Nathan had been lucky that he was given a break from the commercial the next day. He wouldn't have been able to focus. Even though he prided himself on his work and never allowing himself to get distracted, this had been a major exception.

He had called Haley the next day after their conversation. She hadn't answered - none of the 7 times he'd tried to call through the day and night.

She really doesn't believe me, he thought in sadness. She really thinks that I would just run right back to Lisa. He knew that he had to do something -- it was just a matter of figuring out exactly what that 'something' was.

~~~
Four day later

Haley wasn't quite sure why she'd avoided all of Nathan's calls. She had been trying to throw herself into her online studies and work but Nathan always found his way back into her thoughts –

She was so confused and hurt. A part of her wanted to take him at his word and believe everything he said...but her cynical side wouldn't allow it - her cynicism refused to believe that the kiss that Lisa and Nathan had shared -- the kiss apparently viewed around the world -- would have happened unless they had both wanted it to happen.

"Ya know, I have been kissed before, when I didn't want to be," Brooke spoke up after Haley had talked over her previous conversation with Nathan.

Haley looked at her, "...were you drunk?"

Brooke looked down at the floor, "...well yeah...but that doesn't mean --"

"--that's exactly my point," Haley said. "Nathan was stone sober, and working...there was no real good reason for him to let her in, let her be that close...unless he had wanted to."

"I just don't think he'd do that to you," Brooke replied.

"You were the one ready to tear his head off the other day," Haley said.

"I know...but that was just instinct to protect you," Brooke said. "The more I think about it...and what he said to you...I think he's telling the truth."

Haley sighed -- she wished it was that simple...but in her own mind, it just couldn't be. This had opened a whole new can of worms, so to speak. It had really brought out the jealous side -- the jealous side that had only reared its ugly head a few times in her life...but she hated it. She hated the way it made her feel -- and she didn't know if she could handle it on a regular basis.

"I know, to add even more to your plate...what time do you pick your parents up from the airport?" Brooke asked.

Haley looked at her, in dread.

She had been excited at the prospect of her family coming to visit her out here -- but in light of recent events it was going to be extremely awkward. They had heard all about Nathan and had been anxious to meet him. At first, she had had to bring the disappointment of explaining that he wouldn't be able to make it back in town -- and now...if they'd even heard a part of what had been circulating in the media...it could be very bad.

~~~

Haley chose not to tell her parents unless they brought it up first. She was determined to have a good time with them and to push every thought of Nathan into the back of her mind -- at least for the next couple of days, although she knew it would be easier said than done. Friday evening, she had picked up her parents from the airport and they had taken her and Brooke to dinner at a quaint restaurant near the Bay.

Saturday morning, the group had gone out for a big breakfast and a day of sightseeing around San Francisco. Brooke was filling them in on the adventures she had experienced with her clothing designs and the various investors.

"Haley, how is work going for you? Are you enjoying working for that PR firm?" her father asked.

"Yeah, its great, the people are really great," Haley replied, hoping he wouldn't press further about work or bring up Nathan.

"It's a real shame Nathan couldn't be here. I would have loved to have met him," Lydia James spoke up.

Brooke looked over at Haley silently, who only gave a weak smile in response.

After a long day of sightseeing, and a huge dinner, the group settled back in at the girls' apartment.

It had been cloudy and overcast for most of the day , and after dark, the rain began to pour heavily.

"I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow," Brooke complained. "I wanted to go lie out and work on my tan."

The group was in the living room watching television when there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," Haley said, kind of unsure who would be at their door at this time of night.

She could see a soaking wet figure through the peephole. It can't be, Haley thought to herself.

The heavy rain threatened to come inside as she pulled the door open. On the other side of the door, she found Nathan, standing there in a thin raincoat and jeans, completely drenched. The rain was rapidly falling in droplets from his uncovered raven colored hair and those bright blue eyes looking right into her brown one's.