The big night had arrived, Brooke was already there with Debie, while the guests were still arriving. After choosing her dress, she had prepared herself to be as presentable as possible, and the result was there. She felt beautiful and confident in her dress. She needed that because this evening did not really enchant her. More than anything, she dreaded Lucas' arrival. So to occupy her mind, she had focused on the stewardship. She played the waitress and the hostess to the guests, she checked the tables and the decoration one last time.
Very quickly, all the big names of the Region were present in the reception room. Lucas entered with the young people. Brooke did not see him yet, he, on the other hand, spotted her immediately ... Quentin too.
QUENTIN : Wow! She's already hot in normal times but there... Did you see, Lucas?
Lucas had seen her, more than seen her even... He was completely captivated... He was speechless with admiration.
LUCAS' THOUGHT : She is... Breathtaking!
Quentin did not even notice the state of excitement Lucas was in... He was already approaching Brooke.
QUENTIN : Hi Brooke... You are just... Magnificent!
BROOKE : Thanks Quentin, that's nice! Even if I feel a bit like a rich heiress!
QUENTIN : Well, I'll marry her whenever she wants, the rich heiress!
Brookr smiled at this attempt at seduction that was more touching than effective and she answered him kindly.
BROOKE : You're way too young to get married! On the other hand, why don't you take advantage of it to get closer to Sam tonight?
The young man blushed again and looked down, revealing his embarrassment at this unexpected suggestion.
QUENTIN : Sam, you think so!?
Brooke concentrated on filling her eyes with mischief and nodding with conviction... He frowned.
QUENTIN : You're teasing me, aren't you!? The girl tackles me every time she gets the chance... I think it's a dead end!
BROOKE : Well, if you want my opinion as an experienced woman... It's a more than obvious sign of interest even if it's a bit clumsy. Trust me, I'm pretty sure of myself when I tell you that she has the hots for you!
Quentin's face lit up but he didn't have time to answer before Sam and Lucas came over too.
SAM : Good evening, Brooke! Your dress is amazing, you look amazing!
BROOKE : And look at you, you look gorgeous in that dress, and that hairdo!
SAM : Thanks... Haley did my hair and lent me one of her dresses but I don't feel very comfortable yet...
BROOKE : Don't worry, neither do I, you know!? In any case, you'll congratulate her for me, you look gorgeous too! Isn't that right Quentin!?
Quentin, still uncomfortable, nods shyly as he looks at Sam, as if he's seeing her for the very first time. Lucas stood behind the young people, without saying anything, just looking at Brooke. He was waiting for her to speak to him. Giving him a dirty look, Brooke forced a smile intended not to arouse the suspicions of the young people... Then, without any other reaction or word, she pretended to have more to do to escape Lucas, once again.
LUCAS' THOUGHT : Well... I guess I'll have to find the right time and the right method for her to agree to talk. Other opportunities should present themselves... The evening is only just beginning. Try to relax, Lucas!
Easy to say but less easy to do since he was, in addition to everything else, blown away by Brooke's outfit and elegance.
Brooke was desperately looking for Debie to ask her how she could help. She found her at the entrance. She had finally taken her advice and her hairstyle, more relaxed and feminine, made her look younger.
BROOKE : Are you sure there's nothing else I can do, Debie?
As she was about to answer her, Debie froze like a stick in the hall.
DEBIE : Oh my God, Brooke! He's coming! He's coming!
Brooke followed her gaze and understood the object of her panic... Keith was walking towards them, very elegant too.
BROOKE : Okay Debie, calm down... Listen to me, okay? This is how you have to play it... Imagine that you are the prize, the prize he wants to get tonight!
DEBIE : The prize for what? I don't understand!
BROOKE : Stay natural but act like he's the one who has something to gain, don't put him on a pedestal! Don't show how much you have a crush on him... But still be in the game of seduction.
Debie looked at Brooke with a frown, taking in the advice she had just given her. She took a deep breath to regain her composure and proudly shrugged her shoulders, conquering.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : Perfect... She'll handle it like the strong woman she is! It's up to her to play and it's up to me to give them some privacy!
Quite stressed and still wanting to avoid Lucas who was right in front of the entrance to the main room, Brooke decided to head to the bathroom to relieve her bladder when her gaze was caught by a familiar face. It only lasted half a second, yet she was sure she recognized this man... Even dressed like that.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : What's Tim doing here!? And dressed like he worked for the Gala!?
It smelled like trouble and Brooke wanted to know more. So she started looking for him in the back. She paced the hallway that deserted the bathrooms and other rooms like the kitchen... Until she found him.
TIM : Good evening Boroke, what a coincidence!
BROOKE : A coincidence, my ass! What the hell are you doing here!?
She couldn't help but yell at Tim who was openly making fun of her. He opened a door and pulled her inside.
TIM : Shhhh, quiet down, honey! You're going to get us spotted!
BROOKE : I'm not your honey and don't tell me what to do! Us? Get us spotted? What are you talking about!? Where's Owen!?
TIM : He's not far, don't worry!
It was quite the opposite, Brooke was absolutely not reassured. She was terrified and furious.
BROOKE : What are you two up to?
TIM : Owen knew you might run into me but he made me promise not to tell you Brooke, sorry.
Brooke was fuming and looking at him menacingly, showing him that he better explain himself and quickly.
TIM : You should rather consider it as a kind of protection... He doesn't want to cause you more trouble! You'll agree with us that you've already had enough, right!?
Brooke gritted her teeth hard and her jaw tensed, she glared at him while holding back from giving him one.
BROOKE : Get lost, Tim!
Not needing to be asked twice, Tim smiled ironically at her and just before leaving the closet...
TIM : Too bad Owen doesn't have the chance to see you in this dress, you're hot! Good evening, my dear!
Brooke held back with all her strength not to scream and break everything, she inhaled and exhaled loudly with anger. It took her several seconds for her heart rate to go down but despite that, she still couldn't believe it.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : So that's it!? That's what they came to do by joining me here!? Owen, you're the biggest asshole I know! You never came here because you missed me! You found the perfect opportunity and the perfect little stupid who would find you a hiding place to continue your bullshit! Okay, now think carefully, Brooke... What are you going to do? Am I going to report them to Debie and the Abbot right away or straight up to the police? If I do that, I'll be automatically accused of complicity and I'll go to prison! No, I have to find something else! Go find Owen and talk to him... No, I risk exposing myself in front of everyone, that's just as dangerous! He'll never listen to me, too. And he knows he has me if I decide to hurt him... Go back to the party, and act like nothing happened? I can't bring myself to do that! I only see one way... One person who could help me, without accusing me... Lucas...
Brooke had no choice but to find Lucas and talk to him, to tell him everything. At least she would be honest... Even if the truth was painful, she would have to face it!
She returned to the large room where the guests were ready to sit down at the table, she spotted Lucas and walked towards him. Lucas was talking to a man, quite tall and quite elegant. He must have been about fifty years old. When he saw Brooke, very close to him, he smiled at her and questioned her with his eyes, sensing that something was happening.
BROOKE : Lucas, I need to talk to you.
Surprised that she was speaking to him, Lucas narrowed his eyes but the man next to him spoke faster than him.
MAN : Good evening, Miss, are you Brooke Davis?
As she stared at him still completely lost, Lucas spoke up as he approached her.
LUCAS : Brooke, this is Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson, this is Brooke Davis, indeed.
Brooke didn't know what was happening but she was getting impatient because Lucas didn't seem to understand the urgency.
BROOKE : Well, fine. And I'm supposed to know who you are!?
Lucas and Mr. Wilson exchanged a knowing glance until Mr. Wilson added:
MR. WILSON : Fortunately Lucas already warned me about your somewhat... Dare I say, fiery temperament!?
Brooke looked at Lucas, then back at the stranger, she shook her head in incomprehension, annoyance and impatience.
MR. WILSON : Allow me to introduce myself and contextualize the reason for my presence among you tonight... Father Lucas told me about you and your training, so I wanted to meet you personally.
Brooke paid more and more attention to the man who seemed to be here for her, at Lucas' request. Without speaking, she invited him to continue by raising her eyebrows, while gauging Lucas' attitude next to her. He looked at her tenderly, with a benevolent smile at the corner of his lips and eyes that implored her to listen.
MR. WILSON : I am one of the managers of the SPIA Ouest France group which publishes the main titles of the regional press.
Brooke's irritation grew as she thought she understood what he wanted.
BROOKE : I think I understand where you're going with this and I'd rather tell you straight, it's a resounding no!
Brooke couldn't believe Lucas dared to do that to her... An article about her? What else!? She turned to him, once again terribly disappointed by his attitude. He seemed to want to say something.
BROOKE : I can already imagine the title... "The delinquent who finds the right path thanks to the Good Sisters", salesman, right!?
Lucas didn't hesitate for a second, he grabbed both of Brooke's wrists, holding them firmly in his palms. His gaze darkened and it calmed Brooke almost immediately. She let him speak, shocked.
LUCAS : Brooke, Mr. Wilson is here to offer you a job!