After waiting anxiously in her room all day, no police officer came knocking on Brooke's door. She had concluded with immense relief that Lucas had given up on carrying out his threat. Preferring to avoid him, however, she then discreetly went out at the end of the day to pick Lily up from school.
Later that evening, Brooke and her daughter are quietly eating dinner and chatting peacefully in the kitchen.
Brooke : Is school going well, sweetie?
Lily : Yes, my teacher is very nice and I already have two friends. Their names are Chelesa and Emma.
Brooke : That's great! You see you were wrong to worry.
Lily : Yes. Do you think I could invite them here one day, Mom?
Brooke : I doubt it, sweetie. You know that this house is not our home. I don't think Mr. Scott would agree.
Lily : That's too bad. Why don't we have our own house then?
Brooke : Because we can't afford it and I absolutely have to help Mr. Scott.
Lucas : I'm glad to hear that, Brooke.
Brooke's heart skips a beat as she suddenly hears Lucas say her name in his deep, serious voice. Turning her head with Lily, Brooke can then see that he was standing in the doorway. His face appears for the first time much more relaxed and peaceful as he stares at her in silence. Brooke then looks at him as well without saying anything, not knowing what his attitude means, or how to behave. Lily's voice breaks their silent exchange of glances as she addresses Lucas.
Lily : Good evening, Mr. Scott.
For a second, Brooke was afraid that Lucas would send her daughter away, but to her surprise, he didn't.
Lucas : Good evening, Lily.
Lily : Do you want to eat with us? Mom made my favorite dish and it's really good.
Lucas : I'm sure it is, Lily. But I'm not sure I deserve it.
Lily : Why? Haven't you been good?
Lucas : No, I haven't been good at all and I even hurt someone.
Lily : Oh really? So you have to ask him for forgiveness!
Lucas : I would like to, but I don't know how. I'm not used to being nice to people anymore.
With Lucas' gaze on her again, Brooke holds his gaze, while addressing Lily.
Brooke : Sweetie, since you're done eating, could you please go up to your room? Brush your teeth and go to bed. I'll come say goodnight later, okay?
Lily : Yes, Mom. Goodnight, Mr. Scott.
Lucas : Goodnight, Lily.
After giving Lucas one last smile, Lily then leaves the kitchen, leaving her mother and Lucas alone. They look at each other for a moment more in silence, before Brooke finally speaks cautiously.
Brooke : What am I supposed to understand, Lucas?
Lucas : I'm so sorry for treating you like that, Brooke. I should never have told you all those things when you just wanted to help me.
Brooke : Why did you do it then?
Lucas : Because I haven't been myself since the accident. But you were right, we all have our problems and I should never have been so selfish. You and Lily had nothing to do with what happened to me and I shouldn't take it out on you.
Brooke : You shouldn't go after Haley or Nathan either, Lucas.
Lucas : I know, and I'll apologize to them too. It's just that it's not easy for me to open up to people after all this time. Will you help me, Brooke?
Brooke : I don't know, Lucas. You still threatened to call the police.
Lucas : And I'm sorry. I would never do such a thing.
Brooke : Are you sure?
Lucas : Absolutely sure.
Brooke : If I agree to help you again, you won't turn back? You won't disrespect me again?
Lucas : I swear to you, Brooke.
Brooke : Words are just words, Lucas. And I want action.
Lucas : What do you mean?
Brooke : Let me put you to the test!
Lucas : On test? How so ?
Brooke : That I will only go back to work once I am really sure that you are ready to change, Lucas.
Lucas : And how long will that take?
Brooke : As long as it takes! In the meantime, there is still food in the pot, so help yourself. I am going to go put Lily to bed. Good night, Lucas.
Lucas : Good night, Brooke.
Brooke's heart skips a beat again when she sees Lucas smile at her for the first time. A soft and warm smile that radically changes his usually serious features. Giving him a last shy smile, Brooke then leaves the room to go join Lily in her room.
Three days later, although Brooke still hadn't returned to work, the situation had improved a lot. As promised, Lucas had made a lot of efforts, although see Lily was still difficult for him. Aware that his daughter reminded him painfully of Sawyer, Brooke didn't put any pressure on him about it, knowing full well that the road would still be long for him and that he had to proceed step by step. Since their clarification, Lucas had called his sister to apologize. Haley had been very moved by it, not believing that Brooke's strategy had finally worked. Brooke hoped that this reconciliation would be the beginning of a renewal between the brother and sister. For her part, she had been surprised when Lucas had agreed that Lily invite her two friends to come play at his house. Not thinking at all that he would say yes, Brooke was nevertheless today by the pool watching the three little girls. They were playing and laughing in the water while she lay on a deck chair, sunbathing.
Lucas : You should wear sunscreen, Brooke. The sun is much stronger here than in Canada, you know.
Startling slightly at Lucas's voice, Brooke's jaw nearly drops when she sees him shirtless. His perfect muscles in full view, she tries at all costs to hide her confusion by answering him.
Brooke : Thanks for the advice, Lucas.
Grabbing her bottle of sunscreen, Brooke begins to apply it carefully, under Lucas' gaze. He offers to help her when he sees that she was struggling to reach his back.
Lucas : Do you want me to do it?
Brooke : Uh... yes, thanks.
Turning her back to him, Brooke can't help but feel a shiver run through her as she feels Lucas' fingers on her skin. Lucas carefully spreads the sunscreen, massaging her shoulders, going lower towards her kidneys, brushing her sides. For a second and before he removes his hands, Brooke has the impression that he has deliberately lingered on her. Her heart beating wildly, she acts as if nothing has happened as she turns towards him.
Brooke : Thanks, Lucas.
Lucas : You're welcome, Brooke. You're already refusing to work, that would be a shame for you to take sick leave because of a sunburn.
Brooke : That would be the last straw! Especially since if I'm going to work as a stripper, I need a perfect tan!
Lucas : I don't know why, but I was waiting for this one!
Brooke : I told you, Lucas. Word for word!
Lucas : I know, Brooke. And I deserve your revenge.
Brooke : That's true, but I'm starting to wonder if you're right.
Lucas : Really? About what?
Brooke : About the fact that I should start a fantastic career as a stripper. That way I can make tons of money and have all the men I want!
Lucas : You're worth more than that, Brooke. Besides, if money is an issue, I'm willing to give you a raise.
Brooke : Is that true? Maybe I should have you write it down right now!
Lucas : No need. I promise I'll keep my word.
Brooke : Okay, I believe you. But that doesn't solve the problem with men.
Lucas : You don't have to be a stripper to get all the men you want, Brooke.
Lucas' tone suddenly turns serious again, and Brooke refrains from asking him if that goes for him too. Suddenly intimidated, she diverts the conversation to a much more neutral and, most importantly, less dangerous subject.
Brooke : Thanks again for letting Lily invite her friends, Lucas.
Lucas : You're welcome. It was the least I could do after my obnoxious behavior.
Brooke : I know, but I realize how hard it is for you to have children here.
Lucas : It's true that it's terribly difficult, but I'm glad to hear laughter in this house again. And as much as I would have liked to see Sawyer day with Lily and her friends, the silence had become much too heavy.
Brooke : I understand, Lucas. And I know it must be hard for you to see us invading your space.
Lucas : You and Lily aren't invading anything, Brooke. And even if it was far from obvious at first, I'm glad you're both here.
Brooke : Is that true? I hope you won't regret it!
Lucas : I don't think so. Unless you continue to not share your pancakes!
Brooke : Did you know that?
Lucas : Of course! Are you forgetting that I spend my life in this house? And besides, you're the one who suggested I snack on stuff in the kitchen, right?
Brooke : I should have hidden it better!
Lucas : Indeed!
Brooke's heart skips a beat when she hears Lucas's melodious laugh for the first time. Troubled again and wanting to immediately chase these thoughts from her mind, she then suggests something to Lucas.
Brooke : Would you like to swim with us? I could help you get in the water.
Seeing Lucas hesitate for a long time, Brooke then hopes that he will say yes. But he ended up declining her proposal.
Lucas : I think I'm going to go back to my room. Maybe another time.
Brooke : Okay. See you later then?
Lucas : Yes, of course.
Disappointed, Brooke watches Lucas turn his wheelchair, then quickly heads towards the house.
After putting Lily to bed who was exhausted from her day, Brooke had joined Lucas in the living room with a tray. Lucas couldn't help but make a joke when he saw Brooke bring him his meal again.
Lucas : I guess your strike is over?
Brooke : Yes, but only because you stopped me from roasting in the sun!
Lucas : Thank you! You're so kind! What is it?
Brooke : Meatloaf. It's a typical dish from our country. My mother used to make it for me all the time when I was little. She even taught me how to cook.
Lucas : Is that true? That's why your food was so good.
Brooke : What do you mean? I thought you hadn't even touched it!
Lucas : A stupid, narrow-minded man will do anything to save face, Brooke.
Brooke : Just like a betrayed woman will do anything to get revenge, Lucas. If I were you, I'd be careful!
Lucas : I'd like to see that!
Brooke : Okay, eat instead of talking nonsense! Otherwise the meatloaf will be cold!
Lucas : What authoritarianism, tell me!
Brooke : Are you the one who says that? You're an expert in authoritarianism!
Lucas : Yes, and I unfortunately feel like I was too good a teacher and that you rubbed off on me!
Brooke : Maybe so! But it's totally your fault!
Both of them still laughing, Brooke then sees Lucas hesitate a little, before speaking again timidly.
Lucas : How about sharing this meatloaf with me, Brooke?
Brooke : It would have been with pleasure, Lucas, but I already ate with Lily. But if you want, I can stay with you and keep you company while you eat.
Lucas : Okay. With pleasure.
Taking a seat next to Lucas, Brooke and him begin to talk and exchange at length about their respective lives.