Thanks again for reading this little story of mine! I appreciate reading the reviews and those of you who take the time to leave one. It does mean a lot! Thanks for sticking with me!
Hope you enjoy the next chapter..
~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Forty-Nine*
The sunset was an exceptional shade of orange in the distance that night. It almost appeared as if there was a fire burning in the sky on the eve of their wedding day. The married couple had spent several hours celebrating their vows to each other in a way only they could do together. Deciding there was no way they could truly go to sleep for the night at 7 PM, they surfaced from their bedroom and headed downstairs. They were promptly greeting by the BBQ mess they'd previously ignored hours earlier. Haley quickly went to work on the dishes while Nathan headed out back to clean the grill area.
She'd chosen to dress in jeans and a tank top when they'd gotten out of bed finally after debating internally for a few moments. For a moment she thought it was wrong to go about something so casual as cleaning up dirty dishes in old jeans on the night of your wedding. The thought only lasted a moment when Haley reminded herself that her and Nathan weren't like everyone else. Just as she finished putting the last dish into the dishwasher, Nathan strolled back into the kitchen shirtless and barefoot.
"Everything is done and put away out back. Need help in here?" He questioned as he glanced around the counters for more work to do.
Haley closed the dishwasher and pressed the start button to run the cleaning cycle as she replied, "Nope, I'm finished too! Are you hungry at all? I could fix us something to eat."
Nathan walked over to his wife and placed a kiss on her lips and then said, "I'd say you did enough in this kitchen to get all the food ready for the BBQ and then cleaning it up. Let me take care of all my wife's needs tonight please."
She smiled instantly and happily agreed, "Well in that case, I would love something really bad for me. Cookies or ice cream or popcorn?"
Nathan looked back at her with a surprised look and then said, "Whatever Mrs. Scott wants she gets!"
They settled on ice cream sundaes and moved into the living room once Nathan finished with the toppings.
"Mmmm this is so good!" Haley declared after she took the first bite and savored the taste in her mouth.
He cracked a smile as he eyed his wife who currently had her eyes closed while she swallowed.
"Glad you think so." He added while he continued to work on eating his own treat.
They chatted back and forth about the day's events and the way everyone reacted to their surprise news and nuptials. It was helpful to hear how it was received by everyone. Nathan had been a bit concerned Quinn might have been upset about Haley marrying first when she was already engaged but was happy that hadn't been the case after all.
"You know it felt good to have the house full of people and commotion today. I didn't really realize how lonely it had been before until you started staying over. It just felt like a house but today..it started to feel like a home in a way." Nathan confessed.
" I know what you mean exactly. I can't wait to get out of the rental house and be here all the time." She added.
"We should start looking for a new place too. I want you to be comfortable and really do what you want. I know all my stuff is here but as we bring yours in, I can get rid of some or put it in storage. Whatever works out best." He said as he worked to scrape the last bit of chocolate sauce in the bottom of his ice cream bowl.
She licked the remaining sugar off her lips and then replied, "I know but I don't want to just come in and like take over your house either. That's not fair or right to do..."
"It's our house now." He interrupted and cut her mid-sentence.
"I know but."
"No buts about it. This is your place and you should feel at home here. If we need to make changes until we buy a new house, I'm game for it all. I just want this to work out smoothly and you to be happy." He added in an almost concerned tone of voice.
Haley took notice right away and said, "It will be fine Nathan and I am already happy. And you say that I worry too much…you should take your own advice."
"Yeah yeah I get it." He agreed and paused to get his empty bowl on the end table before he continued. "I'll get in touch with my realtor tomorrow and give him the specifics we talked about before and see what he finds for us. With so much of your stuff in storage, it shouldn't take much to get what you have at the rental moved in right?"
Haley thought for a moment as she mentally went over the items in each room before she answered, "I'd say a small truck would get it all in an hour or so without too much trouble."
"I've got a game tomorrow but we could do it the day after."
They worked out some more details of the move and projects Nathan wanted to do at the house to make it easier for her stuff before they finally headed to bed.
The next morning Nathan woke before Haley did. He laid still and was content to just watch her sleep. Her hair was spread out on the gray pillow case and the top sheet was pulled up to rest just above her bare breasts. His lingering eyes stopped to at the edge of the sheet but eventually continued down her bare arm all the way to her fingers. He instantly felt turned on seeing the ring on her finger in the morning light. Who knew getting married would be such an aphrodisiac for him?
He looked at the clock by the bed and knew he needed to get out of bed to make the meeting downtown seeing as he needed to do a light work out first. He took great care and slipped out of bed and headed into the bathroom. He glanced at himself in the mirror as he began to brush his teeth. The shiny silver that now adorned his own hand had captured his eye. He smiled to himself and still contemplated pinching himself to make sure it all was real. The proposal, the wedding and their plans for their life together.
Nathan snuck back into the bedroom and changed his clothes. When he leaned over to place a kiss on Haley's cheek he was reminded it was all real.
"Don't get up angel; it's too early for you. I'm heading out for a work out and then I've got a meeting around 9 am." Nathan said in a whisper type tone of voice.
"Already? I wish you could stay with me all day." She murmured still half asleep.
"Me too! You still want to come to the game tonight?" He asked.
"Yes, if you think it's a good idea. I don't want to distract your focus on the game if news of us getting married comes out. Someone might get a picture of my ring and.."
"I will be fine believe me." He quickly replied back.
Haley sat up on her elbows and clutched the sheet in front to prevent it from falling down exposing her bare chest.
"But what about the team and all the other guys. Maybe we should wait until you have a few days off to go public or something." Haley suggested suddenly very much awake.
Nathan leaned forward and kissed her lips in a determined manner.
"I appreciate your concern but I don't ever want to hide the fact we are married. I'm proud of it and love you." Nathan said confidently.
She touched his cheek with her hand and then said, "I love you too I just don't want to be the cause of the Clippers losing a game or anything because of the distraction of media stuff."
"If we lose a game it's on the team's focus and performance not you. Ok?"
She finally nodded showing him she agreed. They kissed once more before they parted ways for the day. Haley drifted back to sleep with ease while Nathan headed off to work. A few hours later, Haley got up for the day and headed to her rental house. She spent several hours packing up some clothing and other items she was able to fit into her car. She kept herself busy for most of the day as she unloaded and arranged things in the bathroom and the closet area. Before she knew it hours had passed and it was time for her to get ready for the game. Nathan had arranged for Haley to sit with Tanya again which she was pleased about.
Nathan sat with his eyes closed as he focused on the music pumping into his ears. His morning workout had gone well and his meeting with Nike too. He was able to complete the follow up phone calls he agreed to Haley he would make too. Surprisingly enough he hadn't been able to socialize with Parker nearly at all. The worry Haley expressed about the news impacting the game had stayed with Nathan. He didn't want to draw negative news or focus on the team or because of a media spectacle. He felt the need to make sure he went out and played hard just incase news broke and chatter started to go about the way he played in the game. He opened his eyes and looked around the locker room while he absently mindedly spun his wedding ring around. He saw Parker approach him from the right hallway and pulled out his ear bud indicating he would be up to talking if he wanted to.
"Yo Scott, how ya doing? Parker asked as he took a seat in the chair next to Nathan.
"Great..you?"
Parker nodded and replied back, "I'm doing good too. Tanya is excited to see Haley tonight and catch up with her a bit. She's been so tired all the time and not feeling the best. It's great to see her up and out around."
Nathan smiled and said, "I'm glad she's coming so Haley has someone to sit with too! She didn't really want to sit all alone even though she pretended she was fine with it."
"You know your girl well enough by now." Parker chuckled.
"Sure do! So is Tanya feeling pretty rotten still then?" Nathan questioned.
Parker shot Nathan a skeptical face and then answered, "I tell ya man, it should be called "All Day Sick" instead of morning sickness. I feel bad that I'm not home much right now but she keeps saying it's fine."
"At least you'll have a good amount of time off soon to do all the stuff women get excited about right? Register and baby classes?" Nathan teased.
"Hey I know for a fact I would kick ass at being her birthing coach."
Nathan laughed out loud and simply just shook his head. Parker soon joined in on the laughter as he knew he probably sounded rather ridiculous. He shot Nathan a curious look before he spoke again.
"You seem annoyingly happy…almost giddy tonight. What's up with you?" You must've had a nice welcome home present from your girl this week." Parker stated and paused for a moment for Nathan to reply but then continued when he didn't answer right away.
"I take it things are still going good for you two then. I'm glad man." Parker concluded as Nathan nodded in agreement. Nathan stood up and turned around to face his locker area. He grabbed the last bit of energy bar and popped it into his mouth. He hadn't thought much about his actions but Parker followed him closely. His eyes widened when he registered the ring on Nathan's left hand when he put the food into his mouth.
"That looks like a hell of a lot better than good! What the hell is that?" Parker exclaimed with excitement.
Nathan smirked and shrugged his shoulder.
"Dude, did you guys get married?" Parker asked again. Nathan looked back at Parker and tried his best to keep a straight face but slowly cracked a smile on his lips.
"Yeah we did." He confessed with a full smile on his face now.
Parker's surprised look intensified more after hearing Nathan confirm the news.
"No way! That's awesome man!" He said and offered Nathan a congratulatory hug.
"Thanks! Aside from my management team and the handful of family friends at our ceremony, no one knows yet so.."
"I feel ya. Mums the word, not my news to share."
The Clippers head coach broke their conversation signaling to the players it was time for a pre-game meeting. Nathan quickly sent a text to Haley telling her he loved her and stored his phone. He carefully slipped off his wedding band as NBA rules prohibited the players from wearing rings while playing. Nathan took care when he stored the ring amongst his other belongings before he joined the team's pre-game meeting.
Haley had debated all while she had dressed for the game with what to wear and more so what not to wear. She too didn't want to hide the fact she had gotten married but with how fast news travels with current technology, she didn't want to upset things at the game. Haley had placed additional rings on her left and right hand to avoid focus on the most important ones at least for the night hopefully. She took great care upon greeting Tanya and anyone else for that matter to be discrete. Her eyes became more aware of her surrounding and was actually excited to be in the private booth and not on the floor that night.
Haley shared in the excitement of Tanya's pregnancy news and enjoying hearing about the pending arrival until the game started. Immediately she noticed a steadiness with Nathan and sharpness to all his moves. He executed every pass and play with extreme precision and care. Her heart filled as she had been worried their wedding and the recent changes would serve as a distraction and affect the game or how he played rather.
She'd been home roughly an hour or so before Nathan arrived home himself. The Clippers had pulled off a solid win that night and Nathan had scored an impressive 24 points during the game. She had changed into pajamas and had removed the evenings make up and jewelry by the time he'd arrived home. She looked up from the book she'd been reading to occupy her time until he was home.
"Great game baby! 24 points is amazing!" She exclaimed when he walked into the bedroom.
"Thanks sweetheart." Nathan replied as he walked over to the bed to place a kiss on her waiting lips. The kiss lingered a few seconds until he ultimately pulled away.
"I'm sorry it took so long after the game to get home." He offered before he walked over to the closet to get rid of his clothes and shoes.
"It's ok, I understand you've got stuff to do after."
Nathan took in the additional items that had been added to the closet racks and on the shelves since earlier that morning. He also saw another suitcase in the corner of the room by the window.
"I see you went and got more stuff from the house today. I said I would help so you didn't need to do it all alone." Nathan called out to her from inside the closet.
"I know but I just got some clothes and easy things. I know you wanted to help and there will be more to do so don't worry. It's just…I wanted to get more of me in the house so it feels like my place to and that I live here." She explained and looked at the door for him to appear.
Immediately he walked out and greeted her with a warm smile that eased the worried look on her face.
"I'm not mad, I just wanted to help that's all. I want you to be comfortable and at home here." He said as he pulled off his shirt and then stripped down to his boxer shorts before he joined her in bed.
"Hey thanks for telling me Tanya was pregnant! How long have you known?" She teased him.
"I honestly forgot but haven't known that long. They are pretty excited about it. Did you tell her about.."
Haley shook her head and said, "No I didn't. I wanted to let her enjoy the excitement of sharing their news and not take away from that." Nathan nodded as he listened to her reasoning before he spoke again.
"Parker saw my ring before the game and asked. He offers his best wishes to us."
She smiled and leaved over to kiss his lips once more.
"So how does it feel to come home from a game as a married man with the old ball and chair waiting for you?" Haley joked.
Nathan laughed and then said, "Pretty damn good!"
Over the next few weeks after the wedding, life changed drastically for Nathan and Haley. Haley's rental home had been emptied with ease and she'd gotten settled into Nathan's house well. They had looked at several houses but hadn't quite found the right one just yet. Normal adjustments happened as Nathan's belongings were moved around as well as thinned out in the house to make room for Haley's things. Getting the house settled had taken over Haley's free time however she welcomed the work. Adjusting to her new life not working hadn't gone off without growing pains.
Nathan had tried his best to be supportive when Haley visible struggled without recording, demands of touring, and the absence of the band activity in her life. For the most part she had remained positive and happy about the break up and parting ways. She had remained in touch and close to everyone which helped. She'd been writing on her own here and there when lyrics or melodies would come to her however didn't know what she would do with them yet. They remained in her lyric book tucked away for another someday.
News broke of Haley moving in with Nathan first with their marriage soon to follow. Neither one confirmed the marriage but it was clear when photographs had surfaced of them out and about both with wedding rings on while running errands downtown LA. Nathan continued his focus on his game while the buzz and excitement settled down into last week's news.
Haley pulled into the garage one afternoon and was happy to be home. She'd spent a good two hours battling bumper to bumper traffic on her way home from a meeting with one of her endorsement deals. Her stomach was growling and the stress of the rush hour traffic had thrust her into a rotten mood. The sound of a low bark came bellowing from upstairs only to get louder as the four legged creature ran down the stairs in a rush. The clatter of the toenails running on the tile floor as excitement built.
"Hi Brutus! Were you a good boy today?" Haley asked in an affectionate voice one would only use on a small baby or a pet. She reached down and to pet the chocolate lab mix that was quickly wagging his tail and dancing around at her feet. She bent down and kissed the dog's head before she slipped her strappy sandals off.
"Where is he boy? His car is here but I don't see him." She stated to the dog as she walked towards the kitchen.
Instantly the level of annoyance that had passed momentarily with the greeting of their dog was back in full force. Before her she saw the sink full of last night's dishes as well as the morning breakfast ones to top them off. Dishes which she clearly remembered asking Nathan to take care of before he left for practice earlier. Dishes he agreed to wash.
"Oh lovely." She muttered to herself before going to the refrigerator to get the diet coke she'd been craving on her drive home. She looked on the usual shelf and moved several items but still came up empty handed. She moved to the pantry and spotted a diet coke box immediately. Upon reaching into the box, Haley was greeted by an empty box.
"Of course..it makes sense to put an empty box back on the shelf." She grumbled as she broke the cardboard box down to recycle.
Haley headed upstairs to change into something more comfortable with Brutus right on her heels. She dug out a pair of yoga pants and a comfy tank top from the dresser before quickly stripping off the form fitting dressed from her body. She could hear the shower still going and walked into the bathroom through the door he'd left cracked.
"Hey I'm back!" She declared once she was in the room.
Nathan jumped a bit and then replied, "Hi baby, you startled me. How's it going?"
Haley looked at the floor where Nathan had left his clothes he'd just had on right next to the dirty clothes hamper which happened to be empty. She frowned slightly at first but then it grew when she saw he'd also left stubble from shaving in the sink and on the counter. It was then she lost it.
"Oh I'm just fucking peachy! I spent two hours in traffic literally stop and go on the way home. Get home and all I want is a diet coke but you drank the last one. You couldn't even bother to throw away the damn box. Nor could you do the dishes I asked you to do too! Why can't you clean up the stuff when you shave out of the sink or put your clothes into the hamper instead of on the floor?" Haley erupted and then stormed out of the bathroom not bothering to wait for Nathan to respond.
Nathan stood with soap still in his hands and hair while he declared out loud, "What the hell just happened?"
He quickly finished up washing up and got out of the shower. Nathan dried off in record time and placed the clothes from the floor back on his clean body along with a fresh pair of boxers. He hung his towel up and wiped down the sink and counter before he left the bathroom. He looked around the bedroom for signs of his wife but came up empty handed. He heard banging coming from the kitchen downstairs and knew instantly she was doing the dishes he'd forgotten to do.
"Shit!" He exclaimed to himself as he headed downstairs.
Seated facing the kitchen, Brutus sat on the floor watching Haley work. Nathan gave him a pat on the head as he approached the kitchen. He could tell she was angry by how hard she was scrubbing the dinner dish.
"Cease fire and step away from the dish before you scrub it to death." He said hoping it would ease things in the room a bit. She refused to stop and just kept scrubbing the plate.
"Hales..stop for a minute please."
Her head shot over and she scowled at him.
"No it needs to get done and apparently it's me that does it." She snapped back at him.
Nathan rubbed his buzzed head as he said, "I can sense you are really pissed off."
"You think!" She interrupted harshly.
"Hales, I'm sorry I forgot to do the dishes before I left. I was going to do them after I got out of the shower before you got home. Let me finish them." He tried to offer but she continued to work away.
Nathan continued, "I left the clothes on the floor because I was planning to put them back on as they were still pretty clean. I had just finished shaving that's why I hadn't washed the sink out yet."
Haley started to scrub a bit slower as he offered up the explanation for his actions.
"I'm sorry I drank the last diet coke. I will happily go to the sore and get you an entire case just for you if you want." Nathan concluded.
That put Haley over the edge into extreme guilt for getting so angry with him. She turned the water on to rinse the dish in her hand but suddenly stopped her actions. Nathan cautiously walked up behind her and placed his hands on her waist.
"What's going on Hales? You seem really upset over all this." He said in a soothing tone of voice before he snuck a kiss on her bare shoulder.
The moment she felt his body touch hers an overwhelming sense of calm came over her. She knew she was overreacting and sounded rather delusional during her rant. A wave of emotion came over her again and she felt on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry Nathan. I know I'm acting like a bitch and getting upset over little stupid things. It's just they all piled up and that drive…" She said and then let out the breath she'd been holding in.
He rubbed his hands up and down her shoulders to aid in her calming down.
"This isn't like you though. I know so much has been going on and changing lately. Is something else upsetting you?" Nathan lovingly asked.
Haley slowed turned her body around and instantly wrapped her arms around his waist. Nathan kissed the top of her head as he squeezed her back.
"Face it…your wife is crazy and a nag!"
"You're not crazy or a nag Hales!"
"I feel like it right now! Who the hell screams over a soda? This crazy girl that's who!" She said in a defeated huff. He rubbed her back and let a laugh out which she soon joined in with.
"Don't worry about it. You're having a bad day, no big deal. I'm just worried that something else is going because you don't usually get so upset over stuff like this." Nathan stated kindly.
She thought for a moment and then stated, "There is something else. You know how the movie Chris and I did the theme song for is coming out soon? Peyton did an interview for a podcast or something this morning and she had less than pleasant things to say about me."
Nathan pulled away with intent and looked into his wife's eyes.
"Peyton is a bitch! What the hell did she say now?" Nathan demanded with sharp tone.
"It's fine." Haley said back all too quickly.
"No, it's not if it upset or bothered you. What happened?"
Haley took a breath and then said, "Oh you know…claimed that I'm overpaid and over rated as a singer and guitarist. Oh and that I'm a cheesy predictable mediocre song writer who's career is over."
"What?" He nearly shrieked back.
"It gets better trust me. She went on to imply my life choices have gone downhill and I'm clearly not acting in a sane manner….and I quote, "Look at what she's done since she left my label….she married a NBA player to secure her future now that her career is music is dead and her money will eventually run out." Haley said.
"That bitch!"
Haley nodded and ran her fingers through her hair in a stressful manner.
"My management team asked if I wanted to reply but I just don't see the point. It's like I'd be taking a step back and not really moving on with my life." She said.
Nathan watched her closely and could tell she was frustrated before he spoke again, "Maybe you should issue a response of some kind. She can't keep getting away with this and talking shit about you to the press."
"I hear what you're saying but I just feel like I'd be stooping to her level or something. I really want to move on and let all the drama and bull shit go for good. That was another time in my life and I need to close that chapter. I don't like who I was back then and I don't want to be her again. I was so weak Nathan." She confessed in a sad tone of voice.
Nathan placed his hands on her shoulders and forced her to face him.
"Hey…you were anything but weak then so don't believe that for a second, you hear me? You were and still are an amazing business woman. You are intelligent, hardworking, driven, compassionate, and sexy as hell." Nathan said with a smirk at the end.
A half smile appeared on Haley's lips before she said, "You have to say that because you're my husband." She wiped away a tear that had fallen down her cheek.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead tenderly and then said, "I said it because it's true. I'm blessed because I'm your husband. How did I get so lucky?"
Haley chuckled in response to his comment and then concluded, "I'm not going to directly reply to her. I'm focused on the future and that doesn't include her anymore."
"That's my girl! Now, can we tone things down in here with the dishes because you've got Brutus scared to even come in the kitchen." Nathan added hoping he could continue to lift her spirits.
Haley laughed again and looked over at their dog who had remained seated with his eyes fixed on the couple.
"Poor pup!" She said.
"Go in the living room and take him with you. Relax and watch some TV or something. I will finish this stuff. I'm not taking no for an answer. Out!" He ordered and then directed her out of the kitchen.
Several minutes later, Nathan had the dishes finished and the kitchen cleaned up again. The sight he was greeted with when he entered the living room warmed his heart. Haley was stretched out on the couch with Brutus snuggled up half laying on her legs and stomach. The dog's eyes were closed as Haley stroked his head slowly.
"What do you say we go out for dinner or something tonight?" Nathan suggested.
Her eyes shifted from the TV and met his crystal blue pair.
"You aren't trying to get out of washing more dishes later are you?" She teased back.
"No you dork! I just think maybe it might be nice to not have to fuss and be waited on instead."
Haley thought for a few moments before she replied, "OK I'll go get ready but you're driving tonight. I can't handle any more idiot drivers."
Nathan and Haley went out to dinner that night and have a wonderful date night. They decided to go to a restaurant which they knew the paparazzi would be camped out at. Haley was grateful she'd taken a little extra time to get ready for their night out as they were photographed by several paps on their way in and out of the restaurant. On the car ride home the single from the movie soundtrack came on the radio exciting Nathan. He moved to turn the volume up but Haley tried to swat his hand away.
"Please Nathan turn it off."
"Come on, I haven't heard it on the radio yet. Let's just listen to it please…pretty please?" He pleaded with her and snuck a glance her way hoping his baby blues would seal the deal.
"No Nathan come on.."
"Just a little bit then I'll turn it off. Promise!" He reasoned back one last time.
"30 seconds then it's off!"
Nathan laughed and nodded in agreement. Haley sat rather uncomfortable as she listened along to the song which held negative memories for her. Peyton had been in raw form the day Chris and her had recorded it and made Haley miss Nathan's game.
As if on cue as the song reached 30 seconds into, Nathan's cell phone rang.
"Ahh saved by the bell! You better answer that." Haley said happily.
Nathan glanced at the screen in his car and didn't recognize the number.
"I don't know, I could just let it go to voicemail."
Haley's eyes widened and she added, "But what if it's important."
Finally Nathan pushed the button on his steering wheel to answer the call.
"Hello, this is Nathan." He said out lout and then playfully stuck his tongue out at Haley. She managed to stifle a laugh in order to make sure the caller didn't hear her.
Silence hung in the air which prompted Nathan to speak again.
"Hello?"
"Uhh yes is this Nathan Scott?" questioned a male voice on the other end of the line.
"Who's calling?" a confused Nathan asked back.
"Yes, I'm trying to reach Nathan Royal Scott. I have an urgent message for him." The man said formally.
Nathan glanced over at Haley and let his eyes widen with confusion and wonder.
"A message from who?" Nathan questioned again with urgency.
"Sir, it's about his marriage. Is this Nathan?"
"My marriage?" Nathan muttered out loud instinctually not realizing that he just indeed confirmed who he was to the still unknown caller.
"Who is that?" Haley whispered to Nathan. Her worried look on her face very visible to Nathan. He took it in and then spoke again.
"Look man, I'm hanging up." Nathan announced but was then cut off.
"Nathan, I'm calling to offer congratulations on your new marriage on behalf of Mr. Dan Scott. Your father has been trying to get in contact with you for some time to say this himself. He would like to send a wedding gift as well."