Brooke watched the front door of the private room from time to time, dreading where Lucas was going to spend it. But she also had her eyes on her son, Cameron ... she saw so much of Lucas in him. What if he also saw what she saw ... What if he understood? And worse still, what if Peyton understood ...? At the time, when she had discovered her pregnancy, she had invented that she was the result of a meeting on a dating site ... And for good reason, she had realized after three months ... Abortion was no longer an option. So she had built herself a story ... A completely plausible lie but invented from scratch.
_ JULIAN : How about we go dancing a little, my love ?
Julian's arrival and the hand he placed on Brooke's hip brought her out of her thoughts... Because yes, now she could dance, and Julian never missed an opportunity to make her twirl. Whether it was on a real dance floor or on an improvised one in the kitchen, for example. But tonight, she really didn't feel like it, so she kindly refused. But Julian insisted a little more.
_ JULIAN : Come on... As practice for tomorrow night !
He grabbed her hand to pull her closer. But the sound of a spoon clanging on the crystal caught their attention. Saved by the gong or rather by the speech Jake was about to start. Julian and Brooke returned to their table.
_ JAKE : Ladies and gentlemen... If you allow me, I would like to make a short speech.
_ NATHAN : Keep some in stock for tomorrow, buddy !
_ JAKE: Don't worry ! I keep the most important thing warm because tomorrow, my words will be for my wife ! But tonight, I want to pay tribute to you and especially say thank you... Thank you for being here, of course... You have no idea what your presence means to Peyton and me. It's a wonderful gift !
_ NATHAN: If I had known that was enough for you, I wouldn't have bought you an extra wedding present, then!
_ JAKE : I recognize you there, Nathan! But you know what !? You may be cheap, but I still love you !
_ NATHAN : That's done ! Thanks for ruining my reputation with all the pretty girls here tonight !
_ JAKE : With pleasure, man! But don't worry, I'm not giving up on you... I'll never give up on you guys... Because even though I found the woman of my life, you are and will remain my brothers no matter what.
_ NATHAN : You better, Jake! Besides, it's impossible to find a better bass player than you !
_ JAKE : I will remain your bass player and especially your friend ... And God knows that none of you would have bet that I would be the first to have the rope put around my neck, huh !
_ SKILLS: That's clear !
_ JAKE : But lucky for yours , and for me ... Peyton is not only the woman of my life and the mother of my future child. She is also a big rock fan ... What more could you ask for !? I ask you !?
_ SKILLS : At the same time she doesn't really have a choice, huh !
_ JAKE : She knows that music will always be a part of my life...! And I can count on her unwavering support. And even if you are not the calmest and most engaging people on earth, she appreciates you as much as I do...
_ PEYTON : Almost as much... Don't exaggerate though !
_ JAKE : Okay darling, almost as much... And I can't thank you enough. First you, Nathan... Thank you for always being there for me since the playground! We've come a long way when you think about it... And our rulers and pens were less terrible as instruments !
_ NATHAN : And Mrs. Strauss wasn't our biggest fan either !
_ JAKE : At the same time, she only had eyes for the music teacher.
A great burst of collective laughter further reinforced this more than warm and friendly atmosphere.
_ JAKE : You, Skills... You were originally only supposed to be our singer for a few months... Until you launched your solo career. And five years later, you're still here... And I hope I'm right in saying that you'll still be here in five years !?
_ SKILLS : Sure, my friend! I'm not leaving you anymore, you need me too much !
_ JAKE : It's clear that we need your singing talents as much as the friend you've become! Thank you !
Skills gave him a little wave to thank him in turn for this little personalized note to him.
_ JAKE : Over to you now, Julian! My brother-in-law...
Brooke turned her head towards Julian who was already smiling at Jake.
_ JAKE : You'll agree with me that the Davis girls are just incredible little women...
Brooke smiled at the same time as Julian and Peyton with whom she exchanged a knowing and moved look.
_ JAKE : And unfortunately for all of you, there are only two copies... And they're already taken !
_ NATHAN : Bunch of selfish people !
_ JAKE : You can say it and I'll totally own it ! A woman like Peyton or Brooke, you only come across once! And it's all the more enjoyable when the two extra pieces that we are, you and me, Julian, get along well.
Jake raised his glass of champagne to Julian who did the same.
_ JAKE : And I wanted to finish with my fourth sidekick... Even if we don't see each other much anymore, him and I...
Brooke understood that he was talking about Lucas now... Her heart accelerated without her being able to do anything about it.
_ JAKE : Oh and when we talk about the wolf! Wow, what a connection even after so many years !
Brooke's heart skipped several beats... She followed Jake's gaze as he stared at someone behind her.
_ LUCAS : Good evening everyone! Please, Jake... Don't stop for me... It's already embarrassing enough !
_ JAKE : Embarrassing, you're kidding me!? For a guy who sells out every concert he does !
Jake was already walking towards his friend who was opening his arms wide for a brotherly reunion hug.
_ LUCAS : It's good to see you again, Jake! And you're so handsome, too !
_ JAKE : Pleasure shared, my friend! And you, you're still as handsome as ever !
_ LUCAS : I changed before getting off the plane... I wasn't very fresh and not really presentable.
_ JAKE : You do us too much honor, Lucas !
Jake kept contact on Lucas by holding his shoulder in his hand... Then, he turned to everyone.
_ JAKE : Even if I think everyone will have recognized him... Let me officially introduce you, Lucas Scott !
Lucas smiled as he briefly greeted the guests with his head. He also greeted Peyton with a small wave of his hand. Then it was in Brooke's eyes that he stopped his gaze. Time seemed to stop... For her as for him. Everything buzzed around Brooke... She could only hear the rapid beating of her heart in her temples. Lucas, for his part, was quickly brought back to reality when Jake patted him on the back to invite him to take a seat.
_ JAKE : Sit down next to me... We have so much to talk about !
_ LUCAS : Finish your speech first, I missed three quarters of it... I plan on enjoying the end !
And his gaze returned to Brooke who still hadn't taken her eyes off him. The smile he gave her was just to die for and he whispered something to her with his lips...
_ LUCAS : Good evening, pretty girl...
Flustered, Brooke gave him a feverish smile and a nod before turning her attention back to the speech.
_ JAKE : And there you have it, my gang is complete! What more could you ask for !? I'm surrounded by the people who are dearest to me on the most important day of my life. And I'm overwhelmed... As overwhelmed as I am to have met you, Peyton! And I love you, like crazy !
Jake raised his glass again but this time to invite everyone to toast. Julian, Nathan, Skills and Lucas all stood up to thank and hug their friend warmly.
_ PEYTON : Is it just me or is he even more handsome than I remember !?
Peyton had just leaned towards Brooke to share her thoughts on Lucas' recent arrival.
_ BROOKE : Um... I don't know, Peyton... He's always been handsome.
_ PEYTON : That's true! And to think that I dated such a God !
_ BROOKE : But other than that, how do you feel about seeing him again ?
_ PEYTON : Honestly, it's okay ! He's gorgeous... But Jake's outer and inner beauty fills me so much. And now that it's done, that I've seen him, I know that it won't change a thing.
_ BROOKE : Good.
Of course Brooke was reassured for her, that she wouldn't question her love and her choice. But a small part of her thought that if Peyton had still been troubled, it would have allowed her to stay further away from Lucas. And at the same time, she wasn't sure she should counter his attempts to approach her... After all, it was in the past. But the way he had looked at her, smiled and spoken just to greet her... All of that made her fear the worst.
Everyone was back at the table and the conversation naturally turned to Lucas' arrival.
_ JAKE : So, the jet lag isn't too bad !?
_ LUCAS : Let's just say I don't feel it too much yet... It's only two o'clock in the afternoon in Paris.
_ JAKE : It's when you go to bed that you're going to have a hard time !
_ LUCAS : That's the risk, indeed! But I'm happy to be here... For you, for Peyton...
Lucas tilted his head toward Peyton, his polite but slightly awkward smile meant to gauge her state of mind.
_ JAKE : Don't worry, we've talked about it a lot with Peyton... And she's fine, right, sweetheart ?
_ PEYTON : I'll tell you honestly, Lucas... It's true that at first, I wasn't particularly thrilled that Jake wanted to invite you. And then I thought about it. You and I... We were young and we agree... It would never have worked out between us, right !?
_ LUCAS : You're an exceptional woman, Peyton. I really do, I truly believe that. But like you said... I was young and above all very stupid. I probably wouldn't have succeeded in making just any woman happy. And I want to apologize for the harm I may have caused you, Peyton... I'm truly sorry.
_ PEYTON : Listen, I think I'll accept them even though I wouldn't have been against hearing them earlier.
Brooke watched Peyton extend her hand to Lucas. Jake was also watching the scene that was playing out right in front of him. Lucas brought Peyton's hand to his mouth as he looked at her.
_ LUCAS : I'm sorry, Peyton... And I sincerely wish you the best, you deserve it.
And he placed a chaste and respectful kiss to mark his regrets.
_ JAKE : She found the best, look at me! And you, where are you at that level, by the way !?
Lucas' slightly embarrassed look had caught Brooke's attention. Jake's question too, obviously.
_ LUCAS : Oh you know, I don't really have time for this...
_ JAKE : No time at all or no time for something lasting and serious !?
_ LUCAS : Joker, Jake ! I'd really rather not have to answer that question !
Indeed, it seems that Brooke's presence made him more uncomfortable than it seemed... Especially on this point.
_ JAKE : Well, okay! But you're not going to be able to get out of all my questions ! And what about music ?
_ LUCAS : It's going much better on that level! I'm finishing my European tour in three weeks.
_ JAKE : Ppff ! Those Europeans, I swear ! Always stealing our talents and, what's more, our friends ! So, how do you feel about singing in French too now ? Have you become perfectly bilingual or...!?
_ LUCAS : I'm doing better than before, that's for sure, but it's still quite relative ! Except for singing, of course.
_ JULIAN : And to think that we were treated to a little private concert at the time !? Do you remember that, Brooke !?
Brooke felt her cheeks flush with overheating. She didn't know where to look.
_ BROOKE : Vaguely, yes...
_ JULIAN : Vaguely !? Well, I remember it like it was yesterday! It was an incredible inspiration and worthy of the greatest... As it turns out, the talent was already there.
_ LUCAS : Thanks Julian ! I remember that night too... It was your first date with Brooke, right !?
Lucas seemed particularly comfortable talking about that period, Brooke much but much less.
_ JULIAN : Exactly, yes! You had arrived with Peyton to keep us company !
_ LUCAS : Apparently, this date was the first of a long series... Have you been together for a long time ?
His question panicked Brooke a little... Especially since she didn't know exactly why he was asking it.
_ BROOKE : We had a date that night, but we didn't get together until two years later, Lucas.
_ LUCAS : I'm glad to finally hear the sound of your voice, Brooke.
His warm and intrigued gaze plunged back into Brooke's. She tried as best she could to maintain eye contact.
_ LUCAS : And you, how are you, Brooke?
_ BROOKE : I'm fine as you can see...
_ LUCAS : Should I really be satisfied with what I see...?
The sparkle in his eyes indicated to Brooke that he would like to compliment her physically... Fortunately, the others were there. She already understood that she had no interest in finding herself alone with him.
_ BROOKE : I've come a long way since then !
_ LUCAS : Way? Not on a sentimental level apparently if you've been with Julian since I left...
His tone irritated Brooke a little... But she knew well that he was trying to destabilize her and she didn't want to give him that pleasure.
_ BROOKE : A path on all levels ... I walk now...
_ LUCAS : I learned that... It's really great ! And do you dance, too?
_ BROOKE : It depends with whom...
_ LUCAS : In any case, I see that some things haven't changed though... Your scathing repartee, in particular.
Brooke just rolled her eyes before taking a sip of her glass of champagne. Lucas turned to Jake next to him and they launched into a conversation based on music.
A little later that evening, Brooke had taken care to avoid Lucas as much as possible even if she had not missed an opportunity to discreetly look at him. But for now, she was looking for Cameron to go put him to bed because it was more than time given the late hour.
_ BROOKE : Jake, have you seen Cameron around !?
_ JAKE : Yep ! Lucas is already training a worthy successor on the piano over there and I think the little one likes it !
Brooke immediately turned her head to find her son and his father standing side by side. She mechanically quickened her pace. But when she was only a few meters away from them, she hesitated. One way or another, Lucas would find out that this little boy was his son. The only thing she had to make sure of was that he didn't find out that he was also hers. But while she was still thinking about the best strategy to avoid having to answer Lucas' questions, Cameron had noticed her.
_ CAMERON : Mom, look at what a song Lucas taught me !
_ LUCAS : Mom !? Brooke is your mom !?
_ CAMERON : Yes ! She's beautiful, isn't she ?
Lucas's gaze changed suddenly, he stared at Cameron then Brooke... For a long time.
_ LUCAS : Incredibly beautiful, my boy... And now that you mention it, I should have seen it sooner.
He kept his gaze insistent on Brooke, his eyes inquisitive and surprised.
_ LUCAS : You hid that from me...
_ BROOKE : Hiding what !? What do you mean !?
_ LUCAS : Well earlier when I asked you how you were... You should have started with your son !
Brooke realized with relief that he was simply pointing out to her that she could have spoken to him spontaneously earlier.
_ BROOKE : Maybe ... Well, sorry but we're going to have to leave you. Cameron, are you coming with me, my angel ?
_ CAMERON : But mom! Let me show you what I learned first... It's a great song !
_ LUCAS : Let's say a verse, my big guy... A beginning of a melody at most! Ready Brooke ?
Brooke nodded a little annoyed at not really having a choice but also touched by their complicity. Her son was standing in front of the piano too big for him while Lucas was sitting and whispering the keys to him. Cameron moved his little fingers on the keyboard and Brooke discovered a series of almost harmonious sounds.
_ CAMERON : So !? It was good, right !?
_ LUCAS : Beautiful, my friend !
And Brooke smiled to see them high five right after. But she quickly recovered. She had to.
_ BROOKE : Great, my angel. Now come on, let's go to bed !
The sad look of her son could almost have had an effect but the urge to run away from Lucas was stronger for Brooke.
_ BROOKE : Without arguing, come on !
_ CAMERON : Okay ! Bye Lucas !
_ LUCAS : Bye big guy, have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow... There's a wedding apparently!
They both laughed and Brooke avoided Lucas's gaze as she took her son's hand before turning around. She could still feel his gaze on her as she started walking towards the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
Brooke regained her composure and self-control completely as she closed the door to her room behind her. A few minutes later, Cameron was ready for bed.
_ CAMERON : When are you and Julian coming to bed ?
_ BROOKE : We won't be long either, I think... Well, me anyway. But I'm waiting for you to fall asleep.
Brooke felt tired as much as her son but unlike him, her mind was not as peaceful.
_ CAMERON : Mom ?
_ BROOKE : Yes, my angel ?
_ CAMERON : Would you agree if I learned to play an instrument when school started again ?
_ BROOKE : We'll talk about it again, sweetheart, sleep now.
And Brooke closed her eyes to encourage her son to do the same... But her intrusive thoughts occupied her mind. The request Cameron had just made was inevitably linked to the moment he had just shared with Lucas. Even if Cameron had been immersed in this environment since Peyton had been with Jake, he had never spoken about it yet. Brooke also couldn't shake the image of her son and his one-night lover next to each other. This vision was as beautiful as it was disconcerting, as dangerous as it was irresistible, as incredible as it was unimaginable. She then thought about how she would have to act or explain herself so as not to arouse the slightest suspicion, because from what she had seen tonight, Lucas intended to spend time in her company. Why !? She wasn't sure, but something told her that he was still sensitive to her presence... Besides, she was still sensitive to his. Far too sensitive considering how much time had passed since then.
And then there was Julian... And she already hated herself for not feeling this immense guilt towards him. Too many unanswered questions finally made her open her eyes again... It was time for her to go wish everyone a good evening before going to sleep. Cameron was sleeping against her and she slowly moved away from him. She got up and put her dress back in place before slowly leaving.
A good night's sleep should do her the world of good and allow her to see things more clearly tomorrow. She had to go greet Peyton and warn Julian before joining Cameron again.
_ LUCAS : He's cute...
Brooke jumped when she instantly recognized that warm, manly voice behind her. Leaning against the wall opposite his bedroom door, Lucas was patiently waiting for her to come out. Brooke instinctively glanced left and right... No one. The hallway was deserted... There were only the two of them.
_ BROOKE : Lucas !? What are you doing here !?
_ LUCAS : Do you want the truth, Brooke ? Or do you prefer a more or less credible lie ?