Haley managed to get an appointment that afternoon with an admissions representative. Nathan dropped her off at the office and gave her a kiss on the forehead for good luck and told her he'd be back in about two hours.
Haley walked into the office. She was a little overwhelmed. She hadn't thought about college since high school and everything that had been happening to her lately seemed so quick. If you asked her two months ago if she and Nathan would be working things out and she would be considering going back to school she probably would have laughed in your face.
She walked up to the receptionist, "hi, I have an appointment. My name is Haley James," she quickly added, "Scott."
"Haley James as in the singer," the receptionist looked up and saw that it was indeed Haley James, "oh my goodness I love your music," she said. "Oh," she pulled out a cd of Haley's, "could you sign this?"
"Yeah, sure," Haley said taking the cd and sharpie and signing the cd cover.
"Did you also say Scott," the receptionist asked. "A second last name," the receptionist asked confused.
"Yes it is," Haley said. "Haley James Scott," she repeated her name. "I'm married."
"I didn't know you were married," the receptionist said.
"The magazines don't really print much on you. You're very private I assume?"
"Yeah," Haley answered.
"Haley James Scott," the receptionist said.
"Alright already," Haley thought silently to herself.
"Scott huh? Like Nathan Scott star basketball player here at Duke," the receptionist asked. At the mention of Nathan, Haley lit up. "Oh my God," the receptionist yelped, "you're his estranged wife. We knew he was married and it didn't really workout but because of his high profile status it wasn't public knowledge," the receptionist paused. Haley didn't know what to say so the receptionist continued, "so what brings you to Duke?"
"Well actually Nathan and I are working things out," Haley said matter of factly, she was getting frustrated, "so I figured I'd take a look at the school maybe enroll who knows."
"Oh that is so good," the receptionist said, "you have a kid too right?" Haley sighed, "oh sorry this is none of my business. It's not like its common knowledge I just know this stuff from working in this office. You know what I'm gonna stop. Your rep will be out in a minute. Sorry about all the personal stuff."
Haley didn't say anything she just took a seat and waited. The rep came and called her into her office. "My name is Jessica," the rep said sticking out her hand to shake Haley's hand. "Have a seat." Haley took a seat. "So I see you've met Shirley," she said talking about the receptionist, "she means well. So you're interested in Duke. That's great. I have a file here on you. I know you've applied in the past and got accepted but didn't attend. I also know you didn't attend any other college either. Based on what we have for paperwork on you and what we have for and know about Nathan things weren't good but they are now so that's great." Haley just smiled and nodded. "Ok well you haven't recently reapplied so the bad news is you wouldn't be able to start until January because you have to apply and the deadline for the fall start has already passed."
"Ok," Haley said sounding a little disappointed.
"Well how about we take that tour and you can ask me any questions you have and you can think a little about what I just said. Then we'll end back here," Jessica said.
Nathan pulled up to the address he had written on a piece of paper. It was a nice looking two family split level house about a block from campus but in a quiet neighborhood and it was actually closer to the gym than his last dorm. Nathan got out of his car and walked up to the house. A man in a suit was waiting on the stairs as Nathan approached the man straightened up and stuck out his hand, "Nathan Scott it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jim Daniel."
"Nice to meet you," Nathan said shaking his hand.
"Well," Jim said, "I hate to admit this but I don't lease to college kids. In fact no one in this neighborhood does that's why it's so quiet. I couldn't pass up the chance to meet Nathan Scott though. I'm sorry."
Jim began to turn to walk away. "With all due respect sir," Nathan said and Jim paused and turned back, "I didn't call you as a college student looking for an apartment for himself and some buddies. I called you as a husband and father looking for an apartment for his family."
Jim looked surprised, "you're married and have a kid," he asked in shock.
"Yes sir, I am and I do. It's not common knowledge because well things were bad for a while, actually the whole time I was at school and the school decided it would be better for my image and of course the schools image if it just wasn't mentioned. But my wife and I are working things out and I'm hoping her and my son will join me this year," Nathan said.
"Well hell," Jim said, "let me show you the place then." He and Nathan entered the apartment. It was on the second floor but it was nice. The living room was huge with a bay window and a fire place and hardwood floors. The main bath was nice. There were two bedrooms the master had the backside of the interconnected fireplace with the living room and had a master bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. There was a large eat in kitchen too.
"I can see why you don't rent to college kids, aside from the obvious that is. This place is beautiful," Nathan said, "and it's available for the price listed in the ad?"
"Yes it is," Jim answered.
"Where do I sign," Nathan said half serious half joking.
"Well if you're really interested you'll have to fill this out and I'll get back to you," Jim said handing him paperwork.
"Ok sure can I mail it to you in a couple days," Nathan asked, "I'd like to discuss it with my wife. Is there anyway I can show her the place?"
Jim handed Nathan the key, "I don't usually do this but I like you," Nathan looked at the key then at Jim confused, "I'm catching a flight out of town for the weekend so just take the key and show your wife the place. Then drop it off at my office with my secretary tomorrow. If the paperwork is all set then leave that too or you can send it to me by the end of next week or I'll have to entertain other offers," Jim said.
"I understand. Thank you so much Mr. Daniel," Nathan said.
"Oh please call me Jim. I hope your wife likes it."