A/N: Songs used in
this chapter:
Copa Cabana – Barry Manilow
Gimme Gimme Gimme –
Abba
As for the songs…you'll see why…
Ravens23
"Excuse me honey, can I get two Corona's? Thanks."
Nathan began to walk away. Haley was offended and she moved from the bar and began to walk after him.
"Excuse me!?"
Nathan turned slightly.
"With lime."
Nathan continued to walk and Haley just walked after him, moving further from the bar.
Nathan turned around fully. His heart stopped at the sight of her and played everything aloof.
"Wow…I'm so sorry. I thought you worked here. My mistake."
Haley grabbed Nathan's hand, putting the money back into his hand. He felt sparks all over his body as Haley touched his hand. She turned around to walk away, but Nathan held onto her hand. She looked at him and then at their hands. Haley's eyes went back to Nathan's face and he smirked. He looked familiar to her.
"I knew you didn't work here."
Haley raised her eyebrows.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Then what's all this?"
Nathan smirked again.
"How else was I supposed to get you away from all of those guys?"
Haley smirked.
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Why wouldn't I want to do it?"
Nathan smirked at the small smile that sprouted on Haley's face. He noticed that she blushed and he held out his hand.
"Nathan Scott."
A wave of realization fell upon Haley's face. No wonder why he seemed so familiar. He's the waiter from yesterday, the one with the sexy grin. Wait a minute…what? Oh, forget it…look at him! Haley grabbed his hand and felt herself turning red and she smiled at him.
"Haley James."
"I know. Yesterday, I waited on your table at Ravenna's."
Haley nodded.
"Yeah, I remember…so you still haven't answered my question."
Nathan looked at Haley with astonishment. For a girl who, apparently, had no guys crowding around her or fawning over her, she had quite the confidence in speaking to him. But, Haley found a comfort in herself with Nathan even though she had just met him.
"Well, you haven't answered mine either."
Two can play this game, thought Nathan.
"Touché."
Haley smiled and Nathan attempted to stifle a chuckle. He slid his hands into his front pockets. For a man of many words on paper, he felt himself unable to form many words at all. All he could do was smile. Why are you smiling like frigging idiot? Nathan then bobbed his head side-to-side and raised his eyebrows.
"Okay…just because you're beautiful and you make me feel so insignificant, I'll tell you why I would want to drag you away from all those guys."
Nathan pointed to the teens of guys that surrounded who Nathan could only assume to be a friend of Haley's, with his forefinger. She looked at him and grinned slightly. Haley listened intently, curious, entranced and intrigued as to why Nathan would possibly want to speak to her.
"Well…for starters, you amaze me. You're a beautiful girl who, let's face it, I would never have a chance with. Also, I've never, in my life, felt so comfortable around someone who I've spoken to for a total of…" Nathan looked at his watch, "…like 7 minutes. And from speaking to you in those 7 minutes, I could tell that you have a good heart. I recognized you as soon as you walked in and I just…I had to talk to you. Maybe get to know you…if you let me."
Nathan watched as Haley's cheeks turned a bright shade of red. She was about to respond when the sound of a singing voice infiltrated their ears. They both looked shocked and confused as their heads turned towards a stage and saw someone, attempting to sing Barry Manilow's Copa Cabana.
Her name was
Lola
She was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair
And
a dress cut down to there
She would meringue
And do the
cha-cha
And well she tried to be a star
Tony always tended bar
Across the crowded
floor
They worked from 8 til 4
They were young
And they had
each other
Who could ask for more?
Nathan and Haley looked at each other, trying hard not to laugh as this man was singing with one of the funniest voices either of them had ever heard in their lifetime. Neither could believe the sounds coming from the stage and they tried to stifle a laugh. As they heard the chorus being sung, their laughter broke out and not by choice.
At the Copa, Copa
Cabana
The hottest spot north of Havana
At the Copa, Copa
Cabana
Music and passion
Were always the fashion
At the
Copa, they fell in love
"Can you believe this guy?"
Haley looked at Nathan as he asked his question. Soon, Nathan no longer concentrated on the man's voice behind him, but rather on the sound of Haley's giggles. Everything around him became a singe echo in the distance. His mind drawn to and focused on Haley and her laughter. He was in a trance. All else around him was lost and truth be told, he preferred it that way. The sound of her fit of giggles put a rather large smile on his calm face and soon, his laughter started up again. Wow. His only thought stayed his mind, that is, until a loud HEY brought him out of it. Nathan looked at the man as he sang his final verse. Was I entranced for that long? The man was looking at him as if he directed the final words of the song at him. The man was pointing to him and Nathan ignored it and continued to laugh a little.
At the Copa, Copa
Cabana
The hottest spot north of Havana
At the Copa, Copa
Cabana
Music and passion
Were always the fashion
At the
Copa, don't fall in love
"Tutorgirl!"
Haley and Nathan shot their heads to the sound of the voice. No, not now. Haley didn't want to be interrupted, but she was. And of all people, it was by Brooke. She knew that once Brooke set her heart on something, there was no stopping her. Haley prayed that whatever Brooke wanted, it was quick and wouldn't pry her away from Nathan. He was one of the only men she had met that hadn't treated her like an object or a prize to be won. She was actually interested in getting to know him and it helped a lot that he was attractive. Right now, she wanted to kill Brooke for interrupting.
"Brooke."
Brooke stopped dead in her tracks as she saw whom Haley was conversing with. The fact that there was a cute guy with her best friend and stepsister didn't stop Brooke.
"Oh, sorry for interrupting, but Tutorgirl we have to sing."
Haley went wide-eyed.
"Haha, very funny Brooke."
"C'mon!" Brooke whined. Haley hated when she whined.
"No, Brooke. Are you insane? Do you want an accident on your birthday? You get me up on that stage, there's no knowing what kind of damage I'll cause."
Nathan smiled and tuned to Haley.
"I'd love to hear you sing. And as for you causing any damage, well, who's to say you will? You gotta take a few risks in life right? I mean otherwise, you might miss out on some great things."
Haley looked at Nathan. He smirked. She eyed him. There was some sort of familiarity in his philosophy. He smiled at her and continued.
"I bet you're amazing at it."
Brooke looked between the two and noticed the obvious chemistry between them. She affirmed Nathan's suspicions and grabbed Haley's hand, dragging her towards the stage. Nathan came face-to-face with Lucas who shook his hand. The two of them sat at a table nearby. Lucas started up a conversation.
"So, did you get the job?"
Nathan smiled.
"Yeah, I did."
"That's great man."
Nathan nodded.
"Yeah. By the way, I'm rooming with you. Or so says Mr. James."
Lucas nodded in understanding.
"Okay, I'll be sure to make room for you."
There was an applause that broke out as a man dressed in black walked onto the stage and stood in front of the microphone and calmed down the crowd.
"Up next, we have Brooke and Haley."
The applause started again and Nathan and Lucas smiled as they saw Brooke and Haley take the stage. The music started up. Brooke and Haley each had a microphone in their hands and the whooping of the crowd, mainly by men, started up. Lucas looked around him and noticed them howling. His hands balled up and he looked over to Nathan, who had the same look. Nathan wanted to punch the horn dogs as they looked at Haley and Brooke. Why am I so jealous? It's not like she and I are together. We can't be. It's not allowed. Oh crap, what happens when she sees me working for her? I'm dead. He suddenly calmed when Haley began to sing. Brooke sung the first line.
Half past twelve
And
I'm watching the late show in my flat all alone
How I hate to
spend the evening on my own
Autumn winds
Blowing
outside my window as I look around the room
And it makes me so
depressed to see the gloom
There's not a soul out there
No
one to hear my prayer
The crowd continued to cheer as they watched the two ladies sing and dance on stage, both of their voices filling the bar. Nathan was mesmerized by Haley's voice. She was an alluring singer and Nathan felt himself even more drawn to her. His heart pounded in his chest. He continued to watch as both ladies sang.
Gimme, gimme,
gimme a man after midnight
Won't somebody help me chase the
shadows away
Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after midnight
Take me
through the darkness to the break of the day
The girls danced on stage and Nathan kept his focus on Haley. He smiled as her eyes connected with his. He took a sip from his drink as Haley smiled at him. He winked at her. How can I feel so comfortable around her? Sure, my blood pumps a million miles a second when I'm near her, but I feel so comfortable. I don't even stammer. Nathan continued to watch as Brooke sang and as Haley led her into it. His eyes not leaving Haley, not once.
Movie stars
Find
the end of the rainbow with a fortune to win
It's so different
from the world I'm living in
Tired of TV
I open
the window and I gaze into the night
But there's nothing there
to see not a soul in sight
There's not a soul out there
No
one to hear my prayer
Haley looked at Nathan. Anytime she found herself looking at him, his eyes were on her and she knew they were on her because a smile would always form on his face when she looked in his direction. She couldn't believe what she was doing at this moment. Not once had anyone, in her entire life, have been able to convince her to sing in front of hundreds of people so easily. Something about him made her give in and right now, she was happy about it. There was an adrenaline rush about her on the stage. There was ease in her and she felt it every time she looked at Nathan. He smiled at her. That smirk is deadly. He's great…from what I know. She and Brooke began to sing and the crowd roared even louder.
Gimme, gimme,
gimme a man after midnight
Won't somebody help me chase the
shadows away
Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after midnight
Take me
through the darkness to the break of the day
The two girls giggled as they showed off their dance moves. The whooping grew and Lucas and Nathan's blood began to boil once again.
Gimme, gimme,
gimme a man after midnight
Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after
midnight
Haley couldn't remember the last time that she had this much fun. She and Brooke were still laughing and smiling; something rare that happened in Haley's life. Somehow, after meeting Nathan, smiles came easily. Brooke's voice began again and right after, came Haley's.
There's not a soul
out there
No one to hear my prayer
Nathan and Lucas continued to watch the pair on stage as they danced and sang their hearts out. When a waiter passed by, Nathan had ordered them two bottles of water, knowing that both of the girls would need it when they finished.
Gimme, gimme,
gimme a man after midnight
Won't somebody help me chase the
shadows away
Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after midnight
Take me
through the darkness to the break of the day
Gimme, gimme,
gimme a man after midnight
Won't somebody help me chase the
shadows away
Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after midnight
Take me
through the darkness to the break of the day
The song finished and a loud applause broke out. Brooke and Haley left the stage and the same guy in black went back out onto the stage to give the two of them an ovation. Haley and Brooke walked towards the section where they had seen Nathan and Lucas sitting. Haley and Brooke walked past a crowd of men and someone passing by smacked Haley on the ass. She yelped and turned to come face-to-face with Damien.
"Hmm, sexy and can sing. Damn, my wife-to-be is hot."
Haley turned to look at him. Nathan, seeing the entire interaction stiffened and left his post, headed towards the scene.
"Who says I'm marrying you?"
Damien slyly smiled and let his hands roam about Haley's arm. Nathan walked faster, turning into a jog. He grabbed onto Damien's shoulder and punched him hard in the nose. Damien fell over like a weak twig snapping off a tree. Haley turned and looked at Nathan who had a look of hatred on his face. Haley pushed him backwards, trying to avoid anymore of a scene. A crowd had formed around them now.
"Nathan, stop it okay? He's not worth it."
Nathan calmed instantly at Haley touching him on his chest and waist. His breathing calmed and he watched as Damien tried to rise from the ground. His nose bled and he looked at Nathan. He then pointed to him.
"This is none of your business. Enjoy your final moments at the restaurant Scott, your waiting days are over."
Nathan smirked. Idiot. Damien did not know that the only one now who could fire him was Haley's father. Damien walked away and the crowd dispersed. Haley turned to Nathan and awkwardly pried her hands away from his chest and waist. Nathan took a deep breath, trying to calm down the quick beating of his heart.
"Why would you do that? Why do something so idiotic? His family's very powerful, you could lose your job."
Nathan looked at Haley and then smirked. She was worried for his wellbeing and it made him happy.
"He has to learn that you are not an object. You are a human with feelings and he has to realize that you belong to no one, but yourself. You're not his plaything that he can touch just anywhere at anytime. Besides, he can't fire me. I don't even work at the restaurant anymore."
"What?"
Haley suddenly felt a pang in her heart. He doesn't work there anymore? Why not? How can I see him now? My family's there practically every week. Now, I have to leave it up to chance for us to see each other again? Haley frowned slightly and Nathan took notice.
"What? What's wrong?"
Haley shook her head,
"Nothing…I should probably get back to Rachel. I ditched her for a while."
Nathan looked at where Haley pointed to, the bar. He smirked at what he saw.
"I think she's a little preoccupied with my good friend Vegas."
Haley turned around and saw Rachel's lips attached to Vegas'. She laughed and Nathan smiled. He looked down at her.
"You wanna take a walk?"
Haley smiled and nodded.
"Sure."
Ravens23
There was a small park, not too far from the club. At this time of night, it was deserted. Nathan and Haley were engaged in small conversation, getting to know one another. Neither had felt so happy, comfortable and nervous all at once in their entire life.
"I gotta tell you, that's quite an amazing voice you got Haley."
She smiled and blushed a little bit.
"Thanks…so we spent most of this walk speaking about my interests. I mean you found out that my favourite food is mac-"
"Macaroni and cheese. You hate pink and clowns scare the crap out of you. Growing up, you listened to Sheryl Crow and she was your musical inspiration. You love to sing and your birthday is in 6 weeks. You'll be headed of to California in the fall, attending Stanford, a double major in music and English. Also, you find the whole red rose thing to be too much of a cliché and you prefer your favourtie flower whenever you figure out what it is… Did I miss anything?"
Haley shook her head. She was impressed and he smile on her face grew wider.
"Well, what about you?"
"What about me?"
"What are your thoughts, interests…what's your family like?"
Nathan stopped and the two faced each other. He shoved his hands into his front pockets and shrugged his shoulders, nodding as well.
"Okay…um…I'm from the other side of the lake and I'm adopted. My family consists of my surrogate father, Keith and my two dogs, Mac and Chip."
"You like dogs?"
Nathan smiled at Haley's eagerness.
"I love dogs. You have any?"
Haley nodded.
"Three."
"Wow…that's great."
"Yeah, they're West Highland White Terriers…what about yours?"
"Golden Retrievers."
"That's awesome…so what else?"
"Um…I love playing basketball. My favourite colour is blue and I love to invent things or fix things. Keith calls me Mr. Fix-it."
Haley smiled as Nathan continued to list his interests. He's such an interesting guy and very sexy. Am I turning red? Oh, crap I am, he's smiling at me. Okay Haley, relax, breathe, calm down. Are those butterflies? Oh, God they are. Nathan smiled as she turned pink.
"And my thoughts?"
Nathan walked closer to Haley brought his hand to hers and took one in his hand. Her fingers were delicate and her palm soft. Compared to his large hands, hers were almost dwarf-like. They're faces were close and Nathan's words came out as a whisper.
"My thoughts…are on you and have been since yesterday. I came over yesterday on the boat and saw you reading on your balcony and you took my breath away right then and there and you hadn't even opened your mouth. You hadn't even seen me. And then you just happen to be in the restaurant that I happened to work at and I don't think I've ever felt happier. I still can't belie e it when you told me that guys don't just line up for you. You're beautiful and you're fun to be with. Not to mention your voice in entrancing and I don't think I've ever met anyone like you."
Haley's heart was pounding in her chest the entire time. He was saying all the right things and she was melting on the inside. She had never felt anything like being with him right in this moment. She felt as if everything made sense and felt herself getting closer to him. She had never experienced anything like this and she only knew him for a few hours, plus the couple of minutes that she had interacted with him yesterday. Their lips were immensely close. Too close. Haley, you're killing me. You have no idea what you do to me. I can't be this close to you, as much as I want to. Quick, you idiot, get away. I have to get away. Haley's scent intoxicated Nathan. He gulped. You've never even kissed a girl before. What? You know how to all of a sudden?Nathan tensed and as soon as Haley's lips were about to touch his, he pulled away. He put about a foot's distance between them.
"I-I'm sorry…I gotta go. I have…I start my new job in the morning and it's late and I should get back and I don't wanna be late and start off on the wrong foot. And now I'm rambling. Okay I gotta go…um…b-bye?"
Haley looked at Nathan and sighed. She looked flushed and she tried to calm herself. Great, you scared him off. She watched him as he quickly walked away into the darkness. A look of confusion rested on her face and she shook her head. Haley then turned on her heel and walked back towards the bar, hoping that Lucas and Brooke hadn't left yet.
Ravens23
"That's it? Nothing happened?"
Haley and Brooke sat on Haley's bed talking about the previous night's events. Haley was so confused. She thought that she had an actually connection with Nathan and she was certain that he had felt it too. Haley was telling Brooke about the night that she had with him. Their walk in the park, getting to know each other and how sweet Nathan was when he told her about his thoughts and how they were on her since he knew her. Haley couldn't those cobalt eyes out of her head. They stuck with her, staring back at her and the butterflies came the instant that her thoughts went to him.
Haley was telling Brooke about the final part of her night and how she and Nathan almost kissed. It was the most intense moment of her life and she really wanted it to happen, but he chickened out.
"No, not nothing. There was a nose graze…"
Brooke giggled a bit.
"Maybe he's gay."
Haley laughed at the thought and shortly afterward so did Brooke.
"Yeah, didn't think so."
"Arghh! Brooke what could it be? Does he not like me?"
Brooke looked at Haley and graced Haley's shoulder with her arm. She brought their heads together.
"That's impossible. And if it's true, then he's the idiot because you my stepsister are one of a kind and any guy would be lucky to even know you."
Haley smiled and let out a breath. Brooke smiled and looked out the window, the sun beaming through Haley's window. The humidity could be felt on their backs and Brooke nodded towards the window.
"What d'ya say? We hit the pool and tan and when we run into that idiot, we show him what he missed out on?"
Haley giggled and nodded. Brooke left Haley's bedroom to change and told Haley that she'd meet her downstairs. After Brooke left, Haley changed and then moved to her desk, where a folded piece of paper sat. She picked it up and opened it. It was the letter that she had received from her unknown admirer. She read it and her heart pounded at his words. Who is this guy? She shook her head and placed it in her drawer. When she opened it, she noticed her own letter to him, but the front was blank. She grabbed the envelope and decided to give it to Lucas, just in case the messenger came to give her another letter.
Haley descended the stairs and entered the main hallway, where she knew that Lucas would be. It was his post today, to answer the door when someone came to the house. He stood beside the door doing absolutely nothing. Lucas noticed her and smiled in her direction.
"Hey."
"Hey Lucas."
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to give you this."
Lucas took the blank envelope and scrunched his eyebrows in confusion.
"If that messenger comes with another letter, give that to him to give to this letter guy okay?"
Lucas nodded. Haley smiled and thanked him. She headed to the backyard where Brooke was already tanning, waiting for her. Haley smirked and shook her head. She pranced down the stone step and into the pool area. Brooke had saved her a chair beside her. The two of them sat in comfortable silence, taking in as much sun as they could. It was their final summer before the beginning of their lives and they wanted to spend it relaxed and free of worry.
"How are you feeling Haley?"
Haley sighed, the heat getting to her.
"A bit better."
"Still thinking of Nathan?"
"No…now I am."
Brooke smirked and let out a light chuckle. Haley then joined in on it. Soon, neither realized that they knew why they were laughing. Their laughter resided when they noticed Lucas coming towards them. They both peeled their sunglasses off and watched him as he came towards them. Brooke had to laugh because she found it hilarious when he walked to them with such perfect posture. She knew that he had perfected his posture because Victoria scared him. She always yelled at him when he'd hunch. She said it looked "disrespectful and inappropriate." So the fact that Lucas knew that Victoria wasn't even in the house and he still stood up straight amused Brooke. Lucas reached the two ladies on the awn chairs and bent to be eye level with them. He produced a white envelope addressed to Haley.
"I believe you would want this?"
Haley took the letter and hastily opened it. Lucas decided to take a seat on Brooke's lawn chair, wanting to know the contents of the letter. Haley's eyes read the words and her hand came to her mouth in awe and wonder. Brooke and Lucas watched as she read the words and from the look on Haley's face, they became anxious to know. Haley finished it and looked at the two of them.
"Well? What did he say this time?"
Haley handed Brooke and Lucas the letter and the two of them read it.
Haley,
I
must say that I am an idiot. I really do not know how to top the last
letter that I wrote to you. I do hope that you reply to this one or
have already replied to the other one I sent to you. I would really
like to get to know you and I wish I could tell you who I am, but at
this point, I find that my identity should be kept from you for your
protection. If something were to happen to you, then I could never
forgive myself. That's not to say that I will never reveal myself
to you, it just means that at the moment, it is probably not the
greatest idea. I have found something out and it is rather
disturbing. I have learned that you are to marry someone. Are you
promised or is someone forcing suitors on you? I have the feeling
that you do not want any of that. I wish that I could swoop in and
save you from that spiteful fate. It is my belief that a woman, as
graceful and as unbelievingly beautiful as you are, should decide for
herself if she even wants to get married at all or, if she does, at
least choose the man that she wants. I do not like those people who
tell you where to go, who to love, who you need to be. You are unique
Haley and I wish I could give you that…what you want. There's so
much more inside of you than what people give you credit for. There
are many empty conversations filled with empty words and I'm sure
that you wish you could erase such emptiness. I wish I could be the
one to do so. Maybe I can be because you are the hope I have for
change and I wish I could be yours. This is your life
Haley. I wish you a great day.
Brooke finished the letter with her mouth wide open. Lucas' eyes were practically popping out of his head and they looked to Haley. She sat on the edge of the pool, her feet in the water. Lucas stood, needing to get back to his section or else… He bid Haley and Brooke a farewell and left. Brooke walked to Haley and sat down beside her, handing Haley the letter. Haley took it and reread it. Her breath was taken away. She noted his all but graceful writing and smiled. At least he was flawed in some way. Haley giggled and Brooke looked at her.
"What's so funny?"
"Is it weird that I'm falling for this guy and I don't even know his name or haven't even seen his face?"
Brooke shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
"Maybe you have seen his face."
Haley nodded.
"Yeah maybe…so," said Haley changing the subject. "Feel like swimming?"
Brooke shook her head.
"Nah, you have fun. I'm gonna stay dry for a bit."
"Your loss."
Haley rose from her spot and headed towards the pool house, wanting to grab a noodle. She would be the first one to admit that she wasn't the greatest swimmer and she didn't want to take any chances when it was a matter of life and death. Haley walked to the pool house and entered it.
"OH MY GOD! I'm so sorry."
Haley had walked in on a man changing. His back muscles flashed Haley and he turned his head slightly. Those eyes…she had seen them somewhere…
"Nathan?"
Ravens23
A/N: PLEASE REVIEW!! This chapter goes out to ALL my girlies…you know who you are! Also, to my amazing readers and reviewers who without, this would not be what it is! So…REVIEW!!