Gabriella headed into the living room, where she heard sounds of laughter and deep voices. She froze, looking at the scene in front of her. There was Taylor, hugging and kissing a tall, good-looking guy with a head full of hair. It was clear, even from the few seconds Gabriella had seen them that these two were deeply in love with each other. Her eyes moved to the other person in the room, and her mouth dropped. There, standing in the doorway looking bored and slightly embarrassed, was the most attractive guy Gabriella had ever seen. He was tall and broad, with sandy blonde hair and tanned skin. At that moment, he looked up at her and she saw the most gorgeous, piercing blue eyes.
"Gabby! I want you to meet my friends. This is my boyfriend Chad," Chad looked at her and nodded, "and this his best friend, Troy." The guy with the amazing eyes flashed her an equally amazing smile. He slowly looked her up and down, which did not go by unnoticed by Gabriella. This blatant move stirred her back into reality.
"Hi, I'm Gabriella. Nice to meet you."
"Hey, glad you're here. Taylor's been telling us all about you for weeks," Chad joked, nudging Taylor. Gabriella flashed Taylor a worried look, and she shook her head. At least she hadn't told them everything.
"So, what's for dinner? I'm starving!" Chad exclaimed.
Taylor rolled her eyes. "When are you never starving?" The couple laughed, moving into the kitchen. Troy gestured in front of him, and Gabriella walked past him, holding her head high.
Throughout dinner, Troy could not keep his eyes off of the gorgeous woman in front of him. She was perfect. Dark and petite, with flowing brunette curls and big brown eyes. "She's not built too badly either," he thought, eyeing her curves. He knew his constant scrutiny was embarrassing her, but she was cute when she blushed. Taylor was busy filling Gabby in with all the details of her life in Albuquerque, with Chad occasionally adding in.
"So, Gabriella," Troy said suddenly, interrupting Taylor's flow, "What brings you to New Mexico?"
"Well," she said, with a nervous look at Taylor, "You know…new scene, I thought I'd change things some."
"Interesting. Not having fun in Miami? Seems like New Mexico might be a little boring for you, Brie."
Gabriella blinked at the nickname, but let it slide. She was beginning to think that he was trying to get under her skin. She wouldn't let him.
"Sometimes boring is good. And my name's Gabriella," She said, smiling sweetly at him.
"So you just up and move? No reason at all? Or do you just not want to tell me?" Troy challenged. What was her problem? She was hiding something, and he wanted to know what. Taylor and Chad had been following the conversation silently, but at these words, Taylor jumped up.
"Ok, dinner's over! Sorry boys, Gabby had a long flight and she still hasn't had time to settle in." Taylor ushered them out of the dining room and towards the front door. While she said her goodbyes to her boyfriend, Troy leaned in close to Gabriella.
"Bye, Brie," he whispered, "I'm sure I'll see you soon." He flashed her another dazzling smile.
Gabriella didn't answer. Her stomach flipped uncomfortably at the nickname, and she could feel herself beginning to blush.
"Nice meeting you, Gabby," Chad called over his shoulder as the guys walked out.
Later, Gabby and Taylor were finishing unpacking in Gabby's room.
"So, what do you think of them?" Taylor asked excitedly.
"Chad seems really nice. You two are cute together." Gabriella smiled. "But what's with Troy?"
"Well Troy and Chad have been friends for like, ever. Troy's the captain of the Red Hawks team at U of A. He's a pretty cool guy. He seems rough at first, but he's really nice," Taylor said, then looked at Gabriella. "Why?"
"No reason. He was just giving me the third degree at dinner, so I was wondering." Gabriella replied, flopping on the bed.
Taylor gave a knowing smile. "You seem awfully interested, Gabs. Just let me warn you, Troy's got kind of a reputation with girls. You don't want to get involved with him."
"I thought you just said he was a nice guy!" Gabriella laughed.
"He is, he's one of my best friends. But I also know him, and believe me, he's not boyfriend material. Well, I'm going to bed now. We have some job hunting to do in the morning!"
"Night Taylor," Gabby said as Taylor walked out, "and thanks for not telling anyone about my...problems."
"Any time," Taylor closed the door, thinking. Maybe Gabby would be the one to change Troy.
