Chapter Thirty Six

Haley's peaceful dream slipped away from her. The pounding in her head was painful and she kept her eyes shut tight not wanting to wake up. She buried her face further into her pillow trying to fall back asleep. It didn't help. Slowly her hand moved to the other side of the bed. When she felt nothing but the cold sheets her eyes opened slowly. It took seconds for her eyes to adjust before she realized that she was alone. Her heart ached when she realized the empty space beside her.

She let that feeling in for a second before pushing it out. She then reached for her cell phone and flipped it open. No missed calls. No messages.

Her eyes snapped shut once again. The ache in her chest returned. She just wanted to fall back asleep for the rest of the day.

The smell of coffee had her eyes opening. Lifting her head slightly, she noticed Lucas standing in her doorway grinning like an idiot. He was clad in only his boxers and he held two cups of coffee in his hands. Haley groaned tiredly before dropping her head back onto her pillows.

Lucas chuckled. "How bad is it?"

"What the hell happened last night?" Haley whined. She couldn't remember anything. Her head was throbbing.

"You don't remember?"

"How much did I drink?"

"I lost count after your tenth shot," Lucas grimaced.

Haley glared at him as she sat up. "Why would you let me drink that much?"

"I was drinking too," Lucas shrugged. "And you were pretty determined to get drunk."

"My head is killing me." Haley placed her hand over her pounding head as Lucas took a seat on the side of her bed. She took the mug of coffee he offered and the two pills in his hands. She quickly took the medicine wanting to feel better as soon as possible. Her headache only felt like it was getting worse by the minute.

"Brooke should be here any minute with tacos," Lucas grinned. "I know that's your favorite when you have a hangover."

Haley's stomach twisted in pain. "I'm not hungry."

"More for me."

"I'm going back to bed."

Once her head hit the pillow she noticed Lucas reaching over on the nightstand. He held up her alarm clock and it was only then that she noticed that it was three in the afternoon.

"I figured I'd let you sleep late since we didn't get in until five this morning," Lucas spoke up.

Haley yawned tiredly. "Thanks. Now get out. I want more sleep."

"Hales, you remember why you got so wasted last night?"

"I was pissed off," Haley answered.

"And why is that?"

"Because my parents invited themselves over for dinner at the last minute and…"

Lucas sat there and waited. It took only a second for Haley to sit up quickly. Everything clicked as she glanced at the clock once again. Lucas noticed this time that Haley was completely awake.

"And they'll be here in a few hours! Dammit, Luke. Why did you let me sleep so late?"

Lucas opened his mouth to answer but didn't get a chance.

"I have a million things to do before they get here," Haley shrieked as she rushed around her room. "The apartment is a mess."

"It's spotless," Lucas objected.

Haley eyed him doubtfully. "Right. I have to go pick up something to cook. I don't have anything to wear! This whole day is going to be a disaster!"

"Calm down," Lucas instructed once he was in front of her. His hands held her shoulders as he made her look at him. "I'll help. What do you need me to do?"

Haley didn't know where to start. She had meant to clean the apartment immediately after her mother had told her they were coming over but somehow she had ended up at the bar. Brooke and Lucas had been there. One thing lead to another and now she only had a few hours before her parents would show up. She had no idea what she was supposed to make for dinner. She didn't have anything picked out to wear.

Her throbbing headache made everything worse. She couldn't think straight.

Haley blocked out the aching in her chest. She pushed away the frustration, anger, and the worry. She wasn't going to think about that. She wasn't going to think about him.

She needed to focus. All she had to do was get through the next few hours and this whole stupid day would be over. Then she could go back to obsessing over him. She didn't know where he was or even if he was ok. How would she? He never called. Not once. No messages. Nothing.

It's not like he hadn't taken off before like this. But things were different now. She was different. And the pain she felt was real. It was gut wrenching not knowing. She didn't know how to deal with this. It was just too much.

"Delivery."

The sound of Brooke's voice had Haley snapping out of her thoughts. She noticed Lucas looking at her worriedly and she smiled softly.

Brooke walked into Haley's room a second later. "You're up!"

"Do you have to be so loud?" Haley questioned painfully.

"Sorry," Brooke smiled. "I guess I can use my inside voice."

"She has a killer headache," Lucas explained.

"You did drink a lot last night."

"Yeah and now I'm paying for it," Haley sighed. "I've got to get to the store and then…"

"How about this, you make a list of what you need and I'll go to the store. Brooke can help you pick out something to wear and then once I get back I'll pick up," Lucas suggested.

"You don't have to do that."

"Let us help," Brooke smiled. "I told you we would last night, remember?"

"Not really. Last night is…blank," Haley sighed. "But thanks, guys."

"I'm gonna go get dressed. Make that list, Hales."

Lucas left the room and Brooke made her way towards the closet.

"Let's find you something to wear," Brooke called out.

"Brooke."

Brooke poked her head out of the closet and smiled. "Yeah."

"Have you heard from him?" Haley asked quietly before biting her bottom lip nervously.

"Um, no…not yet."

Haley's stomach twisted once again when she noticed the look on Brooke's face. Why did Brooke suddenly looked so upset and worried?

Haley was finishing up on the last bit of dishes when she heard someone walk into the kitchen. She didn't turn to see who it was. She didn't care. All she wanted was for this night to be over with so that she could crawl back into bed. It was getting late and she was sure her parents would be leaving soon.

She felt a hand on her back seconds later. "Hey."

"Hey," Haley smiled halfheartedly.

"You're not still upset are you?" Bobby asked.

"No," Haley replied hesitantly. "I'm fine."

"She really didn't mean anything by it."

Haley listened as Bobby tried to once again explain her mother's actions. Haley really didn't care. Her mother had gone behind her back once again and was trying to set her up. Her mother had set this whole dinner up last minute and surprised her by bringing Bobby along with them. Haley had no idea that he'd be coming over. A little warning would've been nice. Anything. She already hadn't been feeling well and then she had been blindsided when she opened the door and Bobby had been standing there.

It's not that she didn't want him there. It was the fact that her mother had totally gone behind her back and invited him. Bobby hadn't even been aware that she hadn't known that he'd been invited. Her mother had justified her actions quickly though.

"He's new in town and he doesn't know anyone. It's good for him to get out and talk to people."

But Haley knew better. Her mother had been trying shamelessly to get her and Bobby together. Lydia had stopped setting Haley up with random people but clearly she wasn't going to give up getting her together with Bobby. And it's not like Haley could exactly take this out on Bobby. It wasn't his fault her mother was insane.

She also knew that her mother had a point. Bobby was new in town and didn't really know anyone. Bobby had been spending a lot of time with her father. Bobby even mentioned that her father had taken him golfing twice.

"Its fine," Haley smiled.

"You sure? I can't still leave," Bobby offered.

"I'm having a good time," Haley reassured him.

And that had a lot to do with Lucas and Brooke. Thankfully Lucas and Brooke had been talking nonstop since her parents and Bobby arrived. She couldn't say she was surprised. Lucas had saved her more than once when it came to her parents. They had been a huge help tonight.

"Fine," Bobby relented. "You just don't seem like yourself."

"I'm just not feeling very well," Haley explained before smiling. "But I'm getting better."

"Well, I'm glad. When we had lunch the other day it seemed like you weren't really there."

"I know," Haley sighed. "I'm sorry. I've just got so much –"

"I knew you were upset about your grandfather leaving but…"

"I was. I am."

Her grandfather was supposed to stay in Seattle for a few weeks but something had come up at the ranch and he had to get back to Austin. Haley had been really upset about it. They were supposed to spend a lot of time together. She had complained the whole time when she had driven him to the airport. And she had stayed sitting alone at the airport long after his plane had taken off. He had called later that night and let her know that he arrived home safely.

"I'm just a little worried about you, Haley."

Haley knew that he was being sincere but she didn't feel like talking. "We should probably head back out there."

"Yeah, okay. Just try to go easy on your mom, ok?"

Haley nodded before she took off towards the living room, Bobby right behind her. She noticed everyone smile as they walked back into the room. Pushing everything else out of her mind, Haley put a smile on her face.

"I was just telling Brooke how Lucas lost his two front teeth," Jimmy explained. Everyone laugh and Haley noticed Lucas grinning sheepishly.

"I can't believe you knocked his teeth out," Brooke giggled.

"It was a total accident. I didn't mean it."

"She's such a klutz," Lucas muttered as he shook his head.

"I tripped," Haley explained while looking directly at Brooke. It's not like she had punched Lucas in the mouth or anything. Plus, it wasn't like he wasn't going to lose them anyway. He just lost them a little earlier than most kids. They had been five at the time.

"She tripped and I tried to catch her."

"And by trying to help out you lost your two front teeth," Brooke concluded.

Lucas nodded. "Yep."

"He was still a handsome little boy," Lydia spoke up.

"My school pictures from that year say otherwise," Lucas chuckled.

"Sorry," Haley apologized once again.

"The tooth fairy left me twenty bucks," Lucas said proudly.

"Dude, you believed in the tooth fairy?" Bobby laughed.

"That is so cute," Brooke gushed.

Lucas' face fell. "I, um…"

When everyone started laughing, Haley noticed her best friend's discomfort. She quickly smiled at Bobby before deciding to help Lucas out.

"Did Bobby tell you guys about what happened the other day at the park?"

Once Bobby started talking Haley noticed that Lucas looked relieved. With a satisfied smile Haley started to listen to Bobby's accounts of what happened at the park. They had been thirty minutes into their run when a huge chocolate labrador raced past them with a purse sticking out of his mouth. Three guys and a small lady chased after the lab.

Haley heard the faint sound of knocking. Lucas stood up quickly and left the living room.

Haley felt Bobby's hand on her back once again. He had been doing that more and more recently. She figured it was because he was comfortable around her.

"…finally one of the guys caught up with the lab and stopped him. It took five minutes and two of the guys to pull the bag out of the labs mouth."

"You're kidding me," Brooke giggled.

"The dog must have wanted something in that purse," Jimmy grinned.

"Yeah, that lady had her lunch in there," Bobby stated before laughing.

"Why would she have food in her purse?" Lydia asked before shaking her head.

"Look who's here," Lucas announced while slapping Nathan's shoulder.

"Nate," Brooke laughed when she noticed her brother. "You're back."

Haley felt her heart drop. The relief she noticed on Brooke's face instantly swept through her body. Nathan was ok. He was here. She didn't have to worry anymore. Turning slightly she finally noticed him. The first thing she noticed was the cuts and bruises on his face. Then she noticed his expression. He looked lost and hurt. It took Haley a second to realize what was happening around her and what this must look like to Nathan. She was standing next to Bobby and Bobby still had his hand on her back. Haley felt her body tense up. Nathan hated Bobby.

And the way he was looking at her. She felt sick to her stomach. She remembered that look. She had worn that same look before when she was walked in on Reese and Renee. She remembered what she felt like in that moment. She remembered how painful it had been.

"How was that vacation?" Jimmy questioned.

"I didn't know you went on vacation," Lydia spoke up. "Where did you go? Did you have a good time?"

"I, uh…"

"Florida," Brooke answered for him. "And I'm sure he had a great time."

"What brings you here?" Jimmy asked.

Nathan was still in a daze. "Uh…Lucas…"

Nathan noticed how everyone was dressed nice, like they all fit together. He was out of place. He didn't fit. He was dressed in jeans and his leather jacket. He felt like an outsider interrupting their nice get together. It was obvious he didn't belong. Not here…

"I do live here," Lucas grinned. "I'll fire up the XBOX once the company leaves."

"Are you hungry? I'll fix you a plate," Lydia decided.

"I should go," Nathan stated absentmindedly.

"You just got here," Lucas objected.

"I just…I have to go." Without another word Nathan took off.

"That was weird," Jimmy pointed out.

"Yeah," Lydia agreed. "What's an XBOX?"

"Some game system," Brooke replied. "Lucas plays it all the time."

"Oh."

"I should walk him out," Haley rushed out of the living room and down the hall. She was just in time to see Nathan opening the door and walking out.

She followed him out and closed the door. She noticed Nathan standing in front of the elevator waiting for the doors to open. Her heart was beating a mile a minute as she walked up to him. She reached for his hand and tugged on it so that he'd face her. She had missed him so much.

Nathan glanced over his shoulder and shrugged her hand off of his harshly. His blank stare had her shaking. She watched as his walls came rushing back up. Only they weren't walls now, it was more like boulders. Slowly everything that had happened to them was suddenly gone. Haley could feel it all slipping away.

"That wasn't –"

"Don't," Nathan stated angrily. "Just…don't."

Haley was taken back for a second. "It wasn't what it looked like."

"I don't care. I'm done with this."

Haley stood there speechless as Nathan stepped into the elevator. He stared at her blankly before the doors closed. He hadn't even let her explain. And why was she even feeling guilty? She hadn't done anything wrong. If anything, she should be pissed at him. He was the one that had taken off without so much as a word. He's the one that promised to call and hadn't.

Nathan finished off his second glass of Scotch before placing the empty glass on the bar. Once the burning subsided he took a sip of his beer. After sitting at the bar for a half hour he still didn't feel like moving. He just wanted to continue drinking until he couldn't remember anything.

"Another one?"

Nathan nodded when he noticed the empty seat beside him. He figured that he'd have enough time for one more drink before he had to leave.

Once the glass was refilled, he took another sip.

"Can we please talk?"

Nathan glared at the glass in his hands, not bothering to look at her. What was she doing here? He didn't want to see her. He didn't want to talk to her.

"We don't have anything to talk about."

Nathan felt her hand on his arm. "Yes, we do."

"I said everything I had to say," Nathan stated harshly before glaring at her. He dropped his arm so that her hand would fall off of him.

"I need you to know that there is nothing going between Bobby and I. Ok? Look, my mom invited him over. I didn't know –"

"I don't care," Nathan bit out. "What part of that don't you get?"

"You're upset –"

"Upset," Nathan laughed bitterly. "Please, Haley. Like I give a damn about whomever else you're fucking."

"I'm not –"

"Like I'm supposed to believe that," Nathan continued to laugh. "Every time I turn around there's another guy. You should be a little more careful. You're starting to look like a slut."

Nathan felt a sharp sting on his cheek as the bar suddenly got quiet. Nathan knew that all eyes were on them but he didn't care. He was pissed off and the alcohol he consumed wasn't helping matters. Haley dropped her hand before glaring at him.

"You're a jealous jackass," Haley hissed out.

"Jealous? Is that what you think I am? I don't give a fuck about what you do!"

"Then why are you so pissed?" Haley countered. "Can we please just go somewhere and talk about this?"

Nathan glared at her blankly. "I'm done. Stay away from me and I'll be sure to stay the hell away from you. Go back to your boyfriend, Haley."

"He's not my boyfriend. There is nothing going on between us. We're just friends!"

"And there's nothing between us either so just leave me the hell alone."

"Uh, guys…"

"What?" They both shouted angrily as they glanced at the bartender.

"Dial it down, please. You're causing a scene."

They stood there in silence for minutes as everyone in the bar went back to whatever they were doing before. As they glared at each other, Haley felt fury rush through her.

"You've been gone for week. You didn't even call…I can't believe that you show up like this and have the nerve to be upset with me," Haley stated, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I'm not upset…I'm just done. This had to end sometime, Haley. It's for the best."

"I'm ready."

Haley stood frozen in place as the short, long haired brunette walked up to Nathan and placed her hand on his arm. Nathan glanced at the girl for a second before placing on his leather jacket. Haley took in the sight of the girl. She was movie star beautiful. The girl had a huge perfect smile on her face, her skin was dark, and the black dress she wore fit her body perfectly. Haley noticed a name tattooed on her girls forearm. Cooper.

"Nice dress."

Haley was vaguely aware of the girl talking to her. The girl then laced her hand with Nathan's and started to walk towards the exit. Without a second thought Haley reached for Nathan's free hand and pulled him towards her. The girl hadn't even noticed.

"Don't leave with her." Haley hated how her voice cracked and how weak she sounded.

Nathan stared at her blankly before dropping her hand.

"Go back to your boyfriend or whatever the hell he is," Nathan muttered before turning and walking away. Once they reached the sidewalk, Nathan finally felt his heart start beating once again. He took a deep breath.

Nathan felt her eyes on him and he sighed. "What?"

"Who was she?"

"No one," Nathan stated coldly. "She's no one."

"If you say so."

Haley stepped into the elevator and hit the button for her floor. Once the door closed, slow tears started to fall. The aching in her chest intensified. She wiped the tears away angrily. Nathan was a stupid jerk. She didn't know why she was surprised at the way he treated her tonight. Nathan hated her. Now he hated her more than ever.

The elevator doors opened and Haley walked out slowly before making it inside her apartment. She wiped her tears away and stopped walking once she noticed Bobby waiting for her in the living room.

"You're still here," Haley spoke up softly.

Bobby glanced at her worriedly. "He was that upset with you?"

"I…how…" What the hell did he know?

"You know my job has me looking into everything, Haley. Everything."

Haley shook her head. What was he saying?

"Security tape from the office…the gym. There was some footage of the two of you late one night at the gym. I saw you kissing him."

"Robert, I –"

"I didn't tell anyone," Bobby cut her off. "I figured you didn't want your father to know. Plus, it was just a kiss right? You're not dating him are you?"

Haley shook her head weakly as more tears fell. "No."

"Because if you were then I'd have to report it. It's my job, you know. If anyone found out about this you'd both be in trouble. You'd have to stop working together and he'd probably be assigned to another city. I mean, your father wouldn't let you get reassigned so…"

"We're not. Please don't tell my father."

"I won't if you don't want me to. I just…you know why you can't date him, right? If you're going to be working together then you can't let your emotions cloud your judgment. You need to focus. You guys are in danger all of the time. You can't let your personal feelings mess you up. You have to focus on your job."

"I know that."

"I'm not saying this to upset you. It's just the truth."

Haley nodded before wiping her tears away.

"I like you, Haley. I think you know that. A part of me hopes that there isn't anymore to this thing with him. But if there is…you should report it. It'll be better than anyone else finding out that you guys are sneaking around."

"There's nothing going on."

"I believe you."

"Hales, are you ok?" Lucas questioned worriedly. Lucas glared at Bobby. "What did you do to her?"

"Lucas, I'm fine," Haley said calmly. "He didn't do anything."

"Why are you crying?"

"It's nothing," Haley dismissed. "I'm just…I'm really tired."

"You're sure?"

"Lucas," Haley sighed tiredly. "I'm fine. Bobby was just leaving. I'll walk him out."

Haley walked Bobby to the door. "Thanks for not saying anything."

"I hope I didn't upset you."

"You didn't," Haley promised. He only told her the truth. "You were just being honest."

"You know, I'm sure he's beating himself up right now for making you cry. I'm sure he's going to regret it. I know I would."

Doubtful, Haley thought. Bobby obviously didn't know just how much Nathan hated her.

"Thanks for saying that," Haley muttered with a soft smile.

"You know where I am if you need to talk," Bobby stated. "Are we still on for lunch tomorrow?"

"Sure," Haley nodded. "I'll see you at work tomorrow."

When she finally got to her room, she quickly got ready for bed. She held her tears in until she was under the covers. Then she couldn't hold them back anymore. It was too painful to keep them in. Nathan was probably sleeping with that girl at that very moment. Haley's eyes snapped shut as she willed thoughts of the two of them away. She didn't want to think about Nathan with another girl. It hurt too much.

Leaning over, she reached inside of her nightstand and pulled out the picture she had of him.

As she glanced at the picture of Nathan her chest hurt. She didn't know what she was supposed to be feeling. She had never felt this way before. It felt like someone had ripped a vital piece of her out. Everything hurt. She was aware that it was over. But she just didn't understand. How could they be over when they never really even began?

Nathan sat on his sofa numbly as he glanced at the TV. An old classic game was playing at the moment. Nathan sipped on his beer eager to finish it off so that he could drink another one.

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed her undressing. She slipped off her dress until she was standing in her lacy bra and panties. All black of course. He could only grin when he noticed the knife and gun she had strapped to her thighs.

"Watch your eyes, Scott."

Nathan chuckled. "You're the one undressing in my living room."

"True."

"You make it a habit of undressing in front of strange men?"

"Are you saying that you're strange?"

"Well, no…"

"How long have we known each other?"

"Too long," Nathan muttered before looking back at the TV.

"You getting tired of me, Scott?"

"Actually, yes," Nathan replied. "But I guess we're stuck together."

"Fun, fun, fun."

"You seem as happy as I am," Nathan stated dryly.

Nathan chuckled as she flipped him off. Then she was lifting her cell phone and placing it to her ear. Nathan relaxed in his seat as he tried to focus on the game. Her sugary sweet voice filled the air seconds later.

"Hey, it's Alex. Look, Cooper wanted me to call. We have a new shipment coming in soon. You interested?"

Nathan watched as Alex's smile widened.

"Excellent. I'll let Coop know."

Alex hung up the phone before tossing it on the coffee table. She took a seat next to him before lifting his badge and glancing at it. She started laughing seconds later before tossing it on his lap.

"I've got another buyer," Alex stated happily.

"I heard."

"What is it with you Scott men? I'm doing exactly what you want and you're still not happy. You know, you're just like your brother."

Nathan glared at her when her hand started to rub his thigh. He pulled her hand off of him and noticed the tattoo of Cooper's name.

"I don't care what you think and I don't want Cooper's sloppy seconds. How many times do I have to tell you that?"

It was Alex's turn to glare at him before she pushed him hard in the chest. "No wonder why everyone hates you. You're such a jackass."

"Nate, you home?"

"In here," Nathan called out before grinning at Alex. Seconds later Brooke was in the room.

"What is she doing here, Nathan?" Brooke gritted out. "And why is she naked?"

"You know Alex doesn't need an excuse to get naked," Nathan chuckled. Alex slapped his chest once again.

"Bite me," Alex muttered.

"Something tells me you'd like that."

"Gross," Brooke said in disgust.

"It's good to see you too, Brooklyn," Alex grinned sweetly.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "Shouldn't you be up Cooper's ass?"

"Aw, I missed you, bitch."

"Why is she here, Nathan?" Brooke shrieked.

Nathan cringed at the sound of his sister's voice. Brooke was livid. Alex was happy to be getting under Brooke's skin. And all he could do was sit there numbly and pray that they'd both just leave him alone. He stood up quickly before walking over to the mini bar. Lifting the bottle of Scotch, he quickly took off the cap before taking a huge gulp from the bottle. Unlike before, he didn't feel anything this time.

"No glass. Classy," Alex grinned.

Brooke glanced at her brother. "What's gotten into you? What happened?"

Nathan ignored both of them as he took off walking to his room, bottle in hand. He blocked out Alex and Brooke yelling at each other. He locked his door shut before sitting at the edge of his bed. He just wanted to forget this whole day happened.

Haley took a deep breath as she swiped her card to get into the office. She had cried for hours last night and once all her tears were gone she promised herself that today would be different. Instead of letting Nathan be a jerk to her and push her away, she was going to talk to him and explain things.

Even if they weren't seeing each other anymore they still had to work together. Haley didn't want things to be awkward and weird between them.

Haley didn't know what was going to happen. She was sure that Nathan would still be pissed and angry with her. She had no doubt in her mind that Nathan would be just like he was before they started seeing each other. She was ready for all the insults and glares he had to offer. That wasn't going to stop her from explaining things. He needed to know that absolutely nothing was going on between her and Bobby. They were just friends.

Haley also needed to inform Nathan that Bobby knew about the kiss in the gym.

She made her way to her desk and noticed two dozen of roses sitting in front of her computer. Haley glanced around the office and noticed a few of the guys smiling at her. Her eyes instantly went to Nathan's desk that was across from hers. He didn't look at her once. She felt that aching in her chest return. She took a seat before reaching for the card.

Sorry if I upset you last night. I hope you have a better day today.

But it wasn't signed with Nathan's name like she wanted. Bobby's name was scribbled in the bottom corner of the card. Haley's heart ached. Instead of the flowers making her feel better, they only made her feel worse. She felt her resolve slipping away. No way was Nathan going to hear her out now.

Haley glanced at Nathan once again. It didn't matter. He was clearly ignoring her.

"Agent James."

Haley turned at the sound of her name. Her father was standing in the doorway of his office as he waited for her. Haley left her desk quickly, thankful to get away from the roses and away from Nathan. She took a seat in her father's office as he closed the door.

"What's going on, Dad?"

"Is everything ok with you?"

"Yeah," Haley lied before smiling. She wondered for a second why her father was asking if she was ok. Did he know something? Had Bobby gone back on his word and told her father about what he knew? Did her father somehow know that she was still looking into the Scott case?

"What about things between you and Agent Hargrove?"

Haley's whole body froze. She couldn't find her voice. She couldn't think.

"He came talk to me this morning."

"What about?" Haley breathed.

"He wants a new partner," Jimmy stated carefully.

Oh. Fiery pain rushed through her. She hadn't seen this coming. At least not this way.

"He said he couldn't work with you anymore and I need to know what happened. He wouldn't say anything more except that he just couldn't work with you anymore. Something must have happened. Just tell me, sweetheart."

"I don't know," Haley stated numbly. "He hates me, everyone knows that."

"I don't get it," Jimmy muttered as he pulled out a file. He held it up. "These are all complaints from you about Agent Hargrove over the years but not once has he complained about you. So why all of a sudden he doesn't want to work with you? This just doesn't make any sense."

Haley didn't know what to say.

"I told him to take a few days to think about it. He was pretty adamant that this is what he wants. I can't do anything about this right now. He knows that. The two of you were requested for the Jones case. So until that's over he's going to have to get over whatever's bothering him. Just give him some space. See if he gets over this. He's a good kid. I'm sure he'll –"

"Maybe you should just give him what he wants."

"It doesn't really matter," Jimmy stated tiredly. "I'm not supposed to say anything right now but Agent Hargrove is most likely going to be transferred to Atlanta."

"What? Why?"

Not only did Nathan not want to work with her anymore, but he was going to be moving away from Seattle. This was too much.

"I'm not really sure. You have to keep this to yourself. Agent Hargrove doesn't even know yet. All I know is that this is likely to happen in a couple of months."

"I won't say anything," Haley whispered. "I should get back to work."

Jimmy stood up quickly. "Sweetheart, don't worry about anything. You'll be working with Lucas and Julian until I find someone else that I trust to work with you."

Haley nodded numbly before leaving his office. She didn't feel like going back to her desk but she had no choice. She had so much work to get done. She sat at her desk quickly before locking her eyes on the computer screen. She had no idea how she was supposed to get through the day sitting right across from Nathan. It was painful. She loved him but it didn't matter. Soon enough he'd be out of her life. Gone.

That hurt more than anything. Before this would've thrilled her but now…it was pure agony knowing that he'd be gone from her life completely.