Chapter 25 – Double Dates and Beach Days
Friday, April 6th, 2018
Troy was fast asleep when I walked into his apartment just like the past several days that I have been around him. He was constantly asleep since we got back from Texas. We got back Sunday morning and he had several series of x-rays taken of his wrist and they wanted him to get an MRI, which happened this morning. He was going to class and he worked two shifts this week but any other time I found him or Grey they were dead ass asleep.
Lauren and I both have had enough of this bull shit and decided we were all going out to dinner tonight. I crawled onto his bed and I massaged his back with my hands when he moaned. His wrist was in a brace at the moment but they were concerned about some ligament damage from the constant stress and the two different falls. "B," he mumbled in his sleep and damn did he have the sexiest sleepy voice in the world. Panty dropper.
"You need to get up." I said, "It's almost been a week since your last game. I know how that post-season fatigue goes but I miss you. I miss my boyfriend. This is our time to shine before we both are doing basketball again but I just…I miss you." I mumbled and he exhaled and flipped over while still securing me in my spot causing me to squeal. Those blue eyes appeared from under those dark eyelashes and his hands rubbed my thighs gently.
"You miss me?" he asked letting that grin that made my insides Jell-O and I nodded my head as I leaned forward to press my mouth against his. His brace scratched underneath my t-shirt and I sighed, "How was the MRI?" I asked him as I sat back up and he let out a sigh, "They did an arthrogram so they injected it with dye and a steroid shot. It feels a bit better right now." I smiled, "Good. I am really glad. Did they say when you would hear back?"
"Monday," he paused and those eyes lifted to mine again, "Please kiss me again," I grinned as I bent over him again and pressed my lips to his. It quickly became a very needy kiss as he gently opened my mouth and let his tongue dive into my mouth. I moaned quietly against him as it had been too long since I had been able to be with him. He eased me onto my back but cursed when he realized he couldn't put any pressure on his right hand. He groaned as he collapsed back onto his back and I laughed while snuggling closer to him.
"Grey and Lauren are going out to dinner with us tonight." He sighed and nodded his head, "We need a date though," he reminded me as he kissed the top of my head and I nodded in agreement, "We do. How about we do something tomorrow?" I asked him and Troy smiled with a nod, "I'd love to have you for two nights all to myself." I sat up and Troy pulled me back down to press his lips back over mine again. "Do we have to go tonight?" he mumbled and I giggled, "Yes, we do."
"Not if you keep giggling like that," he warned and I laughed rolling out of his bed and he tried to grab me but failed. He shook his head with a smile on his face as he was able to get a haircut this week and he looked damn good. "C'mon babe," I said as I walked out of the room while Lauren came out of Grey's room with a smile on her face. I smiled shaking my own head as I plopped down on the couch. Lauren sat down next to me and she sighed.
"They are so lazy." She said looking around the dirty apartment. They had clothes, food, and empty Gatorade bottles strewn everywhere in the living room. They literally were only doing the bare minimum this week as they deserved to do. My eyes scanned the entire area and I shook my head as I heard two different showers turn on as we both laughed. "How did you convince him?" I asked and Lauren giggled, "A good night later." I rolled my eyes. "You make sure to tell me which apartment you're going back too." She wiggled her eyebrows and I laughed, "How about a girl's day soon?" I asked and she nodded her head up and down, "Yes,"
Troy was the first person out of his room as he was finishing pulling on a clean t-shirt with a pair of jeans that were snug on his hips with a pair of converse on his feet. "Damn," I muttered and Lauren snickered next to me. "Which apartment are you going back to tonight?" I laughed and Troy let those eyes snap over to me. "Gabs, what did I say about laughing?" I felt my face fall flat and those corners of his lips tugged again. I looked over at Lauren and we both busted out into laughter. We were crying we were laughing so hard.
"What did you do Bolton?" I looked up at Grey and Troy just shook his head back and forth with a smile on his face. "I told Gabs that we weren't going to be able to leave tonight if she kept laughing because damn it's music to my ears but here they are laughing." He was smirking and I couldn't stop my laughing again as he picked me up, I squealed and he shoved his mouth over mine causing me to grin from ear to ear and was quickly silenced.
"Well…"
"Nope," Grey said, "You two need to come on." We both sighed as he winked before dropping me down onto the floor. His hand folded into mine, "Where are we off too?" Grey asked and I smiled, "The best Italian restaurant downtown." I told him and Grey grinned from ear to ear. "That's my favorite," he grinned and Troy gave a confused look, "Trust us…" I said with a deceiving smile and he only nodded his head as he smiled, "I'll always trust you."
Troy's POV
Gabi let out a laugh as she leaned backwards with a big smile on her face. We had finished dinner twenty minutes ago but were still sitting around and just sharing stories and laughing. It felt good to just be with my best friend and my girlfriend. It felt good to know that I didn't have anywhere else to be but right here enjoying this moment. My hand settled over the top of her knee while she looked over at me with a breathtaking smile. Damn, she knew how to handle me.
"Troy, truth or dare?" Lauren asked continuing our game that we loved to play. "Truth," I finished as she grinned from ear to ear. I was suddenly afraid of the question she was going to ask me and Gabi let her eyes go wide, "Craziest thing you have ever done?" she asked and I felt a smirk rise to my lips, "Oh easy…kayaking down a river high as a fucking kite." I told her causing Grey to bust out laughing. My eyes flickered to Gabi who wasn't laughing at all but looked kind of…mad. I frowned slightly as Lauren moved on to Gabi, "Craziest thing you've ever done G?"
My eyes watched her closely as she just shook her head, "No thanks," she mumbled as Grey went into some long story about a party that he attended in high school but I stopped listening as Gabi played with her hands and I squeezed her knee hoping that she would look at me. "Gabs," I mumbled and she finally pulled her eyes to mine to quickly pull them away. I found her hand and she looked up at me again with a sigh coming over her lips.
"Are you okay?" I asked and she forced a smile onto her face and I stroked my thumb across her hand. I pulled her closer to me and she wanted to resist but didn't so I let her go. "C'mon," I said as I turned my attention towards Grey and Lauren. "We're going to go walk around for a few minutes. I'll text you when we're on the way to the car." I said as I took out cash to cover my portion of this date and Grey nodded as he understood that something was off.
Gabi followed me outside and I turned to focus my attention on her. "What's wrong?" I asked her and those brown eyes that had me weak flickered up to mine. "I didn't know you've smoked before," I bit my lip as I was really wondering if this was what was upsetting her. "Yea, I mean…it's technically legal in Oregon." I said simply and her eyes looked down at the ground and she sighed, "Does that bother you?" I asked her again and she shook her head no. "Then what's wrong?" I asked again and she just started to walk away. "Gabi," I basically growled her name in frustration as I caught up to her.
"I was high when I got into my car accident. I wasn't that drunk, but I was definitely high." She started as my hand gripped around her forearm gently to just stop her from moving. "I didn't want to drive because of how high I was so I figured it would be safer for my friend who only drank to drive. Stupid me," she flat lined and I frowned because this is the most she has ever spoke of her accident. I never pushed the subject. I wanted to know everything from the accident and the entire downfall of who she was.
"Neither of you should have drove," I said softly and this caused her eyes to swing to mine as if she wanted to yell at me for knowing that already. "But," I said quickly, "You can't go back and change what has already happened. If I get high, it's normally with friends in a safe location where we can eat food and just let go for a little bit. I don't do it often and I sure as hell would never put myself in danger after the last time."
Her eyebrows rose and I picked up her hand as I pulled her fingers to my scar on my jaw, "We crashed into rocks and I tore up my face. Of course, our parents didn't want us smoking weed so we had to come down from the high first before we could seek medical attention. It bled like a mother fucker," I told her and those brown eyes were soft, "I'm just glad we were all being safe otherwise. Helmets, life jackets, etc." I told her with a shrug.
Gabi exhaled and I pulled her into my body, "I haven't smoked since I got here in August," I told her quietly, "I haven't since that night." Gabi let her body rest for a moment, "It was stupid to do. I knew better than that but I thought my friend had only a couple of drinks but apparently had more than that. We were both cited for drinking underage but because my last name is Montez I was let off with a warning."
"And your friend?" I asked her, her lips flat lined, "We aren't friends anymore if that's what you're asking." I just shook my head, "Was she okay?" she turned her head and just nodded as she clammed up on the subject again. "Is that everything or is something else bothering you?" I asked her and she just shook her head, "Gabs," I asked one more time out of concern and those brown eyes held mine. "I'm fine," she clipped and I didn't push the subject further.
Grey and Lauren caught up with us as Grey gave me a look and I just shrugged my shoulders. I would try again later tonight. Lauren went over to Gabi as they walked ahead and I hung back with Grey. "She just basically said she was high the night of her car accident and I don't know. I don't know why she seems mad at me." I stressed and Lauren looked over her shoulder quickly but adverted her attention back to Gabi when she caught me staring.
"Yea, she was. I got her high that night." Grey said with a sad shrug, "I didn't realize her friend was drunk that night."
"Ya'll keep mentioning said friend but she definitely won't talk about her." Grey paled slightly, "It wasn't really a girl," Grey confessed and I stopped in my tracks, "I thought it was just Cooper before me," I stated and Grey laughed, "Just because Coop took her v-card didn't mean there weren't other guys she hung around. Easy Bolton, it's fine. He's long gone from her life." I frowned as I followed all of them trying to catch up what he was saying. Grey found Lauren's hand and I eased my hand into Gabi's as she relaxed at my touch. My lips pressed into her hair as I breathed in her scent. "I'm sorry if I made you mad or whatever…" I drug off and she squeezed my hand.
"It wasn't you T, it was just…the thought of you getting hurt or worse. I mean your wrist already isn't looking good and that makes me worry. I don't know and then with everything from the car accident." I again didn't push it but only kissed her head, "I swear I never did it again. I was seventeen and dumb." She giggled at that and my heart swelled with want as I kissed her cheek. "I love you," I whispered and she smiled, "I love you too."
Gabi's POV
Grey laughed with Lauren trying to play Fortnite but was unsuccessful as Troy let his thumb swipe down my palm. He was on edge ever since I panicked over the whole smoking weed thing. It didn't bother me that he did. I was mostly just really surprised that he did. Troy didn't seem like the type to ever let go of his control that he had. I have never seen him overly drunk before, never does anything too far across the edge. He knows how to remain in control and steady.
It just brought back too many memories of Ren and I from that night. Memories I didn't want to remember and I don't know. I just wasn't there anymore. I leaned into Troy and his lips found my temple as he balanced a beer on his knee. A quick inhale of breath from me has his eyes turning downwards towards me. "Do you want to go play?" he whispered and I just nodded my head. He knew that I wanted to talk but didn't know how. He knew that basketball was the easiest answer to it all. He just knew.
Troy finished off his beer and I got up first as I was having fun with my best friends but I think I needed time with just him. "Gabs and I are going to the court for a bit." Troy said tossing his beer bottle away and Grey looked over at Troy as they had a silent conversation among each other. "Troy, I thought the doctor said no basketball until the wrist is better." Grey shot out and I flashed my eyes over to Troy who was staring down at Grey.
"I'll take it easy." He said before disappearing into his room. I followed as I had a pair of shorts and a long-sleeve shirt leftover from a couple of weeks ago. I changed and Troy let his hand find my bare skin and he pulled me back against him. His lips diving down to the hollow point in my neck and a sweet kiss was placed there. "I feel like you're a million miles away from me," he whispered and I smiled turning around to press my lips against his inviting his tongue to come to the party.
He groaned as he pulled away from the kiss, "If we do this then we won't leave," he whispered and I just giggled causing him to shake his head back and forth. We both slipped on tennis shoes before walking out of the door. Troy picked up a basketball as he was bouncing it up and down when the door down the hall opened to reveal my dad stepping through. I almost panicked but when I realized that he knew and I didn't have to panic.
"Gabi," he said looking up surprised and then over to Troy, a thought probably wondering through his mind as to what we had been doing. I just shook that thought out of my head. "Troy," my dad nodded, "Where are you two off too?" I bit down on my lip, "We're going to play basketball." I said simply and my dad snapped his attention to Troy with that statement, "Troy, Brent told you to lay off of the wrist."
"I promise to know not to be hard on it." Troy communicated other thoughts towards me because this was for me. "Dad, I just want to do a few things. He's going with me." Troy's blue eyes focused on me with an intense buzz, "I just don't want Troy to do more damage." Troy just nodded his head, "I know. Trust me, I don't want to do a lot," my dad smiled and nodded as I thought it was weird that he was here after eleven in the apartments.
"What are you doing here dad?" I asked and his eyes looked up towards me with a shrug, "Just coming to check things out. Making sure no parties or anything is happening. Just my normal check of things." Troy nodded as if it was standard and he bounced the ball again before my dad nodded, "Dinner soon?" my dad asked and I just nodded, "Of course,"
"Both of you," he finished out and Troy looked at him in surprise, "Yea, I'll text you tomorrow." We both began to move in opposite directions as Troy bounced the ball the entire way to the court and he bounced it to me when we arrived. The April wind whipping around us as he rolled from the balls of his feet and he watched me. "This is for you, I really can't play." He said with a shrug of his shoulders, "But I will watch you play, like I love to do." I tried to fight a smile as I took the ball between my hands. "How bad is that wrist?" I asked him, turning my head and he shrugged, "Not good." I frowned, "Don't worry about it," he interjected and I sighed as I bounced the ball a couple of times before I was feeling the game inside of me.
I messed around on the court for a little bit trying to lose myself but I really couldn't. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't lose myself so I stepped after I missed another shot to a concerned set of blue eyes on top of me. "My friend the night of the car accident, was a bit more than my friend. It was one of my true first boyfriends," I admitted to him and he didn't look surprised or upset by the comment. He just wanted to know what was wrong with me.
"Ren and I hit it off in high school. One of my best friends in high school and we both knew we were going to Duke and we finally just tried a relationship. We were out together and I got high while he had a couple of drinks. I didn't think he was that drunk so I left with him." I played with my thumb and I walked closer to Troy until I could catch his scent underneath of my nose. His hand stretched out towards me and I took it in relief. "We made out for a bit and then he wanted to take me somewhere to get milkshakes. I was high and it sounded so damn good, I agreed. We were on the road for maybe two minutes before Ren plowed through an intersection and the other car hit my side of the car."
Troy's lips were in a flat line and I shrugged trying to remember how to breath because I couldn't breathe. It was all stuck. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze, "I fucking tore my knee apart, had a pretty bad concussion, and my hip was dislocated. I barely remember half of it but I just remember waking up in the hospital confused and devastated when I heard that my knee wasn't ever going to be the same. I was so mad at Ren, I was pissed."
"He never even came to visit me." I said flatly and Troy let those full lips fall into a disappointed frown. "Apparently, he felt terrible for ending my career, even though, clearly, he didn't end my career but he couldn't face me. He transferred to some school in Florida and never returned. Never called. Never sent one text apologizing for lying about how drunk he was." Troy just shook his head back and forth and his jaw tightened together. He reached up to hold my face with his good hand, "I'm sorry B," I shook my head with a shrug, "I was stupid too. I had my own faults with that night but I should have known better that Ren was lying about how much he had to drink that night. I knew better."
"Doesn't matter," Troy said simply, "He should have never offered to drive either."
My eyes flickered away and Troy gently turned my head back to him, "If I wasn't high, I would have known better." I said flatly and Troy shrugged, "It happened though and we can't go back. You can only move forward." His thumb left a trail down my cheek and towards my jaw and up to my lips. "But let's put it this way," Troy said softly, "If you hadn't been in that car accident, you would have had basketball. You would have never been angry and gone after Cooper. Your dad wouldn't have been looking for somebody to replace him and then I wouldn't be right here." His words floated towards the trees in a quiet whisper. "I wouldn't have met the most beautiful, gorgeous, talented, smart ass woman that you are." His words brought a smile to my face and he smiled softly back, "I would have never fell head over heels in love with you and damn would I have missed out."
I exhaled a big breath and I leaned into him. His lips greeted mine in a warm kiss that caused my knees to weaken with want. His mouth sucked on my bottom lip and his hand crept up towards my back before he pulled his legs apart and I settled between them. Our lips needy and frantic over each other as we couldn't kiss fast enough. He pulled away taking a deep breath as I felt his dick trying hard to escape from its restraint.
I felt my cheeks blush and he laughed as he knew what I was thinking, "B, your laugh makes my dick hard. What do you think kissing does to it?" I couldn't help but laugh and he shook his head with a smile while trying to hide his want for me. "So why did the question freak you tonight?" he asked and I shrugged, "It just brought it all back but you're right. If none of that would have happened you wouldn't be right here with me." A smile twitched to my lips, "And damn am I happy that you are right here in front of me."
He couldn't contain himself after that as he pulled me back into his body and those lips, those fucking lips drove me up a damn wall. "C'mon," I pulled out my cell phone to text Lauren as I was glad we could all switch apartments. It was easy dating roommates because we just had to flip to a different apartment. I tracked her location to the boy's apartment and I tugged Troy's hand towards mine. I sent a text to Lauren to let her know Troy and I were going back to our apartment.
"I'm out of condoms at yours," he said quickly and I groaned, my eyes flickered around looking for somewhere for us to buy more. "I forgot to take my pill yesterday and today." I told him and Troy shook his head back and forth. "Condoms," he echoed and I just nodded as we made it back to my apartment before I ran inside to grab my keys. I looked at my bedroom to see it was mostly put together. No dirty clothes laying around. My bed was semi-made and ready for my boyfriend to be in it with me. I ran back out and climbed into my car as we sped towards a convenience store. Troy let his hand run up and down my thigh.
When I pulled in Troy grinned from ear to ear as he slipped out of the car and ran inside. He was wearing a pair of black Nike shorts with his Nike tennis shoes untied as if he just slipped them on. His wrist not allowing too much shoe tying. His white shirt fitted to his strong muscles over his biceps and his back muscles taunted me. I patiently waited for him as I scrolled through my twitter feed, my Instagram feed, and then my Facebook feed before I finally looked up wondering where in the hell he was. I pulled up my messenger app to send a text to Troy. My eyes glanced up to see my dad walking out of the convenience store and I felt my eyes go wide. I quickly pulled away from the store hoping he didn't spot me as my dad glanced around before getting into his car as I drove off. I typed out a text on my iPhone towards Troy.
Gabi: I'll be right back.
I did a couple of circles of the little area before I pulled back in and I looked around to see if my dad was still in the parking lot waiting. I didn't see him and then I pulled up to the front doors as Troy slipped out of the store and right to my car as he pressed his lips together and he shook his head back and forth as if he was daring me to laugh. I let a little giggle out and Troy just shook his head as if he wasn't amused. Yet, I could see his lips trying really hard to restrain that smile on his face. "Gabs, I was literally in the condom aisle when he called my name out."
A louder laugh escaped from my lips and I couldn't stop as tears were streaming down my face. "I was between pregnancy tests and condoms. Your dad just stared at me with the widest look on his face. I told him I was just helping out Grey." I bit my lip as I looked at him wiping away tears causing Troy to laugh looking at me. "I hope he didn't see you," Troy said rubbing his forehead and I laughed again causing an amused smile to cross his face.
"I'm glad you find this really funny." I just shook my head back and forth as Troy pulled up the bag as he had two different boxes. He stashed one in the back of my car under the seat and I just raised my eyebrow towards him. "You never know B, you never know." I laughed and he squeezed my knee with his hand as he pulled out a movie and some other stuff in the bag. "What is all of that?" I asked him and he laughed, "I was making seem I was running there for me and he just asked me to grab him a box."
"Good thinking, I'm more impressed that you just threw Grey underneath of the bus." Troy laughed as I pulled back into my apartment complex, "He isn't dating Coach's daughter." Troy pointed out wisely, "He knows the rest of them are having sex but he definitely doesn't need to know that we are having sex because I can only imagine what that awful, painful conversation would be like." A laugh escaped my mouth one more time and he finally unbuckled his seat belt and leaned over the seats before his mouth captured mine.
"I told you exactly what that fucking laugh does to me Gabriella," he whispered pulling back and I smirked widely as I reached down to feel him though the thin shorts causing him to groan. "Yup, we need to go." Troy said rolling out of the car causing me to laugh as I picked up the bags and we made a dash for my apartment. We weren't even inside the apartment yet before he had his hands up my shirts and towards my breasts. The door collapsed shut and I locked it as we stumbled in the kitchen before he slid me onto the counter. His lips never leaving mine until they were trailing down my body.
He lifted my shirt up and over my body until it hit the floor and my bra was next as I folded my arms through the sports bra before it hit the ground. He pulled his shirt off with one hand when I reached into his shorts and grabbed him causing him to moan into my neck, "If you do that again this will be over before it even fucking starts," he breathed into my ear as I let my hand drift down again and I felt his body tighten up and I giggled causing him to growl with satisfaction.
"Dammnit Gabs," he grumbled as he picked me up and grabbed the box of condoms before disappearing into the bedroom. He threw me down onto the bed before crawling over me. His hands wormed down my shorts off my body and my underwear right along with it before he trailed kisses down my body. I panted with whatever he was doing to me as he then pressed himself against me causing me to almost lose myself right there.
My hands slipped through his waist band and eased them over his perfect ass and his dick sprang free excited to be out. Biting down on my lip as I watched him lean over the bed to grab the box and he opened it up taking the condom as I grabbed it from his hand, he stilled and those eyes pulled to mine. I ripped it open and easily slipped it over him causing his self-control to be in full play and when I was done his mouth was all over mine again.
Damn, I wish I could do this all day, every single day.
My fingers laced with his and he pressed his face into my hair as neither of us have said too much since everything. "I love falling asleep with you every time you allow this to happen," he whispered and I snuggled closer to him as I wished we could just live together because I would rather be right here than anywhere else. "I love you," I whispered as I propped myself up and pressed my lips to his again and he was slower this time. "I love you too," he whispered against my lips.
His large hand swept my hair away from my face and that thumb dragged down my face. His naked body pressed into mine while he kissed me again. His forehead tilting towards mine. "Beach day, tomorrow right?" Troy asked and I just nodded my head, "Because I want to see this body in a bikini," he whispered against my lips as it was supposed to be super nice tomorrow. "Maybe I don't wear a bikini," I spoke as my hands crept up his bare chest.
He shook his head back and forth, "Please, if you never have before, please wear a bikini." I giggled and Troy frowned at the sound that came from my mouth. "Gabi," he said again with a warning tone in his voice and I laughed, "I am going to laugh forever, you better learn to control your best friend." I told him causing him to laugh, "My best friend?" he said pulling backwards causing me to laugh harder.
"Is that not what he is to you?" Troy rolled his eyes, "You're my best friend," Troy corrected as he gently pulled me closer to him, "And trust me B, when I am around you I am mostly always hard because damn, you're absolutely breathtaking and you make me crazy with complete want all damn day." A smile tugged to my face and I kissed him again. "I'm sorry," Troy let out a rich laugh and he shook his head as he wiggled in my embrace. "Don't apologize. You normally relieve the problem." I laughed again and I snuggled into his chest. His warm arms wrapped around me tightly as I let my hand fall onto his arm.
His leg wrapped through mine and he sighed softly, "I wish we could do this every single night." He whispered into my ear and I squeezed his shoulder gently, "In a couple weeks we will," I could feel his grin on his face and his lips buried into my neck with happiness.
Saturday, April 7th, 2018
Troy's POV
She flicked me with water and I laughed as I pushed my sunglasses onto the top of my head. A smile spreading over my face as I tried to walk towards her. She backed up though as her calves touched the ocean and she smiled up at me and I just shook my head back and forth. It was a beautiful day and man I was with one beautiful girl. Her eyes kept finding mine and they were always right on her. "B," I called and she tried to stop hiding her smile.
Her hands snaked around my body and she tilted her chin up to look at me, my thumb brushed her face, "Hi," I whispered and she laughed when pressing up to press her lips to mine. Her black bikini protected just enough for nobody else in this area to get any ideas but it let my imagination wonder successfully. My thumb pulled around to the front of her body while I let it brush underneath of her breast causing an inhalation of air between her lips.
"Troy," she warned causing me to chuckle, she grabbed my hand to pull it away as I pulled her back in for a kiss. "Hey love birds," I turned at the sound of Grey as I shook my head back and forth. "About time you damn got here," Gabi echoed and I laughed as we trudged back up the beach towards our friends. It wasn't just us today but Grey, Lauren, Jade, and Emery with her boyfriend. Gabi went over to the girls while they all started talking as Grey nodded, "Troy, this is Ryan. Ryan, Troy," Ryan reached forward to shake my hand as I returned the favor. "Nice to meet you," Ryan grinned, "No, it's definitely a pleasure to meet you."
I couldn't stop my laugh because people had been like that since the tournament. I was actually terrified to go home because I could only imagine how much worse it would be there. I was supposed to go home next weekend but with my wrist I wasn't sure if it was going to happen. "How's the wrist?" Ryan asked planting a cooler of the crowding beach as Gabi and I came early to have a little bit of time together. "It's…injured." I answered with a shrug, "Which sucks because now that I have time to play basketball with Gabi I can't."
Gabi was laughing with Jade and Emery as they were trying to take a selfie but Lauren kept popping in before finally they all grabbed onto each other to all get into the picture. Her brown eyes were so happy and alive compared to what they were when I met her months ago. "Bolton, you want a beer?" Grey asked and I nodded as he tossed me a local brewery beer and I thanked him as I popped it open. "How was your morning?" Grey asked and I smiled as my eyes lifted to Gabi, "Good, it's always a good morning when she's sleeping in the same bed I am."
"How was last night?"
I bit my lip as I looked up at him, "If uh Coach asks you…I was buying condoms for you." Grey's eyes went wide and then he fell over laughing. Ryan tried to stifle his own laugh and I just shook my head as we caught the attention of the girls as Grey wouldn't stop laughing. He had trouble breathing as he continued to wallow in laughter. "You're telling me," he paused to laugh again and a grin coming over his face, "That Coach just so happened to be at the same store as you are buying…" he let out a laugh, "condoms?" Gabi buckled over laughing this time and I just shook my head with my own laugh escaping. Jade and Lauren were both laughing just as hard.
"Yes, yes, everybody please laugh, nobody will be laughing when he benches me next year because I'm having sex with his daughter. Please," Grey laughed once more as I eyed Gabi trying to hold back her laugh herself again, "It was either tell him Lauren needed a pregnancy test or Grey needed more condoms. I figured him thinking you do one smart thing was better for all here." Lauren choked on her drink and Grey rolled his eyes. Gabi patted Lauren's back lightly with a smile pushing between her lips.
"Funny Bolton, I want to know how that conversation goes one day." Jade spoke up with a spunky smile as I just shook my head back and forth and I just rolled my eyes because that was definitely a conversation I did not have any desire to have with Coach M. "We're supposed to have dinner with them this week." Gabi announced to the group and my eyes quickly snapped to hers. "Excuse me, when were you going to enlighten me on this?" I asked her and she shrugged, "I was hoping to just spring on you day of but…"
I closed my eyes and sank into the sand causing the group to laugh. "Oh c'mon, you're the one who went to my dad in the first place. It's just a simple dinner. My brother and his wife will be there with Wyatt so…it will not be awful. Trevor will make sure my dad behaves." Gabi said with a shrug and Grey looked over at Gabi himself, "I haven't seen Trev in a long time. How is he doing?" she went on about her brother and I sighed leaning back. Jade, Emery, and Gabi all went to the concession stand while Lauren helped snag a few more chairs for everybody to sit in.
My wrist was throbbing after last night and then just doing too much today already. I already knew that I probably tore ligaments in my hand causing this amount of pain. I was probably going to have to have surgery and pray that I was ready by next season. I subconsciously rubbed it as I let my eyes close to the sound of the waves hitting the beach and the amount of people flocking towards the beach. I heard her voice and I opened my eyes as she plopped down next to me. Grey was on my other side so Lauren took the other side of him as they all began to fall in a row. Jade was on Gabi's other side as they were constantly talking while Emery joined the other side with Ryan.
"Does your wrist hurt?" Gabi asked me quietly and I looked over at her wondering how she knew, "You rub it when it hurts more. I saw you do it from over there." She pulled her knees up to her chest and I just gave a little nod, "Yea, it does." I told her honestly and she sighed, "I hate that you are going through this," I just shrugged my shoulders. "I'd rather it be me." I told her honestly because I knew I had the drive to get back to the game. To do everything I needed to do.
"Will you let me know Monday as soon as you know?" she asked quietly and I of course nodded my head, "Yes, absolutely," she leaned against my shoulder while then moving her conversation to Jade. "Jade, any new boys?" I asked at one point and she sighed leaning back, "No, I might wait until the fall to pounce back into action." I raised an eyebrow at those choice of words and she grinned, "I heard ya'll are getting another transfer. What are the odds that he compares to Mr. Hot shot?" Jade asked and Gabi laughed.
"He's good," Grey said sitting up, "Another transfer?" Ryan asked leaning forward and I laughed, "Is this how it was when ya'll heard I was coming?" I asked and they all shared a look and then a nod was shared among the group. "Especially some kid from Oregon? There was no way he was going to be good enough for this league here," Grey joked and I shrugged holding my hands up. "You guys must have shit yourself."
Grey laughed loudly as Gabi shook her head with a smirk on her face, "You think so highly of yourself," Jade said poking me and I laughed pushing her away gently, "Well, let's be honest Jade," I just flashed a grin to the group because well…I had one hell of a season. "He's probably rookie of the year if we're being honest." Grey said leaning back and they all laughed, "He isn't a rookie."
"This is true," Grey thought about it and he shrugged, "He was damn good." Gabi let her hand slip onto my thigh and I reached over to cover my hand with hers as I breathed knowing she was right here and always would be. "This transfer is from a D2 school in Georgia, heard Anderson is getting paired up with him." The group laughed thinking of Anderson having to take somebody underneath of his wing to make sure they didn't die the first couple of days.
"Better keep Gabs away," Grey joked and I let a smile grace my lips as I turned to look at those cheeks take on a red color, "She has a thing for transfers," Grey warned and I just shook my head back and forth as Gabi got up and then planted herself in my lap. "I'll be a little busier next year," Gabi commented looking at her nails as if she was bored. "Somebody has to take over the women's team since Jade is slacking,"
Jade let her jaw drop causing all of us to laugh as Jade had one hell of a season. Gabi turned to wink at her as Jade threw a fist full of sand at her but ended up hitting me smack in the chest. I grunted as Gabi busted out laughing and I looked at her with an amused look disregarding the shocked look on Jade's face. "Oh, you think that's funny?" I asked her and she nodded her head up and down with clear entertainment on her face and I shook my head as I scooped her up underneath my arms causing her to squeal and kick.
I held onto her tighter as I went for the water and as she was laughing so hard. I knew this was bad for me as her laugh was the weakness to my body but when I entered the water most of our problems disappeared as I let her go and the water was worse than a cold shower. She came up sputtering and I laughed looking at her with a raised eyebrow, "Funny?" I asked her again and she rolled her eyes as she came up to me and planted those lips on me.
Well damn, she knows the way right back to my heart.
I tipped my third beer back for the day as the sun was going down and a chill whipped through the air but we were all settled in a circle just talking and having a good time. "I could handle this post-season," Grey said laying back and I agreed as I pulled Gabi into my lap. She nuzzled her nose against my neck causing goosebumps to travel down my body. I would give anything to take her back home but I just knew she wasn't going to want too tonight. She was going to want to go back to the apartment with the girls and have a girl's night.
Damn, I was jealous.
I kissed her neck and she smiled letting her hand run through her hair as she had more to drink tonight than me but was just relaxed and having fun. Jade was leaning into her back causing me to laugh while I glanced around to see everything going well. I knew there was going to be a shoe to drop before too long but I was just hoping it was going to be this surgery I was probably going to have to have. I just hoped that it wasn't anything bad.
"You okay?" I turned my attention to Gabi and I nodded as I smiled, "How about we have a coffee date tomorrow morning?" she whispered, "Is that you trying to tell me that I can't wake up in your bed again?" I whispered back and she shook her head no. I knew we had to maintain somewhat of a new relationship status here but I wanted to share a bed with her every single night. I let my lower lip pop out and she just leaned in and kissed me instead.
"Rents, tomorrow morning," she said leaning her chin onto my shoulder and I just rolled my eyes, "So you're telling me that you flaunt around in a bikini all damn day and I can't touch you?" I whispered into her ear and she closed her eyes shaking her head back and forth. "Troy, this is mean," I laughed as I looked up at the group seeing how many eyes I had on me right now. "Me? Being mean?" I asked shaking my head back and forth. "You were the one in a bikini laughing all fucking day," her lips twitched with a bit of happiness trying to suspense a smile at my little joke about her laugh and my dick.
They were related.
She tipped her head backwards and those brown eyes stared straight at me. "Bolton, please, stop fucking her with just your eyes," Grey said throwing his towel at me and I laughed tilting my head back. "She started it," Gabi grunted, "Whatever," I laughed kissing her temple while she put her arms around my neck. "Fine, we can hang out," she emphasized hang out, "But no staying the night." I only pouted as I buried my head into her shoulder.
"Do you even work anymore?" I laughed into her shoulder, "Yea, I have a short shift tomorrow. Since I can't do too much with my bum wrist they only having me working the front area." She just rolled her eyes at my dramatics of my wrist. She reached down and rub my wrist with her fingers. "Jade, want to go do some homework at Rents tomorrow?" she asked and I smiled tilting my head back. "Oh yes, Bolton, are you working? Can I get her free coffee?" I laughed and shrugged, "I'll see what I can do." I told her.
"I'll go," Emery said, "Ryan, would you want to go?" they all were making plans to come to the coffee shop while I worked as I kissed her lower neck. "Troy," she warned and I laughed, "I'm trying to change your mind, Dammnit," she laughed again and hugged me tightly to her body. "How about you go have some fun with the boys, I'll have fun with my girls, and then one of us can go to the others place." I smiled as I pressed my nose to her temple.
"Yes, I'm so glad I can break you down." She shoved me and I laughed again while she went over to join her friends. I drew my knees up to my chest while Grey came and sat down next to me. "Hey, you want to do something fun for the girls?" he asked and I looked over at her with a smile on my face, "Absolutely."
Gabi's POV
Sunday, April 8th, 2018
Gabi's POV
Last night, Troy sent me a text saying that he had a bit too much to drink and was going to crash. I was disappointed but it was probably a well needed moment apart. Yet, when I unrolled myself from my blankets I let my nose sniff the morning air and the only thing I smelled was bacon. Popping up from my bed, I shoved my glasses onto my face and pulled on Troy's hoodie over my head as I buried myself inside of it.
I crossed my arms as I stepped out prepared to see Lauren cooking but I was shocked to see Grey and Troy in the kitchen at the stove. I saw several Rent cups sitting at the counter as I just glanced between the two men who were cooking up breakfast in our kitchen. "Uh…hello?" Troy spun around with a big grin on his face, "Morning babe," he spoke up with a big smile and I shook my head as I looked between them. "What are you two doing?"
Grey pointed a spatula at me, "C'mon G, you are pre-med. You know better than that." I rolled my eyes as I slid onto a bar stool as Troy came over and kissed me quickly and then slid a coffee in front of me. "Good morning," I just looked at him with suspicion written all over my face. He couldn't stop his grin from spreading over his face, "What?" he asked innocently, "What are you two doing? Did you both do something stupid last night?"
Both boys laughed shaking their head, "No," Grey said, "We just thought you both put up with us all season long and you girls deserved something in return. Especially letting us sleep all last week with very little complaints." I tucked my knees underneath of my chin as I couldn't stop my smile. "What in the hell?" we all turned to see Lauren coming out of her room looking similar to me. A pair of sweat pants on with one of Grey's t-shirts.
"Hey, I've been looking for that shirt." He said pointing the spatula back at her and Troy looked over at me as he surveyed the sweatshirt I was wearing. "Is that my Portland sweatshirt?" Troy asked peering closer as I tucked the sleeves around my hands and I shook my head no trying to hide the shirt from him. "Gabi," I laughed shaking my head again, "Troy," I mimicked his name and he sighed, "I've been looking for that."
"And?" I questioned back while Grey shared a look with Troy, "After breakfast we are raiding your closets looking for our clothes." Grey deadpanned causing Troy to laugh, "The only reason I don't care half the time is when I sleep over I have fresh clothes to wear." I rolled my eyes as Troy continued to cook while Lauren took the spot next to me. She sipped on her coffee, "What did you two do?" Lauren asked and I laughed, "That's what I asked."
"Oh, let us not forget these," Grey muttered as he went below the cabinets and Troy followed before they both brought up flower. Lauren and I just shared a glance as we were really wondering what the fuck was going on here. "Stop thinking so hard," Troy murmured in my ear as he gave them to me. I took in the spring flowers he gave me that were brightly colored, "Well…" I paused as I turned to look up at him, "thank you,"
"Grey, do you want a blow job or something?" Lauren finally spit out as Troy bent over laughing, Grey smirked and shook his head no, "No, that is not my reason behind this but I mean…" he wiggled his eyebrows, "If you are willing to offer I will not deny you." Lauren rolled her eyes while Troy laughed again. They finally put the food on plates as they slid them over to us and I took in the chocolate chip pancakes (Lauren's favorite), bacon, and cheesy scrambled eggs (my favorite). Finally, Troy pulled out blueberry muffins from the oven and I felt my mouth water. "Well fuck," I muttered and he smiled as they shared a proud look with each other.
"We really just wanted to thank you girls and to show how much we love both of you." Grey said with a shrug and Troy smiled as he was in a pair of dark jeans with a t-shirt that he would later switch out for his Rent's shirt. "I love you both," I muttered as I dove into my breakfast and Lauren could only agree with a nod with her mouth stuffed with pancakes. Troy slid in next to me as he picked at my breakfast and his hand rested on my knee.
"Thank you," I said with a smile and he nodded, "No, thank you," he whispered into my ear, "You make me feel like the luckiest damn man alive every day." He tilted his head to the side and I looked down at my plate and then back to my boyfriend, "Please don't take your shirts back," Troy let out a really loud laugh and he shook his head back and forth. I gave him a smile and he shook his head, "Why would I take my clothes back when I love them on you ten times more?" he finally planted those lips on me and I was butter in his hands at this point.
"I love you," I whispered into his ear and he squeezed my knee while he picked more at my breakfast and I let him because he was definitely trying to make me fat.
Happy update day! I hope you enjoy it a few days early! This is one of my favorite chapters in a while! So carefree and fun!
Please review! Tell me all of your favorite parts!
Next update: around the 22nd – I'm out of town that weekend too. So it might be the 20th!