and becomes Hayley's best friend – to Mateo's annoyance. Although he and Ryan would eventually become friends themselves. To help repair the faltering relationship between herself and Mateo, Hayley and Mateo open the Sounds of Salsa club. Hayley, an alcoholic, feels her world is crumbling around her as Mateo spends more and more of his time with his now ex-wife and son. A family counselor advised Hayley not to have any children right away because of Max's emotional instability. Hayley found her desire to take a drink becoming unbearable because of the stress of having to put her life on hold. In desperation she moved out of the condo she shared with Mateo in an attempt to get her head together. The space, she hoped, would help her and Mateo get back together. Hayley went to her favorite beach spot alone on the Fourth of July, hoping it would bring her some peace. In a panic, Ryan Lavery searched the beach for Hayley, thinking she had done harm to herself. Ryan swam out into the ocean and carried Hayley back to shore. In actuality, Hayley wasn't attempting suicide; she was taking a midnight swim. Upon reaching the sandy beach, Ryan and Hayley kissed – a kiss that was seen by Gillian, Ryan's former wife. Mateo learned of the kiss and believed that Hayley has betrayed him. He had angry words with Ryan and told Ryan that he is finished with Hayley and that he is going with to Texas with Raquel (and Max) to visit his former in-laws. After returning from Texas, Raquel tried to put the moves on Mateo, but Mateo pushed her away. So upset that she was brushed off, Raquel raced to Hayley and told her that she and Mateo had slept together. Hayley initially doubted the claim, but Raquel continually reminded her that Mateo had also lied about being previously married. Hayley ultimately believed the lie and the stress completely overwhelmed her. Alone at Trevor and Janet's house, Hayley came within inches of drinking a bottle of whiskey. While she didn't, she collapsed from exhaustion and malnourishment. Over time, Hayley and Mateo were able to patch up their difference and they got back together. Hayley changed her career, becoming the host of a television style show called Wave. As Mateo and Hayley planned to get married – for real – a whirlwind named Arlene breezed into