Chapter 44

Nathan adjusted his grip on the steering wheel, glancing over at Haley.

He'd been tempted to just tell her and Macey to stay with Deb tonight.

But he knew that wouldn't fly with her and the argument wasn't worth it.

The whole day had been a good one. Good food. Good enough company.

Now that was all about to change. He was trading Cooper and Rachel in for his grandparents.

At least Whitey and Lucas would still be there.

"So... If things get tense just stick to Peyton," Nathan said, glancing over. "And my Uncle Keith and Aunt Karen. Trust me."

"Nathan, I really think you're working yourself up," Haley said, rubbing his leg lightly. "It's going to be fine. I'm personable, aren't I?"

"I'm not worried about them not liking you, Hales," Nathan said, shrugging. "I think you're the best person on this earth."

She shook her head, squeezing his leg and glancing over her shoulder into the back seat.

"This is new territory for me." Nathan reminded her, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

Haley grabbed onto one of his hands, pulling it off of the steering wheel and kissing his knuckles lightly. "Hey, it will be fine."

"We're right by the beach," Macey announced, looking out the car window.

"My Grandpa Dan lives on the beach," Nick informed her, nodding quickly. "During the summer we can walk out and swim whenever we want... As long as we have a grown up."

"That's so cool," Macey said, smiling slightly.

"Grandpa Dan is so cool," Nick told her, grinning. "He let's me do whatever I want."

Haley looked over at Nathan, smiling slightly at the kids conversation.

Nathan sighed softly when he saw the house, parking in front of it, relief washing over him when he saw that Lucas had beat him here. He also saw Whitey's old pickup.

"Okay, Macey. Remember-"

"My manners," Macey cut off Haley, nodding. "I know, I know. Don't point out anything weird."

"Trust me, kid, there will be a lot of weird things," Nathan laughed, getting out of the car quickly.

Haley got out, pulling open the back door, gesturing for Macey to follow her.

Nick hopped out of the car, running to the door despite Nathan calling for him to slow down.

"Nick sure is excited," Macey commented, looking up at Haley.

"He is," Haley said, smiling at her.

Before they could even reach the door, the looming figure of Dan Scott appeared at the entrance.

Haley had seen pictures of him.

But she still expected some terrifying guy with evil eyes and a wicked grin.

He just looked normal.

A lot like Nathan, actually.

"There's my favorite guy," Dan greeted, kneeling down and hugging Nick quickly.

"Grandpa Dan!"

Nick cheered, hugging him tightly.

Dan looked so... Human.

It was odd.

Nathan looked down at Haley, offering her a small smile, before looking back at Dan.

"Hey Dad," Nathan said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Dan stood up, nodding at him. "Nathan," He said, smiling at him. "And you must be..."

"Haley," Nathan said, frowning at him.

Like father like son like grandson.

Did any of the Scott men remember names at first meeting?

"Haley, of course," Dan said, reaching forward and shaking her hand. "And Macey."

Macey waved at him shyly, shaking his hand when Dan reached for her.

"Firm grip. Good handshake," Dan said, nodding at her.

"Nice to meet you," Haley said, shifting slightly.

"Come on in," Dan said, gesturing for everyone to enter. "We were just about to cut into Karen's pie."

"Wouldn't miss that," Nathan said, resting his hand on Haley's back.

Dan stepped backwards into the house, holding the door open wider.

Nick grabbed onto Macey's arm and ran inside.

Nathan looked over at Haley again, letting out a sigh.

Haley smiled at him, taking the lead and walking into the home.

"Wow, your home is beautiful," Haley commented, nodding at Dan.

"I owe it all to Dan Scott Motors. Have you been there yet? It's beautiful," Dan said, looking over at her.

"Um, no. I haven't had the chance," Haley said, shrugging.

"I picked up a car," Nathan said, keeping a firm hand on Haley's back.

"I heard that. Specifically picked a time I wouldn't be there," Dan said, clearing his throat.

"Not specifically. I just got lucky," Nathan replied, shrugging.

Dan let out a dry laugh. "Right."

Haley glanced between the two, rubbing her neck. "Well, we're here for a couple more days. So maybe we'll stop by."

"Sure, sure," Dan said, nodding at her. "Well... We don't walk to keep everyone waiting."

Nathan looked at Haley, sighing softly and dropping his hand from her back.

Dan led them into the dining room, Macey already introducing herself to the room.

"And that's my mom," Macey said, pointing at her as she entered. "She is Nathan's girlfriend."

"You didn't tell me that Nathan was bringing someone," An older woman gasped, standing up.

Haley assumed she was Nathan's grandmother.

"Didn't I?" Dan said, taking a seat at the head of the table.

"Grandma, Grandpa, Keith, Karen, Lily... This is Haley James," Nathan said, gesturing to each person as he said their names. "And her daughter Macey."

Nathan was clearly annoyed at his father and the fact that he didn't think to mention Haley to his family.

"Haley is an author," Lucas chimed in, smiling brightly at her. "You'll have to look her up."

"Oh, another author!" Karen said, smiling at her. "That's wonderful."

"Up and coming," Haley said, shrugging her shoulders slightly.

"Up and coming, whatever," Peyton said, winking at her.

"I'd love to read it," Nathan's grandmother said. "You can call me May. And this is my husband Royal."

"Ah, like these two," Haley said, touching Nathan's arm and nodding over at Nick.

"Exactly," Royal said, nodding curtly.

Nathan sighed again. His grandfather and his dad were too alike.

"Haley, this is the baby from the picture of Nathan at the beach yesterday," Lucas said, nodding over at Lily. "Lily. She's what..."

Lily looked up from her phone long enough to say, "Thirteen."

"Thirteen. Wow," Haley said, nudging her elbow into Nathan's side.

"Yeah, she's old," Uncle Keith spoke for the first time, smiling at her.

"I'm eight," Macey interrupted, flashing a grin.

"Well congratulations," Keith said, nodding. "I remember when I was eight."

"Grandpa Dan... How old were you when Uncle Keith was eight?" Nick asked curiously.

"I was six," Dan said, smiling at his grandson. "Why don't you all have a seat?"

Nathan pulled out a chair for Haley, nodding at her to sit down.

After she did, he sat down next to her, Nick and Macey doing the same.

"So, Nick... How's basketball going?" Dan asked, looking at his grandson.

"Um..." Nick looked over at Nafhan.

"He's not playing anymore," Nathan announced to the table, shrugging.

"There's a surprise," Royal grumbled, sighing loudly, which earned a dirty look from May.

"Give it a rest, Royal," May whispered to him.

Nathan looked at Haley, rubbing his hand down his face.

His old age had made Royal even grumpier than before.

"Did something happen?" Dan asked him, ignoring his father's comment, keeping his eyes trained on Nick.

"Well..." Nick tugged on his ear lightly, shrugging. "I didn't like it. But I like to watch Macey play it."

"Macey was moved up to the fourth grade team," Nathan informed them, smiling proudly down at Macey.

"Great job, Macey!" Karen said, smiling at her. "That's wonderful for you."

Macey smiled, nodding quickly. "It's so fun!"

Dan cleared his throat, shifting the attention back to him.

Nathan wanted to leave so desperately. This was not going well. There was so much awkward tension in the air.

He wanted this to be lighthearted, but that would never happen.

"Should we have some pie?" Dan suggested, raising his eyebrows.

After a couple minutes, everyone was sitting down and eating pie for the second time today. Macey and Nick had finished quickly, so they'd run off with Sawyer.

Nathan kept sending Haley apologetic looks, but she'd just dismiss them.

Family was family.

"So... Did you catch the last Hornets game?" Royal asked, looking between his two grandsons and Dan.

"I watched some of it," Lucas said, nodding. "I think they're still suffering from losing Kemba Walker."

"I didn't watch it," Nathan said simply, scratching his neck.

"Of course you didn't," Royal said, shaking his head at Nathan. "You don't care about ball anymore."

"Dad, leave Nathan alone," Keith said, frowning at him. "He clearly has better things to occupy his time."

Nathan stared over at Whitey, who was staring back at him.

Why did this family care about basketball so damn much?

Why was it always Keith that stood up for him and not his own father?

Whitey shook his head and sighed.

"It's just a game," May said, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Just a game," Royal said, rolling his eyes.

"Haley," Nathan whispered as his grandparents began to argue. "Let's go."

"Come on, Nathan..." She grabbed his hand under the table. "It's fine."

"It took ten minutes for everyone to start fighting about basketball." Nathan mumbled, shaking his head and squeezing her hand.

"Dad," Dan finally spoke, sending a stern look in his direction. "Nathan got injured. He physically could not play anymore. He didn't give up. He walked away while he could still walk away. You need to stop holding it over his head like it was some choice he made because he didn't love the game anymore."

The table was silent.

Dan had never defended Nathan to his father. Never.

"Injured the same way you got injured?" Royal replied, scowling.

"Let it go, Royal. My god, it's been like thirty years," May said, letting out a sigh.

"Injured worse than me," Dan confirmed, nodding.

Haley felt a little relieved that the kids weren't at the table anymore.

"Hm," Royal said, crossing his arms.

"So, Haley," Dan shifted the focus to her, nodding. "Where are you from?"

"Charleston," Haley said, nodding. "But none of my family lives there anymore, so I consider Charlotte my home base. I love it there."

"That's great," Dan hummed. "I always liked Charlotte."

"Yeah, it's a good place to live," Haley agreed, smiling. "Tree Hill seems nice too though."

"Every time I tried to leave it just kept pulling me back," Dan laughed, nodding.

"It's beautiful," Haley confirmed, squeezing Nathan's hand.

"Have you been to the gym yet?" Dan asked her, raising his eyebrows.

"No," Haley said, shaking her head and looking over at Nathan.

"Nathan, come on," Dan laughed, looking at his son as well. "Show off at least a little bit."

Nathan laughed, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't have a way in."

"What a lame excuse," Keith added into the conversation, tilting his head towards Whitey. "If only you knew someone that the gym was named after."

"I'm sure Macey would really like to see it," Haley said, winking at him. "Oh, yeah. I guess I care about your glory days too."

"I'm in my glory days now," Nathan hummed, smiling at her.

"Cheesy," Peyton said, shaking her head. "Way, way too cheesy. Dial it back, Nate."

Nathan rolled his eyes, scrunching his nose at her.

"I'll take you there," Nathan confirmed, squeezing Haley's hand. "Coach?"

"Of course," Whitey nodded, "Anything for the two new young ladies in your life."

"You are such a flirt," Keith groaned, laughing.

"Coming for my girl, Whitey?" Nathan joked, raising his eyebrows.

"I'd just watch your back, son," Whitey teased, shrugging.

Haley laughed, looking up at Nathan and pouting.

Nathan smiled down at her, brushing his thumb along her knuckles.

"How's your mom doing?" May asked, looking between Lucas and Nathan.

"She's-"

Lucas began to answer, but he was cut off by Dan.

"She has a new boyfriend. One that's a real adult," Dan said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I had to hear that from Phil and Alice. Not from my brother, his wife, or my children."

"It wasn't our news to tell," Karen admitted, shrugging her shoulders.

"At least he's not one of my kids' good friends this time. Or is he?" Dan asked, looking between Lucas and Nathan.

"No," Lucas answered, shaking his head.

"Speaking of Phil and Alice... What about Katherine?" Royal asked gruffly, looking over at Nathan.

Nathan sighed.

He loved Katherine. But it was a little irritating to be asked about his ex-wife instead of his current girlfriend.

"She's good. Busy," Nathan said, tapping his fingers on the table. "She's not here this year."

"Lily set us up with Facebook, so we've been following her," May admitted, smiling. "What a great woman. She still sends me a birthday card every year. Lies about my age every time. I just love her."

Nathan scowled slightly, looking down at his father.

He didn't need to speak for Dan to understand.

Fix it.

Dan nodded, looking over at Haley.

"Haley," Dan began, "How is your book doing? Nathan sent me a message telling me to read it, and I did. It's good," He said, nodding at her.

"It's doing pretty well," Haley said, sitting up straighter. "I've already started writing again."

"A sequel?" He replied.

"Hopefully. If things don't flow I'll just end up changing the names and write a whole new story," She joked, squeezing Nathan's hand tightly.

As if to say 'it's okay.'

"I'm excited," Dan said, smiling politely at her.

It was quiet again, before Haley started to speak again.

"Here's a funny story for you," Haley began, looking over at Nathan. "When Nathan and I were just beginning to get to know one another, he was watched my daughter for the day, and she mentioned that I was spending the day 'Jo', which is the name of the main character in my book. Well, Nathan, interpreted that as 'J-O-E' and so when I got there to pick up Macey, Nathan started interrogating me."

"I'd never admit it to her, but I was super jealous," Nathan laughed, shrugging. "Insanely jealous. And she could tell, even though I'd never say it. So she played into it."

Haley laughed at the memory, smiling at the dark haired man. "And then he was the first person I told about my book."

"That's such a sweet story," Karen said, smiling over at Haley.

Nathan nodded, leaning over and kissing Haley's head quickly.

"We've had a lot of strange mishaps, but it worked out well," Haley said, brushing her foot along Nathan's leg.

"It did," Nathan confirmed, smiling at her. "All it took was... About six months of us getting our shit together."

"Hey, took us about five years," Peyton laughed, gesturing between her and Lucas. "Except we've never been as cheesy as you two."

"I don't think that's entirely true," Karen said, shaking her head at them.

"I know you were a big distraction for both of my star players back in the day," Whitey teased Peyton, nodding at her.

"Not my fault," Peyton hummed, shrugging her shoulders.

"Ah, yes, the big Peyton Sawyer dilemma of 2007," Dan said, shaking his head. "Nathan and Lucas both got thrown out of a game that season."

"How could I forget? Almost cost me my undefeated season," Whitey said, laughing.

"We didn't deserve to be thrown out," Lucas said, rolling his eyes.

"You almost started fighting on the court," Dan pointed out, shaking his head.

"I believe his exact words were 'Nice legs' and he said them to my girlfriend," Nathan said, shrugging.

"You knew that I liked her, Nathan," Lucas reminded him. "You knew I liked her and you dated her anyways."

"Easy there, foxy. You're married to me," Peyton laughed, rubbing Luke's arm.

"Some family, hm?" Whitey whispered to Haley from across the table.

"No kidding," Haley said, smiling over at Nathan.

"It's not my fault she had the hots for me," Nathan said, smirking slightly.

"The hots?" Peyton laughed, covering her face.

"Every girl in school had the hots for you and you went after her," Lucas said, shrugging. "It's ancient history now."

"Clearly," Karen said, shaking her head.

"We should break out the yearbooks, see how many more fights we can start," Dan said, grinning at his kids.

"Oh, I would love to see the yearbooks," Haley said, curling her arm around Nathan's. "Teenage Nathan was such a cutie."

"Didn't he know it," Whitey grumbled, shaking his head fondly.

"Doesn't Nick look just like him?" May said, craning her neck to try and get a peek at where Nick was playing.

"I think he looks like Nathan but acts like Katherine," Haley said, winking at Nathan.

"See, that is what I have always said!" May laughed, tapping Royal on the arm. "Don't I always say that?"

"Yep," Royal grumbled out, nodding slightly.

"Hey! He acts just like me. What are you talking about?" Nathan laughed, shrugging.

"I have it on good authority that you have never asked someone to make up a math problem for you to do on Thanksgiving break," Lucas laughed, shaking his head.

"He did that?" Nathan asked, looking between the three adults that had spent the most time with him. "Alright, who did it?"

"You can count me out of that one," Peyton said, holding up her hands defensively.

"I don't even know why I asked, I know it was Haley," Nathan said, nudging his arm into her. "You turning my kid into a nerd?"

"I prefer the term honor student," Haley laughed, resting her head on his shoulder briefly.

"Nathan, I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but..." Dan began, shrugging. "I think he's always been, well, to use Haley's term, an honor student."

Nathan laughed, shaking his head. He pulled his phone out of his pocket when it started vibrating, checking it under the table.

FaceTime call from Katherine. She probably wanted to talk to Nick. This had been the first Thanksgiving they weren't both in Tree Hill.

He glanced up at Haley, shrugging slightly, before declining the call.

He couldn't leave Haley alone. Not when she'd get eaten alive. But he'd call Katherine later. Probably.

"How's business going, Nathan?" Dan asked, looking down the table at his younger son.

"Really good," Nathan confirmed, nodding. "Clay-"

"Clay," Dan repeated his name, almost with disgust attached to it.

Nathan cringed slightly, glancing over at Haley, who looked a little confused at the tone.

"Clay's wife is Haley's sister," Nathan finished, sending a look to his father.

Awkward. This was painfully, painfully awkward. It was already there, but now... It was worse.

Dan did not like Clay. He thought he was too loose and too full of himself.

"Is Clay your business partner?" May asked, trying to ease the tension in the room.

"He is," Nathan confirmed, clearing his throat. "We were roommates in college and a few years ago, Clay came around with the idea for Fortitude."

"That's wonderful. I can't believe we've never met him," May said, smiling kindly. "And what are the odds that he's married to your girlfriend's sister?"

"Nathan and I did not make a great first impression on one another," Haley began, smiling slightly.

"She's stretching. I didn't make a great impression on her," Nathan corrected, rubbing Haley's knee under the table.

"Pretty much," Haley laughed, "But anyways, after I met Nathan I went to lunch with Quinn and Clay and I totally smack talked the new dad in my daughter's class. I had no idea he was Clay's partner until I ran into him in their office."

"Love at first sight," Nathan joked, winking at her.

"Not quite," Haley hummed, smiling fondly at Nathan.

"You two seem like a lovely couple," May said, nodding at them.

"Thank you," Nathan said, clearing his throat.

The rest of dinner went like that. Awkward. But light hearted. No depth. Just the way Nathan wanted it.

Whitey left first, not before handing over the key to the gym, Keith, Karen, and Lily following soon after him.

May and Royal went up to bed, only after Nathan and Lucas both promised to come by the following day.

Now it was just Dan, Lucas, Peyton, Haley, Nathan, and the kids.

"Katherine has called me like six times," Nathan announced to the group, letting out a sigh. "So I'm going to answer it, if that's okay," He said, glancing at Haley.

"Go right ahead," Dan said, nodding quickly.

"Nicholas, come here," Nathan said, gesturing for his son to walk over.

Nathan slid over to answer the call, letting out a sigh.

Katherine's hand was held out to the camera, a rock the size of North Carolina on her hand.

"Oh, hey guys," Katherine said, still not showing her face. "I was just calling to see how your day is going."

Nathan grinned, pinching Nick's side lightly. "Kat! Congratulations!" He said, grinning.

"Katherine just got engaged," Lucas whispered to Dan, smiling slightly.

"Yay!" Nick said, clapping. "When are you getting married?"

"We don't know yet, buddy," Katherine laughed, finally pulling her hand back so she was visible.

She was glowing.

"Let me see Haley," Katherine said, nodding.

"Hi, Katherine," Haley greeted, waving at her. "Beautiful ring."

"Isn't it?" Katherine hummed.

"I'm so happy for you," Haley laughed, nodding.

"How was dinner?"

"We're still here," Haley said quickly.

Nathan sent Haley a questioning look.

Had she been talking to Katherine about the day?

"Hi, Katherine," Dan's voice entered the room.

"Dan! Hi," Katherine said, clearing her throat. "Happy Thanksgiving!"

"Same to you," Dan said, nodding slightly. "Congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you," Katherine said, humming softly. "Is it okay if I talk to Nick for just like... Ten minutes?"

"Of course," Nathan said, handing the phone to Nick. "Why don't you go talk in the other room?"

Nick nodded, smiling brightly into the phone and running out of the room.

"She's engaged. Wow," Dan said, nodding. "That was quick."

"Not that quick," Nathan said, shaking his head. "He's a really cool guy."

"Yeah, Dad. He's awesome," Lucas said, nodding slightly.

"You've met him?" Dan directed his question to Lucas and Peyton, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes," Peyton said, clearing her throat.

There was that awkward tension again. Dan looked like he wanted more explanation, but the couple did not want to explain that they met him at a party Dan was not invited to.

"He told me awhile ago he was going to do it," Nathan said quickly, wiping his hands on his jeans. "He's great. Nick loves him."

"You aren't worried about some other guy imposing on your territory?" Dan questioned him curiously.

"Uh... Not at all," Nathan said, frowning slightly. "Why would I be worried about that?"

"I don't know," Dan said, crossing his legs and leaning back. "I just know I was threatened when Antwon was going to raise you guys."

Nathan scratched the back of his head, glancing over at Haley and sighing softly.

"What? I was joking," Dan said, shaking his head. "You never did like my sense of humor, did you son?"

"Usually your sense of humor is just to cover up your actual opinion," Nathan replied, leaning forward slightly.

"Nathan," Lucas whispered, shaking his head. "Don't start a fight."

"Since when have you cared about what my opinions were?" Dan asked with a quiet chuckle.

"Well you clearly have one about this situation, Dad. So hit me with it," Nathan said, tapping his hands on his knees.

Dan sat up again, mimicking Nathan's posture. "I just think it's interesting. That you're not worried at all about Katherine getting engaged."

"Dad, can you just drop it? It's healthy," Lucas said, looking at Peyton and sighing.

"Why wouldn't I be? I'm clearly happy," Nathan said, gesturing to Haley.

"Clearly," Dan replied, nodding. "So I'll drop it."

Haley raised her eyebrows, tilting her head to the side slightly.

Nathan looked over to where Macey and Sawyer were playing together, Macey explaining something to Sawyer.

He was so annoyed at his father. Why was he just trying to shake things up? He'd walked right into this trap.

"Clearly? What does that mean?" Haley asked, frowning slightly.

"I didn't mean anything by it," Dan urged, shrugging his shoulders.

"You don't think Nathan is happy?" She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Have you ever actually seen your son while he's happy?"

"Considering the fact that I've known him his whole life, and you have known him less than a year, I'd say I've seen him happier," Dan said, nodding at her. "But I'm sorry if I've offended you."

"I know what you did to him," Haley said, scowling at him. "I know everything you've done to him."

"Haley," Nathan whispered, nudging her lightly with his elbow.

"What does that mean?" Lucas asked, looking between Nathan and Dan.

"And I know that he's happy," Haley said, ignoring Lucas. "So why don't you ease up on your thirty year old son and let him live his own life without your judgment hanging over him?"

"What did you do to him?" Lucas asked again, sitting up straighter.

"I didn't do anything to him, Lucas. I made him a great basketball player and gave him his life, that's what I did to him," Dan said, clearing his throat.

One step forward and two steps back.

"You didn't make me who I am," Nathan said, frowning. "I worked hard."

"Yeah, well who did you come crawling to for help when you knocked up Katherine? Who gave you a job and helped you support your family? You don't recognize me, Nathan. But I've done everything for you. Your mom? All she did was get drunk and pop pills," Dan said, shaking his head. "And I'm getting really sick of this bitter attitude towards me when all I've done was help you. I offered to invest in your company at the start, despite my lack of faith in Clay, but I believed in you. You turned me down. But you know what? Let's stop this conversation. You can come over some other time if you want to finish it."

Haley looked like she was about to say something, but Nathan grabbed onto her knee to stop her.

"Just leave it," He mumbled, leaning back against the couch and sighing.

Lucas looked over at Nathan, a small frown on his face. He then looked back at Dan, sighing softly. "The reason we spend more time with Mom is because she doesn't hold stuff over our head like this."

"She has nothing to hold over your head, Lucas," Dan said, shaking his head.

Peyton sighed softly, looking at Nathan.

"Something to add, Peyton? Or are we done with this conversation?" Dan asked, scowling at her.

"If there weren't children in the room, I'd have plenty more to add, trust me," Peyton said, crossing her legs. "But for now... It's over."

Nick walked into the room a second later, a big smile on his face, clearly oblivious to the tension in the room.

"I'm so happy," Nick announced, nodding. "Mom is so happy."

All Nathan could manage was a slight head nod, but Haley swooped in for the rescue.

"Isn't it great?" Haley said, smiling brightly at Nick. "Shawn is so much fun, and now he gets to be part of your family."

"I like Shawn a lot," Nick confirmed, walking over and handing Nathan his phone. "Are you sad?"

"What? No," Nathan said quickly, "I'm really happy for Mom."

"Me too. She couldn't stop smiling and laughing," Nick hummed, wiggling onto the couch between Haley and Nathan. "This has been a good day," He said, leaning his head against not Nathan, but Haley.

"Yep," Nathan said, smiling slightly at the two, squeezing Nick's shoulder lightly.

"Can I still spend the night here with Grandpa Dan?" Nick asked, looking over at Nathan. "I don't want to leave Macey..."

Nathan looked over at Dan, who seemed to be wondering the same question.

"Yes, you can stay here," Nathan confirmed, standing up slowly. "We're going to leave in five minutes though."

"Okay," Nick said, yawning softly.

Nathan smiled, looking over at Macey again. "Macey," He called out to her, grabbing her attention. "Five minutes."

Macey gave him a thumbs up, looking at Nick and gesturing for him to go sit with her and Sawyer.

Nick jumped up after a second, walking over to the other kids and sitting down next to Macey.

Macey whispered something to him, which caused him to look at the adults again, then back at her.

"You don't have to leave so soon," Dan urged, obviously trying to shift to a more lighthearted interaction.

"I think you and Nick will have more fun together once we're gone. He's been looking forward to hanging out with you," Nathan said, nodding at him. "So... Just have fun with him. Okay?"

"I've been looking forward to it too," Dan said, clearing his throat and smiling over at his grandson.

After about five minutes, Nathan stood up quickly, grabbing onto Haley's hand and pulling her up to her feet.

"Okay, well... We're going to go. Dad, I'll see you tomorrow when I come to pick up Nick," Nathan said, shaking his head.

"I was thinking that we could go to the Rivercourt tomorrow morning and shoot around," Dan said, looking over at Lucas, then at Nathan. "If you're interested."

"Um, yeah, maybe," Nathan said, shrugging.

"We'll have to make sure we don't have any early morning deals," Lucas said, nodding at him. "But sounds fun."

"Besides, I'd love to see that ones skills," Dan said, nodding over at Macey. "She must be pretty good to be moved up to a higher team."

Nathan offered him a half-hearted, crooked smile, before giving him a slightly awkward hug. "She's good, yeah."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Scott," Haley said, shaking his hand.

"Dan, please," Dan urged, nodding at her. "Nice to meet you too, Haley. Keep my boy out of trouble."

"I'd say it's more him keeping me out of trouble," Haley hummed, smiling over at Nathan. "Come on, Macey. Say goodbye."

"Bye!" Macey hummed, rushing over and waving at him. "Thank you."

"Thank you," Dan said back, smiling at her. "See you soon, alright kiddo?"

"Uh-huh," Macey said, bumping her fist against his. She then looked over at Nick, waving at him. "Bye Nicky, bye Sawyer."

"See you tomorrow, Macey," Nick said, walking over and hugging her tightly. "I'll miss you."

"Miss you too," Macey said, smiling at him, before looking at Haley and Nathan. "I'm ready to go."

"Awesome," Nathan said, pulling the car keys out of his pocket. "Thanks for letting us borrow the car, Dad."

"Anytime," Dan said, nodding at him. "When are you leaving?"

"Saturday morning," Nathan said, clearing his throat.

"Well don't bother about taking it back. I'll have someone run to your mom's and get it," Dan said, smiling slightly. "See you later, son. Drive safe."

"Bye," Nathan mumbled, nodding at Lucas. "You staying at mom's?"

"We left some stuff there, so we'll swing by when we're done here," Lucas said, shrugging.

"Okay," Nathan mumbled, patting Luke's shoulder. "Don't bother walking us out, Dad... Just hang out with Nick. See you tomorrow," He mumbled, tightening his grip on Haley's hand and leading her out quickly, Macey following behind them.

xxxx

The drive had been quiet. They didn't discuss the evening because Macey was in the car, but all Haley wanted to do was talk about it.

But as soon as they'd gotten back to Deb's house, Nathan told her that he was going to drive around for a bit to clear his head.

And as much as she didn't want him to go without her, she let him go.

Lucas had arrived at the house about half an hour after them, Macey tucked in bed.

Lucas had caved to Sawyer's demands of spending the night at Deb's house during the drive over, so him and Peyton were staying there as well since they did, in fact, have some early morning shopping to do with Deb.

And after another half hour of no sign of Nathan, Haley felt like a mess inside.

Deb said that she could watch the kids, and Lucas and Peyton could take her to look for Nathan.

Haley had a pretty good idea of where Nathan would be, she just wasn't quite sure how to get there. But thankfully, Lucas knew exactly how to get there.

"I'll go in first, okay? Then you guys can come in," Haley said, smiling at them.

"Alright," Lucas said, clearing his throat.

Haley got out of the car, looking up at the building named after the sweet old man she'd met a couple says prior.

Whitey Durham Field House.

Haley walked up to the door, tugging on the handle, and sure enough, it was unlocked.

She entered the gym slowly, finding Nathan standing at the free throw line of one of the baskets, his back to her.

Haley smiled slightly as he shot the ball in his hand up, it sailing into the basket with ease.

"Scott for the game?" She called out, causing him to turn to her quickly.

"I never let it get that close," Nathan joked, winking at her.

Haley looked around, smiling slightly. "It's beautiful," She said, her eyes narrowing in on his jersey hung on the wall.

"It's better when it's full," He hummed, nodding at her. "How did you find me?"

"You aren't that hard to read, babe," She informed him, removing her jacket from around her shoulders, setting it on the bleachers. She grabbed onto her shoes, removing them from her feet quickly. "Whitey gave you the key earlier, I put it together."

"What are you doing?" He asked her, raising his eyebrows.

"Well I can't exactly play with those shoes on, can I?" She asked him, walking over to him and smiling. "Where do you think Macey got her skills from?"

"Not from you," He laughed, retrieving the ball quickly and handing it to her.

"You know, you spend a lot of time teaching my daughter basketball, but I've never actually seen you play," Haley said, shooting the ball towards the basket.

Nathan laughed as it air balled, looking at her, then at the bouncing ball sadly hitting the ground. "Your form sucks."

"Thanks, captain obvious," She replied, shaking her head.

"Captain obvious? Haven't heard that one since middle school," He joked, running over to get the ball, scooping it up. "I can dunk it. But I have to be careful because of my knee."

"You can?" She asked him, raising her eyebrows. "Really?"

"Yeah," He said, shrugging. "I can't play like I used to, but I can still play. Clay and I go play once a week for an hour during work."

"What the hell? How am I just finding out about this?" She asked him, laughing.

"Sometimes we even play with players from the Hornets," Nathan said, clearing his throat. "I don't know, it just didn't seem important."

"You are so cool," She said, smiling at him. "Well, let's play."

"You and me?" He laughed, looking down at her. "Haley, you just air balled it."

"Let's play," She urged him, stretching her arms.

"Game to 16. My points count for one, yours count for two," Nathan laughed, leading her to half court.

He took a couple steps back, passing her the ball. "Just go for it."

Haley winked at him, beginning to make her way to the basket. She stopped for a moment, before continuing on.

"Ah, ah. Double dribble," Nathan said, shaking his head. "My ball."

"What?" She asked him, frowning.

"You stopped. You can't start again after you stopped dribbling," He laughed, shrugging. "Unless you don't want that rule to apply to you."

"Considering you almost made it to the NBA, and I haven't even thought about basketball since I faked sick in gym class, no, I don't want the rules to apply to me."

Nathan laughed, nodding. "Then carry on," He said, stepping out of her way again.

Nathan very loosely guarded her, as she went up to the basket.

She shot the ball, missing it entirely.

Nathan quickly when to retrieve it, holding back his laughter.

After awhile the score was 15-0.

Nathan had tried everything to help her out, but it was impossible.

He'd even paused to give her a quick lesson on proper form.

"Okay, Hales... Granny style this one, okay? You make this, the score will be tied," He laughed, nodding at the basket.

Haley scrunched her nose at him, doing as she was told.

The ball went to a ridiculous height, but dropped down perfectly through the net.

"I did it!" Haley said, grinning at him.

He laughed, wrapping her in a hug and spinning her around. "Good job!"

"I can't believe I made it. Macey would be so proud... As long as she didn't witness anything before that," Haley said, smiling at him.

He leaned down and kissed her lightly. "Okay, Hales. Your ball."

He ran to retrieve the ball, passing it to her again. "Just like that and you win the game."

Haley shot the ball up again, in the same exact place. And the same thing happened.

"You did it," Nathan praised, wrapping her in another hug. "You won!"

"Oh, I am so never letting this go," Haley laughed, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "I know I cheated my way through it but no one else needs to know that."

Nathan kissed her cheek, hugging her tightly to him and smiling brightly. "Our little secret."

She smiled, removing her arms from around him and pinching his chin. "Now can we talk?"

"I guess," He said, sighing softly.

Haley grabbed onto his hand, leading him over to the bleachers and sitting down.

"Sorry, Hales," Nathan said, looking out at the gym. "My dad is an ass."

"I agree," She confirmed, rubbing his back.

"It's like I can see him trying to become a good guy, but then his ego gets in the way. He clearly gets it from my grandpa," Nathan said , resting his elbows on his knees. "I don't know. I'm too much like them. Luke is more like our grandma. He just keeps his mouth shut but speaks up when he has to. I can't help but fight."

Haley shook her head, "That's not true, Nathan..."

"It's true," He said, glancing at her. "He just makes me so angry."

"I should have said more," Haley said, leaning her head against him.

"I think you said enough," He reminded her.

"Right," She said, kissing his shoulder. "Sorry... He was just being a jerk and I remembered about how he hit you when you were just a kid..."

"I'm happy, Haley," He urged, frowning. "I don't know why he would imply I'm not."

"I know you are," She assured him, linking her arm through his and squeezing his bicep.

"He's right though. My mom was awful for awhile, but I still stay at her house when I'm here," He said, sighing softly.

"He's not. Your mom changed. Has he really changed? I mean... He's holding things over your head that happened years ago."

"I don't know. He defended me to my grandpa. He'd do anything for Nick. Lucas seems to think he's different, and they had almost no relationship growing up," Nathan said, sighing softly. "I'm the only one that gets into huge fights with him."

"Maybe you're just the only one brave enough to argue with him," Haley said, tracing her fingers down his forearm. "I wish I could help you more, Nathan..."

"You are doing plenty for me, Haley James," He said, kissing her head. "I'm sorry you had see any of that. I wish I could say it was the last time you'd see it. And I'm sorry Macey was around for it."

"She barely heard anything," Haley assured him, shrugging. "You made your own way, Nathan. Screw him for holding stuff that a parent does for a child over you like it was a gift."

"I'm thankful for the stuff he's done for me, especially when it came to Nick... He gave me a stable job and he was super supportive of Fortitude when I brought it up to him."

"Except for Clay, apparently."

"Yeah. Except for Clay. He did not like Clay," Nathan said, rolling his eyes. "In his defense, Clay did not make a great first impression."

Haley smiled slightly, bumping her knee against his leg. "I don't think I did either."

"I've found that not many do," He assured her, laughing. "I love you, Hales..."

"You too," She said, looking around the gym. "At least Katherine had a good night, right?"

"Yes," Nathan said, grinning. "I'm happy for her."

"Me too."

"You been talking to her?" Nathan asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Um... Maybe a little bit today. You just made Dan seem so... I was nervous," Haley laughed, shrugging. "So I went to her for advice."

"And how was it?" He asked, laughing.

"Not the best. Apparently your family loved her," She said, kicking her shoe against the ground. "I don't think the same can be said for me."

He shrugged, kissing her head. "Well I really like you. And Nick really likes you. And that's my family."

She smiled, nudging her nose against his cheek. "Good response."

"Is it safe to come in?"

Lucas asked as he entered the gym, tugging Peyton along with him.

"You're safe," Nathan laughed, standing up. "I could use some scotch right now though."

"Too bad Whitey's not the coach anymore. He'd always have some hidden in his office," Lucas laughed, patting Nathan on the shoulder. "If we drank every time Dan was an ass, we'd be alcoholics."

"Phew, but it would make being around him a lot more fun though," Peyton laughed, wrapping Nathan in a hug. "I'm sorry, buddy."

"It's okay," Nathan replied, smiling down at Haley.

"You have someone new to console you at least," Lucas said, winking at Haley.

"That I do," Nathan hummed, nodding. "And I think I'll keep her around for awhile."

"Oh, good," Haley laughed, tapping her foot against Nathan's leg.

"Look at this place..." Lucas said, looking around. "It's different when it's empty. I've been to a couple games with Whitey since you graduated... But not much."

"It hasn't changed," Nathan said, kicking his foot against the hardwood. "It even smells the same."

"Better than the locker rooms though," Lucas laughed, squeezing Nathan's shoulder. "You're going to have to come back here tomorrow so that Macey can see that," He said, point up to where the '23' jersey was hung.

"I will," Nathan said, nodding.

Haley smiled, standing up and following their eyes. "I think it's really cool."

"You don't care," Nathan laughed, smiling at her.

"Okay, I wouldn't care for most people. But I do care for you," She said, nodding. "You know, I beat him at basketball. Right here in this gym. I beat the All Time Leading Scorer."

"You did?" Lucas asked, looking between Nathan and Haley. "I didn't know you could play."

"Oh, she's really good," Nathan laughed, wrapping his arm around Haley's shoulders, pulling her into his side.

"So what was it?" Peyton asked, laughing. "The penalty he gave you?"

"All of them," Haley said, laughing. "We played to sixteen and I only scored two baskets but somehow won."

"It counts. Stats are stats," Nathan said, kissing her head.

Haley smiled, letting out a deep breath.

She was glad he was alright. He probably just needed the time alone to decompress.

The evening had been a disaster. But it wasn't so terrible now.

Lucas ran over and grabbed the ball Nathan and Haley had been using, dribbling it back. "What do you say, Nate? Quick game?"

Nathan looked down at Haley, who looked back up at him curiously.

"Game to what?" Nathan asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Let's start with eleven, but if you're not too exhausted from getting your ass beat, we can go higher."

Haley laughed at the challenge, removing her arm from around Nathan and sitting back down on the bleachers, Peyton joining her.

"Sure your heart can take it, old man?" Nathan asked, smacking the ball out of Luke's hands.

"You worry about your knee, I'll worry about my heart, little brother."

Nathan laughed, passing the ball back to him.

"Your ball."