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Chapter 19: This Ain't Worth the Stress

"Whoo!" Chad grabbed his water from the table and chugged it down. "This is the best vacation ever!"

Taylor, who decided she had enough dancing for one night, had taken her seat back at their table with Gabriella. She looked up at him with amusement. "Oh, so you're finally finished showing off your undiscovered talents?"

Chad leaned down and wrapped his arms around her. "I couldn't help myself. It was like the music just took control of me. The next thing I know, I'm busting moves with Martha."

Gabriella giggled. "Looks like she's rubbed off on you a little."

Chad smirked. "Maybe." Ever since he and Taylor met Martha at the studio, he'd been drawn to it. He even joined one of her morning classes. He loved the feeling of just letting go and blocking out the world while the music pounded in his ears.

Taylor piled their dirtied plates on top of each other. "Well, I don't know about you Mr. Dance Machine, but I for one am worn out."

"Tell me about it," Chad said, rubbing his shoulder painfully. "I think I'll take you up on that spa offer."

Taylor hopped from her seat with a big smile. "Yes! Now this is what I call a vacation." She reached over and hugged Gabriella. "I'll see you at the dinner tonight?"

Gabriella nodded. "I'll be there."

Chad winced as he took Taylor's hand. "How can you think about food after that buffet?" He had forgotten about the text they received during the party announcing that night's event. He was considering declining that offer, doubting he could ever eat another bite for the rest of his stay there.

Taylor placed her hand over his forehead. "Yea, you must be sick. Three strikes in a row and I'm taking you for a check up."

They exchanged goodbyes with Gabriella and headed back to the streets to catch a cab.

While they stood facing the congested roads, Chad meditated on the previous entertainment. He couldn't believe how much fun he had with his old classmates. Nostalgia began to seep in as he thought back on all the old times they shared. Back when it was all about having a good time. He assumed that was the purpose of this whole gathering. Someone wanted the Wildcats to remember who they were. Not just as individuals, but as a group. A team. He hadn't realized how much he missed that team, but was grateful to be able to experience the fun once again since what seemed like so long ago.

It would have been nice if Troy was a part of it, but he had done enough stressing about Bolton. He had a good time without him these last two days. What did he need him for now?

Suddenly a taxi maneuvered its way near the curb and stopped beside them. The window rolled down to reveal Ryan Evans.

"You guys need a ride?"

Chad and Taylor smiled back at him.

Chad pressed his head up against the black leather seat as the Taxi pulled off. "What happened, man?" He raised his chin a little to look over Taylor's head at Ryan who sat on the other side of her. "You missed the party."

"I know." Ryan stared out of his window. "I wasn't in much of a partying mood." The only thing he was in the mood for was going back to the hotel and checking out. After his encounter with Sharpay he hastily caught a taxi and had been riding around the city ever since. If he hadn't spotted Taylor and Chad exiting Central Park, who knows where he would have ended up. He didn't even want to think about what his fee had amounted to.

His audition replayed over and over in his head and every playback made him angrier. Was Sharpay trying to destroy his career? That was it. She wanted to make sure that he would never rise to her level because she knew that he would go so much further than she ever could. Congratulations, Shar, he thought. Mission accomplished.

Taylor narrowed her eyes and slid them from one boy to the other. "Have you two switched brains or something?" She turned to Ryan. "You look exactly how Chad did before we got here. Is everything ok?"

Let's see. He flew all the way to the other side of the country to pursue his dreams only to have his twin sister crash back into his life and shatter those dreams. Everything was perfect! Of course he couldn't explain that to Taylor without her thinking he was snapping out on her. So instead he just said, "Everything's fine."

He gave a heavy breath, regretting the tension in his jaw. Some things you just can't pull off.

"Hey." Ryan looked up to see Chad staring back at him with concern. "We're on our way to the hotel spa for some serious stress relief ourselves." He lifted a shoulder. "You're welcome to join us."

Ryan considered the invitation. During the two days he'd been in New York, not once had he really gotten the chance to enjoy himself. This could be his opportunity. It was either that or mope around in his lonely room feeling sorry for himself.

He nodded. "Count me in."