Chapter 10 – Now We Go

Wednesday, October25th, 2017

Gabi's POV

Ever since the party Troy and I remained friends but we rarely did anything more. We went to the court together to work hard but that was it. That was the end of it. We didn't hang at each other's apartments anymore. We didn't have dinners with Lauren and Grey. We didn't do anything with each other. I helped him with his school work when he asked but that was it. That's all I did. I took a deep breath and I tilted my head back as I was over this class.

My phone buzzed on the table as it was Troy, which caught me off guard.

Troy: Want to come over to dinner tonight? Lauren and Grey will be here. You can bring somebody else if you don't want to feel like a fifth wheel. I feel like you and Hallie should become friends. I miss you as my friend.

I felt my stomach go tight with that sentence and I looked up at my professor. I didn't know who I would take because I was throwing myself into basketball and pre-med track. I took a deep breath and I looked around the classroom because I didn't know who I was going to invite if I did. Maybe Anderson? I sighed as I grabbed my phone to send him a text to see if he would come. I did miss hanging out with Troy but Hallie was complicating a lot of things.

Their first exhibition game was Friday night and I knew the guys were excited and gearing up for it. Anderson messaged me back saying he would go with me so I went to respond back to Troy.

Gabi: Yea, I'll come. Anderson is going to come with me I guess.

I didn't say anything else and I buried myself back into the class but I felt my phone vibrate twice more. I waited until the professor dismissed us and I picked up my cell phone.

Troy: Okay, cool. I really do miss you though G…we haven't even talked at the courts. We just play and that's fine but…I'm sorry for Hallie showing up. Can we talk after dinner tonight? Just you and me?

The other text was from my dad asking me to come in early tomorrow to help watch film and get started on our scouting. I looked at Troy's text message again pulling my lips between my teeth. I exhaled as I sent him a text back.

Of course. I guess I just don't want to make Hallie mad. She seems like a nice girl. You seem happier.

Walking along the sidewalk I pulled out my phone and I dialed a number I didn't think I would dial. "Gabi?" I exhaled, "Mom?"

"Are you okay?" she asked a bit urgent, I didn't just call my mom anymore. "I'm okay, I guess, I just needed to hear your voice." I could see her frowning. "Are you okay? Are you in trouble?" I rolled my eyes, "No mom, I'm just…I'm struggling through today." I answered and she sighed, "Oh, well…are you doing anything fun tonight?" I brushed my fingertips together and I looked up, "No, I'm dreading tonight. I have to go to dinner with some of the basketball boys and their girlfriends."

"Oh…you should bring a date."

I kicked a rock that was in front of me, "If I could get a boyfriend mom I would but I just…I don't have time for one."

"Vivian called me today, we were discussing baby names. I think they are thinking about Duke as a middle name." I smiled because I already knew this and I was glad my mom was changing the subject for me. "Dad would love it." I said spinning my foot in a circle, "I might one up him and name my kid Duke," my mom laughed, "You would. How is school?" she asked and I went quiet, "Schools easy, I guess," I responded.

"Easy?"

"I don't have to worry too much about school. I just have to worry about a lot of other things." Mom was quiet again and I knew she was thinking that it had been a long time since we had a conversation like this. She was wondering if she should push the subject. "There's a guy that I really like but when he moved here he broke up with his girlfriend and then his girlfriend moved here to be with him again and…it's hard to watch." I told her.

"Really? She moved to be with him again?" I nodded my head as I stared at the apartment building. "Yea, I mean…we really couldn't have a thing anyways but…"

"Why?"

I didn't say anything this time as I just closed my eyes because there was only one type of person off limits to me. "Gabriella," I winced at the tone, "Nothing happened…ever…but it doesn't stop that I had feelings for this guy but he has a girlfriend with him now. He wasn't going to let anything happen because he is just as aware of the consequences. Nobody was going to let him think otherwise." My mom sighed on the other end of the phone. "Did you even have feelings for Cooper?"

My hesitation to answer this question probably answered it for her. "No." I told her honestly, "I was just angry."

"But…"

"This one is different. I don't want him to get in trouble so I just didn't but then his girlfriend came back."

"I'm sorry,"

"It's okay. I just…I feel like I can't catch a break."

"You're doing fine Gabi,"

I frowned, "That's all you have for me mom? That I'm doing fine? Because I could have told you I am doing fine but I am not doing great. I am not great. I am not that happy 99% of the time. I am just there and I am just here wondering around this world wondering what the hell I am supposed to be doing." My mom really didn't make a noise this time and I took a deep breath, "I guess I need to go now." I said quietly, "Dinner? Soon?"

I bit my lip, "Yea, maybe after the exhibition game Friday?"

"Okay, yes, that would be very nice."

"Okay, I'll see you then,"

I hung up and I didn't even say I love you. What kind of people do that? I walked into the apartment and I collapsed on my bed more frustrated than when I walked out of class. "You seem…" I looked over at Lauren and I just shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know. I just…I just don't know any more Lo," she came over and crawled into my body with me. I cuddled with her and I let my eyes close. "You're going to be fine. I'm glad you said yes,"

I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know,"

Troy's POV

"Gabi's coming tonight," I causally mentioned to Hallie and she turned to give me a face that I knew I was going to get. I rolled my eyes, "She's fine."

"She's into you." Hallie said defensively, "We can't be together anyways. No reason to get jealous." I reminded her as I began to prepare for our dinner tonight. Hallie laughed, "That doesn't mean she isn't into you. She looks at you 97% of the time with a lost puppy dog face. She stares at you. Like why the fuck is she doing that? I am your girlfriend." My eyes flickered to Hallie's, "She probably thinks I am dumb as a box of rocks because I still need help with my biology class."

Hallie let a laugh bubble from her lips and I smiled softly, "I promise Hal, nothing is going on. We're friends." She only nodded her head and disappeared into the backroom. She is working at a daycare as a full-time person. She seemed to be enjoying it but she was ready to get back to school and to get her degree which was a first for her. I rubbed my eyes as Grey walked in the door with Anderson. "How did you figure inviting Gabi was a good idea?" he asked me.

I peeked over my shoulder to see what Hallie was doing but she appeared to have slipped into the bathroom. "I miss hanging out with her. I just want to make it normal for all of us to hang out together. Our first game is coming up and I just need the air to be clear. We play basketball together but we don't speak. It's weird and sad and I just need to figure it out." Grey bit his lip, "Alright. I just…I shouldn't be the one blamed when this all turns into flames."

Rubbing the back of my neck and I tilted my head backwards until it met the cabinet. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out to see it was my dad calling. "Hey," I answered and he cleared his throat, "How are you son?" I felt the tears fill my eyes, "I'm good. I'm good. I'm just missing you guys." My dad laughed, "No reason to miss us. We're just working and keeping your siblings from fighting." I laughed this time, "I know, but it's still different not seeing you guys."

"Not too much longer until you are here for Thanksgiving." I smiled because I couldn't wait. I couldn't absolutely wait to go back home. "I'm so excited for that." I spoke to him and he laughed, "I'm glad, are you ready for the first game?"

"Yea, I'm ready to play again."

"Good, good, mom and I talked about flying down there for your first actual game."

"Please," I said almost too quickly and he laughed, "You really do miss us." I laughed looking down at the floor underneath of me. "Yea, I do. It's just been a hard couple of weeks." My dad sighed, "You'll be okay Troy, you're a strong kid and no matter how tough things get you'll continue to conquer. I heard that Hallie is still down there?" I smiled, "Yea, she's here. It makes it feel a little bit more like home." My dad smiled, "I knew you two love birds couldn't stay away from each other for long."

I smiled looking at Hallie come out of the bathroom. "Yea, I guess. She's mad at me because I told her I wasn't proposing until I graduated college. She just wants to get married and start a family." My dad laughed on the other end, "Don't jump into that too quickly. You take your time Troy, she'll either wait or she won't." I nodded my head, "I know, I know, I just hope that it'll all work out I guess. I don't know."

"You okay Troy?"

I kicked my foot out and I sighed, "Yea, I'm fine."

"Troy…"

"Another time okay?"

"Son, are you sure you're okay?"

"Yea, I'm fine. I miss you guys and I just have some stuff going on. I'm fine though, I promise. Don't worry mom please? Okay?" My dad sighed, "I want a full explanation later. Okay?" I nodded my head, "Okay," I answered him, "I'll call you later tonight after you shut down the restaurant okay?"

"Thank you, Troy, I'm worried about you."

"I'm fine," Hallie slid her hand around my torso and I didn't relax, I only tightened up. "Okay, I'll talk to you tonight. I love you."

"I love you too Dad," I hung up and I sighed, "You okay?"

"Yea, my dad is just worried about me."

"Why?"

I turned around to face her and I smiled, "I don't know, he's just my dad." I told her and she gave me a smile while pulling me into a deep kiss. I eased her onto the countertop for better access. She pulled her hands into my shirt and eased me even closer to her. "I have to finish getting dinner ready," I told her as I eased back slightly and she pouted. "Troy,"

"Tonight. I have something to do after we eat but…"

"What?"

I pulled on her hands, "Gabi and I need to talk about some stuff. We were really good friends before you got here Hallie and she doesn't know her place anymore." She frowned looking at me, "Excuse me? Her place is nowhere around you." I looked at her at her outburst. "She's our team manager. She tutors me in science. She's a good friend who I made on my first night here. It isn't fair to her that you show up out of complete nowhere and I just drop her. She's amazing and funny."

"Stop Troy, this is stupid."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not arguing about this with you. You wanted nothing to do with me when I told you I was going to Duke." She crossed her arms over her chest, "But I changed my mind."

"After I ignored you. That hurt a lot Hallie, to know that I wasn't important enough to even consider trying a relationship so I came down here. I moved on with my life. I met her and we became good friends. She's best friends with Grey who is my roommate. She is at every practice. She'll travel with us. She's going to be around Hallie so you better get damn used to it." Hallie blinked pulling back from me, "Maybe I don't want to be at this dinner."

"Fine," I said to her and she stormed out of the apartment. Grey ducked his hair out of his bedroom door as he raised an eyebrow in my direction. "You do know that the only time I hear you two fight, is over a certain Gabriella?" I started to prepare dinner again and tried to ignore him but I just looked up at him. "And?" I questioned and he shrugged, "You keep denying you are nothing more than friends but she knows there is more than that Troy,"

"She's going to have to get over it. Everybody needs to get over everything." I muttered annoyed and Grey shook his head, "You are in over your head here buddy." I looked at him again willing him to disappear because I didn't have the energy for this fight anymore. "Remember what I told you the first time we talked about basketball schedules?" I shook my head no and he smiled, "Don't get caught up with girls. They are too much drama and you just don't have enough time. You really fucked yourself over with that one."

"Fuck off," I said and he laughed shaking his head, "I'm going to change before Lauren and Gabi get here. Is Princess coming back?" I rolled my eyes at Grey's nickname for Hallie. "I don't know. I hope so because I really want to remain friends with Gabi and if she doesn't understand that then she needs to just go back to Oregon already." Grey laughed and shook his head, "Good luck with that one dude." He walked back into his room and I let out a frustrated groan.

Perfect.

Gabi's POV

Hallie was sitting next to Troy, Lauren on the other side of Grey while I was smooshed between Anderson and Lauren. Troy was across from me and I didn't really want to look at him. I didn't really want to talk to him later and I could feel the daggers of looks from Hallie. "Anderson, are you and Gabi a thing?" Anderson choked on his drink and shook his head, "I would get kicked off that team for that Hallie. Coach has very strict rules for all parties here. Nobody dates Gabi from the basketball team and Gabi can't date the basketball boys. It's basically in our contracts."

Hallie gave a look over to Troy but Troy was too busy staring at his plate. "Do you have a boyfriend?" Hallie asked and I picked at my chicken that Troy grilled perfectly if I was being honest. "Uh no. I played basketball for a really long time myself and never had time for boys. Now I am throwing myself into pre-med and helping with my dad's team. I don't really have a lot of time for a boyfriend." I told her and she gave me the fakest smile.

Troy offered a half smile at my attempt to escape the question, "Were you good?" Hallie asked and I felt my hand tremble from the question. It wasn't that I was offended by the question, it was about one certain word: were. Past tense.

"Uh I guess,"

The boys all balked at that statement, "Gabi is better than most of our roster," Troy defended and he got a kick in the shin for that one. Grey laughed, "She could personally kick most of our asses out there. She's outstanding. No injury is going to take that talent away," I looked over at Grey and he winked with a smile on his face. Lauren smiled glancing up at Grey probably taken back by the comment. It was actually a nice one for a change.

"So why aren't you playing anymore?" I cleared my throat as I was willing to take the millions of questions she was firing at me right now. She was just generally curious. "I had a pretty bad car accident after I had already torn my knees up. My doctors told me I should be done and my dad listened to them so I'm done. End of story." Troy shared a quick look with me because we were keeping most of my events under wraps right now of me trying to walk back onto the team.

"Pre-med? That's ambitious." Hallie said and I nodded, "I like science. It's interesting to me." Hallie took a bite of potatoes, also excellent, "Do you not want kids? Doctors don't have time for kids." She pointed out and I was almost taken back by this. "I am pretty sure doctors have kids." I told her simply with a laugh and she shook her head, "Troy and I are going to have kids after he's in his career and I will be done working. I feel like kids should be around their mother all the time."

"Not my mother," I muttered causing Anderson to laugh, "Did she work?" Hallie asked, I laughed shaking my head, "My dad is the head Duke coach, do you think she worked?" I countered starting to get a little agitated. Hallie shut her mouth this time as I didn't dare look at Troy right now. This dinner was getting more and more awkward by the minute. The boys started to pick up a conversation about basketball and I stared at my plate finishing my food.

Troy scooted his chair back and walked across the kitchen to start doing the dishes. I got up from my chair to deposit my plates into the sink. When I reached over I brushed against Troy's arms when I felt the daggers again. I shook my head pulling back as I went outside onto the balcony. I took a deep breath of the fresh October air that reached my lungs and I held the railing tight. "Please leave my boyfriend alone. Clearly you're trying to get him kicked off the team." I turned around to face her, "Excuse me? I have nothing but respect for Troy and his skills on the basketball court. I am happy he is suiting up in a Duke uniform."

She shook her head, "Just leave my boyfriend alone. He's mine. We've been together for a really long time for you to get in the way of that." She stormed back inside and I watched her smile quickly change to a positive one as she went to wrap her hand around his bicep. Her lips pressed to his neck and he smiled looking at her as he sprayed water onto her shirt. She giggled pulling away and I shook my head as Lauren came out.

"You okay? She basically gave you the third degree."

"I'm fine." I said kicking the ground with the toe of my shoe. "What did she say to you out here?" I rolled my eyes, "Nothing of importance. Just the same thing my dad has been telling me for a long time." She arched her eyebrow with curiosity, "Don't date the basketball boys." Lauren formed a solid O with her mouth and I turned to look at the stars overhead. "I want a drink." I told her as the stress built underneath my shoulders.

"No, you don't."

I shook my head trying to stop the feeling and I sighed, "I think I am going to bug out." I said and she gave me a tight hug, "I'm going to stay here tonight unless you need me to come home." I shrugged, "You can stay with Grey. I'll be fine." She smiled and gave me a quick hug as I went inside. The boys had already started a video game as I collected my purse and jacket. "Are you leaving?" Troy asked and I saw Hallie grab his wrist.

"Yea, I have some homework and other stuff I need to get done." I told him with a shrug, "The food was amazing. Thank you for the invite. I'll see you at practice tomorrow." Troy frowned and I knew he had about a million questions running through his brain. I escaped the room and down the hallway as I felt the pent-up energy leave my chest and I exhaled. It wasn't but two minutes later when my phone buzzed.

Troy: I thought we were talking tonight?

I bit on my lip looking at his text message. I wasn't sure how to respond and I exhaled loudly trying to find the right words to expel to him how I felt right now but I couldn't do that. I mean I could and he couldn't get mad but I was going to save it. I was going to save him from those feelings and tell him exactly what he wants to hear.

Gabi: We're still friends Troy. Hallie thinks we are more though. I think we should just stick to the basketball court. She clearly doesn't like me. Don't force her to like me either because that won't work either. She'll come around. Stop worrying so much about our friendship and worry about your relationship with her. Clearly, she is insecure with other girls around. She doesn't know who she truly has with you. Show her.

I sent the text message as I climbed the steps to my apartment. I walked through as I bumped into a guy as I looked up at him and he sent me a charming smile back but continued to walk anyways. I smiled back and I went up the stairs until I came to my room when my phone buzzed again. I knew he was probably confused but I told him the semi-truth.

Troy: What did she say to you outside? I saw it. I know it wasn't the nicest thing. Hallie is just very territorial.

I rolled my eyes as I knew this already. She was protective of Troy and she didn't want anything to come in the way of her stay at home mom dreams. More power to her if she wanted to stay at home all day with their kids but it was something I personally couldn't do. It's a tough job.

Gabi: She told me that she was yours. I know that too. So, I need you to just let whatever happens between us happen okay? I'll stop by Rents tomorrow after practice. I'm assuming you're working?

Opening my bedroom door, I threw my backpack on the ground and I collapsed into my bed. I exhaled watching the ceiling fan spin around me and my phone vibrated my chest.

Troy: How do you know my schedule? How about basketball later tonight?

My body pulled the blankets up as I contemplated basketball but I knew deep down I was ready for bed and that I should just walk away from Troy in total but it was so addicting to play ball with him. He was just as good as I was and we worked in harmony.

Gabi: I'm just that good and not tonight. I'm in my bed and I just don't know if I have it in me tonight. But soon okay? I miss playing with you. Maybe before practice tomorrow?

I plugged my cell phone into the wall as I pulled the blankets over my head trying to wrap my brain around everything that I needed to do and how I was going to let this situation blow over. I needed to let it blow over. My phone buzzed once more and I picked it up.

Troy: Yes, I get out of class at noon. Court at 1?

Gabi: See you then.

Troy's POV

"Who are you texting?" Hallie asked as we played video games, "My parents," I fibbed as I was texting them but also Gabi. I don't understand her beef with Gabi and not even giving her a chance was beyond me. I tossed my phone onto the table frustrated with Gabi because I did just want to talk to her. I pulled Hallie closer to me and placed her on my lap. "You okay?" she asked, "Yea," I kissed the back of her neck.

"I'm going to go call my dad okay?" I said and she nodded as she played on her phone. I slid out from underneath of her as I needed advice from him. He would be getting ready to close down the restaurant but I also knew he would take the time to talk to me after this morning. I called and he answered on the third ring. "I've been waiting for your call." I laughed as I stepped outside and began to walk the campus.

"I know, that's why I tried to do it after the dinner rush." My dad chuckled, "Thanks for that. It was a little busy." I smiled, "What's going on Troy?" I knew my dad didn't want to do the small talk right now. "There's a girl…" I said and my dad didn't say anything for half a moment, "Like Hallie?"

I bit my lip, "No." I answered, "No not Hallie," I said as my gut dropped because I felt like I had done something wrong but I never have. "Well tell me about this girl…" I sighed, "There's a story I guess to go with it. It was the night we all went to dinner when you dropped me off when I met her. I was walking campus late and pretty much ran into her. We got to talking and we hit it off. Really well. She loves coffee and music and well…you know me." My dad couldn't contain his laugh for that one. "How is that coffee addiction going?"

"I work at a coffee shop and that didn't help so not well." He laughed again and I smiled, "But anyways remember how I told you about Coach's rule?" my dad paused and thought about it for a minute, "No dating his daughter?" I nodded my head slowly, "Don't date his daughter. Well the girl I ran into that night and spent a couple of days with…well that was his daughter." I told him and my dad didn't say anything at all. "Troy, you didn't…"

"No, no, we found out in plenty of time before anything happened. But it was hard already because it was just one of those moments where we clicked without even trying. We could talk for hours about anything dumb without having to try and it was just nice. She has big dreams and ambitions. She is one hell of a basketball player and I don't know. I just had this connection with her." My foot kicked a rock as I found the court that we still spent time at with each other.

"Once we found out we did the whole friends things but I mean I guess we were more than just friends. We would do everything together though. We would hang out, talk, we have this little basketball court where we play together and we still do but ever since Hallie got here things have been so murky." My dad let out a sigh, "Troy, you really like this girl." I bit on my lip, "Yea, I do. I can't hide it either and Hallie can pretty much see it."

"Why did you take Hallie back?" he asked me and I went quiet, "Oh Troy,"

"She faced her biggest fear in moving here so I gave her a chance." I told my dad quickly, "But just because she moved here hasn't changed anything else. She still wants to move back to Seaside, which don't get me wrong Dad, I love Seaside but I don't know if I can do it long-term and she just wants to be a wife and a stay at home mom and after meeting Gabi? She wants to do pre-med and do things and I just…"

"You like a lot of Gabi's qualities that Hallie doesn't have." I nodded my head, "Yea, I do. Hallie mostly has drove me crazy since she has gotten here. We keep having the same fights but I also need her for a distraction. Y'know?"

"Troy, you can't keep her around for a distraction."

"It's not that I don't love her but the girl that I might be falling in love with I can't have."

"That is a problem but you can't drag Hallie along."

I kicked my foot on the ground again, "I need advice Dad,"

My dad sighed, "I wish there was a clear-cut answer but I would say you need to let this new girl figure out how to navigate this if she is feeling the same way. You are the one with a girlfriend now. Your girlfriend of many years. If you want to keep Hallie there, then you need to just let it go. Just let it all happen. Love her and be happy. If you truly don't see yourself marrying Hallie Troy, then I am going to need you to let her go. Don't drag her along." I looked down at my hand and I sighed, "You make that sound so simple."

"You need to make it simple. You are complicating things."

"Then explain this to me…how do I have Gabi when it's rule number one posted on the board in the locker room basically. I can't have her. I am not allowed to date her or get close to her. That's where this gets confusing and upsetting. If I could just have her then I would have never taken Hallie back Dad, I would have basically shut the door in her face and moved on because Gabi is just…everything. She's beautiful and smart and the best basketball player I have ever seen." My dad chuckled from the other end of the phone, "That's where you have to figure out what you want in life Troy. If you want her more than you want basketball?"

"I don't know. I don't want to throw basketball away because I really want to be with her right now. What if we aren't perfect for each other and I gave up a huge opportunity for a girl?"

"That's a valid concern. Maybe you just continue to play basketball right now and figure out what you want in life. Take a step back," I sighed and I nodded, "Okay." I answered him and I looked up at the stars in the sky. "I better get back to Hallie before she comes searching for me." My dad laughed, "That's probably a good idea. She shoots venom." I laughed and nodded, "She sure does. I miss you Dad,"

"I miss you too Troy, we'll see you in just a few weeks."

I breathed a sigh of relief, "That's the best thing you have said all conversation." I said with a laugh and I could see my dad smile, "You might want to call your mom soon. She misses you. Along with your sister."

"I know. I feel bad."

"Don't. You deserve to live your life. Just don't forget about them alright?" I smiled, "I'll try to call them tomorrow."

"Thank you,"

"I love you, dad,"

"I love you too son,"

Thursday, October 26th, 2017

I stepped onto the court at the time we both agreed to but I didn't see her anywhere. I turned around again and I groaned sitting down on the pavement. I thought about my dad's words and I took them to heart last night. I decided that I was going to let my feelings for Gabi go for now. I was going to focus on Hallie and basketball until I couldn't do it anymore. Maybe Hallie would get hurt in the process but she could hurt me at any time as well. I didn't say I couldn't see myself marrying Hallie, it's just I didn't want to rush into things.

"I'm sorry I'm late," I turned to see her walking up and she was in a pair of leggings with a snug t-shirt. I made myself look up at her face as I smiled, "It's not a problem. I think I was a little early." She stopped short of me and didn't take off her backpack. I knew I was in deep shit from that point on. "I don't think we can be friends Troy," she quickly said, "You have Hallie and like you said last night she is very territorial. I don't want to become between you guys and I think it's best for all parties if we just stop."

"No," I told her and she gave me a surprised look, "No?"

"No, I am not letting you just not be friends with me. I think we tried that already and we were both miserable."

"No, I wasn't miserable."

I only rolled my eyes to her and she looked off, "I'll still work on the basketball thing and I will try and walk-on still but…"

"Just basketball court practice, just us two,"

"Troy," she stressed, "Gabi," I responded and we made eye contact for the first time. Her eyes softened and she looked down at her shoes. "She accused me of getting you kicked off the basketball team since I can't keep my eyes off of you and I can't Troy. She isn't lying. I would be lying if I wasn't a jealous bitch seeing you two make-out together." I exhaled and looked at the sky for a moment, "Last night at the party I only wanted one person Gabs and it definitely wasn't my girlfriend." I admitted to her and she looked at me quickly willing me to shut the hell up. "Just basketball." I asked her knowing that we couldn't be more outside of that.

She only nodded her head, "Yea," she peered up at me and she closed her eyes, "Hallie should have never said that to you. I never told her about Cooper. I just told her the rules. Okay? I'm sorry. If she ever says that about you again, tell me okay? I do not want that."

"Why did Anderson tell me not to touch you yesterday?" I laughed and I looked at her, "You keep surprising me Gabi…and sometimes…"

"I get it," she spoke up not making me finish the sentence, "I'll keep my distance,"

"I want to be friends Gabi,"

She just shook her head, "No, we obviously can't do it Troy. We have too many feelings for each other. Your girlfriend caught on really quick," I just nodded my head and I picked up a basketball as I bounced it a couple of times, "Okay,"

"We'll get into a routine, alright? Everything will work out but let's just keep our distance, okay?"

I couldn't look at her this time and she walked away. I took a shot at the hoop and it circled but dropped out. It bounced back to me and I let the ball rest in my hand. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out to see Hallie texting me a story of her day. I shoved my phone back into my backpack and sighed.

Friday, October 27th, 2017

Gabi's POV

I watched the team warm-up on half court as I looked down at my black high heels with my skinny blank pants. The blue top sticking out as my dad walked by and handed me a clipboard. He went on talking to his assistant coach as the gym was filling with fans of all ages and the students were lining up. I turned to look at the bench and I saw Hallie sitting front and center causing my eyes to roll inside of my head.

"Gabi, will you run back to the locker room and grab my mouth guard?" Grey asked as he ran by and I nodded, "You got it." I walked back towards the locker room and through the tunnel. I opened the door where my dad was writing down the important keys to the game. His back was turned to me, "Good luck tonight dad," he turned around and gave off a smile, "Thanks Gabi," I reached for the mouth guard in Grey's locker and I began to walk out.

"Gabi," I spun around and looked at my dad, "Have fun tonight, okay?" I just nodded and I left the locker room and went back to the floor. I sat down the mouth guard in his chair as I surveyed the team warming up. Troy was the sixth man tonight but I could see him quickly worming his way up into the starting five. He went up for a lay-up and it went in smoothly. The whistles blew for captains and the boys switched to a different drill while the captains talked it over.

I took a deep breath as a fellow manager came up on the other side of me, "Raven is having issues with the camera, she asked me to send you for help." I nodded my head, "I am going now." I began to climb up a flight of stairs that became a bit of a breeze after working out so often with Troy. I made it to the top where I could see Raven stressing. I smiled, "It's alright," I reassured as I began to fidget with the wires. "The camera doesn't work too well. I keep telling my dad that we need a new one." I plugged in the cords in to the opposite side and switched everything around for the camera to pop on.

"Oh, thank you!" I smiled, don't take the camera down right away after the game. I'll come label all of the cords so it doesn't happen again!" she nodded as I went back downstairs. The boys were heading back to the locker room. I quickly made it back to the locker room and I swung the door open as my dad was doing his speech to the boys.

They were all focused and intensely looking at the board as if it was the championship game. I slipped in the back with the other two managers. Everybody stood up and it was time to pray as my dad always did before a game. Guys picked up hands as it was natural as they all had a certain order, a superstition.

"Where do I go?" Troy asked and I felt my hairs stand up on the back of my neck because Cooper always had my hand. Grey shared a look with Anderson and then Troy must have understood. He turned to face me and I shrugged as he gently grabbed my hand as if it was broken. My hand exploded with his touch. Our eyes locked for a moment and then some.

I kept an even face as I stared down keeping my thoughts to myself but a stroke of his finger against my skin caused goosebumps to fly up my arm. I could barely hear my dad as I was trying to breathe but I couldn't get my lungs to cooperate.

When my dad finally said amen, Troy squeezed my hand and I felt like my lungs were going to seize as he quickly let go and they all started clapping cheering as they put hands in the middle. I could barely breathe as I reached out to touch one of the guys to connect me to the middle.

The yelled Blue Devils before disappearing but I had to sit down before I could actually move on. That's about as close to Troy Bolton I could get without freaking out. "Gabi, are you okay?" I looked to see my dad staring at me and I nodded.

"Yea, I'm doing fine." I said with a smile as I stood up to go join everybody on the court. Fuck.

Troy was intense on the court and he played hard. He was the fastest on any break away and the quickest to track down any ball. He truly had cat like reflexes that were shocking to watch sometimes. I truly wonder how people skipped by him when he was playing in high school.

Grey passed him the ball and Troy sank a three with little effort. The crowd exploded and the elders shared looks as they were suddenly excited for this upcoming season. I smiled as he was highly impressive. The other coach called a timeout as the other managers and I went to grab the chairs for them to all sit on. We quickly sat them all down as I helped the trainer disperse towels among the guys.

I handed on to Troy as he was focused on the play my dad was drawing up but wiped his hands off and the sweat off his face. He was a sweater and I was so attracted to him. He nodded rubbing his hands on the towel again and taking a drink of water from the bottle.

"Understood?" he said and they nodded as they stood up and went back to the court. Troy tossed me his towel and he winked, causing my knees to flat out weaken, Grey shoved him for the dumb move and I rolled my eyes grabbing my stuff.

I sat back down as we were easily beating our opponent with ease. It was a no name school that was seeing all of their weaknesses out front of them. They were facing them head on with a school like Duke and it was good to see where we needed work too. My dad slowly pulled the starters putting the no names in to get a little bit of court time. He kept Troy in to get him the full exposure that he probably needed before facing the big opponents, North Carolina, to be named as one.

Once the minutes began to wind down my dad pulled Troy as I handed him a towel. He brushed his finger again against mine as he took the towel to go sit down. He was laughing and relaxed as he drank water and Gatorade. I sat back to watch the Freshman continue to play higher level than the other team. Once it finally buzzed we stood up shaking hands. We began to put things away afterwards and headed to the locker room.

My dad talked about the game and how well everybody played. He pointed Troy out and told him to keep up the hard work. I smiled as we prayed again and we stood in the same exact spots as earlier. His fingers wrapping naturally around mine this time, his hands dry after washing the sweat off, but it only took one glide across my hand to know that nothing had changed between now and then. We all said amen as the boys went out onto the court to talk to family, friends, and media.

I put everything away with the other managers. When I went out to the court with the drives for the other team with today's film on it. I spotted the auburn hair first but Troy was lifting her into a hug while I saw another person taking pictures laughing. I took a deep breath as I walked over handing the film over. They thanked me and I looked back over as Troy was hugging her and they were all smiling together. Grey had Lauren. Anderson was talking to a new girl. Jayson was happy with his friends.

I slipped back out as I finished up my business. I grabbed my keys when I heard my mom laughing from my dad's office. I snuck down there and I peeked my head in, "He's good honey," My dad couldn't help but grin, "I know, I don't know how we got so lucky to land him like we did." My mom was sitting on my dad's desk and I couldn't help but smile. "Hey," I called and they both looked at me. "Honey, you look beautiful!" my mom said and she gave me a hug.

"Thanks mom,"

I stood back, "How about we all go get dinner?" my mom suggested looking between the two of us. I took a deep breath as I glanced over at my dad as he was looking right back at me. "Gabi, how about we all get dinner and you can help me break down film at the house?" I smiled and just nodded because that was the easier of the two choices. It was definitely easier than the two different routes I had in mind.

A laugh echoed from my mouth as we were in the film room in our basement as we were mostly discussing how awful the other team was. We were sharing a bucket of popcorn together as I took a deep breath, "Dad, I think this is good. I should probably be heading back to campus."

"Why don't you just stay here for tonight? We can have breakfast tomorrow before practice together." I hesitated before I just nodded my head. "Yea, that sounds like a good idea." I looked straight ahead at film while I pointed things out to my dad and he smiled every time I did because I had just as good of an eye as he did. Once we went through the entire game he stretched his arms out yawning. "Troy's really good." I told my dad and my dad grinned.

"We were lucky to snag him, he's been an absolute beast but I think I have to credit you a little bit. Your patience to work with him off court and hell even Grey and Anderson. Their performance is much better than it was last year. If you don't mind keep playing with them then, I think that'll help us do better this year. You understand my plays better than absolutely anybody. I think that with them wanting to put the extra work in is good."

"They love to play and I think when we play it's just us." I said, "They don't have to worry about being perfect, they can make mistakes and learn the drills. Then they come to practice and can be perfect because they already worked out the flaws. Of course, they learn with you and on the court at practice but having more time and relaxed time. You're a good coach dad," he smiled, "I just appreciate the help from a manager." He winked and I smiled as we went upstairs together.

My mom was laying on the couch with our cat and was watching a Halloween movie. My dad sat down next to her, "Wow, it has been sometime since you two have walked up those stairs together." My dad sat behind her and pulled her back. I sat on the other couch as I watched the movie but I felt my eyes growing heavy from a full day of activities. I curled up with a pillow as I was dozing in and out but let my conscious become aware.

"She'd make a great coach one day," my dad said and I curled up a little bit tighter. "I don't know if she can do that." My mom mentioned carefully, "I think she needs to fully step away from the game of basketball. She is still heartbroken over not being able to play basketball and you tell me she is helping coach these players?" my dad sighed, "When are you going to give it up? Let her choose her path, okay? She needs to be in control for just a little bit." My dad argued in my favor and I couldn't help but smile.

"You need to give her control of her life then. You need to let her date the boys she is constantly around."

"No," my dad firmly said which caused my heart to sink, "I hear those boys constantly talk about women and their girlfriends. Knowing that one of them could be my daughter would break my heart. None of them have the mannerism that it takes to date her. I just want her to have the perfect person, the one that will continually fight for her and talk about her in only the best of ways possible. They say awful things. I have that rule in place to not only to protect her but to protect me. I have to treat those boys fairly but if I would hear one thing come from one of their mouths about Gabi? They would run until they couldn't feel their feet."

"They are all friends with her though."

"Yea, and they respect her that way. They use her for guidance and wisdom. They seek her for help. They only talk about her in kind ways. I just want to protect her. She's my little girl." I relaxed at the comment because I couldn't get upset with him. My dad sighed, "You're a good man," I heard them kiss, I gagged, and then another sigh. "Should we leave her there or should I take her to her room?" my dad asked and I could feel the stare on me.

"When's the last time her daddy carried her to her room?" my dad let out a laugh, "It's been a while. Just like it's been a while since she sat down and helped me digest film and ate dinner with us without shedding tears. Hearing her laugh tonight was fantastic. I just wish there was more I could do to help the healing."

"She'll be okay," my mom said, "She just needs time."

My parents began to move around and my dad lifted me up with ease. I curled closer to my dad as he carried me to my childhood bedroom. He easily slipped me under the covers. He kissed my forehead before leaving the room and I opened my eyes to take a look around as tears welled in my eyes. My parents only wanted the best for me and I keep fighting them over everything. I took a deep breath as I picked up my phone and looked at the screen.

I saw nothing from any of the basketball boys and my heart sank because I thought they would want me to come over tonight to celebrate. Yet, I just was invisible with all of them having girlfriends and other lives. I was just there when people thought I was needed.

Saturday, October 28th, 2017

Troy's POV

I poured an expresso shot as I delivered it to the bar calling the name out. I looked up as the door jingled as I didn't see Gabi at practice this morning and I didn't see her after the game last night. She seemed upset about something afterwards but I mostly was busy with Hallie. I played pretty well and I was on a high afterwards. I continued to keep working hard behind the counter, "Wait, are you the new guard for Duke?" I looked up and I nodded, "Yea," I answered.

"You played a hell of a ball game last night!" I smiled, "Thank you, I am just trying to get used to this level of play." I said with a smile on my face, the older gentleman smiled and walked away with his coffee. I let a sigh fall from my mouth while I wiped down the counter. "Troy, if you need to leave early you can." Danny, our manager, said to me and I looked over at him as I wiped my hands on my black apron.

"I don't have anything. Practice was this morning." I told him, "Studies okay?" I nodded my head as they were doing just fine. "I'll see if anybody else wants to leave." I nodded as I knew if I left Hallie would bug me to no end. It's not that I didn't love spending time with Hallie but I was growing to love my alone time or time to just myself. It was different back in Seaside with constant siblings and constant people around at the restaurant.

The door jingled again and I looked up to greet whoever it was but I knew exactly who it was. She was in a pair of denim ripped jeans with a flannel shirt with a vest. Her brown hair was piled on top of her head and glasses were pushed against her face. I bit on my lip as I began to make her an iced coffee because it looked to be the mood that she was in. I poured a little bit of different things to see if she would like it. She dropped her backpack down at her favorite table that allows the most natural light.

She began to walk to the counter when she spotted me. I raised the coffee in my hands and she met my eyes. She slowly made her way to the counter and leaned against it. "How did you know I wanted an Iced Coffee today?" I handed her the drink and slipped her a blue straw. "Just by how you looked. You don't look to be the happiest, which is when you prefer Morning Fun. When you are really upset you just want black coffee. You just seem to be…content." I told her observing her and she looked down at her coffee and nodded, "I guess you might just be right." She said and I smiled, "You played well yesterday. My dad actually couldn't stop talking about you."

I smiled, "I didn't know we were going to be next to each other…" I said dragging off and her cheeks lit fire with that comment. "Yea, it's where Cooper stood last year too." I laughed nodding, "Yea, I got that." She smiled softly, "I have to go study. I stayed the night at my parents' house last night and came back late because I just couldn't find a way out of bed this morning." I laughed, "I felt that way too." She nodded walking away.

I bowed my head and just nodded my head because this was how it was going to be. Distant conversations and just time on the basketball court. I had to understand that or else I was going to have lost a girlfriend and basketball really fast.

Gabi's POV

Completing task after task as I witnessed the sun go down. Troy gave me a free refill after a while but he ended up leaving. I exhaled looking up to see a guy sitting by himself and he briefly caught my eye. I turned back to my computer but when I looked back he was still staring. I felt my eyebrow rise up and he smiled softly as he looked at his computer. "Do you want another one?" I pulled an earbud out and I looked at him, not sure if the voice came from him.

"Do you?" he asked and I saw his lips move this time, "Uh…no. Probably not. This was my second." I said and he smiled nodding, "Is that guy your boyfriend? He didn't say a word to you but just dropped it off. I don't get that kind of service around here." I laughed nodding my head, "Uh…no. He's just a good friend." I told him and he nodded, "I see. The whole good friend thing." I laughed, "We can't date." I honestly told him.

"How old are you again?" I couldn't help but laugh, "Nineteen but that doesn't stop my dad from making rules." The man nodded his head with a smile on his face, "Name?" he asked scooting over to sit across from me. I moved my stuff and rearranged my table to add to the new member. "Gabi," I said sticking my hand across the table. He smiled, "Dallas," my hand adjusted to his and I couldn't hide my smile from him.

He had dark brown hair that was mostly chopped up front but very thin towards the back. His eyes were a bright green and a dimple in his left cheek. "Dallas, are you from Texas?" I asked him as I looked down at the table, my loopy handwriting going over my microbiology notes. "No, my parents just are fascinated with this heavy metal band way back when and the lead singers name was Dallas. I don't know. I'm from North Carolina." I laughed nodding my head, "My name came from my grandmother. Your story is a whole lot more entertaining." I told him and he cracked a smile.

"People constantly ask if I am from Dallas and are normally highly disappointed when I tell them no." I smiled shaking my head as I sighed, "What's your major?" he asked me as he peered at my large science textbooks. "Pre-med," I told him with a shrug, "So Biology." I told him and he grinned, "That's awesome. Pretty badass."

Dallas looked at me and I felt good for the first time today. Happy that I was here and talking to somebody else that I was for sure not involved with basketball. "You aren't involved with any basketball team on campus, right?" Dallas gave me a look and I grinned, "Good." I answered and he scrunched his eyebrows together, "Have you dated all of the basketball players or something?" I laughed shaking my head, "No."

I drew my pencil in circles on the paper as I looked up at Dallas, "My dad is the Coach Montez of the Duke Men's Basketball Team." Dallas raised his eyebrows at me, "Really?" I nodded my head. "Yup, and the boy who brought me coffee is the new point guard. My dad has a rule for all players and myself that I can't date them and they can't date me." Dallas made an O shape with his lips and I shrugged my shoulders. "So, we're just good friends because we spend a lot of time together. I'm a manager." I told him and he nodded.

"That's badass. Did you play basketball?"

I just nodded my head, "Yup. I did." I kept it short and sweet because I just didn't want to dig deeper into it. Dallas stayed at my table for quite some time and at one point he bought me a de-caff coffee as we talked and got to know each other. We actually learned we had a class together and had decided to sit next to each other starting on Monday. I looked outside to see it was pitch black, "Did you walk from here?" Dallas asked me and I shook my head. "No. I drove." I replied, "I should probably get going. We have an early practice tomorrow and I didn't go today."

"Can we maybe meet up tomorrow?" Dallas asked me, I smiled, "How about Monday? We can come to Rents afterwards to study for a little bit." I suggested and he smiled, "I like that. Thanks for hanging out Gabi," I nodded with my own smile as we both packed up and went different directions. As I got into my car I buckled my seatbelt waving to Dallas once more as he began to walk back to his apartment. I backed out and I drove towards him and I slowed my car, "Dallas," I said rolling down my window.

He turned to look at me, "Want a ride?" I asked him and he nodded his head with a smile as he quickly jumped into my passenger seat. "Where do you live?" I asked and he began to give me directions while we made small talk. I pulled up to his apartment complex and I put my car into park as he grabbed his backpack. "Dallas," I said again and he looked at me with curiosity in his eyes. I leaned forward as I pulled him by his jacket gently as he let a grin smile on his face, pressing his lips against mine.

Dallas dropped his backpack and put his hand on my cheek as he kept the kiss professional but damn it felt good. I pulled away as I looked into his green lust eyes and he stroked my cheek with his thumb. "I think this is the first time I will ever be excited for Monday," I laughed and I gave him a quick peck as he got out of the car. "Thanks for a good day Gabi," I nodded as he got out of the car. I bit on my lip and I smiled.

Yet, all I could think about was I wonder how Troy Bolton kisses.

I love you guys. Really. I love how you hate Troy and you are right. Gabi isn't a strong character but man do we have a story to tell. I can't wait to share future chapters with you and see how or if I am able to change your mind about characters.

Boys are stupid. Gabi is in a bad spot. Let me know what you think about Gabi's new guy and Troy's conversation with his dad….yea, I'm pumped.

Please Review…also sorry about the late post. I completely forgot it had been two weeks. Time flies.

Next Update: February 4th