A/N: Well it has been a very long time since the last update. I had hoped that my previous author's note would let you know that even though the updates were few and far between, that my intention was to finish this no matter how long it took. So to the anonymous reviewer that said I abandoned this, you are wrong. My goal is to finish this in 2014. It took me this long for a new update as I didn't want to be like last time and do an update and disappear. Thank you to all those that are still reading this and the reviews since the last chapter. Enough of this, here it finally comes...

Almost Here

Nathan found himself outside Haley's house after agreeing to meet for another tutoring session. His initial intention was to breech the subject of open mic night again but as soon as he knocked on the day, he changed his mind. Haley shared pleasantries with Nathan as she opened the door and let him in. As soon as they reached the room they were planning to work in, the subject of the previous night came up.

"Did everything go ok last night?" Haley asked.

Their intention to make sure Lucas was alright, didn't go as planned. For someone that was drunk, Lucas was hard to keep up with. Nathan arranged for somebody else to take Haley home while he tried to deal with his half brother. "Not as planned. Did you get home alright?"

"Yeah. Lucky Skillz was around. How's Lucas?"

"He crashed in one of the rooms so I left him there to sort something out. I haven't heard from him this morning."

"I hope he didn't do anything stupid."

Nathan looked down at the ground, remembering the reason he left Lucas in the room. He mumbled to himself, "I'm pretty sure at least one person did something stupid last night."

Jake had been in been out with his daughter for most of the day, taking full advantage of the great weather. Jake had the day off and wanted to get out of his parents hair. Things were looking up and he wasn't taking anything for granted. The smile that was currently on his daughter's face was his favorite thing. This time it wasn't Jake that brought the big beaming smile to Jenny's face but it was another brunette. Brooke had decided to join the two of them and was currently entertaining the youngest Jagielski. "Not that we don't love spending time with you but what gives?"

Still focused on Jenny, Brooke answered Jake without looking at him, "Does something have to give? I promised that I would spend some time with Jenny and I'm living up to my promise."

Jake smiled, knowing Brooke long enough to know there was more to it then just that. "I know but I just can't shake the feeling that you're also up to something."

Brooke finally turned her head towards Jake, "Why do people always think I'm up to something?"

"Because you usually are."

Knowing that she would have to spill eventually, Brooke decided it was better to say it sooner, rather than later. "OK, I'm that transparent. There's a small favor I want to ask."

Jake laughed knowing that he was right about Brooke having an ulterior motive, "Spill it."

Lifting Jenny up so that she's also eye-level with Jake so it looked like they were both pleading with him, "Please can you sing at the open mic night that Peyton is organizing?"

Tilting his head to the side, curiosity got the better of Jake as he probed, "Why do you want me to?"

"There isn't a huge amount of people interested and I really want to help Peyton."

Brooke's answer didn't really clarify why she wanted his help so Jack decided to press further. "The two of you haven't exactly been the best of friends through the years. Why do you want to help her?"

"Let's call it years of making up to do. So will you help?"

"What's in it for me?"

"I threw you a birthday party, which some are calling the best party of the year. I might have bailed a bit early but I have it on good authority."

"I'm not gonna get anything else, am I?"

Sensing that that might not be enough to convince him, Brooke decided to butter Jake up with a sincere compliment, "You're really great and it's been ages since I've heard you play. I'll even offer to babysit when you start dating again. Though you should know I would spend time with Jenny for free."

"That's not happening anytime soon." Thinking about it further, Jake imagined how it would feel performing again. He hadn't performed for an audience for over a year and finally admitted to himself that he actually missed the feeling. "If my mother agrees to watch Jenny for an hour then I'll do it."

Brooke cheered and her excitement was infectious as Jenny started to clap. Brooke leaned over and kissed Jake on the cheek, "Thank you." She then got up, picking Jenny up off the ground with her. Brooke started to dance with the little girl on her hip. Jake watched the two of them with a smile on his face. He couldn't help but admit that it was never going to happen for him and Brooke, despite his previous efforts, "Her mysterious boyfriend is one lucky guy."

After the tutor session, Nathan went back to Brooke's house to get change before going on a run. He was surprised to find Brooke home especially as it was the first time he has seen her since the party. "What are you doing here?"

Brooke looked up from the magazine she was looking at, "I live here. Why are you always so surprised to see me?"

Nathan couldn't help but laugh, "I thought you would be with Peyton."

"Not today. I was actually hanging out with Jake and Jenny today." Peyton had some things to sort out with Karen so that's when Brooke took it as an opportunity to speak to Jake.

"Won't Peyton be jealous of your little family?"

Brooke rolled her eyes at whatever Nathan was trying to do with that comment. "She's over that, I think, and don't say that around here. I was trying to get him to perform at Peyton's open mic night."

"Speaking of, I might have someone in mind but I'm gonna need a little help from you." A smirk appeared as Nathan thought of a way Brooke could help get Haley to perform.