Staring forward, her eyes roamed the dining room table at all the familiar faces…well but one. One she definitely didn't recognized, but she recognized her smile and she definitely recognized the long fingers connected to the palm that rested comfortably on her leg. She definitely recognized that.
"Brooke!" Haley sprung from her chair and over to her long lost best friend. "Hey!" her arms came around her neck and she squeezed her tight.
"Hi," Brooke plastered on that fake smile she was so good at pulled back to look at her friend. "My god look at you. No wonder Nathan wanted to race back home to this gorgeous woman."
"I'm just glad this time he brought an extra present," she smiled large and Brooke slowly nodded and squeezed her friend close again. "I've missed you, Tiger."
"I've missed you too, Tutor Girl. You have no idea how much," the hug felt familiar, felt real and the two pulled back and her eyes landed on the red head standing behind her.
"Well, well, if the Queen Bitch isn't back."
"Don't worry, I won't be trying to steal your raining title of Queen Slut," Brooke fired back, both sending a glare that turned into a smirk, before a full blown smile.
"You couldn't if you tried," Nathan teased, Rachel pulling back and both slugging his arm making him groan. "Ouch, that shit hurt," he grumbled, stepping around them and taking his spot back at the table.
Brooke pulling away from her close friend, her eyes locked onto the brunette on the other side of the table and bit her lower lip. Swallowing hard as she waited for him to speak…really say anything.
"Was kinda hoping you were pizza," he spoke honesty and her head dropped. "I so freaking hungry."
"I have a candy bar in my purse," she mumbled out like a small child, and thanked the lord when his lips slowly started to curve into a smile.
"You have a candy bar in your purse," he rose up shaking his head and before she uttered another word she felt his arms around her.
"Hi T," her voice cracked as she buried her face into his chest.
"Hey, Princess," Tony teased her with the name he called her as a child and she released a small laugh. "I kinda missed your face," he pulled back to look at her. "And your pain in the ass attitude."
"And I've missed your charm," Brooke threw back and gave his shoulder a hard slap.
"You look good, kid," he whispered, and she quickly nodded, fearful if he knew all she had been up too the last few years and just how disappointed he was with her.
"Well I'm happy," she shrugged, ignoring the eyes burning into her, but knowing the look Tony was giving her. He didn't believe her. He saw the lie written all over her face and it felt good to know someone looked at her and instantly knew everything she was feeling.
"It helps to breathe," he whispered in her ear and she slowly nodded swallowing hard. "Just breathe kid…"
"Ok," she winked, pulling back and finally allowed her eyes to lock onto his. He remained seated, his glass of wine holding tight in his hand as the other still remained on the woman's leg. She read him, he read her and both knew neither knew what the next step was.
"You're Brooke Davis," the woman finally spoke, breaking the silence that filled the room. "I can't believe Brooke Davis is before me."
"I am," Brooke waved her arms open and gave an awkward smile. "And you?"
"Oh, Lindsey," she sprung up and reached out her hand. "I'm Lindsey. I've heard so much about you over the years. I've watched all of your show and I just…I can't believe you are here. I mean...wow," years. In the entire statement that was the only word Brooke locked onto and she felt her throat tighten.
"Linds," he finally spoke and Brooke felt her heart grow as tight as her throat. "You knew she was Tony's sister….Nathan's best friend growing up."
"Yeah," Brooke answered numbly and pressed out a smile. "Yeah, Nathan's friend," she mumbled out the words, them seeming to hurt more when she spoke them then when he did. Is that what it was? Just an old friend of Nathan's growing up?
"So are you staying here this summer? Does that mean the shows not picking up another season?"
"Lindsey," Lucas' tone sharp and all eyes snapped over to him. "Let her sit down first. I mean, she just got here. I'm sure she wants to take her jacket off or something," he rose up when the doorbell rang. Downing the rest of his wine he grabbed the cash and headed toward the door. "Sure that's pizza."
"I'm sorry, Brooke. I didn't mean to be all…fan girl," Lindsey blushed and turned on her feet and back to her seat.
"You didn't," Brooke smiled and stripped from her jacket. "You didn't. It's really nice too meet you Lindsey."
"You too…"
"Wine?" Rachel held up a glass and Brooke quickly nodded grabbing it from her.
"Maybe you should leave the bottle on this side," Brooke joked under her breath and heard Tony sigh across the table. "I was kidding."
"I know kiddo," he took a sip of his drink, but still reached across the table pulling the wine bottle from her. "But it's rude to finish off a bottle," he pointed out and she slowly nodded biting her lip.
"I come with gifts," Lucas came back into the room, boxes in hand and a broody expression on his face. Cutting his eyes to lock onto hers she swallowed hard as at the same time both jerked it away.
"Oh that smells so good," Brooke moaned, leaning forward when he flipped the box open revealing the yummy goodness inside. "And you have pineapple and pepperoni? It's like you knew I was coming!" she squealed with delight causing the table to laugh and even Lucas to crack a smile as he pulled a piece out the box and placed it before her.
"Yeah, it's Lucas' favorite," Lindsey said as if Brooke didn't already know. Like she wasn't the one who turned him onto the food before them. "Says the spice of the pepperoni balance perfectly with the sweet pineapple," she rubbed his arm and his eyes lifted up to lock onto Brooke's.
"Yeah…that uh…that makes sense," Brooke awkwardly mumbled lifting the pizza to her mouth and as her mouth watered she took a big bite and moaned. "Oh god, that's so good," she collapsed into her chair with a sigh of content.
"Damn Brooke," Rachel teased grabbing her own piece. "Don't orgasm over there."
"Rachel," Tony's eyes rolled as he cringed.
"Oh shut it Rach," Brooke threw a napkin at her with an eye roll. "Do you know how long it's been?"
"Since you've had an orgasm? No, but I could guess," she teased her eyes shifting to the end of the table as Lucas released a cough that he tried to cover with just his pizza going down wrong.
"Be careful, honey," Lindsey grabbed a glass of water handing it over to him.
"Pizza," Brooke rushed to say. "I haven't had pizza in over a year."
"Why? Do you hate yourself?" Haley wondered munching happily on her pizza.
"No, but my trainer hates what it does to my ass. Natey Boy set me up with the guys' trainer and they don't call him Killer Joe for nothing," she explained. "I swear he destroys my body. He looks at you and your muscles ache with the workout he is about to put on you."
"You ask me you don't need to be working out, Brooke," Lindsey said, licking the sauce from dripping down her finger. "Brooke, you're tiny."
"Thanks to Killer Joe," Brooke said with a laugh and shrug. "It's the industry. There's a million other girls who can do what I do with tinier waist. Being in shape is what they ask."
"You're a great actress," Lucas commented as he pealed a pepperoni off and ate it. However, making sure not to look at her. "You have been tiny since I've known you and its ridiculous the pressures they put on ya'll about your weight," he growled, growing up Brooke always very self-conscious of her weight. Why he never understood, but she constantly was fearful she'd get heavy.
"It's ridiculous but it's how it is," Rachel commented. "You can't flip on a TV, or a magazine without some comment about weight or their looks or who they are dating."
"It's true, you're under such a microscope and one misstep and your entire career is down," Lindsey agreed. "I mean, it's truly ridiculous the pressures they put on you. I don't know how you do it, Brooke."
"I ignore most the stuff," she shrugged it off like it didn't bother her. "I mean, I know the truth, my friends and family know the truth. Some things get to me, but it's more what my fans think of me you know? Like what do they think when they read I'm having Nathan Scott's love child as his sweet hometown girlfriend is waiting for him?"
"They think its shit," Tony answered for her. "Brooke, you're great at what you do and your true fans know you aren't some mistress life ruining hussy. Just like Haley isn't afraid that the article is even close to being true."
"Yeah, cause love you Nate, but gross," Brooke cringed around her wine glass. "You are so not my type."
"She says it like she would have a chance if I was her type," Nathan told the group, causing them to laugh and Brooke to roll her eyes.
"Well aren't you seeing your co-star? Or is that just more rumors?" Lindsey asked innocently, not knowing just how uncomfortable that question made her feel. The girl was being nice, she couldn't be rude to her. Lindsey didn't know that with every question she asked, it pushed Brooke to question why she thought stepping into this house was a good idea.
"Oh umm," Brooke glanced at her glass spinning it in her fingers, cutting her eyes to the right, her throat ran dry as a pair of blue orbs burned into hers giving her a look she just couldn't read. "No, no I'm not with him. We are great friends."
"And wants more," Nathan growled with a shake of his head. "You should see this guy T, he's such a cocky ass. Five minutes around him and you wouldn't let him within five feet of Brooke."
"He isn't that bad, Tony," Brooke defended quickly. "We play love interest on the show. Of course we grew close and after one to many martinis he wants more, but it's not a big deal."
"Maybe I should visit more," Tony calm demeanor completely calm as he drummed his fingers on the table. "See what's happening on that set."
"Nothing is happening Tony. Don't get so over protective big brother," she wiggled her finger at him and flipped on her sweet smile that usually got her way with her big brother. "But if you want to visit and take me to some fancy dinner I'm all for it."
"A fancy dinner that you could pay for?" Tony kinked a brow and Brooke giggled with a shrug. "Think you might be making a little more than me, kid."
"Whatever, I'm just saving for that dream house promised to build me when I was little."
"I'll get right on it," Tony chuckled and shook his head.
"Yeah, yeah, but Brookie tell us about what's been going on in life," Haley sunk back into her chair, Nathan's arm dropping over her shoulder. "Tell me everything. Like how long you plan on gracing me with your presence."
"Well, I actually was planning on staying for a while," Brooke told them honestly. "Thought about maybe looking at places tomorrow and staying the summer then when work picks back up doing that and coming back when I'm off."
"Really?" Haley squealed and Brooke nodded excited. "Ah! We are going to have so much fun!" her arms flew around her friend's neck and smiled.
"I know!" Brooke agreed, glancing over at Tony who had an unreadable look. "That's cool, right Tony? I mean, it's ok if I come home more….right?" she nervously asked like a child wanting his approval.
"Yeah, kid," Tony looked at his best friend as the blonde stared at his pant leg picking at a string. "Yeah that would be great."
"Ok cool, then yes I'll look at places tomorrow. Hales you should come with."
"Obviously. I have class but we get out early because exams are starting. So maybe around two?"
"Sounds perfect," Brooke smiled, looking over at her brother. "Tony maybe if I found something could you stop by at some point and look at it? Tell me about boring stuff like cracked panel, mold and all that random stuff."
"Yeah random stuff," Tony chuckled with a head shake. "Let me know where and when and I'll be there to check it. I promise."
"Ok cool," Brooke smiled, knowing that having Tony around was going to be the best part of being home. Yeah, she missed her friends and even this tiny town, but she missed knowing she had someone to trust a hundred percent no matter what. "So, tell me what everyone's been up too?"
"Brooke seems like such a sweet girl," Lindsey said as they step into the dark home, hitting the light switch to their bedroom. "I can't believe you all actually know her."
"Yeah…" Lucas barely spoke as he sat on his bed and pulled his shoes off. So exhausted with this day and honestly wanting his brain to just stop for five minutes.
"After meeting her it shows just how much tabloids make up. She doesn't seem like the party girl they try to make her out to be."
"Well she is twenty two. I'm sure she enjoys her life just like we did at that age."
"You say that like we are pushing eighty," she laughed moving over to him and sliding her arms around his neck. "I'm not even close to eighty."
"You know what I mean," he rolled his eyes and reached to grab the arm that rested around him. "I'm just saying those things clearly snap shots at the worst time. She could break a heel and stumble and they turn it into her smoking crack with a hobo and wasted out of her mind."
"She doesn't seem like the smoking crack hobo type," Lindsey laughed, and he released a small chuckle that didn't at all seem real. "Where ya'll close growing up?" she skipped off the bed and asked and Lucas' head dropped as he released a sigh.
"Are you only dating me to get to know Brooke Davis?" he used air quotes with a laugh and Lindsey's eyes rolled. "Because if that's the case I feel totally offended and used."
"Well least now you know my motive so I can stop this love affair we have going, because I'll be honest with you Luke I'm tired of dealing with you," she teased and he laughed as she grabbed her stuff for the shower. "I'm going to go take a shower. Want to join me?"
"As amazing as that does sound," he stood up and moved toward her. "I think I might go for a run. Can I get a rain check?"
"Maybe," she gave him a lit kiss and smiled patting his side. "Have a good run. See you when you get home."
"Alright, babe," he winked, grabbing some gym clothes and pulled them on. Looking over his shoulder to see Lindsey disappear into the bathroom and heard the water start before walking over and pulling open his closet. Pulling out the box in the very back, he lifted the lid to glance inside and frowned. "This might be a long summer," he fiddled with a red feather before putting the box back inside and covering it, then running out the front door.
Glancing around the area, Brooke listened to the waves crash and wind whip around her and it was crazy to Brooke how it hadn't changed in all this time. Everything was the same, the faces, the building even the plants and trees. She didn't know what she thought she would return home too, but now that she was there she was almost glad it was the same. There was comfort in that.
Hearing the sound of shoes on pavement and a ball bouncing she cut her eyes to the right to catch the ball leave his fingers and bounce off the rim and back over to him.
She watched him a moment. Watched him move and shoot and dance around the court almost like he was gliding and if she closed her eyes a moment for a minute she thought she was seventeen again. Being seventeen was a good time, she was really happy then.
"You're losing your touch," she spoke when once again he shot and missed. The blonde pausing a moment before slowly turning around to face her with wide eyes.
"Yeah," he looked up at the basket and shot, it going in with ease as it bounced over to her feet. "Out kinda late don't you think?"
"Could say the same about you," she bent down and picked it up, bouncing it a couple times. "Still on California time," she shrugged and he slowly nodded. "Here it's after midnight back home it's only nine," she passed the ball too him and he caught it. "What's your excuse?" she wondered and he just watched her, locking eyes her mouth ran dry as she waited for him to answer that.
"I don't sleep well," he shrugged it off and took another shot. "Been having issues with it for a while."
"Try taking something for it? I'm sure there is a sleeping pill that could help you a lot," she randomly stated as the ball bounced back toward her and she picked it up. "My friend Alex started taking this over the counter one that helped her a lot. I could get the name of it."
"Brooke," Lucas' tone completely different and almost annoyed as he turned to look at her nervously chewing her lip. "Are we seriously doing this?"
"Doing what?"
"Talking about sleeping medicine?" he released a dry laugh. "I think the only way this could be anymore awkward would be if you started talking about the weather."
"It is…warm," she muttered out and he released a laugh shaking his head.
"Come here," he whispered and she slowly nodded moving toward him with her head down. Brooke reaching just a few feet from him and his hand went back locking onto the back of her neck and yanked her into him. Her arms coming around his neck, she pushed up on her toes as his other arm came around her small frame and held her tight.
"I've missed you," her voice cracked as she whispered in their hug.
"Ditto," he whispered and she released a small whimper causing his arms to tighten around her. Them staying that way probably longer than it should have before slowly both started to pull back. "Can't believe you're here," he reached to knock a tear that danced down her cheek. "I didn't think…"
"I didn't plan on it," she told him honestly and he slow nodded. He hated it, but he got it. "But I mean, it's something about this place. It just brings you back."
"I think it's more the people then the place," he told her and she slowly nodded in agreement. "I know everyone is glad you're home, Brooke. They all really missed you."
"Yeah," she slowly released herself from him and picked up the ball. "Lindsey seems nice," she commented and his eyes watched as she moved around the court. "She's really sweet."
"She's amazing," he told her honestly, a light smile pulling on his lips.
"I'm glad. Ya'll been together long?" she wondered taking a shot, moving over to the ball not wanting to look at him as he answered that question. Lucas remaining silent a long time and after a moment to long she cut her eyes over at him to find him staring at her.
"What was that sleeping pill called?" he randomly asked and she swallowed hard and slowly nodded understanding what he meant.
"I'll text Alex and let you know," her voice lit and he gave a tight lipped smile as they continued the game in silence.
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