"You okay? You look really nervous."

"Huh?" Nathan asked. "Oh. No, I'm good. I…I'm fine."

"Okay."

Nathan stopped and pulled at Daytona's arm.

"Wait."

"What's wrong?"

"I was just thinking, you know, maybe we don't have to do this."

"Do what?" Daytona smiled. "You mean, go in?"

"Well, yeah", Nathan shrugged.

He looked up at the house in front of him. It looked so big. When he was younger, it was like the House of Horrors. It was an evil place that stood for nothing good. It represented everything Nathan wasn't, didn't have and could never have.

"But we drove here. I thought you wanted to come…"

"Yeah. I thought I did too but maybe it isn't such a good idea. I mean, they don't even know we're coming and I didn't call first."

Daytona looked at the ground.

"It's okay."

"What?"

"It's okay if you don't want to take me in. I mean, I understand…"

Nathan looked at the sad expression on her face.

"No, Daytona this isn't about you. It's not that I don't want to take you in. It's that I'm not sure if I'm ready to face him again. I mean, he is my father and all and a few years ago we decided to try to have a relationship but it's still awkward. Yet, I kind of feel obligated to deal with this."

She smiled at him.

"It's because you're such a good guy."

"I am, aren't I?" he winked.

Daytona moved into kiss him but they jumped when the front light flashed on. The door opened and there was Dan Scott.

"Nathan", he said shocked. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Hey, Dan."

"I thought I heard voices out here. I didn't know you were in town."

"Yeah, I came to help out with Mom."

Dan looked slightly embarrassed.

"I heard about her going to the hospital. I've been meaning to get over there to see her and…"

"Yeah right", Nathan rolled his eyes.

Dan cleared his throat and ignored his son.

"Well, it's good to see you. Please come in…you and your friend."

Dan invited them and in and they took a seat in one of the spacious rooms. Daytona had never seen anything quite like it. The house itself was big and gorgeous and each room was no exception. She couldn't help but admire the décor.

"You have a beautiful home, Mr. Scott", she said politely.

"Thank you. And your name is…"

"Daytona."

Dan smirked.

"That's interesting. You're involved in that racing business down in South Carolina, right?"

"Yes sir."

Nathan rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants.

"Sorry. Daytona, this is my, uh, father, Dan Scott. And Dan this is my friend, Daytona."

"Pleasure to meet your acquaintance", Dan nodded. "May I offer you some tea?"

"Thank you."

He poured the liquid into three cups, which he served with cookies.

"I see you've taken quite a liking to this table…"

"It's very nice, Mr. Scott."

"My wife put this room together. She is really into antiques and wanted to give this an old fashioned feel."

"She did a lovely job."

"She isn't here right now. Karen is working late. She is the CEO for a small chain of cafes throughout the state. Her job can be pretty demanding, I'm afraid. And it's a shame, too. I'm sure she'll be sorry that she didn't get to see you, Nathan."

Like there was an ounce of truth to that one. Growing up in Tree Hill, Nathan had run into Karen Scott plenty of times. She had always been indifferent to his presence and after Lucas and Nathan developed a relationship and subsequently caused Dan and Nathan to attempt one as well, she had always been cordial enough to both Nathan and Deb but it seemed more of a formality than something genuine. But Nathan didn't take it personally. It seemed Karen treated everyone around her like a business associate, including her own husband and son.

"Well, actually, I'll be around a lot more."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Daytona and I can't stay long but we dropped by to tell you that. Mom is getting out of the hospital soon and I want to stick around and make sure she's okay and doesn't overdo it or anything. And Lucas and I are gonna help look after the Den."

"That's very…noble of you and your brother."

"He's just helping out."

Dan nodded.

"I see. Well, maybe with your extended stay, you might be able to talk some sense into him. I take it you are aware of his latest little debacle."

Nathan sighed uncomfortably.

"Yeah."

"I don't understand your brother. I just wish he would get his life together and settle down."

"Yeah…"

"But I think it's good you're here. You seem to be something of a good influence on Lucas. Maybe you could talk to him…"

"Look, I'm not here for all that. Lucas is a grown man. He makes his own decisions. I'm just here for my mom."

"Very well. I understand", he turned around. "So Daytona, will you be accompanying Nathan during his stay here in Tree Hill?"

"Uh, no sir", she carefully took another sip of hot tea. "I have to get back to Charleston in a few days."

"You work for Nathan's uncle Cooper don't you?"

"Yes but I also race."

Dan looked mildly impressed.

"Such a dangerous sport for such a pretty thing."

"I've been doing it all my life. I love it and I'm really careful."

"Well, I look forward to getting to know you and I'm sure you will tell me all about it. Nathan has never brought one of his girlfriend's around before."

Nathan and Daytona both looked flustered.

"Um, Dan…"

"Mr. Scott, Nate and I aren't exactly boyfriend and girlfriend. We…"

Dan smiled.

"I apologize for bringing it up. Didn't mean to embarrass anyone. You don't have to explain."

Nathan took a deep breath. They had come, they had saw and been sociable enough. Nathan couldn't wait to get away. Even after all the years, the relationship and get togethers with his biological father were still tense, awkward and uncomfortable.

"Um, Dan we didn't want to keep you. Like I said, we couldn't stay long…"

Dan stood, looking a little disappointed.

"If you have to leave…"

"We do. Sorry. I just wanted to drop by and say hi. But I'm sure I'll see you around."

"I hope so", Dan shook his son's hand, then Daytona's. "It was nice to meet you, young lady. Come by anytime."

"Likewise and thank you, Mr. Scott."

Dan saw them to their car where Nathan opened the passenger door for Daytona then collapsed in the driver's seat himself.

"I'm sorry about all that."

"It's okay. He wasn't that bad."

"I just don't know why I even bother."

"I do", she smiled. "Like I said before, you're just a good guy. You can't help yourself."

Nathan looked at her.

"Thanks for being do understanding."

"You're welcome", she said softly. "This wasn't bad for a first date."

Their date! How could he be so stupid? Nathan had completely forgot about that.

"First date? No, trust me, this is not our official first date. I wouldn't subject you to the torture of having tea and cookies with Dan Scott."

"Hey, those cookies were pretty damned good", she quipped.

"Our first date is yet to come. And it will come, I promise. When it does, it'll be something special, a night to remember."

Daytona smiled and kissed him again. First date or not, it didn't matter. Just any minute with him in his presence was date enough for her. Every night with Nathan Lee was a night to remember.