Chapter 5 – Christmas Getaway

Sunday, December 23rd, 2018

Gabi's POV

I rolled my luggage behind me as Lucy was skipping next to me rolling her own. I smiled at her and she smiled back at me, "Aunt Gabi, I am so excited to go to the beach for Christmas!" I smiled because I was excited to get the hell away from Charleston, South Carolina for Christmas. I didn't really care where we went but I was just happy to not be home. This was our first Christmas without Zoey and if Thanksgiving wasn't hard enough, Christmas would be harder. It was her favorite holiday and she went all out.

Every. Single. Year.

When James called me crying one night, he told me he could barely put up the Christmas tree because he couldn't do it the way she did it. So, I went to help. I helped them decorate the whole house just like Zoey would do and the kids and I all cried on the floor thinking about her. It was safe to say, I ended up at Troy's house after that night because it hurt so bad to think of us not having her there on Christmas morning dressed as Mrs. Clause and handing out presents.

We decided easily that we couldn't be here on Christmas. We had to get away and just let ourselves enjoy the holiday differently. We were going to California for the week and then we would come back to South Carolina. We figured San Diego would be a good destination for a couple of days and to spend our Christmas together. It was away from any memories that we held and any expectations we were supposed to have about Christmas.

My parents were going along with James parents as we were all walking through the airport. Blaine had hidden into his shell with his music blaring ever since we got through the security gate. James was busy trying to make sure everybody had everything they needed and I was just trying to make sure nobody got lost from our group. Lucy pretty much stayed right by my side and I stayed right by hers.

Troy had won the bet as they won that night Jenna and I went to his basketball game. Troy was in a hot mood as he argued with the refs for majority of the night. He was constantly on their backs about calls and when players didn't do as he said he pulled them quickly. They won but barely. He was sexy as hell to watch coach though. Since that day, we had one more date and the night I went to his house to be with him after the mental breakdown about Zoey.

It was mostly nice that I had somewhere besides Jenna to turn to when the feelings about Zoey got to be too much. Troy would just listen and hold me and then we did something fun together. Last time, I baked him cookies and he had been begging me since to bake him cookies again. When I told him, I was leaving for the week of Christmas, he smiled with a nod and just kissed me. He told me that he hoped that I had a fantastic vacation and I think he knew it was the best for everybody. It was just simply going to be too hard to be here without Zoey.

"Sweetie?" I turned at my dad's voice to see him trying to catch up to me, "Andy, slow down," my mom warned and he rolled his eyes, "Gigi, I'm fine," he said and my mom only rolled her eyes in response as my dad caught up to me. Andy and Gina were the atypical southerner that you would think of anytime you thought of people from the south. Polite as could be but sassy as hell. "What's up dad?" I asked him and he sighed, "I was just wondering how you were doing. Your mom said you have had a couple of dates with a man recently," I giggled, "It was a man." I confirmed for him and he just looked at me and then rolled his eyes.

"Is it the same man?" he asked and I laughed nodding, "We've actually made ourselves pretty official recently. You might consider him my boyfriend." My dad gave a smile, "That's awesome! What is this man's name?" he asked me and I smiled because it had been nice to keep Troy just to myself recently. "Troy," I told him, "He's a very nice gentleman." I said my dad sent me a sideways glance, "Better than that Brad fool?" I laughed and nodded, "Yes,"

"When do I get to meet him?" he asked and I shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't known him all that long yet myself. We met at the beginning of December." I told him and my dad looked at me again as we approached our gate, "You've only known him a few weeks and you've made yourself official?" I shrugged, "I really like him. He's very sweet and we have had several dates. It's been exactly what I need." I told my dad and he sighed, "Well, just know, that I can't wait to meet him."

I gave my dad a hug as he went off to pester Lucy and Blaine. I walked over to the window as I pulled out my phone and I called Beth. I have been doing it more frequently and just telling her about my days in hopes that one day she will return my phone call. That one day she would text back saying that she is okay and that I don't need to worry about her too. The phone beeped and I swallowed on the lump in my throat.

"Hey Bethie," I said with as I looked out at an airplane, "The whole family is heading over to San Diego for the week because well…you probably know why. It will just be too hard to be home this week without her. It's hard enough not having her but we all miss you so much too. Especially during Christmas." I took a deep breath, "I hope wherever you are Bethie that you have an amazing Christmas, I hope you are happier and just in a better place. I love you a lot."

I hung up the phone after that and decided to give Mr. Bolton a call now. I pressed on his name and when he answered I just heard cheering in the background, I laughed, "Hey there, busy?" I asked him and he laughed from the other end, "No. Not for you." I smiled because he always made a few minutes to talk to me. "How's football Sunday going?" I asked him and he smiled, "Good. We're just hopping between all of the games. Luna is in heaven in Cameron's lap and well. It's been pretty uneventful. Make it to the airport?"

"Yea, we're just waiting for our flight to board. I figured I would give you a call to let you know we're getting ready to do that."

"I'm glad you called. I miss you and I just saw you yesterday." I laughed, "So we promise, just a date to celebrate Christmas…right…" I dragged out because I knew he was the type of man to surprise and I felt like I had to be ready for it. I had met all of his friends and he had met Jenna so we had met friends. He had invited me to go over to football Sunday with him to continue to meet the guys but I obviously couldn't.

"Of course," Troy responded and I sighed because I knew he wasn't telling the truth. "Troy…" I drug out, "C'mon, just a date. Don't buy me anything." I told him and he sighed, "How can you already know what I am and what I'm not going to do?" he asked and I laughed, "Because…it's easy with you." He laughed and I smiled looking at another plane. I heard one of his friends from the other end and Troy responded.

All of them were super nice and mostly poked fun at Troy but it was all in good humor. Jenna met all of them and I told Troy that we could have a double date with her and her husband at some point in the future. Troy liked the idea and I loved the idea that we were already co-mingling our crowds together. It was something that Brad and I didn't do and that's why I only had one friend left. Because Jenna was persistent as hell to not let me lose all of my friends when Brad pushed them all away.

It was something I was incredibly thankful for. She was my greatest gift ever.

"Will you be home next Sunday?" he asked, "Yea, we fly in Saturday night." I told him, "I thought about maybe just coming over Saturday night." I told him because I did already miss him and it had yet to be twenty-four hours. He came to Blaine's game on Wednesday and we sat in the same spot where we met. He did scout both teams but we also talked the entire time. Lucy and James were there so we didn't touch or kiss too much until after the game.

Thursday, he came to eat with me at my office while I worked late into the evening. Once he showed up, I mostly explained my job to him and ate dinner together. I got zero work done but I was okay with that. It was nice of him to come and keep me company in the late evening and have a good dinner with each other. Friday was the only day this week that we didn't see each other as Blaine had a game thirty minutes away and so did Troy. I ended up having dinner with the family that night and it was too good to catch up with all of them after a busy week.

Saturday, Troy took me out on the date that he promised me if he won and we just went out to eat together while walking through the streets looking at Christmas lights. It had been an amazing couple of days with him and I really was sad about leaving but the closer Christmas got, the more anxious I was becoming. Troy took notice in our date Saturday night, of course, this was also the day that James called me about the Christmas decorations so that didn't help.

"I like that idea." He mused and I smiled on the other end of the phone, "Any big plans for Christmas?" I asked him and he sighed, "Just family stuff. Nothing too exciting. Basketball practice every day but also enjoying my time off."

"I bet."

"I'll have that whole week off." He told me and I smiled, "Are you trying to convince me to be with you every day and not go to work?"

He didn't say anything for a moment and then he laughed, "Yes," I laughed myself, "I already took too much time off for this week but I'm off the day before New Year Eve." I told him and he smiled, "Hey, will you spend New Year's Eve with me?" he asked and I looked down at my feet because this was one of those days that I always spent with Zoey. Zoey, Beth, and I would always go out together or do something together. Some years we just played games all night. Or we would go out on the town. Or we would go to the movies. We always did something together and this was the first year that I didn't have either of them.

"I uh…" I paused as my throat filled with tears and my body was trying to figure out the best way to respond to the situation. "Oh no, Gabs, I didn't know." He said as if he could read my mind and I just shook my head, "I forgot myself until you said something. It was just a day my sisters and I spent together and…I guess this year will be different so yes, please, can I please be with you." I begged and Troy didn't laugh this time, "Of course," he said and I bit on my lip, "Thank you,"

"No, thank you," I smiled and I looked to see that we were getting ready to board. "I have to go. I'll send you a text when we get to San Diego,"

"Please do, have a safe flight." I thanked him and then hung up the phone, "You okay?" my mom came over and I took a deep breath, "Yea, Troy just asked me to spend New Year's Eve with him and I guess I forgot that I normally always spent it with my sisters and I was just a little shocked that I don't have either of this year to celebrate with." My mom just wrapped her arms around me and I hugged her back tightly.

We were all we had anymore. We were the two holding everything together. My dad was a mess most days as he was so close to both of them. He was so close to all of us. It was him who cried the hardest the day we all found out. It was he who cried the hardest at the funeral. It was he who didn't leave the house for a month. The rest of us were trying to figure out this life but he was devastated. It got worse after Beth had left too. He clung to me most of the time because he was scared, I was next.

"Aunt Gabi," I looked at Lucy and she giggled, "I am so excited to fly on the plane!" I smiled at her because she was so young and innocent but I also felt bad because I knew deep down, she was hurting.


Troy's POV

Monday, December 24th, 2018

I tilted my beer back as I sat at my parent's kitchen table while we played a round of cards. It had been a low-key evening as I was texting Gabi all night and luckily, my mom hadn't brought her up to the rest of the family yet. I had to be discrete with my texting or I knew she would. It wasn't that I didn't want to share everything about her with my family but I also was still getting to know her. I was still getting those first memories with her and I wasn't quite ready to share her yet.

My family was very good at being supportive about whoever we wanted to be with. Brady and Ada had been together since freshman year of college and I was really surprised that Brady still hadn't popped the question to her. I loved Ada and she will be a great addition to our family. Macken had been in the same relationship since she was a sophomore in high school and I was pretty sure they were going to get married. His name was Silas and they were very close and happy.

They both agreed to wait until they graduated college before they ever got married but I could see Silas putting a ring on her finger before too long. They were still smitten with each other and head over heels in love. I laid down a card when it was my turn at the same time my phone buzzed. I resisted for only a few minutes before I reached down to read her text message to me.

Gabi: Hmm…blue or gray?

I smiled as she was trying to pick out something for her brother-in-law and she just wasn't sure what to go with especially after everything that had happened over the previous months. I let my fingers slid over my keyboard on my iPhone as I sent her a reply back.

Troy: Obviously blue

I smiled putting my phone back down, "Troy," my mom said my name and I grimaced because I knew it was coming, "Are you talking to that Gabi dear?" I winced at her name and I just nodded my head up and down hoping that my siblings would drop the subject. "A what?" Brady quickly said and I let my cards fall to the table, "No," I protested as I took another drink of my beer. "No, it's not a girl or no…" I just shook my head back and forth.

"Mom, drop the subject," I said pushing my chair backward to go get another drink. "No, no, not that easy their big brother," Macken said and I turned around to face my sister who had that dirty blonde hair and clear blue eyes as she stared back at me. A smile on her face, Ada and Silas shared a look with each other and I shook my head. "Troy, you're twenty-eight years old without a girlfriend. We should be a little concerned." Brady said, and I rolled my eyes.

"If I told I did have a girlfriend would you all drop the subject?" I asked as I went to grab the whiskey instead of a beer. The room went silent and I looked up at all of them as I just shook my head, took a shot, and then went back over to the table with my new drink in hand. "Okay, fine, you can all ask questions but c'mon, we haven't been together for very long yet and it's still new between us." My mom was smiling from ear to ear and I shot her a look.

"How long has mom known?" Brady shot as he looked at me and I rolled my eyes, "Since the Monday after our first date." I replied all of them narrowed eyes at me, "What's her name?" my dad finally asked and I couldn't stop my smile this time, "Gabi," I replied and I let my eyes flicker over to Brady, "I met her at the West Ashley game I was scouting at the beginning of December." I told him and his eyes flickered over to me. "Wait, you met a girl there?" I nodded my head up and down.

"She's actually your age," I told him and Brady shot me a look, "What's her name?" he asked me and I laughed, "Gabriella Montez," I helped him out and his jaw dropped, "You're joking, right?" I shook my head back and forth, "Nope. She went to West Ashley and…"

"She was the dancer that went to Duke, trust me man, we went to every West Ashley basketball game to watch her dance. She was unreal and incredibly attractive." I felt my shoulders tighten hearing my brother talk about Gabi that way. Ada nudged him and I just shook my head, "Wait…did her…" he stopped as I just nodded my head again because I really didn't want to get into that part of her life tonight.

"We've been on several dates, she's come to watch me, coach, I've been to her work to have dinner. She loves Luna." I said with a shrug, "I'm really happy with her. She makes me happy." My mom couldn't stop her grin and I knew what was coming next. "He told those boys that he was going to marry her."

With that statement, I finished my drink.


I leaned against the deck when the backdoor opened, "Hey," I turned to see Macken come out of the door and I smiled, "Hey," I said and she stood on the other side of me as we all stayed the night at our parents' house on Christmas Eve. My mom said we could stop when we got married.

Well.

"So, you like her huh?" I laughed and nodded as I took a drink of water, "I really like her Mac," I told her and she smiled, "I'm really happy for you, I'm assuming you have a picture?" she asked and I smiled with a nod as I pulled out my phone as I had snapped a picture of her before she left when she was making me cookies one night. Macken smiled, "She's beautiful. I saw you get uncomfortable when Brady said she was hot in high school." I laughed and nodded, "Yea, that's weird."

Macken smiled, "It's not that I don't want to share her yet but…we haven't been together a month yet. We haven't known each other a month yet and I just want to savor this time with her. Our relationship is already moving a lightning speed and me just…I don't know. I want to keep her to myself," I told Macken because I was normally open to sharing these things about my life, so she knew something was up when I wouldn't.

"What does she do?" she asked and I smiled, "She's a marketing manager at a little company in downtown Charleston. She loves it and she's actually coming to James Island to do a presentation for my classes on business and marketing." Macken laughed, "Seems you found a match in her." I nodded my head with a smile, "yea, she's really cool. Our first date was something else." I said with a laugh, "We went and watched the sunrise, did a cooking class, went kayaking before she demanded to meet Luna,"

Luna lifted her head at her name and I smiled at her as Macken shook her head, "I can't wait to meet her when you're ready." I smiled with a nod, "The guys already met her briefly. She came to a game and of course, they bombarded her. She brought her friend though and I don't know…I just…" I shook my head as I looked at the moon in the sky. "I miss her actually."

"Where is she?" Macken pulled her hair onto the top of her head and I sighed, "In San Diego for the week. She'll be back Saturday." I told her and Macken nodded her head, "Is she from San Diego?" I shook my head, "Uh…no." I sighed, "Her sister died three months ago and being here was too hard for the entire family so they all went on vacation." Macken frowned, "Wow, that is really sad. Do you know how?" I shook my head no, "She didn't go into detail and she will when she is ready. I don't know. I just know that her family is still grieving. Her nephew is one hell of a basketball player though."

"Is that how you met?" I nodded my head, "She was there watching him play and sat right next to me up top on the bench. She basically called me out when I started talking to her." Macken smiled, "You really do like her." I laughed, "I wasn't joking when I told the guys that I wanted to marry her already. Maybe it's because we're still in the newness of this relationship and it has been a while since I have been in a relationship but I have never wanted to be with somebody all the time like I want to be with her."

Macken leaned into me, "That's how I feel about Silas four years later T, I always want to be with Silas." I smiled as my phone buzzed with probably a text from Gabi. I looked down at it to see a picture of Gabi and her niece on the beach. Macken smiled at the picture as I sent a heart back, "Have you two…" she drug it out and I laughed, "No, not yet. She has a lot of emotional baggage she's carrying around right now and I don't want to push it or anything. I'm happy just being with her."

Macken smiled and I smiled as I looked at the stars just enjoying this night. "Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas?" I snorted, "I know, it's a little ridiculous. I just need to get through this week so I can get the boys focused. West Ashley is going to be a tough match-up for after break." I mentioned and Macken rolled her eyes with a laugh, "Alright Coach B," I smiled as I kissed the top of her head and we both went back inside together.

Silas, Brady, and Ada were all sitting on the floor finishing wrapping our parent's presents and I went down to the ground to help as well. We do a reverse Santa anymore as we all basically shopped together these couple of days and then wrapped them when our parents went to bed. "Okay, now that mom isn't around can we talk more about Gabi?" Brady asked and I rolled my eyes, "She's not the same girl from high school anymore. I can tell you that."

Brady rolled his eyes, "I get that. I'm just wondering how you found her."

"She sat next to me at a game watching Blaine."

"Yea, I really like Blaine. It broke my heart when I heard about his mom dying in September. He missed quite a bit of school." I frowned, "I don't know too much. She told me a little bit about it because she is still trying to dig herself out of that hole, she is in but I know it wasn't good." Brady just nodded his head, "Yea, it wasn't good. Blaine still has some bad days but man…he's still one hell of a player out there. James Island is in trouble."

I laughed nodding my head, "Yea, we are. I have been preparing for West Ashley for a while now. I have had more motivation to go to their games though," Brady laughed, "Mom is a little too giddy," Brady said and Macken snorted, "Mom is planning your wedding already." I just rolled my eyes shaking my head, "That's why I was really trying my damn hardest to push the subject." I mumbled, Ada laughed, "Good thing we have been dating forever." She teased Brady.

"Good thing we're 19," Silas mumbled and I laughed nodding, "Yea, okay, just because you all are babies doesn't mean I need to be getting married. Only one of my friends are married." I mentioned as I helped finish wrapping and the group laughed, "Okay, well Dylan is never getting married. Jax should be married and Cameron always confused me on why he wasn't in a more serious relationship, and then well good ol' Jesse." I smiled, "Jax will probably be engaged before too long. Don't worry."

"We need to have a night at your house before I go back to school," Macken said as she was lounging on the couch. "Macken, you are 19. You do not need to be hanging out with my friends." Macken hated when I did that, "Troy, I turn 20 next month. We're eight years apart."

"She'll hold her own, Bolton." I laughed as I looked at Silas, "Trust me, I know. I feel bad for you if you do marry her." Macken threw a pillow at me and I dodged it laughing as Silas went wide-eyed and nodded his head causing all of us to laugh. I watched as Ada leaned against Brady and Silas pulled on Macken causing me to miss her a little bit more. I knew it was way too early for her to be here tonight but I could definitely imagine next Christmas with her right here by my side.


Gabi's POV

Tuesday, December 25th, 2018

"Lucy," I whispered and she blinked her eyes to look at me and she looked confused, "C'mon," I said and she quickly sat up and looked around with a wild look in her eye, "Did Santa come?" I just nodded, "But we have something to do first before we do Santa," she looked at me with curious eyes and I just nodded as I picked her up. She wrapped her arms around me in her Christmas PJs as I went out to see my dad waiting for us.

He was just going to take me but I figured Lucy would love this. We walked outside as Lucy buried her head into my shoulder. We walked down the street in the chilly San Diego Christmas morning before we stopped and I turned Lucy around as I had her sit in my lap, "What are we doing?" she asked as her eyes quickly went to the stars, "We're watching the sunrise," I whispered as the colors were quickly beginning to emerge from the different corners.

My dad was quiet sitting next to me as I knew that he was sad right now. He was sad because we have been watching the sunrise for every single Christmas since I could remember. There had always been three girls with my dad as we watched the sunrise on one of our favorite days but yet we sat here today without two other people. Last year we had talked about bring Lucy but we decided against it. I regretted that now.

I reached over and I squeezed his hand, he smiled over at me and I could see the tears glisten in his eyes as the sun was starting to appear. "Do you think Mommy is a star?" Lucy whispered and I felt my tears pull into my eyes and I tried to find an answer when my dad did, "Oh Lucy, she is everything sweet girl. She's everywhere and everything watching you. She's always with you." Lucy turned into me and I kissed the top of her head as I just didn't have words for that.

The colors were majestic as they started to play in the sky causing Lucy to be really captivated by the whole thing. She buried her face into my body as we watched the final moments of the sunrise before we all headed back to the house in San Diego to celebrate Christmas morning. We all got back as James was sitting at the island drinking coffee but with a completely blank stare on his face. You could see the sadness deep in his expression as he knew that this was going to be a hard day without her. She was the light on Christmas and it was already different.

I didn't even want to celebrate today.

Lucy ran over and wrapped her arms around James. He gladly accepted the hug as he closed his eyes tightly trying to ward off the tears in his eyes but they slipped anyways. I then saw Lucy's shoulder shaking with emotion as I had to turn away myself. I couldn't handle watching her fall apart on her favorite morning of all mornings. I grabbed my cell phone and I went out the front door as I pressed his phone number. It was much later in South Carolina.

"Merry Christmas," he cheered into the phone and I wanted to have that same cheerful voice this morning but I could barely breathe as I was trying to keep all of the emotions in and I was struggling to even focus on the conversation as the tears were blurring my eyes and my throat was closing off, "Gabi?" he questioned and the stubble cry left my mouth as I didn't know what to say to him. "Oh Gabs," he whispered and I just sat down on the curb.

"I'm sorry, I called you," I began to speak and my sentences were incoherent probably, "No, Gabi, hey, I'm here for you." He said and I just laid my head on my knees trying to calm myself down. "This morning, we took Lucy to watch the sunset and she asked if her mom was a star and my dad told her this long explanation. Then we got back to the house and James was standing in the kitchen and Lucy ran over to him and they both started crying and I can't do this anymore." I was crying harder again and I knew this probably made him upset that he couldn't do anything about it.

"I'm sorry," he echoed again quietly, "I am so sorry,"

"I don't even want to celebrate this day. I want to hide in my room and do nothing because I can't watch my family grieve today." I finally was sobering up and I closed my eyes tightly, "I really hope that I didn't just run you off with this phone conversation." I said as he had been very quiet and Troy exhaled from the other end of the phone. "No, of course not, I am just trying my damn hardest to not book a plane ticket right now."

The tears returned, "No, I'll be home in a couple of days," I said softly, and I wiped away the rapid set of tears off my face. I felt a presence sit down next to me and I looked to see my dad and I sighed, "Troy, thank you for letting me call you. I feel bad. I hope I didn't ruin your morning or anything." I said as I wiped away more tears and he was quiet for a minute, "No, it's okay, I want you to call me for things like this." He responded and I nodded, "I'll talk to you later okay?"

"Absolutely," we hung up thereafter and I leaned into my dad as he wrapped an arm around me hugging me close, "It's okay," he whispered into my ear and I tried to stop my tears from falling down my face. I just shook my head, "Why are all of my sisters gone? The ones that I would laugh with every single Christmas morning? Who would race to open our presents? Then be disappointed when we were done? I just want my sisters back. I want to laugh again. I want Lucy to be young again. I want James to be happy. I want Beth to at least talk to me." I was crying harder now and my dad only just squeezed me tight.

"I know sweetie, I know," he whispered and he kissed the top of my head as I cried on the sidewalk in San Diego. I knew I couldn't stay here today. I couldn't be here with them. This was way too hard. This was so much harder than I thought it would be. Even though we left Charleston, it didn't mean that the memories left. "I need to leave; I can't be here," I whispered and my dad looked in pain from those words.

"Gabi, we have to make new memories." That broke the dam with the ugly sobs following. The only thing I could keep repeating was that I didn't want to make new memories. I just wanted to hold on to the old ones that I would forever cherish in my heart.


Thursday, December 27th, 2018

Troy's POV

I kept thinking back to that phone call on Christmas. She was sobbing to the point she could barely breathe and I was seriously almost about to book a plane ticket to San Diego. I was terrified but she was in so much mental pain that the only thing I could do is hold her. I could only hold her and tell her that everything will be okay eventually because it is sure as hell isn't okay right now. Last year, she had two sisters and a really happy family. This year? It was just her and a real grief-filled family.

Luna was laying on my lap as I was petting her head as I couldn't stop thinking about Gabi. I couldn't stop being worried. I couldn't stop wanting to call her and tell her I was on my way. She sent me a text yesterday after the phone call thanking me again for letting her just have a moment. It must have dawned on her that even though they left the state, the memories were still vivid in their memories. It wasn't going to matter if they left the country. Her sister still wasn't going to be there and that had to hurt.

"Big brother?" Luna popped up from the couch and went running for Macken with Silas close behind as they both greeted my furry dog. "Hey guys," I said standing up and I looked at each of them as I smiled. "Figured we would stop by and hang out for a bit. Mom said you gave the boys today off as well." I just nodded because I did. Most of my assistant coaches were out of town and so were the boys. "Yea, I figured they could use one more day off before I start beating them into the ground." Silas smiled because he knew how I was as a basketball coach.

We all went back to the living room and we all chatted while watching awful day time TV. "Si, how is the pursuit for a major going?" I asked him and he groaned, "I have zero ideas what I want to be. I don't want to go to school for the rest of my life, I don't want to make zero money, and I just want to do something I love." I smiled, "You should shadow Gabi one day, I think you'd be really good at marketing and advertising." I mentioned and he looked over at me.

"That sounds interesting."

"Let me talk to her and see if we can set something up for you to shadow her. I know Macken is pretty set in the medical field." Macken smiled because she just wanted to be in the medical field. She wasn't sure where yet but I think she was leaning towards a PA. She had shadowed a few different and that was the one she was the most excited about. I stretched out on the couch as I looked at my phone hoping that she would send me a text but it was empty.

"I would love that Troy, thanks man," I nodded in understanding as I knew from his position how confusing it can be to find a career path for you. We finished a movie that was already started on a channel together as we made small conversation here and there before there was a knock on my door. Luna sprinted towards the door as I frowned before rolling off the couch. I wasn't expecting anybody today.

Brady would have just walked in and so would my parents. Going to the door I unlocked it and opened it up to reveal Gabi who looked distraught on the other side. Her jeans snug against her hips with a pullover Duke jacket that was wrapped around her hands. I must have seemed surprised as she shook her head, "This was a bad idea, I'm sorry," she stammered and turned to walk away but I shook my head as I took a step down and wrapped her into my arms. Her face pressed into my chest as she started to cry and I just held onto her.

"I'm here for you," I whispered into her ear and she just held onto my shirt as the door opened and Macken popped her head out. I shook my head and she nodded before going back inside. I guided Gabi inside the house and into the kitchen where I lifted her onto the kitchen counter where I could be eye to eye with her. My thumb stroked her face gently and she hiccupped, "I couldn't be there anymore. Yesterday and Christmas were miserable but I didn't want to go back to my house so I've been spinning on where to go and I just landed here but you shouldn't have to be taking care of my problems. We've barely been dating." She was being incoherent and babbling but I just shook my head.

"No, shh, Gabs, babe, you are fine. I want you to come to me. I know that these past couple of days have been hard on you but you know that I am here for you. You can come to me whenever," I told her as I tilted her chin up and she was so sad. Those brown eyes were almost lifeless and I just leaned in as she wrapped her arms around me. Her face pressed into my neck and I took a deep breath holding onto her. "I'm sorry," she whispered and I shook my head as I stroked her face with my thumb.

"You do not have to be sorry," I told her and she just bowed her head. "I feel like I can't show emotion around my family. Yesterday when I had my moment, I was outside by myself and then my dad came to who I have an easier time being upset around but with James, Lucy, Blaine, and my mom? I feel like I have to keep everything together and yesterday I just wanted to explode all day with emotions. Most of my family is mad at Beth for leaving but I feel like I am the only one who is sad she wasn't there. I just…" I nodded in understanding with her.

"I know," I told her and she looked at me finally with a little smile on her face, "I did miss you a lot though," she admitted and I smiled with a laugh, "I missed you a lot myself," I told her and she finally reached up to press her lips against mine. It was a slow kiss but a much-needed kiss between the two of us. Her hands drifted to my shirt and I shook my head, "Not today, I don't want you making this decision off of a few bad days." I told her and she frowned slightly from that.

"Then we'll never have sex," she admitted bluntly and I smiled shaking my head, "Just not today okay?" I brushed her hair away from her face and she only nodded her head. "Okay," she finally said and I reached forward to kiss her forehead, then her cheek, and then finally a small peck on her lips. Her eyes closed and I could see the exhaustion etched into her features. "Want to watch a movie?" I asked her and she just nodded, "Something funny, nothing sad," she told me and I knew the exact movie for us to watch.


Gabi's POV

I didn't sleep at all last night. I kept thinking about Zoey and Beth. I missed them so much that I was a mess and I just couldn't be around the family like that. I bought myself a new plane ticket and I jetted home without telling any of them until I landed. Lucy and Blaine were sad but I knew it was what was best for everybody. They were making their new memories, but I just wasn't there yet. I wasn't ready yet.

When I got to town and took an Uber, I gave his address instead of mine. I knocked on the door and he was shocked I was standing there but when I uttered one word, he just drew me into his body. His strong arms holding me against him as I cried. I then talked to him, I tried to have sex with him, and surprisingly he said no. It was probably a wise choice because I was highly emotional yesterday, but I just wanted something to take my mind off this life I was living.

Then he put on a movie, The Hangover, while we laid on the couch together. His arm hooked around me and Luna laying below me as I was petting her. She even rolled to her back, so I would rub her belly while I laughed through parts of the movie. He made a good choice on the funny with zero sad parts involved. I couldn't do sad right now. Troy shifted behind me and I rolled onto my back as he was looking down at me with a look in his eyes.

I smiled as I reached up, "Thank you for being there for me, I know, it hasn't been long at all of us knowing each other but you've already made a big difference in my life." I whispered, and he exhaled with those words. "Gabs, I know, it's only been a few weeks but…" he shook his head, "I feel a connection to you that I have felt towards zero other girls. I want to be with you all the time and we have been together all the time since we met. I'm not scared of how close we are already."

I pulled his mouth towards mine and he pressed me gently back into the couch while he hovered over me while allowing our lips to move with each other. He left my lips and then down my neck as he found a spot on my collarbone to gently suck on while I closed my eyes, "We don't have to have sex but…" I paused as I really wanted to do something with him today. Troy couldn't stop a groan from leaving his lips, "That's a big step," he mumbled against me as it was.

"I just want to feel that connection I feel with you," I whispered, "You're right, I don't want to ruin our first, first time with each other but…" Troy finally just pressed his lips fully to mine before his hand crept up my shirt and found my thin bra keeping him from my breasts as he seemed to agree. Troy then paused, "Are you sure, Gabi? We do not have to do this. I'm fine with just making out." He expressed to me and I gave him a timid smile. "I want dirty making-out," he just shook his head and then dropped another kiss to my lips. "I have to go lock my front door because if I don't then my family will just walk in," he whispered, and I nodded as he got up and ran to the front door to lock it and he closed a couple of blinds really fast.

I wiggled out of my crew neck and t-shirt that just left my bra and when he came back, he closed his eyes, "Sweet Jesus," he muttered, and I couldn't stop my smile as he quickly was back on the couch with me his lips over mine. He easily worked around the thin fabric as he undid it in the back as he tossed my bra to the side. He kissed down my sternum and then over each breast before he took a nipple between his fingers as I couldn't stop a moan from escaping between my lips.

Troy was satisfied with that sound as he shifted to press his hard length against me. I moved my hips up against him and he groaned. I reached down towards his shorts as he paused mid-movement over my breast, "Are you positive?" he asked me quietly and I just nodded, "Absolutely Troy," he took in a deep breath as I moved to shift down his shorts and his boxer briefs went along with them as his erection stood up.

My hand wrapped around him and I gently pumped him as he could barely contain himself as he kissed me as if to distract me. It worked though as I moved my hand away to kiss him harder and buck my hips to meet him at the hips. Troy slipped his hands into my jeans as he stood up and stripped them off of me. He then stripped his shirt as he looked at me with a smile on his face. "You're beautiful," he whispered, and I smiled as I rolled off the couch and he looked at me with confusion until I stood underneath of him and then took him into my mouth.

"Oh fuck," he muttered, and his hands gripped my shoulders as I went up and down, I then licked him up to his shaft as his knees buckled, "Fuck, Gabi," he breathed, and I kissed up his body before I kissed him roughly on the mouth. His hands gripped my sides before he eased me onto the floor of his living room when he reached down with his hand and he slipped his finger between my folds when he winced, "You're so wet, you're making this really hard to not go further than this," he whispered and I smiled softly as I kissed him gently, "You're the one who said no," Troy growled as I knew he would stand by his choice most likely.

He flickered his fingers over me and I almost crumbled underneath of him. His lips trailed down my belly and then he slipped his tongue between and I bucked up towards him with the motion and he couldn't stop a grin on his face. He continued until I was moaning his name underneath of me while my body let go and I relaxed for the first time in months. When I came, he cleaned it all up before he was pressing his lips against mine again. I pushed his shoulders backward as he hit the floor with a laugh as I went down to finish him off.

It didn't take much time before we were both gasping for air as I rolled closer to him and he pulled me into his body. The Hangover still playing in the background but much closer to the end of the movie this time. "Thanks for that," I whispered, and Troy laughed, "No, thank you," I smiled as I pushed up as I leaned down to kiss him again. "How about I call in some pizza?" he said, and I laughed nodding as I pushed off the floor as I went to the bathroom and he pulled on a pair of shorts. I went to his bedroom to pee and then I pulled a t-shirt off his closet hanger.

I went back downstairs as Troy was back on the couch with his t-shirt and his shorts now. He collected my clothes and sat them on the couch but when he saw me on his t-shirt, he couldn't stop a grin on his face. "You should stay in that." I laughed with a nod as I went to sit on his lap. He wrapped his arms around me as I knew it wouldn't be much longer before we did go all the way. I was comfortable doing it today but if he wasn't ready, I wasn't going to push it.

We had only known each other for three weeks.

That was beyond me.

I could swear I have known him for so much longer than that.

Especially after that. You would have thought we have done that a lot more.

Troy and I didn't move or say anything until the doorbell rang with pizza. Troy slowly moved out from underneath of me and went to the door as I found a blanket and curled up with it. Troy came back with a large pizza and he looked at me. Luna was sleeping on the kitchen floor as I kind of forgot about her during all of that. Troy nudged his head towards the stairs. "C'mon, let's go lay in my bed." It was almost eight in the evening and I nodded as we went upstairs.

Troy opened his bedroom door and his big bed sat in the middle a little more clean than normal. I smiled as Troy claimed his side that he probably normally slept on and then he stopped Luna from hopping onto the bed allowing me a spot. "Are you sure I've only known you for three weeks?" I said as I sat down on his really, really comfy bed. Troy smiled with a shrug, "Does it matter?" he asked, and I shook my head, "No, it doesn't matter, I just…normally wouldn't do this with a guy after three weeks."

Troy smiled, "I normally wouldn't with a girl either but…I can't say it doesn't feel right because it feels really right." I smiled as he put the box of pizza between us as he started something on TV. Luna hopped up at the end of the bed and I rubbed her with my foot. I finished off two slices and as I started my third, I didn't finish it as I laid the last half of it in the box while Troy munched through the rest of it.

I felt my eyes growing heavy as Troy shifted and pulled down covers before allowing me underneath of them. He stroked my face and then before I knew it, I was breathing in Troy and falling right to sleep.


Troy's POV

My phone buzzed next to me as the room was dark. Luna was curled up with Gabi and the TV was barely high enough for me to hear what was going on. I reached over for my phone to see that Jax was texting in the group chat.

Jax: I'm back guys…wanna chill with a beer?

Cameron: sure…where do you ya'll wanna meet?

My eyes flickered up to the clock to see it was a little after ten and I really didn't want to leave this girl or my bed that contained this girl. I could just offer my place but Gabi had a rough day and no matter how well we turned it around and had our own little mind getaway…she probably didn't need to spend the night with my friends who wouldn't leave until well after two in the morning. I was going to have to bow out and explain myself.

Dylan: HELL YES.

I laughed shaking my head as we all knew Jesse probably wouldn't come and they were just waiting for me to agree. Man, have the tables turned.

Troy: Sorry boys. Can't make it tonight.

It didn't take but a few seconds for my phone to blow up.

Jax: What do you mean you can't make it tonight?

Cameron: Excuse me?

Dylan: WTF

Jesse: Whoa…that's my line, Bolton.

I laughed shaking my head as I just snapped a picture of her in my bed curled up with a pillow as I sent it to the group chat. I took an extra look at the picture as the blankets were pulled up around her shoulders as she was exhausted from today. Her hair was stacked on top of her head and a headband slipping out of her hair. She looked really peaceful right now and I couldn't help but smile at the picture and then back to her.

She was really beautiful, and I was surprised she wanted to take the step we took tonight. Even if we didn't have sex, we still connected a hell of a lot more. It still amazed me that I had yet to even know her a month yet. Damn, I was in serious trouble.

Dylan: holy fuck…damn Bolton

Jax: whoa…

Jesse: wait…I thought she wasn't coming back until Sunday?

Cameron only sent heart eye emoji's back and I rolled my eyes as I wasn't even sure what to say next to them. My fingers hovered over my keypad and I typed out a nice text message to all of them.

Troy: She had a really rough Christmas and ended up flying back early. No, boys, we didn't do what you all think we did tonight. She was just tired, and we watched a movie in my bed. Calm all your thoughts. It's still been too long.

I knew that would please all of them as they could continue knowing that it had been quite some time since I had sex with anybody. I didn't just go around like Dylan finding any girl who would willingly bend over for me. It had been my last relationship and man, had it been a while. Gabi really did test me tonight, but I knew deep down that we weren't ready for that yet. That was a big step for any relationship and I wanted her to have a better day than it started with.

Jax: Family drama? Damn B…you might want to step back from that.

I never really told the guys much about the conversation Gabi and I had. I didn't want to go into detail. Most of them didn't know she was related to Blaine either so I was just trying to protect her. I hadn't known her very long so I didn't feel the need to spread her family drama through my group of people. Yet, I didn't want them thinking that her family was high maintenance. I was hoping to convince Gabi to come over to football Sunday this week.

Troy: You guys all know Blaine from West Ashley? How his mom died this September?

I waited for at least one response before I continued.

Jesse: Absolutely, but that hasn't made him any weaker on the basketball court.

Jax: Damn, yeah, I heard he's been an emotional mess this season but still putting up the numbers

Cameron: Hell, of a basketball player. Even better kid.

I finally went ahead and typed back to them.

Troy: That's Gabi's nephew. His mom was her sister. They were really close and I guess the first Christmas without her was really hard on the entire family. She flew home early and didn't want to go to her house so she is here with me. I am hoping to convince her to come to football Sunday but just, so you guys know. She sometimes can be on the upset side of things but she's still amazing, funny, and somebody I still want to spend a ton of time with.

I sent the message and I took another look over to her as I let my finger brush against her temple. She shifted but stayed asleep while I felt my phone buzz a couple of times before I looked down at it again.

Dylan: Good lord, that's awful. Glad you're able to help her out.

Cameron: Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. She seems like a great girl. I would have never guessed.

Jax: Man, please invite her to football Sunday. I hope she comes.

Jesse: I can't even imagine how Sage would be in that circumstance with her sister. It's amazing that she gets out of bed.

I sighed because I thought that myself. She was really strong. Yet, I didn't think she had a chance to really grieve ever. She just went straight to taking care of everybody and here she was three months later just as sad and just as broken as if it just happened.


Happy Sunday! I hope you liked the update!

For somebody who asked why it was set in 2018 – there is no actual reason besides that I started writing this story back in 2018 lol but no reasons besides that I was too lazy to change all of the dates ha

Hope you guys enjoyed it!

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Next Update: July 26th