AN: Many thanks to any new readers who have joined me on this journey as well as those who've been with me from the start. I noticed a dip in page views on the last chapter and it got my wheels turning...am i losing interest in the story? Is there something about it people aren't liking anymore? Slip me a review or PM if anyone has any ideas or feedback.
Sorry for the gap in posting a new chapter. I headed back to work this week after being out for my surgery so I'm trying to adjust to my new "Normal" life again.
I'm still feeling inspired to continue working on this story assuming I still have devoted readers...
~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Sixteen*
"So she kicked you out after you picked up when Nathan called. I'll be surprised if she doesn't give you a black eye." Quinn said to Chris who was seated across the table from her.
He rubbed his temples in pure frustration "I know you're right it was stupid I just couldn't help myself. I've got a problem with impulse control."
Quinn let a chuckle escape at his previous statement. "We all have problems controlling our impulses sometimes. At least this is easily fixed with Hales. You guys will be just fine."
Chris was glad Walker had finally retired to his bunk for the night so he could talk with Quinn in private.
"I hope you're right. There's uhhh something I wanna talk to you about." Chris said in a noticeably lowered tone.
Quinn leaned forward propping her elbows on top of the table giving him her full attention.
"First off promise me you won't scream or do anything crazy." He paused until Quinn nodded in agreement before he continued "I've noticed some changes in Haley and now with all this stuff with Nathan. I'm really concerned about it."
Quinn let a puzzled look fall across her face as she asked "What do you mean?"
"I think it's good the tour is ending for a little bit right now. Haley is completely worn out and bordering on exhaustion. The new direction of the band is getting to her. I know she tells us that she's fine and how she's got everything under control but I think her world is about to come crashing down. Hales is always tired, always on the brink of falling asleep, she's been losing weight and now she's been sick to her stomach."
Quinn's eyes grew larger as Chris continued making his argument points.
"So what exactly are you saying?" Quinn finally asked.
"I think Haley's pregnant with Nathan Scott's baby." Chris finally said in a quiet whisper.
Quinn stared back at him in disbelief. She was literally speechless, her mouth hanging open. She managed to gather her composure to respond to his bold declaration.
"You can't just go around saying shit like that unless you've got some solid proof Chris. This is serious!" She finally said not really know what else to say.
"That's the thing. I've got the proof. I found a pregnancy test in the garbage earlier."
Nathan could hear her breathe on the other line and heard her gasp when he declared his love for her. He had felt it for some time as it began to grown within his heart. A feeling so intense, so unlike anything he'd experienced before. It scared him but not as much as in that moment while he waited for the girl of his dreams to respond.
"I can't believe I'm gonna telling you this…" She started but stopping having lost her nerve.
"What is it?" Nathan spoke up trying to give her a moment to gather herself. She seemed frazzled and out of control. Very unlike the sexy confident Haley James he met months ago that fateful night in the L.A. dance club.
"You know, I promised myself I would never do this. That I would never be "that" girl and get myself in "that" situation ever! I've spent so much time building my safe universe around me and staying focused on one thing. My music career. Every relationship I've attempted to have never seemed to fit into my world. I'd end up with my heart bruised and more closed off than before. But a little something has changed all of that. You came along with that annoyingly cocky smirk that is so damn irresistible. Your infectious laughter and caring heart are almost too much for me to handle." Haley said suddenly feeling a weight lift off her chest.
Nathan chuckled softly after her declaration of her feelings. He hesitated saying anything for fear it was too good to be true.
Haley felt another surge of confidence and decided to continue on with her confession "The thing is Nathan Scott. You've somehow managed to get me to fall utterly and completely head over heels in love with you and I'm so scared of letting you all the way into my heart."
He sighed in relief as a sense of complete calm swept over his entire being.
"You've got nothing to be scared of baby. I'm in this with you 100%. I'm never gonna hurt you." He said hoping he could provide her with a deeper sense of his love.
She felt her heart begin to race as another layer seemed to crumble as if on cue. She knew this was the turning moment. The moment where she should stop herself, cut her losses and run. If she did she knew she'd stay in control and wouldn't get hurt. That was the normal dating game she played. However in that moment, she couldn't picture her life without Nathan in it. Well not anymore.
"I love you too." She whispered into the phone.
"You have no idea how good it feels to hear you say that after everything that happened tonight. God, I can't wait to wrap my arms around you tomorrow!" Nathan said trying to muffle his frustrated groan.
Haley giggled and then quickly decided to change the subject "But what are you going to do about Dan? Are you going to fire him after all of this finally? I'd say he's had it coming a long time if you ask me."
Nathan thought for a moment mainly because he hadn't really contemplated what he was going to do about Dan yet. His main focus had been Haley. That was his only focus.
"I plan on hitting some social media tonight in response to the 'skank' as you so elegantly phrased earlier. Thanks again for that baby. Technically Dan hasn't breeched the contract we have together yet so I have no legal grounds to fire him as my agent/manager. I've seen my dad manage dirty business transactions before I just never thought it would be about me." He confessed hoping he didn't sound as scared as he felt. He had underestimated his own father and learned a hard valuable lesson that night. Dan Scott was playing hard ball and wanted to win at all costs.
Quinn and Chris stared at one another both afraid to break the silence. Neither knew what to say next but Quinn knew he was waiting for a response to his previous revelation. Just then Haley burst through the back door and rushed the kitchen area. Her previous tears had since long been dried up and she was smiling.
"So I take it smiles are a good sign Hales?" Quinn questioned.
She sat down next to her sister and surprisingly felt good in spite of everything else going on around her.
"It was a misunderstanding and everything is ok. Chill you guys, he wasn't cheating on me with that bimbo." Haley explained.
"And you believe him?" Quinn questioned looking directly at Haley and then back at Chris.
Haley only smiled in response "Yes I do. I love you guys for looking out for me but I can handle this on my own."
Chris silently nodded as he took in her eyes. He could sense the deep emotion and honesty behind them. It was in that exact moment he knew there was nothing else he could do to protect her. She was jumping head first into love and everything that was going to come with it.
Haley briefly filled them in on a few details of what had happened to Nathan earlier but kept certain parts only for her. It was important her band accepted who she was dating and her feelings for him. Once Haley finished her abbreviated story, Quinn abruptly jetted off to her bunk stated she was exhausted. Haley as if on cue used the same excuse on him and was quickly tucked into her bunk. Chris went to bed still feeling confused and praying he'd get some answers the next morning one way or another.
-
Nathan woke the next morning and immediately reached for his iPhone. He quickly began to track the news outlets and was thoroughly pleased with the work he'd done the night before or rather earlier that morning. He had single handedly spun the false story released about him and his mystery date from the night before. Nathan decided to tweet about his 'date' who was actually a woman who was seriously interested in investing with the charity and Nathan decided to escort her to "show her the ropes". Luckily media outlets ate the story up and it spread like wild fire. He quickly got out of bed and dressed for his morning practice. He knew he wouldn't be able to dodge Dan's phone calls all day however he could still hope for the best.
In a turn of events, Nathan's practice was to end a little early in order for the arena to be flipped in time for the concert later in the evening. Normally, he would be slightly annoyed by this schedule change however tonight his girl was going to kill it in a few hours from center stage. Nathan showered and was nearly the first one dressed in the locker room.
"Damn Scott, where's the fire man?" Parker joked as he sauntered back to his locker next to Nathan's with a wet towel hanging loosely around his waist.
Nathan looked back at Parker in disbelief "Why do you think dude? My girl is finally back home!"
Parker laughed knowing very well why his team mate and good friend had an extra spring in his step. He had to admit he was also excited about the concert tonight. Haley had arranged for him and his wife, Tanya, to join Nathan backstage for the concert.
"I'm just giving you shit bro! We'll meet you there about what time?" Parker asked him as he continued to get dressed himself.
"Opening act starts at 7. You're names will be at the door as well as your passes." Nathan answered as he finished tying his shoe.
"Sounds good Nate. Guess I'll be seeing you in a few hours then." Parker replied as Nathan headed towards the door.
Nathan couldn't help but head out towards the arena which was already under construction. He didn't bother looking for Haley amongst the crew members working hard knowing she was already in town and back at her place. He planned on heading over there after his impromptu meeting. He hurried to the parking ramp and into his car.
He pushed the hands free button on his steering wheel before calling out "Hello?"
"Hi there, so I take it you're done with practice a little early today?" She joked into the phone knowing very well why.
He grinned thankful she called to put him in an even better mood than before.
"Yeah apparently some pretentious band needs the arena set up hours in advance for their little show tonight I guess."
She chuckled and replied "Is that so?"
"Yeah, but I heard the lead singer is smoking hot."
"Really?" She nearly squeaked into the phone as she tried to stop herself from giggling like a silly school girl.
"Yup, I think I've got a pretty good chance of hooking up with her tonight after the show. What do you think?" He shot back at her without missing a beat. He could match her witty banter bit by bit.
Haley smiled as she fell back on her bed loving the feeling of being home. But she loved it even more that she was going to be reunited with her boyfriend in a matter of hours after spending weeks apart.
"I consulted my magic 8 ball and all sources point to yes." She flirted back loving the sound of his laugh.
"So where are you right now?" She asked.
There was a long pause before Nathan replied "I'm stopping to see him before I head to your place."
"Ok, good luck baby." She said trying to give him a boost of encouragement not really knowing what else to say. Nathan was about to do something difficult.
Their call ended shortly when Nathan pulled into the parking ramp. He had told himself he was going to be in and out and not engage in anything further. He recited the same pep talk to himself as he walked into the building and down the hall. He flung the office door open and connected eyes with the secretary behind the desk.
"Well hello Nathan. I didn't know you were coming in today." The secretary said with a sweet smile.
He had nothing against her but felt a twinge of sympathy that she had to work next to his father all day.
"Hi Kathy."
Kathy picked up her phone and stated "Let me just let Mr. Scott know you're here."
Nathan quickly shook his head as he headed towards the closed office door.
"That won't be necessary Kathy." Nathan remarked and hastily knocked on the office door before opening it not bothering to wait for permission.
Seated behind a dark wooden desk sat Dan Scott dressed in a suit and tie looking completely off guard.
"Nathan this sure is a surprise to see you son. I figured since you've been ignoring my calls and texts I'd have to come find you like usual when you decide to throw your childish tantrums. It's nice to see you've finally come to your sense and are acting like an adult." Dan stated clearly look directly at Nathan who returned a cold harsh stare.
Nathan stepped into the office while letting the door close behind him without taking his eyes off of his father. He was internally fighting off the urge to hurl himself across the desk and knock his father completely out in just one punch. He could see it all playing out in his mind and boy would it feel good. Sure he'd worry about his shooting hand but the feeling of his fist connecting with Dan's eye would be rewarding after the hell Dan's stunt put Haley and him through. Nathan shook himself from his fantasy and refocused on what was in front of him.
"So why did you do it Dan?"
He leaned back in his office chair and rested his hands behind his hand as he let out an annoying chuckle.
"You're going to need to include a few more details if you expect an answer to your question. I have a lot of clients I do business with every day besides you." Dan snapped back.
"All of it. The set up date, all the photos at the event and then the story that broke later. That was all you right? You had the story created and leaked to the media last night." Nathan shot back his tone of voice growing louder with each word. He made a point to keep his feet firmly planted by the door. If he made one step forward, he knew it would all be over.
Dan leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbows on top of his desk.
"It's publicity for the charity Nathan nothing more than that. Honestly, to get so pissy about a silly little date for the event makes me think you're getting soft on me." Dan offered as an explanation from the events that had unfolded the previous evening. He had rehearsed in his mind what he would say when it all came to a head and had to admit he did sound convincing himself. Secretly Dan was hoping Nathan would finally confess his romance with Haley. The sooner that happened, the sooner Dan could convince Nathan she would only distract him from the game or worse.
Nathan rubbed the heels of his hands over his eyes in annoyance. "Bull Shit Dad! You need to focus on my basketball contracts and endorsements and that's it. Stay out of my personal life…don't ever try to set me up on a date again…leave my friends alone….don't stop by my house unannounced or expect to get through the security gate whenever you want. This arrangement has gotten too lacked but that's all changing today."
Dan's eyes grew wide as his son finally stood up to him and spoke to him in a manner he'd never done before. In a weird twisted way, in that moment Dan Scott was proud of his son. Sure Nathan had been able to throw punches and defend himself physically but using his words was a different story. However, the moment quickly passed and Dan was aware of what had most likely happened. Judging from Nathan's actions reaching out to the media the night before, Haley had become aware of the incident at the charity event thus creating a little trouble in paradise. Things had been unfolding just as he liked.
"Well, I see someone pissed in your morning bowl of Wheaties this morning! Let me remind you son, that we have a contract and I have and will continue to act in only your best interest. I only want the best for you and your career. Nathan you're coming up on a contract year incase you've forgotten." Dan pointed out hoping he hadn't it on too thick the bit about him only wanting the best for him.
"Of course I haven't forgotten about that. Focus on the basketball portion of my life and that's it. I mean it Dan!" Nathan warned his father.
"Where does that leave us Nathan? You're my son and I want to be involved in all aspects of your life." He countered back. Nathan let out a sarcastic laugh in response.
"But you can't anymore Dad. You made that decision years ago when you insisted I couldn't trust anyone else to be my agent and no one would look out for me the way you would. Instead of just being my father standing by my side supporting me, you chose to be a paid employee of mine instead. You chose this Dad now deal with it." Nathan concluded his last statement dripping with harshness.
Dan moved in his chair and was instantly on his feet. There was a change in Nathan's eyes and the way he carried himself. He hadn't noticed it until in that moment. Then it hit him down to his core. He just might lose his son completely if he wasn't careful.
"We can have it both Nathan. We're Scotts and we can do anything." Dan replied in a calm voice. He tentatively took a few steps towards Nathan who instinctually backed away.
"Save it! I've spoken to my lawyers and they went over our contracts line by line. According to those, as my agent and manager you are to complete business deals for my negotiations with the Clippers and the rest of my endorsement deals. That's it! Guess you're right Dad. It does pay to do a little homework before a big face off." Nathan spat back at his Dad and then turned on his heels and fled from the office.
Nathan's last comment stung Dan more than he thought it would. He remembered when Nathan was just a young boy playing recreational basketball and he was the coach of the team. He would make Nathan suffer through hours of plays and tapes from the other teams Dan had managed to acquire just to get a leg up on the competition. Dan referred to it as the most important "homework" he needed to do. Dan insisted Nathan be the best and know everything about his opponent.
Dan sat back down at his desk and pulled out his file on Haley James. He looked over the variety of photographs in front of him. Haley was a beautiful woman he had to admit. Nathan did have impeccable taste in women after all. Just by glancing at the display of photographs in his file, he would be able to fabricate a story of at least enough speculation hopefully in Nathan's eyes. But the real question running through Dan's mind at that moment was whether or not to go through with it.
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