CALIFORNIA DREAMS
Chapter 28—Setbacks

By Sunday evening, Troy had worked himself into a state of near-panic about leaving Gabriella home alone with Beth. He paced restlessly around the living room while she sat stoically on the couch watching him. There was no new information from Dr. Overman, so they still weren't sure who was responsible for switching the pain pills, but Troy's suspicion rested firmly with Beth Donovan.

"Sweetheart, I don't want to leave you here alone with her," Troy insisted. "We don't know what she's capable of."

"Troy," Gabriella tried to soothe him. "I'll be fine. First of all, we don't even know if she was the one who switched the pills. We're assuming. Innocent until proven guilty, remember? Second, how much danger can I really be in with a police officer sitting right outside the house? And third, if I can defend myself against a man who's a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier than me, then I'm sure that if the need arose, I could defend myself against Beth, at least long enough for the police to get in here. She's not that much bigger than me."

Troy shook his head. "But you're hurt, and on medication that can slow your reflexes. And what if she tries something while you're asleep? Or while she's driving you to physical therapy? There are just too many risks, and they're risks I'm not willing to take where you're involved."

Gabriella sighed. Troy was overprotective to a fault, but he always had her best interest at heart, and she trusted his instincts. "I suppose I could call Dr. Lentz and ask him to drive me to physical therapy tomorrow," she offered.

He smiled widely. "I already talked to him. He'll pick you up at 9:30, and he agreed to spend the afternoon here as well."

She shook her head. "Troy Bolton, what am I going to do with you?"

He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "I'll let you think about that for a few minutes while I go call Beth and tell her not to come tomorrow."

"You're not telling her why, are you?" she asked, concerned.

"Nope, I'll just tell her that I got the day off and want to spend some time alone with my wife," he replied with a wink.

She sighed. "If only that was true. I don't like it when you're at work and I'm stuck here all day missing you."

His eyebrows raised again and he took a few steps toward her. "You want some sexy time with your man, do you? Well, that can certainly be arranged. Anytime, anywhere. I'm always game."

She giggled as he crouched in front of her. "Of course you're always game…you're a guy. Guys are always ready for 'sexy time.'"

"Only when I'm with you, baby," he murmured, sliding his hand up her arm to circle the back of her neck. "Or when I'm thinking about you," he amended. "Or dreaming about you. Or fantasizing…"

"Troy?" she said, interrupting his confession.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. "Huh?"

"Go call Beth," she reminded him.

"Only if you promise to still be here when I get back," he bargained.

"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere," she assured him with a cute smile. "At least, not for another 70 or 80 years."


When Troy got home from work the next day, he found Dr. Lentz and Gabriella huddled over Gabriella's laptop, going over statistics for her Scientific Methods class. He paused in the doorway to watch them as a warm feeling spread through him. The fact that Gabriella was working and planning for her new class was another positive step in her recovery, and a surge of pride streamed through his body. She was a fighter, no doubt about it.

She glanced up from her laptop and smiled broadly at him, and he grinned in response. Walking into the room, he muttered a quick greeting to Dr. Lentz, and then swept his wife up into his arms, kissing her deeply. When they parted, her cheeks were pink and they both paused to catch their breath. Dr. Lentz chuckled knowingly beside them, his eyes still on the computer screen.

"What on earth was that for?" Gabriella asked breathlessly.

"I've been thinking about you a lot today," he admitted with a boyish grin.

"And that's my cue to leave," Dr. Lentz announced, pushing himself up out of his chair.

"No, no, Dr. Lentz," Gabriella protested. "I insist that you stay for dinner!"

"Yes, please stay," Troy chimed in. "I really appreciate your help with Gabriella today, and feeding you is the least we can do."

"Well, all right," Dr. Lentz conceded. "If I'm choosing between heating a frozen dinner and eating alone or sharing a nice meal with you two, the choice is obvious."

"Good," Gabriella nodded, draping her arms loosely around Troy's waist. "By the way, I called the home health agency and asked them to send me a copy of Beth's profile. It should be here tomorrow or Wednesday."

"That's good. We probably should have looked at it before she started working for us," Troy said. "But it looks like she's in the clear as far as your pain pills go. One of the pharmacy technicians at the hospital confessed to stealing pain killers from the hospital stock. Needless to say, he's in a lot of trouble."

"Wow," she replied with a shake of her head. Then she lifted her chin to look at Troy. "See, I told you, innocent until proven guilty!"

"Okay, okay. You were right." She grinned triumphantly, and he shifted his attention to the computer screen. "How's the research going?"

"We're making progress," Gabriella told him shyly.

"She's being modest, Troy," Dr. Lentz told him. "She is a whiz at statistics. My head was spinning just trying to keep up with her!"

"He's totally exaggerating!" she accused.

"Brains and beauty," Troy teased, his fingers tracing the contours of her back.

"That's a rare combination, Troy," Dr. Lentz interjected with a grin. "Don't let this one get away!"

"I have no intention of letting my favorite girl get away," Troy assured him. "That's why I married her."


On Tuesday, Beth was back, and she seemed to be calmer and more settled, less agitated and more friendly. Gabriella talked to her and tried to draw her out, and was pleased when Beth finally opened up more about her life. Gabriella learned that Beth had been raised by her mother after her father left them. Her mom had died four years ago after an extended battle with cancer. Caring for her, Beth said, is what made her decide to pursue nursing.

As she learned more and more about Beth, Gabriella realized she had misjudged her. She'd had a difficult life, and the bitterness that occasionally showed itself in her demeanor was understandable, given the circumstances. Troy and Gabriella had also looked over Beth's profile from the agency. Her record was good, and she was highly recommended by her previous clients.

Despite that, Troy still got an odd vibe from her. Gabriella was doing well with her physical therapy, and gradually becoming less dependent on her pain medication. Soon she would be completely able to take care of herself, and Beth's services would no longer be needed. Secretly, Troy looked forward to that day.


On Friday morning, after Troy had showered, shaved, and dressed, he sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over Gabriella's sleeping body. He nuzzled his chin into her neck, nibbling gently on her tender skin. She awoke with a shiver, instinctively curling closer to her husband.

"Good morning, beautiful," he mumbled, his lips still trailing along her skin.

"Mmm… you smell good," she replied groggily, and felt him smile against her neck.

"The shower's all yours," he continued. "Beth will be here soon, and you have physical therapy at 9:00."

"Okay," she answered, forcing her sleepy brown eyes open to peek at him. "What time do you get off work today?"

"Six," he answered. "Kelly's working until 7:00, so she and Mark will meet us at the bonfire."

The chairman of the hospital board of directors owned a beachfront estate in San Francisco, and every fall he hosted a weekend-long beach party. The length of the shindig allowed hospital employees to come whenever they were able, without disrupting their work schedules. There were activities planned throughout the weekend, but the Boltons were most excited about the bonfire and fish fry that would take place that evening.

Gabriella rolled over to claim a morning kiss from him, and then, with Troy's help, climbed out of bed and headed for the shower. As Troy made coffee and poured milk into his bowl of cereal, the doorbell rang. He glanced at the clock. Beth was early. He went to answer the door, and frowned as he took in her bloodshot eyes and disheveled appearance.

"Hey, Troy," she slurred. "Where's Gabriella?"

"In the shower," he told her, taking a step backward to put some space between them. "Beth, have you been drinking?"

She stepped forward to close the distance between them again. "Don't be silly. I'm just a little tired is all. Rough night." She dragged her finger across Troy's chest. "So, Gabriella tells me that she's the only woman you've ever slept with. Is that true?"

"I don't see how that's any of your business, but yes, it's true," he ground out, circling her wrist and pulling her hand away from him.

"Don't you ever wonder what you're missing?" she rambled on. "Gabriella is so naïve… imagine what fun you could have with a more… experienced woman." Her fingers tiptoed up his chest again, reaching up to twirl a piece of his hair.

"Beth, you're way out of line," he told her, his anger building. "This is totally inappropriate and unprofessional, and you really need to back off."

"It must be a drag for you, having a lover with all those injuries. I bet it really slows things down in the bedroom." She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I bet I could keep up with you much better than she can in bed. It could be our little secret, Troy."

"Stop!" Troy growled, grabbing her wrist again and flinging her hand away from him. "How dare you try to come onto me after Gabriella has been so kind to you! You're making yourself look desperate and pathetic. And let me be crystal clear about this—my wife is the only woman that I am interested in having in my bed. I would never cheat on her, and certainly not with you. You're done here. Get out of my house."

With that, he pushed her out the door and slammed it shut, leaning against it as he fought to control the anger that threatened to consume him. How dare she proposition him! And how could she do that to Gabriella? Turns out my hunch was right, he told himself. I just never dreamed it was me she was after. Unbelievable.

When he heard the shower water turn off, he forced himself to take a few deep breaths and return to the kitchen to finish his breakfast. He poured out his now-soggy cereal, not bothering to replace it. He'd lost his appetite. He stood in front of the kitchen window, looking out and drinking his coffee. He was so tense that he almost dropped his mug when Gabriella's arms snaked around his waist from behind. He took a deep breath and let it out before he turned to face her, plastering a fake smile on his face.

"What's wrong?" she asked immediately. He should've known he couldn't fool her.

"Beth just called while you were in the shower," he answered tightly. "She's sick and won't be coming today. You can ride with me to the hospital for physical therapy, and then I'll bring you back home on my lunch break. Are you ready to go?"

She looked at him with confusion. "Um, yeah… I just need to get my shoes on and grab a cup of coffee. Troy? Is everything okay?"

"Just fine, baby," he answered soothingly, setting his mug on the counter so he could grasp her hips and pull her closer. "I'll get your coffee ready while you get your shoes on, okay? Looks like you get to spend the morning with your favorite doctor."

She smiled, turning toward the bedroom.

"Gabriella?" he stopped her. "I love you."

Her eyebrows knitted together, but she decided to let his odd behavior go for the time being. "I love you too."


Friday evening was cool and clear, a perfect November night for a bonfire. Gabriella was pleased that she had graduated from her big knee brace to a smaller one that fit under her jeans. She was tired of wearing track pants, and wanted to look nice to meet Troy's colleagues. She added a warm knit top and leather jacket, and casual canvas shoes. The bruises that had covered her face and body were almost completely faded. She spent extra time styling her curls, and even brushed on a touch of makeup. It had been awhile since she and Troy had gone out together for a social event, and her stomach fluttered like a nervous teenager getting ready for a big date.

When Troy got home from work and saw her, his face immediately split into a wide grin.

"Hey, gorgeous," he greeted, leaning in to kiss her. "You look great! Good thing you have that cane… You'll be fighting off the men at the bonfire with it."

"Thanks," she demurred. "But knowing you, you won't let them within ten feet of me."

"Are you saying I'm a little bit protective of my girl?" he teased, and she nodded knowingly. "Okay, guilty as charged," he admitted with a smile. "Let me get changed, and then we'll get going."

Half an hour later, Troy pulled into the parking lot by the beach, and they saw that the party was already in full swing. He darted around to the passenger side to help her out. He was casual but handsome in jeans and a Berkeley sweatshirt, and she smiled when he offered his arm.

"Take it easy walking on the sand, okay?" he instructed. "I don't want you to twist your knee."

"As long as I have you to hang onto, I'll be fine," she returned.

"I'm all yours, sweetheart," he told her with a wink. They made their way toward the blazing fire, breathing in the succulent aroma of cooking seafood. Troy steered her toward a group of fellow residents, proudly introducing her to them as his hand rested possessively on the small of her back. Gabriella always loved Troy's attention in situations like this, when he made it clear to everyone around that she belonged with him. She listened and laughed as Troy's colleagues tried to one-up each other with stories about the strangest patients they'd encountered so far.

When the group drifted away in search of more alcohol, Gabriella spotted and approached several nurses who had cared for her during her stay in the hospital. One of the nurses shrieked when she caught sight of Gabriella.

"Oh my goodness, Gabriella!" she exclaimed. "You look great! I can't believe you're out here a week and a half after being released."

"It's surely due to all the great care I got in the hospital," Gabriella grinned.

"Or the great care you're getting at home," another nurse winked at her, and Troy chuckled from behind her, bringing his hands up to rest on her shoulders.

"How's the physical therapy going?" a third nurse asked her.

"Really well," Gabriella answered. "I've improved my range of motion, and I don't have to wear the big bulky knee brace anymore. It feels good to be able to wear my jeans again."

"And you look good in your jeans too," Troy murmured, patting her backside playfully.

The other women rolled their eyes teasingly, accustomed to Troy's displays of affection.

"Some things never change," one commented with a knowing smile.

Troy and Gabriella continued to drift through the crowd, exchanging introductions and chatting with his colleagues. As they concluded their last conversation, Gabriella leaned back against Troy's chest.

"Are you ready to sit for awhile?" he asked, and she nodded gratefully. He took her over to a circle of deck chairs near the fire and settled her in one. "How's that?" he asked solicitously. "Are you cold?"

"A little," she admitted.

He reached behind her and pulled her hood up, tucking her hair tenderly around her face. His palms were warm on her cheeks, and she smiled up at him. "I'll go get us something to eat," he told her, dropping a kiss on her forehead before making his way toward the food tables.

Gabriella tipped her head back and allowed her eyes to drift shut as fatigue swept over her. She wasn't used to being on her feet for so long, and walking on the uneven sand had caused a dull ache in her knee. She was barely aware of the shouts of drunken revelers who were obviously taking full advantage of the party's alcohol supply.

Gabriella's eyes snapped open suddenly when she heard a scream, followed by a man's unmistakably angry shouts. At the edge of the parking lot next to the mansion, a couple argued loudly, hurling drunken insults at one another. Without warning, the man raised his hand and struck the woman hard, knocking her backwards onto the asphalt. He stood over her, taunting her, before kicking her in the stomach. Gabriella's throat closed, as if invisible hands were wrapping around her neck. Strickland's hands. The scene playing out in front of her was far too reminiscent of the blows he'd dealt her. She closed her eyes to block out the violence that was taking place on the beach, but in her mind's eye, the strangers' faces were replaced with hers and Strickland's. She wanted to scream, but couldn't force any sound out of her throat.

Gabriella heard additional shouts, and willed her eyes open to see several men, including Troy, running toward the parking lot. Mark and Kelly had apparently just arrived, and Mark barreled out of his car toward the fight. Her eyes squeezed shut again, not sure which scene was more painful to watch, the real or the imagined.

"Gabriella?" Kelly's tentative voice came from in front of her a few moments later. "Gabi, are you okay?"

Clearly she was not okay. She was drawn into a fetal position, her eyes closed and her hands covering her face. Tears streaked down her cheeks, and she was trembling badly, rocking back and forth as if trying to soothe a crying child.

"Troy!" Kelly shouted, looking up toward the parking lot. The man was on the ground now, subdued, and there were enough doctors there to tend to the woman. Troy looked up, instantly registering Kelly's tone and location. He raced down the beach toward them with Mark close behind him.

Troy skidded to a halt, kneeling in front of Gabriella's chair. He didn't have to ask. He knew.

"Gabriella? Sweetheart, I'm here. You're safe. It's over. You don't have to be afraid. It's okay, baby." He reached out to touch her, not wanting to frighten her, but knowing he needed to draw her out. She jumped slightly when his hand settled on her knee, but she didn't resist him. Encouraged, he moved his hands up her arms and kneaded her shoulders, talking softly to her all the while. Then he stood, lifted her easily, and took her place on the deck chair, holding her trembling body close to his. Mark and Kelly stood watching, full of concern, but Troy's attention was focused on her alone.

Gradually she calmed and the tremors ceased. When she finally lifted her head away from Troy's chest and swiped her sleeve across her tear-stained face, she forced a weak smile.

"Troy, I'm sorry…" she began.

"Don't be," he said simply. "I understand. There's nothing to be sorry about. I'm just glad you're all right."

She smiled at him gratefully, and then turned to face their friends. "Thanks, Kelly," she told her.

"No problem," Kelly answered softly. "That must have been really frightening for you…"

Gabriella nodded, not wanting to talk about it.

"We're going to go," Troy told them, standing and nestling her against him. "See you in the morning?"

"You bet," Mark replied. "Take it easy, Gabi. Get some rest, okay?"

Gabriella nodded again, but doubted that would happen. The images and memories that had forced their way to the front of her mind showed no sign of going away anytime soon.