Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I do not own the video referenced (Paste by Brookers).

Haley was counting the money at Scott and Keller's Seafood Joint closing up. Chris arrived and sat down at one of the tables.

"Haley," Chris said. "Do you have a minute?"

"No Chris," Haley said. "I don't want to see that old YouTube video of the girl talking about how she likes to eat paste again."

"It's acid free its photo says," Chris said impersonating the the video.

"I don't want to see it right now," Haley said.

"Look," Chris said. "Chris Keller just wants to talk."

Haley sat down.

"You dropped your watch into the lobster tank again didn't you?" Haley asked.

"No," Chris said. "Okay maybe. But that's not what I want to talk about. Look, are you aware that Nathan confronted Jonathan yesterday at the beach?"

"Yeah," Haley said. "I talked to him about that. I don't agree with Nathan confronting a 15 year old, but I do agree that he shouldn't date Lydia."

"He's a nice kid Haley," Chris said. "Did you know the reason he's in foster care is because both of his parents died when he was 5 and none of his family members want him?"

"That's horrible," Haley said.

"He's been in and out of home for the past 10 years," Chris said.

"I didn't realize," Haley said.

"Chase wants to adopt him and officially become his father," Chris said.

"Oh wow," Haley said.

"Jonathan is not a bad kid, he's really nice and he really likes Lydia," Chris said. "You should give him a chance. He's had a hard life."

Later at home, Haley and Nathan sat on the couch while Haley told Nathan what Chris had informed her.

"I feel like such a jerk," Nathan said.

"Me too," Haley said.

Nathan got up.

"Where are you going?" Haley asked.

"I'm going to apologize to Jonathan," Nathan replied.

Nathan drove to Chase's house. Jonathan was sitting on the front steps. Nathan parked, got out of his car, and sat on the steps.

"Hey," Nathan said.

"I didn't even go near her today," Jonathan said.

"I came to apologize," Nathan said. "I'm sorry I confronted you on the beach yesterday. It's just, Lydia's my daughter and the thought of her dating scares me. But that is no excuse for how I treated you and I'm sorry."

"It's okay Mr. Scott," Jonathan said.

"I've thought about it and I've decided that it's okay with me if you date my daughter," Nathan said. "But please promise me that you won't break her heart."

"I promise," Jonathan said. "Thank you Mr. Scott."

"You can call me Nathan," Nathan said.

"Thank you Nathan," Jonathan said.

Chase pulled up in his car and got out.

"Nathan!" Chase shouted.

"Chase," Jonathan said. "It's okay. He came to apologize."

"Oh," Chase said.

Nathan stood up and walked over to Chase.

"I'm sorry for being a jerk yesterday," Nathan said.

"Thank you," Chase said.

Nathan got in his car and drove off. Chase sat down on the steps next to Jonathan.

"So?" Chase asked.

"He said I can date Lydia," Jonathan said.

"That's great," Chase said. "Now let's go inside and make dinner."