"Lucas?"
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
Haley bent down to retrieve her clipboard. She stood up, squared her shoulders and replied, "I'm here to do your physical."
"You are Dr. Scott?" He was clearly taken back.
"In the flesh. I thought you were playing for Miami?"
"We'll see. The draft was kind of all screwed up and I guess the Celtics are still interested." He explained. "How long have you been here?"
"I just recently started work here, but I've been in Boston the last five years." There was an uncomfortable silence that hung in the air. Haley expected that when she ran into him again there would be tension, but she just wasn't prepared for that day to be today. "Listen Lucas, we better get started. We have a lot of ground to cover." She stated, all business.
"Of course. I'll just get changed." He headed in the direction of the shower room. Haley took the time to compose herself and focus on the task at hand. Haley knew that it was a big deal Mike trusted her to do this evaluation so she wanted to do her best, even though it was Lucas. She was well aware that an unfavorable report from her would prevent the trade, but she was nothing if not professional.
Haley put him through the paces and made some notes. She inquired after his old shoulder injury and if there was anything new she should be aware of. She had followed his and Nathan's college exploits and knew full well that Lucas had strained the ligaments in his ankle sophomore year, but she didn't let on. He informed her of the injury so she was not forced to reveal her interest. After two hours, they were done.
"So Doc, how did I do?" he smiled. It felt like a time warp and she hadn't realized how much she missed his easy grin until she saw it again.
"Not bad. I'll have a full report to the brass in the morning but I didn't see anything that concerns me. Your conditioning is good and the old injuries shouldn't prevent optimum play. I don't see any physical reason to block the trade. It was good to see you again Lucas. Now, hit the showers." She returned the smile.
Back in her office she was quickly typing up her report while it was fresh in her mind. She was so engrossed in her work that she didn't hear the door open.
"House of Pain?" Lucas asked to get her attention.
"Gift from some of the Bruins. Sorry I didn't hear you come in."
"Listen, I'm flying back to Miami at midnight. Any chance I could convince you to have dinner with me?" he asked. Haley hesitated. She was nervous at the prospect of spending more time with him. In the training room, she was in charge, she had control. Over dinner so many subjects could come up that she was not prepared to talk about just yet, especially with Lucas. He knew her too well for her to be able to bluff her way out of painful areas. "Hales, come on, it's been like five years. I just want to hear about what's up with you. For old times sake."
"I don't know Luke...I really should finish this report." She stalled.
"Look, if I do get traded we're going to be seeing a lot of each other. I just don't want it to be uncomfortable." He explained.
"OK, what the hell. Give me twenty minutes to finish typing this report up and I'll meet you at the players entrance. Alright?"
"No problem, I want to go find Coach Simmons anyway. I'll see you there in twenty." Lucas left her to finish her report.
In actuality she couldn't refocus on the report so she saved her progress and shut down the computer. She took the remaining fifteen minutes to pull herself together and tried her damndest not to over think.
Lucas was waiting for her at the players entrance exactly twenty minutes later, hands in his pockets. It was such a classic Lucas stance that it pulled at her heartstrings. It's one thing to imagine what you are missing, but it is another to see it. She led the way out to her car and took him to an out of the way diner for some burgers.
"So, is this place like Boston's hidden treasure?" Lucas asked as they took their seats.
"Not really but it's quiet and you are unlikely to be recognized here. My boss explained that your possible trade isn't to be leaked under any conditions." Haley answered.
"Ah, I get it. So tell me everything."
"Everything about what?" Haley was instantly nervous and defensive.
"Well, everything you've been up to from when I last saw you five years ago until today." He replied.
"It's pretty boring Lucas. I got a scholarship to Harvard, majored in sports medicine. I spent my last two years at school volunteering with the Bruins doing basic rehab and then I got the job with the Celtics when I graduated."
"But you are a doctor? How did you do that in four years?"
"I took seven classes a semester and then summer school. The faculty was really great and credited my volunteer work to my degree. Graduated top ten in my class."
"That's the Haley I remember- all work and no play. Impressive. So....family, friends, significant other?" Lucas inquired casually.
"Family is fine, room mate slash best friend Kate is my saving grace and there isn't any significant other." Haley answered honestly.
"Been home recently?"
"Haven't been to Tree Hill in five years, but why do I have a feeling you already knew that." She smiled. "How's your mom?"
"Mom is great. The café is doing really well. You should call her or e-mail sometime. I know she would love to hear from you."
"Oh Lucas, I don't know."
"She misses you, you were like her adopted daughter. As a matter of fact, a lot of people missed you – me, mom, Keith, Peyton, Brooke, Jake, even Tim I think." Lucas said.
It did not go unnoticed by Haley that Lucas didn't include Nathan in that list. "How is everyone?" she had to ask.
"Keith is still in Charleston. He really loves teaching and he married himself a really nice kindergarten teacher. Peyton is actually here in Boston, as is Jake. I'll give you their numbers if you'd like. Tim went to UNLV and now works in Vegas. Brooke is in LA acting. Turns out being a drama queen paid off for her. I gotta ask you something..." he said hesitantly.
"Here is comes," Haley thought. "What is that?" she replied, steeling herself for the question.
"How did you know I was in Miami?"
It wasn't the question she was expecting so she relaxed. "It was on the news, the draft news that is. It was quite a shock to the sports world that the Scott brothers went to separate teams." Haley replied.
"You followed the draft?" he asked.
"Of course."
"Sorry if I seem surprised I just assumed since you left without so much as a goodbye to your best friend and your husband that..." Lucas was clearly upset.
"Would it make you feel any better if I said I was sorry about that?" Haley asked softly.
"Sorry? Sorry! Five years and not one word. Not a phone call, page, e-mail, letter, nothing." Lucas shot back.
"I am sorry I hurt you Lucas. It was never my intention." Haley knew she deserved Lucas's anger.
"You haven't even asked about Nathan," he pointed out.
"Lucas, there is really only one thing I want to know about Nathan." Haley started.
"What's that?" he asked.
"Did he get everything he wanted?"
Lucas was quiet for a moment. It seemed to diffuse the tension that was building at the table. "For the most part – he went before me in the draft." Lucas gave her a small smile.
"Did he enjoy Duke?"
"Ya. He even graduated – business admin."
"Good." Haley smiled. The thought that he had done well made it somehow worth it.
"What happened Hales? Why did you leave?" Lucas asked quietly.
"Didn't Nathan explain it to you?"
"What, the note? Ya, he told me about that eventually but seeing you now...it just doesn't ring true."
"Why is that?"
"If I remember, you said you needed to find out who you were without Nathan."
"Yes, and that's what I did." Haley said.
"I don't buy it Hales."
"Believe what you want Lucas, but it's the truth."
"We looked for you ya know?" Lucas said.
"Looked?" Haley was confused.
"Internet searches...campus directories. Every city we went to Nate always checked out the libraries, both on and off campus. Hell, I bet the first thing Nathan did when he landed in Detroit was pick up a phone book. I've seen him do it a thousand times." Lucas explained.
"I'm sure you're exaggerating. You said he enjoyed Duke." Haley replied.
"Yes, he did, but there was always a piece that was missing. I guess I know now why we never found you though. We were looking for Haley James."
"Plus, Duke never played Harvard." Haley pointed out.
"We went to Harvard. The summer after freshman year we took a road trip. Princeton, Yale, NYU, Columbia, Brown. All the Ivy leagues. No Haley James anywhere."
"Really? You went to all those places?"
"Nathan's brilliant plan, I just tagged along. So answer me this. You leave because you need to find your own life, yet you never changed your name, you majored in sports medicine and you work for an NBA team. Which part of that is you moving on?" Lucas asked.
"Look Luke, it's complicated. Just trust me when I say I did what I had to do and leave it at that."
"I'll let it slide for now Hales, but this isn't over. I don't want you to disappear from my life again. I meant it when I said I missed you. Can I at least call you?" he asked.
"I guess that would be OK. Now I have to ask you something? Are you going to tell Nathan that we ran into each other?" Haley asked nervously.
"Haley things are different now then they were in high school. He's more than my brother, he's my best friend. I won't lie to him, not even for you. He has questions Hales and you owe him some answers."
"I know. OK, look. The Pistons are here in four weeks. I'll talk to him then. Can you keep this a secret until then?" Haley pleaded.
"Four weeks? You promise?"
"Cross my heart," she made the motion across her chest.
"All right. You have until the morning after the game. I'll call Nathan then and if you haven't talked to him, I'm telling him everything."
"Got it."
"Just a little word of advice. Try and find him after the game, not before. He still gets a little testy before tip off." Lucas smiled.
"Thank you Lucas." Haley was a little surprised he agreed, but grateful nonetheless. It gave her time to come up with a plan. Facing Nathan was not going to be easy.
"Now, what are the chances you'll give me a lift to the airport?" Lucas asked, still smiling at her.
"Pretty good. I missed your smile Luke. I didn't realize how much until right now." She admitted.
"I know, I got the looks. Nate got the skill." He teased.
They ate dinner chit chatting about old times, steering well clear of any more sensitive subjects. He told her that Peyton would be happy to hear she was in Boston and Haley said it would be fine if he gave Peyton her phone number. All in all Haley felt things went pretty well and she looked forward to hearing from her old friend.
After she dropped Lucas off at the airport she headed straight home. Kate appeared to be out for the evening, so Haley had the apartment, and more importantly the bathroom, all to herself. She drew herself a bubble bath and after a long soak, opened up a bottle of wine and went in search of something. She took a deep breath and reached into the far back corner of her closet and pulled out a worn sneaker box. She pulled off the packing tape and took another gulp of her wine. Inside were memories of her time with Nathan. The first gift he had ever given her (the Cracker Jack bracelet), pictures, the cork from the bottle of wine they drank on their wedding night. There were CD's, ticket stubs, and programs and she lingered over each item. Some brought tears to her eyes, others a giggle to her throat. When Kate came home she found Haley sitting on her bed looking into the small black velvet box that held her wedding band. It was only in the last two years that she had taken it off her hand.
"Hey Hales, what's up? Why've we got the box out?" Kate had seen the box before but only when Haley was going through something tough.
"I saw Lucas today." She said as she snapped the jewelry box closed. She placed it in the box with the rest of the items and put the lid back on.
"Ex brother in law / ex best friend Lucas?" Kate asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.
"Yep. I walked into the training room and there he was. Sucked the air right out of my lungs."
"How about little brother?"
"Not yet, but I had to promise Luke that I'd talk to Nate when the Pistons are in town in a month. Kate....Nathan looked for me."
"Of course he did." Kate said as if it was only natural. "Why does that surprise you?"
"I don't know. It just does."
"Are you going to tell him the whole story finally?" Kate was the only person Haley had ever told all the sordid details to. It had taken them being friends for two year before Haley spilled her guts. Kate tried to be understanding, but not knowing Dan Scott personally made it a little difficult for her to understand.
"No." Haley stated emphatically.
"Why not?"
"Because I can't do that to him. He has enough reasons of his own to hate Dan. I don't need to add to it. Plus, from the sound of it, he has a really good life. I won't do anything more to hurt him...I think I did enough."
"Don't you think he deserves the truth?" Kate asked honestly.
"The truth is subjective, colored by time and perspective. I won't lie to him, but I won't offer anything either."
"So what are you going to say?" Kate inquired.
"I have no idea, but as I see it, I've got four weeks to figure that out."
The girls finished the bottle of wine together and hashed out some possible conversations. Morning came awfully early the next day and Haley was very happy it was Friday.
Mike came by before lunch to see how the physical went. She handed him the report to which he grinned at. She also pulled out the weight training program she had designed for his examination.
"I designed this for Devon. What do you think?" Haley asked. "It's just that I see him in the gym every day..."
"This is great Haley," he said as he flipped through the pages of the report. "I saw him down there just now. Why don't you go pitch it to him?" Mike suggested as he handed the papers back to her.
"Really?"
"Ya, go for it. If he's on board, I'll let the other guys know you are available. So...who was the new guy?" Mike asked.
"Lucas Scott."
"From Duke?"
"Yep, half of the famous Scott brothers." Haley confirmed.
"Why didn't we just draft him?" Mike pointed out.
"I don't know. He said something was off at the draft."
"Well, things are definitely looking up for the Celtics. That kid's got game." Mike smiled.
"Don't I know it. Listen Mike, I'm gonna go find Devon. I'll catch up with you later." Haley headed towards the weight room where she made her pitch to Devon. He seemed open to the idea so she took him through the routine. He responded well and was pleased with her plan. The rest of her day went by quickly and quietly. Her and Kate had plans to hit a club later that night to let off some steam, which Haley was looking forward to despite her lack of sleep the night before.
When she arrived home the message light was blinking on the machine. As Haley took off her coat, she pushed the button.
"Haley James, Lucas gave me your number. Call me back, 555-0134. We need to hook up." Peyton's familiar voice came through the machine. Haley took another deep breath and picked up the receiver to call her back.
A/N thank you SO much for all the encouraging reviews. Working on chapter three right now. No Nathan yet, but I'm getting there! Please let me know what you think.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
Haley bent down to retrieve her clipboard. She stood up, squared her shoulders and replied, "I'm here to do your physical."
"You are Dr. Scott?" He was clearly taken back.
"In the flesh. I thought you were playing for Miami?"
"We'll see. The draft was kind of all screwed up and I guess the Celtics are still interested." He explained. "How long have you been here?"
"I just recently started work here, but I've been in Boston the last five years." There was an uncomfortable silence that hung in the air. Haley expected that when she ran into him again there would be tension, but she just wasn't prepared for that day to be today. "Listen Lucas, we better get started. We have a lot of ground to cover." She stated, all business.
"Of course. I'll just get changed." He headed in the direction of the shower room. Haley took the time to compose herself and focus on the task at hand. Haley knew that it was a big deal Mike trusted her to do this evaluation so she wanted to do her best, even though it was Lucas. She was well aware that an unfavorable report from her would prevent the trade, but she was nothing if not professional.
Haley put him through the paces and made some notes. She inquired after his old shoulder injury and if there was anything new she should be aware of. She had followed his and Nathan's college exploits and knew full well that Lucas had strained the ligaments in his ankle sophomore year, but she didn't let on. He informed her of the injury so she was not forced to reveal her interest. After two hours, they were done.
"So Doc, how did I do?" he smiled. It felt like a time warp and she hadn't realized how much she missed his easy grin until she saw it again.
"Not bad. I'll have a full report to the brass in the morning but I didn't see anything that concerns me. Your conditioning is good and the old injuries shouldn't prevent optimum play. I don't see any physical reason to block the trade. It was good to see you again Lucas. Now, hit the showers." She returned the smile.
Back in her office she was quickly typing up her report while it was fresh in her mind. She was so engrossed in her work that she didn't hear the door open.
"House of Pain?" Lucas asked to get her attention.
"Gift from some of the Bruins. Sorry I didn't hear you come in."
"Listen, I'm flying back to Miami at midnight. Any chance I could convince you to have dinner with me?" he asked. Haley hesitated. She was nervous at the prospect of spending more time with him. In the training room, she was in charge, she had control. Over dinner so many subjects could come up that she was not prepared to talk about just yet, especially with Lucas. He knew her too well for her to be able to bluff her way out of painful areas. "Hales, come on, it's been like five years. I just want to hear about what's up with you. For old times sake."
"I don't know Luke...I really should finish this report." She stalled.
"Look, if I do get traded we're going to be seeing a lot of each other. I just don't want it to be uncomfortable." He explained.
"OK, what the hell. Give me twenty minutes to finish typing this report up and I'll meet you at the players entrance. Alright?"
"No problem, I want to go find Coach Simmons anyway. I'll see you there in twenty." Lucas left her to finish her report.
In actuality she couldn't refocus on the report so she saved her progress and shut down the computer. She took the remaining fifteen minutes to pull herself together and tried her damndest not to over think.
Lucas was waiting for her at the players entrance exactly twenty minutes later, hands in his pockets. It was such a classic Lucas stance that it pulled at her heartstrings. It's one thing to imagine what you are missing, but it is another to see it. She led the way out to her car and took him to an out of the way diner for some burgers.
"So, is this place like Boston's hidden treasure?" Lucas asked as they took their seats.
"Not really but it's quiet and you are unlikely to be recognized here. My boss explained that your possible trade isn't to be leaked under any conditions." Haley answered.
"Ah, I get it. So tell me everything."
"Everything about what?" Haley was instantly nervous and defensive.
"Well, everything you've been up to from when I last saw you five years ago until today." He replied.
"It's pretty boring Lucas. I got a scholarship to Harvard, majored in sports medicine. I spent my last two years at school volunteering with the Bruins doing basic rehab and then I got the job with the Celtics when I graduated."
"But you are a doctor? How did you do that in four years?"
"I took seven classes a semester and then summer school. The faculty was really great and credited my volunteer work to my degree. Graduated top ten in my class."
"That's the Haley I remember- all work and no play. Impressive. So....family, friends, significant other?" Lucas inquired casually.
"Family is fine, room mate slash best friend Kate is my saving grace and there isn't any significant other." Haley answered honestly.
"Been home recently?"
"Haven't been to Tree Hill in five years, but why do I have a feeling you already knew that." She smiled. "How's your mom?"
"Mom is great. The café is doing really well. You should call her or e-mail sometime. I know she would love to hear from you."
"Oh Lucas, I don't know."
"She misses you, you were like her adopted daughter. As a matter of fact, a lot of people missed you – me, mom, Keith, Peyton, Brooke, Jake, even Tim I think." Lucas said.
It did not go unnoticed by Haley that Lucas didn't include Nathan in that list. "How is everyone?" she had to ask.
"Keith is still in Charleston. He really loves teaching and he married himself a really nice kindergarten teacher. Peyton is actually here in Boston, as is Jake. I'll give you their numbers if you'd like. Tim went to UNLV and now works in Vegas. Brooke is in LA acting. Turns out being a drama queen paid off for her. I gotta ask you something..." he said hesitantly.
"Here is comes," Haley thought. "What is that?" she replied, steeling herself for the question.
"How did you know I was in Miami?"
It wasn't the question she was expecting so she relaxed. "It was on the news, the draft news that is. It was quite a shock to the sports world that the Scott brothers went to separate teams." Haley replied.
"You followed the draft?" he asked.
"Of course."
"Sorry if I seem surprised I just assumed since you left without so much as a goodbye to your best friend and your husband that..." Lucas was clearly upset.
"Would it make you feel any better if I said I was sorry about that?" Haley asked softly.
"Sorry? Sorry! Five years and not one word. Not a phone call, page, e-mail, letter, nothing." Lucas shot back.
"I am sorry I hurt you Lucas. It was never my intention." Haley knew she deserved Lucas's anger.
"You haven't even asked about Nathan," he pointed out.
"Lucas, there is really only one thing I want to know about Nathan." Haley started.
"What's that?" he asked.
"Did he get everything he wanted?"
Lucas was quiet for a moment. It seemed to diffuse the tension that was building at the table. "For the most part – he went before me in the draft." Lucas gave her a small smile.
"Did he enjoy Duke?"
"Ya. He even graduated – business admin."
"Good." Haley smiled. The thought that he had done well made it somehow worth it.
"What happened Hales? Why did you leave?" Lucas asked quietly.
"Didn't Nathan explain it to you?"
"What, the note? Ya, he told me about that eventually but seeing you now...it just doesn't ring true."
"Why is that?"
"If I remember, you said you needed to find out who you were without Nathan."
"Yes, and that's what I did." Haley said.
"I don't buy it Hales."
"Believe what you want Lucas, but it's the truth."
"We looked for you ya know?" Lucas said.
"Looked?" Haley was confused.
"Internet searches...campus directories. Every city we went to Nate always checked out the libraries, both on and off campus. Hell, I bet the first thing Nathan did when he landed in Detroit was pick up a phone book. I've seen him do it a thousand times." Lucas explained.
"I'm sure you're exaggerating. You said he enjoyed Duke." Haley replied.
"Yes, he did, but there was always a piece that was missing. I guess I know now why we never found you though. We were looking for Haley James."
"Plus, Duke never played Harvard." Haley pointed out.
"We went to Harvard. The summer after freshman year we took a road trip. Princeton, Yale, NYU, Columbia, Brown. All the Ivy leagues. No Haley James anywhere."
"Really? You went to all those places?"
"Nathan's brilliant plan, I just tagged along. So answer me this. You leave because you need to find your own life, yet you never changed your name, you majored in sports medicine and you work for an NBA team. Which part of that is you moving on?" Lucas asked.
"Look Luke, it's complicated. Just trust me when I say I did what I had to do and leave it at that."
"I'll let it slide for now Hales, but this isn't over. I don't want you to disappear from my life again. I meant it when I said I missed you. Can I at least call you?" he asked.
"I guess that would be OK. Now I have to ask you something? Are you going to tell Nathan that we ran into each other?" Haley asked nervously.
"Haley things are different now then they were in high school. He's more than my brother, he's my best friend. I won't lie to him, not even for you. He has questions Hales and you owe him some answers."
"I know. OK, look. The Pistons are here in four weeks. I'll talk to him then. Can you keep this a secret until then?" Haley pleaded.
"Four weeks? You promise?"
"Cross my heart," she made the motion across her chest.
"All right. You have until the morning after the game. I'll call Nathan then and if you haven't talked to him, I'm telling him everything."
"Got it."
"Just a little word of advice. Try and find him after the game, not before. He still gets a little testy before tip off." Lucas smiled.
"Thank you Lucas." Haley was a little surprised he agreed, but grateful nonetheless. It gave her time to come up with a plan. Facing Nathan was not going to be easy.
"Now, what are the chances you'll give me a lift to the airport?" Lucas asked, still smiling at her.
"Pretty good. I missed your smile Luke. I didn't realize how much until right now." She admitted.
"I know, I got the looks. Nate got the skill." He teased.
They ate dinner chit chatting about old times, steering well clear of any more sensitive subjects. He told her that Peyton would be happy to hear she was in Boston and Haley said it would be fine if he gave Peyton her phone number. All in all Haley felt things went pretty well and she looked forward to hearing from her old friend.
After she dropped Lucas off at the airport she headed straight home. Kate appeared to be out for the evening, so Haley had the apartment, and more importantly the bathroom, all to herself. She drew herself a bubble bath and after a long soak, opened up a bottle of wine and went in search of something. She took a deep breath and reached into the far back corner of her closet and pulled out a worn sneaker box. She pulled off the packing tape and took another gulp of her wine. Inside were memories of her time with Nathan. The first gift he had ever given her (the Cracker Jack bracelet), pictures, the cork from the bottle of wine they drank on their wedding night. There were CD's, ticket stubs, and programs and she lingered over each item. Some brought tears to her eyes, others a giggle to her throat. When Kate came home she found Haley sitting on her bed looking into the small black velvet box that held her wedding band. It was only in the last two years that she had taken it off her hand.
"Hey Hales, what's up? Why've we got the box out?" Kate had seen the box before but only when Haley was going through something tough.
"I saw Lucas today." She said as she snapped the jewelry box closed. She placed it in the box with the rest of the items and put the lid back on.
"Ex brother in law / ex best friend Lucas?" Kate asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.
"Yep. I walked into the training room and there he was. Sucked the air right out of my lungs."
"How about little brother?"
"Not yet, but I had to promise Luke that I'd talk to Nate when the Pistons are in town in a month. Kate....Nathan looked for me."
"Of course he did." Kate said as if it was only natural. "Why does that surprise you?"
"I don't know. It just does."
"Are you going to tell him the whole story finally?" Kate was the only person Haley had ever told all the sordid details to. It had taken them being friends for two year before Haley spilled her guts. Kate tried to be understanding, but not knowing Dan Scott personally made it a little difficult for her to understand.
"No." Haley stated emphatically.
"Why not?"
"Because I can't do that to him. He has enough reasons of his own to hate Dan. I don't need to add to it. Plus, from the sound of it, he has a really good life. I won't do anything more to hurt him...I think I did enough."
"Don't you think he deserves the truth?" Kate asked honestly.
"The truth is subjective, colored by time and perspective. I won't lie to him, but I won't offer anything either."
"So what are you going to say?" Kate inquired.
"I have no idea, but as I see it, I've got four weeks to figure that out."
The girls finished the bottle of wine together and hashed out some possible conversations. Morning came awfully early the next day and Haley was very happy it was Friday.
Mike came by before lunch to see how the physical went. She handed him the report to which he grinned at. She also pulled out the weight training program she had designed for his examination.
"I designed this for Devon. What do you think?" Haley asked. "It's just that I see him in the gym every day..."
"This is great Haley," he said as he flipped through the pages of the report. "I saw him down there just now. Why don't you go pitch it to him?" Mike suggested as he handed the papers back to her.
"Really?"
"Ya, go for it. If he's on board, I'll let the other guys know you are available. So...who was the new guy?" Mike asked.
"Lucas Scott."
"From Duke?"
"Yep, half of the famous Scott brothers." Haley confirmed.
"Why didn't we just draft him?" Mike pointed out.
"I don't know. He said something was off at the draft."
"Well, things are definitely looking up for the Celtics. That kid's got game." Mike smiled.
"Don't I know it. Listen Mike, I'm gonna go find Devon. I'll catch up with you later." Haley headed towards the weight room where she made her pitch to Devon. He seemed open to the idea so she took him through the routine. He responded well and was pleased with her plan. The rest of her day went by quickly and quietly. Her and Kate had plans to hit a club later that night to let off some steam, which Haley was looking forward to despite her lack of sleep the night before.
When she arrived home the message light was blinking on the machine. As Haley took off her coat, she pushed the button.
"Haley James, Lucas gave me your number. Call me back, 555-0134. We need to hook up." Peyton's familiar voice came through the machine. Haley took another deep breath and picked up the receiver to call her back.
A/N thank you SO much for all the encouraging reviews. Working on chapter three right now. No Nathan yet, but I'm getting there! Please let me know what you think.