"I got you an appointment for Monday," Gabriella said quietly as she entered the kitchen. While Gabi stepped out to make the call, Kelsi cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. She managed to find her appetite again to have some leftover fruit tart.

Kelsi jumped up and squealed, engulfing Gabi into a hug. "Thank you!" She let the woman go but held onto her shoulders. "Will you come with me?"

Gabriella bit her lip. She and Troy were supposed to leave for Fiji on Monday. Their flight back to San Francisco was set for Sunday afternoon. But as Kelsi's green eyes sparkled with hope, Gabriella couldn't help but give in. She'll just have to tell Troy later. "Okay."

Kelsi shrieked with excitement and hugged Gabriella again. "Thank you! Seriously, thank you, thank you, thank you."

Gabriella laughed and brushed a hair out of her face. "It was no big deal."

"What's a no big deal?" Lucille asked as she entered the kitchen. She opened the fridge and looked around.

The girls looked at each other slightly alarmed. "Umm… we're going to get mani-pedis on Monday," Kelsi answered.

"Ye-yeah… would you like to join us Lucy?" Gabriella added, making Kelsi's eyes bug out a little.

She decided on a bottle of water and let it swing shut. Lucille pursed her lips in thought as she turned around to face the girls. "Depends on what time… I have a doctor's appointment in the morning."

"Umm… el-eleven? Then maybe we can grab lunch after?"

"Okay sure." Lucille smiled and left the kitchen with her water.

"Dude!" Kelsi hissed when she was sure her mother was out of sight. She lightly smacked Gabriella's arm. "What the heck man?"

Gabi held her hands up in surrender. "What was I supposed to say? I couldn't not invite her," she sighed, "I guess I better make reservations for mani-pedis now." She unlocked her phone and started googling.

Kelsi didn't get a chance to rebuttal when Troy and Mary came in from outside. "You're such a cheater! Always have been," Mary said. She grabbed two water bottles from the fridge and tossed one to Troy.

Troy smirked as he caught it. "Don't hate the player… hate the game."

Mary rolled her eyes. "You totally fouled me!"

Troy looked at Gabi and Kelsi and shook his head. "She's lying… I don't foul."

"Yeah okay," the twin said sarcastically.

"Alright then… rematch."

"If you can get dad to be ref, sure."

"Guys," Kelsi interrupted. "It is not that serious."

"Whatever," Mary scoffed and exited the kitchen.

Troy came over to Gabriella and hugged her from behind. Her face scrunched up. "Eww… you're all sweaty! And ya stink!"

He laughed as she tried to squirm away and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Mmm… now you do too."

"Go shower."

"Only if you come with me."

Kelsi coughed uncomfortable. She's never heard Troy be so suggestive before. "Guys I'm still here."

The couple blushed and Troy let her go. He kissed her once again and said, "I'm going to go get cleaned up. You okay here?"

The dark brunette smiled softly at Kelsi then back at her husband. "Yeah we're good."

They watched as Troy saunter away and out of sight. "You know I haven't seen Troy like this in a really long time," Kelsi said making Gabriella tilt her head in curiosity.

"Like what?"

"Happy."

"And you think it's because of me?" Kelsi nodded enthusiastically. Gabi blushed again and tried to hide behind the curtain of her hair. "I think you're giving me too much credit."

Kelsi shook her head. "You don't get it Gabs… after he basically shattered his knee, Troy was really depressed. He worked his whole life for the NBA, and just like that it was over. The Lakers invited him to camp because he missed the draft, but I don't know what happened with that… no one does. Chad says he doesn't even play ball anymore. All I know is that he hasn't really been himself or been home since his injury."

Gabriella nodded but she really had no idea. Troy always spoke so fondly of Albuquerque, his family, and basketball. The Troy she knew and loved was resilient and filled with so much life. She couldn't imagine him ever giving up basketball. Sometimes he plays a quick game with some coworkers during his lunch hour or after work. In the summer he runs a basketball clinic with the local high schools and colleges. Overall, he seemed very content with his life. Depressed would be the last word she would ever use to describe Troy.

"But with you – here with him – he's almost like his old self. No… he's better than his old self."

Gabriella smiled softly. She's touched that Kelsi believes that she has this effect on Troy. But to Gabi, he's her serendipity. Before him, Gabriella was all work and no play. She lived by planning every tiny detail, and he taught her how to be a little spontaneous. He showed her that taking a day off wouldn't kill her or the company. He has always been this amazing, supportive person, and Gabriella felt so blessed to be loved by him.

"Troy tells me you're an amazing pianist," Gabi said needing to change the subject.

Kelsi's cheeks tinted pink. "Ehh… I wouldn't say amazing."

Gabriella knew she was trying to be modest. She looped her arm with the youngest Bolton and dragged her out of the kitchen. "Let's go… I want to hear you play."

A shower was just what Mary needed. Not only was she refreshed and cooled down a bit, but it was also nice to get some alone time. She was happy to find an old tee from her college days and a pair of running shorts in her old room. Mary was a meticulous packer, a talent she developed as she traveled more and more for work. She didn't anticipate Troy coming to the funeral, and therefore didn't pack any more than a week's worth of clothing.

As Mary descended the stairs, she was greeted with the familiar sound of Kelsi playing the piano. It was something she sorely missed being away in Houston. The house was always so lively with Sharpay singing and Kelsi accompanying her on the piano or the guitar. They always performed a number together when the family gathered around for birthdays and holidays.

But something was different this time. It wasn't Sharpay singing. It was someone else and her ears picked up a male voice as well. Mary walked towards the sunroom and was surprised at Gabriella and Troy singing with Kelsi on the piano.

Of course she can sing! Mary thought. Is there anything she can't do? She turned on her heel and walked out before they noticed her. She needed to get the hell out of there. The girl was literally everywhere.

Kelsi finished the last chord and clapped her hands together. "Gabriella! That was incredible!" Gabi giggled and took a sip of water. "And Troy! Excuse my language, but what the fuck! How come none of us knew you can sing!"

Troy laughed. "What can I say?" He wrapped an arm around his wife and kissed her temple, "you are the music in me."

Kelsi and Gabriella rolled their eyes at his cheesiness. Troy's cellphone went off and he crossed the room to answer it. "Kels, you're the one that's unbelievable," Gabi gushed.

Kelsi brushed it off. "Me? You jumped into that musicality so flawlessly."

Gabriella laughed. "I wished… but no. Troy has shown me all of your videos and it may have gotten stuck on repeat few times. My favorite is What I've Been Looking For." The petite woman looked back at her brother who was busy texting on his phone. "He's so proud of you Kels."

Kelsi's eyes filled up with tears. She had no idea. She knew Troy supported her love for music like the rest of the family, but she never knew he was that big of fan like Grandpa.

"You know… I have a friend at Warner Brothers. And they're always looking to work with new talent," Gabriella said.

Kelsi's eyes widened. "Shut up!" Gabi laughed, "you better not be messing with me."

"Never! I'm pretty sure they have their interns for the summer, but I could forward your stuff along. See what happens."

Before Kelsi could celebrate, her face dropped at the thought. If she's pregnant, (which was a pretty weak if) she would have to disclose the pregnancy before they took her on. After all, she would be showing by the end of the internship. Kelsi hoped that her talent would be enough to compensate for it. She's read all the threads online about what to expect when you're expecting. One of the major things she kept coming across was how tired pregnancy made women. How could she pull all-nighters with a bun in the oven? Some of her best work came out at three in the morning. But she was getting a little ahead of herself. Gabriella hasn't forwarded her stuff yet. For all she knew, they wouldn't like her music anyways.

That thought didn't stop Kelsi's mind from becoming a whirlwind of scenarios if she didn't have the baby. She could take Gabriella up on her offer. If they liked her stuff and it all goes well, maybe she could drop out of college and move to LA. She could get a jumpstart her career as a music producer/composer. But who was she kidding? She couldn't have an abortion, nor could she give it up for adoption. Both options made Kelsi sick to her stomach.

Then again, there were tons of women who have children and become successful. Kelsi could be one of those women! But self doubt reared its ugly head. What if she couldn't? Kelsi loved Albuquerque, but it wasn't the place for music. If she had the child, she would probably stay in town and end up teaching and performing locally. While that's not bad either, she always dreamed of hearing her stuff on the radio, in movies, or even on Broadway. You can't do that from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Internally she chastised herself. How could she be so reckless?

"Hey…" Gabriella called softly, grabbing her attention. They looked over at Troy and saw that he was deeply invested in his phone. He was most likely answering an email. "The offer will always be there, regardless of what happens on Monday. Just say when and I'll make the introduction."

Kelsi smiled softly. "Thanks Gabi."

Gabriella gave Kelsi an upside-down smile and pulled her into a hug. "Of course… you're insanely talented."

"Alright guys I got one more in me before everyone gets home for dinner," Troy announced as he tossed his phone onto the couch.

"What! No, Troy we have to perform a duet for Sharpay. Oooo she's gonna be so pissed!" Kelsi said.

Troy placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. "Not gonna happen."

"Pleaseeeeee."

"No."

"Why would Sharpay be pissed?" Gabriella asked.

"Because she's been annoying Troy to sing with her ever since she was little. But Troy always turned her down and said athletes don't sing."

Troy rolled his eyes at her dramatized voice. "One, I don't sound like that. And two, I was a dork in high school. I was too worried about what everyone else would think about me."

"Troy, she was in middle school."

"With a YouTube channel!"

Kelsi had to laugh at that. He wasn't wrong about that. Sharpay definitely would have secretly filmed him and post it online. "Fine, fine, fine… but I'm still going to tell her." Kelsi turned back to the piano and picked up her music binder that sat on top of it. "Alright guys… how does What I've Been Looking For sound?"

Mary didn't know where she was going, she just wanted to get out of there. She eventually found herself running along her old route from her high school days. Every morning she used to get up at 5am just to run three miles in an hour. By senior year, she was clocking in 9 minutes and 8 seconds per mile.

Mary jogged around a man, a little out of breath. She wasn't breathing this heavy when she played ball with Troy earlier. She swore right then and there that when she heads back to Houston, she's going to try and start running again. Her lungs shouldn't be on fire and her throat shouldn't feel like it's closing up.

"Mary Bolton?" The blonde woman slowed down and turned around. "Holy shit… it really is you! How are you?"

Mary tried to hide her confusion as she checked out the man before her. He was tall and tan with dark hair that was gelled into a fohawk style. The t-shirt he wore only accented his muscular arms and pecs. He had a nice smile and his brown eyes crinkled with genuine delight. "Hey…" she greeted unsure.

The man chuckled. "Charles… Charles Kaplow. I was on the varsity team with your brother."

"Oh… Oh! Sorry," Mary mentally smacked herself. "Hi yes… Charlie… yes. I remember you. I think we had math together too." Goodness gracious time has been good to this man. Back in high school he was scrawny and awkward.

"Yep… ever since seventh grade. So, what's up? How you been? Last I heard you were in Houston."

"Ye-yeah, yeah… I am. My grandfather died so I'm here for the week."

Charlie frowned. "My condolences."

"Thanks."

"Well I should let you get back to your run… but it was nice seeing you. Maybe we can grab a drink before you head back?"

Mary wasn't sure how long Troy and Gabriella were going to be around. Someone to escape to would be nice. "Sure." Mary took his phone and typed her number in.

"Cool… I'll call you." He went for a hug, but she held up a hand for a fist bump. They laughed awkwardly before he gave her a fist bump and went along his way.

Charlie looked back at Mary and waved, to which she replied to with a thumbs up. Again, Charlie laughed before turning around and jogging away.

Mary shook her head and scolded herself. And you wonder why you're single…

She ran on and off for about a mile and a half before she decided to come back home. The sun was low in the sky and she wanted to get home before it got dark.

Mary entered the house to the sound of laughter and silverware against the plates. She walked into the dining room where everyone was present but Andrew and Sharpay.

"Ooo Mary!" Lucille started and wiped her mouth, "everything's in the kitchen." Mary gave a curt nod before walking out. She quickly washed her hands and grabbed a plate. Most of the food was leftovers from lunch, but it looked like her parents stopped by the grocery store to remake the salad and added a pasta dish.

She filled her plate with whatever looked good and reentered the dining room. Mary was a bit tiffed that they replaced her chair with the highchair for her nephew Matthew. So she had to make a choice: either sit next to Jason who she loathed or sit beside Gabriella - little miss perfect.

Internally she groaned and sat between her father and Jason.

"Where'd you go?" Jack asked his daughter quietly.

"For a run…" Mary answered and dove right into her dinner. The faster she finishes her dinner, the quicker she can go and lock herself in her room.

"Nice… glad to see you're still at it. Same route?"

"Yeah… but man am I out of shape. I'm worse than I was freshman year of high school. I like half-assed it for about a mile and a half, and just walked the rest of the way back."

Jack chortled. "Tell me about it… why do you guys think I always biked or drove while you guys ran?"

Mary gave her father the stink eye and shook her head. "Hey Mary!" Kelsi called from across the table, "we're gonna play some board games later… can you be my partner?"

Just great. It's a couples' game night and she's stuck with her baby sister as her partner. Kelsi was great at card games like Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity. She had a wicked kind of humor. But if they were playing games with clues and a timer, Kelsi was the worst person you ever wanted on your team. She panics and spends most of the time saying 'umm' or 'the thing'. Everyone looked at Mary expectantly.

"Uh… sure, I guess," she finally said. It's not like she had any other plans.

"Yes!" Kelsi turned to Gabriella, "Prepare to be annihilated."

They found a small, old chalkboard in the basement and used that to keep score. They started game night off with Taboo and put a little twist on it. Every other round was like Charades instead of describing the word.

So far Jack and Lucille were winning. Gabriella and Troy were close behind. Martha and Jason were about five off from them. And in last place was Mary and Kelsi. As an extremely competitive person, one can only imagine how pissed off Mary was being in last place.

Gabriella slyly reached around Troy and slid her hand into his front pocket. She gave him a kiss on the cheek as she took his Juul from him.

He turned towards her. "I'm gonna go for a walk," she whispered.

"I'll come with you."

Her smile didn't falter as her eyes scanned the room. "No baby… I'm fine. I'll be quick. Promise."

He searched her eyes to see if she was really okay. Gabi hardly ever smoked. She only ever did it if she was extremely stressed out or tired. But Troy understood the need to get away. His family was big and nosy, and they could be a lot. But she handled it like a pro.

"Okay." They kissed and Gabriella quietly excused herself from the room.

"Is she okay?" Martha asked, watching the dark-haired woman walk out into the night.

"Yeah," Troy said as he watched his parents play a lightening round. "She needed some air."

"Why didn't you go with her?"

"Because I respect her space?" Martha rolled her eyes. "Look, it's always been just her and her mom. And now she gained a whole family. It's a lot."

Martha frowned, but understood because sometimes she wanted to get away too.

Outside, Gabriella walked a few paces before taking a drag, and blowing the smoke slowly into the quiet night. What a day it's been. From the company crisis all the way to now, she was beyond exhausted. She didn't think they would be at the Bolton's all day - two, maybe three hours top. She couldn't wait to head back to the hotel and unwind; let Troy have his way with her. But the Juul was fine… for now.

Up ahead she spotted a silver pickup truck pulling over. A well-dressed man hopped out the driver's seat and run over to open the passenger door. Another man got out and the pair shared a kiss. When they parted, Gabriella got a good look of the guy.

It was Andrew.

"I'll see you on Monday?" the man asked.

"Of course," Andrew responded in a 'duh' tone and they kissed once more. He stood on the curb until his date pulled away. Feeling eyes on him, Andrew looked down the street and his eyes landed on her.

"Gabriella…" he said surprised and walked towards her. He looked around. The girl was alone. "What are you doing out here?"

Gabriella's eyes widened in realization. How long was she staring? She chuckled awkwardly and waved the Juul in her hand. She took another hit and blew out the smoke. "Sorry… I didn't mean to intrude."

"You weren't…"

A beat passed between them. She wasn't sure what to say, so she went with, "Troy never mentioned-"

"That's because Troy doesn't know…" his voice lowered, "no one really does."

Great… another secret. "Andrew…" Gabi sighed, "nobody cares about that. Being gay is nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not ashamed of who I am. But you don't get it Gabs… you don't hear the things that I do at work. What they say about Justin behind his back. It's pretty crude. I can only imagine what they would say about me if I came out."

She took another hit and blew the smoke away from his face. A smile graced her lips. "Justin, huh?" Andrew blushed and scratched the back of his head like Troy does when he's embarrassed. "He's pretty cute."

"Yeah… I think I'll keep him around."

She took one last hit. "I should be getting back… Troy's probably wondering if I got kidnapped." Andrew laughed lightly and nodded in agreement. "You coming?"

Andrew shook his head. "Nah… but maybe I'll see you guys tomorrow?" They shared a hug and Gabriella watched as Andrew hesitated to head home. "Umm… do you mind not telling anyone about tonight?"

The dark-haired beauty took a deep breath. If she hears one more secret tonight, she just might spontaneously combust. "I won't… I promise."

Andrew's features relaxed and he gave the young woman another hug. "Thank you."

Gabriella watched him walk away with a small smile on her face before slowly turning around and heading back to the Boltons'. It wasn't long before she was walking up towards the house and saw the love of her life waiting for her on the steps.

She bent down and gave him a chaste kiss before sitting between his legs. His warm hands rubbed up and down her chilly arms. She relaxed against him as his arms wrapped around her waist and he rested his chin on her shoulder.

"How's my babe?" he asked.

"Good… tired."

"Okay… let's go."

She turned a little to get a good look at him. "Is that okay?"

She's adorable. "Yes baby… it's been a long day." She leaned back into him and they were quiet for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts. "Thank you for this," he said after a while.

Gabi grabbed his hand and laced their fingers. "For what?"

"Coming out here… I didn't realize how much I needed you here with me this weekend."

She kissed the back of his hand. "Of course my love… I would go to the end of the world for you."

I told myself that I wouldn't update this story until I finished 'Forever'. But of course I hit a writer's block :3 Anywho, I hope you guys liked this chapter. The secrets are slowly growing... could Gabriella keep them to herself? Let me know what you think! -M