i apologize for the wait. i reallly do! i've just been feeling so lazy, i just didn't feel like typing, i had this written for a while and i was being a bum so i apologize. many many times!


They'd woken up to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. Hand in hand Chad and Taylor walked back to Casa a la Chicas; a few whispered words later Chad sat on the porch as Taylor went inside to get a change of clothes. They were going to spend a few hours together and work on that trust thing. Maybe do a little more than that. Eh it was an idea.

"Morning Chad." Gabriella said, handing him a cup of tea. He smiled his thanks. Gabriella was such a nice girl, she was perfect for Troy. Mom and Dad Bolton would love her.

"Morning Gab, what's up?"

"Eh, you know working hard, taking my boyfriend to work. Being an all around famous pop star."

"Oh yeah, that's right you did take Troy with you yesterday, how did that go? I forgot to ask him.

"I made him sing." Chad snickered the picture of Troy singing and dancing on stage had him laughing even louder than before. Gabriella went back inside, figuring Chad was to busy laughing to notice she left.

Weirdo.

Taylor chose that moment to come down the stairs carrying a Louis Vuitton duffle. Gabriella arched a brow at the bag, while Taylor smiled sheepishly.

"Chad wants to spend the day together." She explained.

"So are we braving into the real world?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I want it to be just Chad and me for a while. Not me, Chad and the paps. So we're going to his place. What are up to today?"

"Recording, hanging out with Troy, more recording."

"Eww work, have fun with that chica."

"Get out of here brat."

"Come sweet let's go."

"Oh let me get that baby.' He said moving to grab her bag only to glare at her when she started protesting. Taylor threw her arms up in surrender, hand in hand they trekked heir way in silence up the beach.


Taylor made sure to feign sleep until thirty minutes after Gabby came and got the Blue-eyed devil. Couldn't risk being awake or running into him at the moment. There was only so much apologizing she could do at a time. It was a good thing Chad fell back asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

The lazy S.O.B

What was that sound? There it goes again. Upon closer inspection Tay realized it was Chad stomach. If his stomach was growling now he'd be up in about fifteen minutes. Just enough time to make breakfast.

Besides running Taylor also finds cooking relaxing. Especially if it was a state of the art steel, chrome and marble beauty, such as the one she was in now. It doesn't even look used. Men and their chauvinist view that the kitchen was a woman's domain. Well instead of worrying over intricacies that is the male mind, Tay got started on breakfast.

Coco Puffs sound really good right about now.

When he came down stairs, he found breakfast on the table, but no Taylor. Had she left? She didn't take her bags. Or maybe she was kidnapped and lying a ditch somewhere, bleeding to death-.

"Sweet, you alright?" Taylor asked from behind him. Chad launched himself on her, taking the both of them to the ground, placing kisses on every inch of her face.

"I'm fine just got worried that you were abducted and I didn't do anything to save you." Chad said incoherently and instead of laughing as he expected—hell even Taylor expected herself to laugh—only pulled Chad into her arms and squeezed.

"Its okay I was just in the bathroom. Now come eat."

Taking a seat at the table Chad took some of everything even the fruit, well except for the weird white things. Is she trying to poison him? Taylor looked from Chad's face to the plate and snorted at look of morbid fascination.

"They're eggs Sweet."

"But Tay eggs sunny side up aren't supposed to look like that." He said.

Poor thing looks so confused.

"These are poached eggs, way healthier."

"They're what?" he asked poking at the eggs.

"Eat your breakfast Chad. It's good for you."

"Alright, but I've never had a punched egg before." He warned, as he took a hesitant bite. "Oh this is good. What are you having baby?" Taylor scowled as food flew out of his mouth.

"What I always have for breakfast… Coco Puffs. I have to get my morning chocolate fix, Sweet." She replied taking a hearty spoonful of cereal.

"So how long after we came did Troy leave?" asked Chad.

"About an hour and a half." It took a few seconds for Taylor to realize she was caught. "How'd you know I was awake?"

"Seriously? You weren't as relaxed in my arms as you usually are." stupid snuggling giving her away. "Don't you think its time you apologized and talked?"

"I don't know how to apologize to people."

Ignoring the fact the she just apologized to him the night before Chad said to her,

"Then try. I can't have my lady and my best friend at odds. I don't want you to come over to hang out with me only to disappear when Troy comes around. Its not fair to me, that I can't have my tow favorite people together and getting along." He whispered, as Tay sighed dejectedly. She didn't want to apologize, but if that's what he wants then maybe she should do it. Or at least consider it.

"Gosh you're turning me into a saint, first monogamy now apologizing; what's next planting a garden?"

"Nah, I don't want you to good, I like a little naughty Taylor every now and them." He smirked. "But seriously think about it."

"Okay, finish your breakfast. I want to take a nap and then go jogging."

"Yes mama.

"Cheeky."


Gabriella was in the booth recording what Troy is calling a Taylor song, something about labels or love. Really what kind of question is that? Then it came to him,

A Taylor question, Troy.

How true, she does have the awful tenacity to shop all the time, all day, and everyday. It's like some kind of disease. He never thought he'd meet someone who shops more than Sharpay, but low and behold he did, and they're best friends. How can people so characteristically different be so alike at the same time be friends with someone like Gabriella? Someone so sweet, and caring.

Someone who made his insides feel like jelly. She's a phenomenal woman who deserves to be loved. But does he love her? And there is the million dollar question, ladies and gentleman, did he love her? Sure he liked her a lot, Gabby made him laugh, and she listens to what he has to say. She takes care of him. Gabriella makes him want to be a better person. Does he make her feel that way too?

This love stuff is confusing—she's done.

"Hey Troy, what you think about the song?" she asked plopping down next to him

"It reminds me of Taylor, but in a good way. I'm pretty sure there are a couple of Taylors in the world that would like this song." he said. She laughed that was exactly what she told Jason but he didn't believe her, well hah, the artist wins again.

"Anyways what were you thinking about so hard earlier?" she asked sobering up.

"Oh you know… life."

"Life." She said flatly. "Well life must be treating you well because… I love you."

"I love you too." He replied instantly. Then what he said hit him like a ton of bricks.

What did I just say? Why did I just say that?

"Troy what's wrong?"

"That's what I was thinking about… if I was ready to say that and I wasn't sure. But part of me is so happy because it felt right to say it, and the other part of me felt like it was too early. You're the only girlfriend I've ever said it to. That has to count for something? Right?' he sighed heavily.

Maybe she pushed too much too soon. Maybe she should've waited a little longer and let the words of Vulnerable sink in. Well its too late now, the cats out of the bag and they can only move forward now.

"I'm sorry for putting you on the spot Troy, but I really like being with yo and I thought we were at the same level. I assumed and I was wrong. I just felt vulnerable put it out in the open nicely." She said.

Maybe be that was a bit much Gabby, way to push him away farther.

"Gabriella where did you go to college?" he asked suddenly.

"Stanford, prelaw." She answered bemused. "Why?"

"Curious, I went to Berkeley Theater and basketball. I was up for a scholarship to Julliard but it went to Kelsi and Ryan, rightfully. Chad went to U of A and played for he Red Hawks. Where'd Taylor go?"

"Yale with honors majoring in Political Science and minor in Business. We had our back up plans just incase things didn't work out. Troy what's all this about?"

"I was just curious, but um excuse me I need some air. I'll be back in a few minutes." And just like that he was gone.

Way to go Gabby, way to go.

"Gabby which song next?" Jason asked. She was here to work, not act like a lovesick schoolgirl.

"Amazed but I want to do a little tweaking first." Jason wasn't thrilled the song was fine the way it was but she had that glint in her eyes and there was no swaying her from changing the song. Though it doesn't hurt to try.

"But Gab its fine-"

"I want it better. Excuse me for a minute; I'm going to go hijack a female rapper." They stared after her as she walked through the doors shell-shocked. That was the last thing they expected her to say or do. When Gabby wanted to make a change, she went all out.

"Well damn, let's get it ready for her then."

"Jas man… what's gotten into her?"

"Troy "Hoops" Bolton." He was trying really hard to not be jealous and he wasn't. Honestly he wasn't.

Fuck it I'm jealous of the bastard, the idiot got what I wanted. Troy never stays long with his girlfriends, so I'll be here for the rebound.

"Okay I'm back, and I brought Lil' Mama with me."

What the hell?

He's probably run four laps around the building already and he still has no clue what to do. Troy still has no clue as to what to do. He is conflicted.

Maybe Taylor was right date'em and leave'em it's easier. Won't have to worry about love. Did I really just think Taylor was right about something? Its official I'm losing my mind. Time to call in reinforcement.

Troy pulled out his cell and as he dialed the familiar number a sense of calm washed through him.

"Hello?" the voice answered after three rings.

"Mommy I need help." He whined into the phone.

"Uh oh, this sounds important let me sit down." She teased.

"Mom!"

"I'm kidding, but I'm ready lay it on me."

"So yesterday I recorded a song with Gabby, and I felt what she was trying to put out there. I mean she wrote the song about us… our relationship. And then today not even thirty minutes ago she told me she loves me."

"And?"

"I said it back."

"Yes that's what one usually does, when they feel the same way Troy."

"Mom." He bemoaned.

"Alright Troy tell mommy what's wrong."

"Half of me is ecstatic that that we said, but the other half of me feels like we said to soon. I just feel conflicted mom. We've been together like together for little over a month. Isn't it too soon?"

"Personally Troy, I think you and Gabby should've gotten together when you were younger. Who told me in seventh grade that he was going to marry Gabriella Montez? Who was ever the perfect gentleman whenever she came around the house for a project? Who went to all of her concerts in the hope that she would remember him? Honestly if you hadn't been so shy in high school you two would've been together then. Its never to soon to sat what you feel as long as what you're feeling is true, but if you're uncomfortable with saying it so soon tell her, she'll listen."

"Thanks mom. I will. I'll see you and dad soon."

"Bye honey. I love you."

"Love you too mom, bye."

"And bring Gabriella with you when you visit." Mrs. Bolton said and hung up. Troy could only smile at his moms antics.

Alright Troy are you in love with Gabriella Montez? Hell yeah I am.

Now all that was left was to tell her to her face.

Ahh fuck.


After their morning jog, Taylor and Chad took a shower—not together mind you – and cuddled on Chad's' bed watching TV. Well Chad was watching TV Taylor was working. Spring is just around the corner and her collection is nowhere near done. Plus she's launching a new line on top of her other two, on top of that she has yet to get started on Sharpay's reception dress. That's not to say she hasn't sketched anything because she has, she has at least four done and on that was carefully eluding her. It's the whole talking to her after their fight that has her worried. It's been three days since they've talked or seen each other, and that confrontation is bound to be uncomfortable. Seeing as both she and Sharpay are headstrong apologizing will be hard but that can't come between twenty years of friendship

Hopefully anyways. Now high waist or cinched waist? Decisions, decisions.

Women and their clothes.

Taylor has sat there the last there the last fifteen minutes using his head as a desk, while steadily muttering to herself about fabrics and what not. Who cares about the difference between silk satin and satin? Of if having a drop waist would be flattering. How the hell do women drop their waists? It seems physically impossible to him but women are always doing something wit their waists.

Females and their feminine wiles.

Out of nowhere Chad's stomach growled much to his embarrassment. Taylor smiled faintly at him.

"Is it someone's lunch time?" she asked the embarrassed NBA star. "Would you like me to go fetch you something?"

"If you wouldn't mind, and quit laughing at me." He said.

"You make it so easy though."

"Taylor!"

"Yes Sweet?"

"Come here." He growled. Taylor walked back over to the foot of the bed where he sat and pulled her down to meet his lips in a hungry kiss. And just like that the atmosphere changes around them, from light and teasing to hot and steamy. His hands found themselves tracing a soft pattern up the insides of her thighs moving higher and higher with every gasp coming from Taylor. She was so hot and just feeling him hard and ready beneath her turned her inside to lava. He just reached a little high and touched her something and she was fit to explode right on his lap.

My god what am I doing, control yourself Taylor. Remember slow, this is exactly why you bust a capon him yesterday. Sex—stop while your still clothed… or not.

Fuck I have to stop. I have to stop. Lord help me stop. Damn it Taylor stop squirming.

Finally he pulled is his lips from her breasts, and his hands from there little cocoon between her legs, both of them breathing heavily.

"Fuck I'm sorry, but I want you so bad." He growled hoarsely.

"Yeah well so do a lot of people." She replied coolly. "I'm sorry."

"Sometimes I forget how many people you've been with. It just seems like two you're different people. My Taylor and the worlds Taylor."

"I'm one person Chad."

"I know. Forgive me for that?"

"There's nothing to forgive that was mutual. I'm going to go get lunch, you cool off."

"Yes ma'am."

That was the best and worst thing that could have happened to them at the moment. They skipped second and third and almost got home! She's used to working fast but they were going 50 mph in a 5 mile zone. Not good for a fledgling relationship.

At least I don't think so.

"Taylor!"

"Taylor how are the collections coming?"

"Have you seen the new Mychal King ad?"

"Taylor are you taking a break on the whole boyfriend thing?"

"Taylor over here!"

Flashing flashing lights lights. I wondered when they would show up.

"Excuse me Ms. McKessie may I have a word please?"

Taylor stopped walking, and gazed in astonishment at the young man before her. Never have any of the paparazzi approached her so formally. How intriguing.

"You what's your question?"

"It's been rumored that you have taken up a relationship with Celtics star Chad Danforth does that rumor have any merit?"

You would ask that.

"No it's not true. Chad and I happen to share mutual friends and we all met up here by accident." She replied. The other photogs were surprised. Taylor McKessie never talks to the paparazzi. How did this newbie get her to talk?

"Thank you ma'am. Have a great day." Why is this kid doing this? He shouldn't be out here, with these losers.

"Hey I have a question of my own," at his nod, she continued to the shock of all the other photogs. "Why are you out here? You could be doing so many other things."

"I know that ma'am but I'm trying to save money for school. I got a partial scholarship, but I need to get the rest of the money before the semester starts. This seemed like the quickest way to go about it and still do what I love. I'm going to go to NYU and study photography. I've been taking pictures since forever and I'm really good."

"Oh." He sent a smile her way and turned to leave once more.

Curse my good heart. I can't let him do this for the rest of his life.

"Hey what's your name?" she asked.

"Liam ma'am. Liam Nelson."

"Well Liam, you want to be a professional photographer right?" at his excited nod, she continued. "Come have lunch with me and we'll talk business." she said.

Anything to keep my mind of Chad.


So thinking about telling someone you love them and actually doing it were two different things. After having that talk with his mom Troy went back upstairs with the intention of telling Gabby, but chickened out at the last second.

Now they sat in troy's Mercedes cruising down the highway in silence, neither sure how to break it.

"Troy I want us to be like we were before. I'm sorry if what I said freaked you out. We can pretend like it never happened if that's what you want." whispered Gabby as she looked out at the passing scenery and not him.

"No, no it's fine."

"NO its not. You haven't said anything to me since and I feel closed off from you—. "

"Well stop feeling like that. Don't laugh at me but I talked to my mom and she said that is never too early as long s what you feel is right." he said glancing at her.

It's the moment of truth Troy.

"It is true!"

"I love you." They said simultaneously.

"Go ahead troy."

"I love you. You make me happy and for as long as you want I'll love you and make you happy to."

"Aww, Troy I love you to." Gabby grasped his hand and placed a kiss on his palm.


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