Open for Business
Summary: Rivals in business – Neighbours in life. Party animal and babe magnet Troy Bolton oozed confidence by the bucket load. Health nut and yoga freak Gabriella was bubbly and feisty when riled. Are there fireworks ahead?
Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney. I just have them on secondment.
"Most of my stock and my dignity," retorted Gabriella with a cheeky grin, pausing when Taylor narrowed her eyes menacingly. "Maybe...a...a brick or two tumbled out of the wall," she admitted with a blush staining her cheeks.
Disappointed
It felt good to be back on a basketball court, especially at the Staples Center. It felt like he'd come home. He didn't get chance to play until the last quarter as the Coach swapped the team about, playing to the chants from the crowd and giving everyone a fair crack at the whip. The celebrities were giving them a run for their money. If the crowd were expecting a walkover by the professionals and ex- professionals they were sadly disappointed. Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty from One Tree Hill fame were taking the game to them however they were hampered by their own team mates, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc who were less than effective, playing to the crowd and clowning about which went down a storm with the watching public but did little to help their team. By the time the buzzer went to signal the end of the third quarter, the celebrities had the edge by five points.
Troy took over from Derek Fisher as point guard, teaming up with Chad and Zeke. It was like old times as they fell into a familiar routine, each knowing what the others would do and where they would be on court. They turned the play up a notch, stretching the celebrities beyond their limits and turning it into an exhibition game. The crowd loved it, clapping and shouting encouragement including the three girls who knew absolutely nothing about the game but were there to support the guys.
Sweat glistened on Troy's forehead, arms and legs by the time the final buzzer sounded, his leg ached but he wasn't unduly bothered by it. He'd proved he could still play a mean game even though he wasn't as fit as he could be and he had to admit, he'd enjoyed every minute.
"Fuck, Troy, you were dynamite out there," exclaimed Chad as he patted him on the back.
"You weren't too bad yourself," returned Troy with a smirk, "for a fat bastard."
"Hey! Less of the fat, if you don't mind," huffed Chad with an answering grin. Zeke shook his head at the pair.
"Hey, will you two quit it," he scolded. "Get a shower, the girls are waiting."
"Er...waiting for what?" Troy was puzzled but his heart did a little skip with the thought of Gabriella waiting for him.
"Why to take us out to dinner of course. Sharpay promised dinner was on her if we won," explained Zeke.
"So what are we waiting for?" Chad ran ahead pulling his singlet from his body as he ran.
Sharpay had already booked a table at Beso whether they won or lost but she wasn't going to tell Zeke that. She wanted him to work for it and work he had, the perspiration clinging to his body an unexpected turn on for her and she made a mental note to reward him in the time honoured fashion later that night.
"Why didn't you tell me we'd be going to a restaurant," grumbled Gabriella when Sharpay had informed them of her plans for a celebratory meal as they waited outside for the guys. "And a posh one at that."
"I forgot okay," admitted Sharpay, "anyway, it's my treat so chill and enjoy it." Gabriella glared at her.
"Come on, Gabs, it'll be fun. It's a great way to end the weekend," Taylor cajoled her.
"S'pose," muttered Gabriella with a sigh.
"Oh stop being a sourpuss. What's up with you?" demanded Sharpay. Gabriella looked down at her knee length pencil skirt and plain white blouse and pulled a face.
"I'm not really dressed for it," she mumbled frowning.
"You look beautiful to me," said an appreciative voice from behind her and she spun round to find Troy looking her up and down, a smile on his face. Gabriella blushed, flicking her eyes to his then darting away. Sharpay and Taylor giggled, looked at Gabriella then at each other, their eyebrows kinking knowingly.
"Thanks," she mumbled to the floor.
"Glad that's settled," Taylor said giving Troy a grateful smile before going over to Chad to congratulate him.
"I wasn't joking," Troy said softly from her side. Gabriella jerked her head up, she hadn't realised he'd moved. Their eyes connected and Gabriella felt a smile tug on her lips.
"I just hope no-one mistakes me for one of the serving staff," she moaned. Troy chuckled and bending his head whispered in her ear.
"Highly unlikely but you can service me if you like." Gabriella gasped feeling a hot tide of color run up her cheeks once more.
"In your dreams, Bolton."
"Always," he shot back huskily. She gasped again, lost for words.
"Right people, lets get going. The table is booked for 8pm," informed Sharpay making them move away from the Staples Center across the car park. Troy took the opportunity to place his hand in the small of Gabriella's back, guiding her towards the few remaining cars.
"Are you driving?" Gabriella could only nod too aware of the warmth of his hand that sent tingles up her spine.
"Can I get a lift, only Chad brought me and I have a feeling my seat has already been taken." Gabriella looked across and saw Taylor walking with Chad towards his car. Sharpay was already sat in the passenger seat of Zeke's wheels.
"I guess," she shrugged carelessly, busily fishing in her bag for her car keys she missed the satisfied smile on Troy's face.
Gabriella strapped herself behind the wheel, placed the key in the ignition then looked up to see where the others were before starting the car and following Chad towards the exit, all the while aware of Troy's eyes on her and hoping she wouldn't stall the car or something just as idiotic; the way her palms were sweating under his scrutiny, anything was possible. Troy, in the passenger seat, sat back leaning against the door to enjoy the view, noticing the cute way she bit her bottom lip as she concentrated on where she was going then breaking out into an appreciative smile as he watched her skirt ride up her thigh as she worked the pedals. It was hard to hold in the sudden inclination to run his hand along the exposed skin but he knew he'd be pushing his luck if he tried it and there was the safety aspect too, she only needed to press the accelerator and they'd end up in the back of Chad, then he would be screwed.
"Not that I know anything about basketball but it looked like you enjoyed yourself tonight," Gabriella commented when the silence became too oppressive.
"Yeah, I did. I...it's been a while," admitted Troy hesitantly.
"Do you miss it?" she asked curiously.
"Sometimes. I often wonder how far I could have gone if it hadn't been for this damn knee," he sighed unconsciously rubbing his knee.
"Does it still hurt?"
"No. I get an odd twinge now and then but nothing I can't handle."
"That's good," she commented risking a brief sympathetic glance before shooting back to the road ahead.
"If I'd said it still hurt would you have kissed it better?" He wondered aloud giving her a cheeky grin.
"Maybe, but you'll never know now," she teased throwing him a smile.
"Damn it! I knew I should have said it ached like hell," he grumbled enjoying the adorable giggle that burst from her lips. The rest of the journey passed in an amiable atmosphere and they pulled in beside Zeke's Beamer laughing at the raccoon experience. Sharpay stared at them open-mouthed, nudging Taylor, who had walked over, in the ribs. Taylor frowned at her, shook her head slightly as if warning her not to say anything.
The evening turned out to be surprisingly entertaining and not as uncomfortable as Gabriella had first envisioned; the food was mouthwatering, the conversation relaxed and often humorous as tales of past escapades were retold, wine flowed in abundance for those able to take advantage and she saw Troy in a different light, showing both his serious side and his rapier wit. She casually mentioned the party she was having the following Sunday and the guys leapt at it until she told them they'd have to bring a paintbrush with them, the girls laughing when they all let out a groan.
"That's a sneaky trick." Chad glared at her.
"Not at all, Chad. I didn't lie, I am having a party and as host I will be supplying the food and drink."
"Yeah but you got us under false pretences," Troy argued.
"Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do," she shrugged carelessly. "Scared to get your hands dirty, Bolton?" she challenged.
"No, I can get dirty, Montez," he shot back with a smirk. Gabriella shot him a look unsure how to take that comment but decided to let it go. Sharpay shot Taylor a knowing glance, a smirk on her face.
"Glad to hear it. So shall we say 10am at my place, there's a fair bit to do," she warned.
"Can't wait," Troy responded with a smirk as the others concurred. Gabriella shot him a worried look but he just gave her an innocent glance back. She nibbled her bottom lip, wondering what he was up to. She was surprised when Taylor gasped at the time, Chad jumping up to escort her home and the evening drew to a close.
"I guess you're leaving your car at mine until tomorrow?" Gabriella questioned with a smirk as she looked at Sharpay's glazed eyes.
"Hic! I fink I should, hic," replied Sharpay. Gabriella, Troy and Zeke burst out laughing as Sharpay blushed.
"Hmm! I think it would be best too," Gabriella smirked as she stood up, picking up her purse. She looked at Zeke, a question in her eyes.
"Don't worry, Gabi, I'll look after her." Gabriella smiled and nodded. Sharpay dealt with the bill and they all walked outside together. Gabriella gave Zeke and Sharpay a hug before walking to her car.
"I guess you want a ride home?" she paused looking at Troy who had followed her.
"Well...I was kinda hoping."
"Get in," she sighed opening the door with her fob. They climbed in, buckled up and Gabriella set the car in motion.
"I've had a good time today," Troy said.
"Yeah, I did too," admitted Gabriella, "surprisingly so."
"Why so surprised?"
"Oh, well I'd never been to a basketball game before, didn't understand the rules but I enjoyed it none the less. I never realised it was so fast and furious," she explained with a giggle.
"Hmm, I could explain the rules to you, even take you to a league game, if you want," he offered. Gabriella thought about it, trying to decide what his angle was.
"Thanks, I think I'd like that," she replied softly. Troy smiled happily.
"Good, it's a date then." Gabriella shot him a level look. "I...it's just a figure of speech," he explained hurriedly, not wanting to come on too strong and frighten her although inside he was buzzing with excitement.
"Okay, it's a deal," she accepted with a smile.
"Have you got all the equipment for next week?" he asked changing the subject.
"Well, I've got the materials and a couple of paintbrushes in the trunk. I still have to get a ladder and I was thinking of buying a couple of rollers but then we saw a demonstration today with a spray gun so I'm still undecided."
"Don't get a ladder, I have one you can borrow," he offered.
"Really? Thanks, Troy, that saves me a job. I was going to hire one for the weekend."
"Well now there's no need." Gabriella smiled at him briefly before refocusing on driving as she turned into their road and pulled up on her drive. They got out and she flicked the fob at the car to lock it before turning to walk to her door only to find Troy right there with her, his hand on her back once more.
"Thanks for the ride," he said once they reached her door. She inserted her key into the lock then turned smiling at him.
"You're welcome," she replied only to be shocked into silence when he leant down, his lips brushing against hers in a chaste kiss.
"Goodnight, Gabi," he said softly as he straightened up and walked over to his house, leaving her staring after him in wonder, her lips tingling from the contact.
"G...goodnight, Troy," she mimicked huskily not thinking he could have heard her response but he looked over, a smile on his lips and with a cheeky wink disappeared through his front door. She stood there a moment feeling strangely bereft, wishing for more, surprised and more than a little disappointed with his restraint.