Cheats, Lies and Lust
Nathan sat down in the cafe, by the window, slipping his cup of coffee. As he put the cup back down on the table; he pulled a small diamond engagement ring out of his pocket. He was planning to propose to his long-term girlfriend Peyton last week until he found her in bed with his ex-ravens team mate Jake. He lent back on his chair studying the ring closely, twiddling it between his thumbs. He and Peyton hadn't really been getting on and maybe he felt like getting engaged was a way to deter the fights or maybe he just felt he had to. Nathan knew deep down him and Peyton hadn't been the same for a year now and he was more humiliated than heartbroken.
"More Coffee Nathan?" The blonde approached him with a smile and Nathan quickly put the ring back in his pocket.
"Er... yeah thanks Haley that would be great." He half-smiled at her and pushed his cup in her direction. Haley picked up cup and began to pour the hot liquid into it.
"Feeling any better today?" she asked with a genuine look of concern. Her innocence and kindness always astounded Nathan
"I am now" he smirked at her and she put cup back on the table.
Haley began to laugh and Nathan could have sworn he saw a slight blush form across her porcelain skin. "Well Good, you know where I am if you need anything else" she smiled once again and Nathan watched her return behind the counter of the cafe. It was a slow day and on slow days Haley was usually left to run the cafe on her own.
Haley had moved to Tree hill 5 months ago and had immediately been hired by Karen to work as a waitress. A Natural beauty with a warm smile and caring attitude, she had made a effort to get to know regulars in the cafe and had always seem to take a general interest in the lives of those around her. Her talent for empathising had only naturally led her to be a favourite waitress of many of the customers around.
Nathan who was a regular at the cafe had been approached by Haley immediately and was drawn by her smile. On quiet days they would be known to have short conversations, nothing personal as such but just small things that make for a strong connection. Maybe it was that, that had led him to confide in her about Peyton or maybe it was just her presence either way he had.
Despite Haley taking an interest in the lives of others she was very quick to dismiss any questions that may be directed at her on a more personal level. However with Nathan's mother being friends with the cafe manager he had heard things, things that angered him but nothing he would ever mention to Haley. She seemed to be getting on with her life now in Tree Hill.
The bell on the cafe door rang and Nathan looked up to see a tallish blonde man walk through the door straight to the counter which Haley was currently cleaning.
"Welcome to Karen's Cafe, how I can help?"
"I think you know" the blonde man said to her in a quiet yet menacing manner.
Haley looked up slowly from her newly clean counters. "Ryan!" she gasped.