Chapter 809: Beaulieu Manor
Saturday, April 1st, Morning
She parked her car in the East Range Parking Lot with the other vehicles. She looked over the various windows and towers; many of these things were built for aesthetics. With a deep breath, she exited the car and headed towards the door.
Ashlyn, a long-time friend of the family, looked at the door as it opened. The long-term butler, affectionately known as Lurch, stood in the doorway and looked her over.
"Yes, Mrs. Pierce-Scott?" Lurch asked.
"Is Ms. Davis available?" Ashlyn asked.
"Yes, she's in the Lady parlor; if you'd please follow me," Lurch said, and let Ashlyn enter the building.
Ashlyn had been coming and going from this place for fifteen years, a testament to her resilience. She was here at the official opening of Beaulieu Manor. It was New Year's Eve when Brooke threw her yearly party also to celebrate the opening of this new building. It was also when they announced the founding of RBR. The night seemed to have been ruined, but surprisingly, Brian Scott stepped up and saved the night.
Lurch opened the door to the Lady Parlor and looked towards Brooke Davis.
"Mrs. Pierce-Scott, Ms. Davis," Lurch said.
Brooke nodded, stood up, and looked at Ashlyn with a warm smile. "Ashlyn, what do I owe the pleasure?" she greeted Ashlyn, her eyes reflecting genuine joy at seeing her friend.
The two women embraced, their empathy for each other evident, and gave each other air cheek kisses. They chose their seats on the couches and looked at each other.
"How are the children?" Brooke asked.
"Maeghan is good, and the twins are a handful," Ashlyn said.
Brooke nodded, "How's the rest of the family holding up?"
"If you don't know, Buck and my sister's kids moved in with me," Ashlyn said.
"How have they been settling in?" Brooke asked.
Ashlyn sighed, "Not as well, we clash constantly."
"I see; how much is him, and how much is you?" Brooke asked, her tone understanding and reassuring.
Ashlyn shrugged, "I don't know."
"You have to try; he's living in your house," Brooke said.
"How can I?" Ashlyn asked.
"A lot of patience," Brooke said.
"Do you practice that?" Ashlyn asked.
"I have two of my exes living under this roof," Brooke said with a tired shrug.
"How did Lucas end up living here? It was never explained; he just said he was doing it," Ashlyn said.
"I offered to help with Sawyer, and Lucas was not comfortable staying at Leighton anymore," Brooke said.
"That's it? That simple?" Ashlyn asked.
Brooke nodded, "Yes, sometimes things are just that simple."
Ashlyn nodded and looked across the room. She sighed and studied the pictures on the wall. She looked to the nearby table to see why the TV was off as Brooke was reading a book. Ashlyn focused on the spin of the book; it was Le Premier Homme by Albert Camus. Ashlyn always remembers Brooke and her daughters as secret readers. Ashlyn noted some of it was dense; Chase, for example, was fond of Friedrich Nietzsche. Camus was impressed by Nietzsche.
"Would you like something to drink?" Brooke asked.
Ashlyn nodded, "Sure," she shuddered as she turned back to Brooke.
"What would you like?" Brooke asked.
"Green tea, please," Ashlyn said.
Brooke picked up a nearby tablet. Ashlyn watched as Brooke typed something on it. Brooke placed the tablet down and sighed.
"It will be here soon," Brooke said.
"Thanks," Ashlyn replied.
"You're welcome," Brooke said.
Ashlyn nodded, "Speaking of new house residents, how is Callie settling in?"
Brooke shrugged, "She seems to be fitting in. It's not been simple or even easy. Part of it is Callie is dealing with some major trauma and is taking her time coming out of her shell."
"Has there been progress?" Ashlyn asked.
"A little, Tucker of all people, caused the crack. He introduced her to Alix and come to find out Callie likes music and plays. Alix introduced her to Kat, and well, you know Kat's effect on people," Brooke said.
"Kat has her effect on people," Ashlyn said.
Brooke nodded, "Yeah, the Russian She-Bear is more of a teddy bear," she laughed.
Ashlyn nodded, "Surprisingly, so true," she said.
"Alix is taking Callie out tomorrow to jam with some people," Brooke said.
"Well, through Kat, Alix has connections," Ashlyn replied.
Brooke nodded, "That she does," she replied.
"Have you sought counseling for her?" Ashlyn asked.
Brooke nodded, "I have; her first appointment is on Monday."
"That's good," Ashlyn said.
"Have you thought about family counceling?" Brooke asked.
"No, why? The kids are fitting in well," Ashlyn said.
"Not for the kids," Brooke said.
"If not for the kids, then for who?" Ashlyn asked.
"For you and Buck," Brooke said.
"Hmm, I'm not so sure about it," Ashlyn said.
The door opened, and a staff member came in carrying a tray. The person put out their drinks. The staff member left, leaving Brooke and Ashlyn silently sitting there, staring at each other with their drinks.