AN: See previous disclaimer...
Thanks again for the views and the reviews you all have been leaving. I appreciate them and they continue to help keep me motivated to write more. Drama will be coming up in the next few chapters so stay tuned.
On a bad note...there have been some massive destructive storms that have blown through where I live. We've had three back to back severe storms resulting in massive tree damage, flash flooding, hail damage etc...The storm has kept me busy with cleaning up down tree branches (One even landed on my roof and I'm glad it didn't break through the roof), also dealing with my basement that flooded with 4 inches of water! Oh yeah and I have no internet access at home right now and it probably won't come back for a few more days. So I will update as I'm able to and sorry about the delay...
I hope you enjoy the next chapter and the latest developments of the story :)
~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Twenty-Four*
The week moved along quickly and before she knew it, Haley was on a plane headed to San Francisco for the day for yet another magazine spread. She found the location of the shoot fun and tried her to make the best out of the situation. She didn't really want to be there but knew she didn't have a choice. Haley just had to make it through the next 24 hours and then felt as if she'd get some control over her life back. At least that's what Peyton had promised her. The shoot wrapped on time and Haley hopped in a car and headed straight for the airport. She fought her way through the paparazzi patrol outside the airport thanks to her recent traveling companion, aka her body guard. Nathan had been rather insistent of her agreeing to take a body guard with her on the flight to New York instead of just being protected once she was in New York. Haley had put up a fight but knew he was right in the end.
She settled in at the gate and took the chance to call Nathan before she boarded her flight. She couldn't help but smile as she waited for him to pick up on the other end.
"Hey baby, how'd it go?"
"I tried to make the best of it and find some fun in the day. I feel pretty wiped actually. At least we wrapped on time which is even better. How was your practice today?"
"Things have settled down a bit and I've got my head on straight so the Coach is pleased about that. You sound tired babe. You waiting to board the plane?" Nathan asked.
"Mmmm hmm, I'm so not looking forward to this flight that's for sure. I'm hoping I can sleep some so I don't look tired on TV tonight." She answered trying to stifle a yawn that had escaped her lips..
Nathan chuckled at his girlfriend, "I'm know you're going to look gorgeous tonight so stop worrying about that. How was getting into the actual airport? I bet there was quite the crowd waiting for you."
"Bob had it covered and it was definitely more than normal. You were probably right about taking him with me from the get go. When's your flight out tomorrow?"
"Early! But I'll be in the central time zone so we'll just have 1 hour difference to figure out. Game starts at 6pm." Nathan added.
"Really, that's about the time I'll be flying home I think." She sighed trying not to sound too disappointed.
"Hey at least we've got Sunday together to look forward to." He pointed out hoping to lift the mood of their conversation a bit.
It worked and Haley sounded excited again when she said, "I'm excited to officially meet Brooke and Lucas although I feel like I already know so much about them from what you've told me."
"They're excited as well. Look I've gotta get going. I love you and have a good show tonight." Nathan said.
"I love you too! Have a good game just in case I don't get a chance to talk to you in between my meetings and game time."
"Bye Angel."
She hung up and boarded her long flight shortly afterwards. Bob provided a much needed shoulder for Haley to rest on while she took a nap in flight. Paparazzi was in full force and rather aggressive when they stepped foot outside of the airport in New York. She was happy after they arrived at the hotel and she was able to take a hot shower to reenergize for her TV appearance. An hour later, the make-up artist and hair stylist Peyton had booked arrived and worked their magic on Haley. She departed for the TV studio with Bob at her side for protection. As anticipated, a surge of paparazzi were waiting outside the studio when she arrived. She hated to admit it but she was a bit anxious about her first appearance without the rest of The Fire Pistols present. Haley recalled hearing her name shouted as she made her way from the car to the studio door. A new addition was hearing "Nathan Scott" shouted as well.
Nathan welcomed the distraction the away game in the mid-west provided him from the buzz around L.A. lately. Stories popped up on different celebrity gossip blogs and news feeds featured "details" about their blossoming relationship. He threw himself into his game on Saturday night and managed to harness his energy and focus it on his performance. It didn't hurt that he'd received a motivational text from Haley right before the game she'd somehow managed to fit in between her meetings and her flight home. The Clippers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-78 and Nathan played a great game which helped redeem himself after his previous game earlier in the week.
"What does Baby want for breakfast Quinny? I can whip up some chocolate chip pancakes, Belgium waffles, fried eggs, scrambled eggs…" Haley listed off as she stood in the kitchen dressed in yoga pants and a camisole.
Quinn scrunched up her nose and replied, "Anything but eggs please…don't even talk about them. Pancakes sound fine."
Haley giggled in response to sudden distain for eggs which is apparently normal. She moved about the kitchen pulling the different ingredients out if the cupboards. Quinn sat at the counter, sipping on a cup of hot tea.
"So you really said all of that and Peyton didn't flip her lid." Quinn clarified referring back to the story Haley had recalled.
"Yup, everything feels a little too good to be true at this moment so I'm not getting too excited about anything just yet. I'd say my romance with Nathan Scott will be old news once your bun in the oven pops. Have you and Clay figured out a plan with all this yet?" Haley questioned as she looked up briefly from the mixing bowl of pancake mix.
Quinn let a soft sigh out and then answered, "Clearly we didn't exactly plan on having a baby right now but it is what it is you know. I'm glad that I won't be that far along and showing by the time this leg of the tour ends. I don't exactly want to be 8 months pregnant riding around on a tour bus night after night. I know I need to tell Peyton which I'm dreading."
"The sooner the better because I think she was toying around with possibly going overseas for promotional stuff for the record. She's going to need to know our keyboardist can't fly anywhere after 36 weeks!" Haley replied sarcastically with a laugh.
The two sisters shared a laugh as they continued to fix breakfast together. Indirectly Haley knew Quinn would be moving out shortly. She spent most of her time at Clay's house anyhow and her becoming pregnant sealed the deal with her moving out. Discussions about putting the house on the market were sure to come up sooner or later. They spent the rest of the morning talking about Quinn's pregnancy and how Clay was dealing with things. Shortly afterwards, Quinn showered and decided to head over to Clay's house around noon leaving Haley the house to herself. Haley ventured out around noon and was greeted with a trail of paparazzi behind her once she got out onto the open road. No matter how mundane the errand, there was always the possibility of getting a "money shot" along the way. The interest in her whereabouts definitely increased since her relationship became public knowledge.
Haley decided to cut her errands short having grown tired of being followed so closely. It still amazed her how erratic people would drive just to get a picture. Nathan had arranged for Brooke and Lucas to meet for a double dinner date later that night. Haley finished up the last of her business calls and emails before finally starting to get ready for her date with Nathan. She felt a bit insecure in her fashion sense as she selected her outfit for the evening seeing as she was meeting Brooke Davis-Roe fashion designer and icon. She settled on a flirty, red strapless dress and dressed it up with a few accessories. She spent the remaining time finishing up her hair and make-up before she rushed out the door.
Nathan was just finishing up tidying up his living room and kitchen when Haley arrived. He nearly sprinted to the front door when she finally pushed the doorbell with excitement. He had yet to get ready for dinner having lost all track of time and forgot until he saw Haley's face when he opened the door. He was anxious to see his girl.
"So this is considered dinner attire?" She asked making reference to his clothes as she looked Nathan up and down. He stood sheepishly in just a pair of basketball shorts.
He glanced down and shook his head slightly, "It's been a busy afternoon. You look fantastic!" he grinned.
Haley smiled back at him as she headed inside. Immediately, she couldn't stop herself from touching his bare skin and pulling his body close to hers. She ran her fingertips slowly down his toned back. Nathan snuck a kiss on her bare shoulder before eventually finding her lips with his. His left hand got tangled in her wavy locks as he held her face close to his. Feeling their kiss turn passionate, he reluctantly pulled away while he still could.
"If we don't come up for air, you're going to have to get ready all over again and I'm sure you don't want to do that." He said as he displayed his traditional Scott smirk. Without thinking Haley's hand flew up to smooth out her hair and then her dress out of habit.
"Stop it you look fine! I still need to get dressed. Just give me like 10 minutes and make yourself comfy." Nathan declared and then disappeared towards his bedroom to change. Haley wandered into the living room, sat on the couch and started watching whatever show was left on the television from earlier. As promised in a few minutes, he emerged looking handsome and ready for a night on the town with his best girl. She looked over the moment he entered the room and immediately felt her heart race. She couldn't fight off the grin as it took over her face.
"I know you can say it…I look hot!" he announced as he posed like a runway model.
Haley laughed out loud before she replied, "As if you need yet another woman telling you how damn sexy you are."
Dan had decided to ignore Peyton's call for the time being. He needed to pursue a new avenue and was doing just that. He managed to get a direct number to Damien West and was pleased he could bypass Damien's manager all together. Dan had made a point to do his research prior to initiating any contact with the actor. Luckily, Damien's career was still growing and there wasn't too much ground to cover. Damien West was still struggling to really break into the A-List actor category in spite of having several supporting roles in fairly successful movies. It was clear to see his fame level made a major jump after he started a romance with Haley James. There was quite the paper trail providing evidence of their romance from photographs of public appearances together, paparazzi shots of the couple out and about together, shots from one of his movie locations and a few taken most likely after going to a dance club.
Dan had orchestrated business deals with guys like Damien West all his life. He knew he could negotiate this thing with Damien in his sleep. It was clearly evident Damien was still trying to bring in a big Hollywood paycheck and had yet to do so. Dan felt a strong sense of confidence as he finally decided to call Damien.
"This is Damien."
Dan paused for a moment taking in the speculating tone of the voice on the other end.
"Mr. West, my name is Dan Royal and I'm calling with a business proposition for you." Dan said in a professional tone of voice deciding at the last minute to use a fake last name.
"I'm sorry how did you get this number? All business deals go through my manager.." Damien replied in a monotone voice but was interrupted by Dan.
"Yes, Mr. West I'm well aware that's how you normally conduct business however I'm sure you'd rather not cut your manager in on the take home amount from this deal." Dan said clearly throwing Damien bait.
The line went silent and it was then he knew he'd already hooked Damien West. Just as Dan anticipated, Damien West was a money hungry shark.
"Umm, I didn't catch your name."
Dan sat back in chair smiling knowing very well how this deal would unfold.
"The name's Dan Royal and I am prepared to offer you a generous amount of money for a little bit "acting" on your part."
"Look man, you're gonna have to fill in a little more details than that. I don't have time for lame ass "B" movie shit." Damien barked back.
"Does the name Haley James ring a bell to you?" Dan asked bluntly.
That was without a doubt the last thing Damien expected to hear.
"What about her?" Damien countered back gruffly.
"Mr. West, it's public knowledge the two of you had a brief romance together that ended rather abruptly. You two looked awfully cozy and in love with one another…well according to the pictures you did. Then it all seemed to just…." Dan answered but was cut off.
"Get to the point! What the hell does this have to do with that bitch Haley anyway?"
"Testy, testy aren't you? After doing a little research, I've come to the conclusion that your relationship with Haley was….well… how should I put it…a little extreme. I've seen the photographs so I can only imagine what the real thing was like. I need her public image destroyed immediately and you're the man I want to do it." Dan Scott proclaimed while he stared at a picture of Haley and Damien together.
"A deal was already made with her and I signed a contract agreeing not to publicly release them. So you're shit out of luck Dan. You're a few years too late to make money off of them being released." Damien replied.
"Bottom line, I'm prepared to offer you a large sum of money to screw with Haley James by any means necessary. I need her image and public persona ruined as soon as possible. No holds bar!" He stated coldly.
"What in the hell did the little whore do to you?"
"None of your business….are you interested in making some quick cash or not West?"
"Well, how much are we talking here?"
Dan smiled to himself in anticipation of what was to come. Haley James had no idea the storm building and heading her way.
Nathan double checked his rear view mirror once more to only confirm they were indeed being followed by yet another car filled with paparazzi out for blood. He had yet to say anything to Haley not wanting to draw attention to the three cars hot on their tail. He didn't want her to worry about anything tonight. He wanted the night to go smoothly with Brooke and Lucas and for everyone to have a good time. A run in with paparazzi could turn the evening sour in a second if he wasn't careful. Nathan tried his best to remain engaged in his conversation with Haley, responding at appropriate times as well as navigate his car through downtown traffic safely and deal with the cars following them.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he turned the corner and saw the valet service out front of the restaurant assisting customers in and out of their cars. He waited until the last minute as he watched the paparazzi in his mirror before he swerved and pulled into the valet parking lane. He knew he wasn't going to lose them but it couldn't hurt to keep them guessing his next move. Nathan reached over and grabbed Haley's hand that had been resting on her left knee. She looked over at him once he squeezed her hand tightly with a loving smile. Instantly, she calmed his nerves with just a smile.
"Ready to face the masses Hales?"
"Yes! Let's go."
Haley caught Nathan glance in his rear view mirror time and followed his eyes. She saw two figures jump out of the car behind them, cameras in hand.
"Wait here." He instructed suddenly in a serious tone Haley hadn't heard before. He'd watched the figures approach his car moving towards the passenger side with their cameras already flashing on. Haley offered a head nod in agreement and with that Nathan was off. He flung the door open, quickly took the ticket from the valet attendant and rounded his way around the rear of the car. He kept his head down in an attempt to shield his eyes from the flashing of lights around him as he made his way to Haley's car door. Another valet attendant approached Haley's door and made an attempt to open it. He caught Nathan's harsh eyes and saw him wave him off signaling him to back off.
Haley waited as patiently as she could for Nathan to open the door for her. She was touched at how thoughtful and protective he was being with her knowing how much of a nuisance the media could be sometimes. The door opened and all she was able to make out amongst the lights was Nathan's hand held out waiting for hers. She gracefully slide out of the car taking care to keep her dress secure at her knees and then placed her small hand in his. Nathan escorted Haley away from the car and together they made their way inside through the sea of people and cameras. Thankfully the restaurant staff assisted with clearing a path for them to get to the front door.
"HALEY! How long has this romance been going on?"
"Nathan! Nathan over here! Give us at least one good shot!"
"Nathan and Haley look over here!"
Once inside Haley felt it was safe enough to say, "That was intense!"
He looked into her unsettled eyes and couldn't help but agree with her. The public certainly was more interested in them as a romantic couple than the two of them as individuals.
"Let's try and shake this off before we join Brooke and Luke at the table." He suggested trying his best to stay positive.
Haley leaned forward and placed a quick peck on his lips knowing it would settle the both of them. Nathan kept her hand in his as they made their way through the restaurant and to the table. They were pleasantly surprised to find Brooke and Lucas waiting for them. Both stood up to greet them with warm hugs and smiles.
"Hey guys, it's good to see you both!" Nathan exclaimed as he shook Lucas' hand and embraced Brook in a one arm hug and a kiss on her cheek.
"About time you got here hot shot! Took you long enough!" Brooke teased as she gave Nathan a 100 watt smile.
"Easy Brooke! I thought you said you were going to be on your best behavior and make me look good here in front of Haley." Nathan shot back gesturing towards Haley who stood next to him.
Haley watched the interaction and it was clear to see how close the three friends were. The tall blonde stepped forward and extended his hand towards her.
"Haley, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Lucas and this lovely lady over here running her mouth is my wife Brooke." Lucas said gesturing towards the brunette who was laughing next to Nathan.
Haley giggled as she took his hand and gave him a firm handshake.
"It's good to finally meet you Lucas! I've heard a lot about you two." Haley replied with a heartfelt smile. Nathan had spoken in great length about both of them, so she felt as if she really already knew them.
Brooke broke her friendly banter with Nathan and slide around the table towards Haley. Brooke was dressed in a form fitting little black dress with a beaded bodice. Her hair was swept back in a French twist and basically looked like she'd just walked off the runway.
"Haley James! Oh my gosh, this may sound completely cheesy and I'm sure Nathan will give me shit for this later but whatever….. I'm a big fan of yours. It's awesome to finally meet you. I still can't figure out how this knuckle head managed to secure a hot rock star as his girlfriend!" Brooke said cheerfully.
Haley tried not to laugh but there was something so different about Brooke Davis-Roe. She had an innate way about making those in her presence feel instantly at ease and comfortable in their own skin. Haley instantly took a liking to Brooke and vice versa.
"Hey now!" Nathan interjected in his own defense looking between Haley and Brooke.
"It helps he's hot!" Haley teased back causing Lucas to laugh out loud.
Lucas looked over at Nathan who was smiling back at him. It was good to see Nathan smile a genuine Nathan Scott smile. Not the smile that NBA star Nathan Scott did for all the cameras.
"She's a keeper this one." Lucas declared making sure to catch Nathan's eye sight and he only nodded back.
The party of four sat down at their table and began their evening with drinks. The conversation flowed rather effortlessly through appetizers, the main course and then dessert. Nathan sat back and marveled at his girlfriend. She could adapt herself to any situation like a chameleon without even trying and look damn sexy while doing it. The impression his old friends got of Haley was important to him. His inner circle was small and tight for various reasons and the only family he really spoke to on a regular basis was his father but it was always about his game. Lucas caught Nathan gazing at Haley and managed to catch his attention. They two friends smiled back at one without needing any exchange of words.
"The night is still young," Brooke declared in her raspy yet cheerful voice, "I'm not ready to part ways with this lovely lady yet. What do you guys say about maybe hitting up a club for a couple drinks?" She couldn't help but notice their server had stopped back for a third time asking if they needed anything else after all their dirty dishes had been cleared away.
Nathan paused for a moment waiting for a sign from Haley as to what she wanted to do. Sure he'd love to go out with his friends for a little bit but wanted to make sure she did as well.
"Sounds like fun if you're up to it Babe, you did just get home today from the road..."Haley answered while looking for confirmation from Nathan.
"I'm game. What club should we hit up?" He answered with a grin as he thought back to when they first met. They briefly discussed different options and soon had settled on a club. The foursome braced themselves for the media frenzy as they exited the restaurant together. The lights were more blinding as it had grown darker while they were feasting inside. Even though Haley was under stage lights night after night, camera flashes still got to her a little. She felt Nathan quickly wrap his arm around her frame protectively as they made their way to their car. Lucas took care in securing Brooke's hand in his as they made their way through the crowd. Brooke's hand went up to her forehead as she tried to shield her eyes ensuring she didn't miss step while wearing stiletto heels. That was the last thing the fashion icon needed photographs of.
Dan Scott worked diligently composing a text message after he double checked Haley's tracking device he planted on her car. Sure enough according to the device, Haley's car was parked at Nathan's house. Dan decided to check one more thing before closing the computer program.
"FYI, if you're interested in finding Haley tonight she is currently at The Bunker."
Dan hit send on his text message and waited only a moment for a response.
"Looks like I'm going dancing tonight." Damien texted back to Dan.
Dan knew Damien would take the bait and be eager to get to Haley, and then get paid. Dan never really thought he'd need to double check the tracking device he'd secretly placed on his own son's car nearly a year ago when he did it. However it sure did prove to be useful tonight in tracking down Haley's whereabouts that evening.
Damien stood in front of his mirror and double checked his appearance. He'd recently figured out Haley had a new boyfriend and had been parading him around for all to see. Damien knew how to get a rise out of Haley before and was betting on it still being just as easy.
"I'm about to give you the shock of your life Haley James." Damien said to his reflection in the mirror before heading out to The Bunker.
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