Daytona checked her reflection in the mirror one last time. She looked beautiful but the pretty red head still needed slight convincing. She wanted the entire evening to be perfect. She wanted to look perfect and she wanted dinner and the drive and the conversation to be perfect. She had waited a long time for that night. All her dreams were just a heartbeat away.

"What are you doing here?" Cooper rounded the corner.

Daytona jumped.

"You scared me."

"Maybe you would have heard me coming if you'd stay out of the mirror", he teased.

"I wasn't in the mirror."

"Yeah right. Whatever you say. Now like I asked, what are you doing here?"

"Nathan and I are hanging out tonight."

"I know that. You guys are having your little date."

He loved to tease her, grinning as she smiled and blushed.

"It's not a date, Coop."

"Funny. That's not what I heard."

Daytona rolled her eyes.

"Okay. It is a date…kind of…sort of…"

"Uh huh", Cooper raised an eyebrow.

"Fine. It's a date."

"Now that we've established that, back to my original question. What are you doing here at the house? You're not supposed to be here. The rules of dating clearly state that the guy is supposed to be a real gentleman and drive to your house and knock on the front door with like a dozen roses or some shit."

"You make it sound so romantic", she quipped. "It's cool, Coop. Yes, it's a date but we don't want to make too big of a deal about it."

"Is that why you're all dressed up in that little black strapless number? And I didn't even know you owned make up? And curls in your hair?"

Her face reddened deeper.

"I wanted to look nice."

"And you do", he said, not joking anymore. "I'm serious. You look absolutely amazing. You clean up real nice, kid. Our little Daytona has grown up."

"Coop…"

"I mean it. I dare to even say you look kind of hot. If that nephew of mine doesn't keep a close eye on you, I might steal you for myself."

"Thanks for the compliment but fat chance. Now where is that nephew of yours?"

"Still getting ready in the bathroom. I swear he's worse than a high school girl. Let me go get him."

"Thanks."

Cooper turned to go find Nathan before stopping dead in his tracks.

"Listen, I was just joking back there but you really wouldn't give me a chance? I mean, if I was serious and you didn't know me and I hit on you, you wouldn't go out with me?"

"I don't know! Besides, that'll never happen and the thought is really weird and creepy."

"It's because you think I'm old."

"Yes", she stated.

Cooper pretended to be shocked and hurt.

"Drive the stake deeper into my heart, why don't you? That was cold. Brutal. I'm devastated. Really."

Dramatically shaking his head, he headed in Nathan's direction.

"Hey Coop!"

"Yeah?" he turned back around.

Daytona winked and smiled at the man who had been her friend, mentor and surrogate big brother her whole life.

"You're pretty fly for an old guy."

He nodded, feeling better about himself as he dashed into the bathroom. Sure enough Nathan, dressed dapperly in black pants and a blue dress shirt was in the mirror as well making sure every hair was in place.

"What are you, a little bitch?" Cooper teased. "You need a lipstick? Some pumps, maybe?"

"Shut up, dude", Nathan grinned.

"You look very pretty but there is an even prettier young lady waiting out front for you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really. Listen, Nate, about tonight…"

"What's up?"

"I don't know. It's probably not my business and if I'm overstepping my bounds feel free to tell me to fuck off but, you're cool with tonight…right?"

"What do you mean?"

"Going out with Daytona and all."

"Yeah."

"It is a date, a real date, right?"

"Yeah, I guess. What's with the third degree, man?"

Cooper shrugged.

"It's just that she's like a little sister to me. I've known her since she was born almost. Daytona is a good girl and I really care about her."

"I know. I care about her too."

"Good. Because she really likes you, Nate. She always has. It's not just a schoolgirl crush anymore. She's all grown up. I'm just saying be careful. If you're not serious or you're not sure, then just take a step back. I don't want to see her get her heart broken."

Nathan turned to face his uncle.

"I know what you're saying, Coop. Trust me, I've thought about this. I know how Daytona feels about me. Deep down, I guess I've always known. She has grown up and I do like her. Don't expect a wedding invitation anytime soon or anything but this is the first step to see how things go. We're gonna have fun and take our time."

Cooper nodded.

"Good plan. It sounds like you're over the past and everything that happened there."

"You mean Haley?" he sighed.

"Yeah Haley…and other stuff."

"I'm cool with it. I left that part of me back in Tree Hill a long time ago. And that's where it's going to stay. My life is here and now in Charleston with the racing and the guys and Daytona and unfortunately your stupid ass", he joked.

Cooper slapped him on the back and winked.

"You're a good man, Charlie Brown. Now don't keep her waiting any longer."

Nathan nodded and tried to ignore the growing nerves churning inside him. He made his way out to the living room. He saw Daytona at first from behind but when she turned around, it nearly took his breath away. She was beautiful. More than beautiful. Stunning. Gorgeous.

"Hey", he said with a dry mouth.

"Hey", she smiled. "Um, you look nice."

"So, so do you. I mean, you look more than nice. You look great."

"Thanks", she blushed.

"Aw, isn't this cute?" Cooper teased, digital camera in hand. "You two crazy kids lean in real close, smile real big and say cheese!"

Rolling their eyes Nathan and Daytona complied.

"Can we go now?" Nathan half joked.

"Sure. No drinking and driving, no illegal drugs, no swearing, open all car and restaurant doors, no racing, no loud belching, have her home before midnight and for God's sake, no sex!"

"Yes sir", they both said in unison, mock saluting him before laughing.

"Later, man", Nathan helped her with her jacket.

The phone rang and Cooper picked up the cordless. Nathan and Daytona were almost out the front door.

"Nate, phone for you, man."

Nathan sighed.

"Dude, we're leaving. Take a message."

Cooper frowned.

"It's Skills."

Nathan narrowed his eyes. Why would Skills call and at that hour? Sure they had grown up together and had remained friends and stayed in touch over the years but something was slightly wrong about that call. It made him feel sick to his stomach.

"What's up, Skills?" Nathan asked, taking the phone.

"Dawg, am I glad I caught up with you. Look something happened."

"What?"

"It's your mom. Deb collapsed tonight at the diner. She's at the hospital now."

"Hospital? What happened? Is she okay?"

"I don't know. No one is telling us anything but if you can, you might want to come home, man."

Feeling like the wind had been knocked out of him, Nathan hung up the phone.

"What's going on?" Cooper immediately asked, noticing the change in his nephew's demeanor.

"Nathan, are you alright?"

He shook his head.

"Daytona, I'm sorry about tonight but I have to go. Both Coop and me. We're going back to Tree Hill."

"Tree Hill?" Cooper asked. "Why?"

Nathan swallowed hard and tried not to pass out himself.

"Something bad happened to Mom."