Open for Business

Summary: Rivals in business – Neighbours in life. Party animal and babe magnet Troy Bolton oozed confidence by the bucket load. Health nut and yoga freak Gabriella was bubbly and feisty when riled. Are there fireworks ahead?

Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney. I just have them on secondment.

A/N: This is one of those times when I wished I lived in the US so I could go to one of Vanessa's concerts. I'm so envious of everyone who has managed to catch one of them but also grateful that they have shared their experiences so thank you from across the pond.

"Oh don't you worry, Montez, my plumbing is in perfect working order, as you will find out, sooner or later," he muttered darkly to the closed door before breaking into a smile that grew as his thoughts spiralled out of control; fantasising what it would be like.

Mistaken Identity

The rest of Friday ran smoothly for Gabriella, she had walked back into her shop in an exuberant mood wearing a permanent smile on her face that she couldn't shake off even when Berry kept giving her puzzled looks, her eyes filled with questions, her mouth had opened numerous times to voice those said questions but she'd shut it again thinking better of it for which Gabriella was grateful; how could she explain the excitement that pulsated through her body when she was in the same room with Troy? Bleugh! She'd sound like a bit of a kid but so help her, she couldn't stop thinking about her conversation with Troy and the sexual undertones it had produced. She'd never considered herself a flirt but oh boy, it sure had felt good.

Troy couldn't stop thinking about his attractive neighbour for the rest of the day and the spark of electricity that passed between them when they were in the same vicinity, surely it couldn't be a one way street, she must feel the chemistry too; the way her dark rich curls framed her beautiful face, the sparkle of mischief evident in her 'come to bed' eyes that promised so much, her luscious full lips that dared him to taste, the swell of her pert breasts that drew his eyes constantly, his practised eye knowing that they were natural and not some silicon fake, her firm moulded ass with the natural wiggle that teased him mercilessly, her silky smooth tanned legs he wanted wrapped around him; just thinking about her made his heart pound and his dick quiver.

"Shit! Stop it right there or I'll be jerking off in the shop," he groaned silently, "How sad would that be?" His brain was fried for sure, there couldn't be another explanation and the only solution he could come up with as he drove home was to get laid and fast, that should solve his aching need, at least for the time being. With that resolve firmly in his mind he parked in his drive and upon entering his house he dialled his girlfriend's number, Kirstie would sort out his little problem.

"Hey Babe, are we out tonight?" he asked.

"Hi Troy, where have you been, I haven't seen you since Monday?" whined Kirstie. Troy rubbed the back of his neck as guilt coursed through him. She was right, after seeing her on Monday, he'd been avoiding her somewhat, even ignoring her text messages and phone calls, knowing he wasn't in the right frame of mind to listen to her girly chatter as he tried to get a grip on his feelings, the recent episodes with Gabriella at the forefront of his mind, and however much he had tried to analyse, he still hadn't come to a conclusion either way.

"Yeah, I know, I've been kinda busy with work and the car has been in dock for a couple of days," he offered by way of explanation, "but I'm free tonight. How about I pick you up around eight and we'll go for a meal somewhere?"

"Can we go to that new club afterwards?" she asked.

"Sure, if you want," agreed Troy with a grimace, dancing wasn't really his thing but if it kept her happy.

"Great, want to stay over?" Kirstie asked hopefully.

"I was hoping you'd say that," he replied a grin spreading across his face. "I'll see you in a couple of hours," he promised finishing the call. With a spring in his step he took the stairs two at a time to take a shower, changing out of his grubby clothes and diving under the hot jets to wash the grime of the day away.

Gabriella was in heaven as the warm scented water rippled against the top of her breasts, the relaxing combination of Roman Camomile and Lavender blended with the Sweet Almond base oil she had mixed was working it's magic throughout her body, the aches and pains of the day ebbing away. As the water grew cooler she released the plug and stepped from the tub, wrapping a large bath sheet around her and walking into the bedroom she dried herself before dressing in a fig colored yoga bra top and matching crop bottoms that moulded to her curves. At the bottom of the stairs she collected her yoga mat from the cloakroom in the hall before going into the lounge, stopping at the stereo she browsed her collection for something soothing and serene, slotting it into the machine she pressed play. She opened the French window to let Maverick out for the first time, laughing gently as he tentatively poked his nose out, his whiskers trembled with excitement as he sniffed the air before he took the plunge and jumped over the lip at the base of the door. Gabriella watched in amusement as he prowled cautiously around the yard until his interest was caught by a butterfly that fluttered on the Buddleia bush, he crouched, his belly close to the ground as he inched forward stalking his prey but as he pounced the defenceless creature flew out of reach. Wafting his tail in temper and lifting his head in disgust, he turned away to settle in amongst the flowers in the border next to the adjoining fence with Troy, giving his fur a leisurely wash.

Gabriella turned her attention to Sharpay's gift, filling the bowl with water she went to plug the fountain in, delighted to find that Troy was indeed a handy man as the fountain burst into life, water bubbled up in the middle of the bowl. Picking up her mat she flicked the volume higher on her stereo before stepping back outside, placing the mat on the patio floor in front of the fountain she started to do her Surya Namaskar exercises that incorporated both breathing and posture and were believed to be the best for the human body.

Troy, feeling refreshed after his shower, changed into a pair of black cotton trousers and a navy blue wife-beater, throwing a plaid shirt in blues and white over the top as an afterthought but leaving it casually unbuttoned, he frowned when he couldn't find his shoes, bounding down the stairs to look for them and grab a beer, hoping to unwind after the long week to get him in the mood for the night ahead. He frowned, his ears pricking up as the hauntingly beautiful Tubular Bells filtered into the room but from where? Strolling to the patio door, he stopped in amazement, his eyes drawn like magnets to the slight movement in his neighbour's garden and there was Gabriella, but a Gabriella, as he'd never seen before. His eyes gleamed with interest as he watched her body contorting into, what he thought, were impossible positions, her suppleness clearly evident to his untrained eye. His eyes wandered appreciatively over her body, each curve and nuance defined by her figure hugging attire, unable to resist he opened his door and stepped out to take a seat on one of his patio chairs to watch the show. He really shouldn't have been surprised, after all she owned a shop that leaned towards health food, he knew for a fact she baked healthy nutritional cakes and delicacies and she had made it glaringly obvious what her stance on environmental issues had been from their very first conversation, but he was. Oh not that he was complaining, he could sit here all night watching her delectable body although, he'd much rather she was getting her exercise a different way, preferably with his help. His concentrated stare must have alerted her to her audience because she slowly lowered her leg from what looked like a stork position, rising up on her tip toes she placed her hands together in a praying position before glancing round. Shock filled her dark eyes; a red stain ran up sheen-covered cheeks with perspiration as a gasp escaped her lips.

"Er…how long have you been stood there?" she demanded her hands firmly planted on her hips. Troy stood up grinning as he strolled to the fence that separated them.

"Long enough," he shrugged, "I didn't think it was possible to get your legs into those kind of positions," he commented amazement lacing his voice. Gabriella giggled and strolled over to her side of the fence.

"It's all about discipline really, controlling your mind and body through breathing and posture exercises thereby creating balance and harmony within the body," supplied Gabriella. Her words drawing Troy to cast his expert eye over her body and liking what he saw, the exposed skin of her chest glistened, the shadow of her breast gave an all too tempting glimpse of the delights beyond.

"Wouldn't mind unbalancing your body," popped into his head, a mental image formed that he found difficult to shake.

"It looks painful to me," he said aloud. Gabriella rolled her eyes.

"It isn't really, it's very relaxing to be honest, you should try it sometime," she suggested with a smile.

"Er, I don't think so," he scoffed with a smirk.

"Why, cos you have no control," she challenged with a smirk.

"No…I can control my body thank you…it's just not me," he replied lamely with a shrug, "I like more contact sports," he added with a grin.

"Figures," she replied rolling her eyes, "maybe it's because you think it's not masculine enough for you," she suggested with a grin, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Troy reached over and stroked a finger over her nose, removing a drip of perspiration that was wending its way down. Gabriella breathed in sharply, his touch sending a tingle of awareness through her, her eyes darted to his cerulescent eyes, losing herself in their depths as his finger slid down the side of her nose, stroking her cheek before his hand cupped her chin and with gentle force guided her head nearer until his lips captured hers in a soul searching kiss that rocked her to the soles of her feet. Troy licked her salty lips teasingly until she groaned, her mouth parted and his tongue darted in to explore the interior. Gabriella put a hand on his arm to steady her, thrilling to the hard bicep that rippled under her palm but unable to stop her wayward hand from moving up to his shoulder and onwards until she touched his neck, her hand curved around him unwittingly drawing him closer to her as the kiss deepened.

"Aargh…Holy fuck!…What the hell?" Troy cried as he leapt back hopping as he bent down trying to hold a foot in his hand.

"What…what's the matter?" stammered Gabriella in alarm looking at him in concern.

"Something stabbed my foot, look it's bleeding," he moaned a pained expression on his face as he sat on a chair to inspect the damage. Gabriella glanced down as Maverick weaved in between her legs before slinking off into the house, his tail swishing.

"Maverick," Gabriella groaned looking guiltily at him, her dark eyes big pools of concern.

"Excuse me?" Troy demanded with a scowl.

"I…I think it was my cat," she explained looking apologetic, bending to look closely at his foot where a tiny pinprick of blood could be seen. "I'm sorry."

"More like a wildcat," muttered Troy.

"Hey he's not a wildcat," defended Gabriella with a scowl as she straightened up. "I'm sure you'll live," she said callously as she turned away to collect her mat.

"Just like its owner," he added under his breath. "Thanks for your touching concern, Montez," he shouted sarcastically as he too stood up limping towards his own door.

"You're welcome," she rejoined with a careless shrug.

"Oh and Montez," he shouted as an afterthought, a smirk on his face, waiting until she turned to look at him, a question in her eyes, "I think I proved I don't have a problem with my masculinity, just the attire," and with that disappeared into his house. Gabriella looked at the space he left, a grin growing on her face until she let out a chuckle, entering her own home with vivid images of him in yoga apparel firmly fixed in her mind that haunted her for the rest of the night.

Saturday passed without incident but she did note that Troy's car was missing from its usual slot when she drove off to work; he obviously had had no ill effects from Maverick's attack if he spent the night on the tiles. After loading up her car with a spare bistro table from the café Gabriella called at Ikea on the way home and purchased four folding chairs then stopped by the supermarket to stock up with groceries adding a box of Zinfandel for Taylor as she preferred red to white wine and a box of Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc for Sharpay, Gabriella didn't have a preference, she'd drink either; she also put two cartons of Berried Treasure into her cart as an afterthought, a small smile on her lips as she did so.

On arriving home she put away her groceries, placed the table and chairs on her patio then decided to have a glass of wine, opting for the Zinfandel as it didn't have to be chilled, and holding a glass under the spigot at the bottom of the box, she poured out the rich red liquid. Settling on the sofa, she picked up the phone and dialled Sharpay.

"Hey Shar, I thought it was time I touched base," greeted Gabriella.

"You're lucky you caught me, Gabs, I'm just on my way out," responded Sharpay.

"Oops! Sorry Shar, anywhere nice?" asked Gabriella.

"Zeke is taking me to see some exhibits," replied Sharpay.

"Eww! I shouldn't have asked," muttered Gabriella with a giggle.

"Montez, get your head out of the gutter," admonished Sharpay chuckling, "he's taking me to an art exhibition."

"Oh, my bad," Gabriella started laughing.

"The private viewing come later," Sharpay tacked on.

"Now that I didn't need to know," gurgled Gabriella, "although for a minute I thought you were slipping."

"Moi, No way. That's like asking me to stop breathing." Gabriella giggled.

"I only called to see if you're coming over tomorrow to meet up with Taylor?" asked Gabriella.

"Yeah, count me in, it's been too long," agreed Sharpay, "I'll see you tomorrow, Gabs."

"Bye Shar, have fun," said Gabriella before disconnecting. She laughed shaking her head at her friend as she picked up her glass and the remote, settling down to watch TV.

Gabriella took advantage of it being Sunday and lazed the morning away in bed, only getting up when Maverick kicked up a rumpus letting her know he needed food. Trotting down the stairs she filled up his bowls and put the coffee machine on before going back up for a shower, choosing a floral print sundress once she was dry before going down to get her morning fix of caffeine. She opened the door to let Maverick out then started to make some breakfast, taking it outside to enjoy the late morning sun. Having finished the leisurely breakfast, she went inside to unpack the barbeque that her mother had given Gabriella when she upgraded but that Gabriella had never been able to use in the apartment; now was the perfect time to try it out. With that thought in her mind when she had shopped yesterday, she removed the whole salmon from the refrigerator, placing it in foil with a liberal sprinkling of herbs and a lemon cut into quarters she wrapped it ready to place on the hot coals. Taking out a tray of steak and fresh tiger prawns, she retrieved the packet of wooden skewer and began to cube the steak, red peppers and mushrooms, then began to thread them onto the skewers to create surf and turf kebabs. Next she created a spicy tomato salsa and had just finished a cherry tomato and rocket salad to accompany the meal when the doorbell pealed. After putting the salad back in the refrigerator she went to answer the door to find a smiling Taylor on the other side holding a large fig tree in a pot.

"Thank god. Do you know this thing weighs a ton," she grumbled.

"No but why are you carrying a tree around LA?" Gabriella asked with a puzzled look.

"I had to buy you a housewarming present, I bet Sharpay has," said Taylor.

"Well yeah, but you didn't have to, Tay," replied Gabriella with a smile.

"I wanted to," confirmed Taylor breathing a sigh of relief when Gabriella took it from her.

"Thank you, Tay, I love it." She said putting it beside the sideboard in the hall before turning to hug Taylor. "Come on, I'll give you the grand tour before Sharpay turns up," offered Gabriella and proceeded to take her around her pride and joy.

After touring the house they finished up in the kitchen where Gabriella poured wine for them both before they went to sit in the lounge.

"I love the house, Gabi, it suits you," said Taylor with a smile, "although I can see why you want to brighten it up a bit, it's very…well white," commented Taylor her keen eye roving around the room.

"I know," giggled Gabriella not taking offence from her friend's remark, "but it's a blank canvas to work from. Not sure yet what color scheme I want, maybe a restful pistachio, still keeping it light but more welcoming and homely." Taylor nodded in approval.

"I like the sound of that, not too garish but instilling some of you into it," agreed Taylor sipping her wine. The doorbell rang again and Gabriella went to answer it, the sound of Sharpay's voice signalling her arrival.

"Hey Gabi, did you get it working?" greeted Sharpay as the friends hugged in the hallway.

"I did eventually, Troy connected the plug for me," replied Gabriella as they walked into the lounge.

"Oh so he's good for something then," quipped Sharpay with a smirk.

"You have no idea," Gabriella thought.

"Tay," screamed Sharpay running over to hug her.

"Hey Shar, you're looking good," greeted Taylor hugging her back.

"How was New York? Did you get chance to shop while you were there?" asked Sharpay. Gabriella shook her head and left them to it while she went to get a glass of wine for Sharpay.

"So who's this Troy?" questioned Taylor having picked up on their previous conversation. Gabriella blushed and Sharpay sent her a knowing look.

"He's just my neighbour," answered Gabriella nonchalantly.

"Yeah and he fancies her, Tay," Sharpay teased enjoying the revealing blush that increased in intensity on Gabriella's face.

"He does not," refuted Gabriella her eyes glaring at Sharpay.

"He does too and she fancies him back but she won't admit it," revealed Sharpay with a giggle.

"I do not," gasped Gabriella.

"Whatever!" muttered Sharpay while Taylor watched this exchange with some amusement. Standing up with her glass in hand, Taylor wandered over to the French door and peered through Gabriella's window looking out onto her cute back yard with its paved patio area complete with bubbling water fountain leading to a small patch of lawn surrounded by a narrow flowerbed filled to bursting with a colourful array of plants and flowers. She glanced to the left looking out on her neighbour's garden and pulled her nose at the starkness of the concrete flooring, a basketball net at the bottom the only visible feature. Her eyes widened when she spotted movement on the other side of the fence.

"Aw sweet, your neighbour has a dog," cooed Taylor as she lifted the glass of wine to her lips.

"Uh!" Gabriella uttered as she came to stand beside her friend. Taylor pointed to the curly hair poking over the fence.

"Yeah it looks like one of those curly haired poodles," announced Taylor, "I wonder if it bites." Gabriella giggled casting an amused look back at Sharpay who sat on the sofa looking bewildered. Gabriella jerked her head at Sharpay her eyes full of mirth as Sharpay rose from the sofa to see what was amusing her friend. Gabriella pulled open the French doors and walked out into the backyard with Taylor and Sharpay following behind. She watched as Taylor walked over to the fence and put her hand on the fur.

"Hello boy, aren't you a cutie," she gushed in her singsong voice as she stroked its head. The head jerked round and Taylor gasped, Gabriella and Sharpay burst out laughing spilling the wine from their glasses as they doubled up in fits. A guffaw of laughter was heard from the other side of the fence as Troy and another dark skinned man rose from their sun loungers a bottle of beer in hand, Troy's eyes twinkling merrily as he watched Chad fall sideways out of his chair with shock.

"Oh…shit! I'm…really sorry," stammered Taylor her cheeks flaming beacons of embarrassment as Chad scrambled to his feet shock clearly written on his face.

"Ha! Ha! Man, that was fucking hilarious," laughed Troy, holding his sides. Chad glared at him and Zeke who couldn't even speak for laughing before turning back to the dark skinned girl, a lopsided grin creasing up his face, his twinkling eyes letting her know he wasn't mad.

"The third Musketeer, I presume?" he asked with the cock of his head. Gabriella walked over, her infectious giggle all too evident.

"Chad Danforth meet Taylor McKessie, Taylor this is Chad," she introduced with a smile. Taylor tentatively held out her hand. Chad looked at it then back at her eyes before grasping it firmly in his hand, holding it longer than necessary.

"Hey Taylor, it's good to meet you, I think," he acknowledged hesitantly.

"Hey Chad, likewise," greeted Taylor.

"So have you got a hair fetish or something?" he asked curiously making Taylor blush even more and shake her head.

"Not that I know of," she giggled, "I…I'm…so…sorry I thou…thought you were a dog," she admitted with a stammer. The guys burst out laughing again. Chad swerved his head to send them a deadly look.

"But you think I'm cute, right?" he asked hopefully once he'd turned back to Taylor who nodded in agreement, her hand still in his and rubbed his thumb over the warm skin, "and dogs get petted right?" Taylor nodded in agreement. Chad smiled broadly, "I can live with that," he said cockily.