The clock was running down. The Detroit Pistons were trailing by only 4. Even with seconds remaining, it was a dangerous position for the Heat to be in. The former champs had the best defense in the league and like hawks, they waited in the background patiently for their foes' first sign of weakness. A win was still on the line. Early in the first quarter, Dwayne Wade had gone down hard. It could be something as serious as a fractured rib but only time and a thorough medical exam would tell.

21.7 seconds left and Nathan went to block Tayshaun Prince's shot but instead fouled him.

"Foul on Miami, number 23, Nathan Scott. It's your sixth, son. You're done."

Nathan cursed and slammed the ball hard. He had fouled out. Shaq was already on the injured list. The pressure to was on.

"Jake, I've got to play, man", Dwayne pleaded. "Talk to Coach and tell him to let me back in."

Jake looked uneasy. It was amazing how far an athlete could push their bodies when the game was on the line. They could play through fatigue and excruciating pain. The mental resolve was amazing but it was Jake's job to predetermine the preliminary status of the injury. There was no use in risking permanent injury just for a single win.

"Alright, man", he finally sighed as he carefully wrapped the player's sore ribs. "Protect your right side and as soon as this game is over, you need to get down to X-ray. Got me?"

Dwayne nodded and Jake gave the signal to the coaches that he could play. Dwayne entered the game just as the Pistons had tied it. With less than a second on the clock, Dwayne hit the fadeaway at the buzzer. It was good. The game had been salvaged.

"Fuck yeah. Jagielski", Nathan yelled picking up the new trainer. "You saved the game."

Jake, just happy the team won, humbly could not take all the credit. That would have to go to the young man in horrendous pain hobbling to the medical center in the back. Still he couldn't help but be a little proud. This was the big leagues and he felt like part of a winning team. It felt good.

Miami celebrated all the way to the locker room while Jake lingered behind. In the stands was a smiling blonde who wore jeans and a simple red tank top. She walked over to him and they hugged.

"My hero", she cooed, jokingly.

"Just doing my job."

"How does it feel?"

"Honestly? Pretty damned good", he sighed.

She nodded.

"I'm proud of you. You deserve to celebrate."

Jake grinned.

"Let's say we get out of here and go home and pop open the bubbly."

"Sounds like a plan to me but I was thinking you'd want to enjoy the first home victory out with the team."

Jake raised an eyebrow.

"You don't mind?"

"Nah. I've got stuff to do at home anyway. Go out with the boys. Have a good time."

"I'm warning you", he shoved his hands inside his pockets. "This is South Beach and the team has been known to get a little rowdy. There might be strippers and lots of alcohol…"

"Oh really?" Peyton teased, folding her arms. "Well you better be on your best behavior then."

Jake kissed her.

"You're the best, babe."

"I know. I trust you, Jake. Besides, you get a little too stripper and beer happy and I'll kill you in your sleep with my bare hands."

Jake nodded.

"At least you're honest. I promise not to late, okay?"

"Okay."

"And hey, if you're still awake, save a glass of champagne for me, alright?"

She smiled and kissed him again.

"Sounds like a plan."

Jake retreated to the locker room where the rest of the team was giving post game interviews. He found Nathan fresh out of the shower.

"You okay, Jagielski?"

Jake looked around surveying the scene. He was still in awe.

"This is cool. A lot different from a Tree Hill U celebration."

Nathan grinned.

"You haven't seen nothing yet. Hit the showers. You're going with Luke and me to meet the guys at Wet Willie's."

"I've heard of that place."

"Well, you haven't lived to you've experienced it first hand."

Jake nodded and reached for a towel. He showered quickly and dressed and a limo was waiting at the back entrance to whisk the fellas away to their destination. The last thing the small town boy ever dreamed about was having a beer with Shaq and other players he had admired on television. But this was his new life. He was a part of the team.

They entered the hotspot to the usual VIP treatment. The liquor flowed freely and so did the women. Jake had never seen so many beautiful girls all in the same room. He joined the Heat's private table and had another drink. Minutes later Lucas joined them. He knocked fists with his brother and good friend.

"Pey let you out of the house?" he joked.

"Brooke let you?"

Lucas grinned.

"Only because she knew you'd be here", he winked. "You having a good time?"

Jake looked around. It was a younger single man's dream. Hot girls, loud music, a surplus of drinks…it was the place to be.

"It's alright", Jake shrugged.

"Let me guess", Nathan took a swig of beer. "You miss Peyton."

"You miss Haley?"

"Actually? I do", he grinned with a loud belch.

Lucas looked around at everyone partying and having a great time.

"This is pathetic. We're supposed to be living it up. This is the place to be yet we're nursing drinks like little sorority girls and missing our wives."

"Yeah", Jake agreed. "Guess we're not as young as we used to be. Who knew about the big 2-6?"

"Guess we're not as cool as we used to be either", Nathan said, taking a final drink before leaving a huge tip. "Come on. I've got a better idea. Let's ditch this place."

The two followed and the car drove them but not to another bar or club. Instead they wound up at a park that looked a lot like the River Court. Nathan found a ball and they began taking random shots.

"So how do you like it here so far?" Luke asked.

"It's cool. The area is great. We really like the house. Pey worked really hard fixing it up and decorating and stuff."

"The first away games are next week. You up to the travel?"

"I'm good", Jake sunk another basket.

"Peyton will be cool?"

"Yeah. Besides, she'll have Brooke and Haley."

Lucas nodded.

"You guys are okay…aren't you?"

"Yeah", he wiped his brow with the end of his shirt. "It was rough for a while. I won't lie. But we're okay now and we have been for a while. I think this move was good for us."

"Well, this is nice. I'm glad you're here."

"Thanks, dude."

"What the fuck? You two fags gonna kiss now or what?" Nathan joked as he dunked the ball.

They laughed, play fought and took turns shooting. For hours it was just three kids having some fun just like they used to in Tree Hill. It was a good night and a good time but when all was said and done, they were ready to retire to their respective home to their respective wives. Jake could barely keep his eyes open during the short ride.

He said good bye to his friends and went into his house. It was dark downstairs but a dim light came from one of the spare rooms Peyton had turned into an office. She was wearing only panties and one of his old wife beaters. Her hair was a mass of unruly curls as she peacefully sketched on a pad, a glass of half drank red wine on the desk beside her.

"How long have you been standing there?" she asked, her hand over her heart. "I didn't hear you come in. You scared the shit out of me."

"Sorry. I just like to look at you sometimes. Reminds me of how lucky I am."

"Liar", she laughed, checking her watch. "It's not even one yet. You're home early, party pooper. What gives?"

"It was cool. Hanging with the boys. Drinking. Checking out the ladies but uh…call all three of us whipped. None of it compares to Lucas enduring Brooke reading articles to him from Cosmo or Nathan watching Haley alphabetize their entire life. And um…none of it compares to this right now. Being here with you. Watching you draw."

She put her marker and pad down and looked up at him.

"You're a real charmer, Jagielski…you know that?"

"I try", he said in a husky voice as he extended his hand to her. "Now come on, Mrs. Jagielski. It's time for bed."