Chapter 8

"The Quiet things no one ever knows"

Brooke tried to enjoy her first and probably only time on a private jet. However, after she got over the shock of the luxurious – could pass for the living room of a royal mansion aspect of it. She just felt weary and sat next to Haley. Lucas had effectively opened Pandora's Box. Although, Haley was chatting excitedly about the wedding, about the décor and the color scheme as well as the menu Brooke could not relax. She wished she did not feel so down and was able to share in her best friend's excitement. Lucas didn't help the situation either as he was practically glued to his laptop.

"We've got to take tons of photos on the beach," Haley was saying. A thin, blonde woman appeared with a small tray; Brooke accepted the wine with a smile.

"So you stay with us at the first hotel then transfer to Sandals after the wedding?"

Nathan nodded, "Carlisle Bay is pretty top notch. We'll rejoin you there after a week though, for the next three nights"

Oh my God, Brooke thought, there was no way in hell she'd be left alone with Lucas.

"Yeah," Nathan continued, "Luke booked the rooms."

A hush fell over the plan. Brooke was sure her silent panic could be heard in Asia. Lucas looked up from his laptop and said, "About that. Bevin attempted to book them too late and apparently they're full."

"Full?" Haley echoed.

Lucas nodded, "Yeah, apparently January is a big month for the resort."

He said it with such nonchalance Brooke almost missed the magnitude of what he was saying.

"Look, if you don't believe me you can call them…"

"No," Haley said quickly, too quickly, "I never said I didn't believe you. I'm just shocked."

"Not more than me" Lucas said competently, "Bevin is generally very competent."

Nathan smiled but his voice betrayed his anger, "That's why it's never wise to have sex with your secretary."

Unsure of what to do Brooke took a big gulp of her wine. "Why do you even need a secretary?" she asked

"He helps dad with the dealership" Nathan told her

"No need to make any snarky comments Nate, I booked a Villa."

Brooke looked at her best friend and saw the color slowly return to her cheek.

"Look," Lucas said turning the laptop towards them, "it has its own pool, own daily staff. Four bedrooms and amazing views."

Brooke looked at the laptop, he was right. It was exquisite and exotic. The coral walls and burgundy Italian stucco roof were just pleasant backdrops to the expansive lawn littered with palm trees and rosebushes.

"I guess this will have to do," Nathan said blandly, "when were you planning on telling us?"

Lucas paused and avoided answering Nathan's question altogether, "You know you like it Nate," he turned to Haley, "do you?"

She nodded, "It's beautiful and I guess it is more private than the hotel would have been"

Crisis averted, Lucas settled back into his laptop, Haley snuggled into Nathan and Brooke pulled out the book that thankfully she had had the presence of mind to bring.

When they landed Lucas was extremely happy when he saw a chubby, balding black man holding a cue card which read 'Scott'.

Well at least the limo was already there. Nathan signaled to the man that they were who he was waiting for while Lucas paid the men carrying their bags. Brooke and Haley had sauntered over to a candy stand to buy chocolate. Lucas slid into the limo, sitting opposite Nathan who was smiling brightly.

"She's beautiful isn't she?" he said more matter-of-factly than posing a question. Lucas glanced out the window and caught glimpses of Haley's auburn hair, her small body in jeans and a white tank-top. She looked tiny. It was Brooke his eyes settled on however, her sexy curves couldn't be hidden by the dark blue tube top she wore. Despite not wanting to, he felt himself stir.

"You know," Nathan was saying, "you and Brooke are a lot alike."

Lucas looked at him with disinterest, "Why are they taking so long?"

His brother smiled, "You spent a lot of the flight on that laptop of yours. What's up?"

Lucas contemplated lying about working on something for Dan but instead kept his face expressionless and said, "Just stuff."

Nathan looked at him expectantly but Lucas didn't offer an explanation. The tense moment was cut short by the women returning. Haley kissed Nathan lightly, "Sorry we took so long. Tigger couldn't decide."

"That's a lie and you know it Haley" Brooke laughed sitting on the other side of the limo away from Haley and Nathan as well as Lucas.

"Why do you call her Tigger" Lucas asked curiously

"Funny story" Haley said stifling a giggle

"That you will never hear about" Brooke snapped

The conversations ceased as each of them stared out the tinted windows, taking in the beauty of the island.

Lucas' thoughts, as always, reverted to Peyton. He was beginning to hate her.

He sat in his leather chair, pencil in hand trying to block out the long time memories of her

"I don't believe I'm gonna be Mrs. Lucas Scott"

"I believe it, you're gonna be mine forever"

"I can't wait to be your wife" she said standing on her toes as she softly kissed his lips.

"I love you Luke"

"I love you too Peyton, more than you know"

"Luke"

Lucas looked up at Nathan

"I was telling you that me and Hales are going out for a romantic dinner tonight since I can't see her tomorrow."

"Oh, yeah sure, have fun man"