I'm back!
As always, thank you so much for the story/author alerts I have received and continue to receive for this story. And a big thanks to naleyhumor, SPNALEY, venica23, 2naley, ThaAnya, Othfan48, cassie420, HBJHOTH23 (chapter 9), Kirsty23, Mikarg, saderia, othlove409, amkjo001, JamesLover23, woz1971, NALEYAAF23, and all the guests who left reviews. They always make me smile. :)
AN: This is a shorter (filler) chapter and it's a LOT of dialogue - about anything and nothing. Haha. It doesn't have a lot of Naley interaction, I will warn ya.
Please forgive any spelling/grammar mistakes.
Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated with
July 18, 2005
Haley placed the plates full of food on the table for the two teenagers - probably in their late teens - sitting in the booth. She smiled kindly at them, telling them to "enjoy" before walking away.
Four customers who she's been waiting on for the past hour or so stood from their table, heading towards the door.
"Have a great day. Please come back soon." She grinned, waving as they exited the café. Haley sauntered over to the table and picked up the black, rectangular check holder. She opened it to find a two dollar tip from a thirty-five dollar check. "With the rest of my tip." She added, stuffing the bills into the right pocket of her shorts.
Some people were so damn cheap. Haley didn't smile and keep a cheerful attitude going for the heck of it.
Sighing, Haley began to gather the dirty dishes and silverware from the table, as well as the trash, and placed everything into the plastic, gray tub. She grabbed the wet rag hanging from her apron and wiped it across the table until it was good and clean before picking the tub up and carried it to the back, leaving it on one of the counters.
When she pushed through the swinging doors, Haley saw Lucas walking into the café. She smiled brightly, more than happy to see him. "Hey, Luke."
"Hales." He sat down on one of the counter chairs, watching as she ran a rag across the counter surface. "How is business today?"
"Busy actually. You just missed the morning rush - ended about five minutes ago." Haley answered as she pulled out her menu pad. "And what do you want since I know you're dying for some of that delicious smelling food?"
"Why, yes I am. Pancakes sound really good."
"Chocolate chips and whipped cream?"
"The whole deal." Lucas stated, slapping his palms against the counter. "A bowl of fruit and some oj, too. Please and thank you."
"Will do. And you are most certainly welcome." She ripped off the order and handed it to Brandon who offered out a quick greeting to Lucas.
For the next thirty minutes, Haley restocked some items that had dwindled down to nothing. The café wasn't as busy as before, but she knew the next rush was about to start. There was usually a small, one-to-two hour window of down time between breakfast and lunch rushes. Lucas was still sitting at the counter, wolfing down his food.
Haley walked behind the counter and set to work on making new pots of both regular and decaf coffee. "How's Karen doing?" She asked, ripping open the packages. She laughed, glancing back at Lucas when he groaned. "That good, huh?"
"My mom needs to pop out that baby, Hales. She's unbearable to live with right now. In fact, I may even stay and help you with the lunch rush just to avoid going back home."
"Well, I would love the help." Haley winked at him.
"Mom is crazy. One minutes she's happy and then literally a second later, she's yelling or crying - sometimes both. I can't take it."
"I know what you mean. Karen stopped in yesterday, and she was kind of all over the place." Haley pressed the Brew button on the coffee maker and walked back to the counter, standing directly in front of her friend. "But you know what, Luke, when you're carrying around an extra ten pounds - at least - then you're entitled to be a little crazy. Do you have any idea what pregnancy can do to a woman's hormones? Not to mention, she's two weeks past her due date. I can only imagine how uncomfortable she's feeling right now. Heck, Karen probably wants that kid out of her more than you do so give your mom a break."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." He relented with a heavy sigh, leaning back in his chair and scratched the side of his head.
"I usually am." She smiled. "Soon that precious baby girl will be born and your mom will be back to normal - hopefully."
The two laughed as Lucas said he's praying to God for that to be the case.
Haley picked up half a strawberry and tossed it into her mouth.
"You know, it's good that you're here." Lucas stated, pushing his bowl closer to her as she started digging into the leftover fruit he had. "I know my mom really appreciates how much you've been covering for her. You must be exhausted, though. How many days has it been since you've had a day off? Or even worked less than a fourteen hour day for that matter?"
"Oh, who cares?" She responded with a wave of her hand. "It's fine. I'm happy to do it. I would just be sitting at home, stuffing my face with all the junk food I can eat. plus, the extra cash on my paychecks is more than nice."
"Well, my mom better watch out. You're gonna be running this place one day if you keep this up." He teased.
Haley laughed. "Yeah, not likely. I can't see Karen ever giving this café up. She'd have to go a little crazy first. Then again, with you and Nathan as her sons - well, I guess that could be sooner rather than later."
"Watch it, Bob."
Lucas and Haley heard the door chime and glanced in that direction. They saw Brian "Whitey" Durham strolling into the café. He was decked out in a flannel, long-sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans. A cowboy hat sat on the top of his head.
Haley couldn't help but giggle as she took in his appearance. She had never seen Whitey in anything other than his usual Ravens get-up or those suits and ties for game days. He almost looked like a whole new person - of course, that could have something to do with the smile on his face in replace of the usual scowl that made him look so grouchy all the time.
"Hey, Whitey." Lucas greeted, standing from the chair and wrapping his arms around his old coach.
"Well, well. Lucas Scott...you're still alive and kickin' I see. That coach of yours must not be riding ya too hard."
"He has his moments." Lucas laughed. "Definitely no comparison to you, though."
"I've been watching Duke this year. Sorry about the playoffs. I really thought you guys were gonna go all the way." Whitey stated.
"I did, too. But it's over now - time to focus on next season."
Whitey chuckled at that typical Lucas response. He turned his attention to the petite brunette standing behind the counter - her usual cheerful smile on her face. "Hello, darlin'." He greeted, tipping his hat towards her.
"Hi, Whitey. How are you doing?"
"Why, I can't complain." He answered as both he and Lucas sat down.
Haley filled a mug with some coffee and placed it on the counter in front of him as he thanked her.
"How's the team looking for next year? You gonna have a good season?" Lucas asked, drinking some of his orange juice.
"I have no idea." Whitey said as the two friends looked confused. "Last year was my final year. I am officially retired now."
"No kidding." Lucas commented in shock. "I thought you'd have to die before ever walking away from the Ravens."
"You and me both. Now you can tell Danny to ease up with all that 'trying to get me fired' nonsense."
The three of them laughed.
"The truth is...you and your brother were the last group of boys I enjoyed coaching. Once you two were gone it was time to move on. I think Camilla would have wanted me to retire - to enjoy the time I have left."
Haley smiled at the mention of Whitey's late wife. The story of Whitey and Camilla was always a heartbreaking yet beautiful one. Haley felt for him, losing his wife at the age they were. It must have been a terrible ordeal for him to go through. By the way he talks about her, Camilla must have been one hell of a woman. Haley always loved the way Whitey's face just lit up at the mere mention of her.
"I bought myself a little ranch - a secluded area right outside of town. Camilla loved horses so I got me a couple of them as well. We always said once my coaching time was up we'd do this. Grow old...well, older together. Just us and our horses."
"That explains the unfortunate hat." Lucas stated. "It's a little too John Wayne for you."
"I like it." Haley smiled.
"Thank you, Miss James." Whitey winked at her before taking a drink of his coffee. "Now how come you never cheered for my boys? I remember all three of your sisters standing on that sideline, wearing those short, little things. Why did I never see you?"
"I'm not exactly the cheering type."
"Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that. I know I'm getting old and slightly senile but I seem to remember a certain young lady who cheered rather loudly for those pesky Scott boys."
She laughed. "Yeah, you have a point there."
"Speaking of pesky Scott boys - how's that brother of yours doing, Lucas?" Whitey asked. "Is he staying out of trouble?"
Lucas shrugged. "I'm trying to keep him in line but you know Nathan - he doesn't always make it easy."
"I suppose he's taking that last game pretty hard." Whitey stated, knowing exactly how his former player probably reacted.
Nathan has always been so hard on himself - of course, Dan didn't make it any better. It was Nathan's junior year of high school when Whitey realized just how much pressure that man puts on his son - when the younger Scott brother took amphetamines and ended up passing out. Since that game, Whitey's perspective on, not only Nathan, but the whole game of basketball itself changed. It was just a game - not worth dying over. He decided right then and there to be a real coach to his boys, showing them that there was more to life. Whitey knew Nathan still struggled - the truth is, as long as Nathan allows Dan Scott to mess with his head then he will always doubt himself and push himself, physically and mentally, harder than necessary.
Both Lucas and Haley nodded their head, confirming the old man's suspicions.
He shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Dan Scott is toxic." Whitey stated as Lucas and Haley nodded their heads again in agreement. "I suppose you're keeping an eye on him as well." He then directed towards Haley.
"Of course." She replied.
"That doesn't surprise me. You've always had a way with the Scott brothers."
Haley smiled broadly at Lucas, winking playfully.
Haley took a seat on the empty chair next to Deb, setting her purse down on the floor near her feet. She had just arrived on the third floor - the labor and delivery wing of the hospital. She crossed her left leg over her right as her hands held the stuffed animal on her thighs. Haley smiled as she looked at it.
Karen was in labor.
Lucas and Nathan were down in the cafeteria. They went downstairs with Haley to the gift shop. The two boys soon grew bored and left her there, complaining they were starving. She waved them off, asking Lucas to bring her back a snack. Haley was fairly hungry as well, and none of them knew how long they'd be waiting. Labor can take minutes or hours.
As she perused through all the different items, Haley's eyes landed on one of the cutest dogs she had ever seen. It was pink with white circled around its right eye as well as a white nose. There was a white with pink polka dots ribbon tied around the neck; a tag hung from it, reading "It's a girl!". Yeah, the present was a little clichéd but that didn't take away any of its cuteness factor.
"That is cute." Deb commented.
Haley grinned and looked at her. "Isn't it, though? I had something similar when I was younger, except mine was brown. And it was a bear." She laughed.
Deb laughed as well. "The baby will love it." She said and then glanced around the fairly empty waiting area - three other people occupied some of its space. "Where are the boys?" She asked, noticing they didn't come back with the brunette.
"Cafeteria."
"Aww...say no more."
"Do you want something? I'll text Lucas." Haley offered.
"No, I'm fine."
"So I have asked..." Haley began, "how was the honeymoon?"
"It was wonderfully relaxing." Deb answered with a broad smile. "Sitting on the beach with the most gorgeous blue water and sipping wine on our balcony every night. It was perfect. Even Dan loosened up and had a good time. Not once did the subject of basketball come up. Believe it or not."
"Well, that's tough - if those words came from Dan then I'd say not, but since it's from you I'll believe it."
Both girls laughed.
"How is Nathan doing?" Deb asked.
Haley shrugged. "He seems fine - better, I guess. After the wedding we...well, we talked. I think he just needed to get a few things off his chest. I think he feels a bit of that weight lifted." She explained. "It probably helps that he's not staying at the beach house."
"Definitely." Deb agreed. "I was so relieved when Nathan decided to spend the summer with his mom. I think he needs a break from Dan. A break from all the pressure that man puts on him. Dan has ridden Nathan so hard, and it's really for the best that they not be under the same roof right now. And I think time away from his son will do Dan some good, too."
Haley smiled softly. This is what she respected most about Deb - she saw and understood the relationship between Dan and his sons. Deb didn't encourage her husband's behavior at all, and she was really the only person who can get the man to back off - even just slightly. That's why Haley thought Dan and Deb were good together - good for each other. Deb definitely didn't fit into the "evil stepmother" stereotype; she loved both Lucas and Nathan, and she wanted what was best for them.
Deb glanced at the petite brunette sitting beside her. "You care about him." She said, watching as Haley looked at her. "Nathan. You care about him."
A light blush formed on Haley's cheeks as she smiled at the older woman, nodding.
"I can see it in your eyes when you look at him and talk about him. That's good." Deb sighed. "I don't think he feels like he has enough people in his life who care about him - at least in a truly genuine way. I know we haven't known one another for too long, but I see how Nathan...well, both him and Lucas need you. I have grown very fond of those boys, and I do love them dearly. I see that you love them just as much - if not more. I just want to thank you for that."
"They make it easy." Haley replied as the two women smiled at one another, sharing a look of understanding.
Deb then changed the subject. "What about you? How are classes and everything going for you at Duke?"
"They're good. I'm stressed all the time but that's normal. I made the Dean's list both semesters so I guess the stress was put to good use." Haley laughed.
"Dan told me you are quite the bookworm and takes all that stuff very seriously." Deb stated as Haley nodded. "That's a good thing. It's hard enough to find a good job these days - a degree gives you a higher probability. You know, Dan has always spoken very highly about you. There's a lot of respect there. And honestly, I think he's kind of smitten with you." She laughed.
"Oh, gosh." Haley laughed as well. "That's a scary thought."
She knew Deb didn't mean it in any way other than say a child making their parents proud but still..the thought of Dan Scott being smitten with her is a little strange. Haley didn't have a bad relationship with the man but that still didn't mean she necessarily cares for him. Mostly, it is the way he treats his sons that bothers her. Since she was super close with both Lucas and Nathan, Haley had a difficult time looking past Dan's shortcomings concerning them.
"So what are you studying?" Deb asked, interrupted Haley's thoughts.
"Probably teaching - literature or something like that."
"You were a tutor in high school, right?"
Haley nodded. "Yup. I love tutoring. It's like...when I'm tutoring someone and they get it and that lights goes on - I feel good. I feel worthy. I don't know. Maybe that sounds stupid."
"No, not at all." Deb reassured, patting Haley's leg. "Teaching. I think you found your calling. This world needs more good teachers - teachers who love their job. Who enjoy helping students learn and grow. I can already tell you'd be a great teacher."
"Thanks, Deb."
The elevator dinged, causing Deb and Haley to glance that way. They saw Lucas and Nathan stepping out. Lucas was carrying food in his hands while Nathan carried drinks.
"We've got sustenance." Lucas declared. He handed Haley a turkey sandwich, holding up ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise packets. "I didn't know what you felt like."
"All of them." She responded, snatching the condiments from his hands. She saw the disgusted look he was shooting her and shrugged her shoulders. "What? They make the sandwich taste better when they're all combined."
"That's gross."
Haley rolled her eyes. "Just because you don't like mayo doesn't mean everyone else has to hate it as well."
"Whatever. Enjoy." He said, also handing her a bag of baked Lays Doritos and a package of string cheese.
"Oh, I so love you right now!" She exclaimed, immediately tearing open the string cheese.
Nathan set a can of Mountain Dew on the wooden armrest of her chair.
"I love you, too." She smiled.
He chuckled as he handed a can of diet Pepsi to Deb, knowing it was her favorite considering their fridge was always stocked full of it and he and Dan hated the stuff. They preferred regular, Gatorade, or good old-fashioned water.
"Thanks." Deb accepted it graciously.
"No problem."
"We've got a ton of other junk here." Lucas said, dropping everything on the table in front of them. "Help yourself." He grabbed water for himself and a Snickers bar before plopping down in the chair next to Haley.
Nathan sat o his other side, opening his Pepsi.
"Any news yet?" Lucas asked.
Deb shook her head. "Not yet."
"By the way, who's covering the café?" He asked, randomly realizing that Haley was here with them. Lucas didn't really think about it until just now.
"Olivia." Haley answered, her words jumbled together because of the food in her mouth. When Lucas shot her another look she opened her mouth, showing him the chewed up mess.
"Gross, Hales." He complained while laughing at the same time. Lucas noticed the stuffed dog in Haley's lap and picked it up. "Is this what you bought?"
She nodded.
"No bear?" He teased, knowing how attached Haley was to her childhood toy.
"Hey, leave Mr. Waffles alone." She warned, yanking the dog out of her friend's hands.
"Or what? He's gonna come to life and attack us with his big, bad, scary bear claws?"
"Oh, you're so funny, Lucas Eugene Scott."
"Yeah, Luke, don't make fun of Mr. Waffles." Nathan jumped in after taking a sip of his drink.
"Thank you, Nathan." She said.
"I heard he likes to drown his victims in honey instead." He added a second later, laughing.
"I take back what I said earlier. I hate you both." Haley declared, biting into her sandwich.
After another hour, the doors leading to the delivery area opened. Keith walked out, holding a baby wrapped in a pink blanket. A pink, knit hat adorned its tiny head. The four of them jumped from their chairs and scuttled towards him, meeting Keith halfway.
"You guys, this is Lilian Rose Scott. Lily, these are your big brothers Lucas and Nathan." Keith said, gesturing to the two boys before moving to the girls. "And that's Haley and Deb."
"Oh my gosh, she is so cute." Haley gushed.
Lucas was the first to hold his baby sister, cradling her gently in his arms.
"How's Karen doing?" Deb asked.
"She's good. We had a bit of a scare when she had to have an emergency c-section but everything was fine. She's resting now, but I'm sure she'll be up to seeing everyone in a bit."
Over the next couple of hours, they passed Lily between them and went into the recovery room to congratulate and visit with Karen. They all spent their time chatting and gushing over the new baby.
That's it. I know, I know - kind of a boring chapter. I warned you, though. :) Things are going to start progressing between Naley within the next few chapters.
I might have another chapter for you guys tomorrow (feeling guilty for the long wait on such a simple chapter). Our central air isn't working properly and a guy can't come out until Monday so we've been staying with my mom because of the ridiculous heat - the baby doesn't like it (neither do I, haha). My mom is all about hovering over Jude so I should have plenty of free time. If an update doesn't come tomorrow, it will definitely be there on Monday. :)
One more AN: So HBJHOTH23 pointed something out from chapter 9 that I feel I should address for you guys. Nathan's tattoo. I haven't written about it (at least not yet ;) ) because it's "assumed" that everyone knows about it; they don't know what the HJ stands for but know he has it. He uses the "I was drunk and can't remember" excuse. Since he works out, plays b-ball, and has a hot body - he's definitely gone shirtless many times so people have pretty much seen it. But don't worry, in later chapters, their tattoos will be further addressed (I have it planned out).