2011
Los Angeles, California
It had been a weekend of non stop activity for the Scott family. The number two seated Denver Nuggets were in town to face the best team in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers, to see who would face the East Coast winners, Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA championship. On the flip side, it was also Fashion Week in L.A., the biggest and most important event, coming in second only next to New York's event of the same name, for any designer who was anybody.
In the midst of it all, were Nathan Scott and his sister in law, Brooke. He was the fearless phoenom, the golden boy poised to captain his team to trophy anointed glory. The fans cheered for him, they drank Sprite and ate Big Macs because he did too in all those commercials. And their feet wore his new two hundred dollar Nike shoes and the coveted number 23 jersey. He was an icon in the making, almost as popular, famous and beloved as his hero Michael Jordan, who had proudly wore the same number nearly two decades before. Coaches wanted him on their teams, teammates wanted to pass the ball to him, old ladies wanted to kiss him, young ladies wanted to sleep with him and every little boy who ever bounced a ball on the asphalt wanted to be him. Nathan Scott was in demand from everyone and when he wasn't prepping for the big games or signing autographs, he could be found in the penthouse suite of the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, changing dirty diapers or rocking his son to sleep.
Staying in the same hotel, Brooke Davis Scott was equally busy. There were the usual press conferences and interviews. She had a photo shoot of her own with Glamour Magazine, then of course there was the meeting with the new models who were wearing her latest designs for the various runway shows. All that added to her already insane schedule of overseeing even the most minor details in how her company was run. But she never stopped and she always looked fabulous doing it. It was as if she had been born for the lights, camera, action and glitz of the red carpet.
In a private dining room of the hotel, reserved especially for the meals of the Scott family during their stay, Lucas Scott and Haley Scott sat opposite each other at a table, little Landon, securely in her arms.
"So, you excited about tonight, Hales?" Lucas inquired.
Haley rolled her eyes and grinned.
"Excited? I'm flipped. Trust me, Buddy, I am way too nervous to be excited."
"Who could blame you?" he teased. "It's your big comeback."
"Not exactly but nevertheless, thank you for the dramatics. Luke, it's not like I'm headlining at Wembley Stadium or anything. I'm just singing the National Anthem at the Staples Center for a ball game."
Lucas shrugged.
"That's no small feat. It's not like it happens everyday."
"Tell me about it. I was just super surprised they even asked me. I mean, that one totally came out of left field."
"Well, they did and you're going to be as awesome as ever in a few hours."
"What was the schedule again?"
"Game starts at one, we'll be there by noon. By four we hopefully should be out of there, with a victory mind you. Then there is dinner at The Ivy, I think and onto Brooke's runway show somewhere downtown."
It was a lot as Haley sighed and Landon began to cry loudly.
"There, there, sweetheart", she gingerly rocked him.
"Little Man sounds pissed", Lucas chuckled.
"He's just hungry. Bear with me for a second, Lucas…"
Before he could respond, she had shifted and adjusted and in no time the baby was suckling her breast.
"Hales!"
"What? Your nephew has to eat."
Lucas' face turned bright pink.
"Yeah but…"
"But what? Did you see anything?"
"No, thank God. I love you to death but the last thing I want is to see you naked and by the way, that was some Clark Kent shit you just did there. I totally didn't see a thing…thanking God again."
Haley smiled.
"It's breastfeeding and it's totally natural and beautiful and you may as well get used to it because pretty soon it'll be you and Brooke's turn."
"Maybe if she stayed off the runway and out of the office long enough for me to knock her up", he grumbled.
"It'll be okay, sweetie. Your time will totally come, I promise. And when it does, it'll be perfect and you and Brooke will be awesome parents."
"Speak of the devil", Lucas glanced at the Caller ID of his phone as he accepted his wife's call. "Hey, babe, where are you? Yeah…no…when…okay…I know…Brooke…no…no…okay…yes…whatever…alright…later."
He hung up with a solemn face.
"Everything okay?"
"Brooke won't be joining us for breakfast", he sighed.
"Oh no."
"Another 'can't miss' meeting came up."
The door opened and in waltzed Nathan already in his warm up gear.
"Hey, you", Haley smiled as she kissed her husband.
"Hey, babe. What's up, Luke?"
"Hey, bro."
"Where's Brooke?"
Lucas rolled his eyes.
"Busy…as usual. Work stuff."
"Oh. Well, I can't stay either. I just came to see you guys and see Landon before I have to get to the practice gym."
"But Nathan…" Haley began to protest.
"Sorry. You know I'd much rather have a sit down breakfast with my family but coach called the meeting and it's important. It's not like I can bail or anything."
"I know", Haley sighed. "I just miss you, that's all."
"Miss you, too", he grabbed a bagel and piece of fruit from her plate. "So I guess I'll see you guys soon at the arena."
"Yeah."
"Can't wait to hear you sing again, Hales", he winked.
"I'm so nervous."
"Don't be. You'll do great like always", he began to jog off.
"Hey, Nate!" Lucas called out.
"Yeah?"
"Look, I've been meaning to talk to you about some stuff…"
"Can it wait, man? I'm kind of in a hurry."
"I know but I've been trying to get with you about this for weeks now. I'm beginning to think I'm gonna have to contact your assistant to get an appointment with my own little brother", Lucas joked.
"Well, what is it, dude?"
"Well, you know, I'm trying to start that sports agency. I've found a few decent guys who know what they're doing and they're pretty stand up. Everything is basically ready to go, we're just trying to build our clientele. You and I had talked about this before because you said you weren't happy with your agent and so were a few other guys on your team and I was wondering if we could meet and talk about you switching over to my agency."
"Luke…"
"I invested a lot of time and a lot of money into this. It could be a good thing. I just need some big names. If you could help…"
"Yeah, about that. Um, I talked to my lawyers and advisors and they set me up with this big firm up in New York. These guys have a reputation, you know, a lot of experience. They've represented a lot of big name athletes."
Lucas' eyes widened with hurt and shock.
"Yeah but we, bro, we talked about this. We've been talking about this. You agreed with me. You said you'd help me out. You basically gave me your word."
"Yeah, but, no offense, man, I have to look out for my career and my money. I mean, my attorney said…"
"Your attorney? Your advisors? Screw them! We're talking about a bunch of leeches that latched onto the Nathan Scott gravy train a few years ago when they saw dollar signs for themselves. Nate, I'm your best friend…and your brother. You know, no matter what, I'd always have your best interests at heart. I'd always protect you."
"I know you would but…"
"But what?"
Nathan just shook his head.
"Sorry, man", he mumbled as he walked out.
And thus came the abrupt end of what was supposed to be light hearted, happy family breakfast. An apologetic Haley waited with Lucas until it was time to head off to the Staples Center. A limo whisked them to the site, where all dolled up, she bellowed the words of The Star Spangled Banner melodically and perfectly a cappella. She finished to a standing ovation and a proud wink from her husband. In their courtside seats, Lucas and Brooke also stood clapping as Haley gave the crowd one final wave and headed for the back to call the hotel and briefly check in with the nanny before proudly watching her husband's introduction with the Denver Nuggets' starting lineup.
"Well, well. After all these years, who would have thought you could still hold a note? Must be all that singing in the shower since no one has heard hide nor hair of you in six years or so."
Haley put her hands on her hips and smirked as she turned around. She would know that voice anywhere, even though they hadn't talked in years.
"Chris Keller. Who knew you were such a basketball fan?"
He grinned at her as they hugged.
"Long time, no see, James. Actually, I split my time between New York and L.A. now but we're here in town because I produced the theme song for the Finals games."
"We?"
"Oh you don't read the tabloids? Remember that totally hot cheerleader Rachel Getina from Tree Hill? The Tony nominated Broadway dancer?"
Haley folded her arms.
"Funny, I didn't know they awarded Tonys for stripping at Scores."
"Ha ha, James. That was a long time ago. Anyway, after reconnecting and a whirlwind romance, we got married and now we're expecting a kid."
"I read that. I suppose congratulations are in order."
"It's cool. We're excited. Too bad millions of ladies across the country are heartbroken that Chris Keller is no longer on the market…"
Haley playfully smacked him.
"Still the same arrogant, wise ass, I see."
"And speaking of, how is the hubby?"
"He's great. So is our son."
"Yeah, I saw that in some magazine. Good looking kid. Thank God, he takes after his mother."
"Always the charmer, Chris. And speaking of charmers, is the missus in the VIP section?"
"Nah. She's having a 'fat ankle day', whatever the hell that means."
Haley reminisced.
"When your ankles get so swollen you can barely feel your feet. Pregnancy has its many pleasures…creating another life, feeling it move inside you, bonding with the baby. Then there are the not so pleasure filled things like swollen ankles, morning sickness and hemorrhoids."
"Not pregnant Rachel was fun and kind of cool and really horny all the time. Pregnant Rachel? Not so much. She's moody and demanding and sort of bitchy."
"Even more so than usual?" Haley teased.
Chris frowned.
"Yeah. Scary, huh? The Keller Man is just trying to survive."
"Be a good husband and a good friend. Be nice. Tell her she's beautiful. Rub her feet. Feed her Butter Pecan ice cream in bed. Go to all the prenatal and Lamaze classes. Play a lot less producer and a little more father to be."
"Oh I am, trust me but you know the music is never too far from my heart. And by the sound of things, it isn't too far from yours either."
Haley shrugged.
"I love it. Music is incredible. You know what it meant to me."
"Meant or means?"
"Chris, that was a long time ago. It was fun and amazing and exciting but that chapter is long over."
"It doesn't have to be."
"I'm a different person now. I'm a mother. Nathan and I have a whole new life together."
Chris motioned to the action on the court.
"He's a star, no doubt about it. Hell, his mug is even on lunch boxes. That's what he does. It's what he's good at. It's what he loves. That's Nathan's life. But what about Haley's life? You tell me you're happy just sitting around being a dutiful mother and trophy wife? Come on, Haley. You're better than that. Way better. The music is still in you, it's still apart of you. I hear that. It's not too late and it's nothing wrong with it."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying your hopes and dreams don't have to be on the permanent backburner."
"Sorry but I'm a little too old and a lot more responsible this time around than to go running off on tour with you again, if that's what you're getting at."
"Maybe so. But I've got my own studio. Nothing big, no pressure. But I believe in your talent, James. Always have. This is my card. Anytime, you feel like hanging out, laying down some tracks, writing tunes…look me up. I'm sure it must get lonely with the Superstar always on the road."
She accepted it as he turned to walk away and bumped into Lucas.
"Keller", he nodded.
"Well, this is a Tree Hill reunion if I've ever seen one. Good running into you, man. Oh and tell Brooke I said hi", he winked with a smirk before walking off.
"God, I hate that kid", Lucas rolled his eyes. "After all these years, he is still a prick."
"He's not that bad."
"Yeah? Well, I can't look in his stupid face without seeing him in bed with my wife."
"Technically she wasn't your wife at the time."
"True but I'd still like to kick his ass for that. The guy is a total tool. I just hope you're not hooking back up with him."
Haley raised an eyebrow.
"Hooking up?"
"You know, what I mean. I know you two were just friends, working partners or whatever but that caused a lot of friction last time around. I hope you're smart enough not to repeat that, Hales."
"What, are you a professional eavesdropper now?"
"Sorry. I overheard."
"I see."
"So what are you going to do about it? About him?"
Haley sighed.
"I…I don't know. Probably nothing. I mean, it was a long time ago. Yeah, I did a good job with the national anthem today but I had one hit song as an opening act on one hit tour like six years ago. It doesn't mean anything."
He looked right at her.
"Does it, Hales?"
"I don't want to talk about it anymore."
He put his hands up defensively.
"Fine. Conversation officially over."
"Just promise me one thing."
"You got it."
"Don't tell Nathan. Not about Chris or what you heard today or anything."
"Okay but Haley…"
"Not a word", she repeated adamantly. "He wouldn't understand."
Lucas nodded and left it at that as he escorted his sister in law and best friend to their seats next to Brooke. Together the three cheered as they watched the game and watched Nathan lead his team to victory and a Western Conference title in a dream game triple overtime where his mid court shot clinched the game with less than two seconds on the clock.
It was a time of celebration and champagne, the media falling all over themselves to get a glimpse of or perhaps a word with America's newest hero. Security had to personally escort the foursome to the hotel where they dressed for dinner and Brooke's night out. Paparazzi staked out The Ivy, snapping picture after picture of the two couples. After getting through dinner, they found themselves cornered on the way to their waiting car.
"Nathan! Over here, Nathan!
"Nathan, can we get your thoughts on today's game?"
He grinned and shrugged.
"That's what it's all about, man. It was a sweet victory that I wouldn't have wanted any other way. I'm proud of my team and now it's onto the East and an NBA championship ring."
There was much applause as his photo was continuously snapped.
"Haley, you had a number one hit in 2005 with When The Stars Go Blue, a remake duet with Chris Keller. Your singing career looked very promising at one time and then you seemingly disappeared from the public eye except as Nathan Scott's wife. Now today with that beautiful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, is this a hint of future public performances? Already in a few hours there has been media and Internet buzz that several prominent labels are interested in recording your version, something that hasn't been done in almost 20 years since Whitney Houston. What are your thoughts on that, Mrs. Scott?"
Haley blushed.
"Um, wow. I don't know what to say. It's extremely flattering and exciting. I just love music and I love to sing. It's always been a huge part of my life even if I haven't expressed it publicly in recent years. I don't know what the future holds for me professionally but for now I am just enjoying supporting my husband and being a mom to our son. Today was wonderful and who knows what could happen?"
"This way, Haley! To your left! Smile for the camera!"
"Brooke, what can we expect from your runway show tonight?" another reporter shouted out.
Brooke, looking absolutely stunning in a dress she designed, turned and gave her best pose for the clicking photogs.
"Nothing less than the best, fellas. Hold on to your hats because Clothes Over Bro's has once again outdone themselves. I can't wait until the runway show tonight and I assure you, you won't be disappointed. You know how Brooke Davis does it."
The photographers descended upon them like hungry vultures.
"Can we get you together? Nathan, wrap your arms around Haley and Brooke and look this way!"
"To your right, guys!"
"Smile big, this one will be in People."
Lucas stood quietly by as his presence was ignored by his family and the press.
"Hey, buddy, do you mind? A little to the left", one paparazzi member said to Lucas.
Lucas, swallowing most of his pride, followed the instructions and scooted over to the left…and out of the picture completely. He was used to his brother and his wife being the stars but he had never been completely shunned before. Even Haley was getting attention. It was embarrassing and a devastating blow to an ego already slowly deflating. Finally, they all piled in the limousine.
"A thousand bucks says, all the top labels will be offering you a recording contract by tomorrow, Miss It Girl", Brooke winked.
"Whatever", Haley smiled. "You just lost yourself a cool grand."
"Yeah, not that she would do it anyway, right, babe?" Nathan asked. "I mean, you're terrific and yeah you still got it but you don't have time for CDs and concerts and stuff. You have Landon and me."
"I know, sweetie, but…"
"Oh, Nathan, quit being so caveman", Brooke rolled her eyes. "Tell him, Broody."
Lucas reached for a shot of whiskey.
"Oh my opinion is valued now?" he asked. "I'm finally allowed to speak?"
"What is your deal?" Brooke frowned.
"All that paparazzi shit back there. We can't even have a family dinner without it being a goddamned photo op."
"It's part of leading a public life", Brooke sighed. "Jesus, you should know that. Why are you getting so pissy? Besides, you were the one who wouldn't pose for any pictures."
"Wouldn't pose? No, Brooke, your little picture taking friends deliberately cut me out or maybe you didn't notice for them kissing your ass."
"What's the big deal, Luke?"
"It's a very big deal, Brooke. Or shall I call you Miss Davis?"
"What?"
"You head me. You referred to yourself as Brooke Davis back there, not Brooke Scott."
"I did not."
"Oh yes you did."
Brooke tried to shrug it off.
"Then I don't remember. It was an honest mistake, babe. Calm down."
"Like you wanted me to calm down when the New York post did that huge article on you last month and called me Mr. Davis?"
"Broody, you're being ridiculous."
"It's not ridiculous! Maybe it's time my feelings started mattering around here."
"Of course you matter. You're my husband."
"When, Brooke? When the media is dissing me or when you're too busy to give me that baby you've been promising for a year?"
Brooke gave him a death glare.
"That isn't fair and I am not discussing this with you right now."
"Of course not! We only talk about how great you are and how great your stupid career is!"
"Lucas Eugene Scott, you are way out of line! I suggest you quit while you're still ahead."
"Just remember who you are and what got you here", he downed another shot.
"Excuse me? And what is that?"
Lucas glared at his wife.
"It doesn't hurt to have my last name. Don't pretend like it hasn't helped you out. So next time when you're talking about success, remember it is spelled S-C-O-T-T."
"You know what? You're an asshole. Don't talk to me for the rest of the night."
"No! Say it, Brooke! Scott! I want to hear you spell it!"
"Dude, come on", Nathan grabbed his brother's arm as the car came to a stop. "We're here and it's Brooke's big night. Save this crap for later. Besides, you do need to calm down."
"Totally", Brooke rolled her eyes. "If you're gonna act this way for the rest of the night, I don't want you around me."
"Oh that can be arranged", Lucas sneered. "Fine, I'm not going in."
"What?"
"You heard me. You didn't need me earlier. Go do your runway show by yourself."
"Lucas, don't do this", Haley begged.
"No, Haley, it's fine", Brooke nodded. "Let him sit here and get drunk and pout and be a jackass all by himself. We don't need him and I don't want him. Come on. Let's go."
And just like that, the limousine pulled off. A seething, drinking Lucas requested a detour from the hotel that instead had them pulling into the parking lot of LAX. After tipping the driver, Lucas went inside the terminal and charged a plane ticket to Las Vegas on his credit card. Within hours he was in the sky first class and then sitting pretty surrounded by sexy, scantily clad women and other big balling high rollers at the casino in the Belagio hotel. After a few more drinks and a few more wins, he lit a cigar and his eye caught one of the large television monitors. It was an E! preview of the night's events for L.A.'s Fashion Week. Lo and behold on the screen giving an interview was none other than Brooke Scott, talking about one of the new monograms for her company's latest line, SUXXXES.
"Brooke, can you explain to us about your latest creation?"
"Sure. It is a new lingerie line created that specializes in sexy undergarments for women to wear under their business suits. With more high powered women than ever taking the corporate world by storm, there is a certain stigma that comes along with being stuffy or even uptight, if you will. I, myself, am a corporate executive and trust me honey, I am anything but uptight and stuffy. And I proved it by designing a line of brassieres and other undergarments that I like to wear under my own sensible but trendy work attire. Success is the marquee but because we stepped it up and made it really hot and sexy, we had some fun and changed the spelling around to include the triple X's."
"SUXXXES for Success. And how do you spell that, Brooke?"
She turned right to the camera and glared.
"D-A-V-I-S."
