Disclaimer: I do not own High School Musical or The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

A/N: Sorry I didn't update last week, but my birthday was on Monday and then the family and I went to Disneyland/California Adventure. To make it up to everyone, I'll post two chapters this week.

Chapter 12: Date with Ryan

During breakfast, the girls filled Troy and Ryan in on the next challenge. They were told that they'd each get one day to spend time alone with Gabriella. After flipping a coin, it was decided that Ryan's date would be first. Sharpay and Ryan had left shortly thereafter to plan the date.

Zeke had just finished telling Chad and Jason what he had overheard earlier that day. "As much as I love her, we need to stop her."

"Dude, you love her?" asked Jason.

"Well, yes, I think. You know what, let's not change the subject. What should we do?"

"Taylor should be here soon. Tell her when she gets here." Chad finished his sentence and the doorbell rang.

"Hey, guys! Is Kelsi here yet?"

"No, actually, I've got to go pick her up. We'll see you at the theater." Jason then walked out the door.

"Well, let's go then," said Taylor as she turned towards the door.

"Wait, Zeke needs to tell you something."

"Um, okay," she said as she sat next to Chad. "Go ahead."

"Well, I heard Sharpay and Ryan talk this morning. Long story short, Sharpay is planning something to help Ryan win."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, why else would I accuse my girlfriend of cheating?"

"Good point…and this isn't the first time. Chad told me what happened with the fashion show."

"And don't forget what Sharpay did during the first challenge," added Chad.

"What happened?" questioned Taylor.

"Sharpay stopped Ryan after nine laps instead of ten," explained Zeke.

"So that's the reason for Ryan's miracle win. Gabriella, Kelsi and I thought that was weird."

"So what are we going to do?" asked Chad.

"Well, I'm going to fill Kelsi in when we're alone. We'll figure out what to do."

"Okay, um, I guess we should go before we're late," Zeke said, and they left to meet everyone at the movie theater.

After the movie, the girls went back to the Móntez residence for another sleepover. "Gabriella, mija, you got some flowers earlier," her mom said as they all met in the foyer. "They're on the coffee table in the living room."

"Thanks, mama," replied Gabriella as she and the girls went into the living room. Mrs. Móntez headed upstairs.

"Who are they from?" asked Sharpay already knowing the answer.

"I don't know," Gabriella said as she admired the floral arrangement. "Oh, look, there's a card."

"Read it out loud," said Kelsi.

"Gabriella," she began reading the card. "You are the most amazing girl I've ever met. You're beautiful, sweet, and brilliant. You have beautiful eyes, a wonderful laugh, and a sweet voice, both when you're singing and speaking. You have a kind heart and wisdom beyond your years. When I add all these qualities together, I find they equal something amazing, and that something amazing equals you, Gabriella. I can't wait for our date tomorrow. I'll pick you up at six. Love always, Ryan." When Gabriella finished, she had tears in her eyes.

"Aww," chorused Sharpay and Kelsi.

Taylor remained quiet. She knew this was Sharpay's trick. "Kelsi, can you help me in the kitchen?"

"Sure, Taylor," Kelsi said as she followed Taylor into the kitchen, where Taylor proceeded to fill Kelsi in on Sharpay's cheating.

Six-o-clock the next night came quickly, and before Gabriella knew it, Ryan was ringing the doorbell.

"Hey, Ryan."

"Hey, Gabriella, are you ready?"

"Yep," she said as they left her porch. "So, where are we going?"

"We're going to a restaurant. You are hungry, right?"

"I'm starving." A few minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of her favorite restaurant. "Oh, my gosh, Ryan! I love this restaurant, and I love Italian food! How did you know?"

They got out of the car and headed inside the restaurant. "Well, I got some tips from our friends."

As they began eating their food, Gabriella said, "Ryan, as much as I love this, it's really expensive. You know I don't care about your money, don't you?"

"Yeah, I know, I just thought you deserved this." Gabriella smiled, and she went back to her food.

After dinner, Ryan took her to a place with an elegant dance floor where they spent the rest of the date dancing. Of course, Ryan was right at home on the dance floor.

"Thanks for tonight, Ryan," she said as they stood on her porch. "I had a lot of fun."

"Me too, Gabriella…Hopefully we'll get to do it again soon."

"Maybe," said Gabriella smiling.

"Well, goodnight, Gabriella."

"Goodnight," she replied.

Ryan leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later." Gabriella watched Ryan drive away before she went inside.

"Ten-o-clock," she stated as she checked her watch. "I might as well call the girls and tell them how things went."

Ryan walked into his house and was immediately engulfed in a hug by Sharpay. "It worked!" she squealed.

"Yes, it did. Thanks for the help, Sis," Ryan said as he pulled out a device from his ear. "If it wasn't for this computer chocolate chip, I would have crashed and burned."

"It was no problem, I love to…wait, did you just say 'computer chocolate chip'?"

"Um, yeah."

"You are so lucky you have me," she said, and she headed up to her room.

A/N: Gabriella's date with Troy will hopefully be up on Thursday. If not then, it will be up Friday for sure. Oh, and sorry that this chapter was a little on the short side.