Haley was packing her and James bags for the weekend. Tomorrow they were going to see Nathan play basketball with Lucas and his family. Her mom and dad were going to her brother Henry's house for the holidays. When Karen found out she asked Haley and James to come with them.
Jamie was so excited about getting to see Nathan play. Nathan has been so good to Jamie. Haley was surprised that someone of Nathan's age would be so nice to a little boy who he really just met.
Brooke had told her stories about the Scott brothers and how Nathan was quite the ladies man. Nathan was a very nice looking young man Haley wouldn't disagree with that. He seemed different from what Brooke said he was like. Brooke was not bad mouthing her brother-in-law she loved him and the way he was with Lauren. Family came first to Nathan there was no question about that.
The first half of the game was very exciting. Jamie was enjoying himself. This was his first real game he has been too. They got to sit in a suite that Nathan had arranged for them. Jamie and Lauren got a special visit from the mascot and had picture taken with him. They looked so cute with the shirts Nathan had gotten for them on.
Keith and Karen went to a family lunch before the game so Lucas and Brooke took Haley and the kids on a tour of the campus.
"Thanks again for asking us to come Karen." Haley said.
"Nonsense you and Jamie are practically family." Karen said holding her sleeping granddaughter.
"Karen you want me to take her?" Brooke asked her mother-in-law.
"No honey she's fine."
"Lucas why do they switch baskets?" Jaime asked seeing the team shot at the opposite hoop.
"They always change baskets at halftime."
"Your brother is having a good game." Keith said looking at the scoreboard.
Nathan had 15pts at the half and 8 rebounds he was on pace for another double double.
"Nathan said the Maui tournament was pretty tough." Lucas said to his dad.
"They definitely got some good games in."
The game was over and the Tar Heels won by 15pts. Nathan ended the game with 26pts and 10 rebounds. He was also named the games MVP. Everyone was down court side waiting for Nathan. He had said he would give everyone a tour of the locker room and the practice facility.
They had made it to the 5th Quarter a local Bar & Grill in town. Tomorrow they were going to The Tar Heel Club for Thanksgiving dinner.
"Great game son." Keith said to Nathan who was holding his niece.
"Thanks dad."
"Nathan you really are very good." Haley said as she sat across from him.
"I don't know about that." Nathan said blushing a little.
"Don't be so modest. You were like the best one out there."
During dinner Nathan found himself glancing at Haley from across the table. He liked everything about her. The way she laughed and her smile and the way she was with her son. He realized that the feelings he had he had never had before.
"Nathan when you dunked the ball that was the coolest thing I ever saw." Jamie said. "I wish I could do that."
"It just takes lots of practice and you need to be a little taller." Nathan said to Jamie sitting next to him.
"I want to be tall just like you. Do you think I will be tall like Nathan mama?"
"I don't know Jaime we'll have to see." Haley said smiling at her son and Nathan.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving. They all went to eat then went back to the hotel and swam. Nathan had one more day off before practice started again. He had asked Haley to help him with presents for his family.
"Thanks for coming with me Haley." Nathan said as they walked in the mall.
"Don't mention it. I like picking out presents. Do you have any idea of what to get?"
"No clue."
"Well then let's get started." Haley said with a smile.
Nathan and Haley had formed a pretty good friendship. Being just a friend to a girl was new to him but he had told Haley things he had never told anyone. Haley was very easy to talk to. Nathan was enjoying his day with Haley. They started walking to the food court when he heard some one shouting his name. He turned to see a girl jump on him and kiss him.
Haley just watched as the girl flung herself at him and shook her head. She remembered what Brooke said about Nathan and his girls. She figured this was one of them.
Nathan quickly pulled away and looked over to Haley who was looking at her phone.
"Jessica what's up?" Nathan asked quietly.
"Where have you been? You haven't been to the soreity house in awhile. I miss you." Jessica said running her hands down his chest.
Nathan grabbed her hands and pushed her away from him. He really didn't like Jessica they just hook up once last year. This was a big mistake on his part.
"I've been busy with basketball and stuff. Look I really got to go." Nathan said wishing a boulder would fall right on his head.
"Ok well you should come by tonight I will make it worth your while." Jessica said kissing him on the cheek and looking at Haley with a smirk on her face as she walked away.
Nathan didn't know what to say. He hated that Jessica did that especially in front of Haley. Now who knows what she thought about him.
"I'm sorry about that." Nathan said looking at Haley shaking her head.
Haley was use to this sort of thing. When she and Justin dated this happened all the time. Justin would always say that it was nothing and Haley was the only one.
"It's what happens when you are a basketball player right. I've seen it before. It was like being with Justin all over again." Haley said.
Nathan knew a little about Justin from Lucas and Brooke. He instantly hated the guy for leaving Jamie and Haley alone.
Haley started walking away when Nathan grabbed her arm to turn her around. Haley had never seen Nathan look so serious before.
"I would never do what he did Hales I hope you know that. I'm not that guy." Nathan said looking in her eyes.
Haley felt a slight shiver run up her back. Nathan had never been so close to her before. He sounded so mature for his age. She didn't mean to say he was like Justin he was far from it.
"I know your not." Haley said as she took his hand in hers. "Hales huh." Haley said referring to the nickname he called her.
"Sorry it just came out."
"I like it." Haley said smiling at him.
"I am really sorry about Jessica. I use to be a different guy."
"Nathan don't worry. Now let's finish shopping." Haley said as she linked her arm and his together.
