Disclaimer : I still don't own High School Musical , just playing in New Mexico .

Summer was finally here !

School was officially over , summer beckoned , full of endless possibilities including writing music and growing would be nice though Kelsi Nielsen highly doubted the latter would happen for her . She was petite and that was that .

Fun summer activities aside , Kelsi needed to find a job other than competing with her best friend Martha Cox for babysitting jobs . The town wasn't that big and they all knew the same people which meant most of their friends were also competing for jobs so the composer was genuinely surprised when Sharpay Evans informed her that there was an opening at the Lava Springs Country Club this summer for a pianist .

Sharpay being the diva that she was, it came out more as an order but Kelsi considered it as a possibility . She could play the piano all summer . It couldn't hurt to look more into it rather than just take the blonde's word for it that the job opening actually existed .

' Ryan, what's your sisters angle this time ? '

Kelsi turned towards the lockers where Ryan Evans, his spiky blonde hair tucked underneath a cap, his clear blue eyes screwed up in concentration, his clothing was impeccable making him look dashing and handsome as if he had just walked off an old 1940 movie appeared to be working on a yoga breathing technique to calm himself after speaking with Sharpay, no doubt .

.

Not that she thought about the cuteness of Ryan because that would be crazy especially considering how annoying his arrogance and confidence could really bug her most of the time .

.

Ryan turned those bright blue eyes on her , his mouth lifting in a friendly smile .

' Oh, you mean the job thing ,' Ryan lifted his shoulders then let them fall ,' there's actually no angle . Our regular pianist quit and Mr. Fulton, he manages the Club for our parents , is looking to hire a new one for the summer season '

Kelsi studied him, suspiciously .' So naturally you thought of me '

Ryan tried to catch her gaze as the tiny composer began pulling things out of her locker to stuff into her oversized bag . They shared locker space since their lockers were next to each others and he had been unsuccessfully trying to crack through that shyness of hers since the spring musical , where they had gotten off on the wrong foot in the theatre .

He was after all the co-President of the Drama Club and it had been Kelsi's first musical though to be fair , it was her musical that they had been performing .

For someone so shy, the girl could be really stubborn when she wanted to be .

' Yes ,' replied Ryan , without skipping a beat ,' I could have Mr. Fulton call you '

' Thanks but I am capable of applying for a job myself ' muttered Kelsi stopping to scribble a song verse on a scrap of a old note from Martha ,' but, um, just thanks .'

Ugh !

Ryan gave her once last look before heading down the hallway just as a bundle of energy that was known as Martha Cox caught her best friend in a hug . Her red plastic earrings dangled as she moved , a Wildcats gym bag dangling from her hand, and a gleam in her eyes . She followed Kelsi's gaze then quickly realized it followed Ryan Evans .

Wasn't that something ?

' Finally it's the end of school ,' sighed Martha, dramatically,' I didn't think it would ever end .' She paused for affect ,' I just managed to have an actual conversation with Jason Cross that didn't involve talk of basketball or homework .'

Martha had helped tutor Jason the past semester to get his grades up and developed a bit of a crush on the young man . Jason was completely oblivious to the fact much to her chagrin nor had he picked up on her not so subtle flirting .

Kelsi gave her a pointed look .' I thought you'd mastered that when you were tutoring him, Martha . Jason isn't that slow …you should just ask him to go out .'

Now the bubbly brunette turned that same look back at Kelsi .' Uh oh, remember last time I attempted that ? It wound up being a group hang out at Chad's house which wasn't exactly what I had in mind '

Kelsi patted her hand in sympathy .' Do you want me to say something to Jason for you ? '

Martha pulled a face .' God , no ! I'll get that boy to crack and find me irrestible before the summer is out , give me time '

Kelsi just laughed .' If you say so '

Martha gave her a little hip bump. ' Speaking of cute guys , what was the end of school locker talk between you and Ryan , Kels? '

Kelsi adjusted the glasses on her face as she shook her newly shortened brown curls as they joined the other students making a run out of the school for their freedom and those endless summer nights .

' It wasn't anything that your thinking so stop ,' muttered Kelsi, good naturally ,' it was more an exchange of information . Apparently that country club that his family owns has an opening for a pianist and Ryan and Sharpay gave the manager my name for the job '

Martha grinned angelic like at her .' It wouldn't be so bad if it was what I was thinking ,' encouraged Martha , knowingly ,' you cant live on music alone , Kelsi , and he's cute .'

Kelsi rolled her eyes upwards . ' I have so far besides he's an arrogant rat '

' A cute one though '

Kelsi gave her a shove .' Don't make me tell Jason that you like him because I so will '

' Fine but don't lie to me , Kelsi,' countered Martha ,' I know you too well. So you might as well fess up that you find Ryan Evans to be cute '

'Martha '

' Okay, okay ,' replied Martha as they headed for the parking lot and their vehicles ,' I'll stop for now . Hmm, I never thought about the swanky country club for job openings maybe I ought to put in my own application '

' It couldn't hurt '

Neither young woman realized that they wouldn't be the only Wildcats applying to the exclusive Lava Springs Country Club or that the Evans would be so involved in their summer .

*********************************Summer ******************* *****8

Kelsi was officially a working member of the Lava Springs staff starting this morning - she would be providing mood music for the members throughout all hours of the day in the dining room as well as playing the ladies luncheon and such things .

In her spare time , should she have any, she would be assisting in the kitchen rolling silverware or filling water glasses . Since Martha had gotten hired for the kitchen duty of prepping food , this suited the composer perfectly . They could still hang out while they were working while they enjoyed the paycheck and the two free meals a day .

It was a half hour drive from town to Lava Springs, the sky was a glorious blue and the sun was shining at this early morning but the girls felt lighter than they had since school had let out a few days ago. Kelsi and Martha decided carpooling made more sense and today , Kelsi was doing the driving .

' Can you believe the whole gang got hired on by Mr. Fulton ? I didn't know if I should thank Troy for putting in the good word for me or what ,' babbled Martha , excitedly ,' I mean, Troy, Chad , Zeke , myself , and Jason are all working in the kitchen , you're the pianist , Gabi is on lifeguard duty, and even Taylor is like an activity director . Is that some luck or what ? '

Kelsi pushed her frames back on the bridge of her nose .' It's cool but don t you think it is a little suspicious , Martha ? I was under the impression that Ryan and Sharpay are spending their summer here so I cant imagine why they would want all of us there in the first place '

Martha piled her hair into a high ponytail as she slid a narrowed gaze towards her friend .

' Don't be so cynical , Kelsi I highly doubt the Evans twins have any say in the running of the country club ,' dismissed Martha , trying to be positive ,' besides I'll be plating food so not freaking out over having to serve Sharpay or Ryan .' She rifled in her bag for lip-gloss ,' Jason is on dishes '

' So your planning on bringing romance to the kitchen ? '

' You bet I do '

Kelsi laughed as she turned into the entry way of Lava Springs Country Club , noting the adobe styled design of the buildings , the expansive golf course to the right and the sprawling tennis courts to the left . She pulled her ancient Jetta behind a Mercedes Benz and other sleek , expensive cars already feeling out of her element .

Martha directed her to the sign for the employee parking and was relieved to recognize Troy Bolton's old junk of a truck, Taylor's Saab , and Zeke's jeep as she found a space . Today was orientation and a trial run through their new jobs so both girls had dressed casually in shorts and tank tops and carried bags with them filled with change of clothing .

They found their friends already hanging out in a conference room , Troy and Gabriella looking cozy holding hands up front while Taylor seemed to have Chad entranced by whatever it was they were talking about while Zeke and Jason were finishing up their breakfast before the meeting started so Kelsi and Martha called out a greeting before joining them at the table . Martha patted a hair in place as she sat beside Jason who smiled up at her . Looks like Jason wasn't as blind as they suspected , after all .

' Hi '

' Hey Kelsi, isn't this place awesome ? I saw Sharpay and Ryan drive in behind us ,' informed Zeke , who had a thing for the high strung diva since day one and was constantly trying to catch her attention , to no avail . He however never gave up hope that he could win her over eventually ,' Just think I can to see her one on one everyday '

Kelsi patted his hand , kindly .' I didn't think you were a waiter '

' Oh, I'm not ,' answered Zeke, easily enough ,' I'll be working next to the chef as a ..sigh , sous chef . It's a dream come true and if I am lucky enough , maybe I can get Sharpay to see me differently in a new element '

' I hope so, for your sake '

Zeke was a genuine good guy and Kelsi hoped for his sake, Sharpay would be kinder than normal to him . She wasn't a fan of the rich young woman or her brother for that matter , still couldn't fathom what it was that the baker saw in her , but she didn't want to see Zeke get his feelings hurt either .

She felt the tiniest bit of uncomfortable being around all of the couples then shook it off . It was silly . They were all her friends and she was happy they were blissfully in love . It didn't mean that she had to be a part of a couple to be happy .

Zeke rubbed his hands together .' Magic happens in summer , Kelsi '

' I thought it was changes '

' That too '

A colorful printed flyer on the table caught her attention as the musician read about a talent show at the end of summer . Employees were encouraged to participate .

A little tingle of anticipation started within her as she glanced sideways at a lovey dovey Troy and Gabriella , the notes of a new love song already forming in her mind .

This could be perfect for them !

Kelsi turned the page open, pulled out a pen from her bag, beginning to scribble lyrics as an older man with an air of authority about him and dressed in a dapper looking suit joined them in the room . This was the manager , the seemingly always tense Mr. Fulton .

' Good morning , all ,' addressed Fulton, his eyes moving to follow all of them as he spoke ,' Welcome to Lava Springs Country Club . In front of you, you will find the essential paperwork , you will need to fill out these forms and get them back to me so that we can pay you . ' His gaze swept over Troy momentarily then back to the group,' This is a practicality meeting seeing as I have spoken to each of you individually about what your job entails in detail earlier . You will be expected to act with decorum at all times '

Mr. Fulton adjusted the knot on his pinstriped tie .' Ms. McKessie , you will be expected to dress proper as you will be dealing directly with the guests . This also applies to you, Ms. Nielsen , please leave the funky clothing in your locker , dress classy , if you will '

' Yes, sir '

' Um, sure '

She and Taylor share a familiar look - it looked like casual and comfort was out for the job . Kelsi wondered briefly what she had in her closet that was suitable for playing to the upper class as her style tended to be eclectic and boho mixed together .

Taylor was more conservative so finding dresses wouldn't be a problem for her .

' Moving on, I am fully aware that you are classmates of the Evans but I must remind you, this is their home away from home , if you may . They will be staying here in the family suite the entire summer and I expect you to serve them without any so called hi-jinks or messiness that might be over from the said school year , is that understood '

' Can we draw straws to see who waits on them , please ? ' this came from Chad .

' No, you may not , Mr. Dan forth ' continued Fulton , his voice tight ,' this is their club and you will all treat them with respect . If you kids have a problem with this part of the job, then perhaps it isn't the right fit for you '

There were murmurs among the group as none of them were jumping with joy to wait on Ryan and Sharpay but they all needed the money the jobs provided them . Kelsi hoped that she would be safe stuck in the dining room as she fully expected the brother /sister duo to spend all of their summer being waited on hand and foot by the pool .

If she was lucky , Kelsi hoped to avoid having to deal with them .

' Tips should you receive any are yours to keep ,' continued the stuffy manager ,' Mrs. Evans whom some of you might meet later is on the board, very involved in the minutia of the running of the club, and is a fair woman . Think nothing of it if she offers suggestions to you at any given time ..'

Kelsi wondered if that translated to bossy as both of her kids tended to be . Still she had never met the woman so Kelsi decided she needed to be fair . It didn't matter if she played elevator music to the masses , this was the best job available to her . She could be sopping up spilled milkshake at Hubs rather than playing music getting paid for it .

' Finish your paperwork, turn it into me then feel free to tour the club being mindful of the guests ,' went on Fulton ,' I will expect you all to meet me in the kitchen in the hour where I will have schedules for all of you '

No one had to be told twice . In a matter of moments the important paperwork was finished and turned in then they split up in groups to explore the country club together . The guys filed out together eager to check out the breakfast buffet while plying Fulton with questions of it being included in their meal perks while Kelsi joined Martha , Taylor, and Gabriella , taking their time to note the elegant Southwestern paintings on the walls, the framed pictures of the Evans on another wall, the shelves filled with dozens of Star Dazzle awards and the fine piano tucked into a corner of the dining room .

Kelsi itched to test it out .' Nice '

' Lets go check out the pool 'urged Gabriella , ' since I'll be putting my lifeguard certificate to the test this summer '

' Lucky you '

A large pool spread out , its water sparkling in the desert sun while members lounged in nearby chairs , soaking it all in along with their chilled iced teas or fancy cocktails .

Colorful umbrellas shaded guests from the heat of the sun while Gabi and Taylor separated from them to get a closer look at the spread while Kelsi and Martha immediately noticed Sharpay and her Sharpayettes residing by the pool in their designer bathing suits and three hundred dollar sunglasses .

' I think I'll stick to the park pool ' muttered Kelsi, looking down at her khaki cargo shorts and multi colored tank top as she pulled a face ,' Gabi can have this one '

Before Martha could respond , Ryan stepped between him, a glass tea in his hand, a red fedora propped on his head, and he was looking a bit on the preppy side with colorful jams shorts and a white polo shirt . Noticing Kelsi put an easy going smile on his face .

' Kelsi, good morning ,' said Ryan , trying to ignore the wariness he saw in her eyes ,' you're a sight for sore eyes . Want to join me for breakfast ? I can have another tea sent over ..oh hey Martha '

Martha made a little noise at the back of her throat, amused .' Hey there , Ryan '

Thrown off balance by the playboys attention, the composer took a step backwards , putting a little space between them . She didn't why he caught her off balance but he did .

She didn't know why he did because Ryan didn't act this way at school it was odd .

' Uh, no, Ryan , I'm working . We are working so it's probably not a good idea for , um, me to be having breakfast with you on my first day of orientation and all '

Ryan's blue eyes twinkled at that .' I could have a word with Fulton , Kelsi, make sure there isn't a problem for you .'

Her temper lit up. ' I don't need for you to make any exceptions at all for me, Ryan Evans , ' countered Kelsi, her ire rising on a spark of fire ,' I am sure there are plenty of pretty guests here that would just love to have breakfast with you. I am not one of them '

She shoved impatiently at her glasses .' I need to go get my schedule '

Ryan spread his palms open, confused. ' What did I say wrong , Kelsi ? '

Kelsi didn't hear him, she was already power walking back inside pretending to ignore him but didn't she look adorable ? Ryan thought that she was much prettier than most of the girls that were members of the club and Kelsi challenged him .

Martha laid a hand on his sleeve , sympathetic .' That's more actual flirting than I've actually seen you doing all year at school so one thing, Ryan, if your honest to God interested in Kelsi, you have to do better than that .'

Leaving Ryan with that nugget of sage advice , Martha hightailed it back inside the club , leaving him pondering the truth behind the breakfast invite and wondering if his intrest in Kelsi Nielsen was on a romantic level .

Could it be true ?

' .