Author's Note:
I know you guys were expecting the next chapter of A Woman's Worth and I promise it is coming. Here's the deal I have a secret fetish and its call Kate Spade purses. I have three and I adore them, but they are very, expensive. Anyway there is this perfect, green clutch from Kate Spade that I'm in love with and well my good friend Cathy owns it…. I want it. So she challenges me she told me to write a Naley. So here's the first chapter Kate Spade will be on its way soon. She also has a challenge and well Clocks ticking… So here is my first Naley. Now don't cut her brakes she made me promise I would write A Woman's Worth too. So here is my new story. It is a Naley and a Brucas. The next chapter of Aww will be posted ASAP. This is AU and not for the faint of heart. I will be posting it on my website and on Enjoy it and leave me a review. I love reviews. This is dedicated to all the gals at OTH writers 911 who join my new board, and shared all their stories and talent. This is also for Cathy who keeps me sane, Ange who keeps me sane, and Cheery who keeps me sane… LOL. To Jazzy, Heartsmash, Maddie, and Make-Up Queen, who are fabulous… but this is for Ali and Cathy who watch OTH with me every Wednesday and scream at the same time I do during the commercial. HALESSSSSSSSSSSS girls HALESSSSSSSS! Till next time Kaos
Chapter One
Introducing Miss. Haley James….
"I'm not sure about the hair? I think we should have gone curly…We don't have a lot of time so I can't change it, but still…"
"What's wrong with the hair? It's perfect! Personally I think we need to rethink the outfit."
"What, are you crazy? What the hell is wrong with the outfit? She looks amazing, green has always looked good on her. Dude, put on your glasses, she looks hot, the boots, the dress…"
"I don't know maybe we should have gone with the red Prada top and white True Religion jeans. Now that's hot. The wrap around dress and the black boots, too simple, maybe we should rethink…"
"Are you crazy? No way, not for Oprah. What the hell is wrong with you? The green Cavallie is perfect, with the shoes, the makeup, the hair she looks unbelievable. SEBA! For god's sake, you're acting like she is wearing something off the rack from Ann Taylor. It's a Robert Cavallie, one of a kind, made especially for her. The boots aren't even on the market. There Jimmy Choo's for god sake. What the hell is wrong with you? "
"It's Oprah Dominic. Oprah, as in Winfrey, as in personal friend to Valentino. Haley is going to be on Oprah and millions of people are going to be watching her. I just want her to look amazing, I want her to look like the star she is. Just look at her, does she looks like a super star?"
"She's Haley James, Seba. She could be wearing a potato sack and she would still look amazing. She is one of the best dressed artists on the red carpet, and you want to know why, cause of me. I have been dressing her for years, so butt out. You deal with her hair and makeup leave her clothes to me. Like you know how to dress, are those last season Diesel shoes? You shouldn't be saying anything until you go out and buy new shoes. She looks hot and I'm happy with the choice I made."
"I don't know… maybe…"
"Maybe nothing, let's ask her. Haley, what do you think?"
"Yeah Haley, what do you think, red top right?"
"Haley, five minutes…"
"Haley are you alright?"
"Haley…"
She closed her eyes and imagined herself in another place. On a beach, all alone. That was her Zen, her place. She took a deep breath and tuned everyone out. Her surroundings, the people, the noise, all in hopes of calming down. She needed to calm down. But she couldn't. She could still feel them. No matter how hard she tried they were still there. The hundreds of butterflies fluttering around in the huge pit that she had in her stomach. They always popped up the morning of a big event, the bigger the event, the more butterflies there were. No matter how many times she appeared in front of a crowd, big or small, she still got nervous. It always made her laugh afterwards, when she was alone, how calm she was. After all the worrying she endured all day long, thinking she was going to screw up, in the end it was always fine. After singing for two hours in a large venue or signing for five minutes on a morning talk show, when she walked off the stage she was at peace. The butterflies always disappeared the minute she stepped onto the stage as the lights shone brightly on her, as the music slowly started to play, with hundreds of fans screaming her name, she would calm down. The butterflies would slowly disappear as the first note rose out of her throat, and, by the end of the song, they were gone. She was comfortable on stage, it was her home. The audience was her family, on stage she became one with the music. There nervousness would go away, the music would start and she would become Haley James.
She hoped that the same thing would happen to her today. She prayed it would. She looked at herself in the mirror and wondered for the zillionth time if she was doing the right thing. She looked away and her eyes locked with her best friend, Brooke.
"Everybody out. I need a moment with Haley."
The entourage of people that had filled the room all grumbled and walked out of the room. Seba, Haley's personal hair and make up man, and Dominic her stylist dawdled behind, hoping to hear what was going on, but one look at Brooke's face, they too walked out the door. When the last person was out Brooke closed the door behind her and walked over to Haley. She took her hand and led her to the couch where the two women sat down beside each other.
"Haley, we have less than ten minutes before you go on so I don't think you have the time to have the proper nervous breakdown you deserve so let's make it quick. I'm here, you can vent to me, and you know you always can. Now I understand that you want to do this, despite my feelings and Peyton's feelings about it, I do get it. But there is still time to change the interview. Now don't get mad, I gave Laura a list of questions for Oprah to ask you. We don't have to do the interview the way we originally discussed, she can follow the cue cards, all you have to say is yes and it's done."
"No, it's time. I owe this to my audience, besides; I never go back on my word. I said no holds bar I meant no holds bar."
"Alright, if you say so, but I want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into."
"Brooke…." Haley started to say, but before she could finish her sentences she heard a knock on the door.
"Five minutes Ms. James. Please go to the green room"
Haley walked over to the mirror and checked her reflection once again. "Come on Tigger, let's get this thing going."
Brooke sighed. "You sure."
She didn't answer; instead Haley grabbed her hand and walked out the door. They walked down the long corridor to the green room holding hands. Haley humming along to one of her songs that was blaring out of the speakers along the wall. For a brief moment, the butterflies began to settle but then they once again began to flutter faster and faster. She stopped walking and listened as her song ended and she heard a familiar voice.
"She's here! She's here! She's actually here. I'm so excited. Today's guest is a legend. She is amazing. She has it all. She is The one the only, the great, Haley James. And today she's here on the Oprah show."
Brooke held her breath and turned to her best friend. She smiled as she looked at her friend. The nervousness was gone, her eyes were twinkling, and her face was glowing. She let go of her hand, Haley was ready. Haley James was ready to go on. Haley smiled at Brooke and began to walk away. She turned around and walked back. She gave her oldest friend a big hug and whispered in her ear. "I love you for caring." Before Brooke could response Haley was swooped away by Oprah's people. Brooke walked into the green room and sat down with everyone to watch the famous Haley James on the Oprah show. She held her breath and watched as Oprah came and greeted her guest.
"Okay everybody let's all calm down. I know we're all excited. I'm excited too. Okay here we go. In the last ten years today's guest has turned herself into a household name. At sixteen she was discovered singing at a local teen club on a open mic night. By the age of seventeen her first single went platinum. And now, ten years later, she is a well known singer and actress. Every song she records is an instant hit. She has twenty Grammy's under her belt. Three hit romantic comedies, and an Oscar. The media follows her every move from her songs, her clothes, to her highly publicized romance with a famous Hollywood heartthrob. She has just wrapped up a 50 city tour and this month Ms. James is about to become bigger than she already is. She is playing the lead in one of the year's biggest blockbusters, a remake of Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. She is playing the seductive Cathryn, who entices Henry into wild, passionate romance. She is creating Oscar buzz already and the movie isn't even out yet. She is here today in her first no holds bar interview. Ladies and gentleman, Haley James."
Brooke began laughing as she watched the audience stand up and start clapping as Haley walked out on the stage and into Oprah's arms. The two women embraced like old friends and Brooke couldn't help but smile as she watched Haley sit down on the chair, looking so cool, calm, and collected. Twenty minutes earlier Haley had been as pale as a ghost.
"Well Haley James you are here."
"Yes Oprah, I am." Haley answered smiling. "Finally."
"I know girl, I've been trying to get you on my show for year's .Now, one more time, you do understand that this is a no hold bars interview."
"Yes I do Oprah, so go head fire away. Where do you want to start? You pick, we'll talk about whatever you want to talk about. My life is an open book. But do me one favor, spread the questions around. I hate it when interviews get predictable, you know what I mean, we talk about my childhood, my teen years, and my first record. Boring! So spice it up Oprah. Like I said, my life is an open book"
"Now that's the spirit. Well since you mentioned book, let's talk about the book." Oprah answered with a faint smile on her lip. "Now you were kind enough to let us have a sneak peek of your latest movie which also happens to be our book club pick 'A Farewell to Arms."
The audience clapped loudly.
"Yes a 'Farewell to Arms', one of the best books ever written..." Haley said, smiling.
"You, of course, play Cathryn. Can I tell you how amazing you were? You made me, not only cry, but you took my breath away."
"Oh Oprah, you're going to make me cry. Stop."
Oprah handed Haley a box of tissues. "Girl, trust me, you made me cry. Audience, tell us, did you guys cry watching the movie? Cause I know I cried, Gayle cried. Hell even Stedman cried. Now audience, tell us did you cry? Don't be shy now."
"Yeah." The audience screamed back.
"Alright then. See, I told you so. Now let's talk about A Farewell to Arms. Now Cathryn is a British nurse during World War One who meets Henry an American soldier, and they start a wild and passionate affair. And when I say passionate, I mean PASSIONATE. You know what I'm talking about, don't you Ms. James?" Oprah asked her, winking.
"Yes I do." Haley said grinning. "Trust me, I do, and it was a blast to film."
"I bet it was. But we'll get to that in a minute. I have a lot of questions. First lets talk about you and this film. In your own words, tell us about who Cathryn is, what makes her tick."
Haley took a deep breath before she answered "She is a passionate and sexual woman. She has shut down her heart. Her fiancé died and she has given up on love. She meets Henry, and it's. What I like to call. Lust at first sight. She starts playing this power game with him. They have this power struggle that Cathryn is determined to win. She uses all her assets. I think, would be the best word to describe how she gets him wrapped around her finger. He is a challenge and she is to him to. But the lust quickly turns to love. She lets go, and a beautiful love story begins to unfold."
"You better believe it starts." Oprah answered as she fanned herself with her cue cards.
."Cathryn is a woman in the strongest sense of the word. She is in touch with her body. She knows she is beautiful and she knows that all the guys want her. She likes to play games. She thrives on them. The game with Henry is the ultimate game. It starts off as an illusion of love. A game of love, a battle of the wills. The last thing she ever expected was to fall in love with him."
"Haley you were amazing as Cathryn. I can't stop saying that. You were amazing. Now let me ask you are you like her at all?"
"In some ways I am, but I think all women are."
"Interesting! How come? What makes you say that? Can you elaborate please."
"Cathryn is in touch with herself. To her there is nothing she can't do. She knows what she wants and sets out to get it anyway she can. She doesn't take no for an answer. She uses whatever she can to get her way, she doesn't take no for an answer. I'm like that in a way. I set out to get what I want at whatever cost. I think all women, at some point in their lives, are the same way. We use whatever we have, or like Cathryn posses, to get what we want. Not only that, she is so passionate, a free spirit. I'm defiantly like her in that sense. I think I'm a free spirit. I like to live my life to the fullest, with no regrets. My motto is never regret anything. I haven't regret a thing in my life and I never will "
"I agree with you. Now prior to this you had done the romantic comedies that were successful, now this movie was a whole new can of worms."
"That they were Oprah, but I know where you're heading with this. This movie was a whole different ball game. It wasn't like the movies I had done in the past. This was a movie that I had to really sink my teeth in."
"Hell yeah it was. So tell us what made you want to make this movie."
"Oh god, what didn't make me want to do this movie? Well, I read the book like everyone else in high school and fell in love with Cathryn. I fell in love with their relationship. I had just finished my latest album when I got a call from Jake…"
"Jalegski… Ladies you heard right" Oprah interrupted as the audience once again went wild and started clapping. "One of the sexiest men alive, your co-star and your ex, am I right?"
"Yes Oprah, you are right. I got a call from Jake and he sent me the script. I fell in love. I wanted it. I wanted to play Cathryn. And I got it."
"Is it true you were up against some of the biggest leading ladies in Hollywood?'
"Yes." Haley answered coyly.
"I heard that the producer and director of the film cast you because of your hair and the chemistry between you and Jake."
"That is the rumor. But I like to think it was also because of my acting abilities." Haley teased.
"Well darling we saw the movie; I think it is safe to say you can act. Now let's talk about Jake. "
"How did I know that was coming?" Haley said laughing.
"Well everyone knows you two were once on of the hottest couple in Hollywood. You were the Bennifer of your generation. The paparazzi followed your every move. You even had him in one of your music videos. You were engaged. You guys were everywhere He is Jake and you are Haley. We all saw you walk the carpet hand in hand kissing signing autographs. You guys were considered at one point, the it couple of Hollywood. Your chemistry is undeniable. But you guys have been over for years. He is your ex so how was it working with him? The love scenes in this movie were so hot and you guys looked so comfortable together, but we all want to know how did you do it? I mean, most women dread any contact with their ex, but here you are starring along side in a movie with him. Doing some of the hottest sex scenes ever and lets not forget your nude scenes, how did you do it?"
"We just did it. I know what the tabloids say and what everyone believes. So I'm going to go on the record now. Jake and I are over we have been over for years but we are friends. We are best friends. We did this movie and we were professional. We love our jobs and I would have never have done this movie if we didn't have the type of relationship we have."
"Which is…?"
"A good relationship filled with trust and understanding. We're friends. Yes we were in love once. I love him still. We were very young and we were very passionate. But it wasn't enough. We were to much alike. I think relationships needed balance. We tried to make it work but we finally realized that, no matter what we did, it wasn't working. No matter how much we loved each other it wasn't enough. I'm glad we both realized it, despite the rumors and the tabloids we both know the truth. We are better being friends."
"Really! Haley is he the love of your life?"
"He's one of them. I believe that we have more than one. I loved Jake, and I still do. I always will. I don't regret a single minute I spent and will spend with him. I do regret having our relationship so out in the open. I think it would have been better if we had kept our life private, but I don't think it would have made a difference. We had a relationship, it was passionate, we fell in love but it wasn't enough. Sometimes, no matter how hot a couple is or how in love they can be, the relationship can go sour because something is missing. I think that was the main problem, that and the fact that we're too much alike. I learned a lot from that relationship. I learned a lesson about privacy after it was over. It's not easy seeing myself plastered all over magazines and tabloids. That's the hardest part of this business. That's one of the reasons that I don't give a lot of interviews. I'm not as open as I was once. I like to keep my personal life to myself as much as I can. But in this business it's hard."
"Jake was on the show a few months back and he said some wonderful things about you, I quote. Haley James was one of the best things that has ever happen to me. She is an amazing woman and it is an honor to have her still be in my life. That's not what most exes' would say."
Haley started to giggle. "Jake is not most men, or most ex's. He is amazing and I loved making this movie with him. I would do it again."
"How was doing the sex scenes and nude scenes with him? Were you uncomfortable?"
"Not at all. I knew that if I got the role I had to let myself go. I did. I was comfortable. Jake and the Director Michael Weis, who is amazing, I might add, made me feel comfortable and that was the most important thing. When I got on the set, I left Haley James behind and I became Cathryn. All the scenes, even the love scenes, were done as Cathryn and to me Jake was Henry."
"Well Haley you convinced us all that you are Cathryn. I predict an Oscar in your future. Another one, but this time it won't be for best song, it will be for best actress."
"Oh Oprah you're too kind."
"You deserve it. Now let's talk about your music."
"Yes let's" Haley said smiling as she crossed her legs.
"It is common knowledge that you were discovered at an open mic night in your hometown of Tree Hill North Carolina."
"Yes, that's right. I was sixteen and I was dared by my best friend and my cousin to get up on stage and sing."
"And the rest of the story is that you got on stage and wowed the crowd. It was so great that the owner asked you to come back and you did. Tell us about that."
"I was a cheerleader and I was dared. I got on that stage and I fell in love. I became one with the music. Deb, the owner of Tric, which is one of the best clubs in North Carolina, asked me to come back the following week and I did, one week turned into another week and so on and so on."
"And then you were discovered?"
"Yes I was, I got my big break while singing at Tric."
"You were discovered by the late, great, Chris Keller. Tell us about that chapter in your life."
Haley took a deep breath before she answered. Chris Keller, the man that had discovered her, the man that had made her into what she was today. It still hurt when she talked about him.
"Haley…" she heard Oprah say.
"I'm sorry. After all these years it still hurts to talk about him. Chris Keller was an amazing man. He made me, and that's the truth. I wouldn't be here today without him, and that's the truth. He turned me into star. When he died a piece of me died too."
"Was it ever romantic Haley?"
"No it wasn't. The press made it out to be like that but it wasn't, it was always about the music. He help me develop my voice and encouraged me to write my own songs. He was like a father to me. He was tough when I needed him to be tough. He was sweet when I needed him to be sweet. He welcomed me into his life and I am forever grateful for that. He gave me a chance, he believed in me. I was very lucky to have him in my life."
"Yes he was an amazing man. You donate 10 percent of your ticket sales to the research of pancreatic cancer in Chris Keller's name that is commendable."
"I don't do it to make people say, wow look what Haley James does. I did it so they can find a cure for the disease that killed my friend. I want a cure to be found."
"After Chris died you went into hiding for a few months, but then you came out with a brand new album which you dedicated to him…"
"I don't mean to interrupt you Oprah. I didn't go into hiding I just went somewhere to mourn my mentor, my friend. I needed to do it, and I mourned him. He deserved that. I got away from everyone and everything. I needed the time away from it all. I spent time taking stock of my life. Making decisions about what I wanted to be, and how to achieve that. I spend months thinking about everything that I had been through and everything Chris Keller did for me. And I wrote songs as a tribute to him. That was my therapy, song writing. The critics said it was one of my best albums, and I'm proud of it, but I would give it up in a minute if I can get my friend back."
"You loved him a great deal."
"Yes I did."
"Lets talk about your childhood. You lost your father at a young age. And your mother raised you."
"Yes she did. My dad died when I was three and my mom raised me all alone. She never remarried."
"How was that? Growing up with just your mom."
"I had a great childhood. I was lucky. My mother was both my mom and dad. I grew up surrounded by love and I watched my mother turn herself into a business woman. She open up a Café in our town and it was a huge hit, she went back to college and got her degree in business administration. My cousin Brooke who also lost her parents at a young age lived with us and my mother gave us a happy childhood."
"There's been a lot of loss in your life, and you're so young."
"Look Oprah, my life is wonderful because I made it that way. Yes there is loss, but there is also happiness. I love my music, my movies, my family, and my fans. I love my life. I love the fact that I get letters from women who tell me I inspire them. I love the fact that, despite the glitz and glamour, I can still go home and wait tables at my moms café. She keeps me pretty grounded."
"You wait tables?"
"Yes, I, Haley James, grammy award winning singer, do occasionally wait tables in Tree Hill North Carolina."
"I would pay big money to see that. Tell your mother to send us a picture. Now, we have talked about the past and now it's time to talk about the present. So Miss James, you have been linked to some pretty hot guys in Hollywood and in the music world, Adam Levine…."
"Not true." Haley said, as laughter erupted out of her. "He's hot and he knows it. His fiance is a good friend of mine. Look, I know what everyone thinks and what everyone wants to know and the answer is I'm currently single. There is no man in my life and I'm perfectly content."
"Wow, it's hard to believe that Haley James is single. I mean, men go crazy for you. So no man, that's surprising. Which makes me wonder..let me ask you a question why no man, you're beautiful and talented and single."
"There's no man right now because I don't want one. I'm happy being single. I like my freedom. I like not answering to anyone. If I want something I just get it myself. I have my friends, my family and my music. That's all I need. I'm happy this way."
"Do you believe in love?"
"Yes I do. Love is a beautiful thing and I can't wait to experience it again, but I'm not looking for it. I believe that true love does happen, but you never know when. It can happen to me today or next week, I have no clue when, and I don't care. All I know is that I'm just Haley, a women like all other women out there that hopes that one day she is lucky enough to experience it. That's all."
"Are you afraid that it already passed you by?"
"No, I know it hasn't yet. True love is different, it never fades away. It's part of you and when it happens I believe it knocks the wind out of you."
"Haley James you are a wise girl. Wow! So tell us what's next for Haley? Another album? Movie?"
"What's next well Oprah, what's next is a vacation. I'm taking a break. No more albums, no movies for a bit. I plan to get away, margaritas and pina coladas away. I need this, and I plan to have it."
The brunette turned off the TV and reached for her glass of wine, she took a sip and smiled.
"Well, what do you think?" she asked the young blond sitting on the couch.
"I'm confused mom, I don't understand why you wanted me to watch it?" he answered her.
"Lucas pay attention, what did you think of her?"
"She beautiful alright, and talented. I've heard her songs, but I'm still not following mom."
"She's it Luke, she's the face of Illusions. She's exactly what I want. She's perfect. The hair, the smile, the face, the attitude, she's perfect."
"Mom, we picked the face already. We have a contract that is about to be signed, you can't just throw it out the window, Nathan will have a fit…"
"Lucas Scott, am I still the owner and president of this company?"
"Yes but…"
"But nothing. I want Haley James. She's it, she is the face, she fits. I want her and I don't care what your brother says. I built this company from nothing and I made it successful, I have the final say in every thing that happens here. Not you and not your brother. I say Haley James and that's who you're going to get."
"But mom…"
"No buts Luke. Take care of Nathan and get me Haley. I want the contract signed, sealed, and delivered by the end of the week. Give her whatever she wants, just get her. Is that understood?"
"Yes mom!"
"Good now lets figure out how we're going to break it to your brother…"