One Week Later
Lucas was sitting in his office playing with his DVR. He came down to what he was looking for and pressed the button. After shuffling through several menus he got to the show he wanted to watch.
He leaned back on the one sofa that he had in his office. He looked over to Peyton who was sitting next to him. They had been waiting to watch this all day.
On the screen the ESPN Logo came on and showed the Sport's Center Desk. They showed one of the desk guys. He went through talking and finally Lucas' ears perked up.
"Today we're going live to Charlotte for the Charlotte Bobcat's press conference announcing the signing of prized free agent Nathan Scott. Now we go to Marvin "Mouth of the South" MacFadden live in Charlotte."
The screen changed to show Mouth standing there with his ESPN Microphone.
"Thank you, today the world of basketball was shocked when the prized and top free agent guard Nathan Scott signs with the Charlotte Bobcats. Maybe analyst wondered why Nathan Scott has turned down many offers from many more high profile teams. Also they wondered if he could leave the bright lights of Hollywood as he is half of the Hollywood Power Couple Naley. But today we see Nathan Scott standing up at the podium with the Owner and General Manager of the Bobcats."
The camera cut to the stage and showed the Owner talking about how he is happy that a great player like Nathan Scott would chose to sign with his team. He talked about the changes and how he automatically upgrades the team.
Next the GM spoke and talked about the long hard negotiations. He pointed over to Nathan, which was waiting in the wings with Haley and his agent Arii. He couldn't believe how such a prized player ended up wanting to play here.
"Now the person you've been waiting for, Nathan Scott," the GM announced.
Nathan came out and waved to the press and shook the GM's hand and held up his Bobcat's Jersey, which bore his number 23. He was also handed a Bobcats hat and he placed it on his head.
"Thank You," Nathan said, "First I would like to thank the whole Bobcats Organization for allowing me to come home to North Carolina and play. This is a dream come true that I can raise my family in my old Hometown and continue my career in the NBA nearby. I would also like to thank my agent Arii Gold for his tireless devotion to my career and his tough negotiation style that landed me here.
"My wife Haley and I are looking forward to this season. For the first time in a long time I can play my home games with most of my family able to attend. As you all know I was born and raised in Tree Hill North Carolina. My mother, brother and his family and cousin all live in Tree Hill still.
"When I use to play in Los Angeles I've always looked forward to playing in Charlotte because my family and friends from Tree Hill would come down to Charlotte and watch me play. It was like having the home town advantage on the road. I'm looking forward to have the Charlotte advantage every home game, and I swear the Charlotte Fans have always impressed me as some of the best fans in the League.
"So I guess they want me to field some questions so go ahead."
The Director of Public Relations picked the first person. They stood up and introduced themselves.
"Nathan, why did you choose now to change teams?"
"Well I chose now because my contract was up with Los Angeles, and my sons were getting older, and it was best for my family to move back here."
Another person was picked.
"Nathan, your oldest son James is nationally ranked for college recruitment, how does this move affect him?"
"Well, he's starting off in a new system if they allow him to play. He'll more then likely still being scouted, if he does play. I will make sure that if he wants to play college ball that he has the opportunity to."
Another reporter was chosen.
"Nathan, with the children older, do you think you and your wife will return to your earlier party ways."
"The Charlotte Fans do not have to worry about the return of Naley. The only Naley heard will be used as a term to describe my Wife and myself by friends and family. My Wife is retired from music, and has no plans to come out of retirement."
Still another reporter was chosen.
"Nathan, since you've seen to have signed with a secondary team was there any conditions that they would have to sign certain players or trade to build a team around you?"
"There was no deal to sign anyone else but me. I'm a player being added to the existing time to try and improve them on the court. With me being here does that change who they sign and bring in, I don't know. All I know is I've been signed to play shooting guard, and be a team player."
The PR Director called another reported.
"Nathan, are there any players out there that you would like to play with again?"
Nathan got choked up. "Well there have been many players over the years, and many of them I've greatly enjoyed play along side. The three people I truely miss play alongside are, Tim Smith, who was my best friend as a kid, Lucas Scott, my brother who can't play anymore because of his heart, and Antoine "Skillz" Taylor, who I played with in High School and now plays in Europe, and was a great player."
Finally another reporter was brought up. This time it was Mouth.
"Nathan, with this move from Los Angeles, the change of coasts, and systems, do you feel it will effect you level of play?"
"Will it affect my level of play? I believe this is the best system for me right now. The change of coast and associated life style might actually make me a better player. I'm home now, and I'll have my extended family to support me more then before. I've already been doing my off season conditioning program and I look forward to working with the Bobcats training staff and the fellow players. This is a nice and clean fresh start for me."
The President of the Bobcats escorted Nathan from the podium. He made Nathan pose for a few more pictures. Including one with Haley and the boys as Nathan held up his Jersey.
Back in Tree Hill Lucas turned to Peyton.
"He still has it," he said.
Peyton smiled and nodded, "I'd hate to admit it he had them eating out of his hand."
Lucas nodded, "Yeah that's my brother."
Peyton rested her head on his shoulder. "So do you want to stay up all night and watch movies?"
Lucas stretched out his arms and yawned. "I'm kinda tired," he said, and then looked at her, "Want to avoid the Angel?"
Peyton nodded. "Yeah, she's really annoying."
Lucas laughed and shook his head, "Did you just call yourself annoying?"
She nodded, "Yeah, I guess I did."
Lucas kissed her on the forehead. "Well the good news is I got your hotel booked."
She nodded, "Thanks," she said.
"Well next I'll service the Mercury and that should be about it," he said.
Peyton kissed him, "Thanks Luke. I owe you."
He nodded, "My pleasure, now can we go to bed?"
Peyton nodded, and they both headed off to their room on the other side of the house.
