Chapter 4 – Emotional Rollercoaster

Monday, December 17th, 2018

Gabi's POV

I walked into work Monday morning on a high that I couldn't explain to anybody. I was grinning from ear to ear and I was just happy. Annie watched me walk towards my office with my second cup of coffee in my hand. "Wow, what kind of weekend did you have?" she asked with a smile on her face and I only giggled, I freaking giggled, in the office. "It was a good weekend. Let's just put it at that." I said with a wink and she smiled.

"I'm glad. You have a voicemail and Brad left you a note on your desk." I rolled my eyes at the mere mention of Brad. I walked into the office as I sat down my briefcase and looked at the voicemail first before moving my eyes of too Brad's message.

Can we please talk? I miss you.

I just shook my head back and forth when my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced down to see Troy's name pop up causing butterflies to erupt in my chest. "Hey beautiful," he greeted as I put the phone between my ear and shoulder. "Hello," I said with a small smile playing on my face. "I was getting ready for work and I decided that I was going to bring my favorite girl a coffee and then well Luna turned me down so I figured I would bring you a coffee to work."

I sat down in my chair as I couldn't stop the smile from growing bigger, "Yea? Luna turned you down? That's really sad." Troy let out a burst of laughter, "Yea, it was really sad actually." I tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear and smiled, "Lee & Baker Marketing Firm," I told him through the phone as I was not going to turn down the opportunity to see Troy Bolton this Monday morning. I could only imagine it would make my day until I got to see him tonight.

"Perfect. I was right over there anyways." I rolled my eyes because City Lights was right over here by my office building. "What floor?" he asked, "Fourth," I told him and he smiled, "Good."

"The front desk will lead you to my office." I told him and he laughed, "So official." I shook my head with a smile on my face, "I'll see you in a little bit Mr. Bolton," I hung up the phone and leaned back in my chair as this couldn't be going better right now. I was waiting for the snag and maybe it would come tonight when I knew I had to talk about Zoey. I had to do it early because I was still grieving. Every single day brought a battle and it would be easier for him to understand that when I have to run off to help Lucy or when my family needs me a little bit extra than him.

He had to understand that my family was still lost and wandering around. I swallowed on the lump in my throat thinking about it because Troy deserved to know at least most of the story or I should confront it head-on because that was just who I was. I glanced up just in time to see Troy rounding the corner with a lady with not only coffee in his hands but a small boutique of marigolds. Annie glanced up to look at him and that's when I noticed the black slacks with a button-up blue shirt that was tucked into his slacks. A pair of black shoes on his feet with his James Island badge hanging around his neck.

Annie stopped him and he turned to say something to her as he had her laughing within in seconds for good reason probably. She glanced into my office and I knew by my shit-eating grin that she finally understood why my weekend was so good. He pulled up the door and I stood up from my desk, "Good morning," he said with a smile on his face and I laughed as I walked over to him and I pulled him into a kiss before I even said anything to him.

He smirked into the kiss before breaking it off to just sat down the coffee and flowers to only pull me back into his lips. "Yea, that's a good greeting." He said with a smile and I shook my head as I pulled away to survey him once more, "Mr. Bolton, you look mighty fine." He laughed with that smile on his face. He grabbed my hand and gently spun me around taking survey of my own outfit that was just a plain black dress with a pair of red heels.

"You look beautiful." He said kissing me softly again and I smiled, "Thank you, you going to tell me what's for dinner?" I asked as I turned to grab my coffee and I took a tiny sip. "Hmm…you allergic to anything?" he asked me and I shook my head, "Nope. Allergy-free."

"Any strong dislikes?" he threw in after that, "Oysters." I said sticking my tongue out and he laughed, "And pork." Troy nodded with a smile, "I can work with that." I picked up the flowers and I smelled them as I was pretty sure they just became my favorite flower. I peeked over Troy's shoulder as I saw Brad dead in his tracks looking into my office. "So, uh…it's not that I don't enjoy kissing you and all but I'm going to kiss you for reasons beyond that I just want to kiss you," Troy cocked an eyebrow as I approached him and kissed him. Hard.

My fingers drifted through his hair and he groaned, "Damn, I hope there is more of that tonight." I laughed and kissed him once more as I focused on him for the time being. "So…was your ex back there?" Troy asked sticking his hands into his slacks and I laughed, "Yea, but let's just say I enjoyed that kiss more than any other." Troy tucked a hair behind my ear and smiled, "I just hope he leaves you alone." I sighed, "Wishful thinking. Thank you for the coffee and flowers. They are beautiful and the coffee is outstanding." Troy laughed as he kissed me once more.

"I'll see you tonight?" I just nodded and he kissed my forehead, "Have a good day at work," I called to him and he smiled, "I may or not be watching basketball film all day for tomorrow but…" I frowned, "I'm sad you play the same nights as West Ashley," I said and he shrugged, "We'll figure it out," he winked, "Have a good day Ms. Montez," I smiled watching him walk out of the room and I fell into my desk as it only took Annie until he disappeared around the corner to burst into my office.

"Who the hell is that and holy fuck where do I find one?" she whispered and I laughed shaking my head from side to side, "We had our first date with each other on Saturday and we spent roughly twelve hours together." She fanned herself with a smile on her face, "He is beautiful," my laugh drifted away when my door opened again and it was Brad standing on the other side. Annie looked between the two of us and then she slipped out.

"What the hell Gabi?" I looked up at him with curiosity, "What Brad?" I asked him defeated as I turned around to pick up my coffee and moved the flowers away from my work. "Who the fuck was that?" he asked me and I shook my head, "None of your business. Last I remember I broke up with you three months ago." I said and he laughed, "You wanted a break."

"No, I said I want to break-up. Brad, we are not good for each other and I do not want to be in a relationship with you. I don't know how much clearer that can be." He laughed out loud with one of those really sarcastic laughs, "You are ready for a relationship with some other guy though who knows nothing about you?" I rolled my eyes, "That's the point of dating." I said to him and he shook his head, "I will fix something if I can fix it. Please, just talk to me Gabi,"

He tried to touch me but I backed away, "Brad, please, there is nothing for you to fix. I just am not in love with you anymore." I told him and he looked at me defeated and I just shook my head at him. "You need to leave me alone. I have somebody else in my life now who I really like and if you have any ounce of respect for me then you will leave me alone and let me be happy for the first time in many months."

"Gabi, it's only been three months…"

"I wasn't happy before that Brad!" he looked a little surprised, "Please, leave me alone, I am trying to work and you make it hard to do it." He just rolled his eyes before leaving. I took a deep breath as I looked at the flowers and coffee again as I tried to think of the last time Brad ever bought me coffee and surprised me with it.

I don't think he ever did.

It made me sad because I absolutely loved that Troy took his time out of his morning to just bring me coffee. I smiled sitting down because I was going to have a good day today. I was not going to be sad and I was not going to dwell on Brad because I had Troy and that's all I wanted.


Troy's POV

I highlighted a clip and dragged it over to show the team at film today. My class was working on a project as I busied myself with basketball. We had a game tomorrow and then another game on Friday before Christmas Break went into session. I just wanted practice and film to be over so that I could get my hands on that girl again. This morning I got up early to just bring her coffee and flowers because damn I really wanted to see her.

It may or may not have been a thought in the back of my head that her ex was going to be there but I didn't want him to cause her stress anymore. I knew I probably started something today but I was hopeful that it would pass.

My phone buzzed and I looked up to make sure the class wasn't paying attention to me as I picked it up.

What kind of wine do you prefer?

I smiled, as I shot her a quick text back to her.

I'm not picky. You can pick.

The bell rang overhead causing the class to jolt, including me as I had lost track of time. I stood up, "Remember, your projects are due Friday!" I stressed as they all raced out of the classroom. It was finally time for basketball practice and film which put me one step closer to my date tonight. I normally, loved every single minute of basketball practice and film. It was my passion but at the same time…ugh. She was beautiful.

"Hey honey," I looked up to see my mom walking in with Luna on her leash. "Luna Tuna!" I called, and she squirmed until my mom released her, and she jumped up to give me hugs. "Hey sweet girl," she licked my face and I laughed, "Alright," I said putting her back towards the ground. My mom smiled, "Big plans tonight?" she asked, I tried, I tried so hard to not let the smile slip on my face because my mom could read me better than anybody else.

But that smile pushed right out as I thought about her, "Nothing," I tried to play off and my mom squinted her eyes as she looked at me, she was a good half-foot shorter than me with her dirty blonde hair styled back into a ponytail. "Wrong, what are you doing tonight?" I laughed as I shook my head, "I have a date…happy?" I asked her and she could only grin back at me, "A date? With whom?" she asked coming closer and I shook my head, "Nobody you know. I met her when I was scouting a basketball game." My mom could only grin bigger and then it faltered, "Wait…she isn't twice your age…right?" I laughed and shook my head again.

"Nope, she's three years younger than me." My mom gave another approved smile, "Well good. You better charm the hell out of her. Do you think Christmas would be too soon?" I narrowed my eyes at her, "Uh…just a little bit." I said with a scratch of my head, "Maybe Valentine's Day," my mom smacked me for that joke and I laughed as Cameron and Jax walked in the door, "Hey boys," my mom said turning around to greet them as if they were her kids. "Hey Momma Bolton," I picked up my stuff and shut down my laptop. Luna was rolling on the ground underneath Jax's feet as he rubbed her stomach.

"Boys, can you tell me more about this girl?" my mom asked and my head snapped up to look at the two of them as they both grinned, "The girl he has already said he's going to marry?" Cameron let it slip from his mouth and I hissed as my mom spun around to look at me. "And you tell me Christmas is too soon!" I rolled my eyes as the boys both laughed, "He spent 12 hours with her on their first date and what did you do this morning?" Jax said as he leaned forward with a shit-eating grin on his face. I just shook my head back and forth.

Cameron and Jax were both laughing as my face turned bright red with my mom just staring at me. "Oh, he really likes this one." My mom said and I just tilted my head back to look at the ceiling, "Thanks for dropping Luna off mom!" I said enthusiastically and my mom shook her head, "What did you do this morning?" I stared right at Jax as I was going to give him so much hell for this comment. "I took her coffee and flowers to work…happy?"

My mom clapped her hands super excited that I was making an effort. It had been a while since I had made an effort towards a girl, "I can't wait to meet her!" my mom walked out grinning as I just gave death glares to the two men in the room. "You guys can handle film tonight," I said as I slung my bag over my shoulder, "You clipped it!" I walked out of the room with Luna on my tail. "I guess you're going to have to figure it out," I said walking out and they both groaned, "Serves you right," I hollered as I walked down the empty hallway.

I went to the gym as I went into the guy's locker room with Luna hot on my tail, "Luna!" screeched half of the guys as Luna often came to practice. She went rolling in the middle of the group as they all greeted her. I laughed shaking my head going into my office and I unlocked the door. I slid down into my chair in here as I switched to a pair of shorts with a James Island t-shirt. I slipped on my Nike tennis shoes and laced them up as I glanced up to see them all playing with her.

"C'mon Luna, they need to get ready," she hopped up and was quick to follow me. I walked out as Jesse and Dylan were walking into the gym already changed. Luna greeted all of them equally before she found her spot to lay down and watch practice. When the boys would run, she would chase him causing her to get her exercise and me one less thing to do tonight. I needed her to be calm around Gabi tonight because I just wanted to spend time with her and talk.

I pulled my whistle over my head and I watched the boys come out to stretch and warm-up. I walked over to the coach's as I found my water, "Laura found out about Gabi," Cameron slipped into the conversation and I just rolled my eyes not commenting. "Oh boy, I bet she was excited," Dylan mentioned, I went to walk away but Jesse pulled me backward. "What are you making her for dinner tonight" I sighed, "I don't know yet. I'm between two." My phone buzzed again and I pulled it out to see her name flash across the screen.

Is this dinner more wine or beer?

I could only close my eyes because she drank beer and I found that sexy as hell in a girl. Yet, it was going to most likely be an Italian dish for this evening so wine was probably for the better. I sent that back to her and I called the guys over to a huddle. This practice needed to fly.


Gabi's POV

I dialed Blaine's number as I wanted to make sure of the time and location of his game tomorrow. The phone rang twice while I finished getting ready for my date tonight before he answered. "Hey Aunt Gabi," I smiled, "How were school and practice?" I asked him and he talked about what he did at school today and then how brutal practice was as they prepared for their James Island match-up.

"What time is your game tomorrow?" I asked him as he finished speaking and I gave him a few comments here and there. "It got pushed back to Wednesday and then we'll play again on Friday." I couldn't stop my own grin, "Oh! I am glad I called to check then!" I said to him with satisfaction that I could go to Troy's game tomorrow night. "Yea, I'm glad you called too. We've missed seeing you around the house. Busy at work?"

I frowned as I played with my newly manicured nails and I cleared my throat, "Something like that." I said to him, "Well I hope you can come to get dinner with us sometime this week." I swallowed on the lump in my throat, "Maybe. I'll see how my schedule plays out." Blaine and I ended our conversation as I went into the bathroom to finish my make-up. I then twisted my bun back to the side of my head pulling our strands of hair to make it look a bit messier.

I was in a pair of blue jeans with a brown sweater, my necklace clasped around my neck and a scarf to go over the top. I pulled on a pair of combat boots and laced them up until I was satisfied with how I looked. I opened my jewelry box to see that ring glaring back at me. I knew I needed to give it back to him and I kept meaning to but I just never got around to it. I pulled it out and set it on my dresser to take to work tomorrow.

Sliding on a couple of bracelets I picked up my purse to see it was only 7:00. I groaned because I wanted to go now. I went to get the two bottles of wine out of the fridge and then my phone was pulled out to send a text to Troy.

You home? I think I want to come over early.

I sat down on my barstool as I waited for his response because if he wasn't ready yet then I needed to give him time. My phone buzzed and I picked it up.

Yea. Come over! I can't wait to hear about your day.

Standing up, I grabbed the two bottles of wine, my purse, and threw my cell phone into the bag as I ran down the stairs. I locked my apartment and hurried to my car where I climbed in. I was so happy that he was okay with me coming over early tonight. It was about a fifteen-minute drive to his house but when I pulled up butterflies erupted into my stomach. I parked my car and I went to his front door where I knocked on it.

It was only seconds later when the door swung open to see the most handsome man on the other side. He was in a pair of jeans with a Henley shirt that defined his muscles. A smile spread across his face, "Hey beautiful," I shook my head as my cheeks turned red. "Hello," I said stepping into his house and Luna came sprinting around the corner. I laughed as I sat down the wine before getting down to her level. "Hey sweet girl," she licked my face and I smiled as I just continued to rub her belly.

"Alright Luna, go lay down, you should be exhausted." She rolled over and went trotting to the living room as I stood back up and Troy took the bottles of wine to the kitchen where he placed them in the fridge. I shrugged off my coat as it smelled amazing in here. "I'm highly impressed that you cook." I said as I sat down at a barstool and he looked up at me, "Really?" I nodded my head up and down, "My special is the ad that comes in the mail that day."

He laughed at that one and he stirred something before he came over and tilted my head back with his finger before placing a kiss on my lips. He had his eyes closed and that devil smile came back onto that face. "I have been wanting to do that all damn day," I giggled as I pulled him into another kiss. "Thanks for inviting me over and cooking me dinner." I told him after I released him and he laughed, "No, the pleasure is truly mine."

I got up and I looked at the pictures hanging on the wall as there was one of a family of five all laughing with each other. He must have snuck up behind me because his voice was right above me. "That's my dad, Tommy," he pointed out the older man that if I didn't know Troy might mistake him for as they shared a strong resemblance. He then moved his finger to the girl who had curly dirty blonde hair who looked like she was the happiest person alive.

"That's my mom Laura, she's funny and the coolest person alive but she might scare you too." I laughed as I leaned back against him, "That is my brother Brady," I squinted as I looked at the picture, "Are you sure you aren't twins?" I asked and he laughed squeezing my shoulder. "Yup, I'm definitely older than him." I smiled shaking my head as I then landed on the girl in the middle who had the biggest smile, the bluest eyes, and the blondest hair.

"Is that Macken?" I asked and Troy nodded his head up and down, "Yup, that's Mac, she's a firecracker and man do I pray for whoever she marries one day." I laughed as I looked at Troy in the middle with his own smile and his own blue eyes shining. He was in a pair of khaki shorts and the man I could not wait for summer to see those legs. "You look pretty good in that picture," I told him and he laughed as he let his hand frame my face and his thumb brushed along my jawline. "How was your day?" he asked as we couldn't break eye contact.

"It was a day. Brad was angry at me but I think tomorrow I am going to give him the ring back and hopefully, that will finally clue him in that I don't want to be in a relationship anymore." Troy nodded sympathetically as a time dinged causing us to break apart from each other. "But besides that, I landed another account and started working on that today. That was pretty exciting but besides that…I was just counting down the hours until this."

Troy nodded in agreement, "I can relate to that. I basically spent my day constantly looking at the clock." I smiled as I leaned across the counter as he cooked dinner. "Do you want me to pop open that wine?" I asked him and he smiled, "Please. Those boys didn't have a single pair of listening ears today. They spent more time running than doing anything else." I uncorked the wine bottle and poured it into two wine glasses that Troy got down from a cabinet.

"I figured I would go with a rose…a nice mix between red and white." Troy smiled, "It's perfect." I took a sip of it and I glanced up at him, "Oh!" I said excitedly as I glanced over to him, he rose an eyebrow at my outburst, "Blaine told me his game got pushed back to Wednesday, so guess who gets to go watch somebody special?" Troy laughed and smiled, "I'm happy that you'll be able to come and this time maybe show up a little bit early so I can sneak in a kiss?" he asked and I smiled with a nod as I went to sit at the barstool. "But I have to warn you, you will be bombarded with my friends."

"I can handle that if I get a kiss," I teased back and he smiled with a wink, "I just might need to scout West Ashley again…" he said rubbing his chin and I laughed as he came over and pressed his lips into my hair. "Dinner should be about done." He said and I just nodded, "I'm in zero hurry." I told him and he smiled as I went over to Luna and I pet her. "Did you grow up with dogs?" he asked me, I nodded, "Yea, we always had a dog to my memory. My mom and dad still have two." I told him.

"So, you aren't completely dog deprived," he said and I nodded with a laugh, "Nope. I am not completely dog deprived." Luna rested her head on my lap as I sat on the ground to pet her. "She went to practice today and ran with all of the boys. That's why she's tired." I looked up and I laughed, "That's one way to get all of that energy out." Troy smiled as he moved around the kitchen, "I wanted her to be calm tonight." My eyebrows rose at this statement.

My eyes flickered to his and his face seemed horror-stricken, "Not in that way…no, I just didn't want her constantly jumping on you and…" he kept babbling and I busted out into laughter as Luna lifted her head up to see what I was laughing about. I got up but I couldn't stop laughing as I went over to Troy whose face was very red with embarrassment and I just shook my head as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Stop laughing," he said and I could only giggle again and he pressed his face into my neck, "I did not mean it that way…that comes with time and patience." I just laughed and I pressed my lips against him, "Please stop talking," those blue eyes scanned my face and he smiled as I kissed him again. "I'm so embarrassed," he said and I laughed again as I shook my head, "Don't be." I told him as I let go, "It was funny." I stressed to him. He shot me a look and I winked at him.

"Who knows…maybe you will get lucky tonight." Troy dropped the spoon he was holding to only further my hysterics. "You think you're funny," he said into my ear causing goosebumps to fly down my body and my laughing to halt, and then his fingers were tickling my sides causing me to squeal. He laughed behind me as he took me to the ground pretty much tickling me until I was squirming away from him. His knees on either side of my hips and then Luna barked.

Both of us ignored her as we stared at each other our eyes catching each other. He then smiled, "Nope, I have a rule." He said as he tried to get up, I narrowed my eyes towards him, "A rule?" I asked propping myself up onto my elbow as he got up. He nodded his head, "Yup, a rule. I'm not going to have sex with you until after our second date." I laughed sitting up off the ground as Troy helped me up and I looked at him, "So…tomorrow counts as our third date, right?" Troy shook his head, "Nope. We have to make it through the one date."

I turned my head to look at him, "We have to make it through the out to eat a date," I laughed again and I shook my head, "Plus, after this whole conversation, I don't want you to feel pressured into having sex with me anytime soon. That's a big step in a relationship and we've known each other for I think two weeks." I scratched my head, "It hasn't even been that long." I told him and he smiled, "See?" I laughed and nodded as I climbed back onto the bar stool as I took another sip of wine.

"To be fair…I've been thinking about you every single day since the day we met." I offered and those blue eyes looked up to me and I looked back to him with a shrug. He smiled as he finished cooking and I knew that tonight I had to spill my guts before we got too deep into this and if he wasn't ready for what I had on my plate then we needed to go separate ways. I wasn't going to drag him along and then be like well my family is in a black hole right now spinning in countless directions but yea, I'll marry you.

I sighed as I watched him cook as he made it seem effortless. I could cook some food but normally I chose not to cook. I was too busy and I just didn't have the amount of time that I wanted. I could bake though and I love to bake. Troy pulled something out of the oven and I looked at his ass, and damn was it a nice ass.


After three glasses of wine and a wonderful dinner, Troy and I were laying on the couch with each other. It was comfortable as we were watching a movie and I knew I needed to make my move sooner than later because we both had work in the morning and I needed to drink some water before I drove home. The movie went into another scene and I moved, "You okay?" he asked and I nodded my head as I turned around to face him.

"So, remember how you asked about my family and I told you it was going to require wine?" he nodded and when I went to speak again, he stopped me, "You do not have to tell me anything. Like we said earlier, we haven't known each other very long and we don't have to do this whole thing yet." I shook my head back and forth, "No, we have to do this now because you have to understand something about my life before we get into this way too deep."

Troy leaned up and paused the movie as I crossed my legs and sat in front of him and he grabbed my hand, "Of course, Gabs," I looked up at him and tears were already in my eyes and I knew that this was going to be a hard conversation. "You told me the night we met that you knew about Blaine's mom," Troy nodded his head, "Yea, I heard his mom had passed away in the off-season." He said quietly and I nodded biting on my lip.

"She passed away just three months ago." I said quietly, "She was my sister, my best friend, she was the person I went to for absolutely everything." The lump in my throat grew and I looked up at him as his face held only concern and sadness. "I didn't realize that it was just a few months ago. People made it sound like it was in the early parts of summer. Blaine seems to be handling it well." I bit on my lip as Blaine could put up a strong front, "His life has been a mess. His younger sister, Lucy, has constant nightmares and I'll get called over in the middle of the night to help because she doesn't want her dad. James, their dad, is doing everything he can but he can barely keep it together because my sister, Zoey, was the glue to her family and they are all falling apart without her."

Troy reached up to wipe a tear away, "She died and I felt like my whole world just combusted on itself. Blaine was devastated and Lucy just didn't understand. She still doesn't as she is only five and she'll get up to go find her mom in the middle of the night for her to never be there causing hysterics." I paused as I reflected on everything that I was saying and I mostly felt like I was rambling to myself because I didn't have anybody to talk too. I could talk to Jenna but I needed somebody who just didn't know my family yet, "I don't know, but they need me. A lot. On the day of our date, she woke up with a nightmare and they called me and me just…I felt guilty that I wasn't there for them then but I also hadn't told you anything so I couldn't just leave and I was having one hell of a time that I didn't want to leave." Troy let a tiny smile flicker on his face.

I took a deep breath to try and calm my body and to stop the rapid production of tears, "My family is still in the depths of grief from her loss. I am still trying to figure it out myself on why she was taken from us too early. Why she left us in this mess of a life without her. She was everybody's favorite and would listen to anybody talk for hours if they needed too." Troy grabbed my hand and he let his thumb trace circles on my hand as I didn't want to cry too hard in front of him but it was coming. It was building in my chest.

"Sometimes, I am going to have to put them first. Sometimes, I will have really hard days where life seems impossible to continue with. Sometimes, I will want to do nothing but go lay by her grave. Sometimes, I just want to lay in my bed all day. I don't know but meeting you has been the happiest I have been since she died so I don't want to lose you but I also need you to know that my family is in a black hole right now and all of us are just stuck."

"I'm not going anywhere," he whispered and I looked up at him because we had known each other for like ten days and here we were in his living room, me crying, and him telling me that he wasn't going anywhere just because that my family needed me more. I took a deep breath, "I guess I should also include that it was the day of my sister's funeral that I broke up with my fiancée," Troy seemed a little surprised by this, "Oh, that wasn't that long ago." He said as his eyes flickered to mine.

I shook my head, "It really hasn't been but when I'm telling you that our relationship was over before that…it was. We had lost our spark and we had lost everything about us that made a reason to stay together. He was boring and I broke things off. I knew that Zoey didn't really like us together anymore and he wasn't making me happy. It had been months maybe even years since he had made me happy so I broke up with him because I was being suffocated by him." I told Troy honestly and he looked at me with a nod, "How long were you together?" he asked and I looked up at him, "Five years." Troy just nodded and I reached up to press my hand into his cheek.

"Troy, this is why I told you everything tonight because there will be days that I will just cry over random stuff. There are days that are just too hard to be alone. I don't want you to feel burdened by any of this and if you don't want to deal with any of this then we don't have to continue. You deserve the truth because I really do like you and you deserve better than secrets." He smiled and he leaned forward, "What did I say to you earlier?" he whispered and I felt the tears flood my eyes, "That you aren't going anywhere." He nodded as he kissed me gently and wiped away tears at the same time. "I'm serious about this relationship Gabi, my friends can all see it on my face when I go to work, basketball practice, wherever. I'm not going to let an ex get in the way of us and I am going to be there for you during this time. I have no idea what it feels like to lose a sister but just the thought of losing Mac tears me apart inside."

I nodded as I looked down at the ground and I took in a deep breath. "After our first date, I broke down because I was supposed to go to see the kids and have dinner with them to make up for the fact that I wasn't there earlier with Lucy. I got home though and I thought about how excited I was to tell them about my date, to tell Zoey about my date and it just hits you like a ton of fucking bricks coming at you full speed. It hurt so bad and I had to have my mom go over there to eat dinner with them because if I went over there, I was going to be a mess. I was going to cry and that is the last thing that Lucy needs."

Troy rubbed my shoulder gently and he eased me into his lap, "I'm so sorry Gabi, I wish…I wish that I could have been there for you from the very beginning of this whole thing but I don't plan on letting you do this alone anymore." I broke down in his lap and he pulled me into his tight grasp. He held onto me until my tears began to subside and I took a deep shaky breath, "I guess I should tell you about my other sister, Beth."

"Another sister?" he asked and I nodded as I relaxed back against him, "She ran away a week after Beth's funeral. I guess ran away is the wrong term as she is 29 years old but she just up and left one day after the funeral because she couldn't bear to be around here. Nobody has heard from her since." He kissed the back of my head, "I'm so sorry, wow, Gabi, I can't even imagine." I shrugged my shoulders, "I have been the only one here besides my parents to keep that family together which is why I go to every single one of Blaine's games. That's why I am constantly over there eating dinner with them and going over in the middle of the night when Lucy has nightmares because I am the only one left."

Troy didn't say anything for a few seconds before I looked back at him, "Gabs, has anybody let you grieve? Like really grieve for the loss of your sister?" I looked straight ahead as I moved from my spot suddenly uncomfortable, "Yes, of course, like…" I couldn't finish my sentence as I felt flustered and I didn't know what to say to him. This was the first time I was at a loss of words with Troy. He looked at me with a bit of shock in his feature as he watched me self-destruct in front of him, "You are doing absolutely everything to keep everybody from falling apart but…" I just shook my head, "No, I'm fine. I didn't lose my mom. I didn't lose the person I love. I just lost my sister." I got up from the couch and Luna pulled her head up to look at me.

"Gabi, where are you going?" my hands were shaking, "I don't know, I just," I couldn't breath and he pulled me into his body again. I tried to resist but I couldn't resist him. "I don't know anything Gabi, maybe this is grieving for you but I just…just remember I am here for you okay? On those days where you don't want to get out of bed? I'm there. Those days that you just want to cry? My shoulder is there for you. Any time you just need a minute to scream, I know a perfect location."

I just closed my eyes and I knew tonight was one of those nights where I just didn't want to be alone. I didn't necessarily want to stay in the same bed as Troy tonight but to not be alone in the house would be great. I tilted my head back as I looked at him and he looked at me, "Thank you for sharing Gabi, you never had to do that but I get it. I'll always support you in being there for your sisters' kids and being the woman they need right now in their lives." I exhaled as I was mostly relieved that he was willing to take this part of my life on. I stuffed my face into his chest again and I just shut my eyes tightly.

"Can I stay in your guest room tonight? I don't want to be alone." I whispered quietly and he exhaled, "Absolutely. Plus, you might have had too much to drink." He teased and I smiled as he knew how to lighten the mood. We laid on the couch to finish the movie we were watching but I was slowly falling asleep in his grasp as I knew this relationship was moving fast and we probably needed to slow it down but I was happy.

I found his fingers and I squeezed them, "After all of that, I want you to know that you were the first person to make me smile and laugh again Troy. To make me happy and to honestly forget for a little bit about everything that has happened." He kissed the side of my head, "My mission is to keep you laughing," I smiled as I was happy that tonight wasn't full of kissing and talking but just learning how to be in the room with each other without too many words.

The movie finished up and I helped Troy clean up the kitchen, "Do you care if I ask you a question about your relationship with Brad?" he asked as he washed a dish and I sat on the counter as I dried them off. "No, go ahead," I said to him and he looked up, "What went wrong because I sure as hell don't that to go wrong with our relationship." I smiled looking down at the dish as I put it in a stack on the other side. "It just became really repetitive. There was no surprise in our relationship and he never stepped outside of his comfort zone. It was boring." I said with a shrug. "He told me when he was going to propose, he hinted about moving in together for months before I finally just asked so he would stop hinting about it. I don't know, there was no surprise flowers and coffee at my office. And he worked there."

I caught Troy's eye with that part and he smiled a little smile to know that he had made an impression that day. "Brad and I just are different people in this world. I love that you wouldn't tell me anything about our first date and I think you thrive off surprising the people you love with gifts of appreciation." He looked up and he nodded as if I had gotten that one-part right. "Brad proposed to me because he fell into a routine with me and I was so not in love with him anymore. It wasn't what we had in college and it was awful. I hated it but I also didn't know how to get out because I didn't want to hurt him and then Zoey died and I was broken and I didn't want him around so I just did it."

"Never gave the ring back?" I shrugged, "I never thought about it but when I saw it today, I figured maybe I should give it back to know that I really don't want to talk to him anymore. That I do not want to do anything with him anymore because dear God, Troy, one date with you was better than all of the dates he ever planned in our five years together." Troy leaned in as he kissed me and I kissed him back, "You opened my eyes and I can't ever go back now."

He pressed his forehead to mine, "Good."


Tuesday, December 18th, 2018

Gabi's POV

I snuck out of Troy's house early the next morning as I left a note on his fridge thanking him for letting me stay the night and for not giving up on me after our conversation last night. I snuck back to my apartment where I changed for work and then picked up the engagement ring as I was now marching towards his office because I was over him. I had somebody better in my life. I took a deep breath as I just walked in like he always did to me.

He hated when I just walked in.

"Gabi," he said surprised and I looked at him, I then walked right up to him as I gestured for him to open his hand when I dropped the ring into his palm. "Please, leave me alone, you have nothing left at my apartment. Okay? That was the last thing and I have moved on Brad, maybe I am not emotionally ready but I told him everything that he needs to know for now. I told him that my sister died and I am still trying to figure out my life without her. I told him that my niece and nephew need me a lot right now. That my brother-in-law needs me right now. That my mother needs me. All of these people need me."

"I need you," he choked and I shook my head, "You don't need me, Brad, when is the last time you did something to surprise me or to show your love towards me without it being forced sex between the two of us?" Brad clamped his mouth shut and I just nodded my head, "Within two weeks of knowing Troy he's surprised me with coffee and flowers, took me out on a date of a lifetime, and cooked me dinner as we laid on the couch just talking to each other. Brad, the last time we did that we were in college."

He just swallowed on this information and I shook my head, "I hope you find somebody who you are more compatible with but I have moved on. You have the ring and there is no going back so please, do not come back to my office." Brad shook his head, "I can't believe you are doing this Gabi, what makes you think you can do this?" I laughed, "We aren't married Brad, I can just break-up with you. I don't have a kid with you. I have no attachments to you."

I walked out of the office and down the hall to my own office where my breathing was rapid. A text was on my phone and I smiled as it was Troy.

See you tonight. I'll put you on the pass list. Bring a friend if you want.

I smiled as I thanked him and then sent a text to Jenna.

Want to watch hot teacher coach basketball tonight?

It only took seconds for her to reply.

Fuck yes.


Jenna climbed into my car and she grinned at me, "You never called and told me how this date went!" she said and I knew she was so excited for details and I just smiled. "It went really, really well." I said with a smile on my face, "We watched the sunrise from the most gorgeous spot, then we went to breakfast cooking lessons," she laughed as I thought back to that magical day. "After that, we went and got coffee, kayaking where we both fell in when we were too busy kissing to pay attention to the weight distribution."

Jenna squealed, "Oh my god! It went SO well!" I nodded my head, "Then he told me about his dog who I had to meet," Jenna laughed rolling her eyes, "You and dogs," I shrugged, "She's beautiful and her name is Luna. She loves me and ugh…I could steal her." She nodded encouraging me to continue, "Then he took me home but that was over a span of almost twelve hours. It was the best date ever and then I was supposed to go to the house to see the kids but I couldn't."

She frowned, "Why not?" I took in a deep breath, "Because I was excited to tell Zoey everything about that date and then it hit me that I couldn't tell my sister anything. I called my mom and asked her to do it and then I crawled into bed for the night and then faced them all the next day." Jenna rubbed my shoulder gently, "He then showed up to my office Monday morning." I mentioned and Jenna whipped her head around.

"Shut up!" I nodded with a laugh, "Yea, with flowers and a coffee delivered with a kiss." She clapped her hands together and I just shook my head, "Then we had dinner last night and I told him about Zoey and why I have to be around for my family too. That I can't always put him first right now and I cried a lot of tears. I told him everything about Brad and I told him everything about Beth and I don't know. It felt good to just talk about it last night. He told me that he wasn't scared of the baggage I was carrying and that he wasn't going anywhere."

"Gabs, he's a keeper." I smiled with a tiny nod, "Yea, I do really like him. I actually stayed at his house last night but I stayed in a separate room." I told her before she got any ideas. "I feel like we're flying right now in this relationship but it also feels really right." Jenna nodded, "It's okay to go fast for a little while, just cherish this time." I smiled over at Jenna, "It has been a whirlwind of a couple of days and I really do love spending time with him."

"Good, I really haven't seen you this happy since before." She said with a shrug and I smiled sadly back, "I actually stayed at his house last night. We stayed in separate rooms but I didn't want to be alone and that was the only solution I could think of." Jenna smiled shaking her head, "I can't wait to meet him. I do get to meet him, right?" I nodded my head, "He said he needed a good luck kiss," Jenna laughed, "How cute."

I shook my head with a smile, today the game was at James Island tonight and I was excited to see him on his home court. We pulled into the parking lot as Jenna filled me in on her day at daycare. "How is the pushing off trying for a baby going?" Jenna didn't say anything and I looked over at her as I parked my car. "He broke me." She whined and I laughed as I looked over at her, "So you're trying…?" I questioned and she shrugged, "I guess? How about we aren't preventing." She suggested and I laughed reaching over to hug her.

"Jenna, you're going to be an amazing mom." She laughed, "I'm not pregnant yet but when I am, she'll have an amazing aunt." I laughed and looked down at my hands, "Are you ready to meet him?" she nodded with a big smile on her face. We both got out as we walked in together. We came to the ticket counter as I approached, "Hi, Coach…"

"Cindy, there with me." I glanced up to see the 6 feet 4-inch man in a grey suit with a white crisp shirt and a burnt orange tie pressed to his chest. "You got it Coach Bolton," they stamped our hands and I couldn't even tear my eyes away from him as he had his hands stuck in his pockets with his hair swept back again. "Hi," I said with a smile and he smiled back as he grabbed my hand, "Wait," I said as I turned to finally see Jenna's face and I was pretty sure her jaw was on the floor.

"Troy, this is my best friend Jenna, Jenna meet Troy…" I stopped there because we had yet to actually declare ourselves anything and I didn't want to assume. Troy sent me a sideways glance and then focused his attention back to Jenna. "Jenna, it's great to meet you." Jenna shook his hand and he smiled, "I'm glad you could both come," Troy said and I smiled at him as Jenna just smiled watching the both of us. "I'm going to get popcorn and water, Gabs, you need anything?" I shook my head as she winked at me before going off to the concession stand. "I like her," Troy said and I laughed as he dragged me to an empty hallway.

He pressed me back against a wall and pressed his lips to mine, I smiled as I put my hands on his cheeks. "Hi," he whispered and I smiled back, "Hi," he kissed me again and took a deep breath, "Y'know, we've had two dates, one very important conversation, we've laughed together, I've met your best friend and we have like two minutes until one of mine comes down this hallway looking for me so I'm pretty sure we talk every single day…we could classify ourselves as together." He said I smiled with a shake of my head, "That's up to you, you want to take yourself off the market after only two weeks of knowing me?" Troy let a big smile across his face.

"For you? Absolutely." I laughed and I kissed him again, "Troy?" I heard a voice and Troy groaned as he buried his face into the side of my neck. "Troy…oh…" I turned my head to see the guy with dark brown hair and a big smile on his face as he found Troy. "I see. Okay, well the JV game is almost over if you know…you want to coach tonight. If not, then well…I'll just take over." Troy laughed into my shoulder and he lifted his head, "Dylan, I'll be there in like five minutes." The guy just rolled his eyes and I laughed as the man approached instead of leaving.

"I'm Dylan, the greatest assistant coach out there but the other three, especially Cameron, are going to beg to differ about that statement." I laughed and Troy just shook his head as he sighed, "Gabi," I said shaking his hand and he smiled, "You've been making him awful happy lately, it's weird to see him happy." I sent an eye over to Troy and he was just staring at Dylan as Dylan was grinning from ear to ear. They were clearly best friends.

"Dylan, please, leave," Troy said and Dylan laughed, "Oh man, just you wait…" he shook his head leaving and Troy rolled his eyes again. "He's the most obnoxious. I promise." I laughed as I smiled up at Troy, "He's funny." Troy laughed, "He's something," He kissed me again, "Hang around after the game to meet all four of them. Cameron and Jesse are sitting the bench right now for JV and then Jax is probably making sure the team isn't causing a riot."

"Wrong," Troy just rolled his eyes as I turned to see Jax with blonde hair, "When Dylan came back grinning from ear to ear, I figured that he found you with a very pretty girl." Troy just looked down at me and he mouthed the words I'm sorry and I just shook my head with a smile, "Gabi," I introduced and he smiled, "Jax," Troy reached for my hand after that, "I do have to go. Please, stay after the game because Cameron and Jesse will be pissed, they didn't get to meet you." I smiled with a nod, "Have a good game," he kissed me one more time quickly before walking off with Jax as they discussed something. I smiled watching him walk away in that suit and I smiled shaking my head.

I walked out of the hallway and Jenna just smirked at me as she put a piece of popcorn in her mouth. I smiled shaking my head, "You both are smitten with each other." I laughed with a shrug, "He's fucking hot Gabi," I laughed as we walked into the gym together and we found seats by the bench. We went a couple of rows back and I sat down next to Jenna, "He wanted to classify us." Jenna laughed, "I saw him give you that look when you introduced us."

"I don't know, we are moving really fast like it hasn't even been two weeks yet." I stressed as I was becoming anxious over the little amount of time that we have actually spent together and we are already boyfriend/girlfriend material. I felt like we were in the middle of a middle school relationship. "Stop worrying about the time Gabi, you were with Brad for how long before you declared yourself together?" I bit on my lip because she had a point. "Three months."

"And look how that turned out? Time doesn't always mean a good thing. You know you have strong feelings for him." I just nodded my head because I did have strong feelings for him and there was no doubt that even if we waited two more weeks anything would be different. It would just have been more time. I smiled as I leaned back as the JV game finished before his and then they were quickly taking the court to warm-up for the next game.

The cheerleaders were activity and being loud, the band was playing in their little section as I took in the crowd. Troy and his four assistant coaches came out of the locker room and he quickly spotted me. He shook his head with a smile and he came over to lean over the bench as we were close enough for him to stay right there. "If you distract me this whole game, I'm blaming this loss on you." I laughed shaking my head as I watched Jax and Dylan shove the other two males to pay attention.

"If you get that easily distracted then maybe you shouldn't be a coach," I said with a wink and he laughed nodded, "Alright, fine, if I win this game, we go out to eat tomorrow after Blaine's game." I smirked, "And if you lose then you have to let me cook dinner for you." Jenna busted out laughing, "Troy, I hope you win." Jenna declared and he laughed looking at Jenna as he reached across the back of the chairs to grab my hand.

"You have a deal," he said with a smile on his face as I knew he wanted to kiss me but all of his players were right there probably watching this exchange and I couldn't do that to him yet. I shook his hand and he gave it a gently squeeze. All four guys were watching with smiles on their faces and I just shook my head with a laugh as Jenna leaned into me. "I'm so happy for you," she whispered and I smiled looking over at her. "Zoey would have loved him."

I felt my chest get tight with that statement and I blinked my eyes trying to stop tears and Jenna knew as she pulled me into her side. It wasn't that she brought up Zoey, it was still the past tense use of her name that caused the fear in my chest and the emotional break-down inside my body. She wasn't here and I couldn't tell her everything I wanted too. Troy called the team together and I took a deep breath as I watched him draw out a play.

Jenna smiled at me as she loved basketball and I knew she was going to love this relationship I was diving into. I was happy but at the same time, I couldn't shake the sadness that clung to my shoulders so tightly that I couldn't let the stress go.


HEY! So….hi. I am sorry this is so late! It was a long day of traveling and I JUST got home. SO. Here is the chapter! I hope you all loved it! Also – I do deeply apologize. I know I said I was going to try and have the next chapter to His Girl out last weekend. Well. I am in the deepest writing funk known to man + I went to the beach for a week so that didn't help matters at all. I am going to try my HARDEST to get something out to you by Friday. No promises but I have not forgotten about it or anything – it will be finished I am just stuck at the moment lol

Thank you for your patience! So glad you guys like this one!

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Next Update: Sunday, July 12th