Nineteen minutes later there was a buzz at the door. Haley opened it carrying her box of Kleenex. Peyton immediately gave her a hug.

"Oh Peyton," Haley sobbed.

"I know. I heard." She led Haley to the couch.

"How?"

"Where do you think he's staying?" Peyton explained. "Look, it's gonna be OK. We'll figure something out."

"I was expecting him to be angry, to yell at me. I was NOT prepared for what happened tonight." Haley said through her now subsiding tears.

"What did happen?"

"He was calm. He didn't want an explanation. He just...nothing. It was so surreal. I told him that I knew he was he'd been drafted, that I knew he went to Duke, and he...he changed. All of the sudden. Shit, I can't explain it. It was like he felt nothing. I mean, I got more of a reaction out of you and Luke. When he showed up in my office this morning he was all, acting like we were old high school friends. Very casual, certainly no sense of history there. He invites me out for dinner, we come back here, I tell I him I went to Detroit to see him and then he left. You guys all made it seem like he was so broken up about my leaving, but after tonight...maybe his ego was more hurt than his actual feelings." Haley suggested.

"No one can nurse an ego for five years Haley." Peyton pointed out.

"A million dollars says Dan Scott could." Haley shot back.

"That is not fair. Nathan is nothing like Dan, and what we told you was the truth. I don't know what happened today but it's all gonna work out."

"Maybe it already has. Maybe he just needed to see me to realize he's gotten over me."

"Maybe." Peyton offered in mock agreement.

"You really think so?" Haley replied instantly.

"You are such a bad liar. You tried to tell me that you weren't still in love with him and look at you...just like when you were fifteen and worried about his motives. I'll be honest with you Hales, I have no idea what is going on in Nathan's head but it will all come out eventually. You know that no one from Tree Hill can keep a secret for any length of time." Peyton smiled. "Now dry your eyes, and let's eat some of that pizza I saw on the kitchen table."

Peyton stayed with Haley for a couple of hours and then went home. Haley had spent so much energy that night crying that sleep came easily.

She was up at five am the next morning and at the Fleet Center by seven. She felt bad for being late the day before so she wanted to put in some extra hours. Mike stopped by her office about nine to see how she was doing.

"I never did get to ask you, how was your first game on the bench?" Mike asked.

"Totally surreal." Haley admitted.

"I need to talk to you about something Haley." Mike said as he sat down.

"What's up?" Haley was sure she was going to get a lecture about being late the day before.

"Well, we need to look at the schedule and make some decisions." He started.

"Decisions?"

"I just want to start off by saying that you are doing a fantastic job. Some of the players have commented how impressed they are by you, especially considering your age."

"That's always nice to hear." Haley smiled.

"Well, normally I would take all of the away games. The team usually doesn't travel with both of us and I've been here longer, but I was talking to Coach Simmons and as it gets closer to Carmel's due date, I am going to want to stick closer to home. I suggested to him that we send you. He was all for it. How do you feel about that?" Mike asked.

"I don't see a problem with that. I have no life, so I'm available whenever you need me."

"Why is that?" Mike asked.

"Why is what?" Haley was confused.

"You are young, single and not hard on the eyes. How come most nights you are here instead of out at some bar fighting off old guys like me with a stick?" Mike teased. He was far from old at thirty-five.

"Actually Mike, there is something I've wanted to talk to you about. I don't know how closely you looked at my application, but I'm divorced."

"How the hell are you divorced at twenty two?"

"Got married at sixteen. But that's not the part I have to tell you about. My ex-husband now plays on this team. I totally understand if you want my resignation."

"Nathan Scott right?" Mike asked.

"How did you know it was Nathan and not Lucas."

"Nathan's reaction to your name made me think there was some kind of history there. Are things amicable between you?"

"We've been apart for five years now. I actually had dinner with him last night and things seem fine. Is this considered a conflict of interest?" Haley asked.

"I think as long as it doesn't affect how you two do your jobs that we won't have a problem."

"Thanks Mike...for being so understanding. It means a lot to me." Haley admitted.

"No need. Now, let's look at the calendar and hammer out a travel plan."

The two of them worked until lunchtime on the schedule. It seemed that Haley was going to need some new luggage for all the travelling she was going to do. She was excited about the prospect as she hadn't seen much of the country in her twenty-two years. At twelve thirty Lucas stopped by her office.

"I am so sorry Haley. I had no idea he was coming."

"It's OK Lucas, it's not your fault. It was a little shocking to find him waiting for me in here yesterday morning, but c'est la vie. Is there something you needed?" she asked.

"Do you have time to do a program for me?" he replied.

"Sure." She grinned. "Why don't we order some lunch and go over what you are looking for." Which is exactly what they did.

For the next two weeks Boston only had home games so Haley was kept pretty busy. Her and Nathan gave each other a wide berth. They crossed paths occasionally in the weight room, and nodded at each other. To an outsider they seemed like colleagues. No one would have ever guessed at their past relationship. Haley was getting used to being treated as an acquaintance but sometimes she wondered if it wouldn't be better if they could just yell, scream, get it all out and start over. She was still spending a lot of hours at work, but that was mostly to avoid her rediscovered friends. Peyton, Jake and Luke often invited her along to movies or clubs but she always had some excuse why she couldn't go. She was pretty sure Nathan would be there and she didn't want to make things awkward for them. The only time she could be counted on to hang out with Peyton and Jake was when the team was on the road. They always had a good time together and they never talked about Nathan.

One night, late in September, Haley had what seemed like the entire Fleet Center to herself. She had taken up running on the treadmill to clear her head before she went home. She had been keeping a steady pace for about twenty minutes when she realized she wasn't alone in the room.

"Jake, how did you get in here?" Haley asked as she stepped off.

"Luke left me a key to the players entrance."

"What are you doing here?" Haley grabbed a towel and wiped off her neck.

"If Mohammed won't come to the mountain, the mountain comes to Mohammed. We need to talk Hales."

"About what?"

"Nathan."

"Everything is cool with Nathan. He seems to be settling in well with the team...I mean it's only been a couple of months but..." Haley drifted off.

"If I wanted to talk about Nathan's basketball adjustment I'd have called Luke and you know it. Look, I get that things are weird between you two, but the only way that is going to change is if you guys spend some time together. Brooke and Tim are flying out next weekend for the game and Peyton's birthday. We are having a party at our place and we really want you to come. No excuses. If things really are as cool as you are trying to make me believe then it shouldn't be a problem for you to come."

Jake knew he had caught Haley in a bluff and was curious as to what her reaction might be. "I just don't want anyone to be uncomfortable because I'm there Jake."

"Well it is going to be uncomfortable...there isn't any way around that. The only way it gets easier is if we are all in the same room and everyone realizes it's time to get over the past. It's been two months now, and it's time we all stopped pussy footing around. I'm asking you to do this for Peyton. She was so happy when you turned up again and now she feels pulled between you and Nate and Luke."

"I still hang out with you guys." Haley defended herself.

"Ya, when the team is on the road. Avoiding things doesn't make them go away Haley." Jake pointed out.

"Worked pretty well for me in the past." Haley shot back.

"Really? You think so?" Jake fired at her. He took a breath. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. I'm not naive and I don't think that one party will put everything back the way it was before, I just believe that the this is the only way it can get better. I honestly don't know where Nathan's head is at when it comes to you but I just think that for one night we can all get together and hang out. Please, do this for Peyton."

"I'll be there." Haley caved. "Can I at least bring Kate?" she smiled.

"Of course. So seven thirty, Peyton's apartment?"

"I'll be there. You are a good guy Jake." Haley said.

"I know. It's my role in life to be the good guy," he grinned. "I'll let you get back to your work out. See you Saturday."

"So what are you doing this Saturday?" Haley asked Kate when she got home.

"Nothing set in stone yet, why what's up?" Kate asked.

"It's Peyton's birthday and Jake is having a party. Interested in coming?"

"Sure. Why do I feel like there is a catch." Kate was nothing if perceptive.

"Nathan and Lucas will be there." Haley admitted.

"Can I tell them what I really think?" she smiled.

"Absolutely not but, I promise to keep the drama to a minimum. Truth of the matter is I'm kinda glad I am doing this. I start my road trip on Wednesday and I would like to have things a little better between Nathan and I before we go."

"I don't get it." Kate was confused.

"I know that Nathan has been going to Mike for his treatments. We are on the road for two weeks and there will be no Mike to act as a buffer." Haley explained.

"All right, but if I see one person picking on you, all bets are off. I get to say what I really think of all this crap. Deal?"

"Deal. So, now the question of the day is, what will I wear to this party?" Haley smiled.

The rest of the week passed in a blur. Haley was spending most of her free time at work with Mike getting up to speed on the players he specifically treated. They had two home games that week so Mike took the bench for one and Haley had the other. She had managed to cram in a lunch with Lucas in her office one day that was purely social in nature. He wanted to talk about how happy he was she was coming to Peyton's birthday party. The day of the party the Celtics had an afternoon game. It was Haley's turn to be on the bench game and although she had done a few more of those since the season opener, they always made her a little nervous. She much preferred to be the troll in the basement. The upcoming road trip was a pretty big deal for the team. They were going to Vancouver, Toronto, New York, and Detroit so it would be two weeks living out of a suitcase. Haley was really looking forward to it.

Saturday dawned bright and early and Haley was at the Fleet Center by nine am. Mike wasn't going to be in at all that day so Haley had a busy day ahead of her. She managed to get a call into Kate to make sure they had their plans set. Kate was coming by the arena at eight to pick Haley up. She had brought a change of clothes with her and was going to shower and get ready there after the game. Tip off was at three and her office was pretty busy in the morning. She had a forty-five minute break at one and snuck into Mike's office to grab a coke.

"Mike, I'm so glad you are here..."

Haley stood up to find Nathan standing there. "Hey Nate. Mike is actually off today." She explained.

"Oh."

"Did you need something?" she asked.

"Naw, forget about it. I'll see you around." And he went to leave.

"Nathan, wait. I know Mike has been working on your elbow. Did you need something before the game?" she asked.

"It's nothing."

"Look. You can't let your personal feelings for me get in the way of your game. Meet me in the treatment room in five minutes and I'll work on it. We are about to go on the road together for two weeks. What if your elbow bothers you then?" She pointed out.

"Five minutes...OK." He acquiesced.

Haley went back to her office and put a note on the door that she was in the treatment room in case anyone was looking for her. Nathan was sitting on the table when she arrived.

"Are you sure you can do this?" he asked.

"This is what I do Nathan. Let me know when it hurts." She started working on him. After ten minutes, Nathan declared that it felt better and jumped off the table. "Listen, Nate..." she was about to tell him that she was coming to the party tonight but then thought better of it. No need to distract him before the game.

"What?" he asked.

"Good luck out there." She replied.

The game was a good one. Boston won, but not easily and both Nathan and Lucas had quite a bit of floor time. They had quickly become fan favorites and the cheers really were something to hear. The game was injury free so as soon as the locker room cleared out, Haley figured it was OK to close up her office and start getting ready for the party. Kate arrived promptly at eight and was duly impressed with Haley's look.

"Are we trying to get the ex back tonight?" Kate asked. Haley was dressed in head to toe black, narrow pants, off the shoulder shirt. She had left her hair down and it had a little bit of wave to it. She was even wearing makeup.

"No. I just figured if I looked well put together that maybe I might feel that way too." Haley admitted.

"Well, mission accomplished. Let's go have some fun. I can hardly wait to meet Brooke Davis." Kate smiled. It wasn't often that celebrities impressed Kate. She had done enough PR for high profile clubs that it was almost second nature to her but she did like Brooke's work.

"I think you and Brooke are really going to hit it off." Haley smiled in reply.

They arrived at the party fashionably late – everyone was already there and the music was blaring. Peyton greeted them at the door. Before she could even get a word in edge wise Brooke came bouncing up.

"Tutor girl!" she squealed.

"Brooke." They hugged.

"I'm so glad you came. What a night! All the old gang." Brooke said with a smile.

"So everyone is here?" Haley asked.

"Yep, I picked Tim up in Vegas, the two superstars are in the corner with their cheer sluts and now you."

"Cheer what?" Kate asked.

"Brooke, this is my roommate Kate Jones. Kate, this is Brooke Davis." Haley made the introductions as Peyton took their coats.

"Any friend of Tutor Girl is...well, anyway." Brooke said in typical fashion. "As I was saying, the Scott brothers are in the corner with their cheer sluts, at least Nate is. Once a dog, always a dog I say." Brooke babbled. "You guys need drinks. I'll be right back." And off she scampered.

Haley gave Peyton a questioning look. "Ya, I wanted to let you know, Nate brought a date tonight." Peyton said sympathetically.

"Does this mean I can say whatever I want?" Kate interjected with a smile.

"No!" Haley quickly replied.

"I'm sorry Hales." Peyton offered.

"Don't be. He has every right to date whoever he wants. It's fine. Happy Birthday by the way." Haley hugged her.

"Thanks," Peyton smiled. "Let's go find those drinks Brooke was talking about."

It didn't take Nathan long to notice that Haley was there. The apartment wasn't big enough for them to avoid each other. Lucas was the one who came over first.

"Hales, I'm glad you finally arrived."

"Well, not all of us are finished work when the buzzer sounds." Haley teased. "I'd like to introduce you to my roommate Kate...finally."

"Nice to meet you Lucas. I've heard lots about you, and not all of it is bad." Kate grinned.

"Down Kate." Haley warned lightheartedly.

"So this is the best friend who replaced me, huh?" Lucas said.

"I don't know about replaced, I'd rather call it improved." Kate joked.

"She's a wily one Haley. I can see why you like her. I'd better be careful." Lucas smiled.

"You got that right mister." Kate shot back. "So, where's your brother?"

"Direct too I see. That's him over there in the corner." Lucas pointed out.

"Lead the way Haley. Don't you think after all this time I deserve an introduction?" Kate prodded.

"Kate...I...." Haley was stumped.

"I guess I could go introduce myself, but then I don't know exactly what I might say...any old thing might pop into my head and out of my mouth..." Kate goaded.

"OK fine, let's go." Haley led her over to Nathan and his date. She recognized the girl from the arena. She was one of the nicer cheerleaders the team had. Haley had even done a treatment for her for an old ankle injury.

Nathan seemed genuinely surprised that she was approaching him, but in all fairness, he didn't run away. "Hey Nate. How's the elbow?" Haley started.

"Good. Do you know Melissa?" He replied.

"I do. How are you Mel?"

"I'm good." Melissa smiled as Nathan put his arm around her.

"That stings," Haley thought.

"I'm Kate, Haley's roommate. I've heard a lot about you Nathan." Kate interjected in an attempt to save Haley.

"Nice to meet you Kate. So, what have you heard about me?" He gave her his smirk.

"I think you need another drink Kate. We just wanted to come over and say hello. Mel, Nate, we'll chat later. Come on Kate." She nearly tore Kate's arm out of the socket pulling her toward the bar area.

"Relax Hales. I would never embarrass you," Kate reassured her. "I just wanted to get a little dig back for the arm thing that's all. Don't worry, I got your back."

"Got her back about what?" Brooke popped up.

"Nothing."

"Ya, so what's the story Tutor girl. You and Nate on speaking terms?" Blunt as always.

"Sort of. We work together." Haley said.

"Ya, I heard about that. So what I don't get is three months ago I get an e-mail from superstar. It's full of the usual bull crap about, have you seen Haley, have you heard anything blah blah blah, and I come here tonight, you two are in the same room and he has his arm around a cheer slut."

"You know Brooke," Haley pointed you. "you used to be a cheer leader?"

"I know. Which is exactly why I know the difference between a cheer slut and a cheer leader. What is the deal?"

"There is no deal."

"Well that's just the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Nate!" she shouted out. "Nathan Scott get your superstar ass over here, and leave your date behind."

A/N OK, that was a long one I know. If you are still with me, thanks! Just to let you know, I've finished the next chapter, just working on edits and the outline is done so it shouldn't take to long to finish up. We are a little over half way there. For everyone who reviewed - THANK YOU so much. You inspire me to sit in my uncomfortable chair for hours longer than a doctor would recommend. A special thanks to those who have given me encouragement and feed back on each chapter. I love to hear what you are thinking. If you are reading and haven't reviewed yet, please take a second and let me know what you think. As always, I'm open for suggestions/thoughts but please keeps flames on low. - Carys