Thank you all for the reviews last chapter. I know it's been a while since I updated, and I'm sorry for the delay. But today is my last day of classes, so hopefully I'll have more time to write in the future. Meanwhile, I hope you guys enjoy this next chapter and will leave a review. Thanks!


Chapter 9

Haley drank another mouthful of her beer and set it down on the table. She could feel her stomach rumble from a lack of food and stood up. She made her way over to the patio where the big table of food was stationed. Everything looked great. Just from the smell Haley could tell that Karen had made most of it. She decided to try a little bit of everything. At least until she spotted the bowl of mac and cheese. Unable to resist, she took an extra scoop.

Afterward, Haley returned to her table. Her parents were off chatting with the other adult guests, leaving her alone. She didn't necessarily mind. She could take care of herself. But it didn't help that people were staring at her. Although no one would come out and say it, she was definitely the odd person out at the party.

"What are you doing sitting by yourself?"

"Eating."

"I can see that," Brooke observed. "But not what I meant."

"It's fine, Brooke."

"I'm sorry about before." Haley frowned, not understanding. "You know, with Peyton," she elaborated.

"Oh."

"She's just—"

"You don't have to say anything. I get it."

Brooke nodded and gestured to the seat next to her. "Mind if I sit down?"

"Go ahead."

"So, excluding what happened before, are you having a good time?"

"Yeah," Haley answered, trying to not sound like she was lying. The party was really cute and looked like fun. But she just couldn't enjoy it under the circumstances. Of course she couldn't tell Brooke that.

"Have you talked to Nathan at all today?"

She shook her head. "Not since he invited me to sit down with you guys. I know he's been avoiding me."

"Well, maybe he just needs some time," Brooke suggested. "You did just show up out of the blue."

"It's been seven years, Brooke. He knew that this would happen eventually. I can't keep putting my life on hold for him."

"All I'm saying is that maybe a little bit more time couldn't hurt. Nathan's a good guy, Haley. He doesn't do things like this without a reason."

"What reason could he possibly have that justifies stalling?" she questioned.

Brooke was silent for a moment. "I…I don't know."

"You don't know or you won't tell me?"

"Look, all I'm saying is that Nathan has turned into a really amazing man. Any woman would be lucky to have him. You technically already do," she added. "But my point is that once it's over, it's over. And if you don't take the time to examine what exactly you're giving up, you might regret it someday."

Haley glanced down at the plate in front of her, trying to rein in her emotions. She knew that Brooke was just trying to help her, but all she did was frustrate her further. It wasn't as if she didn't think it all through. "I know what I'm doing, Brooke."

"For both your sakes, I hope you're right."

"Haley Bop, are you trying this food? It's delicious!" Lydia exclaimed as she and Jimmy took their seats. They both had large plates of food in their hands.

Haley was relieved for the distraction. She didn't want to talk about Nathan anymore. She just needed to get through the rest of the party. "Yes. It is."

"Best macaroni salad I've ever tasted," Jimmy proclaimed. "No offense, honey."

Lydia dismissed it with a wave of her hand. "None taken. I can cook, but I'm no Betty Crocker like Karen." She laughed at herself. "Oh, Haley Bop, I saw Nathan a moment ago. He was helping Karen bring out more food. Isn't that sweet?"

"Sure. Whatever."

"I'm serious. You don't know how hard it is to find a guy who will help you in the kitchen. The only thing your father lifts is his fork."

"That's because I'm the official taste tester."

"Sure you are, dear."

"I'm a taste tester, too. I can't cook for my life," Brooke commented.

"See. It's a very honorable profession," argued Jimmy.

"All I'm saying is that women need more men like Nathan."

Haley didn't look up at her mother. She was sure that Lydia was giving her a hinting look of some kind at the moment. "I'm going to get more mac and cheese. Anyone want anything else?"

"Um, could you get me a Diet Coke?"

"Sure."

"Thanks, Tutor Girl."

"But if you run into Nathan, stay and talk. We don't need you back right away," Lydia added.

Haley didn't reply. She just rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time that day. When was her mother going to give it a rest?


Nathan glanced over at the table where Haley and her parents were sitting. For the last hour, he'd wanted so badly to talk to her. But it seemed like every time he tried to go over there something else came up. Either they needed more food, balloons, or to clean up some of the kids' messes. Nathan even had to escort one little boy to the bathroom before he peed his pants.

"Man, those kids are blowing through that pizza."

"It is pretty good."

Deb smiled. "Bucko seems to like it, too."

Nathan looked out the window from the kitchen and noticed the clown chomping on a few pieces. "Is he supposed to do that?"

"He's taking a break."

"Oh."

"Maybe I should go out there and talk to him."

Nathan frowned. "Why?"

"He looks a little left out."

"He's a hired clown, Mom. He's not supposed to mingle," Nathan joked.

"I know, but I feel bad. He's actually a very nice guy."

He watched his mother's face carefully for a moment and shuddered. "Oh, ew. Do you like him?"

"What?"

"He's a clown, Mom."

"So? I'm sure he's really cute without the colorful makeup."

"That's just wrong."

"Plus, you know what they say about big feet." She pointed to Bucko's giant-size shoes.

"Okay, I really didn't need to hear that either."

"I'm just saying…"

"Well, stop. Please."

"What would you like to talk about, then?"

"Anything but that."

"Fine. I noticed that Haley's here."

Nathan tried to keep a straight face. "Karen invited her."

"From what I understand, you don't mind having her here either."

He shrugged wordlessly.

"Come on, Nathan, don't get all quiet on me now," Deb said. "I heard about the papers and all of that."

"So?"

"So I want to know what is going on with my son."

"Nothing's going on."

"Yeah right. Your wife randomly shows up after years of silence and is demanding that you sign divorce papers. Papers, might I add, that you'd told everyone you already signed."

"It's complicated."

"Well, you better un-complicate it. I don't want to see you get hurt again, Nathan. She left you. You can't rewrite what happened."

"Can we not talk about this right now?" He knew that his mother was just trying to look out for him—like she always did. But if he had to hear one more person lecture him about Haley, he was going to lose it. They could try to understand all they wanted, but none of them had even the slightest clue what her being back meant to him or what it could entail.

"You wanted to talk about something else."

"I changed my mind. I don't want to talk about this either."

Before she could say another word, Nathan walked outside onto the deck. Just as he passed through the door, he collided with someone else. He put his hands out to steady the person. "Sorry. I didn't see you." His heart immediately started pounding in his chest when he glanced down at the person he was holding.

"It's okay. I wasn't paying attention either," Haley replied.

His eyes met hers and he found himself unable to look away. He could feel his fingers tingling as they touched the soft skin of her arms.

"Nathan, wait, I'm—" Deb's words were cut short as she took in the pair. Her expression was a mixture of shock and trepidation.

Haley quickly pulled out of Nathan's grasp, much to his disappointment. "I was just looking for the bathroom."

"Uh, it's down the hall to the right," he informed her.

"Thanks." Haley made a move to go into the house, but Deb was still blocking her way.

"I'm surprised you came."

"Karen invited me."

"Didn't mean you had to come."

"Mom," Nathan warned.

"Well, I won't be staying that long," Haley explained. "My flight leaves tomorrow."

"That's good. Maybe things can actually get back to normal."

Nathan shot another glare in his mother's direction.

Haley gave her a tight smile. "Nobody wants that more than me. Excuse me." She walked around her and into the house.

Nathan felt his anger rise. "Why did you have to say that?" he demanded once Haley was out of earshot. "You couldn't just leave it alone, could you?"

"Nathan—"

"None of you can. You think you're all helping me, but you're really just screwing it all up."

"Nathan, listen—"

"Deb, can you grab the birthday candles on the counter?" Karen called. "We're going to light the cake now."

"Okay," Deb replied. "Just a sec." She returned her attention to Nathan. "Really think about what you want, Nathan. That's all I'm asking."

"Let me make my own decisions. That's all I'm asking." He turned to go back inside the house. "I'll get the candles."


Haley stood off to the side as Lily blew the candles out on her cake. She clapped and cheered along with everyone else.

"You know, I never noticed that Nathan was so in shape," Lydia whispered to her.

Haley followed her mother's gaze. Nathan was walking back into the house—probably to grab something for Karen. He seemed to be helping her throughout most of the party.

"I guess," Haley commented disinterestedly.

"I wonder how long he works out to get a firm buttocks like that."

"Mom."

"What? You have to admit that it's great. Not many men can get glutes like that. Does Andy have nice glutes?"

"Mom," she hissed again under her breath.

"I was just curious. Nathan used to be an athlete. He takes care of himself. Does Andy—"

"Yes, Andy takes care of himself."

"But do his glutes—"

Haley sighed exasperatedly. "Yes, he has glutes."

"Are they as firm as Nathan's?"

"Mom, we are not having this conversation right now."

"I mean, I wouldn't mind your father having—"

Haley bit her lip to keep from shouting at her mother. During the whole party all she seemed to be doing was talking to her about Nathan and dropping all sorts of hints. It was really starting to get on her nerves. And she didn't appreciate it when her mother kept trying to measure Andy against Nathan. They were completely different people.

"—and look at those biceps," Lydia prattled on. "He could probably lift you with one hand. Not to mention that he's tall. Is Andy tall? Because it's always handy to have someone around who can lift things off of those high shelves."

"I'm going to get some air," Haley declared.

"But we're already outside," her mother pointed out.

"I know." She stalked off in the opposite direction and made her way around the house to the front yard. She ran her hands through her hair and groaned in exasperation.

This day just kept getting worse and worse. First, she couldn't find anything to wear. Then she had that awkward introduction with her former friends, in which Peyton practically shunned her. Brooke gave her a talk about Nathan as other partygoers stared at her. She then ran into Nathan and Deb-who did not look at all pleased to see her. And her mother would just not quit with the stupid Andy-versus-Nathan comparisons. This day could not get any worse.

"Are you okay?"

Haley let out a small squeal and whipped around to face the voice behind her. Nathan was sitting on the front stairs. Great. Just great. Let's add a second encounter with my husband to the list. Maybe we can get into another fight in which he'll avoid me and refuse to sign the papers.

"I thought you were in the house."

"I was and then came out here."

"Aren't you going to have any cake?"

"Not right now."

Haley folded her arms and looked down at her shoes. Suddenly they were so interesting.

"What about you? You don't want cake?"

"Not right now," she repeated, shrugging.

"You wanna sit down?" He motioned to the space next to him.

She was about to decline when she felt the heels of her shoes sinking into the grass, yet again. And it's not like she wanted to go back to the party at the moment. "Okay. Just for a few minutes."

Nathan pushed over to make more room. The front stairs weren't all that big. They sat in silence for a little while. Haley let her eyes roam over the neighborhood and cars parked along the street. There really were a lot of people over for Lily's party.

"It's kind of strange," she commented softly.

"What is?"

"Being here at Karen's new house. I'd always thought they were going to stay in their other one forever. It had a lot of memories."

She could remember the times when she and Lucas would have their sleepovers as children and stay up all night watching movies and telling scary stories. Or the times Karen would babysit her while her parents went away for the weekend. She'd make Haley's favorite foods for her and later take her and Lucas to the park to play and get ice cream. She smiled just thinking about it.

"It did. But I guess Karen and Keith wanted to start over. Karen got that house when Lucas was a baby and she was on her own. I think they wanted something they could share together."

She nodded. "Makes sense."

"But all isn't lost. Lucas is living there now."

"He is?" Haley asked, surprised.

"Yeah. Karen and Keith had planned on giving the house to Lucas when he was ready. They rented it out for a while to other people. Lucas and Lindsey finally bought it when they decided to move in together."

"Oh. That's nice."

"They've been there ever since." He looked over at her. "So where are you living in New York?" Aside from her job, Nathan knew very little about Haley's life in the city. He didn't like not knowing what was going with her. If he could, he'd like to fill in some of the blanks.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you have a house? Apartment?"

"Apartment," she answered. "There really aren't that many houses in the city."

"Do you have a roommate?" The image of Haley with her boyfriend suddenly flashed through his mind. He tensed and held his breath for her answer.

"No. I live by myself."

Relief instantly spread through Nathan. But he tried not to show it. "Must be expensive there. But then again, you are a big designer now."

She smiled wryly. "I wasn't always a big designer. It was hard then."

"What did you do?"

"A friend took me in for a while." She looked up to see Nathan watching her intently. She tried, unsuccessfully, to gauge his expression. He'd always been good at hiding his emotions.

His gaze held a moment longer before he spoke. "Good. That was nice of her."

Haley bit her lip, unsure if she should correct him. The person who'd taken her in hadn't been a "her." It was a "him." The same "him" she was planning on marrying.

"Yes, it was." She fiddled with her hands while trying figure out if she really wanted to ask him her next question. "Why did you…How come you haven't moved out of the house?"

"I guess it's like what you said before. It has a lot of memories."

Haley focused back on her hands but could still feel Nathan's eyes on her. She had to tell him about Andy. She had to stress how important it was that they both finally move on. She was set to leave tomorrow, and she was not going to push her flight back again. This had to finally be taken care of today.

"Maybe you should move."

"Maybe I don't want to."

Her head snapped up at that. She surveyed his expression and saw the determination in his eyes. Haley sighed. "Nathan, look, there's something that I have to tell you."

"If it's that you have a boyfriend, I already know."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You do?"

"Yes."

"Oh, um…right. I do. But that, uh, isn't quite what I was going to say. It's more than that."

"Meaning?" he asked cautiously. He wasn't liking the sound of this.

"Nathan, I'm—" She was cut off by the sound of her phone ringing. Haley checked the caller ID and saw that it was Andy.

"I'm assuming that you need to take that."

"Um, well, I can—"

"Just take it, Haley. We can talk later." He stood up and headed for the front door.

Haley called after him but he'd already gone in the house. "Damn it," she swore. Of course they had to be interrupted. And it was just like Nathan to take off before he could hear something he probably wouldn't like.

Haley clicked her phone and put it to her ear. "Hello," she clipped out.

"Whoa. Are you okay?"

"Um, yeah, sorry," she apologized and tried to soften her tone, feeling bad for snapping at Andy. He sounded concerned.

"You sure? You sound upset."

"It's nothing. I'm fine. I'm just a little stressed at the moment."

"Are you still at the party?"

"Yes."

"So it's not going well?"

"It's okay. I stepped away for a few minutes to get some air. What's up?"

"I won't keep you long. I just wanted to let you know that I signed that new artist."

"Wow, Andy, that's great."

"We just finished negotiations this morning. I thought you could use some good news."

"That really is great. I'm proud of you," she said sincerely.

"Thanks," he replied. "Now is there anything I can help you with? Did you need to talk?"

"No."

"Are you positive? I'm a great listener."

She laughed softly. "I know you are. It's okay. I just needed a moment alone to myself. I'm fine now. Just hearing your voice makes me feel better. I should probably get back."

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow at the airport."

"All right."

"And be safe."

"I will."

"Bye. Love you."

"Love you, too." Haley disconnected the call and ran a hand through her hair. She had to go back to the party and stick the rest of it out. Then she was going to pull Nathan aside later and make him sign the papers. Afterward, she was going to go home, sit her parents down, and tell them about the engagement. Then this nightmare could finally end.

Haley walked to the backyard and saw that everyone was sitting around and eating their cake. Lily and a few of her friends were still running back and forth across the yard with frosting around their mouths. Nathan was chasing after them. Haley smiled when she noticed that Lily was wearing the jacket she gave her.

There was a loud squeal as Nathan scooped up Lily and tossed her in the air before catching her again. The other children continued to laugh and run. Even Lucas had joined in on the chasing. Haley giggled at the sight of two grown men playing with the kids. They all looked like they were having fun.

"It's a cute sight, isn't it?"

Haley tensed when she noticed that Peyton was standing beside her. "Yeah, it is."

"Nathan's really good with the kids—especially Lily."

She nodded. "I see that."

"You don't deserve him."

Haley looked at her sharply. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. I said you don't deserve him," Peyton repeated with a cold, unapologetic stare. "I know that the only reason you're here is because you want him to sign the divorce papers."

"I never said anything otherwise."

"Personally, I wish that Nathan would just sign them and get it over with already. But he seems to want to keep you around. He's even got Karen and Brooke agreeing with him."

"Look, I can see that you're pissed about this whole thing, but I can't control that," Haley explained, keeping her voice even. "All I need is Nathan's signature and then I'll be gone."

"Oh, I'm way beyond pissed. I've been furious ever since you left the first time. But then I started to realize that maybe it was good that you did. All you've ever thought about was yourself. And as far as I can tell, that hasn't changed."

"Just because we were friends once does not mean that you know everything about me."

"I know enough. You're a snobby, selfish bitch who's M.O. is leaving when the going gets tough. And while I may be angry at you, it's not me that I'm worried about. It's Nathan," she declared. "So I suggest that you get those damn papers signed and leave him the hell alone. Then you and Daddy Warbucks can live happily ever after in that shit hole known as New York without us ever having to hear from you again."

"Just who the hell do you think you are to judge me?" Haley retorted angrily with her hands on her hips. "And who the hell is 'Daddy Warbucks'?"

"I know that you have a rich boyfriend."

"Yes, I have a boyfriend. And yes, he's rich. But his money has nothing to do with anything."

Peyton scoffed. "Oh please. You come back down here flaunting your designer clothes and $400 jeans acting like you're better than us. It's all about the money."

"Um, ladies, would you mind keeping your voices down," Brooke said, rushing over. "People can hear you."

Haley, however, ignored her and addressed Peyton. "You have some nerve. Andy is an amazing guy."

"Nathan is an amazing guy."

"What is going on over here?" Lydia questioned and stood beside Brooke. Karen, Keith, and Lindsey also joined them.

"What's going on is that I'm sick and tired of everyone trying to compare Andy and Nathan!" she exclaimed.

"No one is trying—" Lydia began.

"Yes, you are, Mom. You and everyone else have been doing it all day. Nathan is tall. Nathan is strong. Nathan helps out in the kitchen. Nathan is good with the kids…over and over again I have to hear it! You make these judgments, but you have absolutely no idea the kind of guy that Andy is, and you don't want to know," she argued. She noticed Peyton try to interrupt again but kept going.

"But he is amazing. He may be rich, but he donates tons of money to charities. And he doesn't just write a check. He volunteers at the organizations, too. He may not be the tallest or most muscular guy, but he's still handsome. He can help out in a kitchen and cook. And he absolutely adores kids—especially his little niece and nephews. I also know that he is one of the nicest men I have ever met and that he loves me. Really truly loves me, which is why he asked me to marry him!"

"Haley," her mother muttered, stunned.

Haley reached into her purse and pulled out the ring. She heard a number of gasps as she slid it onto her left ring finger and held it up to show everyone. "And why I said yes."