After waking up next to Lucas and sharing a new moment of erotic and intimate complicity, Brooke prepared herself to face the morning and Debie's possible questions... With the fear of running into Owen. Lucas had arranged to meet her at the church in the early afternoon... His plan still needed to be refined.
For now, she had accompanied Debie to the Gala venue for the final cleaning. Walking down the aisle where she had been the night before made her uncomfortable... The unpleasant memories were coming back.
DEBIE : We'll start by checking that the guests haven't forgotten any personal belongings.
BROOKE : Perfect, I'm following you.
Brooke went back along the path, exactly where she had run to join Lucas inside. By reflex, she couldn't help but look around, fear taking hold of her and a shiver running through her. She hurried to enter but the air in the room didn't seem any more breathable to her, on the contrary. The images of Tim approaching her with his gravelly air blocked her throat and made her feel hot.
DEBIE : Are you feeling bad, Brooke? Oh my God! You're feeling weak again, aren't you? With all this, I forgot to ask if you were feeling better...! Apparently not!
BROOKE : I'm fine, don't worry! It was just a little temporary fatigue.
DEBIE : Oh... I see. But now, how are you feeling?
BROOKE : Good, really. Tell me what to do...
Preferring to occupy her mind, Brooke started to ask Debie about what there was to do in order to think about something else.
DEBIE : You can go take a look in the reception room and I'll take care of the banquet room...
A few seconds later, Brooke was scanning the room for anything misplaced or forgotten. The memories of the evening continued to flow... Sam and Quentin dressed up and very elegant... But also Mr. Wilson, the man who had offered her a job after her work sentence...
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : I was so defensive that I almost scared her... Luckily Lucas was there.
And even if she had arrived at the wrong time, her heart warmed at the memory of Lucas' gesture.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : He brought her here... For me.
Brooke's eyes briefly scanned the tables but her concentration was really not there. She thought about the possibility of accepting this opportunity... And thus getting back to an honest and stable life. What's more, this solution would allow her to continue living with Lucas, stuck at the Abbey.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : We could continue to see each other in secret... That way, he would stay safe, too.
Even if the idea of living their romance in this way did not enchant her, she healed her broken heart a little. Because living far away from him did not seem possible to her either, so it would be a lesser evil.
DEBIE : By the way, Brooke... I thank you again... You know, for Keith.
Debie took her by surprise and pulled her out of her thoughts a little abruptly. She looked a little embarrassed but complicit, apparently wanting to confide in Nrooke about her early romance.
BROOKE : With pleasure, Debie. Were you able to stay with him for a while, despite the organization of the evening?
DEBIE : Yes! He was very considerate... And he helped me throughout the festivities.
BROOKE : And you guys plan on seeing each other again?
DEBIE : Actually, he walked me home at the end of the party... And he said see you soon. That's a good sign, right?
BROOKE : Of course it's a good sign if he walked you home!
DEBIE : Oh but I think it was more because of that bandit, you know... I don't know if he would have done it...
Although Debie was broaching the more than delicate subject of Brooke's two ex-accomplices, Brooke cut her off in her sentence.
BROOKE : Debie, I think that thief or not, he would have certainly done exactly the same thing... Besides, I see you kept your hair down? Are you finally convinced?
DEBIE : Yes, I really like it...
Debie and Brooke finished a few more tasks and loaded what was needed in the trunk of the car. Work occupied Brooke and she thought less and less about Owen and his potential revenge to come... And while she counted down the hours that still separated her from her date with Lucas...
Lucas, too, had a lot to do this morning before resuming confessions at church. And as he entered the monastery to change, Father Luc was waiting for him firmly...
FATHER LUC : Ah, there you are, my brother!
LUCAS : Hello, father. Were you looking for me?
Father Lucas looked at him with a look that left no room for discussion, but Lucas tried to dodge at all costs.
LUCAS : I would have liked to talk to you, but I have to go change to take over from Brother Chase in the confessional.
FATHER LUC : We're going to my office first... Now.
LUCAS : Good.
Like a child who knew he was going to be scolded by his parent, Lucas followed the Abbot into the room next door.
FATHER LUC : Sit down, Lucas. We need to talk.
Lucas sat down on one of the wooden armchairs upholstered in velvet, while the Abbot settled into his seat and looked at him.
FATHER LUC : You have nothing to tell me?
LUCAS : I would prefer to know first what we are talking about, exactly... Even if I know that it concerns last night.
FATHER LUC : I think it is up to you to tell me... Do I have reason to worry about you, Brother Lucas?
LUCAS : Do not worry about me, Father... You have already done enough.
FATHER LUC : Exactly Lucas, I would not want all your efforts to go to pieces... With the consequences that go with it. And I would especially like if you decide one day to leave us, that it be your choice and your decision, yours alone.
LUCAS : Does anything make you think that this might not be the case?
Lucas was avoiding the Abbot with his eyes and did not see the little smile he displayed just before answering.
FATHER LUC : This thing as you call it is called Brooke Davis... Although she is quite delicious... In my opinion, she will get you into trouble.
The Abbot's tone was calm and serene. Even though his words were harsh, Lucas didn't perceive any criticism at that moment.
LUCAS : Because she's a former delinquent?
FATHER LUC : Rather because she managed to get into your heart... And into your soul, my son.
Lucas looked back at Father Luc, he didn't say anything but didn't argue either.
FATHER LUC : Good. I see that I can still trust my judgment and my feelings... Tell me more...
Lucas knew that the Abbot's intention was not malicious but he couldn't see himself giving himself up to him.
LUCAS' THOUGHT : That I tell him more...?! That I tell her what exactly? That I'm completely madly in love with her? That I've already made love to her and that I'll do it again and again? That her ex is here and I absolutely have to protect her while keeping her out of jail?
Lucas took a deep breath, he assessed the Abbot with narrowed eyes then cautiously launched himself.
LUCAS : It's true that I've grown fond of her... More than I should have, certainly. Without denying my place with you, I'm no longer so convinced that other solutions are possible... I mean... Maybe hiding here isn't the only option for me. Do you understand?
FATHER LUC : I understand you. Let me ask you if it was Brooke who made you question yourself?
LUCAS : Maybe... Actually, yes. Let's say it's my encounter with her and what she awakens in me.
FATHER LUC : Does she awaken in you the emotions, feelings and attitudes of your nature as a man and a human being?
LUCAS : Certainly. She awakens my vulnerability, my virility, my authenticity. A need to protect her more than to be protected myself.
FATHER LUC : You know Lucas... Even if you hadn't chosen to be a priest, you act as if that were the case... Your commitment to our community and our faithful is a gift from God and I thank him for it daily. It would be a great loss for all of us if you left... And I would not want you to go astray.
LUCAS : Thank you for these words that touch me enormously, my father... I too would be partly devastated to leave you if that were to be the decision.
FATHER LUC : Especially since you risk putting her in danger, too... You are aware, aren't you?
LUCAS : Of course I think about it, that's all I think about, my father. If my brother and his men find my trail, they will attack her first... To make me suffer. And that, I will never be able to bear!
Lucas clenched his fists just imagining this scenario. The Abbot waited a little without saying anything then launched himself.
FATHER LUC : I think you still have to think about all that... Don't make a decision in haste. Especially since with last night's incident, it seems that she is still mixed up in a network of criminals too.
LUCAS : What do you mean?
FATHER LUC : I did some research and made some calls this morning... Those were her accomplices who were there! I don't believe in coincidences when it comes to criminal activity, Lucas...
LUCAS : You think she helped them, is that it?!
FATHER LUC : I don't think anything, I just observe. What chance was there that her ex-accomplices would end up at the Gala party? Why did she disappear until the end of the evening when she had been there for almost an hour...?! The only thing that bothers me about this is that if I denounce her, I'll put you in trouble... Because you helped her last night, didn't you? Not to steal, no, I'm sure of that... But what were you doing?
Lucas listened to the Abbot without being able to react... everything was mixed up in him; anger, disappointment, confusion, shock... While he was more and more lost in front of the Abbot's reaction and his suspicions, he only said these words:
LUCAS : I did what I had to do... And Brooke didn't do anything wrong. If you think my judgment is flawed, you should call the police and report her and me. If you trust me, let me handle this situation as I see fit... For the rest, I hope to be able to count on your support in whatever decision I make...
FATHER LUC : You have my support, Lucas. But don't put the Abbey in an uncomfortable or scandalous position. To prove it to you, I'll tell you one last thing... If Miss Davis has nothing to relate to, we can consider housing you both here at the Abbey.
LUCAS : ...
FATHER LUC : It's not optimal for living what you have to live, but it's the only thing I can offer you. On the other hand, you will have to continue to pretend to be a priest during the day... You understand that the community and the faithful would never understand that I agreed to save an ex-mafioso... By making him wear the cassock and teaching him some basics of the trade, without deep faith.
LUCAS : I understand, my father. And your safe is extremely generous. I thank you for it.
FATHER LUC : Now go replace Brother Chase in the confessional... And know that my door remains open if necessary.
Lucas left the office, completely stunned by the conversation he had just had with the Abbot. It was almost time to find Brooke and he still had to go change... He then left for the church.