down," Davis sheepishly smiled. "If only your uncle would write another book."

"He's been working on it, can't rush greatness." Lydia said. "So, me and Sawyer are throwing a party after the game tomorrow? You better be there."

"Aw come on, you know that's not my scene." Davis sighed, shaking his head. "And Jude will be all high and mighty, as usual."

"Hey, be nice." Lydia playfully hit his arm. "He's your brother."

"Yeah but he's a douche." Davis rolled his eyes. "You can do better than him you know."

"Davis, stop." Lydia said. She was about to continue on but Brooke walked back in the store. "Hi Auntie Brookie,"

"Hello baby girl," Brooke happily said, handing a cup of coffee to her son. "Practice over already?"

"Sawyer kind of flipped out at the girls so we cut practice early for today. I'm going to head back and meet up with Jude though when he gets out of practice." Lydia explained.

"Oh boy, my god baby reminds me of her mother more and more every day." Brooke laughed, shaking her head. "Get back there and finish those boxes, your father will be home early tonight for dinner."

"Yes mam," Davis saluted his mom and turned to Lydia. "I'll see you later I guess."

"You bet you will," Lydia said softly. "Don't think we're done with this conversation."

"Yeah yeah!" Davis rolled his eyes as he headed back to the back room. He cranked up his music and Lydia couldn't help but laugh.

Meanwhile…

Sawyer entered Tric and headed straight into her mom's office. Peyton was in the recording studio and threw her hand up, waving to her daughter. Sawyer threw her cheer bag on the couch and headed out to the bar to sneak herself a drink. Nobody was in Tric at this time of the afternoon so she headed straight into the bar and poured herself a shot of vodka that she deserved after that horrible practice. When she stood up from crouching behind the bar, she was face to face with Logan.

"So, the cheerleader's a boozer too?" Logan asked with a smirk.

"Please don't tell my mom," Sawyer pleaded, putting the shot glass into the sink.

"Whoa chill out Scott." Logan held his hands up in defense. "I won't squeal to Mommy on you."

"Sorry, it's just been a long day." Sawyer sighed, taking a seat on the opposite side of the bar. Logan took his spot behind the bar and wiped down the counter in front of Sawyer.

"Oh what? The stress of cheering the basketball team to victory is too much to handle?" Logan teased.

"You know, you live up to the standard set for guys." Sawyer told him, rolling her eyes at his suggestion.

"Oh yeah, and what is that?"

"That all hot guys are douchebags." Sawyer said, shooting a glare at him that could cut glass.

"So, you think I'm hot?" Logan asked with a wide smile. "I knew you had a thing for me."

"That's not what I meant you ass," Sawyer scoffed.

"Your mom tells me you're having a party here tomorrow," Logan mentioned.

"Yeah, my mom's got this new act, Jonah Munson, and he agreed to play his first show for us." Sawyer explained. "Speaking of that, I should probably get in there and see if my mom needs anything."

"Alright well I'll be here if you, you know, need to relieve some stress." Logan winked at Sawyer as she got up from the bar.

"Uh ewh," Sawyer rolled her eyes, walking back into Peyton's office.

"I meant the alcohol! Not me, the booze!" Logan called after her. "I'm not a freak!"

"Yeah yeah," Sawyer laughed, waving goodbye as she shut her mom's office door behind her.