The mumbled slur of curse words bought Troy out of his slumber. Sitting up right he leaned over to turn on the lamp watching Zeke rub his knee with a pained expression on his face. "You alright?"

"Sorry," he said in a low voice as he moved around Troy's dresser and back to the cot he'd been sleeping on. "Just trying not to wake up your parents."

"Dude," Troy looked back at the clock it was almost three in the morning. "Are you just now getting in?"

"I was with Sharpay," he glanced up with a sly grin on his face. "We sort of lost track of time."

Troy smirked. "I'm sure you did."

Zeke sat down in the cot and bought up his pant leg to remove his leg. "How's your chest?"

"Bullets moved." Troy said wincing as he sat up. The .22-caliber bullet rested less than half an inch from his beating heart. It was a life-altering wound he gotten on the battlefield. The doctors said that the surgery would be too risky to remove it. He been cautioned that life with a bullet in his chest would be different.

He would have to limit the weightlifting and exercise he once enjoyed. He had to carry a card explaining to airport security that he had metal in his body. If he ever needed an MRI, there was a medical risk the magnets could shift the bullet.

"I mean, I got hit in five major spots and I managed to survive." Troy placed a hand on his chest. "Some people don't even survive one."

"I told you, you shouldn't be working at the bar."

"We don't have that much more to do," Troy said leaning back on the headboard. "The bullet moved, it's not a big deal. I just have to take it ease and I'll be sore for a while."

Zeke shook his head, "you're still not going to tell them are you?"

Troy made a face as he shrugged his shoulders, "what would be the point?"

"I think Gabriella would find a point."

"I'm especially not going to tell her. She has enough to worry about. I don't want her to worry about me too."

"But you want her to marry you?"

Troy didn't say anything to that. "So you and Sharpay?"

"She's a nice girl, she's very…"

"Bossy," Troy finished.

"Very smart."

"And demanding," Troy added.

"And sexy."

"Now you're grossing me out," Troy shivered and he watched Zeke removed his shirt and then his other shoe.

Zeke laughed as he settled onto his cot. "Well while you've been in bed all day, I went to the bar and the stage looks great Ryan and Kelsi must have work all night on it."

"Yeah, they were working hard; then again we paid them well." Zeke said with a small smile. "They make a good couple."

"They've been a couple on and off for years." Troy laid back in his bed and let out a sigh, "Gabriella didn't stop by did she?"

"No," Zeke shook his head, "Haven't seen her all day."

"Christmas is only few more days away."

"It is," Zeke took a deep breath. "Got any plans?"

"Short from giving up entirely?" Troy let out a huff. "Nope."

"I think you'd be an idiot if you did that."

Troy let out a small laugh as he reached for the light from the lamp. "We might just have to deal with that."

"Take her out on a date, just don't call it a date." Zeke shifted on his cot. "Open her door, hold her hand, pull out her chair, and pay the bill." Zeke shrugged. "Men have done it for years now."

"If I'm not calling it a date then what the hell do I call it?"

"Tell her you just miss spending time with her, you guys use to hang out all the time didn't you?"

"We use to," Troy said quietly as he looked up at the ceiling.

"Then just tell her your hanging out."

He didn't say anything after that, Troy nodded and slowly let the silence in the room take over until he was pulled into a deep slumber.

The next day Gabriella was in the kitchen eating cereal in her uniform. When her father came into the room followed by her mother, both quiet as they went about their morning.

"Change of plans, Griselda is coming over for dinner tonight," Her mother said with a frown. Immediately Gabriella knew that her mother wasn't happy about this idea.

"Isn't that a little soon?" Gabriella said looking at her father.

"You forget Gabriella," Her mother said exasperatedly. "She's known about us for four months now. According to your father she thinks this is long overdue." Maria turned around to grab a glass from the counter.

"Do you have something you want to say?" Luis glared in her direction. "You're the one that said she could come for dinner."

"You say that as if I had a choice."

"Damn it, I don't want to fight about this too," he said placing his mug down with force. "I've put up with your family for all the years haven't I? You mean to tell me you can't put up with mine for a night."

Mine? Gabriella raised a brow. What was that supposed to mean? Where they suddenly taking sides? Was she part of 'your family?'

"Silly me," her mother shouted. "What was I thinking of course I'll just welcome my husband's love child into my home and while I'm at why don't I wipe your ass from all the shit your leaking into my house," she said slamming the refrigerator door shut.

"This is my house. I have paid for it, my name is on the deed and I will not tolerate this attitude," he said grabbing the paper and moving towards the table.

"Oh right I just cook, clean, and do everything around this house. You don't do anything but sit on your ass and pay the bills, you keep up with this house for one week then you can say it's yours until then this house is just as much mine."

Gabriella closed her eyes and pushed herself away from the table, grabbing her purse she walked towards the door the sound of their screaming fading behind her as she grabbed her keys and headed for her own car.

Once she alone in her car she leaned back into the seat in defeat. Her cell phone chimed and she hesitated as she looked at the screen. It was an unknown number so she answered it.

"Hello,"

The voice on the other line was serious, "Is this Gabriella Montez?"

"This is she." Was this about a job? She could only hope, her chest immediately swelled with anticipation.

"We received your resume for Hope's General, I'm sorry to inform you but there aren't any openings for nurses at this time. Maybe you can try again in the summer."

"Oh," Gabriella bit the corner of her lip. "Thank you for taking the time to call. I appreciate it."

"No problem, have a nice day."

The line went dead and Gabriella brought a hand up to rub over her face. Have a nice day? The sound of glass shattering from inside her house caused her to jerk. More yelling followed. It was muffled; she could barely make any of it out. But she could still feel the tension. She needed to get out of here. Turning the key she winced as her car made a high pitched squeal and then shut off completely.

"You've got to be kidding me?" she murmured as she tried it again. Nothing happened. "Shit."

A knock on the window made her jerk again as she looked up and seen Troy standing outside. She really didn't need this right now. It had been two whole days since she'd seen him last at the baby shower and now here he was. Cleaned up and showered, wearing a green t-shirt and blue jeans. Shit. He probably smelt good too. For a moment she thought about ignoring him.

"Pop the hood," he said through the window and Gabriella nodded as she did just that.

He moved to the front of her car and she pushed her door open to follow. Troy loved to work on cars and back when they were younger him and Jason wasted ridiculous amounts of time on his old pickup truck. Gabriella tired not to look at his long legs and firm butt as he leaned over, but didn't entirely succeed. To hide her response to how hot he looked she sharply stood up right. "Stop. You'll get your clothes all greasy."

He glanced down at himself, as if surprised he was wearing clothes at all. "They'll wash."

She tugged on his arm. "I'll just call Jason."

Troy glanced over his shoulder, "Brie, I can figure it out. Will you just give me a sec."

Gabriella let out at a sigh as she looked at her phone for the time. She was going to be late at this rate. Late for a job she didn't want. To pay rent in house she didn't want to live in. To live right next door to a boy she didn't want anything to do with. A sob escaped her lips betraying her need to stay sane.

Troy shifted his attention at the sound. His eyes watched her closely as if he was trying to figure her out. "Here," he offered in a soft tone. "I'll drive you to work and I'll have this fixed by the time you come home today." Troy closed the hood.

"Thank you," she murmured while using the back of her hand to wipe her nose.

Once she got into work she tried to flip off her emotions. Work was not the time to be emotional. She read the children a story, played musical chairs, two rounds of duck, duck goose and three roundabouts of red light green light. She changed three diapers and then changed into her waitress uniform to cross the street and start her shift waiting tables. Gabriella always prided herself on her ability to adapt and get through anything but she was having the hardest time adapting to everything going on at home.

Those emotions kept coming to the surface every once in a while. She couldn't stop it. When Zeke came in Gabriella sigh in relief and walked over to his booth. He was wearing a brown t-shirt and a pair of jeans, sometimes she forgot he was missing a leg, sometimes he seemed as if he was a close friend of hers, someone she might have known in high school.

"Coffee?" Gabriella smiled as she stood at his table.

"Yes please," his smile was kind, almost comforting.

"Do you have an idea of what you want?"

"Pancakes and sausage," He paused, "Maybe a piece of that pie?" he looked on the counter and smiled at the pie under the glass lid.

"In that order or the pie first?"

"You only live once, bring on the pie."

Gabriella giggled and wrote it down on her pad. "I'll put your order in and get you some pie, I'm guessing you're a whip cream man?"

"You're a good woman," he said lifting his coffee.

"Alright I'll be back in sec."

Gabriella placed the order on window and walked over to the pie. Jamie who was counting the change in the register looked over at her "You know him?"

"Yup, he's my friend's army buddy."

"You have a lot of friends," he said writing down the overall number. He looked up at her with a smile. "Any one of them single by any chance?"

Gabriella thought about it for a moment and then shook her head. "Surprisingly, no."

"Are you?"

Gabriella bit her lip and then tilted her head. "Surprisingly, yes."

"Shame, our boss has a thing about inter-office dating," he chuckled and as he zipped up the blue pouch. "Great news is I'm not one to follow rules."

Gabriella felt her lips pull in her first genuine smile all day long. "I find that hard to believe."

"I noticed I didn't see your car out front today." His smile was friendly and his brown eyes were warm. "Need a ride home?"

"Only if I'm going your way," Gabriella said as she began cutting Zeke's pie.

"Trust me, you're going my way," he winked in her direction and turned to make his way to Stan's office.

Gabriella smiled and then placed Zeke's piece of pie on the plate with some whip cream on top. Just then the bell rang and she looked up to see Michelle and Jason walk in. Her stomach flopped and flipped and she placed a flat hand on the counter top. Just when the world was spinning again, it stopped.

"Good afternoon!" Michelle announced.

"Shouldn't you be at school?"

"Relax mother, I have a lunch at fifth period so figure I'd come over and get a bite." Michelle sat down and Jason sat down across from her. He hadn't even made eye contact with Gabriella at all. Picking up the pie she brought it to Zeke who smiled and said thanks.

Gabriella walked over to their table and took out her pad. Watching as Michelle looked over the menu, she noticed Michelle was wearing Gabriella's baby blue pendent her grandma had given her for her 16th birthday. She fought the urge to yank it from around her neck and bit her lip instead. "What would you like?"

"I'll have an orange juice and a club sandwich," Michelle said handing Gabriella the menu.

"And all just have the chicken sandwich and coke," Jason handed her the menu once again he did not look at her at all and Gabriella bit the corner lip again.

"Coming right up," she said with a nod. Just as Gabriella turned Michelle made a small grunt that made her pause.

"Aren't you suppose to ask me if would like something with that sandwich," she giggled. "You know those potatoes that you might dip in ketchup?"

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "It comes with the sandwich Michelle."

"Still polite to ask?" Jason spoke this time and Gabriella eyes shot him daggers.

Gabriella took a deep breath, "Would you like fries with that?" she said in a low grumble.

"I'm sorry, I can't hear you, what did you say?" Michelle said as she giggled a little bit.

"Would you like fries with that?"

Both Jason and Michelle cracked up with laughter and Gabriella bit her lip again.

"Yeah," Michelle said between giggles.

Gabriella turned around and walked to the window to place the order and then to get their drinks. Upon delivery of their drinks the window bell went off and Gabriella when to get Zeke's order. Just then Jamie came out from Stan's office and returned to the register.

"I'm going to take a lunch really quick, you got this?"

Gabriella nodded even thought she was almost positive she didn't. Forcing a smile back in place she made her way to Zeke table and put the pie in front of him. "I'm sorry did you want coffee?"

"Why do you let her do that to you?" Zeke said as he placed his hands around his plate.

"It's complicated."

Zeke gave her a half smile, "My grandmother told me to never let anyone ever make you feel like your small. You're as big as the light inside you and as powerful as you let it shine."

Gabriella smiled and gave him a nod. "Thank you for that. I'll be right back with your order."

Troy stretched out on the ladder to reach the gutter as Luis stood below looking up. He'd always had a fear of heights, which is why he was grateful that the Bolton's had a son. Troy had been tinkering with Gabriella's car in the drive way when her father had come out of the garage with the ladder.

"You alright up there Troy?"

"Great," Troy shouted down as he removed the leaves. He didn't have a heart to say no to the man and he knew his father had helped Luis with the gutters while he was on tour. At first helping her parents out around the house had been a tack to maybe impress Gabriella. Get her attention somehow and make her see how much he cared. These days he did it as just a favor to her father.

He was expecting a call any minute now from Gabriella. She'd needed to be picked up at the diner. He was going to make an attempt tonight at setting up some kind of hang out. He wasn't really sure where but he was sure he'd think of something.

At the pure thought of her name he heard an engine cut in front of there house and he glanced down to watch Gabriella coming out of someone's sedan. The other waiter from the dinner was in the driver's seat. Troy thought for a moment as he tried to remember the guy's name. Nothing came to mind. But he sure felt the urge to get off this ladder and make his presents known.

"Dad?"

"Gabriella, your mother needs help with dinner. I was just getting Troy here to help with the gutters," he said looking up at Troy.

"Hey Brie," he said watching as the sedan pulled away. Yeah he better leave. Troy thought as he watched the car disappear down the block.

"Hey Troy," Gabriella didn't look up she barely flinched. "So she's still coming over for dinner?"

"I have to go pick her up in a few and it would mean the world to me if you just tried to-"

"To what… pretend this is normal?" Gabriella finished for him took as she took a breath and shook her head. "I'm not going to be mean if that's what you're asking. None of this is her fault. But before you go giving orders to the rest of us about how to act tonight, consider that we're the ones who live here and at the moment she's a guest. Not the other way around." Gabriella shrugged her shoulders as she then made her way inside.

Troy came down from the ladder and stood side to side with Luis as he stared at the front door. "I've gained a daughter and lost a family." Luis's voice was low and he looked over to Troy. "I swear it was just that one time long ago and Maria and I weren't even together at time. We'd called off the engagement. We fought, she even kicked me out. I made one mistake."

Troy held up his hands. "I understand the situation; all I can say is their all going to need time."

"Griselda told me that she's been moved around a lot," Luis said looking back at the house. "Her mother hasn't been the best and because of it she's lived a hard life."

"Well what matters is that you're here for her now," Troy placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're here for all of them now."

"I should have gone back for her; I should have raised her here with us. She might have had a better life." Luis face seemed to age ten years just standing there in front of the house and Troy couldn't help but feel bad for him.

"Should've, could've, and would've aren't going to get you or your family through this, look for strength in times of weakness."

"Look at me rambling about my problems. You've been to war and back." Luis said with a small smile. "Your parents are proud of you and I must say you've grown up into quite the good man."

"Well almost dying has its privileges," Troy chuckled and then placed a hand on his chest. "I jumped in front of enemy fire for my troops took five bullets of the five only four were exactable."

"Wow," Luis pointed at Troy chest and Troy nodded.

"Doctors said surgery to remove it would be too risky." Troy shrugged as a small wave of relief released inside of him from talking to someone about it.

Luis placed a hand on Troy's shoulder. "You're a brave man, and I have faith that things will work out." Luis gave him a small smirk and leaned in closer. "Even things between you and my daughter," he gave a small pat to Troy shoulder and Troy smiled.

"Guess everyone knows about that these days huh?"

"Son, I was a teenager once. No seventeen year old boy spends his Saturday watching 13 going on thirty unless he really, really likes the girl."

Troy chuckled alongside Luis for a moment before they both went silent again. "Why don't you stay for dinner?"

"I'd like that very much,"

"Good."

"Mr. Montez?"

"Oh boy," Luis looked at him and smiled. "I don't like the sound of that."

"I was wondering if it would be alright with you if I married your daughter," Troy tucked his hands into his pockets in fear and in confidence at the same time.

Luis was quite for a moment and then stuck out his hand, "Welcome to the family."

"Thank you, sir."

After three hours of cooking, a last minute clean up around the house and a shower, Gabriella rubbed her eyes as she took out one of the serving dishes. Griselda had been here for only 30 minutes and already they were setting the table. No one really had anything to say. She'd shown up alone at least. No kids or husband just yet.

In fact the worst part of the night was that she had to stomach Jason and Michelle sitting in the living room as well. And still no one seemed to care about inappropriateness of her sister's relationship with him. In fact just the opposite, everyone was laughing it up and pretending that none of this was a big deal meanwhile Gabriella was trying really hard not to stare back at the same brown eyes and caramel skin, she was trying not to notice that they both had the same nose on, or the same laugh. She also tried not to notice that everyone seemed to like her better. Gabriella scooped up the rice from the pot into a serving dish as Troy gathered plates for the table.

Troy smiled as he watched Gabriella yawn. "You look tired."

"I am tired," she said quietly.

Troy grabbed the dish from her and the spoon. "Then allow me," he said with a smile as he continued the task at hand.

"Funny how I didn't even plan this evening and I'm left to taking care of it," she looked back into the living room where everyone was talking. Sharing a story about something Gabriella had done in high school and then laughing outrageously about her faults. Her mother entire demeanor had change as she was now playing hostess as if her life had depended on it. She'd gotten her nails done, her hair done and was in full make up. Why? No one knew? But that left Gabriella doing all of the house work and cooking.

"Your mother's just trying to deal with it." Troy shrugged his shoulders. "It's big of her to let Griselda into her home. Not many women I know would do that."

"I feel like such a bitch but I just feel so…"

"Lied to and used."

Gabriella closed her eyes and shrugged her shoulder. "How do you do that? You always just know what I'm feeling?"

"Because I know you," Troy smirked and placed the finished plate on top of the table behind them and turned so he was standing close to her. "I've known you all my life Brie."

She swallowed hard, clenching her fist to keep from putting her hand on his chest. When he was like this, clever, warm, focused on her, she always seemed to want him the most. She bit the corner of her lip and tried to push the thoughts of him away from her mind. "Get the out the red plates, not the white ones. White seems impersonal."

"Alright boss."

Her eyes were right at his chin level, so she had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes. "I'm not trying to be the boss."

His mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. "You're pretty bossy, to not be trying to be the boss."

Gabriella smiled, "Well, I'm the boss of this kitchen right now. You can be the boss of the setting the table if you like?"

"Is that how it works?" He braced his other hand on the counter behind her trapping her between his arms.

"Yes." She was flushed all over and suddenly conscious of the ache of arousal between her thighs. She had no idea when that had happened. "That's how it works."

She could see that he was breathing quickly too, and he looked as hot as she felt. Something new had blazed up in his eyes and for a moment she was sure he would kiss her.

But he didn't.

Of course, he didn't.

"Okay then," he said quietly as he reached for the white plates to put them away.

"Okay." She was almost shaking, her body primed and ready for something to happen. When clearly, nothing was going to happen.

At dinner Troy sat next to Gabriella, Jason and Michelle across from them with Griselda and her mother and father at the head of the table. It was quiet, the only sound came from the clinking of the glasses and forks against the plates. Until Troy spoke up, "So I hear you're a mother How many children do you have?"

Griselda smiled, seeming relieved by the break in silence. "Two of them, my youngest is one years old her name is Olivia and my oldest is four, his name is Joel."

"Are you married?" Michelle asked as she lifted her glass.

"Yes, his name is Reggie" She said with a small smile. "What about you Gabriella are you seeing anyone?"

"Puh-lease, Gabriella is a stick in the mud."Michelle joked as she placed the glass back down on the table.

"Michelle, that's enough," Maria said from the head of the table.

Michelle rolled her eyes and Gabriella took a deep breath. "No not at the moment."Just then from underneath the table she felt a hand on her thigh it was Troy's hand. Gabriella felt the nerves in her stomach as she quietly continued to eat.

"Troy what about you?" Griselda asked.

"It's complicated."

"They like each other," Jason said in a low voice as he flicked some of his food around. "They just never admit to that."

Troy raised a brow in Jason's way. "I've been meaning to ask this but, what exactly do you two have in common." Troy zeroed in on Michelle with a raised brow.

"We talk to each other," she said with a grim smile.

"How old are you?" Griselda asked Jason.

"I'm twenty-eight years old."

"And you?" Griselda leaned forward to view Michelle.

"Seventeen," Michelle let out a sigh and rolled her eyes. "I'll be eighteen in three months."

"Right," Griselda eyebrows raised up and she went back to eating.

"Michelle has a lot of dating experience, I believe she knows what she's doing." Luis spoke up and then turned towards Gabriella, "How was work?"

"Okay until I had some god awful table, this couple that came in were just rude and annoying." Gabriella sighed as she glanced up at Jason and Michelle. "I mean, it's whatever really I spit in their food."

"Yeah, that's a good reason why you should never mess with your server," Troy chuckled lifting his spoon to his mouth

"That's gross," Michelle looked up at Jason then back at Gabriella, "Can't you get fired for that?"

"No evidence." Gabriella shrugged her shoulders. "The couple left their plates clean, they didn't even realized I had over charged them." Gabriella smiled politely as she picked up a serving dish of mash potatoes. "Would you like some potatoes?"

"That's my girl," Maria nodded her head and smiled. "No one messes with my baby."

Jason placed his fork down and picked up his drink to his eyes nervously looking at Gabriella.

Gabriella leaned back in her chair and picked up her own glass. "Where do you work Griselda?"

"Oh I work in retail, I restock inventory and sometimes handle the customer service station for returns."

"Are they hiring?" Michelle asked looking over at Griselda.

"Part time yes."

"Not full time?"

"Are you looking for a summer job?" Griselda asked, "If you're saving up for college then I could-"

"I'm not going to college," Michelle interrupted.

"Michelle we talked about this," Maria said placing her fork down. "It's better for you to experience college. Your sister already said she would help you."

"Right because it helped her out so well," Michelle motioned to Gabriella and Gabriella looked down in embarrassment.

"That's enough Michelle," Luis looked over at Maria and nodded. "I agree with you mother, with the way the economy is maybe it's better to think about going to college for a while."

"Why, Troy owns a bar and he never went to college, Jason owns his own car garage and he never went to college."

"Jason lives above his parents in the attic while Troy went to war for his country and now has a bullet in his chest." Luis narrowed his eyes at his youngest daughter. "You need to have a plan."

Both Gabriella and Troy stiffened.

Eyes wondered around the table as the silence seeped through like a spilled beverage spreading everywhere. Not even clink of silverware against the plate.

"You were in the army?" Griselda asked putting down her drink.

Troy nodded as he looked around the table. "It's really not that bad."

Gabriella looked at up Troy and shook her head. "I knew you were lying to me."

"Brie I just didn't want-"

"You just didn't want to be honest." Gabriella got up from the table. "It was nice meeting you Griselda."

"What just happened?" her father asked confused, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going out for a walk." Gabriella began to walk towards the door and when they heard it shut all eyes turned to Troy.

"I hadn't quite figured out how to tell her yet," Troy said quietly.

"Smooth," Michelle said looking back at her father.

Maria looked up at Jason. "I think you should go."

"But mom-" Michelle started.

"She right, thanks for the dinner Mrs. Montez." Jason said placing a hand over Michelle's. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Jason got up from the table and looked back at Troy with a bit more understanding and what seemed to be respect. "Good luck man."

Troy nodded as he sat at the table looking down at his plate. The room fell into silence once again as the door shut after Jason.

Michelle crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, her eyes shifting over to Troy. "Did it hurt?"

"Like hell," he said without a flinch.

"Is there any chance they can remove it?" Griselda asked.

"They don't know yet, the bullet seems to be moving. Operating at this point might be necessary when with the risk."

"You mean there's a chance you won't survive it?" Michelle said her features softer as she looked up at her parents.

Troy stood up from the table and took a deep breath. "It was a pleasure to meet you," he held out a hand to Griselda who shook it and then looked over at Michelle. "Your parent's are right. You should go to college."

The room was quiet again as he made his way out of the dining room. He needed to talk to her, he wasn't sure what to say, but he was hoping something would come to him by the time he had to say it.