Lucas walked into the warehouse and looked around at the huge room. He smiled at his best friend, impressed. "Wow, this is really looking like a nightclub now. I can't wait to see when it's all finished."

"Well, we want to make sure it is ready in time for Mouth's and Millie's reception," Haley said as they continued to walk into the room. "They were planning to have it at a reception hall, but I talked them into having it here. It's the perfect space and I'm sure it will bring in more customers, especially when Mia starts having her concerts here."

"So if you're going to convince her to play here, then there's no reason for me to come with you and Nathan to her concert in Wilmington tonight," Lucas said.

Haley raised her eyebrows. "Does this mean what I think it means? Are you moving to Tree Hill?"

Lucas nodded. The end results were still fresh in his head since he had just returned from the meeting. "In order for Brooke and me to be able to divorce, I've agreed to move to North Carolina so we can go through the yearlong trial separation," he said. "During that time, I will have continued supervised visits with Ethan until the end of summer. If it works out, then I will be allowed to have more time with him without supervision. And maybe I will be able to have joint custody of him by the time we do have to sign the papers."

Haley noticed the tone of his voice. There was a hint of sadness. "You're still wishing Peyton was on board."

Lucas sighed. "Yeah, you can say that. I understand she needed space after I told her about Ethan. I just hope she knows that I still love her, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I am just trying to get to know my son, not reconnect with my estranged wife."

Talking to Brooke made him remember why he felt a connection with her in the first place, but he still wanted to move forward with Peyton. He still believed that it could happen. He just had to prove to her that he still loved her.

Haley put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know. Peyton isn't exactly talking to me either. I guess she doesn't quite understand why I wanted you to own up to your mistakes and admit that Brooke wasn't the only one who had fun that night."

Lucas tried not to laugh. "Yeah, I don't know if we will ever get answers about the fun we had that night. Investigator Hargrove did the best he could, but he just couldn't find any answers about where the marriage certificate went."

"This is exactly why you should come and hang out with us tonight," Haley said.

Lucas made a face. "I don't know. Lindsey has already been on my case since the truth came out about me having a wife and a son. I was supposed to finish it by the wedding, and I'm way past my deadline."

"Exactly. What's one more day?" Haley asked. "You have all weekend to try and write."

Lucas knew she had a point. "Are you sure it's okay though? I know you invited Brooke and I don't want it to be awkward between us. I want you to enjoy the concert."

"Why would it be awkward?" Haley asked. "It's not like you two are going to be out on a date or something. Brooke won't even be riding with us. She invited Julian and her little sister Sam. I'm sure she will be coming with them. And if you don't want to hang out backstage with us, you can just watch the concert from the front. It's certainly better than staying home and missing all of the fun."

Lucas knew she wouldn't stop budging until he was convinced to come with them. "Well, I certainly wouldn't want to do that. Maybe I will go with you. After that, I will get back to work on my book."

Haley smiled. "I won't bother you for the rest of the weekend." There was a short pause. "What are you going to do about the penthouse?"

"I'm not going to change my plans," Lucas said. "I am still going to keep it. I know Brooke has to go in the city for her work and I'm sure Ethan has never been to New York City. He would love Central Park."

"You think you know all about my grandson now that you have met him," a voice said, interrupting the conversation. The two turned to see a well-dressed woman approaching them. "That's amusing."

Haley wasn't intimidated by this person. "You must be Victoria," she said. "Brooke's mom."

Lucas raised his eyebrows in surprise. This was Brooke's mother?

Victoria didn't even bother with asking Lucas and Haley to introduce themselves. She just crossed her arms. "What are your intentions with my daughter and grandson?" she demanded. "Because you seriously can't think that this arrangement will work out and you will become one big happy family."

"I have no intention of getting back together with Brooke," Lucas said. "All I want to do is to get to know Ethan. And I'm not going to let anyone exploit him."

"What about your fiancée?" Victoria asked.

Lucas glared at her. "Leave Peyton out of this!"

Haley jumped in to diffuse the situation. She turned to Victoria with an icily glare. "Okay, I think you need to leave."

"I'm just trying to tell Mr. Scott the truth," Victoria said. "He will have to give up either his fiancée or my daughter and grandson. Because I know he won't be able to handle both. If you're smart, you will just sign the divorce papers and leave our family alone." Victoria turned around and walked towards the exit.

Haley waited until Victoria left before she turned back to Lucas. She could already see the thoughts swirling in his head. She adamantly shook her head. "Don't even think it. You know how she likes to play mind games. There's absolutely no reason why you can't have best of both worlds. You aren't Dan. You aren't leaving one family for another. You just want to get to know Ethan, okay?"

Lucas just nodded as they went to work. Haley didn't bring the discussion up again, but she made a mental note to tell Brooke that her mother stopped by and tried to cause trouble.

By the time they had to get ready to leave for the concert, both were in a better mood. Lucas was looking forward to the concert and being backstage with Mia and the crew. He was a little nervous about seeing Brooke again, especially since their next encounter would have nothing to do with Ethan. But maybe that was a good thing. He wanted to see her more than a protective mom.

Before they left, Haley received a text from Brooke, asking if they were willing to join them last minute for dinner before the concert. There was only a quick conversation before everyone agreed, and Brooke told them their destination.

They arrived within minutes of each other and introductions were made. Nathan gave Brooke and her siblings a warm and friendly smile. "It's nice to finally meet the famous Brooke," Nathan said. "Haley and Lucas have told me so much about you."

Brooke smiled in return. "It's nice to meet you too. Haley has done the same."

Sam turned to Lucas. "So you're Lucas Scott. I read your book. It was really good. Although, I'd prefer fiction."

Brooke nudged her, but Lucas just smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate you trying to read something new. I know my book isn't for everyone. I have thought about trying my hand at writing a fictional book. I don't suppose you have any ideas."

Sam shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not sure if I'm much of a writer."

Brooke gave her a look. "That's what your teacher says," she said. "Julian and I happen to think you could be a great writer." She turned back to Lucas. "You wouldn't believe the English teacher she has for her summer writing class. Instead of helping lift her students up, she has been crushing their dreams."

"Hey, I didn't believe in my writing until I had someone look over it," Lucas said. "You just need to find someone who believes in you and your writing. But most importantly, you have to believe in yourself."

Sam managed a smile as they headed into the restaurant. During dinner, Lucas bonded with Sam over their passion for writing. Julian chimed in with his dream for possibly bringing a screenplay to life.

"Do you ever think about turning your book into a movie?" Julian asked. "I know it's not up to you, but I am just curious if that's on your bucket list."

Lucas nodded. "Yeah, that definitely would be awesome. It would be even nice if I could be involved. I want to make sure they stay true to the story and the characters. I have seen too many movies where they stray away from the book. I understand it's their vision, but it doesn't do any good for the readers who were looking forward to seeing their favorite characters onscreen."

"Would you excuse me for a moment?" Brooke asked, interrupting the conversation. It was the first time she had spoken since they sat down. Everyone could see she was distracted and Lucas had a feeling why.

It was confirmed when Julian pulled her back. His voice was low, but it was loud enough for their table to hear. "Brooke, I'm sure he's fine. Rachel would call you if there was a problem."

Brooke let out a heavy sigh. "You're right." She turned to the Scott family, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I'm just a mom who feels guilty for leaving her toddler with a babysitter to go out for the evening."

"I'm sure Ethan is having a blast with his Aunt Rachel," Julian said. "Just like we're going to have a blast at the concert."

"I can't wait to meet her," Sam said. The excitement was clear in her voice. "Thank you for giving us the tickets, Mrs. Scott."

"Please call me 'Haley'," Haley said, giving her a smile. "Mrs. Scott sounds so formal. You're welcome. I'm glad you could join us. You'll love Mia. She's really sweet, and she loves meeting her fans."

Everyone was getting more excited to meet the singer, and they were anxious to get going. They finished their meals, and Nathan offered to pay for everyone's meals. There were a few protests, but they eventually relented.

To mix it up, Julian offered to drive the Scott brothers to the concert so Haley could spend more time with Brooke. Nobody had any objection to that and they said quick goodbyes before they went to their separate vehicles.

It didn't take too long to arrive at the concert venue. Parking attendants showed them where to park before everyone piled out of the car. Haley led the way and they made their way to security. As they waited for their turn, Sam made a comment about needing to find a restroom.

"I'll go with you," Brooke said. Sam wanted to protest, but her older sister was firm. "I'm not letting you wander around by yourself. Besides, I have to go too."

Haley made sure she had her badge. "Yeah, we'll meet you inside," she said before they disappeared out of the line.

The line kept moving. They were so busy talking that Julian didn't even realize he recognized the person who was running the security line until they got in front. Julian frowned. "Owen, what are you doing here?"

"I heard they were short-staffed and I volunteered my services," Owen explained as he glanced at Lucas with disgust. He crossed his arms. "Don't tell me this is who I think it is."

Lucas frowned. "I'm sorry. Do I know you?"

"No, but I know you," Owen said. "And I'm afraid that you are no longer on the list."

Lucas wanted to defend himself, but Julian took charge. "Come on, Owen. I know you're upset about Brooke allowing Lucas to have a relationship with Ethan, but that doesn't mean she won't allow you to spend more time with Ethan too."

"Who are you?" Lucas asked.

Owen glared at him. "I was the one who has been raising Ethan for the last three-and-a-half years," he snapped. "But that has nothing to do with why I won't allow you to gain entry. I have orders saying that you were taken off the list."

Lucas looked at him flabbergasted. Nathan tried to calm him down. "Why don't you let Haley and Julian handle it?"

Lucas sighed as he and Nathan stepped off to the side. He couldn't help but wonder why Mia would take him off the list. He kept watching Julian and Owen, hoping Julian was making progress. But he looked like he wasn't being successful.

It was then Haley, Brooke and Sam returned to the line. They didn't even have a chance to ask what was wrong when Lucas answered for them. "Brooke's boyfriend won't allow me in. He said I was taken off the list."

"My boyfriend?" Brooke asked in confusion before she noticed Owen. She gave him an apologetic look. "Lucas, I'm so sorry. I will talk to him."

Brooke barely finished her words when Haley was already heading to the door. Brooke, Sam and the Scott brothers were right behind her.

Brooke was about to use the same argument Julian did, but Owen didn't give her a chance. "Brooke, I know what you are going to say. But it's nothing personal. I'm just following orders."

Haley fought back. "Look, I don't know who you think you are. But I'm Haley James-Scott, a close friend and one of Mia's managers. Lucas was invited by Mia herself. Now I would like you to tell me who told you to take the name off of the list."

A familiar voice behind Owen answered. Yet, Lucas couldn't believe his eyes when he came face-to-face with his former fiancée. Her voice was full of amusement. "Well, it looks like the gang is all here." The blonde-haired woman turned to Brooke. "You must be Brooke Davis, the first wife. I'm Peyton Sawyer, the one who's really supposed to be married to Lucas."