A/N: I apologize that it has taken me so long to post a new chapter! I hope you all enjoy this one because I really wanted to build on a Haley and Brooke friendship... Please review!


They had dropped Clay and Logan off at the house and were on their way to the mall. Brooke had been quiet taking in all the scenery when she said, "Are you sure that it's ok that I'm here this weekend? Clay told me about your sister, and I don't want you to think I'm trying to replace her or anything."

Haley smiled before answering, "Quinn loved Clay, but she wouldn't want him to be alone. He's my big brother and I love him to death, but sometimes he's so frustrating and stubborn. I'm glad to see him finally happy again, and it's because of you. How do you feel about him?"

"I really like him, and I would love to see where our relationship goes from here. I've also fallen for Logan. He's a great kid!" Brooke stated.

"Logan adores you too," Haley added, "He is normally shy around others outside of family, but I can tell he loves you. As far as Clay is concerned, be patient, he'll come around. You are good for him."

Brooke paused, "What about you? Clay tells me that you are seeing someone that he hasn't met yet."

"Clay has always been the protective older brother," she replied, "Chase is a good guy though that I think Clay will like."

"What about Nathan? From what Clay tells me, you two have this crazy love/hate relationship. I feel there is more to the story, but I won't push. How do you think he's going to react to this new guy?" Brooke wondered.

Haley laughed, "Why would he care? It's not like he would get jealous or anything. Nathan may flirt with anything with legs, but he has never shown interest in me. Speaking of, I heard he tried to hit on you when you two met and you blew him off."

"I've been with guys like that before, and I'm not interested in going down that road again. That's why I liked Clay because he's different than all the rest," she said, "however; I think there might be more to Nathan than what you see."

"I see you have been talking to Clay a lot because you are starting to sound like him. In all honesty, Nathan is a good guy, but he never shows that side to anyone, except his mom and Logan. I use to have a crush on him in high school, but he never knew or cared. One night his senior year, he got really drunk at a party, and I had to drive him home. For those few minutes in the car, he was the sweetest guy and he kissed me before he got out of the car. However, the next day he claimed he couldn't remember anything about the night before. I never told anyone about the kiss, and I'll deny it now," Haley admitted.

They arrived at the mall, but before they went in, Brooke responded, "You care about him more than you want to admit, but your secret is safe with me. Thanks for opening up to me. I can tell we are going to be great friends."


The next afternoon everyone met at the Scott's house for the party. Since Karen and Haley were the main organizers, they had agreed to have it there figuring it would be easy on everyone. Clay had gone to the airport to pick up Nathan and Lucas, so Logan rode with him to see his two favorite uncles. Brooke decided to stay and help Haley and Karen. The day before Brooke and Haley had grown to be quick friends.

The girls had just finished setting up decorations in the back yard when the guys came walking up. "Wow, is this all for me?" Logan said excitedly as he came running up to the girls and looking at all the basketball decorations.

"Yeah buddy," Haley exclaimed, "how does it feel to be four years old!"

"Awesome," he stated, "can we play basketball now?"

Nathan laughed and walked up and replied, "Now Logan, you know the girls won't play. Besides, they have work to do. We can go play though. It'll be me and you versus your dad and Uncle Luke. Why don't you go grab the basketball from inside?" Logan grinned and ran inside.

Haley rolled her eyes and walked away. "Hello Nathan, nice to see you again," Brooke commented as he watched Haley walk away.

He turned towards Brooke and asked, "What are you doing here? Clay forgot to mention anything about you."

"Well, surprise. Clay and Logan asked me to come so here I am," she replied.

"Well I see Clay finally grew a pair," he joked.

Clay took that opportunity to walk over. "Did I hear my name? You aren't bothering Brooke again, are you?" he questioned.

"Yeah, I was wondering why you didn't mention you were bringing your hot neighbor to the party," Nathan stated.

"I didn't realize I had to tell you everything. Besides, Brooke and I…" Clay began.

Nathan froze before laughing, "You two are dating now. I thought you didn't date guys like us."

"I don't date guys like you," Brooke remarked, "Clay isn't you. Plus, he's much hotter."

Clay smirked, "Man, I guess I got the hot neighbor after all. Maybe you are losing your touch."

"Whatever man, are we going to play some ball or not," he grunted before walking away.

Brooke smiled, "That was too easy. You should probably head over there before his pride is hurt anymore today. Try taking it easy on him in basketball. I'll be cheering for you."

Clay walked over to the court where Nathan, Lucas, and Logan were waiting for him. They played a quick game to ten while the girls watched. Nathan and Logan won by one after Clay missed a free throw and Nathan rebounded.

Haley and Brooke were in the kitchen helping Karen finish making the food when the doorbell rang. The guys had come inside for a drink of water, so Nathan answered the door. He came back a few seconds later with a frown on his face. "Who was at the door?" Karen asked.

About that time, a man came walking in behind Nathan with a smile on his face. Haley smiled and ran over to him. "Chase, you made it. I see you already met the thorn in my side, I mean Nathan," she paused, "this is Karen, Luke, Brooke, Clay, and the birthday boy himself, Logan. Everyone this is Chase."

"Nice to meet you," Karen replied after no one else spoke up. Lucas followed suit and shook his hand.

Brooke grinned and said hello before looking over at Nathan. He still had a scowl look on his face as he walked out of the room. She hinted a sense of jealousy from him but knew he would never admit it out loud. She leaned over to Clay and whispered, "You should probably say hello and not stare at the poor guy. I'm sure he's pretty nervous already."

Clay sighed, "Nice to meet you. We were just headed out for another game of basketball before lunch. Do you play?"

"I play a little, but I'm not very good," Chase commented.

"You can be on my team. I'm sure we can take on the Scott brothers," he said before noticing Nathan wasn't there, "Where did Nathan go?"

"I think he needed some air. He seemed a little heated," Brooke joked. Clay just looked at her confused but shrugged and led Chase and Lucas outside.


A/N: Don't worry guys Chase won't be in the picture for long...