A/N's I'm so very sorry for the delay, but my computer has been down for the past month and I had to get it fixed. Luckily all my files were okay. Here's the next chapter, I hope you guys like it :)
"Thank you for calling Penelope's, this is Mike how can I help you?"
"Hey Mike!"
"Brooke?"
"Brooke Penelope." She teased, breaking out into a huge smile. Balancing her phone in between her ear and her shoulder, she went over to her vanity. "How's my favorite manager doing? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."
"I'm good sweetheart." The deep baritone on the other end rang out and she could almost hear him smile. "And you haven't talked to me in forever because you disappear from time to time. How's my favorite girl doing?"
"I'm good, y'know the same old same old." She replied, picking up a tube of lip gloss.
"You still dating that Scott boy?"
She winced and she shook her head, ignoring the sting on her heart. "Okay, so maybe not the same old but it's a long story that I don't really want to get into." She took a deep breath. "Actually Mike, I'm glad I got you because I need a favor."
"Hmmm...now I wonder what this could be about?" He teased and she laughed, thanking her lucky stars that he had picked up and not Roy. Michael Townsend was her father's long time friend and along with Roy Harris, they managed Penelope's. It was located outside of town and it was an elegant, yet modern restaurant/sports bar.
"I've got a date tonight." Brooke continued, uncapping her lip gloss and applying a layer over her full, plump lips. "And I was wondering if you can set me up a nice, romantic dinner?"
"And who's the lucky fellow?"
"Lucas Scott." She smiled warmly, thinking of the shy blonde who had comforted her earlier.
"Another Scott boy?"
"Yeah, and that's another long story." She stared into her reflection critically, and reached over for her eyelash curler, catching a quick look at the time. "And can you set me up my favorite champagne bottle?"
"Special night huh?" He teased again and she laughed. "I guess I can do that for you sweetheart and tonight is your lucky nigh because Roy is off."
Thank you, she mouthed to the powers above. She disliked Roy immensely and that probably had everything to do with the fact that he wouldn't cater to her the way Mike would. She knew that her father didn't care that she drank alcohol but Roy was suck a stickler for the law and he always refused to serve her and her friends when they would stop by. Many times, Brooke had complained to her father, but he refused to fire him.
"I'll just make sure I tell Jason."
"Jason?"
"Yeah, he's the new bartender, started a couple of weeks ago."
"Oh, ok." She shrugged, not really caring. "So, I'll be seeing you tonight then?"
"Actually, you won't." He sighed on the other end. "I've got to meet with your father to go over a few things so Jason will be in charge tonight."
Her brow furrowed, "But he just started..."
"Yeah, I know but he came from a really good reference. He previously worked for another family as their personal chef and bartender. They reside in Tree Hill too and they have a daughter your age. You probably know them, the G-" He stopped and Brooke could hear someone yelling for him in the background. "Listen sweetheart, I've got to go but have fun tonight okay?"
"I sure will Mike." She responded, smiling happily. "And thanks for everything."
"No problem sweetheart, talk to you soon and don't be a stranger okay? Bye."
"Bye." She shut her phone close and stared at her reflection excitedly. It was short lived as in the next instance, the devil itself made its way into her room and she sighed unhappily.
"Mother."
"Brooke." She returned in the same tone as she made her way into her room, carrying a zipped up garment on one arm.
"What do you want?"
"My, what's with the attitude darling?" Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Nice to see you too."
"Oh, cut the crap Mother." Brooke rolled her eyes going over to plop down in her bed. "And make it quick will you? I've got a hot date to get ready for."
"You don't waste any time do you sweetheart?" Victoria smirked, shaking her head. "And besides I don't know why you're so unhappy to see me after I've been gone for so long."
"Gee, I wonder why?" She replied icily, tilting her head to one side to glare at her mother.
Ignoring her, Victoria unzipped the garment. "If you ask me, I should be the one unhappy to see you, especially after the atrocious choice you've made. I wanted you to wear the newest Vera Wang to the most important event of the year and-"
"That's what you said about the last one." She cut her off, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "And really? They're all the same Mother and besides if I remember correctly, you and Daddy promised me that I could wear whatever I choose to these things."
"But really Brooke, a $200 dress?"
"I liked it!" She snapped. "And what does it matter?"
Victoria just rolled her eyes in response and she pulled out the dress. For a second Brooke's breath caught in her throat. She had picked out the dress at the mall a couple of weeks back and it was a stunning red silk. It was flirty and had dazzling beadwork on the V-neck bodice, a seductive side slit and an elegant attached train that cascaded to the floor. The back was low cute and had wide straps that showcased her back perfectly. The moment she'd seen it, she'd known that was the dress, never mind the fact that it wasn't designer. She had picked it out with Nathan in mind, knowing that he had always loved her in red. She knew that he would go crazy once he saw her in it. A wave of sadness flowed over her as she realized that it no longer mattered.
Victoria seemed not to notice, nor care that her mood had gone somber and she almost hurled the dress at her. "Don't you dare come in late tomorrow night Brooke. Valentin will be here at 6:00 AM on Saturday to do your hair and make-up and the last thing I need is my daughter showing up to the Ball haggard and hung-over, you're going to embarrass me enough as it with this piece of scrap."
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Lucas called out at the insistent knocking. Getting up out of bed, he quickly pulled on a shirt and headed to the door that connected his room to the outside world. Pulling it open, annoyed, he stopped startled as he stared at the blonde beauty shifting nervously on the front step. She was wearing a light blue sundress and her golden tresses shimmered in the late sun.
"Haley?" He frowned, ignoring the racing of his heart. "What are you-?"
Not giving him a chance to finish, she stepped towards him and flung her arms around his neck, kissing him hard and almost knocking him over in the process.
Shocked, he pulled away from her but she pushed him inside and slammed the door behind her, leaning even closer to him and letting her tongue slip inside his mouth.
Groaning at the sensation, he let his feelings for her take over as he wrapped his arms around her slender waist in response. Taking that as approval, she pushed him till he was sitting on his bed and she settled herself on his lap to keep him from moving away from her. Running her hands inside his shirt, she touched his warm, bare skin as she explored his mouth further, hungrily. It had only been a day since she had tasted his sweet taste, but she had missed him so much and she couldn't stand that he was angry at her. And she'd be damned if she let that slip up between her and Felix ruin this, ruin them.
Shifting even closer on top of him, she sighed at the delicious friction that was happening between them and she slipped her hands from his back to his chest, arching against him. Her hands went further down and she ignored the voice in the back of her head that was telling her that she needed to stop.
He slipped his hands from her waist and he ran them up and down her back as their mouths moved against each other, hot and intense. She squeezed her hips that were wrapped around his and he broke the kiss, leaning back to let out groan. She took that as an opportunity to lean further into him and ran kisses from his jaw down to his neck.
"Haley..." He gasped, trying his hardest to control the growing bulge in his jeans. She too felt it and she reached down, unbuttoning his jeans.
Gritting his teeth at the sensation, he opened his eyes and he pushed her away, making her land softly on the bed next to him. Running his hand through his short locks, it took him a second to catch his breath.
"Lucas..."
"No, Haley don't." He responded and it came out fiercer than he wanted it too. Her eyes widened as he stood up and faced her angrily.
"You can't just come in here after everything that happened and try to...try to...you just can't do that okay?"
She stood up and she went over to him, flinching when he pulled away from her. "Lucas, please..."She pleaded, wrapping her arms around his waist, placing soft open-mouthed kisses on his neck. "I've missed you so much and I...know you have too. You want this, you want us as much as I do."
Closing his eyes at the sensations, he forced himself for the second time to pull away. "And what about Felix huh?"
Frustrated, she let out an angry sound. "I don't like Felix!" Pulling back to look at him, she searched his deep blue eyes, willing him to see, to understand how she felt. "Can't you see? I only want you." She whispered, their lips close. "Can't you feel it, what I feel for you? It's you and only you."
Struggling with his feelings, he let her take his lips with her own. Satisfied, she deepened the kiss and he lost himself for a moment, enjoying the feel of her. Contrary to how angry he was at her still, he couldn't deny how he felt about her.
"No, no wait." He pulled back, pushing her gently away. "I can't okay?"
"Lucas!"
"At least, not right now Haley." Sighing, he tried to ignore the hurt look on her face. "We'll talk after the boy toy auction okay? And we'll go from there, just...give me some time."
Dejected, she only nodded. "Okay, I will." Leaning forward she pulled him against her and gave him another earth-shattering kiss. "But I'm not giving up on you Lucas Scott. Not by a long shot."
She gave him one last lingering kiss and she went to the door, but not before turning around and giving him that beautiful smile of hers. Something strange fluttered in his chest and for a second, watching her leave, he felt like it was good-bye.
"Everything's set." Rachel turned to Felix, her eyes bright and her lips wide into a smile. "It's all going down tonight, oohhh I can't wait!"
Shaking his head, Felix stared at her in almost admiration. "I have to hand it to you Gatina, when you're good...you're really good."
"I know." She smiled even wider now, tucking her phone into her pocket.
"How did you do it?"
"A girl never tells." She smirked, going over to her closet and rummaging through clothes.
"Whatever, well at least tell me how you even know she's going to be taking Lucas to Penelope's?"
"Oh, you are so naive and so...stupid." She laughed at the glare he threw at her. "Where else is she going to take him? You know what they say, keep your friends close and your enemy's closer. And when you keep your enemies close to you, you get to know a thing or two about them. Besides she is so predictable and anyways it doesn't matter how I know. The point is I just now confirmed she'll be taking him there and my little plan is all set up. And believe me, when all is said and done, we are both getting our way."
"You're evil."
"Thank you." She beamed, and pulled out a sexy black barely there dress. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get ready for part 2 of my plan."
A part of me wants to leave you alone
A part of me wants for you to come home
A part of me says I'm living a lie
(And I'm better off without you)
A part of me says to think it through
A part of me says I'm over you
A part of me wants to say goodbye
A part of me is asking why?
A part of me wants to leave
But a part of me wants to be here with you
And every time I think we're over and done
You do something to get me back loving you
And you got me just torn
"Letoya Luckett?" Julian smirked as he came into Peyton's room with a bag of take-out. She was sketching as was per usual with the music on so loud he could hear it down the street. What was unusual was her song choice and the fact that she was singing along in that melodic voice of hers. "Never thought I'd see the day."
Startled, she smiled sheepishly as he came over and leaned down for a quick kiss. "Should I be worried that you know who Letoya Luckett is?"
"Nah." He shrugged, setting the food down. "All music goes hand in hand with producing. The question is, should I be worried that you're listening to this particular song?"
"What do you mean?" Her brow furrowed and she unconsciously covered her sketch which was of three hearts.
"Exactly that." He pointed at her sketch, although it wasn't anywhere near done. "You draw your feelings and if there's one thing I've learned about you is that always listen to songs that either mean something to you, or that are appropriate to what you're feeling, so tell me Peyton...what's going on?"
Sighing, Peyton fiddled with the drawing in fron of her. She felt a rush of affection flow over her at Julian's words of how well he knew her and he was right. She wasn't sure how to even broach the subject, but she knew that if she and Julian were going to move forward with their relationship, then there were a few things that they needed to discuss.
"Julian..." She began, twirling one curl on her finger, a sign that she was nervous. "I need to tell you something, and before you say anything, I just want you to know that this doesn't change anything between us. I just need you to know and I need you to listen to me, because this will be the least of our problems."
"Okay..." He replied, shifting on the bed, sitting across from her. He wasn't sure where she was going with this, but the look on her face meant that she was serious and for that he couldn't help but be a little nervous. He loved her and now that he was back, the last thing he wanted was to lose her again.
"Before you came back...there was sort of someone."
He sighed and he closed his eyes, nodding in rememberance. "Nathan."
"Right." She replied, taking a deep breath. Her heart was racing and she couldn't pinpoint whether or not it was due to the fact that she was finally talking about it, or because of the mere mention of the other boy.
"He's Lucas's half brother and they don't exactly get along. They uh, sort of hate each other. I didn't know him that well, but I guess you could say that by association that I hated him too. Well a couple of weeks back, he and I started to uh...spend time together and um, I got to know a different side of him and I realized that the Nathan Scott that he puts out there for everyone else is not really the Nathan Scott that I got to know."
"And the Nathan Scott that you like." He sighed, already hating where this was going.
"Yeah..."She admitted softly. "I do. Or I did...I don't know. The fact is that before you came back, I was pretty sure that I had feelings for him when he kissed me."
He closed his eyes and a flash of annoyance went through him at the thought of someone else kissing those perfect lips that were only meant for him. Or so he thought.
"And he...he kissed me again. Today."
"I'm giong to kill him." He stood up and she stood up as well, grabbing him by the arms.
"Julian! Just wait, hear me out okay?"
"What else is there to say Peyton? You had feelings for the guy before I came back and he kissed you again today, knowing that you and I are together-"
"He doesn't." She admitted.
"What?"
"I mean, I didn't tell him because he didn't give me the chance to."
"He didn't give you the chance or you didn't give yourself the chance to tell him?"
"No, Julian! He didn't give me the chance, but it doesn't matter okay? I'm not going to deny that I felt something when he kissed me, but it's nothing compared to what I feel when you kiss me. I love you Julian, and I never stopped loving you and Nathan Scott won't get in the way of us, believe me he's the least of our worries."
"What do you mean by that?"
"That...that I'm not exactly happy that you came back."
Pulling away from her as if he'd been slapped, he stared aghast at her. "What?"
"If I'm being honest with you, then I need to be honest with you all the way and not just about the Nathan thing." She began, hurting herself at the hurt look in his eyes. "I love you Julian, but I'm not a 100% happy that you came back and that has to do with the fact that I'm still angry with you. I'm still very angry over the way that you left the first time around and I know that it will take some time for me to let go of that anger. But that doesn't mean that I don't still love you. We are just going to have to take it a day at a time and we have to talk about this Julian, I mean it."
"I know Peyton." He sighed in relief when he heard those three beautiful words because she had him worried there for a second. "One day at a time, I'm more than happy to give you that because I love you too baby and there is no way that I'm ever letting you go."
"We're heeere!" Brooke sing-songed, looking to the passenger seat and shooting Jake a grin. Smiling back, he turned to look at Haley in the back seat and they both rolled their eyes at Brooke's enthusiasm. Jake was just ready to get it over with and Haley, alhtough excited at the prospect of spending time with Nathan was also dreading it because of Lucas and Brooke.
The three of them got out and Brooke smoothed out her skirt, leaning down to check her make-up for the last time. Seeing this, Haley rolled her eyes and she had to bite her tongue to keep from lashing out at her best friend. Why did Brooke insist on looking so..so...hot? Haley hated to admit that she was jealous of her best friend at the moment, especially knowing that by that night's end she would share a kiss with the guy that Haley herself was crazy over.
Linking her arms through both Jake and Haley, Brooke almost skipped towards the gym. She was chattering their ears off and they were almost there when Brooke stopped abruptly.
"What in the hell does she think she's doing?" She rolled her eyes and both Jake and Haley turned their attention to where her gaze was at. Jake let out a whistle and Brooke turned to him, glaring at him, an unfamiliar feeling spreading across her chest at the appreciative look Jake was sending her nemesis way.
"What a slut, I mean really that is total overkill."
"I feel sorry for her poor victim." Jake responded, taking in Rachel's barely there dress and shaking his head.
"I think you mean Nathan." Brooke snapped in response, her entire body alight with rage. "Like I don't know what she's up to."
At the same time, Rachel shot them all a smug grin and she went inside, leaving Brooke almost shaking with anger. Rummaging in her purse, she pulled out a wad of cash and shoved it in Haley's hand amongst her protests.
"Brooke!"
"What Haley?" She snapped in response. "You'll be thanking me later, because you sure are going to need it. I'm willing to bet all of that, that Sl-achel is here tonight to bet on Nathan. Well she's got another thing coming that's for sure. She's not getting her way this time, of that I am going to make damn sure."
Rolling her eyes, Haley handed her back the money. "I don't need it Brooke." She insisted, "I've got more than enough to bet on Nathan and besides if I bet on him with your money, how would that be fair or honest?"
"You and your stupid morals, Tutor Girl." Brooke replied, annoyed. "Fine, but if that slut wins him over you, then don't say I didn't warn you."
"Brooke, there's something I want to go over with you." Haley began, a little nervously. "Uh...that um...I'm fine with you bidding on Lucas...I guess...but that uh...that midnight kiss...you don't have to and-"
"Why not Haley?" Brooke grinned, winking at Jake. "It's tradition after all."
"Brooke..."
"Oh, don't be jealous Haley, I promise you I'll make it a short one. Now if Lucas decides he wants more than-"
"Brooke!"
"Geez, I was just kidding." Brooke rolled her eyes. "But now that you brought it up, the same goes for you okay?"
"I thought you didn't care about Nathan?" Haley laughed, not being able to help herself from teasing her the way she had her.
"I don't!" Brooke huffed, "I'm just saying...you and Nathan...that's just..."
"Weird?" Haley supplied for her, "Yeah, I know."
"Y'know, all this talk about kisses has me feeling left out." Jake began, it was his turn to tease them both. Wrapping an arm around the both of them, he turned and planted a kiss on Haley's cheek, then on Brooke's. "Y'know either of the two of you could be on the receiving end of these amazing lips tonight, you might want to reconsider your choice tonight." He winked and both Haley and Brooke pushed him away laughing. Although, at the mention of a kiss, Brooke got an image of Jake's soft lips and she shook her head, more than a little uncomfortable.
Sitting backstage, waiting for his turn, Lucas didn't think he'd ever been more nervous or uncomfortable in his life. Nevermind the fact that the thought of going out there and strutting his stuff for the entire female population of Tree Hill High had him almost want to run and hide, but he knew what was going to happen tonight and that more than anything had him wigging it out. How had it come to this?
"Well, if it isn't Tree Hill's very own bastard son."
Turning around and locking eyes with Nathan, Lucas balled his fists in anger as the guys around him, mainly the basketball team all laughed. Ignoring Nathan, he stood up and pulled the curtain back and his eyes immediately seeked Haley who was looking beautiful as always. She was standing next to Brooke at the very front of the rows, looking almost as nervous as he did and for that he smiled.
"Who you looking for?" Nathan taunted from behind him. "I doubt that anyone here will bid on you, least of all Haley. You know, no that I think about it, I think she finally came to her senses after all word around is that she and Tree Hill's very own player hooked up."
Gritting his teeth, Lucas had to hold himself back from punching the son of a bitch in his smug face. He also had to restrain himself from slipping out the fact that come that night, he'd be the one leaving there with Brooke.
"And what about Peyton huh?" Nathan continued, going to stand next to him and taking a peek out as well. "I don't see her here tonight but even if she was, I could bet you that she'd be here to bid on me."
"Don't count on it." He snapped.
"Oh, hit a nerve didn't I? Well, y'know what they say about the midnight kiss, and after today, I wouldn't mind being on the receiving end of those lips."
"Watch it, Nate." Lucas warned, "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, don't I?" He smirked, "Or did dear best friend not tell you about the kiss we shared again today?"
"What?"
Nathan laughed at the look on Lucas's face and before he could respond, Whitey came backstage and growled out. "Scott, L! You're up!"
"Oh, he's next!" Brooke exclaimed, a little too excitedly as Whitey boomed out Lucas's name. The blonde boy came out and he was wearing a pair of jeans and his trademark long-sleeved white T. His hands were in his pockets and he walked down the walkpath as girls everywhere exploded in catcalls. Shyly, he smiled and waved and immediately a girl waved down $200.
Both Brooke and Haley turned around and Haley stared, almost shocked at the eager blonde. She sends the blonde a glare and opens her mouth to protest when Brooke yells out, "300!"
"350!"
"400!"
Haley gasped and she turned to Brooke wide-eyed. "Brooke! What are you waiting for?"
"Chill Haley, I've got this."
"450!"
"450 for the lady in red." Whitey boomed out, "Going once, twice.."
"Brooke!"
Smiling smugly, Brooke raised her hand and her voice rang out loud and clear, "600!"
Sighing in relief, Haley looked around glad to see nobody raising their hand to bid higher. Truth be told, although she was uncomfortable and unhappy with Brooke going home with Lucas, the thought of some other random girl with the guy she liked was driving her crazy.
"600, sold to the lovely !"
Turning to Haley, Brooke grinned in self-triumph and Haley gave her a hug in relief that Lucas was going home with her best friend instead of some random slut.
Seeing the girls' exchange, Lucas sighed and shook his head as he gave Whitey a tight smile.
Backstage, Nathan was absolutely seething. Who the hell did Brooke think she was and just what was she up to?
Whitey announces him next and he comes out and he immediately strips his shirt off, making all the girls whistle and cat call. His eyes meet Brooke's and he throws her a smirk, flexing his biceps.
"400!" A brunette up front immediately calls out and Brooke turns to glare at her forcefully.
"450!" Haley doesn't hesitate to call out and she smiles at Nathan when he turns to stare at her. He continues down the walkpath as girls around him continue to bid higher and higher for him.
"650!" Haley calls out and she smiles at Nathan again when he meets her eyes. He rolls his eyes and scoffs at her, but she doesn't get discouraged.
"700!"
"Step it up Haley!" Brooke hisses at her, "Before Rachel makes a bid that you can't match."
Ignoring her and her wad of cash, Haley raised her hand and called out, "750!"
"750 going once, twice...sold to the lovely Ms. James!"
"Yes!" Haley called out happily, sending Nathan a wink. Brooke high-fives her and Nathan shakes his head, wondering just what game they're playing at. It's not till he walks off-stage that Brooke realizes that Rachel didn't even bid for Nathan once.
"Last but definetely not least..."Whitey boomed out, his face lighting into a fond smile. "Jake Jagielski!"
Jake comes out and he's wearing this ridiculous stuffed teddy bear suit and both Haley and Brooke burst into laughter, alhtough they both can't help but think that the suit is fitting. He comes out and he's strutting down the walkway in a cute manner when a girl yells out, "250!"
Jake grins and he starts to move his arms up and down in a robotic motion and even Whitey can't help but smile at the young boy's antics.
"350!"
Turning around slowly, Jake walks further down the pathway and he crouches down, making a sight-seeing motion and then he wraps his arms around himself, giving himself a hug.
"450!"
Brooke and Haley are both smiling and Brooke feels a rush of warmth spread over her at how cute Jake looks.
"450, going once...twice.."
"800!"
Everyone gasps, and White slams down the gravel. "800 going to the lovely Ms Gatina! Congratulations Jake!"
"What?" Turning around shocked, Brooke stares aghast at Rachel in her skimpy dress. The redhead is staring clearly at Brooke and she's got the most smug smile that Brooke has ever seen.
Gotcha Brooke Davis.
