AN: Disclaimer...you know the drill.
Thank you again for the continued support and reviews! I love reading them and getting others point of view and opinions. Thanks again for taking the time to leave them.
As I've been writing I feel like I need to apologize for how Peyton is coming off. Didn't mean to make her a villain type when I started out. I wonder if that's turning people off from the story...thoughts?
~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Nineteen*
"Mr. Scott, first of all I'd like to know how you got back here in the first place. I don't believe we have any business to discuss." Peyton bluntly stated from the doorway where she had refused to move from.
Dan couldn't contain his evil cackle in response to Peyton's comment very well. This only fueled her angry and annoyance.
"You know what, I think it's time you leave quietly. I'd really hate to have to call security and make a scene." Peyton threatened as she held a strong gaze with Dan.
"Ms. Sawyer I assure you that you don't want me to leave just yet. Not when I have something you want to see." Dan said as he held up a file folder for her to see.
He had captured her attention there was no doubt about that. She walked further into the room and shut the door behind her.
"Alright, what is it? I'm very busy tonight if you haven't noticed yet." Peyton demanded and then held out her hands gesturing towards the folder Dan still had clenched in his grasp.
"I have a certain problem I'd like to discuss with you that involves one of your clients. And judging from tonight, she's probably your best client to date." Dan began keeping his stare steady on Peyton's.
Peyton's eyebrows rose at the mention of her best client. It was then he knew he had her, hook line and sinker.
"What's this have to do with Haley James?" She questioned.
Dan opened the folder and handed several photographs to Peyton. He watched closely trying to witness a reaction of any kind once she laid eyes on them however she gave him nothing. Peyton was after all one of the best in the business for a reason.
"What do you want Mr. Scott?" She finally asked after going through the photographs a second time. The folder contained a few photographs from Haley's last relationship most of which were taken at public events mixed with a few compromising candid ones. She had worked her magic after Haley's last relationship fell apart to make the photographs now in question disappear. She'd be damned if they'd surface now. The last photographs held the most interest to Peyton since she had never seen them before.
"Where did you get these?"
"From the private investigator I hired to follow my client of course. I seem to know more about Haley's recent whereabouts than you do these days. Your client has been keeping secrets from you and it's fucking up my universe." Dan declared in a harsh voice surprising Peyton.
"What do you want?" Peyton demanded back not wanting to show her confidence was wavering slightly.
"I think we both want the same thing Ms. Sawyer. This relationship needs to end now! I will not have her ruin my son's career in the NBA. And I'm aware of the new direction your "little" band seems to be taking and Haley couldn't afford a scandal right now. So do the smart thing here and work with me to dissolve this relationship." He proposed.
Peyton remained silent for a second before she countered back "And if I don't help you?"
A devilish smile slowly crept across his face as he replied "Those photos you worked so hard to hide will get distributed including those questionable candid ones of Ms. James. As well as an accompanying story from her ex rehashing nitty gritty details of their romance of course. I highly suggest you choose option A."
Dan walked up to Peyton and handed her his business card.
"If I don't hear from you within 24 hours I will proceed with releasing the photographs. Keep the em', I have the originals after all." Dan said and then walked out of the room leaving Peyton standing in the room alone with her mind racing.
Haley worked her way back and forth across the stage for the remainder of the show. She was like the energizer bunny on speed. Nathan couldn't believe how much of a workout she got every night from performing. No wonder she sounded exhausted when she'd phone him after a show. He still couldn't believe the outpouring of love the fans were giving the band. The cheers and screams continued as the band gave their final bow after their last song of the encore. He'd felt watchful eyes on him throughout the show but realized it could have been Parker attracting the attention as well. He made a point to interact with Parker often throughout the concert so it would appear he attended the concert as a group event. Clay led the way again the moment the show was over. He had perfected the exit move and had the group backstage in no time.
Nathan broke away from Clay and headed towards the limo Haley and him had arrived in hours earlier. He was pleased with the amount of privacy the underground parking ramp allowed. He slipped inside the limo and prepared to himself to wait for how long he wasn't sure. Meanwhile, Haley quickly grabbed a few last minute items from their dressing room backstage before she headed towards the parking ramp.
"So I'm thinking the fact that Peyton left the concert before it was even over isn't a good sign." Walker stated as Haley was about to leave.
"Guess I'll find out soon enough but whatever with her. We played a hell of a good show tonight and the fans loved it. I'm not going to worry about her for the rest of the night." Haley said hoping her tone of voice reassured them but also herself.. Inside she was freaking out about her recent rebellious act.
"We sure did! Get going Walker, we've gotta change and head out to celebrate!" Chris gloated with a grin.
Haley laughed as she hugged the rest of the band before heading towards the door. She swiftly made her way through the back corridors with a small duffel bag in hand. She spotted three limos parked side by side once she entered the underground parking ramp. She was greeted with instant butterflies once her driver got out of the car in preparation of her arrival.
"Thank you so much." Haley exclaimed as the driver opened the door for her and she slid into the back of the limo.
"So you wanna hook up tonight or what?"
Haley giggled as she saw Nathan seated in the limo holding two glasses of champagne.
"Think you're cool enough to score with me? I am a big rock star after all." She teased back as she took a glass from his hand.
He smiled as he slowly leaned in closing the gap between them.
"Think you're cool enough to score with me?" He countered back. "You know, I just happen to be a big NBA star after all."
Haley closed what little space was between them and silenced him with her lips. His left hand found its way to her cheek and he used it to deepen their kiss. They finally pulled apart when the limo began to move driving them to their final location for the evening. They enjoyed their bottle of champagne as they celebrated Nathan's performances in his recent games, Haley's successful tour and finally being together for more than one night. Before long, they arrived back at Haley and Quinn's house and quickly headed inside.
"Ahhh it feels so good to finally be home for the night." Haley exclaimed as she stood in the entry way kicking off her shoes not bothering to put them away.
"I bet it does. It's always nice to come home and sleep in your own bed after being on the road for a while." Nathan added.
Haley walked over to Nathan and wrapped her arms around his tight torso. "You're staying the night right? Quinn's gonna be at Clay's tonight so…."
"Like hell I'd be anywhere else tonight. Especially not now after watching you doin' your thing up there on stage for the last 2 hours. Talk about a whole different kind of foreplay." Nathan remarked as he hands slowly made their way from her shoulders all the way down to her lower back. He felt her small frame shake slightly as she laughed to herself. He now understood what she'd tried to explain to him after she'd watched him play when they were in New York at the same time.
"Well then let's not waste any more time." Haley declared letting her arms drop from around his body. She headed towards the stairs pausing once she had climbed up a few stairs. She tossed her hair over her shoulder as she looked back at him seductively.
"Are you ready to score Scott?"
And with that she bounced up the stairs and headed towards her bedroom. She could hear Nathan's heavy feet a few steps behind hers.
The next morning Haley moved to roll over in bed however was met with the resistance of a strong arm wrapped around her petite frame. She smiled as she ran her hand against the bare skin of his arm. He tightened his grip around her body and nuzzled his face into her neck. His lips managed to find a patch of bare skin through her hair.
"Mmm morning baby." Nathan muttered still half asleep.
"Good morning." She replied.
"How'd you sleep?" He asked in between the small kisses he was leaving on her neck and now her bare shoulder.
"Absolutely perfect! That is once we finally decided to go to sleep. I totally forget how much I love this bed when I'm on tour until I get back home again." She answered sounding content.
"Ahh, it's good to have you home Hales."
She wiggled herself around so she was now facing him.
"I'm glad to be home at least for a little while anyhow. What time is your work out today?" Haley questioned.
He glanced at the clock beside her bed and then answered "In three hours. It's just a light work out before the game tonight."
"What do you say I fix us some breakfast before you head out?" she suggested with hopeful eyes.
Nathan demonstrated his agreement by placing a sweet kiss on her lips. They promptly got out of bed and got dressed. Nathan put on his outfit from last night while Haley found some lounge wear in her dresser. Within minutes they headed down to the main level of the house. Nathan turned on his phone and listened to the numerous alerts from being turned off over night. Meanwhile Haley was well into her work of preparing a hearty breakfast for them. After weeks on tour, it felt good to get into the kitchen and actual prepare something herself. Nathan kept her company in the kitchen while he tended to some business on his iPhone.
Haley took the pan of scrambled eggs off of the stove and brought it towards the table where Nathan was seated. He had already helped himself to two slices of toast and half of a grapefruit. Haley joined Nathan at the table and happily took the other half of his grapefruit.
"So, dare I ask what's going to happen today with Peyton after last night? I mean, I can't imagine she's going to be pleased judging from what you've told me." Nathan said in between bites.
Haley sprinkled some sugar on her fruit before she began digging it out with a spoon. She let a small sigh escape her lips knowing Nathan was right.
"Why do you think I haven't turned my phone on yet? I'm clearly going to avoid an argument I know is going to happen for as long as I can. Kinda like you do with Dan right?" She replied.
He nodded in agreement and then decided to change the subject quickly. They discussed their schedules for the upcoming week and worked out some plans together during the rest of their breakfast. Nathan helped Haley clear the table and with some of the dishes before he declared he needed to get going or he'd be late to his work out. Haley followed him to the entry way to say good bye to him until she saw him later at the game. He wrapped her in a bear hug and they shared one last kiss. Haley reached to unlock her front door prompting Nathan's memory.
"You know I was thinking I can't believe you don't live in a gated community or anything. Don't you feel exposed here without the extra security?" Nathan questioned as he looked in her eyes.
Haley made a funny grin and just shrugged her shoulders before answering "Quinn got a security system installed a year or so ago. We've met all our neighbors and everyone kinda looks out for each other. Not something you really see in California but it works here."
He peered back at her in disbelief before adding "Maybe will your recent rise to fame and how things seem to be going you might want to rethink your housing location. Start looking for a place that's in a secure community or something. I don't really like the idea that just a deadbolt is protecting your from a crazed fan."
She cocked her head to the side and placed her hand on his shoulder. She was touched by his concern and somewhat surprised.
"Don't worry too much about it Nathan. We haven't had any trouble before and we've lived her for like ever. I don't think I could…"
"All the more reason to probably think of moving soon. The longer you stay in a location the easier it is for people find out where you live." Nathan interrupted her sounded more intense.
"OK chill, let's talk about this another time. You better go before you end up late and get fined." Haley stated clearly ending their debate over her house.
"Look I'm sorry I don't mean to butt in but I just worry about you." He apologized quickly after noticing the tone of her voice had hardened with her last remark.
"I know and I love you for it." She said and then gave him one last peck on the lips. She opened the front door and stepped to the side allowing Nathan to exit.
"Love you too. I'll see you at the game later. Don't forget your tickets that I left on the kitchen counter." He called back to her as he walked to his car.
She called back to him "I won't. Have a good work out and see ya soon."
She closed the front door and flipped the deadbolt. As it made a clanking sound she thought back to what Nathan had said about her house and the security. She made a mental note to discuss it with Quinn later to see if Nathan was overreacting and being paranoid. She made her way back upstairs and into the shower. She knew she was putting off the inevitable but figured she'd at least shower and get dressed before heading into battle with Peyton Sawyer.
Peyton sat at her desk overwhelmed with the piles of papers and photographs in front of her. She had spent the remainder of the night before going over the proposition from Dan Scott as well as the photographs. She recalled Haley's trip to New York and how the schedule changed per Haley's request. 'Must have been changed so she could see him.' She figured to herself after looking at the photos of Nathan and Haley walking on the street in New York. She found herself jotting a few notes about dates and events over the last few months in an attempt to pin point when everything changed. She felt like if she could uncover when the relationship developed she might find a way to have the upper hand with Dan. She also found herself thinking back about that night in Miami when Haley had mysteriously dropped off the scene for an entire day not answering any phone calls or text messages from Peyton.
Peyton sat back in her chair in shock as she strung the information together slowly.
"She had him in her hotel room that night!" Peyton declared out loud as she replayed her interaction with Haley in her hotel room. She took forever to finally answer the door and seemed distracted during their conversation. Haley also promptly agreed with Peyton's request, something she never did under normal circumstances. Peyton racked her brain for the last few details and remembered the bed seemed to be disheveled and she could've sworn she heard someone else's voice in the room when she was in the hall knocking on the door. She thought for a few moments before finally coming to a decision. She shuffled through the pile of papers and retrieved the business card. She punched the numbers into the telephone that sat on her desk and waited for a response on the other end.
"Good morning, Scott Management this is Karen, how may I help you?"
"Dan Scott please."
"I'm sorry he's in an important meeting can I send you to his voicemail?" Karen asked in a sweet voice.
"No you may not! You tell him it's Peyton Sawyer on the line. Trust me, he'll want to take me call!" Peyton barked into the phone. She waited as she was put on hold for a few moments growing somewhat nervous inside until someone picked up again on the other line.
"Well, Ms. Sawyer I've been expecting your call."
"It looks like we have some business to discuss after all." Peyton stated bluntly careful not to show any emotion.
"I'm listening….so what's your answer?" He questioned back.
"You're right. We've got something in common and it seems we're each other's only solution. I have too much money riding on Haley James to let it all fall apart now. What kinda plan do you have in the works so far?"
Dan smiled feeling pleased with himself. "With the two of us working together, there will be trouble in paradise in no time."
He entered the locker room after a mediocre work out. He'd expected a little more out of himself especially after how his body had been responding previously. Maybe it was an off day? Or it was the weird way they left each other that morning? He couldn't help but play their conversation over again in his head as he hit the shower. Nathan wasn't sure what was causing the strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. It had been growing over the last few days and he was trying desperately to ignore it but all of the sudden the intensity grew. He finished in the shower and headed over to his locker to get dressed.
"Scott that was quite a show last night huh!" Parker said as he approached his locker.
Nathan looked up and smiled as he thought of Haley.
"I'm glad you two had fun last night. The girls will probably have fun together at the game tonight too. Tanya's comin' right?" Nathan asked and then pulled his t-shirt over his head. He ruffled his slightly wet hair with his towel before tossing it in a nearby towel bin.
"Yup she'll be there early as usual. She's happy to be a decoy/cover for you and Haley anytime." Parker added.
"Thanks man I really appreciate it. Things won't be this way forever. We've just gotta figure a few things out first. Then there shouldn't be so much secrecy." Nathan said hoping it was the case. He finished dressing and headed home to get in a much needed nap. He knew he'd be back at the arena only a few hours later but he needed the nap.
"Are you being serious? You actually liked it?"
"Of course I did. Some of your best work yet and the key was it was different. I think that's what we've got try again."
Haley couldn't believe what she was hearing. She remained silent as she tried to gather her composure. This was not how she anticipated her conversation with Peyton to go.
"An offer ended up on my desk early this morning and I know you're going to be so excited about it once I tell you. I accepted it prior to consulting with you but only because there wasn't any time to wait for you to get back to me. And since I couldn't reach you by phone…"
"Yeah about that I just wanted to sleep in this morning after sleeping in my own bed last night. So what did you sign me up for this time?" Haley asked sounding rather skeptical.
"Don't worry Haley. You're going to love it I promise." Peyton said hoping she wasn't coming off "too" nice and then continued "You've been requested to sing a duet that will be the theme song for this up and coming summer's blockbuster movie. Isn't that great?"
Haley was surprised, she'd never been asked to be part of a movie soundtrack before. It would definitely be something different that's for sure.
"That sounds kind of cool. What's the song and who am I singing with?"
"Here's the thing the movie director wants a rough cut of the song and I've booked you some studio time after doing a little rearranging. I'll need you down here within the hour. OK?" Peyton said intentionally ignoring Haley's question.
"Peyton, I don't think..."
"Listen Haley, this is an opportunity you can't pass up and I expect you here." Peyton said and then hung up.
"Shit!" Haley muttered to herself as she set her phone down. She quickly changed into something appropriate to wear to Nathan's game later just in case she didn't have time to come home and change. She shoved the ticket into her purse before heading out the door. She fought through a little traffic as she drove to the recording studio glancing at the clock in her car. She pulled into the parking lot and made her way inside quickly. She waved at the receptionist as she walked past heading back towards the recording studios down the hall knowing exactly which one to enter. One of the chairs behind the soundboard turned around revealing her duet partner.
"What the hell are you doing here?" She asked.
"Chris Keller was just about to ask you the same thing. Guess my top secret duet partner has been revealed. I'm sure you appreciated getting a work call on our first damn day off just about as much as I did this morning." Chris answered.
"So much for our much needed break." Haley muttered as she put her stuff down on the couch to make herself more at home. She was not in the mood to be in the recording studio nor did she have the mental energy for it. She knew she'd have to muster up something because recording less than perfect just wasn't acceptable in eyes.
Peyton showed up a few minutes later and provided the lyrics and the instrumental track so they could listen to the music. Chris and Haley began rehearsing the song together while Peyton headed back to her office. Once they felt confident with the song, they headed into the studio to begin recording "Where The Stars Go Blue". Peyton soon found her way back into the studio and was seated behind the soundboard with head phones on. Peyton stayed true to her business form, remained very selective with the different takes on the song. She continued to insist they do take after take until she finally gave them a much rest.
"Why don't you guys take a little break? I'll be right back." Peyton said as she pushed the talk back button. She gathered up a few items and headed out of the studio again leaving Chris and Haley alone.
Haley looked at Chris feeling completely spent and muttered "Seriously, how many times can we sing the same damn song?"
"I'm just glad we're just doing the vocals." Chris added before taking a long drink of water as Haley followed suit. She glanced at her smartphone to make note of the current time. It really had taken them all afternoon and then some to record vocals for one song.
Peyton settled into her office chair as she proceeded to make a phone call.
"Hello?"
"Well, the song is working out perfectly. This recording session couldn't have gone any better." Peyton replied into her phone.
"I knew you'd be able to work your magic and hold up your end of the bargain today."
"Dan, I'd say it's safe to bet that even if she left within the next 30 minutes, she'd be stuck in rush hour traffic and still wouldn't make it to the game before tipoff or most of the first quarter." Peyton stated directly into her phone.
Dan silently nodded in agreement and opened his mouth once he realized something he had neglected.
"I'm pretty sure your right. Think you can make it so Haley barely makes the game entirely?" Dan questioned back.
"Consider it done." And with that she ended the call. She marched back into the studio and was greeted with the sight of Haley and Chris kicking back. Peyton pushed the talk back button and quickly obtained their attention.
"Great work so far guys! Now let's lay down a few guitar takes for the song. Chris you're up first!"
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