Chapter 12 – Thanksgiving Fights

Sunday, November 19th, 2017

Gabi's POV

Dallas laughed as we took a picture together in the apartment as Lauren grinned from ear to ear as we were having our own little Thanksgiving today. Tomorrow we had our first basketball game of the tournament before leaving for Portland on Wednesday. "You two are too cute," Lauren said with a big smile on her face. After the party Troy and I avoided it each other mostly. Maybe he was right from the beginning…it was good for us to have other people to keep us distracted.

"We should go get coffee first," I said to him and he nodded, "Yes, let's go get coffee and then we can make snow angels," I laughed shoving him as I waved good-bye to Lauren. We walked out as there was a brisk chill in the air. I followed Dallas to the car as I slipped in and he began to drive to Rents. We were going to enjoy a nice meal together and then go to the movies later tonight before he went back to West Virginia and I went to Oregon.

Once we pulled into Rents we got out and I pulled his hand into mine as we walked hand in hand together. The very first thing I noticed was Hallie sitting in a chair on the computer which meant only one other thing. Troy was working. I took a deep breath as I approached the counter with Dallas as he was digging out his Rent's card. I looked around until I noticed him in the corner making a coffee already.

He finished as he brought two coffees over and sat them down in front of us. "On me," he said catching my eye and Dallas looked a little surprised. "How did you know our orders?" Troy smiled as he turned his attention to Dallas. "You get the same exact thing every single time." Troy said to him and Dallas couldn't deny it, "But Gabi doesn't." Troy looked back over to me and he shrugged, "I just know."

Dallas frowned hard core, "How was practice this morning?" I asked Troy as Dallas still was trying to process everything. "Fine. Mostly scouting stuff. Where were you?" I took a sip of my drink as he knew exactly what I wanted before I even walked through the door. "I had to take care of some stuff for my dad for this trip this week." Troy couldn't contain his smile, "I'm pumped." I laughed, "I bet. You get to go home for the first time in months."

"You got that right." Dallas slipped his hand in mine and Troy couldn't stop the frown on his face, "I have to get back to work. Have a good night." He turned and left as I just nodded my head because this wasn't any less awkward for either of us. He grabbed a drink and then took it over to Hallie. His lips pressed into her hair and I felt my insides scream of desire from that movement. Dallas and I had only made out without a lack of touching anything.

I wasn't ready for that yet. After Cooper, I vowed that I would never rush into that decision again. I wanted it to be special and different than what I experienced with Cooper. Dallas and I left as Dallas seemed to be in a different mood now. "Did you text him and tell him that we were coming with our orders?" Dallas asked looking at me as we both got into the car. "No." I told him honestly, "Like Troy said you get the same thing every single time."

"That doesn't explain your order."

"He can read me and he is just as into coffee as I am. He just knows."

"Was that what you were going to order?" I nodded my head, "Yea, it's a black coffee with milk and three pumps of hazelnut." Dallas gave me another look and just shook his head, "I don't like him Gabi." I laughed, "Well his girlfriend doesn't like me so I guess that is mutual." Dallas looked at me again, "I thought you said you two didn't talk anymore."

"We don't. Except for basketball."

Dallas dropped the subject after that and I looked out the window wondering where he was taking me.


Troy's POV

"I don't like him Grey," Grey flashed his eyes over to me and away from the video game, "Who?" he asked again missing the first half of my conversation to him apparently. "Dallas." Grey rolled his eyes, "Do you really think Gabi likes Ice Queen?" I rolled my eyes this time, "No, but at least Hallie isn't weird and off Standish. She's just a bitch to her, which is unacceptable." Grey shrugged his shoulders, "Get over it man."

Sinking into the couch I watched him play the video game as we had a game tomorrow night to kick off the beginning of our tournament. I was counting down the days until I was back in Oregon. "you're just jealous man," I rolled my eyes, "Whatever."

Relaxing back into the couch I brushed my hand over my forehead. "You need to prepare yourself for tomorrow." I looked over at Grey, "I'm ready to go home." I said standing up and Grey shook his head, "You better focus Troy, you have been distracted lately." I just nodded my head as I stood up going into my room. Hallie was packed and ready to go home tomorrow after our game. She had a late flight out of here and I was ready for a bit of a break from her.

She had an apartment ready to lease after Christmas break and I really couldn't wait to have my room back. Hallie wasn't going to be around much at all in December and January. She talked about coming for New Year's Eve but mostly staying back in Seaside to spend time with her family while she was off from work here. I laid back on my bed as I pulled my cell phone out. It had been a long time since Gabi and I played basketball together.

I missed it.

I opened a text message to her and I exhaled slowly trying to find the right words to say to her.

Court?

I sent the text message hoping her jealous boyfriend didn't read too much into it. He was mad when I knew what coffee I wanted just by how she was. It's easy. She was so easy to read that I didn't find it complicated. My phone buzzed again and I picked it up.

Is that a good idea?

I exhaled and I stared at the fan going in circles over and over again.

Just for a bit.

I could see her bit down on her lip thinking about the offer.

Late.

I rolled onto my stomach and rested my head onto the pillow. I could do late.


Gabi's POV

I stuffed my hands in my pockets as it was cold outside. I was bundled up as I walked to the court where I already heard the basketball hitting the court as I approached. Troy was shooting and I could see his breath in the air. "Don't you think we should take this party to the indoor court?" I asked and he turned around to see me. He shrugged, "It's not our spot that nobody knows about." I guess I could agree to that.

Going onto the court my eyes connected with his. "You okay?" I asked him and he shrugged shooting the shot, "Is your boyfriend mad at me?" he asked turning to look at me and I laughed, "A little bit. He didn't like that you knew my coffee order." He let a smile file onto his face, "It was easy." I rolled my eyes as he bounced me the ball. We ran through drills with each other to the point I had to shed a jacket. "You've really improved. Have you been practicing without me?" Troy asked at one point and I laughed, "Yea. You've been hiding."

A laugh escaped his throat, "Whatever. You are the one with the jealous boyfriend."

I rolled my eyes, "Excuse me, have you met your girlfriend?" he laughed tossing his head back, "Alright, fair enough." We continued to play and he smiled, "I've missed this." He said looking at me and I nodded, "I have too. I haven't seen you at Rents too much either." I said to him and Troy shrugged, "I've been working less and somebody let it slip that you asked for my schedule to avoid me." My cheeks flushed and I kicked at the dirt.

"I just know how Dallas feels about you as I was honest with him from the beginning. Figured it was better for all." He nodded, "Yea, I should have probably told Hallie but she might have killed you with her eyes by now." I cracked a smile as I nodded my head, "Yea, probably."

"What is going on?" I turned around to see Dallas and I paused as I looked back over to Troy and then back over to Dallas. "I'm playing basketball." I said and Dallas narrowed his eyes, "With him?" he said and I felt my body tense, "Hey, man, it's literally nothing but basketball." Troy stood up for me and Dallas narrowed his eyes, "She told me what you guys had," Troy laughed, "That doesn't mean shit now. I have a girlfriend. We literally just play basketball with each other."

Dallas took a step closer to Troy and I pushed Dallas's shoulder, "Stop. We were just playing basketball and talking about his girlfriend." Dallas looked at me and then back to Troy. "Fucking stay away from my girlfriend." I blinked at the aggression that Dallas showed towards Troy and he grabbed my wrist tightly, "Dallas," I winced and Troy jumped forward, "Get your hands off her. You are hurting her." Troy's blue eyes were dangerous and Dallas just stared back.

"You don't tell me what to do. Understood?" Troy looked at him as Dallas released me and I looked at Troy. His eyes were begging that I didn't go with him but I had too. I mouthed I'm sorry as I backed away and followed Dallas. I wrapped my arms around my body and I looked at Dallas, "Dallas, what the hell? Did you follow me?" I asked and Dallas didn't say anything until we got to his car. "Yea, I wondered where the hell you were going."

"I told you I was going back to my apartment. I walked past here and saw him so I stopped. He's my friend," I told him almost angry and Dallas turned to stare at me, "You like him Gabi, he has a thing for you and he can't even fucking hide it." He was angry and I just stopped as he opened the passenger side door. "No, I am walking back to my apartment." Dallas stared at me, "Are you going to turn around and fuck him?"

"No?" I said confused, "What the hell has given the idea that I am going to fuck Troy?"

"You aren't fucking me."

"Well obviously not. We have barely been together and we need to take this slow. The last time I rushed into things it turned badly, so I am going to take this slow. If you aren't okay with that then get the fuck out of here." I began to walk away when he grabbed my shoulder pulling me back. "No, stop," he said and his voice was calmer now, "I'm sorry." He apologized and I brushed away from him. "I'll talk to you later."

I continued to walk away and I felt the frustration surface and the tears build in my eyes. I took a deep breath though and I calmed myself down. He was just jealous and he probably had every right to be jealous. I opened my apartment door when a text came through my phone. I pulled it out and I looked at it and didn't think he would have actually texted me.

Are you okay? – Troy

I breathed out as he cared more than I could ever think but I didn't respond as I tossed my phone onto my bed. Fuck relationships.


Monday, November 20th, 2017

Gabi's POV

"What the hell Gabi," Troy pulled me backwards and I looked at him with crazy eyes. "What?" I asked him and his eyes were concerned and pissed and scared. "You never texted me back last night. I almost came to beat your damn door down because I was fucking scared he laid a hand on you." His breathing was rapid and his eyes were a bright blue today. "Dallas would never touch me." I said pulling away from him and he shook his head.

"The way that he grabbed you last night? That's not okay," I flickered my eyes to him and I shook my head. "He was just jealous okay?"

"Yea, I'm fucking jealous too but you don't see me grabbing your wrist and dragging you away."

"You don't really get a say," I said to him and he pulled backwards and he just nodded, "If I ever see him do that again, so help me," Troy said and he walked away as I watched him walk away. My heart was beating rapidly and I wasn't sure what from. Troy was upset based off of Dallas grabbing my wrist. I wasn't exactly thrilled with it either but Troy didn't really have any say in my relationship. It was between me and Dallas.

He had sent a text apologizing this morning and that was that. If Troy saw him pull me back after we were talking he probably would have pummeled him. I ran my fingers through my hair as I looked up at the gym as Troy was throwing up shots but he didn't look good. He didn't look good at all. I finally looked around trying to find any assistant coach. When I didn't see one I went over and I grabbed him by his practice jersey. "You can't play like shit because you a worried about me, understood?" he blinked and just nodded his head as I let him go.

I returned to the sides as I looked around to only spot Hallie standing in the bleachers. Her eyes narrowed on me and I could only roll my eyes. I headed for the locker room as I could only handle so many jealous people in my life. Dallas was jealous. Hallie was jealous. Troy was jealous. Everybody was fucking jealous and it only came down to one thing. The fact that Troy and I could not have a relationship with each other.

"Gabi," I cringed but when I looked it was actually Tanner, I smiled as I walked over and gave him a big hug. "Hi," I said breathing and he smiled hugging me tightly back. "How is everything?" I smiled, "Good. Really good, you'll have to meet Dallas before you leave." Tanner nodded, "Yes, please,"

"He leaves tomorrow for West Virginia." I told Tanner and he nodded with a smile on his face, "How is Viv?" Tanner laughed, "Pregnant. She is ready to have the baby but she's hanging in there. Not too much longer." I smiled squeezing his shoulder, "Are you excited?" a sheepish grin came over his face and I couldn't contain my laugh. "I cannot wait to see you as a dad." Tanner laughed as we hugged again, "Look at my two favorite kids hugging it out."

My dad walked over with a smile on his face, "We need to have a family dinner after the Thanksgiving tournament." He said as he hugged Tanner and then pulled me into his side. "Yes, we do. I'll talk to Vivian, then consult your assistant, and then talk to mom." Tanner half joked and my dad smiled, "I'll send you a couple of dates and then you can talk to Vivian." Tanner smiled with a nod as my dad went to finish warming up the boys and talk to the opposing coach.

Looking around I spotted Dallas and I waved him over. "Dallas, I want you to meet my older brother." Dallas smiled reaching out to shake Tanners hand. "Tanner, Dallas, Dallas, Tanner."

"Nice to meet you man," They began to talk and I pushed away from the railing. "I have to go. You boys be good okay?" they both waved me away as I went to the locker room to finish getting everything ready. I turned around to see Hallie talking to Troy over the railing and I knew he wasn't going to be focused for this game. I walked away letting it go while I finished putting everything together. I exhaled loudly while I tried to get my emotions under control.


Troy's POV

After our win, I walked hand and hand with Hallie. My mind was a little too busy to think about anything about Hallie and all about my lack of performance today. It was brutal and Coach was pissed as I sat on the bench for most of the second half. Gabi kept sending me glances but I was royally pissed off at her. She never texted me back last night after he had his hands on her and was hurting her. It made me nervous and Hallie kept questioning why I couldn't sleep last night.

Then when I saw her walk into the gym all panic left and all anger came straight for me. I couldn't control my reaction and I couldn't control my temper towards him but I didn't like Dallas. I didn't give two shits that she was dating because I couldn't judge that. I could judge who the fuck laid hands on her that doesn't deserve to lay hands on her. "Where are you?" Hallie stopped suddenly and I stopped next to her. "What?"

"You are blank, you aren't even listening to me."

Was she talking? Oops.

"Sorry, I had a bad game. I think I am going to go shoot around for a little bit." I said, Hallie rolled her eyes, "You always are shooting and practicing."

"That's what I am paid to do." I said with an eye roll, "Why are you in such a piss poor mood?" I ignored her as I walked up the stairs to our apartment. I put my key in the door and unlocked it as Grey was going out but I just wanted to go to bed. "When do you move into your apartment again?" I asked, she recoiled from that statement. "What?" she looked a bit stunned and I just nodded my head, "I just think we need a bit of space Hallie, we are constantly on top of each other twenty-four seven. I am trying to play basketball."

Hallie frowned, "Troy, what the hell. I thought we were doing fine." I shook my head not really wanting to listen to anymore. "I just need space Hallie, I think I am going to stay at Anderson's tonight. Have a safe flight home later tonight." Hallie looked at me confused as all get out as I was having a mental breakdown. I couldn't be in this room anymore.

"Troy, what is wrong?" she grabbed my hand and I took note on how she gently just grabbed my hand instead of wrapping her damn hand around my wrist like fucking Dallas did to Gabi. She literally said the words ow making me want to punch his fucking lights out. "I just had a really bad day, I didn't sleep well last night, and I am just really tired Hallie. I am tired of fighting with you about Gabi being around, I am tired of being away from my family, I am tired of working hard and then having a day like this."

"You do work hard Troy, you really do work hard. I think you shoulder stay here. I'll stay here with you and then we can watch a movie so you can decompress. I am leaving around three anyways, I don't want you to have to go sleep on the couch." I just stared at her and only nodded my head. I laid down on the bed as I didn't have the energy to change. Hallie crawled up next to me and she didn't even touch me. She just laid there as I stared at the ceiling.

"I'm sorry about getting jealous about Gabi…again. I know there is nothing going on between you two. I just…" she paused and I reached down to grab her hand. "I know." I told her and I stroked her hand with my thumb as I took a big breath trying to relax. We turned on a movie and we ended up cuddling at some point as she fell asleep before I did. I wanted to get my phone out to text her but I was also really nervous to text her.

What if he saw and snapped at her again?

I pulled my phone out anyways as I called her instead. I rolled out of bed and went to the living room. It rang a couple of times before she answered, "Hello?" she seemed confused and I guess I would be confused too. "Just needed to hear your voice." I said holding onto the railing tightly. Gabi cleared her throat, "Oh well…" the phone conversation grew awkward and I squeezed the back of my neck tightly. "I just wanted to tell you I am sorry for overreacting this morning but I am sincerely concerned about you last night. Then I didn't hear from you and I was a nervous wreck. Terrified. I seriously almost came to your apartment last night."

She sighed over the phone, "I am sorry. I guess looking at that from your point of view it would be disturbing to not hear back from me. I left him and walked back to my apartment." I sighed as I looked up at the moon overhead, "Truce?" I said quietly, "Truce."

"How did we both end up with super jealous significant others?" she asked and I laughed, "I don't know, I wish I knew."

"You looked rough tonight,"

I scratched my thumb, "Yea, after you talked to me, Hallie yelled at me for talking to you and I don't know…I just wish we could go back to the night we met." She didn't say anything for a few seconds, "Why?" she finally said and I looked down, "I wish I could have met you at practice instead of walking because I would have known from the very start of setting eyes on you that I couldn't do anything to have you and maybe I wouldn't start to have the feelings I started to have for you."

She cleared her throat, "I've thought about that too but then I told myself that we would have found that connection anyway. It's too strong." I bit on my lip and nodded, "Yea, it would have. There is too much there. We only talked for like two days." Gabi laughed, "I have to go but thanks for being concerned Troy,"

"Remember…I am always here for you Gabi. I don't give two shits about what Hallie says, okay? I just want you to be safe and for you to call whenever you need somebody." She exhaled and I could see the smile forming on her face. "Thank you, Troy," I smiled, "Yea, I'll talk to you tomorrow." I took a deep breath and hung up the phone as I stared outside again. I knew it was going to be a long difficult road but we were going to get through it.

We always have.


Thursday, November 22nd, 2017

Gabi's POV

My eyes watched the players warming up. We had flown into Portland yesterday and I could see the quick ease of stress lift off of Troy's shoulders. He was basically giving a tour of the city yesterday after practice and he was very happy. Today, they were all focused and excited to be out there. Troy's entire, entire, family was here in the building already as they were excited to watch their star player. We had a whole lot more fans than the other team and I credit that to Troy Bolton.

He must have had a ton of fans in high school as he was bouncing around and having fun. He was laughing with Grey and I spotted the fiery red hair in the stands as she had her family here too. They were all taking pictures this morning at the hotel. After the afternoon game, we were heading to Seaside to enjoy a home cooked meal by the Bolton family. They had shut down the restaurant and were happy to invite everybody.

My dad called me over and I walked over to him, "What's wrong with Troy?" he asked me and I felt a little stunned that he was asking me. "I don't know." I told him lying through my teeth because I did know but my dad wasn't going to like my answer on how to fix it. "Will you talk to him? I need him to get his head out of his ass and play like he has been."

"I'll talk to him after shoot around." I said and my dad just nodded as I walked over to the sidelines where Lauren was sitting. She had decided to come and watch Grey play. "Hey sister," I sat down on the other side of her. "How is Dallas?" she asked all dreamy and I laughed, "He's good. He's constantly texting me." Lauren grinned, "I really like him for you Gabi. He seems to bring out the happier side in you!" she gave me a side hug and I rested my head on her shoulder.

"My dad wants to know what's wrong with Troy," I said and she looked at me, "What is wrong with Troy?" I shrugged, "He's just…" I paused, "We are both wishing we could go back to the night we met to avoid any of this. Yet, I told him that it would have developed over time." Lauren sighed, "If you two are meant to be then it is meant to be." Lauren said, "But if you are both needing this relationship you are both in first to help grow. Maybe you two aren't meant to be. You guys can't be together right now."

"That's what everybody keeps saying and I am happy with Dallas. I think we are both just…confused on how we ended up where we are. He is upset by something that Dallas did the other night and I think it keeps bugging him. I thought we had discussed it and put it behind us. I guess I was wrong though because he still can't hit a shot right now." Lauren smiled, "You know you don't deserve him, right?"

"What do you mean?" I asked looking at her, "Troy Bolton took back another girl without even thinking. He just ended up in bed with her and didn't say anything to you. You keep saying how great of a guy he is but he literally just ditched his feelings for you and took back her." I paused as I wanted to defend him but I couldn't quite defend him for those actions. "What was he supposed to do? Slam the door in her face?"

"I don't know…maybe they should have like just talked for a little bit?"

"I think Troy was stuck in a hard place and his feelings for me haven't just disappeared. I can promise you that. Just like I still have feelings for Troy but I'm with Dallas. There is a connection. He thought it was okay and did it." Lauren shook her head, "Do not settle for somebody who accepts that back into their life without much thought." I shrugged as I looked over at Troy who just seemed to be in an off mood. "You are worthy of so much more." She said squeezing my knee, "You should take your relationship with Dallas seriously, he is going to treat you way better than that." I just nodded and leaned against her while she squeezed my knee.

"What are you two doing?" Grey asked jogging over and Lauren smiled, "Just life." Grey rolled his eyes, "Grey, will you tell Troy I need to talk to him when we get back to the hotel?" I asked, Grey nodded as he turned around to look at Troy. "He's been in a funk for a couple of days." I shrugged, "I'll see if I can get him out of it." Grey nodded running back to the court as I sat and talked with Lauren catching up on life. Since she had gotten with Grey and basketball season had picked up we hadn't had time to talk nearly as much.

Once the shoot around ended we all went back to the bus as I collected their practice jerseys. I went up and down the bus collecting them and when I got to Troy's seat he glanced up at me. "Everything okay?" he asked and I nodded my head as I continued down the row until I had them all. I took a seat next to the other manager as we talked about everything that we needed to get done. It didn't take long to pull up to the hotel.

We all got off the bus together as I grabbed things that we needed off of them as I directed Allison, our other manager, across to do the laundry while I began to get our food order for pre-game in. I sat down at the computer as I began to input all of the orders. My phone buzzed and I looked down to see Troy was texting me.

Where do you want to meet?

I looked to see I had five orders left. I finished putting them in before I sent Troy a text message back. Meet me outside.

I took a deep breath as I got up to see Troy coming out of the elevator. He was in a pair of sweats with a long sleeve t-shirt. I smiled as I walked outside for him to follow me. He quickly followed and I stopped a little away from the hotel for privacy. "What's up?" he asked and I tilted my head, "I am going to ask you that." I said sticking my hands deep into my pockets. "My dad asked me to figure out how to get your head out of your ass."

Troy laughed, "I'm just not out of my funk yet." He said, "I am still worried about you. I am still worried about…" I paused in our walk as I turned to look at him. "Why are you so worried about me?" I asked him and his blue eyes were really intense underneath the grey skies. I bit down onto my lip as I waited for him to answer, "Because Gabi…I just didn't like how he treated you, okay?" I frowned at him.

"Look, I yelled at him for it, okay?" I pulled him behind the hotel and I couldn't help but just stare at him as if he were stupid. "You do not need to worry about me. I am a grown ass woman Troy, he is good to me while you distract yourself with Hallie." He paused looking at me and I looked at him, "I didn't like it Gabi, I don't want you with a guy because I'm with Hallie." I reeled back as I looked at him almost shocked at what he said to me.

"You're fucking joking, right? You think I am with Dallas because you are with Hallie?" Troy didn't say anything but just shrugged his shoulders and I laughed, "You're an asshole Troy, a straight fucking asshole. I hope you damn know that. First you take back a girl even though you have all of these feelings for me?" Troy tried to protest but I continued to speak, "You just take her back, plant her in your bed, and fucking flaunt her in front of me. Now she is damn near everywhere I fucking go. She's at Rents all the damn time. She's at the gym. She's fucking here. She's at your damn apartment." Troy's eyes blinked rapidly while looking at me.

"I watch you every single day watching you two together and I finally find a guy who isn't a basketball player, who is extremely nice, and you accuse me that I am only dating him because you fucking have a girlfriend? How low can you get Troy? That's stupid and I thought you were a whole lot better than that." Troy looked a bit surprised and he shook his head, "That's uncalled-for Gabi, I was put in a hard place when Hallie showed up!"

"You took all of four seconds to decide that you wanted her back Troy!"

Troy laughed, "You're being ridiculous Gabi. I have told you a thousand times that I still have these feelings for you. They haven't disappeared even with Hallie in the picture. I don't understand why you are so fucking jealous right now?" I reeled back from him and I just shook my head, "I'm not jealous Troy, I am actually happy for once. I was really wrong about you. I thought you were a decent guy who was going to be there for me. Wrong. He gets back with his ex-girlfriend two seconds after she shows up at the door. I guess if you had true feelings for me then you would have waited and actually thought about what the fuck you were doing."

Troy rolled his eyes, "You are being fucking ridiculous. I have been with Hallie for over five years. I can't just slam the door in her face when she did something she never wanted to do in the first place. She faced a big fear. How am I supposed to just say sorry, I can't be with you because I want to be with a girl I can't be with." I blinked looking at him as he was upset and damn he fucking should be upset. Yet, all I could see was red around me.

"I guess maybe you should have thought of that."

"Would you rather it be a random girl Gabriella?" I cringed at my full name but I just nodded, "That's what Dallas is right? Just some random guy you bring through Rents?" I shook my head as I backed away from him. "You're a fucking asshole, I hope you know that. I am with Dallas because he actually fucking cares about me. He wouldn't run off with another girl because he couldn't have the one he wanted. He would fight like a damn man."

"And get me kicked off the basketball team?"

Neither of us spoke after those words and both of us were breathing heavy as we stared at each other. My eyes could only focus on his bright blue ones and I felt tears well in my eyes. "I made a mistake, okay? I made a mistake for every giving you a chance. For ever thinking, you were a good guy. I made a mistake telling you my story and believing that you could help save me from this desperation I am in. Shame on me for thinking I might have found a good guy for fucking once." I backed away and Troy's face slipped, "Fuck you Gabi,"

"Fuck you Troy,"

I bit on my lip and I nodded as I turned around walking away from him. Tears welled in my eyes as I hurried back to the hotel as tears spilled down my cheeks. The fact that he had the audacity to tell me that I was only with Dallas because he was with Hallie was ridiculous. I liked Dallas. Dallas was good to me. Dallas made me laugh and took me on dates. Dallas was a good guy and I don't know why Troy would ever stoop that low.

"Whoa, what's wrong?" I looked up to see Grey and Lauren walking with each other. "Nothing," I said brushing it off and trying to move past them. "No, what's wrong?" Grey gently grabbed me and I tried to take a calm breath as he pulled me into an empty room. Lauren followed as they both stared at me, "It's nothing, Troy and I just were fighting and he said stupid shit. It's fine," I stressed, "I thought you went out there to make things better."

"He started it. He accused me of being with Dallas only because he's with Hallie." Grey sighed and he rubbed his eyes, "I'm sorry Gabi, he's been a dick lately. I don't know if it's the pressure of basketball or because Hallie is around or if this just truly who he is but you don't need that in your life." He gave me a hug and I held onto him. Lauren held onto me too and I could only let tears fall from my eyes because it felt like we just broke up from a relationship that never truly was gifted too us.


Troy's POV

I watched her walk away and I felt my chest tighten and then relax from anger. I just shook my head trying to figure out what the hell just happened when Grey came out of the door. He didn't look happy and I figured he probably found Gabi already.

"I don't want to talk about it." I said brushing past him but he grabbed my jacket instead as we could fully see our breath in the Oregon air. "No, listen Bolton, stop fucking around with Gabi. You did it once with Ice Princess, now you keep doing it because you can't just accept that she has a fucking boyfriend. Leave her the fuck alone or I will go to coach myself." I swallowed on the lump in my throat as Grey and I were eye to eye.

"Grey, I didn't mean to say what I said. I was angry. I am angry."

"I don't give a flying fuck. Let her live her life. She is finally happy again, okay? I can't handle watching her continually get hurt. Leave her alone. You play basketball and be with Hallie. She'll be with Dallas and just be around. Stop trying to ruin everything for her by making her feel bad. She can have a boyfriend just like you can have Hallie." I just shook my head and I walked away from Grey. I couldn't do this right now.

I went back to our room where our food was waiting for us and I ate it before pulling on my clothes to the gym, grabbing my bag, and fleeing out of the hotel. I walked down the stairs when I spotted Hallie across the room and I just shook my head because I couldn't deal with her either. 'Troy!" She yelled my name and I kept walking as if I didn't hear her because I didn't want to hear her. I didn't want to talk to her right now because if she wouldn't have shown up then I wouldn't be in this mess.

"Troy," she grabbed my elbow and I spun around to look at her. "What Hallie?" she looked at me surprised by the tone in my voice and I looked up to see Grey had stopped too. "Why are you being like this? I figured you would be happy to be here." She said with confusion in her face, "I was happy to be back home Hallie but you have got to leave me alone right now. I have to play well tonight and if I don't then I'm probably coming back to Seaside. So how about you just leave me alone."

Hallie looked at me confused and she shook her head, "What are these rumors that you play basketball with Gabi on a little court?" Hallie asked and I just shook my head, "You know what Hallie? I had a thing for Gabi, we met, we hit it off, and then I found out she was coach's daughter so I learned I couldn't have her. I couldn't be with her. It kills me a lot of the days but then you showed up and I just…" I backed up from her.

"I need to breathe Hallie and yea…Gabi and I play basketball together. So, I'm sorry."

She had tears in her eyes and I turned to leave because I needed to channel this energy somewhere else. Badly.

I got onto the bus and climbed all the way to my seat before collapsing into it. I put my earbuds into my ears and I played music loudly. I needed to get onto the basketball court. I needed to play and get my aggression out somewhere else. I was angry at Gabi. I was angry at Hallie. I was angry at the world right now and I needed to channel that in one direction.


Gabi's POV

Troy dropped 42 points tonight. He hit every single shot he took except for two and he was explosive on the court. My dad was grinning from ear to ear as he watched Troy lead his team to a huge victory. He walked down the court as he sat down next to me, "What did you say to him?" my dad asked as the clock was winding down, he turned to yell something but then he turned his attention back to me. "I just made him angry. Told him he just wasn't good enough."

My dad laughed, "You're a genius." He got up and began to direct again and I looked at Troy who was still playing. He passed the ball off and then the ball ended up in his hands again. He shot it up and then it sank through the hoop pushing his total to 45 points. The game ended thirty seconds later as Troy was high-five and smiling at everybody. I wasn't sure what fired him up but he was fired up. He refused to hold my hand during the prayer circle and people had to be switched around.

Grey kept giving me looks and I kept giving them back as Troy went over to where his parents were as he gave them all hugs. A younger boy slapped his hands and it looked too identical to Troy for him to not be his younger brother. They all laughed as somebody offered to take a picture of them and they did with Troy in the middle. His parents were proud and his siblings prouder. Audrey asked for her own picture and Troy lifted her up as if she was four again.

They were both laughing when somebody called my name. I turned around to see Grey and I walked over to him, "Troy yelled at Hallie earlier today about the beginning of your guys relationship. He spilled it all out to her in the lobby of the hotel and he was pretty pissed off." Grey took off his ankle brace and shoes as I looked at him. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked crossing my arms, "He is the one who started this mess."

Grey shrugged, "I don't know Gabi. I get that he has been mean to you. He's been unfair. He's expecting double standards to be applied and it doesn't work like that but I don't think you should completely dismiss how much he actually cares about you. He's frustrated with Hallie. He's frustrated that he can't have you. He's frustrated. I told him when he started to not get mixed up with girls because he doesn't have time with drama and the fool does quite the opposite."

"I still don't understand the point of this conversation."

Grey sighed, "He's been an asshole to you but I don't think he meant half of what he said." I shrugged, "His loss. I guess he should use his brain a little more often." I turned and left as I went to find Lauren, "Why are boys stupid," I grumbled to her as I went to find everything that needed to be put away. "Because they are boys. What else do you have questions about?" I laughed looking at Lauren and I shrugged, "I have a right to be mad at him…right?"

"Absolutely. He said awful things to you and has too high of expectations. You don't have to ever talk to him again if it was my choice." I leaned into Lauren and I looked at him taking more pictures with friends and family. Yet, I didn't see Hallie anywhere. I was surprised that Troy told her about everything but I guess he thought our relationship was over. Any sort of relationship – friendship or not. Exhaling I took a deep breath and I just nodded, "He was a dick to me."

"He was."

"I deserve better."

"You do."


Troy's POV

I tilted my chair back in my parent's restaurant as I laughed over dinner. I had one hell of a game today and I figured I could channel that energy a whole lot more. Coach was highly impressed and I just shrugged my shoulders saying I was making up for our last game. He smiled and nodded clapping my shoulder before moving off. We then took the ride to my parent's restaurant for dinner and it was going well.

Gabi was with friends and I was sitting with mine. Hallie was here hanging out with my family and I guess I owed her an apology. I got up as I walked over to the booth she was sitting in and she looked up at me. "Can we talk?" I asked her and she gave me a flat line look on her face before just nodding. Audrey and Jake were sitting with her as I smiled, I pulled Hallie to a booth in the corner as we sat down together.

"I'm sorry for what I said to you earlier today. I was really upset about other things and I just snapped at you." She looked down at her hands and I reached across to grab one of them. She let me and her eyes looked up at me. "I think it mostly just hurt that you moved on from me already." I exhaled as I had to be honest here. I couldn't lie to her anymore. "Hallie…It wasn't that I was over you. It was that Gabi and I just clicked when we met with each other. We played basketball together. We were just friends."

"You clearly like her Troy, I don't know why you didn't tell me when I showed up."

"I guess that was my mistake that I made. When you showed up I said we didn't have to talk and I should have talked to you first. I should have done a lot of things differently when you showed up." Hallie messed with her hands again as she pulled away from me. "We never did anything." I told her honestly, "We found out quickly who each other was and she can't date us nearly as much as we can't date her."

"That doesn't change anything Troy,"

"What does that mean?" I asked her and she sighed, "How am I supposed to trust you when you both have feelings for each other?" I shrugged, "I guess you have to learn to trust. Guys have liked you before and I am pretty sure you liked them back. It's part of the relationship Hallie. Gabi is really happy with her boyfriend and I think I really pissed her off earlier so I don't think you have anything to worry about."

"I just wish you would have been honest with me from the beginning Troy,"

"That's been a lot of my problem lately. I am sorry." I told her and I looked at her as she nodded, "I think I am going to stay here until after you come back for Winter Break. Maybe living together was a little much. I don't want to give up on us but we need a five second break. We're still together and I still want to be with you because you are my first love Troy, I just…you're right. We need a break." I squeezed her hand, "We'll be busy with basketball anyways. It'll be good."

Hallie smiled at me with a little smile, "Thank you for understand. I hope we can get past this." Hallie nodded, "I think we can. I really hope that everything is okay," I nodded my head, "You were one hell of a player tonight." I laughed, "I had a lot of anger to channel for this one." I squeezed her hand again and she got out of the booth. I hugged her tightly and kissed the side of her head. "Thank you for understanding." I said to her and she nodded, "Thank you for finally being honest."

I let go of her as I went over to see my dad. He was smiling talking to a couple of people. I sat in front of him and he smiled proudly at me, "You were fantastic tonight," he told me and I thanked him, "It was a good night. That was for sure." Coach walked over and he smiled, "Mr. Bolton, thank you for hosting the team tonight. It was a very good meal." My dad shook his hand, "Thank you for coming and eating. We were happy to host. We're just glad to see how Troy is really succeeding at Duke."

Coach smiled, "Troy is a very talented player. I can't wait to see how he does in conference play this year." Coach was on a high after my performance today as I didn't miss one shot. I was selective but also had a little bit of luck on my side. It was a much-needed game and I could only hope from here.

My eyes casted across the room to see her laughing with Lauren and Grey. She met my eye and frowned before turning away. I turned to my family and I chatted with them when Hallie found her spot next to me as we all talked and laughed. It was a good night with good food but nothing felt right leaving our conversation the way we did today.


HELLO! Yes, guys it's really only Tuesday BUT I went on a writing spree the other night (I got like three chapters done.) and I was like I am going to surprise them and update randomly! I really hope you enjoy! This chapter everything kind of blows up so yikes on that front. I really like the next chapter (Which is STILL coming out on Sunday!) because you guys have all pointed out the flaws in Gabi and well…

You guys will be happy. That's for sure.

Let me know what you guys thought! She put Troy in his place…that's for damn sure.

Please Review!

Next Update: SUNDAY