Chapter 10 – Separation

Monday, March 8th, 2021

Gabi's POV

I laid back in the bed as we had our first day off in what felt like forever. Yesterday was senior day and Troy showed up long enough for the ceremony and the game before he had to fly back to Florida. He was missing the first ACC game on Friday but he promised profusely over and over again that he would be here for the Saturday match-up. I told him a thousand times that it was okay and that he had to work. Luckily, if we won Friday, we had the late game on Saturday.

He was going to stay for Saturday but was flying back late Sunday. Hopefully, he was going to be able to sneak in two games. My eyes stared up at the ceiling fan as it was weird being here without Troy. I was so busy the last week preparing for our last week of the regular season that I didn't notice too much. With our first off day though? This was a day that I tried to give Troy. This week was also our spring break so I wasn't even in classes.

Rolling to my stomach, I looked at my phone as I had a late shift at the hospital later to make up hours. I could take a nap? I could study a little bit for the test the week after? Study film? None of it sounded appealing though. I sighed letting the air out of my mouth while I tilted my head back as I missed my boyfriend. I had a minimal break between the end of this school and my summer sessions. Troy was going to be off with the baseball team for most of the summer.

Palming my phone, I pressed on his name, I wasn't hopeful that he would answer but it was a shot. It rang three, four times and when I was about to hang up, he answered. My heart fluttered with happiness, "The girl I have been thinking of," I smiled wide and broad, "Hi," I whispered to him. "Hi, what are you doing?" he asked, "I'm bored." Troy laughed loudly from the other end of the phone and the cackling didn't stop for some time. I just rolled my eyes in return.

"Did you just say you're…bored?" he started to laugh again and my lips turned up, "Yea…I'm bored. I don't have class, I don't have basketball, and I have nothing to prepare for school wise that requires my attention right now. Yes, I could study but…it's spring break." Troy laughed, "Wow, you really don't have anything to do." I shook my head. "No, and you aren't here to occupy my mind…or do other things," I grumbled and Troy groaned.

"We can't talk about that. I'm still pissed I wasn't there long enough yesterday to do any of that." I smiled, "Thank you for coming yesterday," I told him quietly. "B, baby, I promise, I'll be there as much as I can. I'm sorry about missing Friday."

It was my turn to groan, "Stop," I told him, "Stop apologizing for that. I didn't make it to all of your games." I told him honestly. "I know baby, I know." He murmured and I heard chatter in the background, "Are you working? Troy, we don't have to talk right now." I said sitting up, "I'm currently not doing much of anything. We're in-between some stuff." He said with me, "I love you, baby," he said, "I miss you, and I will see you all weekend."

"Are you sure you can take that much time off? You can miss Saturday's game, too." I told him as my heart clenched. "No, I don't have much on Saturday or Sunday. I promise I can be there. I can't be there the first round of March Madness though." My heart sank because I knew this was a possibility but it didn't stop me from getting my hopes up. "Oh," was the only thing that came from my mouth and Troy sighed, "I'm sorry."

"No, no apologizing," I told him firmly. I could hear him rubbing his face with his hand, "I miss you." He said quietly, it hadn't been a week but when you are trying to get back in a good spot…the separation sucked ass. "I miss you, too. I'm going to let you get back to work though. I should either be watching game film or studying something." He was quiet for a few beats and nodded, "Okay. I love you, don't push yourself too hard. Enjoy the boredom a little bit."

"I love you," I told him before we both hung up. I tossed my phone down on my bed and I scrubbed my own face. I needed to do something amazing for him and I just didn't know what yet. He was busy with work, he was constantly trying to support me, and he deserved something. I rubbed my lips together while sitting up when I picked up my phone. I fired a text off to Grey and Lauren to come down whenever they were done with work.

Letting myself relax and watch game film, I took notes. After watching the film, I typed out all my notes and then sent off all my notes to Coach P and the team. It was a normal email they always expected from me. I exhaled loudly once that was finished when there was a knock on the door. I got up to answer it to see Lauren on the other side. "Hey, c'mon, I have about an hour before I have to go to the hospital," I told her.

She grinned stepping in, "Grey won't make it then," she said and I nodded, "It's okay, I'm glad you made it." I told her as I went into the room. "Do you want any wine?" I asked her and she nodded as she collapsed on the couch. I poured her a glass while I grabbed a water. "I need some help," I started, "I want to do something special for Troy. He is doing so much for me. He is trying to be at every single game and he is working so hard. I want to do something for him…I just don't know what."

Lauren let a small smile grace her lips as she looked up from her wine glass. "I think he would love anything. Probably a night in a hotel with you is really all he needs." I shook my head, "I don't want to do that. I was thinking about buying him a round of golf and maybe something else? He wants to golf more but he doesn't have the time. Just a casual Monday when he has a day off? That's mostly his day off." I said nibbling on my nail and she nodded. "He'd love that."

"Would Grey go?"

"Probably. Grey likes to golf. Mostly for betting purposes." I nodded but I wanted to do more. "I can cook us dinner, I just…I feel like there needs to be something else." I told her as I scrubbed my fingers through my hair. Lauren tapped her fingers, "It needs to be something with you. He'll love the golf with Grey but you know he really just wants to spend time with you." I smiled as I thought about it for a few minutes and smiled, "Maybe we can go to the brewery or go get a nightcap somewhere?"

"Why don't you meet him out for dinner?" she asked, I shrugged, "I want it to come from me. To put in the effort and show him that I really appreciate him." Lauren tipped her glass back while she thought about it for a few moments, trying to come up with the best idea. "If he comes home, you guys eat, he is going to want to ravish you afterward, so I'm not sure you'll be able to get him out after that." I chuckled at her words because she probably wasn't wrong.

I smirked, "Nope. I have another idea." I told her with a growing grin, "Hopefully, it'll be a clear night and we can go stargazing together. Drink some wine and just spend time underneath the stars. It's one of our favorite things to do." Lauren smiled from ear to ear, "He'll love it, Gabi."

My throat closed thinking about all of it, "I love him, Lauren." I whispered, "I really just want him to know that." Lauren gave me a soft smile and squeezed my knee, "I think he knows."

Troy's POV

Friday, March 12th, 2021

"Damon," I hollered as I ran down the hallway to catch up to him. He twisted around to look at me, "I need you to sign this," the minor leaguer nodded as I handed him the picture contract from earlier today. He signed it and he smiled, "You watching Gabi tonight?" I looked up with a nod, "On my phone, I have to finish up a lot of work so I can fly out on the first flight out tomorrow." I told him. Most of the guys knew about my history at Duke and that I was dating Gabi. She was pretty much the talk of the country in the basketball world.

"How is she doing?" he asked, he had his own girlfriend across the country while she was still in school herself. We didn't have the time period of distance that they had but…distance was distance. "She's busy. She did a lot of hours this week at the hospital and basketball practice. She probably doesn't even notice that I'm gone," I said with a shrug, Damon shook his head, "She probably feels it. You aren't there at night, which is typically the hardest for them." I gave a soft smile. "Luckily, basketball has been keeping her busy. I think her best friends stayed the night the other night."

"Good," I patted his shoulder, "I have you set up for an interview on Monday, you cool with that?" he nodded, "Just send me my press schedule," I nodded as I turned and went back to my make-shift desk in the minor league campsite. I sat down as I brushed my hands over my hair and looked at the picture of Gabi and I on my phone. Her head tilted back in a laugh and the sun setting behind her. It was from our Christmas trip and it made my heart warm.

"Missing her?" Hadley said as he sat across from me. I nodded, "Yea, I'm glad to sneak in some time with her this weekend. It won't be much because she'll be busy but a hug and maybe a make-out session will do." I said with a small smile, "That sucks. No sex?" I shook my head, "Probably not. It was always our rule for game days. Have to save our energy. It was broken plenty of times but it's hard to stop most of the time."

Hadley laughed while rolling his eyes, he sat down and filled out some paperwork as I settled on doing my work. I made sure all the interviews were scheduled, sent out the schedules to the players, and coordinated with different media about getting passes. Once the time ticked closer, I picked up my phone and shot her a good-luck text.

My phone rang seconds later, I looked at Hadley who only shrugged as I put the phone to my ear. "Shouldn't you be warming-up?" I teased, she giggled from the other end, "In a minute. I just wanted to hear your voice. I miss it." My heart sank because maybe Damon was right. It was harder than I originally thought. "I can't wait to see you tomorrow," I told her quietly as I turned my back to Hadley. She let out a long sigh, "I know. I love you; can we talk after my game?"

"Absolutely. I'll be waiting for the call." I told her, "Love you,"

"Love you, too." She hung up and I sighed turning back around to focus on the social media posts for the future. "You okay manning social media for most of the season?" Hadley asked I looked up at him a little shocked as this was only my second season on the job. His eyes were dead set on me though, "Of course." I finally stammered, "You do know I'm missing those two weeks though," I said hoping that wasn't going to change things.

"I know. Lucky bastard," he said with part of his lip upturning into a smile. "That will be all my vacation days though. No days off after that." I said, "Good. Yes, I still want you to do it. I'll do it while you're gone." I couldn't stop my smile because that was probably my favorite part of the job. I controlled the Instagram, snapchat, and twitter accounts while interacting with the fans. It was a lot of fun and trained me for other aspects of the job.

I helped coordinate media as well which was more of a juggling act. Once it was game-time, I propped my phone up on my laptop so I could work plus watch her play. "Here," I looked up and Hadley turned it on the TV in our room. "It's just us working tonight. If anything, Joey will join us." I nodded as I set my phone down while trying to contain my smile. I worked and listened to the game but once it tipped off my eyes seemed more trained on the TV than my work.

Hadley was the same though and when Joey joined us after the first quarter, he plopped down and couldn't tear his own eyes away. Gabi was on a tear on the court and nothing was going to slow her down. "Damn, Bolton, you snagged a good one," Joey said and I smiled as my chest warmed. "That's my girl," I breathed out and once it was half-time, I dove back into my work as I wanted a lot of it done before I left.

"She's actually better than me," I said once it resumed. Two heads turned my direction, "She destroys me on the court and I try my damn hardest." I said with a laugh, "You're almost a foot taller than her." Joey balked and I laughed, "I know. It's because it's up here where she can out play everybody," I said tapping my head. "She can see things unfold before they happen. Reading the defense or offense is her specialty. She controls them and moves her team around the court and makes it all work."

"Wow, she is impressive," I watched her sink a three and I smiled as the game was well out of reach for Pitt. "That's my girl," I said with a smile, I rubbed my chest with happiness. "Are you going to put a ring on her finger?" Joey asked and I nodded slowly, "Eventually. I'm trying to figure out when I want to do it." I said as I ran my fingers through my messy hair. It needed a cut and to be washed again. I sweat so much.

"Any options?" I nodded, "Yea, I mean, I can do it in Europe which would be nice because then we could just celebrate our engagement without having to be with other people for a while. Or I could it before and spend time there engaged, or I could do my original plan from way long ago and take her to my hometown and to our favorite little spot there." The guys looked at each other and then back towards me, "Original?" Hadley asked.

I closed my eyes and scrubbed my face, "Yea, I was going to propose last summer to her. We both graduated with our undergrad and we were going back to Seaside before she started medical school…well…we started fighting, she pulled away, didn't go to Seaside and we fought for almost six months over stupid shit. Mostly over me taking this job, she thought I had a better job offer somewhere else and didn't know why I didn't take it. I don't know, we finally had a come to Jesus talk and smoothed things out." I said and both of their eyes were on me. "You fought about your job for six months?" Hadley asked skeptically, I just nodded because I didn't want to get into the abortion. I didn't need that floating around town right now.

"Yea, it was stupid. She felt guilty as if I was holding her back." I told them with a shrug, "We worked it out though." I finally said simply, "Things are fantastic." They looked at each other again and just let it go as we finished the last of the game. They won by fifteen and I sent her a text telling her good job while I finished up my work. "Bolton, you'll be back Sunday, right?" I nodded, "Yup. I won't be leaving again until the second round of March Madness."

"Wait…you aren't going to the first weekend?" Joey asked, "I can't take off any more work," I said with a shrug, "I'd rather miss the first weekend where they are going to steamroll a team vs. the third weekend when it's a better game." Hadley rubbed his face with his hands and nodded, "I remember this conversation. How about you go to the weekend game. We aren't as busy on the weekends. I can train the intern to do some of your things."

My ears perked up, "You mean?"

"Just fly in and fly out." Hadley said and I let a smile fall over my face, "Thanks, man, she'll be excited."

"Good, we'll be back in Carolina by the time championship weekend comes around," I nodded because he was right, "I think I'll be surprising her for that one. I just told her that I wasn't going to make it earlier this week and she sounded upset." Joey slapped my shoulder, "She'll love it."

After finishing up my work, I closed everything down and made sure all was in order before I left tomorrow. I couldn't wait to wrap my arms around her in a tight hug. Senior night, I got to see her for all of thirty minutes. It wasn't enough time after spending our first week apart. This time, at least I got to hold her in bed for a night. Taking in a deep breath, I headed out towards the hotel which was only across the street from the complex.

My phone buzzed on the way over and I smiled, "Hey baby,"

"Hi,"

"If you wait five minutes we can facetime, I'm heading back to the hotel. I need to see your face." I admitted to her. "Okay, I am going to get back on the bus and then we can facetime when I get back to my hotel. It'll be about twenty minutes." I breathed out and nodded, "Okay, call me," I told her and she nodded her head. She hung up and I reached the hotel five minutes later. I greeted the man at the front with a nod before slipping inside.

Going to my room, I pushed open the door. I quickly shed my clothes and took a quick shower. I washed the sweat away and then slipped on a pair of boxer briefs crawling over to the unmade bed from this morning. I collapsed down onto it and scrolled through my phone and TV as I had an early ass morning. My flight was leaving at 6am and landing in Greensboro around 8. I was relieved that they played close by so that it wasn't a long jaunt in a plane.

After twenty minutes, I glanced at my phone and I sent her a text. It went un-read and I felt my stomach sink as I turned off the lights in my room and watched TV for a little while longer before shutting that off as well. I went to my texts and sent her one more.

Troy: I'm off to bed, babe. I have an early flight tomorrow and it's already late here. I'll seek you out first thing tomorrow morning, love you.

Gabi's POV

"Jessica, I have to go," I gritted my teeth because Troy was waiting for me to Facetime but she was busy talking up a storm about the press for later this week and making sure that I was open to talking to people. This conversation dragged a lot longer than it needed to be. I was frustrated and annoyed. I told Troy it was going to be twenty minutes tops before I was back at the hotel. Yet, here I was an hour later. First, it was Coach P, then it was Brooke, finally, it was Jessica.

"Okay, sweetie, but,"

"Jessica," I said again, "Can we finish this tomorrow? Please?" I questioned and she nodded her head finally before I sprinted back to my room where my phone was. I quickly picked it up to call him but my heart quickly sank in my chest. He had sent me three texts and the final one was a good-night text. I squeezed my eyes shut tightly because I knew he was going to be here tomorrow but that didn't sting any less.

I finally opened my eyes and sent him a text back.

Gabi: I'm sorry.

I threw my phone down on the bed and then threw my own body. Jade was over in Brooks room talking about something as I just laid there staring at the ceiling. I played well tonight and I was thankful that Trevor and my parents were both here. My dad had to fly out tonight for their own championship in Charlotte. Vivian was at home because Wyatt was sick so that just left my mom, Grey, Lauren, and Trevor.

My phone buzzed next to me and I picked it up to see Troy trying to facetime me. I felt the tears fill my eyes as I answered it quickly, his room was dim and he was laying on his stomach. "B, baby, what's wrong?" he asked quickly as he saw my face, "I'm so sorry," I bubbled out of my mouth and the tears started to leak freely as I looked at him. "Everybody kept stopping me and talking to me and I couldn't get back to my room to talk to you. I didn't get your texts on my watch."

"Baby girl, it's okay, I was still awake." He said quietly, "I just miss you and I knew you wanted to see my face," I tried to wipe them away and he let out a small chuckle, "I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered, "I know, I just…fuck, I didn't know I was going to miss you this much." Troy grinned from ear to ear, "I'll take that as a compliment." I rolled my eyes with a smile forming on my face. "You played well. Hadley and Joey watched with me."

"I'm glad you got to watch, and thank you. I should let you go. You do have an early flight and I feel bad." Troy looked at my face for a few beats, his blue eyes taking in my face, "We can chat a little longer if you want to, you need to sleep as well." I breathed and brushed my fingers through my hair with a nod, "I know. Jade isn't back yet but…you promise to come find me tomorrow?" Troy smiled, "Yea, I do. What time is shoot around?"

"8," I responded, "We should get to the hotel around the same time." He said to me, "Okay," I breathed out, "Okay,"

"I love you, baby girl. We'll see each other tomorrow for more than thirty minutes." I smiled biting down on my lip, "Good." I whispered back to him, "I love you." I told him. He winked, "Love you, more." We hung up after that and I felt embarrassed for crying but man…he made me feel something fierce. Jade came back in the room and she smiled at me, "Get to talk to Troy?" I nodded, "yea," I said with a smile, "I did."

"Good, are you sneaking to his room tomorrow?" I nodded, "I am. I actually asked Coach P," I said with a laugh. She doesn't seem to care what I do much anymore." Jade laughed nodding, "I know what you mean. As long as we play well." She got ready for bed as I did as well.

I scrolled through my phone and on Twitter, a quote popped up that made me think of him immediately.

Because of you, I laugh, I smile, and I dare to dream more than I ever have. Thank you for the miracle of you. You are, and always will be, the love of my life, my soulmate, my person.

I took a screenshot and then I retweeted it, tagging Troy before I plugged in my phone and went to bed.

Troy's POV

Saturday, March 13th, 2021

I couldn't wipe the smile on my face. Between getting to see Gabi, her quote she tagged me in last night, and just getting to see her again? I was floating on cloud night. I had just arrived in Greensboro and was in route to the hotel where the team was staying at. My flight this morning was slightly delayed and Gabi said they were getting ready to head back to the hotel already from their shoot-around. I tilted my head back in the uber.

Once he pulled in, I thanked him before getting out and walking away. I quickly saw the bus was already here as I made my way into the hotel. I wasn't able to check in until later today so I was stashing my stuff in Gabi's room for now. Pushing into the lobby, it didn't take two seconds before a body was flying at me. I dropped my backpack and caught her easily as she pressed her face into my neck. Her legs wrapping around my waist as I squeezed her close to my body.

"There's my girl," I breathed as I squeezed her one more time. She didn't loosen her grip any though causing me to laugh, "I can't kiss you like this," I said into her ear and she laughed pulling away just enough so I could see the smile on her face, her brown chocolate eyes so full of life, "You mean like this?" she smiled leaning forward to press her lips to mine and I smiled, "Yea, just like that." I whispered to her. She laughed and squeezed me again.

"I missed you," she whispered, "I did, too. I'm here though, c'mon," I said as I laced our fingers together as we made our way to the stairs of the hotel. I smirked as she led me and when the door closed behind her, I pressed her back against the wall and my lips attacked hers. A throaty moan slipped out of her mouth and I had to squeeze my eyes closed to not let this get out of control. "Fuck baby, I missed you," I whispered to her.

"I missed you, too. I'm sad that we can't do anything more than this." She said while she let her nose trail over my jaw, "You definitely need to rest. You have two big games in two days."

"Gotta win today, when do you leave tomorrow?" She asked, her face pulling back to look at me. "Right after the game on Sunday," I told her as I brushed my fingers over her cheek. "I wish I didn't have to but I have a lot of work this week." She gave a little nod and hugged me tightly, "I love you; I appreciate you so much." She whispered into my ear. I hugged her back, my lips pressing into her hair. "C'mon, let's go stash my stuff and do our normal routine," I told her as I gripped her hand again.

"Oh yea?" she said with a grin on her face. I winked, "We gotta dissect the tape," I told her and she laughed as she leaned into my shoulder. "Mhm, yup, all those NC State girls have to be analyzed thoroughly." I winked at her as we typically always looked at film together before games. My game or her game and we pointed out what we see. "Yea, c'mon,"

Gabi's POV

Troy had been watching the film with me before his eyes slipped shut, his nose nestling into my hair as he softly breathed against my neck. I knew he was working a lot of late nights and a lot of long days in Florida trying to get a lot of work done before they came back at the beginning of April. I let my fingers brush through his hair while I focused on the film. I was just happy to have my man back with me right now.

Our legs were interlocked together, as we constantly, just had to be touching. My door burst open as Brooke and Jade came laughing through. Their eyes landed on my sleeping man and they smirked from ear to ear. "What a sight this is," Jade said, I smiled, "He's been working hard. I'm just glad he's here." Brooke bounced on Jade's bed while laying back. "Are we ready for tonight?" Brooke asked, Jade, smiled, "Hell yea,"

"I'm ready," I said rubbing my palms together, "I want this, you guys. We'd be a one or two seed if we can win this damn thing." I said as I tried to wiggle out of my boyfriend's grasp but he only pulled me tighter against his body. Jade laughed at the move and I rolled my eyes. We had to head to the gym in a little bit and I needed this grip to loosen. "He missed you," Brooke said with a big smile, "Damn straight," Troy mumbled behind me. I giggled and his lips pressed into the back of my neck.

Brooke and Jade exchanged a look with each other and I shook my head, "I'm about to start getting ready." I told them. Troy grunted behind me and I shook my head, "Nope. Sorry, buddy." He sighed before pulling back to look at my face. His eyes watched me for a moment before planting a kiss on my forehead, "I am going to go see if I can check in." he said pushing off the bed. I pulled on his hand again and he laughed as I pulled him onto the bed.

"I didn't say that you could leave." Troy chuckled before his lips pressed against mine, a quick kiss, "You gotta get ready. A big game tonight." I smiled at him and he winked, "I'll see you later, okay? I loved you." I smiled, "I love you, too."

He walked out with his bag and I sighed laying back on the bed. My smile shifting onto my face and Brooke laughed, "Wow, you really are in love." I shot her a look and I smiled, "Yea, I really am." I said as I sat up and looked around for my jersey. I changed, and plugged in my headphones, while I glanced around to make sure I had everything. I walked down the hall with my bag as Jade smiled, "You do look good with him now. I'm glad everything worked out."

I chewed on my lip and I breathed out, "I know. I'm glad, too."

"What happened and don't tell me any bullshit about his job. I know you a little too well." Jade reminded me as we have been together for the past three years. "Not here." I said with a grim look, "Just somewhere else." I told her and she narrowed her eyes before nodding her head. We both went to board the bus and I saw Troy leaning against a car with Trevor next to him. They were both talking and a smile came across Troy's face.

My heart warmed just watching him, happy. I settled into a bus seat while I put my bag next to me. I took the back row as it was my spot while Jade took the seat across from me. The bus filled with staff, players, and everybody else who needed a ride to the game. Once we pulled away, I felt my heart tug with emotion. We could play our hearts out and still lose. We are the number one seed but that doesn't mean that we are going to win this game.

I thought about all of their plays, their tendencies, and everything in between on the ride there. My mind was busy with though and when we pulled into the arena. It was quiet in the back as we all filed into the stadium. The game before was still playing and I could hear the crowd vibrating above us through my headphones. I walked quietly into the locker room before sitting down and leaning forward to just think.

I relaxed and I let go of everything. I let go of the worries, the confusion, and the unexpected. I pulled on my jersey, my shorts, and I threw on my warm-up gear before bracing my ankles and knee. I tied my shoes and I played my final song as I heard the final horn. I needed to get my hands on a ball. Once the floor was cleared, I waited until they allowed us on to warm-up with an hour before the game. Our typical schedule.

I breathed out; it was going to be a good game. I had a strong feeling.

Troy's POV

She was flat-out dominating tonight. She wasn't messing around and had her sights set on one thing and one thing only. My jaw was parted in awh as I watched her tear up the court and knew I would miss watching her play. It was hard on our relationship right now but I knew, in the long run, we would both miss it. She was going to miss the out-let and I was going to miss watching her play. The number of games she had left was unknown at this point.

The ladies took a strong lead from the gate and it was comfortable for most of the evening. They went jogging into the locker room at half time as I leaned forward brushing my fingers over my face. "You doing okay?" a clap on my shoulder and I looked up to see Grey, "Hey," I smacked hands and pulled him into a half hug. "How has Florida been?" he took the seat next to me and me smiled, "Good. I am ready to come home though."

Grey gave me a smug look, "You just want to come home to her every night." I laughed, "Yea, I do. Is that a problem?" he shook his head, "Nah. I feel that." He pulled out his cell phone, glanced around, before handing it to me. I smirked because I knew what it was before he even showed me the picture. "This is it, huh?" Grey nodded as I looked at the ring on his screen. It was beautiful and very Lauren. "I am going to do it on her Spring Break. We've already talked about going to the beach or to Florida or something."

"She'll love it."

"Any ideas if you're going to try again with Gabs soon?" I looked out as the girls came back out onto the court. The halftime ending quickly, "Yea, I have a few ideas up my sleeve. I'm not going to wait too long. We're in a much better place, she's doing so much more for our relationship. I'd rather there be a ring on that finger before too long." Grey smiled, "I'm really glad you two worked it out. I'm sorry for how it all went but…I'm glad you worked it out."

My eyes found her as she was back in her warm-up shirt while she jogged around the court. Her eyes laser focused on the activities in front of her. "It sucks," I admitted with my eyes tearing away from Gabi to look over at Grey. "Like really sucks but…it's for the best. Everything worked out like it was supposed to work out." I said rubbing my hands together in front of me. "Could you imagine yourself as a dad right now?" I smiled as I shrugged, "I mean…yes, I could. It would be hard and not ideal but…yea, I could see it."

Grey laughed, "You're going to be the stay at home dad. I see it now." I rolled my eyes at him, "Whatever it takes, dude." My eyes watched Gabi and she smiled at something a teammate said. "Yet, I couldn't imagine her not doing this." I waved to the court, "This is what she needed to do. We'll have kids eventually, maybe when we have more money." I joked. Grey smiled leaning back as we both watched the next quarter of basketball together.

Once the 4th quarter hit, they pulled all the starters as the lead was significant. Gabi was all smiles and laughs on the court causing my heart happiness, watching her have fun. The game quickly ended securing their spot in the championship game tomorrow afternoon. I prayed that I was here for all of it but I had to catch my flight. "I'm heading back to find Lauren; I'll see you tomorrow?" I nodded, "Breakfast?" I questioned back.

"Yea, for sure."

I walked to say hi to Mrs. Montez and Trevor who was hanging by the bottom of the arena. "Hey," I said with a wave. "Didn't see you up there," Trevor said with a handshake, "Yea, I was staying back. Just wanted to watch her,"

"Troy Bolton!" I gave Trevor the look as to why I stayed back. He chuckled as I turned around and greeted some people. They asked to take pictures and I happily did with the two guys. They thanked me before walking off. "I'm going to go underneath," I said nudging towards the tunnel. "How is Vivian?" I asked Trevor as we walked back down the way. "Good. Getting ready to have a baby at any time." I smiled, "I'm happy for you man, that's exciting. I know Gabi is excited to meet her niece."

Trevor laughed, "I bet she is."

We pressed back against a wall while we waited for the girls to appear. Once they did appear, I looked around for Gabi when Jade came out. "She's coming, Bolton. They are looking at her knee." She called over her shoulder while she went to find her people. Panic raced through my body as I pushed off the wall. "Jade," I called her again. She turned, "Is she okay?" my heart raced in my chest and Jade laughed, "Yea, she just tweaked it. She's fine."

I didn't relax to those words though, I tried to get closer to the locker room but security stopped me. I didn't argue as I just brushed my fingers through my hair. The door opened again and I let my eyes linger to see her walk out with ice around her knee and ankle. She hobbled my direction, a smile on her face, and her hair pulled back into a messy bun. "Gabi," I called. Her eyes light up and she laughed, "Evan, he's mine," she called to the security guard and he let me by with a tip of his head.

"Gabi, what happened?" I questioned as I looked at her knee. Gabi shook her head, "Nothing. It was just bugging me a bit today after the game. I'm fine," she said and I just looked at her again causing her to laugh. She wrapped her arms around my neck, "Kiss me "she whispered and I laughed pulling our mouths together. "You did play well." I told her, "One more,"

"One more, "

Sunday, March 14th, 2021

Troy's POV

I watched as the seconds ticked off the clock, my eyes glanced towards my watch, and my eyes went back to Gabi on the court. She was sweating profusely but was working extra hard on the court today. It had been a tough match-up from the beginning. The girls were up by three with only thirty seconds left and I could only watch for five-more-minutes. I was already going to be cutting it close on getting to the airport.

"Troy," Grey said as he looked at his own watch. "I know," I stressed as Florida State tied the game. Gabi pushed the ball into play as she raced down the court setting up another play on the other end. She caught the ball and passed it around the key. There were only ten seconds left with the shot clock off…Jade set up on the outside as she looked around with the ball over the head until she found Gabi. I sucked in a deep breath as Jade tossed her the ball.

Gabi caught it but shot it up just before the buzzer sounded. The entire arena watched the ball bounce on the rim and then fell in. We all screamed as I hugged Grey, Lauren, Trevor, and Vivian. We were all laughing and hugging as I looked at my watch again. I had to find her before I left. I called an Uber as I picked up my backpack before I pushed through the crowd. My eyes looked to find her as they were all hugging, pulling on shirts, and laughing.

My heart warmed at the sight of her big smile on her face. Security was at the base and I felt her eyes start to search. She knew I had to leave quickly after her game and once she found my eyes, she ran over. My heart skipped a beat and security stopped me again but she flung herself over the ramp. I easily pulled her to the other side as I squeezed her tightly. "I love you," I whispered into her ear, "I'm so proud of you."

I felt tears fall onto my neck and I just squeezed my eyes closed. "Thank you for coming," she whispered back to me. I pulled back to look into her brown eyes, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world, baby." She pressed her lips firmly to mine and I savored the kiss. Her tears fell down her cheek as I pulled back, "I love you, baby, I'll see you in a couple of weeks." I whispered to her. "You better go to celebrate with your friends."

She nodded her head but she only squeezed my body tighter to hers. "I love you, T." I kissed her one more time before I let her go. "I love you, go celebrate, work hard. I'll talk to you tomorrow." I promised and she nodded her head as I let go of her, gave her a wink, and turned around. If I didn't turn now – I was going to stay. I quickly ran up the stairs as I felt my whole body wishing to stay back. I knew that I was going to see her in ten days.

I shook my head as I went outside and found my uber before climbing in. "Troy Bolton?" the Uber asked with a question. I just nodded, "Yea, that's me."

"Here to watch the girlfriend? Sounds like she had one hell of a game." I smiled with a tiny nod, "Yea, she had a great game. Hit the winning shot at the end." A smile formed on my face, my body warm and happy just thinking about her. "Why aren't you celebrating then?" the Uber asked. I sighed, "I have a flight to catch. I have to work tomorrow morning in Florida." I said with a sad smile this time. My heart thudding against my chest.

"Well, I'm glad you at least got to catch this one."

We were quiet the rest of the way, I ran through the airport, went through TSA pre-check before running to my flight as they were doing last call. I breathed out a sigh of relief as I pushed onto the plane and collapsed into the front seat. I pulled out my phone and sent her another text.

Just got on my flight. I'm so proud of you, baby girl. I love you, B. Go celebrate before you have to start the big dance. Congrats, B.

I turned my phone onto airplane mode and I sighed leaning my head back. Ten days, we could do that.

Gabi's POV

I hit the winning shot and I was thriving. I was screaming with joy and happiness as my friends picked me up as we all laughed and had fun on the court. We pulled on t-shirts with champions on the front while I felt all the happiness and adrenaline in the world from hitting that shot. Yet, it sank in quickly that Troy may have not even been here for it. My smile went away and I quickly began to scan around to see if I could find him.

I found Grey, Lauren, Trevor, and Vivian all sitting among the crowds and I glanced over to see him moving. I felt my heart sink in my chest but once I saw he was going towards the security, I bolted. I ran. I leaped over the gate and he caught me easily. He crushed me against his body and I vibrated with tears. The whole rush flying back and it all hit me at once. The tears of celebration, the tears of him leaving me for at least two weeks if not longer, and the tears of just not being sure what was next.

He pressed his lips to my head and he whispered in my ear. Yet, the next thing I knew I was watching him run up the stairs. My heart clutched in my chest as I wanted to go after him but I stood still. He wanted me to celebrate and have fun. I was going, too. I just needed a minute.

"GABI! They want to interview you," I turned around to see Jade running towards me and I nodded as I wiped away the tears. I pulled on a smile, and I walked into the crowds again. I was getting more hugs and high-fives as I went over to ESPN.

"Gabriella Montez, you hit the winning shot, how do you feel now?" I smiled, "It was exhilarating. I watched it with everybody else and on the second bounce, I was convinced it wasn't going to go in but here we are. I am so blessed to be able to hit that shot." I told her, "Are you ready to go on to March Madness? The team was close to winning it last year but fell just short," I nodded, "Yea, the team is ready. We didn't lose too many players last year so I think we have a good shot at going in a deep run. We're all ready to have some fun tonight but get back to work tomorrow."

"We noticed a certain somebody was on the sidelines for you tonight, it seems to be Troy's turn to cheer you on." I laughed, "Yea, he was able to leave work for a couple of days to come to watch. He's my biggest supporter and I can always count on him. I'm a lucky gal," I said with a smile, "This was a tough match-up from the beginning but the Lady Devil's ground out the win…did you expect it to be this hard?"

I shook my head, "No, I expected harder. Our team is always prepared for the best the other team is going to put out. We had to grind and push ourselves but it only made us better as a team in general." ESPN thanked me and I walked away as I did a few more interviews before we cut the net down, held the trophy, and took pictures. I found my mom, Trevor and Vivian, and Grey and Lauren. The group was all smiling and laughing with me.

"He wishes he was here." Grey said when he hugged me tightly, "It's okay," I encouraged, "He got to see the best part," I threw him a wink and Grey laughed. I excused myself to the locker room where I finally sat down. I leaned forward to catch my breath because it was exhilarating tonight. It was a rush that I was going to miss dramatically.

"Gabi, great game," Coach P said. I thanked her and I began to change out of my clothes. Time to go back to school, back to practice, and back to being busy.

Happy Sunday! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Basketball is coming to an end shortly SO there will be plenty of Troy and Gabi time coming! All of the Europe chapters will be so much fun! I promise! Thank you for all of the support!

PLEASE REVIEW!

J

Next Update: July 28th (I'll be out of town the 21st. Plus it gives me extra time to write ;)