Chapter 504: Raven Hill

Friday, February 17th, Morning

After the grandchildren went to school, he went upstairs to his bedroom. He was checking his suit and stuff for the funeral. He undressed and went into the bathroom to shower. Walking into the shower stall, he ensured his smartphone was on the vanity.

Nathan took his time washing and listening to the artificial rain hit the tub and shower walls. His muscles started to relax from the hot water. Nathan knew this would be one of the longest days of his life. Not that he knew the deceased, but she's the mom of his daughter-in-law, so he would support Ashlyn and support James.

That was when the phone rang. Nathan paused and looked at his phone, shaking on the vanity. Nathan rinsed off, shut down the shower, got out of the stall, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Nathan walked over to the vanity and saw who was calling him.

"Clay, what's up?" Nathan asked his agent.

"I'm about to tell you something, but you have to keep quiet about it," Clay Evan said.

"What is with the paranoia, Clay?" Nathan asked.

"This is big, and I'm just informing you before they officially announce it," Clay said.

"Okay, Clay, so what is it?" Nathan asked.

"Patience, Nate," Clay said.

"Clay, I have a funeral today, so I don't have time for this," Nathan said.

"Nathan, you made it," Clay said.

"Did you just ignore that I'm going to a funeral?" Nathan asked.

"No, I missed it, sorry. Who passed away?" Clay asked.

"My daughter-in-law's mom," Nathan said.

"The red-head?" Clay asked.

"No, James's wife's mom," Nathan said.

"Ashlyn's mom? I wonder why James didn't tell me?" Clay asked.

"It just happened, and things have been moving fast ever since," Nathan said.

"Crap, I'll have to rush something over to them," Clay said.

"Clay," Nathan said.

"Yes, Nathan," Clay said.

"What do you mean I made it?" Nathan asked.

"Oh, that," Clay said, "You distracted me with the funeral."

"Well, anyways, Clay, why did you call me?" Nathan asked.

"They are announcing the finalist today for the Hall of Fame," Clay said.

"So, I've been through this many times, and nothing has come of it," Nathan said.

"Have you given up on the Hall of Fame?" Clay asked.

"Considering I've never gotten out of committee," Nathan said.

"Well, that changes today," Clay said.

"What, Clay?" Nathan asked.

"Nathan Scott, you're on the list as a finalist. People have finally recognized what you've done," Clay said.

"Are you shitting me?" Nathan asked.

"No, I'm not, you're on the list, and I think you have a shot at getting in," Clay said.

"Wow, when did you find out?" Nathan asked.

"I was called this morning; you're on the list," Clay said.

"So, that means?" Nathan asked.

"They'll vote on you, and we'll find out on April First," Clay said.

"Clay, this better not be some elaborate April Fool's Day prank," Nathan said.

"It's not a prank, Nate," Clay said.

"It better not be," Nathan said.

"It's not, Nate; I'm just giving you the heads up," Clay said.

"Okay, thanks, Clay," Nathan said.

"You're welcome," Nate," Clay said.

Nathan hung up his phone and returned to the bathroom. He started up the shower again and stepped back in under it. He finished showering, got out, and dressed casually.

He went downstairs and headed to his shared office. Sitting behind the desk was his wife, Haley James-Scott. Haley was working from home today so she could go to the funeral later.

Haley looked up at Nathan and put her smartphone down. Haley sighed, closed her laptop, and smiled. Nathan nodded and smiled.

"What's up, Nathan? I thought you were getting ready?" Haley asked.

"I was, but I got a phone call," Nathan said.

"Yeah? Anything bad?" Haley asked.

"It was Clay," Nathan said.

"Well, what did he want?" Haley asked.

"He didn't know Ashlyn's mom died," Nathan said.

"James didn't call him?" Haley asked.

"No, it seems not, but then again, everything has been happening so fast," Nathan said.

"Understandable, so why did Clay call?" Haley asked.

"The Hall of Fame finalists are being announced today," Nathan said.

"Nate, we're not doing this again. Every year you get worked up about this, for what? Nothing Nate," Haley said.

"Well, it would be nice to be recognized," Nathan said.

"I thought you gave up on all this bullshit," Haley said.

"It's the Hall of Fame, Hales, not some bullshit," Nathan said.

"I get it, it's the highest honor in your trade, but it's all political bullshit," Haley said.

"That's not untrue," Nathan said.

"So, what does Clay have to do with the Hall of Fame?" Haley asked.

"He got a phone call from the committee sending people to the final vote," Nathan said.

"Yeah, and you're usually left off that list," Haley said.

"Not this year," Nathan said.

"What are you saying, Nate?" Haley asked.

"I'm a finalist," Nathan said.

"What?" Haley asked.

"I'm a finalist, Hales, after all these years," Nathan said.

"Oh my god! Nathan!" Haley said; she came around the desk and hugged Nathan. They both smiled and then kissed—finally, good news in this week of sadness