Chapter 5 – Small Talk

Friday, October 4th, 2013

Troy's POV

It was another easy victory for the team as we ran off the field. I was anxious the last half of the game because I knew what I was doing after the game. I was going to spend it with Gabi at one of my favorite night time beach spots and I planned to ask her to Homecoming. We had talked about it, she was already in the middle of getting her dress, but I never officially asked her and I wanted to do it right. I knew she was there, in her same spot, up with the adults and away from the student section.

She was learning football fast. She caught on quick and her questions were beginning to dwindle. It made me happy because I think she naturally loved it as well. She talked to me about a few games she watched, Thursday night, and we would text and have a conversation. Next Monday, we were going to do the animal shelter and she was bouncing with excitement over it after our Senior Citizen volunteer session went so well.

"Bolton, are you ever going to go to a party this year?" Jamie asked, I shook my head, "Not this week. Maybe next week? I have to ask to Gabi," Jamie rolled his eyes, "Does she control everything you do?" I shook my head, "No. She doesn't. She is my girlfriend though who doesn't go to the parties that we go to. I want to make sure she is comfortable." Jamie grunted, "Jesus, Bolton, just take her virginity and drag her ass to a party."

I frowned, "No. She deserves a shit ton more respect than that." I forced out as I was starting to feel my anger boil underneath my skin. Jamie chuckled, "Oh that's right…you've never even gone that far with a girl before. Pussy." He pronounced, I stood up and shoved his ass against a locker, "Shut your damn mouth, Williams. That's my girl and I don't care what the fuck you say about me but leave her out of this. Understood?" I held him by the shirt and I could hear a pin drop behind us.

"Whatever, Bolton, just put me down."

"Don't ever talk about her like that, again." I grounded out.

He just nodded as I dropped him to the floor. I turned around to see Coach watching as he called both of us into his office. He yelled at the both of us, I heard Jamie's beating through the door and when I went in, he yelled at me for doing that to a teammate but then under his breath, he said he was proud of me for standing up for her.

I just nodded my head as I felt my best friend come up behind me, "You alright?" Liam asked coming up behind me, I breathed out heavily and nodded my head, "Yea," Liam smirked, "I didn't know the entire football team knew you were still a virgin," I rolled my eyes, "I've done just about everything else but have never in my life wanted to go that far with a girl that I had almost no interest in. I'm seventeen for crying out loud,"

"Well, if it makes you happy, once Gabi wants too…it's happening. She's amazing." Liam shook his head, "As long as you don't graduate with your v-card." I laughed, "Deal. I won't pressure her though. If she never wants to until after high school then," a shrug came from my shoulders as we began to walk out of our locker room. Liam smiled, "Good." I shook his hand with a slap on the back when I felt her arms wrap around my waist.

"You did so well! That pass on the fourth down was amazing," she was breathing fast and I turned around with a laugh on my lips, "Yea? You enjoyed?" she nodded with a smile as I reached down to kiss her. "Look at you talking about football." She laughed, "If you would have asked me two months ago about this I would have laughed in your face." I laced my fingers with her and pulled her in for another kiss. "Your parents are over there." I nodded as I dragged her along to go talk to them.

"Troy, son, you had one hell of a game." My dad patted my shoulder and I thanked him. My mom gave me a tight hug and I smiled, "Thank you guys. It was a good night." I talked to my parents for a few minutes while I kept Gabi's hand in my own. "We're going home. 1am Troy." I just nodded as my parents walked off. I tugged on Gabi's hand as I pulled her to the gates and out towards my car. Her mom typically dropped her off here and I would take her home.

Mostly so we didn't have to worry about having two cars. "Troy, what is sex like?" Her cheeks turned a bright red with the question and with embarrassment. I paused as I pulled open the truck door and turned to look at her. I let out a long breath, "I uh…don't have an answer for that." I muttered and my own cheeks turned red. She drew her eyebrows together in confusion. "What are you talking about?" she questioned. "You've had girlfriends before."

I hesitated, but nodded, "Yes, I have had girlfriends before and we've done things but…not sex." I said and her beautiful brown eyes went wide with surprise. Trust me, everybody who knew did the same thing. They were surprised and I just shrugged my shoulders. "I've never found a girl I want to go all the way with." I told her. She bit down on her lip and a tiny smile poked at the corner of her cheeks. "I never would have thought you were a virgin."

I laughed, "I've done plenty. I promise. I can tell you what an orgasm feels like but… I can't tell you one damn thing about what sex feels like." Her cheeks turned a darker red, "And Gabi…" she looked at me as she climbed into the truck. I pulled her face closer to mine as I pressed my lips to hers, "There is no rush. You have to feel comfortable to go that far and if you aren't comfortable? Then we don't do it. I don't give two shits about what anybody says about it."

A smile turned on her lips as she kissed me. "I can't wait to do that with you one day…not yet. But I do." I kissed her softly and nodded, "For now…we'll kiss. A lot." She giggled as I kissed her one more time and then gently pushed her in the car while I shut the door. I went to the driver's seat and climbed in. My hand found her thigh as I squeezed it and turned my truck over. I turned on her favorite playlist as I drove through town until we got to the beach.

"Troy, when I first met you. I thought you were a different person. I'm glad you aren't the same person I thought you were." I smiled as I glanced at her. "Did you think I was a man-whore who didn't care about girls just wanted sex?" she nodded without shame and I grinned, "It's a good outside look but all of the people that know me…know that I am and that I don't just have sex with girls for the hell of it. It means more to me and I don't just go around having sex."

Her body leaned into mine and it felt good. She was warm and everything good.

I never wanted this to change.

Monday, March 15th, 2021

Gabi's POV

It had been a week of living with the Bolton's and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I mostly stuck around with Claire and treated all of her symptoms while communicating daily with her doctors. Troy and I avoided each other for the most part unless it had something to do with Claire. Troy seemed to be trying to balance more of his football schedule with Lucas while I was with Claire and Eve.

Eve wasn't an awful person and I got along with her. I saw what Troy saw and her and I was getting comfortable with the decision. I saw Jace one more time last week and it was a good date. I knew my biggest obstacle was coming because Troy's parents and siblings were coming to see Claire. My stomach turned because I loved his family and I spent a lot of time with them while I dated Troy. I had no ill feelings but I didn't want to rehash everything.

A knock came at my bedroom door and I stood up as I shut off my TV to open the door. Troy was on the other side in a Loyalist T-shirt and a pair of shorts. "Hey," he said a little breathless as his eyes scanned down but I saw him try and snap them back up a little bit quicker. "I know this isn't allowed but Eve has a doctor's appointment and since Claire isn't feeling well…do you care if we leave Claire behind? It's only an hour."

I tried to fight the smile but it approached anyway, "I don't care. I need to get her to eat and change her dressing on her central line." I told him. Troy let his eyes linger for a moment and he nodded, "Thank you, Eve and I both appreciate all of this." I smiled, "I am doing my best. I hope I am doing my job well." Troy chuckled, "Always." His eyes lingered for a few moments before he turned away. My eyes watched him walk down the hallway before slipping back into their bedroom.

His parents had been at the hospital when I wasn't around and then going to pack up a bunch of things to stay for two weeks. Lucas and Gianna were like other siblings to me for the longest time and his parents. Sara and Marco were such amazing people who cared for all the other people around them. I smiled just thinking about all of them in my previous life. I lost contact with all of them once Troy broke things off with me.

Yet, they would all be here later today.

Apparently, Gianna screamed on the phone when she found out who was taking care of Claire. Gia was attached at my hip when I was around the house and she was just another sister in my life. She was only two years younger than us and made friends with my younger sister, Sophia. They still talked as far as I was aware but I haven't seen her in almost eight years. I let out a loud exhale as I went to check on Claire but she was still sleeping.

She had been sleeping a lot and I figured all of that was from her first round of chemo. Her chemo protocol was rough but it was going to give her the best chances. She was going to do four-straight days of chemo and then have three weeks off before doing it all over again. We were going to do six rounds of chemo before doing some scans, a repeat bone marrow aspiration, and then see where we go next in the next part of life.

I went to the kitchen to make breakfast as Eve came out holding her belly. I smiled at her, "Good morning," she smiled back but went for the coffee pot. I finished my breakfast as I went to settle on the patio. Troy came over and placed the baby monitor in front of me. "Thanks, have a good time." I offered. Troy nodded, "Yea, it's a good experience." I nodded as I didn't have anything else to add and he just nodded before going back inside.

I heard Eve and Troy leave as I enjoyed the morning Boston air. I wouldn't lie that the view from his apartment was impressive and beautiful. I rubbed my lips together while I happily ate my breakfast when my phone rang. I picked it up, "Hey Wren," I said with a smile, "Oh my god, you answered the phone. Please, please, tell me that Troy Bolton is hot as sin without his shirt on." I giggled underneath my breath, "Uh well I haven't seen it since I showed up…" I hesitated but I laughed, "It was pretty nice when he was 18 though."

She didn't say anything for a minute, "Wait…how do you know what he looked like at 18?" I laughed, "Troy and I might or might not have dated when we were in high school." Wren was deathly silent for a minute, "You dated Troy Bolton and never said anything?" she gasped and I laughed taking a big drink of my coffee.

"He actually was the love of my life, he shattered my heart, and I moved to Boston to get as far away as possible from him." Wren grunted, "Of course he was a dick." I smiled, "Did you freak out when it was him?" I sighed, "Yea, I really did. Like full on panic attack, meltdown, because I was hurting and I still am. I truly thought I was going to marry him and then he broke my heart." Wren sighed heavily on the phone, "That sounds like such a tragic story. Do you think you could provide more?"

I laughed taking another drink, "Maybe over wine. We had one of those fairytales, high-school romances, that made everybody jealous. God, I loved him." I sighed with the lust and want for a man I couldn't have. "Are you sure you aren't still in love with him? I'm even in love with him. Have you seen him?" I chuckled, "Yea, I've seen him. He's beautiful but he's married. He has a kid plus another on the way and his wife is very nice."

Wren sighed, "I guess. I can't believe you never told me. That's why you never wanted to go to a Loyalist game or watch with us." I let my fingers rim around the top of the cup and I nodded slowly, "Yea, that's why."

"Was he good in bed?" I laughed, "I mean, we were teenagers. It was good back then. I don't know if he's gotten worse or…" I laughed during the conversation. "Look, he's been the best I've ever had but that doesn't mean he is still good. He could have peeked as a teenager." Wren crackled on the other end of the phone, "How about you find out again?" I could picture her wiggling her eyebrows and I snorted, "That's not happening. I'm keeping my heart a good mile between us. I barely speak to him."

Wren grunted, "Damn. I wish I wasn't married."

"Hey!" I heard Brecken yell, Wren giggled, "Sorry, Breck,"

"Tell Brecken I said hi," I commented as I looked at the monitor to see Claire rolling around in her bed. "Can we get coffee soon?" she whined, "Yea, this afternoon? The Bolton's are out at a baby appointment right now. Once they get back, I should be free for a little bit."

"Oh…so you are babysitting?" I rolled my eyes, "Claire isn't feeling well." I explained. "Her chemo is starting to really hit. I should probably get some blood samples and take them to the hospital to make sure her counts are okay. His parents are coming in this afternoon."

"Oh, did you love the parents or not?"

I smiled softly, "Loved them. They were like my second set of parents in school. It'll be interesting to see how this afternoon goes."

"I'm wishing you luck. Coffee after they get there?"

"Yes, please, I am going to need it. It'll be my way out. His sister and brother are also coming. It'll be the whole Bolton family."

"All gorgeous I am presuming."

"Of course."

"Miss you babe, see you soon?"

"You bet. Love you!"

"Love you, too!" I hung up the phone as I finished the last of my breakfast and coffee before going inside to wash my dishes and pour another cup. I went to check on Claire to see her still snoozing and then I went to finish cleaning up some of my stuff. I text Jace on and off for the entire morning and when the door opened, I looked to see Troy and Eve smiling and looking at sonogram pictures together. My heart panged that I didn't have that yet but I also knew I wasn't ready. It was good to see Troy happy though. I was happy for him.

Troy glanced around before his eyes landed on me, "Is Claire okay?" he asked, I nodded, "She's still sleeping." I commented and his brows frowned, his mouth following, "She never sleeps this long." I shrugged, "It's the chemo and the cancer. It makes her tired." Eve gave a worried look before going into Claire's room to check on her. Troy rubbed his face and planted his elbows on the counter. I saw the hurt etched into his face. "Do you care if I sneak out a little later to go have coffee with my best friend?"

He looked at me and nodded, "Yea, as long as she's okay." I smiled softly, "I wish I could do more for her but I can't." I told him with a shrug of shoulders, "This is just how it has to play out." He just nodded, "Once she wakes up, I'll hopefully get her to eat, change her central line tape, and hopefully your parents will be here after that." Troy gave a tiny smile, "They are more excited to see you than I think anything else."

I laughed, "I bet. I miss them. They were too good to me in high school." Troy's eyes held onto mine and I knew we were heading into dangerous territory. I shook my head as he opened his mouth, "Look, I went too far." I said quickly, "I don't want to talk about it anymore." My whole brain shut down and I saw the defeat cross Troy's face and he nodded his head. "Thank you for watching Claire. I promise it won't happen again."

I didn't say anything…I just walked away.

A knock on the door caused me to smile as Claire grinned. She woke up in a really good mood and ate for me, drank a lot of water, and let me change her central line dressings without a fight. Troy played with the entire time I did it and it made it a little bit easier. "That's Grandma Sara!" she giggled and I laughed, "Do you love Grandma Sara?" I asked as I finished braiding her hair like she asked me to do. Claire nodded up and down quickly, "Yes, I do. I love her lots, and Grandpa Marco!"

I put the hair tie in and then I let her loose as I slowly stood up. My stomach was a mix of nerves but I only had to endure this for an hour and then I could go see Wren and I might have made plans to see Jace after that. Claire didn't need me today and I was going to take the break. Tugging on my own pony-tail, I walked out to see Claire wrapped up in Gia's arms and Lucas talking to Troy. Marco and Sara were both in the kitchen with bags of food.

Gia looked up first and she squealed, "Gabi!" she put down Claire and quickly came over and pulled me into a tight hug. I felt his eyes on me, like always, when Gia wrapped her arms around me tightly. "I've missed you," she whispered. I smiled as tears gathered in my eyes but I tried to blink them away. "I've missed all of you." I said with a laugh. I watched Eve for a brief moment as I saw the flash of jealousy. I pulled away from Gia as Sara and Marco both gave me smiles.

"Hey guys," I said with a wave. "Gabi, it's so good to see you, dear," Sara pulled me into a tight hug and I hugged her back. The feeling so familiar. "How are you? I see you are doing great things." I smiled, "I am. I am loving being a nurse and getting to work with Claire has been amazing." Sara smiled, "She is such a treat. I bet she just loves you." I laughed and shrugged as Marco grinned, "You're prettier than ever. Dating anybody?" he asked as he hugged me tight. He still smelled the same from high school.

"Uh, kinda. I've been talking to a guy for the past few weeks. We have a date later." I told him. Marco grinned, "I'm so happy for you. Troy tells me you are doing an amazing job with Claire." A smile crossed my lips as I looked over at Troy to see a frown on his face. His blue eyes serious as they held onto me. "I sure hope so. I am just trying to make everything easier for Eve and Troy." A shared smile went among the group as I felt the tension and awkwardness settle in around us.

I breathed out, "I am going to get ready to go out for a little bit. It was good seeing you all." I said excusing myself. I quickly retreated back to the room and I took in a heavy breath of air. Tears filled my eyes but I pushed them away. I quickly changed into a pair of jeans with a sweater. I tugged on a pair of Converse before I went to grab my purse. I had to get out of here. A knock came at the door and I winced, I went over to open it to see Lucas. He looked much like Troy but just a little older.

"Hey you," I smiled as he pulled me into a hug. "How are you?" he asked. I gave a hesitant smile, "I'm okay. This is just a little weird." I said with a laugh. He nodded in agreement. "It is a little weird. Troy and Eve are already arguing." I gave a hesitant smile, "Yea, I'm just going to leave for a bit. I think it'll be better for all." A smile crossed his face, "We do miss you. It'll be good to catch up. I typically around a lot more than I have been but I've been giving Eve and Troy space with Claire."

"Good. I'd love to talk. How's life?" I questioned, he shrugged, "Busy. Just trying to build my practice plus represent more players. Troy has been helpful with that." He gave me the Bolton smile and I laughed, "I bet. Any girlfriend?" I questioned. He shook his head, "Nope. I'm just living the bachelor life style. I do have a daughter though. She's about a year younger than Claire. Her name is Bethany. Love of my life but her mom and I just didn't work out." I smiled, "I can't wait to meet her." He grinned, "Her and Claire are really good friends. She'll be over soon. She's primarily with her mom but I have her most weekends." I smiled, "I'm happy for you Luke, hopefully you find the right girl eventually." Lucas hugged me, "You're doing great things for him, Gabi. I think you being Claire's nurse is giving him comfort that he wouldn't have any other wise."

I smiled, "It has been an adjustment. He hurt me." I told him and Lucas sighed, "I know. I told him he was an idiot. He wasn't that great either, though." I shook my head, "I don't want to talk about it, Lucas. It was eight years ago. I grieved, I cried, I was heartbroken. I don't want to go back to that. I'm keeping him at two arm's length away. I can't do it again plus he is married. I would never allow him to cheat and I will not break up his family." Lucas squeezed my shoulder, "He won't cheat on her. I know you won't tempt him." Lucas gave me a small smile but a nod, "Good for you. Have a good time this afternoon."

I thanked him as I left the room with him and I felt Troy's eyes on us immediately as we left. I gripped my phone as I looked at Eve, "I'm just a phone call away. She should be good though. She ate a really good breakfast. If she gets sick, let me know, I'll let you know what meds to give her. If you need my help, just call and I'll be right back." Eve nodded, "Thank you, Gabi. Enjoy your coffee with your friend." I thanked her as I began to walk out.

"Gabi, dear, will you be back for dinner tonight?" Sara's voice cut through and I cringed, "I don't know. I told the guy I'm seeing I might be able to do dinner tonight. If I need to be back here for Claire then I'll be back." Sara smiled, "I understand. Maybe I can come around for lunch tomorrow?" I smiled forcefully, "I'd enjoy that." I told her. She nodded as I slipped out the door and I collapsed back against it. I breathed out and I told myself that I survived it.

Troy's POV

I gripped the beer bottle in my hand just thinking about Gabi with another guy right now. It had the potential to shatter everywhere because I was that tense and upset. Fuck, I couldn't be this way. I had a wife. I had a kid. I had another kid on the way. This was not the time to think about my ex-girlfriend who could care less about me. I breathed in deeply when the screen door opened, "You could have let me know your family loved her."

I cringed, Eve was not well liked among my family and they didn't hide it very well either. My mom tolerated her, my dad hated her, Lucas was mostly annoyed by her, and Gia just stayed away. I never knew why they never loved her but they just didn't. It was always a little awkward around the dinner table but things got better the longer we were together. Claire typically made it all better too because everybody loved Claire.

"I uh…didn't think about it." Eve crossed her arms over her chest. "You didn't think about it? They basically treated her like their long-lost daughter," she protested. I closed my eyes, "Eve, I'm sorry. I don't know. I can't control my family." She laughed, "Whatever. They listen to everything you say. Have you ever actually stuck up for me? Defended me? Claimed you loved me in front of them? Or is this just all a show for Claire?"

I didn't speak because there was nothing for me to say. I wasn't going to talk myself into a hole. "Troy," I looked up at her, "What, Eve?" I questioned, the exhaustion of the past several days hitting me hard. "Did you ever defend me?" she questioned again, "Of course, I did." I said with frustration building. "I told my family countless times that you were here to stay. That I loved you. That you carried my daughter and that you were important to me. I can't just change their minds. Maybe if you would have been a little nicer in the beginning,"

She laughed, "Oh so it's all my fault?" I scrubbed my face, the door slid open again, Lucas stepped out, he was used to seeing all of these fights. "Hey you guys, Claire is watching and listening." Lucas said quietly. I turned away from Eve as I took a long pull of my beer. Eve huffed, "We had such a good morning, Troy. Why?" I didn't say anything again and I heard her go inside. Lucas leaned next to me on the railing and he was quiet.

"Talk to me," he finally said after a beat. I gritted my teeth together in frustration, "I don't know why she's pissed. I don't know how to make her happy anymore. I don't fucking know, Lucas." He patted my shoulder, "I know you two are expecting a kid soon but…have you thought about just spending time apart?" I shook my head, "We can't right now. Claire has cancer, Lucas. I don't need to put her through anymore shit."

Lucas nodded in understanding as he sighed, "I don't want to ask this but you typically handle Eve a lot better…does this have anything to do with Gabi?" I laughed, "Fuck off," I said taking another drink of beer. "Gabi hates me." I clarified to him, Lucas laughed, "Yea, I would hate you, too. You hurt her, Troy. I mentioned one thing about you earlier and I thought she was just going to fall apart. That girl is still broken by you."

I grunted, "Clearly not. She's going on a date."

"Oh, for fuck sakes," Lucas said with a roll of his eyes, "You need to grow up, Bolton. You have a wife, a daughter, and a son on the way. I think it's time for you to be a little bit more of a man and handle all of this shit. If you and Eve can't be together anymore, fine. Make it work for the time being and get a divorce after she's in the clear."

"How nice for the baby," I said and Lucas shook his head, "Look, Bethany's mom and I were never together and we made it work. We will always make it work. I fucked up, she fucked up, we had a baby together and we make it work." I breathed out and nodded, "You need to be happy. You deserve to be happy." I didn't argue with him. "She wants to know why the family doesn't like her like you guys love Gabi."

Lucas sighed and shrugged, "I think Gabi was always a lot more open with our family. She was always around and loved to be around us. I don't think Eve ever truly wanted to be around us." I exhaled and nodded, "I know. I tried to tell her that but it's my fault." A laugh escaped Lucas and he nodded, "She still loves you," I frowned and looked at Lucas, "Eve?" I questioned. He chuckled and shook his head, "Gabi."

I laughed, "Yea, no, she doesn't love me anymore."

Lucas gave a grim smile, "Buddy, if she didn't love you anymore. She would talk to you. She'd feel more comfortable here. She'd want to get to know you again and share your success. She isn't doing any of that because that girl is still in love with you." My eyes looked at his and I swallowed on the lump growing in my throat. "She can't be, Luke." He patted my shoulder, "But she is and if I was a betting man…I'd say you never got over her either."

Saturday, October 12th, 2013

Gabi's POV

I let my fingers go down my gold and black sparkly dress. It was my first homecoming with a date. Troy officially asked me last Saturday and I was thrilled. I knew we were going together but it was nice for him to ask like everybody else. He had been busy this week preparing for the big homecoming game but after the game last night, we spent the time at our favorite diner laughing and eating milkshakes. We were going with a large group of football players tonight to take picture, go to dinner and then the dance.

Scarlett came into the room with a grin on her face as she took in my dress, "Oh you are looking beautiful." She said with a smile on her face. I blushed as she came up behind me and pulled a necklace on. I thanked her while she looked over me. "You do look very good. I hope you have a good night." I smiled, "I am just happy to be going with Troy. I know we haven't been together that long yet but I just feel…good about all of it. I know he's 17 already,"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Scarlett questioned and I shrugged, "I don't turn 17 until December. I don't know if that's an issue," Scarlett sent me a long look, "Seriously, Gabi? Stop trying to find issues with your relationship! This is good! You are so happy with him."

I released a pent-up breath of air when I heard the knock on the front door. "C'mon," she said tugging on my hand. I followed her down the stairs where my parents were opening the door. My mom and dad loved Troy Bolton. It wasn't hard to do but they were smitten. I was smitten.

Troy looked good in his suit. He was wearing a black suit with a gold tie down the front. His eyes looked up to catch me coming down the stairs and those blue eyes were shining with lust and happiness. It had almost been a month since we met and it had been the best month of my life. Those blue eyes never left my body until I hit the body step and he was grinning so wide I could have sworn his mouth was going to bust open.

"Gabi, darling, you look beautiful." My dad said as he swept me into a hug. "I would have to agree." Troy spoke up and I felt my eyes turn to him. A smile crossed my lips looking at him as he made me feel calm. He reached out and I gripped his hand as he pulled me closer, a slow twirl and I giggled. "You do look beautiful," he whispered and he leaned in close to my ear. "Mozzafiato," he whispered. I felt my cheeks rush with heat as he pulled back with a wink.

"C'mon, I want pictures of the two of you out front!" my mom spoke. I smiled as I pulled on Troy's hand gently while we both stood out front and posed for a billion pictures for my mom. My sisters even joined in on a handful of them. Once we finally were finished with photos, Troy helped me into his truck and then got into the other side before we were off to take big group pictures. I was already nervous as I tugged on my dress.

"You okay?" I looked over at Troy and I gave a smile, "Yea, I just…I'm nervous. I don't hang around your friends, too much. I'm not the typical cheerleader or anything and…" A smile worked around his lips, "Nah, don't do that. You're just as special if not more special. This is real between us, Gabi." A smile worked over his lips as he looked at me, "You are more beautiful than them, you are full of confidence that you should be displaying right now, and I think they are all going to love you."

I laced my fingers with his because that's all it took for me to relax. He brushed his fingers over my hand while he pulled up to the pier that we were taking pictures. Troy escorted me out of the car and wrapped his arm around my waist as we walked forward. I felt my body straighten, but relax, and lean into him. My head rested on his arm and I felt content and happy right here. Liam greeted Troy and he gave a supportive smile to me. We have spent a few different times on Sunday's at the Bolton house together.

"Jamie," Troy said, his back tightening with anger. He told me about what happened after he explained that he was still a virgin. I squeezed his side when I smiled over at Jamie, "Jamie, I have heard so much about you. Heard you were concerned that Troy wasn't partying enough because of me. I assure you; I offer to go all of the parties with him but," I gave a sly smile and a wink up towards Troy before looking back at Jamie. "We're just too busy doing other things."

Jamie frowned as I heard Liam suck in a laugh and Troy bit down on his own smile, "He's a grown man. He can make his own decisions." Troy couldn't hold back his laugh and pulled me in a different direction. I laughed as we walked away and Troy kissed me roughly on the mouth. "That was the damn sexiest thing," I laughed as he kissed me again. Liam whistled over with his own laugh, "Damn, Gabi, I didn't know you had it in you."

I laughed, "I have plenty of sisters." I said with a wink. Troy buried his lips into my hair and he laughed, "God Damn that was great," we all laughed as we went to take a lot of pictures and I couldn't have been much happier than this moment.

Gabi's POV

Wren wouldn't stop grinning at me, "You dated Troy Bolton," she whispered across the table and I laughed, "Yea, I did. A hundred years ago." Wren giggled, "I know I asked this earlier but please go further in detail…is he good in bed?" she asked and I nibbled on my bottom lip before grinning, "He's the best I have ever had but I was 18."

"So, you're telling me that there hasn't been anybody better?" I shook my head, "No. Plus, the guys I've been with since haven't had any emotional connection. Troy and I were very emotionally connected." I said and I leaned back while Wren sighed heavily. "I can't even imagine. I don't know how in the world." Wren laughed, "If I told Brecken he would shit his pants." I laughed, "I bet he would."

"Do you miss him?"

I didn't say anything for a few moments and then I nodded my head, "Yea, I do. I compare him to everybody I date. He was the love of my life and it was tragic on how it ended. I think there was a lot of miscommunication." I played with my fingernail and I shrugged before meeting my eyes with her eyes. "How is living with him then?" she questioned. "It was okay at first. Mostly because I hate him so much."

"Wait…you hate him?" she questioned with confusion filtering onto her face. "Yea, he broke my damn heart. I hated him. I hate North Carolina because of him. I hate football because of him. I hate him because I loved him. I love him." I corrected. Wren's eyebrows shot to the ceiling with surprise. "I can't believe you opening admitted that." She said, "I don't think I will never not be in love with that man. I was broken by him and I don't think I can ever trust him again. It's better for all of us to just move on."

Wren gave me a look, "Is it better?" I shrugged, "He's married, Wren. It's not like anything can happen anyways. He doesn't cheat on people." She gave me a sideways look, "What do you mean? He just broke up with you for the hell of it?" she questioned. I shrugged, "I never got the true reason for the break-up but I know it wasn't because of cheating. He nearly beat a man senseless for cheating on his girlfriend in high school."

"Really?" Wren was shocked by this whole conversation, "Yea, it was one of my best friends from high school. I was upset one day because she was upset and I didn't know how to help her. He told me several times that he would never cheat and we had an open agreement that if he ever wanted to then to just break-up with me. I'd rather that happen and have a trust than for him to just choose to sleep with somebody else."

Wren's eyes were wide with amusement and shocked, "Wow, you guys had some arrangement in high school." I just shrugged again, "I think it was just who I was." Wren rolled her eyes but smiled in understanding. "How is Jace with all of this?" she questioned, I shrugged, "He doesn't seem to be letting it bother him. I don't give Troy any time of my day. I just take care of Claire and I keep my head down. I talk to Jace throughout the day and he's trying to work into my schedule."

Wren smiled and squeezed my knee, "I miss seeing you at work all the time." She pouted, "I miss you, too. Maybe you can come over one day and hang out with us." Wren shot me a look, "If I didn't bring Brecken, he would murder me." I laughed, "I'll see what I can do. Maybe some home opener tickets? I have an in," she laughed, "You aren't even going to be working when that happens." She pouted, "I know. I bet I can still pull the favor though."

She smiled at me and I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder, I tilted my head back to see a smiling Jace above me. "Hey, Gabs," I smiled. "Jace, I'm glad you could make it." I turned to face Wren who was smiling up at Jace. "You are the infamous, Jace?" Wren got up and she greeted him, "Wren, Gabi's best friend forever, former roommate, and current wise woman." Jace laughed at Wren and shook her hand, "Jace, Gabi's current boyfriend and dinner date tonight." I laughed with a roll of my eyes.

Wren stood up, "I can leave," she offered. "I know you have to get back to work later tonight." I gave an appreciation nod, "I just wanted you both to meet." I clarified, Wren smiled at Jace, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Jace. I hope you spoil her today. She might need it." Wren winked and Jace gripped my waist. I gave Wren a big hug and a promise to do yoga next Saturday together before she disappeared. Jace spun me around and he smiled, "There's my beautiful girl," he lowered to kiss me and I smiled into the kiss.

"Hi,"

"Hi," he whispered back in the middle of the bustling coffee shop. "You want to take a walk before going to grab dinner?" he asked, his thumb stroking my face and I nodded, "Sounds good to me," I slipped my fingers into his before grabbing my coffee cup. We both headed outside together as he wouldn't stop smiling over at me, "How have you been?" he asked. "Good, busy with Claire." Jace nodded, "How was the past couple of days at the firehouse?"

"Busy. People in Boston are getting outside more and starting to do more things that shouldn't be done." I giggled as Jace sighed, "I did miss you though, think I can ever steal you away for a night?" he whispered into my hair. I laughed, "Maybe eventually." Jace tugged on my hand, "How does this situation work?" he asked, "Do you not get a life?" I shook my head, "They are being pretty generous. I just need to learn her hard spots and then I can plan a night over. Maybe right before her next chemo or something."

Jace sighed as he looked at me, those brown eyes flickering over my face and his dark hair and stubble going down his jaw. "You're beautiful and I just want a whole night with you. I know we met at a really hard time in your life and a big transition but I feel like I need more than two hours to woo the shit out of you." I giggled as I leaned into his body and kissed him again. "You might." He smirked before moving down the street.

"Why did you choose to become a nurse?" he asked, I sighed, "I don't know honestly. I wanted to help people and I wasn't sure the best way to help people. I shadowed a lot of different positions – teacher, nurse, doctor, PA, NP, and a few other things to find what I wanted to become. I loved the bedside nurse and I loved the NP role so it was a natural transition after that. It's a cliché reason but I've always loved helping people. In college I volunteered at a pediatric cancer center and I loved them, I loved the families, and it was a natural choice after that."

Jace smiled, "That's amazing. You start NP school in the fall, right?" I nodded, "Yea, in August."

"I'm doing stuff for squad rescue training," Jace said, I smirked, "Like Kelly Severide from Chicago Fire?" he laughed, "Something like that," we walked through the park that we met in and I smiled leaning into him. "Why did you choose it?" I questioned. He smiled, "It was mostly decided for me. My dad was a firefighter, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather. My dad and my grandfather both helped with 9/11 and after that I was inspired by them."

"Wait…really?" I questioned. He nodded, "Yea, I actually was living in New York at that time. My dad was one of the first-responders. My grandfather drove up with the firetrucks from Boston." I squeezed his arm, "I'm proud of all of them." Jace gave a smile, "My dad is still an active firefighter in Boston, my gramps retired not too long after that."

"That would drive me to be a firefighter, too." Jace gave me a smile. "I love it. It's one of my favorite things to do."

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Troy's POV

I tossed the football down the field and I watched it bounce on the ground. I sighed before I turned and ran the field before grabbing the ball and launching it back. The day had been long, the loss yesterday still strung, and I was angry with Lucas. I grunted as I tossed the ball down the field, again. I ran to pick up the ball as I heard a car door slam shut but I didn't turn around to acknowledge them. It had just been a frustrating few day and having to watch more and more people start talking to my girlfriend? My El? It sparked fury though my entire body.

I didn't know I was a jealous person, until it came to her. She made me jealous when other guys talked to her. "Hey," her sweet voice filled the field around me. I didn't move except to pick up the next football, "Troy," she finally managed and I could hear the shake in her voice. I closed my eyes and I sighed, I turned around to face her. She was in a pair of jeans with a t-shirt, her keys dangling in her hand, "I've been trying to talk to you for hours." She put a hand on her hip and just that simple gesture made me want to forget everything.

"Sorry, I've been busy." I spread my arms out to the empty field behind me. Her brown eyes snapped towards me with a bit of fury behind them. "You barely spoke to me yesterday. It was game day and you went home after the game. What did I do?" she demanded, I laughed, "Nothing. You did, nothing." I said with a glance towards her. "This doesn't make it seem like nothing."

I groaned, "Gabi, I lost one of the biggest games yesterday off my fingertips. I didn't have a lot of motivation to talk last night." She rolled her eyes, "You didn't lose that game Troy, if your offensive line would have blocked a little bit better and you wouldn't have gotten sacked almost six times, about killing me every single time, then I try and just talk to you and you bite my head off." My eyes came up to her and I couldn't stop the slow smile of my face.

"You're blaming my O-Line?" I tried to stop the smirk that was coming up onto my face and she tried to fight off her own smile. "You didn't lose that game alone yesterday, Troy." I just nodded slowly and let out a long breath of air. "I know, I am the leader. I just feel like I could have done more yesterday and then when I snapped at you after the game, I felt terrible but I had a bad day yesterday." I admitted to her. She shifted on her feet and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I didn't make you have a bad day yesterday."

"No, I just…" I groaned as I brushed my fingers through my hair, "I saw you talking with Will and Tommy yesterday in the hallway and they were flirting with you. It pissed me off. It wasn't your fault but I just…I liked it a fuck ton better when nobody knew who the hell you were because then I didn't have to share. I never want to share. You're my girl, my El." I patted my chest as she frowned, "Troy," she started moving towards me. "It's awful for me to think because I completely trust you and it was nothing you did. I was just jealous and then the game was shot to hell and then I was just in a pissy mood which landed me here."

She walked up to me and her hand slid onto my chest. "Troy," my eyes dropped to her face and I stared at those brown eyes. "I'm sorry," I shook my head, "No. Do not apologize." I stressed. She shook her head and leaned back to glance at me. "I'm apologizing for the fact that I never talked to you about that conversation. They were asking me for help in our College Algebra class." I closed my eyes, "I'm not saying that they don't have a valid reason for talking to you but for some damn reason, El, is that I just want you to myself. I don't want anybody to talk to you, hurt you, or do anything that I can protect you from."

I smiled softly as I explain to her, "I just want you to be happy and safe. I know how half of those high school boys think and…it could have been the most innocent conversation but I am jealous. I am so jealous when you aren't with me." A smile crossed her lips and I lowered my lips to hers. "You don't have to be jealous. I'm not interested in anybody else." I stroked her face and kissed her softly. "I know. I just am and that is new for me. You are just too beautiful to share."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around my neck, "Can you show me how to throw a football?" she questioned and I instantly grinned, "Absolutely."

Troy's POV

I tipped my beer bottle back as Claire was asleep, Eve was asleep, and my brother and sister were both sitting on the couches as we tried to watch a movie together. My mind was distracted as Gabi still wasn't back yet. She had sent Eve a message checking in and if she was needed back. Eve said no but I wanted to say yes. Claire was fine all evening, mostly worn out from playing with my family all day. The door unlocked and opened as my head whipped around.

Her hair was piled up on the top of her head with a sweatshirt on and a pair of jeans that hugged every curve. Her little slip-on shoes that she kicked off, her face flushed, and her lips were swollen. I tried to push down the jealousy but it was roaring hard. "Hey Gabs, you going to join us? I know there is wine and beer in the fridge." Lucas asked and she popped her head up and shook her head. "No, I'll probably just go to bed."

Gianna sat up, "No! Come hang out. I want to catch up with you." Gabi looked over at me and I swallowed down hard. "I can go to bed or something," I said putting my beer on the table. "No," Gabi shot out. Those brown eyes looked over at me but they quickly diverted. "Let me go change, check on Claire, and then I'll come hang out for a little bit." Gia grinned from ear to ear before running after Gabi. Lucas kicked my shin, "Sure you aren't jealous?"

I growled, "Lucas, shut up. I have a wife. I have a daughter. I am about to have a son. I don't get to be jealous over my ex-girlfriend." I whispered and Lucas laughed with a tip of his bottle. "Whatever you say, Bolton. You two live together. You are going to have to stop tip-toeing around eventually." I didn't say anything as Gia came back with a smile on her face. Gabi wasn't fair behind as she changed into a pair of sweats with a t-shirt.

My eyes shifted back to the TV, "Gabi, did you stay at North Carolina all four years?" Lucas asked, I kept my eyes straight but I wanted to look at her. "Yea, I did. It was okay. I made some friends but that was about it." I didn't dare move to look at her. I didn't want to see her face right now because I knew she didn't have the time of her life because of me. My chest ached and I looked over at the Boston sky. "Do you love nursing?" Gia asked.

"Love it, it's my favorite thing. Especially bedside nursing. Getting to know the kids and to take care of them? It's my favorite part." I exhaled as I picked at the wrapper on my beer bottle as I let my eyes drift to her again. "Why Boston?" Gia asked, "When did you move here?"

"Two days after I graduated from North Carolina. I took my NCLEX test here in Boston and I took the first job offered to me. I chose Boston because well…I don't know. I don't know why I chose Boston. I just did. It was one of those put my finger on the map and see where I land."

That was a lie.

My eyes glanced up to her face because I knew when she was lying and nothing had changed in those matters. Her brown eyes got bigger, they drifted to a different area, and her hands twitched. That's how I knew the answer she just gave was a bunch of bullshit.

"No, seriously, why?" I questioned and her eyes snapped over to me, the anger filtered out and she shook her head. "I just told you."

"You were lying and don't tell me you weren't. That's a bunch of bullshit. I know all of your tells," her face turned red and she shook her head, "You don't deserve the truth, Troy. You lost that right eight years ago when you told me I didn't matter anymore." I heard her heart whip across and smack me as she stood up and went off to her room. Gia shot me a look as did Lucas, "Seriously, Troy?" I didn't say anything as my jaw moved back and forth.

I stood up and I began to go after her, "Troy," Gia's voice pleaded and I shook my head, "I'm not going to be mean but I have to say something." I told her before I went back towards her room and knocked on her door. The door whipped open and those hot, mad, eyes looked right back at me. God, she was sexy as fuck when she was mad. "How dare you!" she basically screeched and I knew my girl was buried underneath there. All fire. She was already quick to get angry but the easiest to soften.

"Gabi, I'm not going to act like the answer you just gave out there was the truth." I argued with her. "We might not be together anymore but I still know you deep down. Don't give me the eight-year bullshit and don't like we don't fucking know each other. I can't tiptoe around this anymore." My voice rose up a level and Gabi's eyes went back and forth. Gabi took a calm breath before she nodded, "Fine, I didn't give you the most correct answer but at the same time you don't deserve the correct answer. You told me that you could handle me being here. I am not here demanding to know how you ended up here or how you met Eve or how Claire came to be. I am here, being her nurse."

"And dating other men," I shot back and her eyes looked at me and she shook her head, "No, you don't get to do that. You're married. You are about to have two kids. I am finally dating another man and you don't get to do this bullshit." She argued back. I brushed my fingers through my hair and I just nodded my head, "Okay. I'll drop it, I'm sorry, I just…this has been harder than I thought."

Her brown eyes flickered to my face and I nodded, "Yea, I know. Just remind yourself I'm just the nurse living here. That's it."

She turned and shut the door without another word while I blinked. I wish it was as easy as her just being the nurse and living here but that was where this was going to be difficult. She wasn't just a nurse; she wasn't just a random girl. She was my girl, my Gabi, and this wasn't going to be easy.

Oof. It's getting harder for the both of them! The tension is for sure building between the two of them! Let me know all of your thoughts!

Next Update: April 25th – it might be a later update. I work Saturday night and will sleep all day Sunday! So as soon as I get up I will post the chapter!

Please REVIEW!