Chapter 9 – Falling
Thursday, January 24th, 2019
I shouldn't have to use my lunch break to go talk to James, but I had too. I didn't have time after work with Blaine's game and I needed time with my boyfriend alone. My mom promised to keep the kids tonight on the off chance that James was just too much of a mess right now. I pushed open the front door to the house as I heard a crash against the ground. I scrambled up the stairs and towards the kitchen where I found James throwing bottles of alcohol on the floor. They shattered underneath of his feet as he was sobbing on top of it. His chest was moving violently, and he was gasping for air. My heart broke watching him.
He finally looked up and he quickly turned scrubbing his face with his palms. His body stiffening with my presence, "What do you want, Gabi?" I pressed my lips together, "Talk to me, James." I whispered quietly, and James grunted, and another sob released from his throat. "I fucking lost my best friend in this entire world. I lost her. She died. She's gone, and we still had so much we wanted to do with each other. We still have a fucking five-year-old daughter who loved her mom so much that she fucking cries every night for her. Every single night she cries for Zoey." I watched as James turned around. He was in a pair of gym shorts with a rumpled white t-shirt on his shoulders. His feet were bare, and his hair was pulled and tugged in every single direction on the top of his head.
"Blaine is just a shell of what he once was, and I am just drowning trying to be there for them and not fall apart. I want to fall apart. I want to scream at the top of my fucking lungs because I am so fucking angry. I am angry." His breathing was hard, and he breathed in and out so rapidly that he just tried to catch his breath. His brain trying to find the next words. "Then you call me last night and I knew I was screwed. I never said anything to Blaine, I never told him not to say anything, I knew he knew. I knew he was the one getting up with Lucy. I knew all of this but I just…" he shook his head, "I couldn't muster up anything to care."
"Oh James," I whispered quietly, "Then you show up and take Lucy and I felt like I couldn't do a damn thing right. I can't keep my wife alive. My kids hate me. I am drowning in booze. I just…I just want her back." He whispered as he broke down in sobs again. I walked over, and I wrapped my arms around him. I avoided all of the glass on the floor as I just wrapped my arms around him. "I'm so sorry, James, so sorry." He just held me tight to his body and I let him. After he began to relax, I helped him clean the kitchen. We picked up all the spilled glass and we tossed it. "Blaine never said anything to me." I whispered, "He just said he wasn't sleeping so I offered my house. It wasn't until you answered."
James swallowed hard, "I don't want to hurt my kids, I hate that I made Blaine do that. I had that I ignored Lucy. I hate it. I just don't know what to do right now." I nodded as I bit down on my lip, "James, I wish I had a good answer for you but the first answer I have is you can't drink with Lucy around. Not like that. She needs her dad. I am not opposed to keeping her for a few nights at my place. To let you have a few days off. Just never again because I have to know they are safe. Blaine was so scared. He is scared. He doesn't want to lose you too. He for sure doesn't hate you. Blaine just wants to know if his dad is going to be okay and right now, no you aren't okay."
He exhaled as he collapsed on the couch and he rubbed his forehead, "I love my kids so much, but I don't know what to do. Zoey would know exactly what to do. She would have done everything flawlessly and it makes me so fucking pissed that it was her and not me because those kids need her."
"They need you too, James," I pushed, and he shook his head with a laugh echoing from his mouth. "Lucy would still have her mom; Blaine would have his mom. They would have been fine without me." I shook my head again, "Lucy adores you. Blaine loves to please you and be everything you envision him to be. They would have been just as lost if it was you. Zoey would have had no fucking clue what to do because this isn't something you know how to deal with. She was your best friend, James. Your true love. Nobody is going to shame you for losing it. Nobody is going to think you are a horrible father because you hurt so fucking bad."
My voice coated over in tears and I tried to hold them back, but I couldn't. "I get to go home and fall apart without having to worry about anybody else, but you never get to do that James. You never get to just fall apart and I am not going to judge you for that. I just need you to ask for help. I just need you to let me know that you need a day. I want to be there for you." I paused as I looked around the house and I wiped away tears that were falling down my face.
"Maybe it's just time to get out of this house. This house is a chamber of you and Zoey. You brought Blaine home to this house from the hospital and every other single memory from the past sixteen years. Maybe if you leave here and find a new house that Lucy cannot associate Zoey with this house. She won't expect her to be in the laundry room or in your bedroom. She won't go looking for her in the house just because. A new house, new memories."
James sucked in a breath of air as he tilted his head back, "I thought about it."
"You guys need a fresh start. I would say to get the hell out of this area, but you have to let Blaine finish school first. He loves Coach Sam, he loves West Ashley, but I do think you need a new start. A fresh start. I also think you need a few days to yourself," he shook his head, "No. I feel bad about last night. I need to be there for Lucy." I nodded, "How about you just take a day soon for yourself? I'll keep Blaine and Lucy with me. You have to be able to just sit and cry, James. You are not too tough or weak if you cry because your wife died. It makes you human. It hasn't been five months since that day and you deserve time."
James just weakly nodded his head, "How are you doing this Gabi? You and Zoey were best friends." I choked on the lump in my throat and I felt my eyes water heavily. I could barely breathe at his question and I tried to find words, but I could only shrug my shoulders. "I don't know," I whispered but my voice cracked heavily with the words heavy on my tongue. "I don't know." I whispered, "I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I just keep trying and doing." I bowed my head, "But I cry a lot. I miss her. I try to call her. I am so fucking lucky and found Troy who has constantly been supportive. He actually took Blaine to school today, so I could take Lucy and not be late."
James met my eye and I smiled but the tears fell anyway, "He's been a light spot to my days. He's made me smile again. He's my new best friend." I said with a tiny shrug, "Not that I went looking to replace Zoey, it's just that it happened. He was there, and I needed him at the moment. I don't know. He's been amazing." James squeezed my hand, "The other night, I meant everything I said, Zoey would love him. She would be so happy for you. I am so happy for you." I hugged James again. Tightly. "We're going to get through this, James. She is here for us. She will always have a place in our hearts."
"Please, show up to Blaine's game tonight fully sober. I will pick up Lucy from school today and we will meet you there. Maybe once a week for a while they can sleepover at my apartment. It can be a prize for Lucy to have good weeks and you can use it to just have a night to yourself." I told him, and James smiled, "I think Lucy will love that." I smiled, "Blaine wants to play more basketball with Troy," he laughed, "Blaine likes him."
"I think everybody is a little smitten for, Troy Bolton." James laughed, and I got up, "I have to go back to work, I'm sorry James. I am so sorry." I whispered, and James nodded tilting his head back to look up. "Thank you for loving my kids just as much as me." I nodded, "Thanks for loving my sister so much." James swallowed as his eyes drifted towards a picture of the family. Zoey's vibrant smile in the middle of it all. "Now that?" he swallowed causing a pause in his speech, "That was my pleasure."
Saturday, January 26th, 2019
Troy let his finger brush over my knee while he drove to his parents' house. I was a nervous ball of energy in the seat next to him as the rest of this week was draining. I was drained. Exhausted. Blaine's game went really well and after the game James held both of his kids close to his chest. Lucy wouldn't let go of him and Blaine was just thankful to see him there. When they all went home together and when Blaine texted me a big thank you. It made me happy.
Friday, I worked a lot of hours. I worked from the moment the office opened until ten-thirty that night. I went to my apartment and crashed to only be woken up by my phone ringing this morning. I answered it half asleep for it to be Troy advising me that we were going to be heading over to his parents' house around two. It was after eleven in the morning when he called, and I couldn't keep my eyes open.
"You are really quiet," Troy observed softly as he knew that the past several days have been exhausting. "I'm just tired and nervous." I admitted, and Troy smiled, "It's been a really hard week." He said quietly, and I nodded my head, "Yea, I just…I don't know. I hate constantly being worried about Blaine and Lucy. I'm worried about James." I picked up Troy's hand as I wanted to be as close as possible to him. "James has been a fixture in my life for over twenty years. He started seeing my sister when I was 7." I admitted to him. "I was ten when Blaine was born." I just shrugged my shoulder, "I don't know. I just loved seeing them together all the time and loving on them all the time. It makes my heartache. To see him hurting this badly."
Troy grazed his lips against my knuckles, "That is hard." He whispered, and I smiled over at him, "But I am so excited to meet your family. I cannot wait to be around some normalcy." Troy chuckled, "That is the furthest thing my family is." Troy told me with a glance in my direction and I smiled as he brought my knuckles up to his mouth. "I'm assuming you told your parents," I asked him, and Troy hesitated and shook his head. "No. Not really. My sister and brother both know because Brady knows Blaine. I told my sister. I just…never mentioned it to my parents." I felt hesitant, but Troy shook his head, "They will love you."
"Are you sure?" I clarified and Troy only chuckled, "Yea, I'm sure. They won't care if you are a little quiet. It is who you are." My eyes turned out the window as he pulled into a neighborhood. He slowed his car in front of the driveway and he then put it in the park. My eyes took in the two-story grey house with a wraparound porch. The white trim and dark blue door. There were two other cars in the driveway as Troy let his hand squeeze my knee. "C'mon," he said gently as I took in the palm trees and bushes around the front. I slipped out of the car as he locked our hands together. He gave me one look with those big blue eyes and he kissed my forehead.
"They are going to love you."
I just nodded as we walked up the steps together and he gently opened the front door. I bit down on my lip, "Hello?" Troy called out to his family and we moved through the house as he heard laughing from the kitchen. We walked in together as I took in Brady Bolton holding a beer in his hand with a smile on his face. A girl was sitting next to him who must have been Ada. She was beautiful. She had dirty blonde hair that was half up and half down. Her V-neck t-shirt hugged her frame with a pair of jeans on her long legs. A pair of Converse on her feet. She was holding a beer herself. My eyes then shifted to the sandy hair that I recognized but with long hair that was pulled up high onto her head.
A kid with curly hair stood behind her both were smiling, and an ache filled my chest. This scene was so familiar but so far away in my mind. Troy must have noticed because he gently squeezed my hand. "Hey guys," Troy spoke up and all four heads turned our direction. The two Bolton siblings grinned from ear to ear. "Gabriella Montez, former Duke dancer, the woman who made every man jealous in high school." I couldn't stop a smile from spreading over my face as I laughed, "Brady, it's nice to see you again."
The girl hopped down and she was definitely the shortest in the family. She was roughly my height and she was grinning from ear to ear. "Gabi, it's so nice to meet the woman who makes my brother smile like a damn idiot." I laughed as Troy's face blushed red as she pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged her back, "It's really great to meet you, Macken." She smiled and squeezed my shoulder. "Gabi meet my boyfriend, Silas." She said, and he reached over for my hand. "It's really good to meet you!"
"Likewise,"
"This is my girlfriend, Ada," Brady said, and she gave her own smile. I smiled back as Troy hugged his sister, shook hands with Silas, and then brought Ada into a hug before shoving his brother. I smiled; the scene was all too familiar. My chest ached, and I felt his eyes on me, but I just smiled because I didn't want anything to throw this off. I wanted to be a part of this. I missed it. "Where is mom and dad?" Troy asked glancing around. "Out back." Silas pointed out and Troy nodded, "C'mon, Brie, I bet we can find a drink."
Troy started to pull me towards the outside, but he pulled to a stop, "You okay?" he asked tilting my head back with just one finger. His blue eyes swimming with concern. I nodded as I gave him a true smile. "I'm okay, the scene was just really familiar. That's all. I like them all." Troy gave me a tight squeeze, "C'mon, my parents are going to love you. I am so sorry if my mom is overbearing. You are the first girl I have brought home in a really, really long time." I chuckled as he pushed out onto the deck and his parents were arguing at the grill. Harmless arguing but it caused me to smile.
"Hey mom, dad," they both spun around, and I smiled at the Bolton parents. His mom was taller than Macken but was definitely shorter than all the boys. Tommy is what gave the height away to his two sons. I could see Troy in his dad so much and I knew in thirty years that Troy Bolton would look just like his father most likely. Laura was grinning from ear to ear just like her daughter had with the most excitement in her eye. "Gabi!" she said with extreme excitement and Troy groaned.
"Mom, c'mon," Laura shot him a look and she swept me up into a hug, "It is so good to meet you." She proclaimed, and I grinned, "Likewise, Troy talks about you guys all the time." Tommy stuck his hand out and I shook it as he introduced himself. I thanked them all for our lunch as Troy grabbed us two beers. The door creaked open and the kids all spilled outside as Troy and I found a couch to sit on the back patio and everybody else filled in.
"Gabi, I haven't seen you since the senior party for the two schools. How was Duke? Troy said you were in marketing?" I nodded my head, "Yea, I love my marketing job. I am trying to climb the ladder to become VP one day but a long while to go for that," I said with a smile, "But Duke was amazing. I loved all four years there. Dancing was incredible, and we went to Nationals all four years. Won my junior and senior year." Troy turned to look at me, "You so happened to always leave that part out." He said, and I bit my lip with a shrug. "Dude, have you watched her dance?"
"Nope. She hasn't dragged me onto a dance floor yet." Brady shook his head and he grabbed his cell phone. "No, you need to watch her dance. It's amazing." He was tapping at his phone as Macken leaned over and Troy's own curiosity was peaked as I felt my face flush. "Wait, where did you go to high school?" Laura asked, "West Ashley." I responded, "Brady knocked our football team out senior year. He wasn't very liked until about ten that night at the party where we all became friends."
The group laughed as Brady finally found a video and tossed it to Troy. Macken came to sit next to him as they played a video from national my junior year. It was one of the best dances we did, and it was one of my favorites. The video played with our string of songs as I could visualize each and every single movement. My eyes took a peek at Troy as his jaw was hanging slightly and his eyes were watching every single movement. When I did the big throw in the middle, his jaw dropped further, and I couldn't contain my grin watching.
The video ended, and he looked over at me with a raised eyebrow, "Damn." He finally said as I grinned. "I love to dance. So much. It was my life for the longest time. I've thought about going to teach at a studio but I'm not sure I have time to do that with my job, dating, and my family." I said with a sad shrug and I could see a firelight behind Troy's eyes. "You're…" Troy seemed to struggle to find the correct word and I tried my hardest to fight a smile.
"I told you, bro. People came from all over for a half the time to just watch her dance. That's it." My cheeks flushed and Macken shook her head. "That's crazy. You are good." I laughed, "That was a while ago, but I miss it. I love it."
Laura and Tommy called everybody to come to eat and we all began to walk inside. Macken stopped me and Troy looked at the two of us. "It's okay," I said with a smile and he nodded before going inside. "I just wanted to pull you aside for a minute…I've never seen Troy happier than right now. Even at Christmas when he had only known you for three weeks…he was glowing and happy. I hope he is making you the same exact way. He told me about your family and I am so sorry that you are going through that. So sorry." I choked back on the sob in my throat as I closed my eyes. "Thank you, Macken. He does make me so happy. I want to spend all my free time with him and every moment I'm at work I want to be with him as well."
Macken smiled, "I'm glad he found you."
I nodded, "I am, too."
She gave me a hug and then we went back inside as the boys were talking back and forth as I piled my plate with food. Troy let his hand graze my arm as he reached over. A wink my direction and butterflies stormed my stomach. I bit down on my lip with happiness as we finished getting our plates full of food before moving to sit down around the table. Troy placed a fresh beer in front of my plate and I thanked him. He sat on the other side of me and I began to eat with the rest of the family.
"Gabi, Troy says you work downtown?" I nodded with a smile, "Yup, right in the heart of it. We are in the tallest office building but that isn't very tall." I joked causing a round of laughs. "Macken, Troy says you are looking for a career in the medical field." I said, and she nodded with a smile, "I have been debating between a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. I am highly leaning towards PA, but we'll see. I'm shadowing next week!"
"That's awesome, my sister was a nurse," I stumbled over was and I felt Troy's hand squeeze my knee gently. "I bet she was great," Macken said and I smiled softly while I played with my food for a moment. "Troy, did you ever mention to Gabi about me shadowing her?" my head snapped over to Troy and he shook his head. "No, but now is the best time to ask." Troy said, and Silas looked over towards me, "He mentioned that you work in marketing and I have been looking down that path. I didn't know if you had any Friday's that I could come to shadow you for a bit." I smiled at Silas because I loved teaching about my career and the good with the bad.
"Yea! Just give me a few dates and I'll get back with you the best one for me!" I told him with a bit of excitement, Silas grinned, "Thank you! I have always been interested but was never sure." I nodded, "I did the same thing and I fell in love with it." I continued to eat as I knew most of the questions were going to be directed towards me today. I was prepared, and I didn't have any shy feelings about it. "Laura, Tommy, your food is delicious. Thank you," I told both of them and they grinned. "It's just so great to see Troy bring home a beautiful young lady like yourself," Troy grunted next to me. "Easy mom,"
She could only grin and it made me smile myself. "Troy you should have brought Luna!" Brady said, and Troy laughed, "I almost did but I think Gabs and I are going to grab a drink with her best friend from college after this tonight. We'll probably run back to my house to let her out though."
"Gabi, I hope you enjoy basketball." Tommy said, and I laughed, "I do. My nephew, Blaine, plays for West Ashley. That's actually how we met. At a basketball game." Tommy smiled over at his son, "I think he mentioned that to us. Have you been to watch him coach?" I nodded, "It's one of my favorite things to do." I caught Troy's eye as he smiled over at me. A beautiful smile as his eyes could only look at me with a soft look. "We have tried to make it to a few games, but we've been so busy," Laura said.
"No worries, ma." Troy said shoveling another bite of food into his mouth. "I think we should be at a game this week though, Gabi, will you be attending?" I nodded, "I think so. My nephew plays Monday and Friday this week. I should be at Troy's Tuesday game but will miss his Friday game." Troy rubbed my leg with his hand as he tilted his beer back with the other. "The next week we're in a tournament in Hilton Head through the weekend."
"What days?" I asked almost feeling disappointed that he wouldn't be around. Troy smiled, "The 8-11," he replied. "How long will you have known each other by then?" Brady asked, Troy laughed, "Two months but it's been an amazing two months." I couldn't resist my smile and I leaned back towards him as my plate was completely clean. The conversation continued for a little bit. This family highly reminded me of my own family. It was sad but also comforting at the same exact time. They were amazing people and they were happy. Troy's laugh rang out through the room as he was constantly touching me somewhere.
I leaned back into his touch as he kissed the back of my head gently after a while as I could see his mom and sister just glowing with happiness. "Boys," Tommy stood up, "I need your help with the car in the garage. Do you mind?" all three boys just nodded as Troy stood up, "You okay?" he asked, and I smiled tilting my head back, "I think I would love some time with your mom and sister," Troy rolled his eyes, "Don't believe everything they tell you." He whispered into my ear and I laughed quietly.
He squeezed my shoulder before disappearing shoving Brady. My eyes turned to Macken and Laura who were both grinning at the men retreating. Ada chuckled, "Is that how you felt when Brady brought me around?" Ada asked and Macken laughed, "A little bit? It has been years for Troy. Years. This is monumental in our books." Ada laughed with a nod of agreement. "Troy doesn't bring girls home?" Macken snorted, "I think it took him six months to bring Brittney back to meet us and they were over in the next three months after that. I don't know. He just doesn't do it too often." Macken said with a shrug, "He really likes you for it to only be two months and to be that happy."
I smiled, "I didn't know he did this." I said, and Laura laughed, "He barely dates let alone bring them home. I'm just relieved that he was dating. Let alone finding a woman like you who makes him grin from ear to ear. I'm not sure I have ever seen it." My heart ruptured with happiness knowing that Troy's feelings were true. "He came into my life at the best moment possible." I said with a tiny smile, "I needed him."
"Do you have any siblings?" Laura asked, Macken and Ada both sat up straighter and Macken started to say something when I just shook my head. "Uh…yea, I have two sisters. My oldest sister, Zoey, she uh…" I paused as I tried to swallow on the growing lump in my throat, "She died five months ago," I said with a vague look as Laura didn't say anything for a moment. "My other sister ran away afterward, and nobody has seen her since."
"Oh, Gabi," she said, and I gave a grim smile, "I uh…I met Troy three months after the accident. I was in a dark hole and he's made me so happy. He was a light spot to my day, every day." Laura moved, and she wrapped her arms around me tightly. "Oh sweetie," I bit back my tears because I couldn't cry right now. "I'm so sorry," I bit down on my lip, "I'm okay. Troy helps so much. He was so good with my family the other day. He played with my niece and nephew and when my brother in law had an issue come up, he was able to help get my nephew to school and it was just…" I stopped with a tiny smile playing on my lips.
"That sounds just like, Troy." I swallowed on my lump as I nodded, "I'm so glad that is Troy," I told her while I squeezed her arm. Laura smiled, "He's going to take care of you if you want him to take care of you." I wiped my tears away from my eyes and I inhaled softly, "Hey, you okay?" I felt his hand slid on my shoulder and I tilted my head back into him. "Yea, I'm okay." He gave me a soft smile while he gave me one more squeeze of my shoulder.
Macken and Laura really couldn't stop their smiles. Troy shook his head with a sigh, "I'm sorry," he said, and I laughed shaking my head as I laced our fingers together. "No, I really enjoy it." I said softly, and he smiled, "I'm really glad," he whispered into my ear and I bit on my lip as Laura giggled, "I am so happy," she clapped her hands together and Troy just rolled his eyes. I couldn't stop my laugh this time as I squeezed his hand while Ada and Macken shared a look with each other.
I did really like this family.
Troy's POV
"She makes you happy." I twisted to see my dad come up behind me and I laughed with a tiny nod, "Yea, she really does." I answered as I peered over the deck as Gabi had her feet stuck in the pool with Macken and Ada. They were all chatting and just laughing. I could tell the conversation wasn't heavy from just watching her. Her shoulders relaxed, and her head tilted to the side listening. Her chest vibrating with a laugh and I smiled.
"I do not think I have ever seen you so smitten," I just chuckled, "She's special." I told him as I took another sip of my beer. "Your mom told me about her sisters," he said quietly, and I felt my shoulders tense and I didn't want her to hear. "When did she tell you?" he asked me after a few beats. "Pretty quickly. Less than a week into meeting her. She wanted to be upfront and honest about everything because of how it still emotionally affects her." I pulled on my beer bottle sticker as I kept my hands busy. "Her family still needs her all the time. She has days where she is a shell of who she actually is, and I am lucky to know her."
My dad just nodded his head as he took in Gabi down below with a smile. "I would have never have known." I swallowed, "I didn't either. Not on our first date. Not the night I met her. I would have never known but the moment she told me was the moment I truly knew how amazing she is. The moment that night comes around and the darkness rolls in, you see it a lot more. You see the pain and the suffering. The tears. I never want to leave her at night. Ever." I sighed finishing my beer as Gabi splashed Ada with a giggle leaving her mouth making me uncomfortable as I shifted.
"She has dreams. I don't know what happened. She's never told me." My dad nodded, "You've only been together for a little bit of time now. It'll come out when it is time." I nodded, "Yea, I just worry about her. I didn't ever think that I could fall in love with somebody so fast." My dad laughed, "Ah…I never thought I would hear those words from your mouth." I laughed with a nod, "Fair enough." I said with a laugh while I took a drink.
"I don't know, she's just…beautiful." I whispered watching her. My dad patted my back, "Yes, she is. I respect her a lot more now that I know everything that she's been put through these past several months. I'm glad that you pursued her even though she had to be an emotional block." I nodded, "Yea, I mean, she's pretty open about anything. If I ask a question, she'll answer it. I don't typically ask too many questions." I finished off my beer and I smiled as I looked at her.
"She cleaned my house for me the other day. I was stuck at practice and she went over because we hadn't seen each other for about a week and…she just told me that she wanted to help me out because I have been there for her. I don't know…she's just really amazing and I can't wait to see where this takes us." My dad looked down at Gabi who was getting up and she tilted her head up to look at me. I smiled with a wink.
"Maybe we can do another dinner after a game one night," I nodded, "That sounds like a good plan. She typically makes it to all of my games but will alternate whose game she goes too if her nephew is playing the same night." My dad nodded, "We'll have to seek her out."
"Please do, she'll love it."
Gabi walked up the top steps, "Were they good to you down there?" I asked, and she tilted her head with a nod, "Yes, absolutely." I pulled her into my side and I pressed my lips to the top of her head. "Are you about ready to get out of here?" I asked her, and she smiled tilting her head back to look up at me. "Only if you're ready. We don't have to go tonight." She said, and I smiled, "Yea, we do. You owe me a better night with your friends than you gave me the first time." Her cheeks flushed, and I smiled, "C'mon, Jenna is probably dying to see you."
Gabi's POV
I tossed my head back laughing as Jenna told a ridiculous story about her preschooler from the other day. I couldn't stop my giggle when I went to order another drink as Troy and Ethan were off playing a round of darts with each other. "Jenna, do you want a drink?" I asked her, and she bit down on her lip shaking her head, I narrowed my eyes towards her and I just nodded towards the waitress. "Jenna…" I dragged out and she bit down on her lip again.
"JENNA!" I squealed, and she laughed, "Shh…we aren't telling anybody yet. I'm literally maybe four weeks. Maybe." She said quietly, and I got up as I wrapped her tightly up in my arms. "I am so happy for you, Jenna! You and Ethan are going to be amazing parents." I whispered into her ear and she smiled as tears were filling her eyes. "I was really nervous about trying but then I got the positive test after only one month and…I was so relieved and happy. I am so excited."
I laughed, "I'm going to get to spread my Aunt Gabi love!" she laughed and nodded with a big smile, "Ethan was of course really excited, but I didn't realize how excited I was." They deposited my drink in front of me and I smiled as I looked over at Troy and Ethan. They were both laughing, and I loved that he got along with my friends. I loved that I got along with his friends. "Troy mentioned to me a while ago that if something were to fail on our birth control end that he would be supportive and would actually love it." Jenna swirled around to face me with shock written all over her face.
"Okay, I thought he really liked you but fuck, he loves you." She whispered, my eyes went wide, and I turned to look at Troy before turning back around to look at her with a shake of my head, "No, no," I said, and Jenna could only grin from ear to ear. "Oh, yes, no male would ever say that to a woman unless he loved her. Unless he could see a future with her. Do you see a future with him?" I bit down on my lip and I nodded, "But it's only been two months!"
Jenna shook her head back and forth, "Don't get caught up on that number. If I were to just observe you and Troy I would have guessed, you have been together for almost a year if not longer. You both have a unique chemistry. You already are comfortable with each other and are able to talk to each other. Maybe it's because you had to be open from the very beginning about everything going on in your life but he could have walked away and he didn't."
I smiled as Troy threw another dart and he nailed it causing a high-five to Ethan as they were a team against two other guys. I smiled, "I really do like him." Jenna only grinned, "You love him." She told me, I shook my head, "I wouldn't go that far yet. I don't want to rush into it or anything. I just love spending time with him. I love that with one simple look he calms me down and that he is always there for me. Constantly. Without question."
Jenna just sipped her water and smiled as I rolled my eyes finishing off my own drink. Troy and Ethan both shook hands with the other guys before making their way across the area. Troy quickly slipped behind me and he kissed the crown of my head, "Having a good chat?" he asked, and I smiled as I squeezed his hand. "Jen, Troy invited us over to his place tomorrow to watch the Super Bowl next Sunday." I tilted my head back to look at him and he smiled.
"Yes! That sounds like so much fun!" I grinned, "My assistant coaches and friends will be there, but I think all of their wives and girlfriends are coming." He acknowledged, "There will be tons of food, booze, and jokes on every single commercial." Troy advertised, and I couldn't stop my laugh. "I'll skip out on the booze but…I definitely want to participate with everything else." A smile spread over my lips as I looked at her. "Ah, yes, Ethan told me. Congrats! That's exciting! Only one of my friends is married and they just got married so I'm not sure when I'll be putting my uncle use to power."
"Mmm…stick around and you'll get to use it on this wee one," she held her belly causing my heart to ache to want that one day. To be a mom. To be married. A tiny squeeze on my shoulder had me tilting up to look at Troy who could only smile to say maybe one day that'll be us. A wave of dizziness swept over me and I clutched his hand tightly. My smile flitted over my lips as all of our conversations continued as Ethan loved talking sports with Troy and I was getting quality time with Jenna.
Once we decided to leave, Troy locked our fingers together as we walked over to his car. I hugged Jenna and Ethan pulled me into a really tight hug, "I'm happy for you, Gabs, you deserve this." I bit down on my lip trying not to cry but I just nodded as I kissed his cheek. Troy gave Jenna a hug and then shook Ethan's hand before we all departed. I climbed into his car and Troy smiled, "I really do like your friends."
"I like it too; I like that you like them. I love your friends." Troy brought my knuckles to his mouth and pressed a kiss to them. Troy was quiet on the ride home, but he was chewing on his lip as if he was trying to figure something out. "You okay?" I asked, and he shook his head, "Yes, I just…I know I didn't tell you about the Hilton Head tournament because I have been trying to figure out how to get you to come with me." His eyes slid over to mine and my jaw dropped, "Since the basketball team knows you and that I have a girlfriend, I would love if you came but if you don't want too then don't feel pressured too." His words came out quickly and I smiled softly as I bit down on my lip.
"Yes," I answered as his head swung around, "Really? We can drive down separate. I'll make the Dylan and Cameron ride the bus down with the boys." I nodded, "It sounds like a fun time. I need a bit of a getaway and Hilton Head might be the exact place to do it." Troy just grinned as we pulled up to his house. "Yes, I can't wait." Troy grinned wider, and he unbuckled my seat belt and I leaned over towards his lap before he kissed me roughly on the mouth. He pulled me right down onto his lap and I rubbed myself against him causing him to hiss with pleasure.
"Inside," I mumbled, and he didn't say a word before pushing open his door, carrying me inside, and having his way with me.
Monday, January 28th, 2019
Gabi's POV
I moved things around on my desk as there was a knock on my door. I had put in vacation time this morning for Thursday and Friday next week. I haven't taken a vacation day but two different days since I was hired on at the firm. We typically got most of the week of Christmas off and I only took two days off when Zoey died. People were shocked when I was back at work so fast but sitting at home was worse. My eye glanced up at the person at my door and I frowned deeply.
"Brad," I said with a hint of disgust crossing my tongue and he looked right at me. He was skinnier than the last time we talked. Ever since I gave the ring back, he had left me alone. He rarely came around my office and we didn't work together. "Hi," he stuck his hands in his pockets as he rocked back and forth on his feet. "How are you?" he asked, and I frowned, "What do you want, Brad?" he sighed, "I heard you took some vacation days. I'm happy for you. Going somewhere with the kids?"
I laughed shaking my head, "It's really none of your business." I remarked as I continued to work on my laptop. My eyes never looking back up at him, he exhaled loudly, and it finally caused me to look at him again. "Let's do dinner," he finally said, and I rolled my eyes, "Brad, seriously, I am dating somebody else now. I have moved on. I am so fucking happy with him," my temper snapped as his eyes flashed to mine. "Happy?" I nodded my head, "Yes, I am really happy."
Brad ran a hand through his hair and he laughed, "You just think you're happy," he started, and tears threatened the surface as I shook my head, "No, you don't get to do that. Just because I am happier with somebody else and you do not get to think for me. If you must really know, I am going out of town with him for the weekend. I am going to watch him do something he loves to do. I am going to support him."
Brad's jaw moved back and forth, anger lashed in his jaw and he took three steps forward. "No, I spent years with you. I know you." I laughed, and I shook my head, "You don't know me, Brad. You barely know what I want to do and everything I want to do with my life. My fight for VP that you don't even want me to do because you want me to be a housewife? You want me to have zero friends? God bless, Jenna who stuck around when your pathetic ass didn't allow me to have any other friends." He scoffed at that as if I was lying and I just shook my head.
"You need to leave." I told him after a moment and he laughed, "No. Where are you going?" he asked, "I think she asked you to leave." My head snapped up and over Brad's shoulder to see Troy standing in the doorway with bags of food in his hand. Our eyes connected but he quickly shifted back to Brad who turned to look at him. Anger filled his features, his jaw set with those blue eyes dark and angry. "And you are?" Brad asked, and Troy quietly sat the bags of food down. My eyes took in his black slacks with a Knights polo tucked into his pants. The polo being stretched across his biceps while his hair was slicked back. His badge hanging around his neck
"Doesn't matter. She asked you to leave, you need to leave." I swallowed on the lump in my throat because Troy's eyes didn't waver away from Brad. Not one moment did he look at anything else. Brad laughed, "I think you need to leave." Troy took another step closer and Brad glanced at me. "Gabi tell this dude to leave." I shook my head, "No. Brad, I asked you to leave." He frowned and then his eyes narrowed in on Troy. "You're the new boyfriend." He said, and Troy didn't confirm, he didn't deny, he just stared.
"I see." Brad smirked from ear to ear as he stepped forward and glanced at his badge while Brad laughed, "A school teacher…really, Gabi?" I crossed my arms defensively, "Brad, please, leave," Brad rolled his eyes as he looked up at Troy who eyes were hard and dark. "Well, I just hope you know that this relationship will be short-lived. She has her fair share of emotional problems with commitment and rarely ever puts out and when she does it wasn't very good." Brad spoke, and I watched Troy's jaw flinch with anger. It was only a nanosecond later before Troy had him grabbed and pulled close to him. "Don't you ever, ever, speak of her like that. You don't get to be angry because you lost her. She asked you to leave her office and you fucking leave her office. If I hear of her complaining that you are bugging her again then I will do this very differently next time, is that understood?" Brad looked at Troy and he just nodded as Troy let him go. Troy's face was pissed off as Brad shook his head as if he wanted to say something, but Troy shook his head no.
Once the door shut and Brad was gone, Troy's face changed to instant concern. He was in front of me in two steps, his hands cupping my face, "Are you okay? He didn't touch you, did he?" I shook my head, "No, I'm okay," I said as I let my hands grip his wrists. Troy exhaled with relief and I leaned into his chest as he pressed his lips to the top of my head. "What are you doing here?" I asked finally, and he smiled that charming smiling. "I wanted to have lunch with my beautiful girl," I smiled as I leaned into his touch.
"I'm glad you showed up," I told him, Troy's face turned serious again and he looked over his shoulder towards the door. "Does he bug you a lot?" he asked, and I shook my head, "No. That was the first time since I gave him back the ring." I told him honestly and Troy nodded, "Good, please tell me if he continues to bug you." I nodded as he went over to grab the food and I smiled as we sat at my desk together and ate.
"I was approved to take those two days off," I told him excited and Troy couldn't contain his own smile. "I'm so excited that you're coming with us." Troy said with a smile and I smiled back, "I'm excited myself. I have Blaine's game tonight," I reminded him, and Troy smiled as he grabbed my hand locking our fingers together. "I'll meet you there." He said, and I smirked, "Don't you need to take care of your dog or something?" I teased, and he shook his head, "Not if I can convince you to come home with me tonight," he whispered leaning in and I smiled.
"We'll see. I have a big meeting tomorrow morning." I said, and Troy kissed my forehead as he squeezed my hands. Troy glanced at his watch and I knew he probably had to be leaving soon. "You know, you didn't have to drive all the way here for lunch. We could have met somewhere, that way we didn't have to be apart from that long." Troy smiled, "It wouldn't have been a surprise and I'm off this afternoon. I have a few places to run too. A doctor's appointment."
"You okay?" I asked looking up at him and he nodded with a smile playing at his lips, "Yea, I'm fine. I tore my ACL last spring and had surgery. Just a follow-up appointment with my surgeon. He really wants to do my other knee, but I won't let him until after basketball season." My frown must have given me away with curiosity and he smiled, "I'm seriously fine, my other knee is just a partial tear but I also have a meniscus tear. I was hard on my knees."
"I'm going to have to find a new boyfriend," I deadpanned, "I don't do oldies." Troy laughed, and he smiled as he pulled me into a kiss. His hands squeezing my hips gently, "I'm pretty sure oldies can't do half of what we do," he said with a wiggle of his eyebrows and I laughed. My arms wrapping around his neck as I buried my face into the crook of his neck. My nose pressing into his skin and I exhaled holding onto him.
My whole-body content as his strong arms held me close. Happiness filling me from the top to the bottom. I gave him another squeeze and I pulled back as I stared into his blue eyes. The warmth that filled me caused tears to pull into my eyes, his face fell, and those blue eyes tried to find all of the answers without asking any questions. "What's wrong?" he asked while his thumb stroked my cheek and I shook my head. "I just am so happy with you right here. Just holding onto you, I am so happy with you." He turned his head with a tiny smile playing on his lips, "Just looking at you fills me with happiness and I don't know, Troy. I just…I'm happy with you." He tugged me between his legs and kissed me softly.
"You make me so fucking happy, Brie." I closed my eyes and I just held onto him for another moment, soaking up these quiet moments with Troy. I knew deep down I was falling head over heels in love with Troy Bolton. That it wouldn't be too much longer before I had to tell him because if I had learned anything from Zoey leaving me, was that I couldn't hold back my feelings. That I had to tell him I loved him when I felt it because I would regret it if he was never able to hear it from me.
And I didn't want Troy Bolton to ever think that I didn't love him.
Hey hey! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I know a lot of you speculated that I would dive deeper into James and his drinking problem but alas…I did not. He's grieving too! I love all of the support that this story has caught on with and I love sharing it biweekly with you!
I am going to go ahead and post a His Girl update right here: Yes, I know. I promised it a few weekends ago. Yes, I know. It didn't happen (is anybody really shocked? Lol) but school did start and I was only half way done with the chapter when the school year started. I was quickly SLAMMED with 100+ page readings, four different projects, 3 clinicals within a week, and a test next week. (We haven't even started week 3 yet lol) SO please please be patient! I will finish it! I promise and it is so sweet already. I can't wait to share.
Please Review!
Next Update: Sunday September 20th
