Chapter 14 – Date Me
Sunday, April 14th, 2019
Troy's POV
I glanced at the text she sent me back over a week ago. It made me think that she was going to come back to me sooner than even I thought but here I was. Almost a month later. I haven't heard from her or seen her. Macken said at their last coffee date that she was happy and laughing. It made my heartache that I wasn't there but I was giving her the space she deserved. "Dude, stop looking at that." Jesse swiped my phone as he tossed me, my putter. "You're up."
He tucked my phone in his pocket and I inhaled sharply, "Guys," I said and they shook their head. "No, dude, can you focus on a damn game of golf?" Jax said pointing his golf club to the green. I didn't say anything, I just walked off. I haven't been myself since she took her time away and the guys were mostly sick of it. I didn't realize how much I needed her in my life after only a few months. When she texted back, I knew that I was doing the right thing because she was getting better.
I knew she wasn't going to be cured overnight but she had to figure out how to take a step in the right direction. I just wish she was telling me everything. That I knew what she was doing and how she was doing. Fuck, I tried to focus on golf but my mind wasn't there. I missed the putt by almost ten inches. The guys chuckled behind me as I tipped it in after that and I just handed over my money. "Sorry, guys, I'll be better eventually."
"After you get laid again," Cameron suggested and I scrawled at him. "I'm surprised you haven't looked at other women by now," Dylan said with a smile trying to overtake his face but I didn't even look at him. I didn't give him the time of day with that comment because he knew there wouldn't be another girl for me. "Dylan, fuck off. Leave him alone." Jesse said defending me and I just gave him a smile of appreciation while I got back into the cart before we moved on to the next hole.
We finished the round of golf with me coming in dead last for the third week in a row. I didn't say anything, I just bought a round of beer for all of them and started to pack my shit up. "Leaving?" Jax asked and I just nodded, "I need to go run or something." I mumbled as I put my golf clubs in the back of my car. "Dude, she's going to come back to you," Jax said as he followed me out and I knew all of them probably hated for even suggesting the break for us at this point. I was not a fun person.
"I know, I know, I just…" I paused as I let out a pent-up breath of air, "I fucking miss her so badly, I almost don't like how much I miss her. It's not like we've been dating forever but long enough to know that she's my girl." Jax nodded, "I get it, man. But I don't think she'd be very happy knowing that you're wasting this time jacking around and not taking her time off serious. She's trying to become the best version of herself for you." He spoke, "You damn well better make sure you're the best version of you for her." I exhaled and just nodded my head because I did need to run. I needed to hear the pavement underneath my feet.
Jax gave me back my phone and he patted my shoulder, "It won't be much longer, I just have a feeling. Give her time, like you've been preaching to yourself." I only nodded before I went to get into my car. I plugged in my phone and drove home before I changed into my running clothes, picked up Luna's leash, and hooked her up before we were both out the door. I let the pavement grind into my ears and I just pushed myself. Luna kept up easily with me as I pushed and pushed until I was exhausted.
Not having her in my bed and not having her around has made me crazy. I dream about her; I dream about calling her. I just wish I knew what she wanted me to do. I felt like I couldn't call her because I didn't want to pressure her into anything. If she wasn't ready, she wasn't ready. That was her decision. Luna was panting hard as I came back up to my house and we both took off inside when Brady pulled up to the driveway. "Hey man," he called getting out of his car.
"Hey," I called as I tugged on my sweaty shirt. Luna took off for him and he rubbed her belly for her as she let her tongue hit the pavement. The warm South Carolina sun hitting my body. "How are you doing?" Brady asked as he made eye contact with me. "Okay," I told him as I crossed my arms. "No word from her yet?" I shook my head and he nodded, "She met up with Macken and Silas again today." I looked down as I gave the okay for all of this. Every single time. Gabi made sure Macken checked with me first because she didn't want to cross any lines and I loved her for it. I also loved that she loved my sister already.
"Jealous?" Brady asked, I snorted, "Jealous?" I asked looking up at him. A flare of anger going through my body. "I'm really fucking jealous. She's my girlfriend and I am the one who misses the fuck out of her and yet…I can't have her. My sister can, my sister's boyfriend can but for me?" I breathed out the frustration, "Then say no." I shook my head again, "No. If she wants to spend time with my sister how am I one to say no?" Brady shrugged his shoulders, "Then don't be like this." He said simply.
"I gotta go take a shower," I said as I turned to face my house, "I know you miss her man, I know you love her, and I know you have big plans for your future together but do you really want to ruin that future and her absolutely never be in your life again?" I closed my eyes as I had thought about this before and he was right. If I chased her away with needing her back earlier than she wanted then I would never have again and that crushed everything in my body.
"Exactly," Brady said quietly, "Just do what you've been doing."
"Mom and Dad want to have dinner tonight your game?" I just nodded again and I called for Luna as I headed for the front door. I couldn't have this conversation anymore.
Gabi's POV
I folded onto my mat dripping with sweat next to Jenna who was supporting the cutest baby bump. She was almost four months pregnant and she was glowing, due in the middle of September and I knew she was getting more excited as the baby continued to grow in her belly. The Yoga instructor announced that class was over and we both laid on the mats breathing in deeply. "How ya doing?" she asked looking at me and I smiled, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" she laughed shaking her head. "No, it's you who hasn't been laid in a month." I rolled my eyes with a tiny smile coming over my lips. "I think I'm almost ready. I mostly keep putting off because I'm scared." I told her honestly and Jenna nodded.
"Scared of what?" I inhaled and I shrugged, "I don't know. I'm in a really good spot right now. I've learned to talk openly about my feelings. I've learned to stop suppressing my emotions and this is all within basically a month of time. I feel like it's too fast." I said as I began to roll up my mat avoiding eye contact with Jenna. "You think Troy isn't going to encourage talking about your feelings and comforting you when you cry?" she asked a little dumbfounded and I shook my head.
"It's not that. I just have a good routine right now. I go to work by eight, I'm off by 5. I don't stay late. I do yoga three times a week and run twice. I hang out with you so much more now and I'm happy. I don't feel like I need anything else." I admitted with fear striking through my gut. Jenna pulled on my arm and she forced me to look at her. "You're telling me if you never saw Troy Bolton again you would be okay?" I swallowed on the lump in my throat. To never see his face? Those blue eyes? That smile that made my knees weak? That laugh that echoed around his house and his fingers pulling me closer to him…no. I couldn't imagine my life without him and I shook my head no.
"Exactly. You are okay because you know he's waiting for you but Gabi, seriously, how long do you think he will wait for you? I'm not saying he wouldn't talk to you first but you love him. You talk about how much you love him but you refuse to even call him. He would make your smile touch your eyes, he would make you laugh more, he would be there for you during the rest of this transition. Yes, you're doing better and you did it. Nobody is going to take that from you. Especially him. He's going to applaud you. That man worships the ground you walk on after four months." I blinked away the tears because I didn't want to cry here.
"Just call him. Talk to him on the phone. He will be so excited for that. For you to tell him that you're doing better? He'll be ecstatic and know that this separation is for a purpose." I nodded my head, "Okay," I breathed and she squeezed my shoulder. "You've taken everything else head-on. Except this, and I think it's because you don't him to think your different." I didn't say anything because she was right. What if Troy thought I was too different? That I was too much? I was happier, I was loving my weekly dates with the kids and hanging out at family dinners. I have never heard my family laugh more in the past several weeks since Zoey's been alive.
Blaine is smiling again; Lucy giggles and plays. She talks about Zoey. It's getting better for everybody. What if he didn't like this? That I didn't need him like I used to need him? "Just give Troy Bolton a chance. You don't get to make choices for him." She reminded me and I smiled, "Thank you, Jenna." She nodded as we both went out to our separate cars. "Look, if he's a dick to you I will personally go chop his off. I don't think that'll happen though."
I breathed and nodded as she got into her car and I got into mine. I sat there for a moment because Regina pushes at every visit for me to call him. That's it. Just call him. It sounded easier than done because what if he didn't want to talk to me anymore? I breathed out a sigh as I drove back to my apartment as I went inside and I sat on my bed. I looked at my phone in my hand and then at the clock to see it was almost four in the afternoon.
He wouldn't be golfing and he wouldn't be at dinner yet.
Finally, I just pressed his name.
I can do this.
Troy's POV
I was grading papers when my phone buzzed on the desk next to me. I reached over for it and I answered it, expecting my mom to be on the end. "Hey," I answered as I read the words across the page and I was greeted with silence. My eyebrows drew together in confusion because typically with my mom, she's talking before I can say a word. "Hello?" I questioned and I pulled the phone away from my ear to see a name I wasn't expecting.
My heart raced as I blinked, once, twice, making sure the name didn't disappear. I finally pull the phone back to my ear in a rush, "Gabi?" I breathed with suspense hanging between the line. "Troy," her voice squeaked and I let my head hit the table softly while I tried to control my own emotions. Yet, I couldn't stop the tears from welling my eyes. I missed that voice. I missed it so much. "Brie," I said softly back and I could hear her own tears on the other side.
"I've missed you." She spoke softly and I laughed as I pressed my thumb into my eye. "Brie, baby, you have no idea." She didn't say anything for a minute, "How are you?" I asked as I leaned back in my chair. "I'm good, Troy, really good." She spoke up and I felt the tingle all the way to my toes. The sweat forming on my palms and the hair on my neck standing from knowing that she was okay. "How are you?" she asked and I breathed. "Better," I told her. "Now that I've heard your voice, better."
"I'm sorry, I should have called sooner. My therapist has asked me too, several times, I've just been…scared." I squeezed my eyes shut scared as to understand what that means. I don't think I wanted to know. I didn't want to know why she was scared. "I want to tell you so much, Troy. I have so much to tell you but I don't think I want to do it over the phone. I need to see you. I need to see your blue eyes and that hair that you mess with so much. I need to hold your hand."
My body was moving before my brain could process, "Where?" I echoed out because I did. I did need to see her. "Are you sure you can come tonight? I know your family typically tries to eat dinner together on Sunday nights." She spoke carefully as if she didn't want to disrupt my routine and I stopped because maybe she had a new routine. I had to learn about Gabi again. She probably wasn't the same girl as before and that was okay. I was okay with that. As long as she was happy.
"Yea, we do, I don't have to go." I told her and she sighed, "No. Go. Be with your family. How about a date…tomorrow night?" I let a passage of air escape my lungs. "Yes," I told her. "Tomorrow night, what time are you getting off work? Late?" I questioned, "No. I'll be home by 5:30." She told me and I felt my eyebrows raise, I wanted to say something but I refrained. "Okay, I'll pick you up at 6." I told her and she sighed, "Thank you, Troy."
"Why are you thanking me?" I asked her and I could hear it. I could hear her trying to hold the tears back and I knew that she was still mine. She was just scared. Scared that I would have left her after this month apart. Scared that nothing would be the same between us. "Because…you answered. You're there. You still want me." I swallowed on the lump in my throat and I closed my eyes. "Gabs, you have no idea how many times I wanted to come to knock your door down. I've missed you. I know things might be a bit different but I love you. There isn't a version of you that I could not love. You just needed to find your way in life again. I wasn't going anywhere. I made a promise to you and I told you, I told you that I would never make a promise that I couldn't keep."
I heard her let out a soft cry and my chest caved, I was about to break all promises and go over there right now. "Thank you," she whispered again and I took a deep breath, "Thank you for coming back to me," I told her and she let out a tiny laugh. "I'm really excited to see you tomorrow." She told me and I smiled from ear to fucking ear, "I'm pretty damn excited, too."
Gabi's POV
Monday, April 15th, 2019
I knew today was a big day. I did exactly what everybody had been begging me to do and I sobbed after our phone call ended. Because I realized how much I missed him. How much I missed his voice. How much I missed his touch, his loving looks, and just being near him. I missed him so much more than I realized until his voice, his surprised voice, came through the line. I heard his own tears shedding and that showed me how much he loved me, wanted me, and needed me.
It wasn't like I didn't need him either. I don't think I could never go a day without hearing his voice again and today started our relationship over. Nothing will be able to stand in our way and we'll be a stronger couple because of this. I don't have to hold anything back and he can be honest with me. I'll make for damn sure he knows that he never has to hide anything from me. To protect me. I need him to be open and honest with me.
Troy Bolton wanted to come to me as soon as possible and I respected that, too. Yet, I was glad that we waited until today. It gave both of us time to decompress a little bit and prepare for tonight. I left the date details up to him and I knew I caught him off guard with my work schedule. I wasn't throwing myself into my work anymore. I was letting work happen and I was leaving to spend time with the people I love at night. That's what mattered most to me anymore. Not Vice President of the company.
I could honestly care less.
My eyes focused on the computer in front of me when there was a knock at the door. My eyes glanced up to see a bouquet of flowers and my stomach twisted with nerves and excitement. Macken poked her head through and she grinned, "Hi!" she beamed and I laughed because we had become a lot closer in the days of me not being with Troy. I knew she updated him on me and I got updates on him. To say he took the break well would be a lie. I knew it was going to be harder for him but it was also needed for both of us. "Hey," I greeted with a smile and she walked over and plopped the flowers down. "I haven't heard my brother that giddy in weeks, Gabs." I smiled as I looked at the flowers and I blinked rapidly, "I'm glad," I whispered and she smiled. "He told me at dinner last night. He was pretty excited and I know how anxious he is for tonight."
"I can't wait to tell him everything," I said as I plucked the card out from the flowers, "I think he'll be pleasantly surprised on everything, Gabi. You made a lot of changes in the past month and he will only love you more." I smiled at her as I opened the card.
Brie,
I can't wait to see you, tonight. I couldn't be prouder of you. – T
I smiled as I tucked the note on a picture frame of the two of us on my desk. "When he called and ask me to make a delivery, I couldn't help myself." I smiled at her again and I hugged her tightly. "Thank you for being there during this time for us." Macken grinned, "Are you kidding? I'm so shipping you and Troy." I laughed at her and smiled, "Are we still on for coffee on Sunday morning?" she grinned, "You got. Silas said he wants to come back again and do another day of shadowing."
"I told him anytime." I reminded her and she smiled, "I know, he's just bashful." I laughed and smiled as I hugged her one more time and she began to pull away before she stopped. "He talked to me about how much difference he should expect and I told him that you were still you but you just are…lighter. You don't have nearly as much weighing you down, your smile is brighter, and that you are stronger. That you aren't any different. That you are just better, mentally." I smiled as I looked down, "Is he really concerned?" I asked as my mouth dried and she shook her head.
"He told me he would marry you still if you had the personality of a sloth." I laughed and smiled, "I bet he would."
"Must be good sex," she teased and I gasped rolling my eyes, "Oh c'mon…" she said with a wicked grin, "You miss it." I laughed as my cheeks turned red, "Do you really want to know? He's your brother." She bit her lip and cringed, "You're right. I don't but your face said it all. He's good." I laughed and shrugged, "I'll let you guess." She laughed again and nodded, "I have to get to class. Enjoy it." I thanked her again and I sat down as I smelled my flowers before sending him a text.
Gabi: Thank you x
Troy's POV
My legs bounced nervously as I looked around the room and I wanted this day over with so badly. The clock was ticking ever so slowly as I knew exactly what I was doing with Gabi tonight. It was never a question in my mind. I didn't want to redo our first date because we were starting over but I did make us reservations at one of the nicest restaurants on the water during sunset. I just wanted to sit and talk to her.
"Coach B…what the hell is wrong." Bryson finally said looking over at me, "You're like buzzing in your seat." The class laughed and I shook my head over at him. "Not right now, Bryson." He shrugged and focused on his work as I stood up and I moved to go get a drink in the hallway. Cameron came rounding the corner and he smirked, I hadn't told any of them. "Hey man, how's life today? Still moping around?" I couldn't stop the grin and Cameron stopped in his tracks.
"Shut up, she called you." I nodded rolling onto my toes, "Yup. Last night before I went to family dinner. I was high as a fucking kite all night. We're going on a date after work." I told him and I breathed, "I miss her." Cameron laughed, "Yeah, man, we all know. I think this whole town knows how much you miss her." I chuckled, "I'm sorry, I know…I know I've been an ass the past month." He slapped my shoulder, "You lost your girl for a moment. I know Jesse would have been just as much of a mess as you. If not more. I know if I lost Lennon like that?"
I smiled, "You and Lennon huh?" Cameron shrugged, "I don't know. We just really hit it off. I think I see a future with her." I smiled, "Look at all of us trying to get married at the same time." Cameron laughed and I smiled before I returned to my room, "Troy," I turned to look at him and he laughed, "Please beat Jax and Dylan at golf this week. I am sick of them gloating all the damn time." I laughed with a nod. "You got it."
I went back into the class and I let out a pent-up breath of air. When I got him, I needed to run Luna, shower, and then go get my girl. Nothing was more exciting than those words right there. My girl. I was going to get to hold her, kiss her, and just be with her. I can only imagine we were going to have to take this slow again but damn did I want to do anything but that. Macken was excited for me and when she told me that her change was only positive, I was able to breathe more.
It wasn't that I was scared she was going to be a completely different person but she had been alone the past month. She hadn't needed me. She only texts me one time and it sounded like she had been encouraged to contact me sooner. But something was different. I was anxious, I was nervous as if this was our first date. Once the final bell rang, I said bye to my class and they all exited. I gathered my stuff up and slipped them into my backpack.
"Mr. Bolton, leaving so quickly?" my eyes looked up to one of the frequent subs in the building. Tori glanced at me as she bit down on her lip, "Yea, I have a date with my girlfriend," I said emphasizing the fact that I have a girlfriend. She frowned and let her bottom lip jet out for a moment. "Oh, well, that sounds like a good evening." She said trying to recover as she was around Gabi's age. "Yea, it'll be a good night. I haven't seen her in a while." I told her.
"Oh, everything okay?" she perked up and I laughed, "Amazing." I clarified as I went to shut my classroom lights. I brushed past her and she sighed, "Bye, Troy." I just nodded and walked out because I had a date to get ready for. A girl to impress.
Gabi's POV
I fixed my black skirt and I adjusted the maroon top I was wearing with it. I glanced in the mirror as my hair was down and wild with curls. My make-up redone after work and I was getting ready to put on my knee-high black boots. I shoved my feet inside as I knew Troy would be here any minute and the butterflies in my stomach were growing with anticipation of seeing him. I couldn't wait to kiss him and I planned on doing that first.
Regina told me to take it slow, that I didn't have to rush back in but I needed him to kiss me. Maybe that was the only thing we did tonight but that is what I needed. It had been a month without that and I couldn't do it anymore. I zipped up the boots and I took another peek in the mirror. I reached over for my black leather jacket as I slipped that on over top and touched up my lipstick. I brushed my fingers through my hair again before picking up my purse and walking down to the front door.
Taking five deep breaths, I relaxed because it was just Troy. The man I fell head of over heels in love with. The man who will do anything to make sure I am happy. Nothing has changed besides that I don't freak out over the little things. A sharp knock came at my door and I glanced to see it was three minutes before six. I felt a wide grin crack over my face and I walked over to the door. I knew he was eager and I was just as. I was glad he was here early.
I swung the door to my apartment open and there stood on the other side my boyfriend that I loved, missed, and needed. Those blue eyes glowing with anticipation and happiness. I quickly stepped outside and threw my arms around his neck and buried my face against his neck. His arms squeezed me tightly to his body and I felt him exhale a large breath of air. One that he has probably been holding for the past month. I pulled back before I slammed my mouth against his.
He smiled into the kiss as he pulled back and a large smile spread over his face, "Missed me?" he asked with a slight tease and I laughed, "A little bit." I joked and he smiled before kissing me softly back. Everything felt like it had aligned back to normal. He put me down and he took two steps backward as his eyes surveyed from the tip of my toes all the way to the last hair on my head. Those blue eyes dilating and his body reacting.
"Fucking hell, Gabs, I missed you. I forgot how fucking beautiful you are." He whispered taking a step closer to me while his hand slipping into mine. Those sparks shooting through my body as I took in my man. He was in a pair of dark brown jeans with a white undershirt and a plaid red shirt over top. His muscles peeking out from the rolled sleeves of the flannel with his hair all messed up as if he had run his fingers through it all night long waiting to come and get me.
"You look stunning," he said as his hand wrapped around my body and I tilted my head up to look at him, "You don't look half bad yourself." He smiled before dropping another kiss to my lips. "C'mon, I want to talk about so much with you." I squeezed his fingers, "Let me grab my purse and keys to lock up." He reluctantly let go of my fingers as I went back inside to pick up my purse as I dug out my keys. I walked out locking up the door and I scooped Troy's hand right back up.
He escorted me to his car and popped open the jeep door. I stepped inside and he smelled so good as I passed him, I twisted my head to face him and his eyes looked concerned and his forehead wrinkled up. "Okay?" I asked him as I let my eyes find him, he smiled and nodded, "Yea, I'm better than okay. I'm just so glad to see your face." He said as he brought his thumb up to trace my lips. "I'm here," I assured him and he nodded, "I know."
He finally shut the door and he walked over to the other side, he started his car and then let his hand find my knee. His soft strokes and I put my hand over top, "Where are we off too?" I asked him and he smiled, "We have a sunset dinner waiting for us over the water," I let a smile creep up, "Sounds amazing,"
"Nothing but the best for my girl," my cheeks turned red and I breathed out a sigh of relief because we were okay. This wasn't awkward and we weren't acting like strangers even though it had been over a month apart from each other. "Troy, I want to seriously thank you. I know this last month hasn't been easy for either of us. I know this was hard for you but I have grown as a person and I am not 100% over my sister and I don't think I ever will be but I'm better." He reached over and squeezed my knee tightly. "I'm so proud of you, Brie."
Both of us were quiet as I grabbed my phone and plugged it in. Troy smiled as I turned on one of his favorite throwback songs and he laughed. He started to rap to it and I smiled as I took a picture of him singing and I posted it to my Instagram story with the caption finally back with this goofball.
I tagged him and felt my heart race with happiness, Jenna was right, I couldn't have lived much longer without this.
Troy's POV
My God, she was fucking beautiful. She was amazing. I don't know why I ever doubted us getting back together again. Her fingers laced through mine and she pressed her lips together when I pulled into the restaurant. She got out of the car and she reached over for my hand as we walked in together. She stopped us though and she reached up to wipe away some lipstick. I smiled looking down at her as I kissed her forehead.
"I love you," I whispered, "I know we have a lot to talk about but I do love you, that won't change." She leaned into me, "I love you, too." She looked up at me with those brown eyes full of life and happiness. We grabbed her hand as we walked in side by side with each other. I told the waitress our reservations and she smiled while leading us back to our table in the corner that had the best view of the sunset. It wouldn't dip under the ocean but it would reflect and it was still gorgeous.
Gabi smiled and sat down as I sat down on the opposite side of her. I sat down as I glanced up at our waitress, "Can we get a bottle of Chardonnay?" I questioned and she nodded with a smile before walking off and Gabi smiled, "Did you get a raise?" she questioned with a smile beaming at her lips. "No ma'am, but I have a month of dates to catch up on." She smiled before reaching across to grab my hand. We browsed the menu quietly for a few moments and when she glanced up, I knew she was surveying me. Looking for my own change.
"You look like you worked out a lot," I glanced up at her and I smiled softly, "It kept my mind busy." She looked away and nodded, "I did too. I started doing yoga and running more." She told me with her eyes lighting up. "Seriously?" I asked her with a growing smile, "We're going to have to take family runs together." I said with a smile, "Luna misses you." Gabi grinned, "I miss her. I bet you don't give her nearly enough scratches." I rolled my eyes as our waitress came over with the bottle and two glasses. She filled them and I thanked her as she walked away giving us some more time.
"You should come to yoga with me." Gabi said with a raised eyebrow, "Jenna and I typically go together but it would be fun and good for that knee of yours." My heart skipped a beat as she mentioned my knee with little emotion. I breathed out and nodded, "I would love, too. I've always heard that it's good." She beamed, "Yea, I feel really good after it. I feel mentally clear and physically better. It's making me stronger for sure."
My eyes found hers and she beamed, "I'm going tomorrow after work and Jenna has to close at work. You are more than welcome to join me tomorrow." Her eyes meeting mine letting me know that she wanted to spend tomorrow night together too. I exhaled and nodded, "I'll be there. But let's back up, what's with this getting off work at 5?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow and she laughed nodding, "I made a revelation pretty quickly that I don't care if I become VP one day, what matters to me, is spending time with the people I love. Why am I busting my ass for something that doesn't matter? Yes, it would be nice but it's not the biggest thing in this world."
She paused as she reflected on her words and smiled taking a sip of wine, "I would much rather take Lucy out for ice cream, or sit and hang out with Blaine, or talk with my parents over dinner, or…" she paused while letting a smile creep onto her face, "Spend time with the man, I love. I want to do that. I'll put in my 40 hours but no more." I chewed on my lip as I wanted to kiss her right now. "That's amazing, Brie." She nodded and looked at me. Those brown eyes holding mine, "I've learned a lot of things. The beginning of that list is to spend time with people I love, the next thing, is to not hold back my own emotions and to let it happen. I've cried a lot."
My lips frowned, "My first therapy session with Regina, I sobbed. The entire time. I tried to say so much but I couldn't because I just cried. It has gotten better. Slowly. I've talked to my parents about how I felt about being afraid to move forward with our relationship and with my life. I was afraid to move forward because I didn't want them to think that I didn't love Zoey. They told me that I was so important to them and that they only wanted what was best for me."
I reached across and scraped her hand gently with my thumb, "I wrote a letter to Beth and I told her how I felt. I then proceeded to call her and tell her everything I wrote because I can't actually send it." She smiled while biting down on her lip. "Are you guys ready to order?" Gabi and I jumped startled as we were in our own world over here. "Uhm, yea, Troy are you ready?" I nodded as we placed our orders and the waitress walked away as I refilled Gabi and our glasses.
"It sounds like you've been busy the past month." She smiled with a nod, "We've done a lot of family dinners, I've spent a lot of time with Jenna, and just tried to make my life a bit more normal. I've talked to Zoey a little bit and spent a lot of time with the kids."
"How is Blaine? I heard their loss was hard during the finals." She nodded, "Yea, it was. He was disappointed but we had to remind him that he's only a sophomore." I rolled my eyes and she laughed her musical laugh. "Lucky me," I mumbled taking a sip of my drink and she smiled, "He's good though, he's been taking it easy before AAU starts. Lucy has been adjusting. I told them I had to go back to Aunt Gabi's role. I don't go over there at night anymore, I let James handle it all."
My eyebrows shot up and she saw the surprise on my face as she smirked. "Yes, I know, it was hard but I had to. I can't continue to enable the activities. I can't replace Zoey as much as I want too…I'm not her. Lucy took some adjusting but I give her some special time once a week for the two of us to do normal aunt and niece activities. She's been doing great." I sat down my glass of wine and I looked at her with a look of awe.
"Gabs, it's only been a month and…" she nodded, "I am just as surprised myself." She told me with a shrug, "I am just trying hard to breathe again. I want to breathe deeply again and for it to not hurt." I gripped her hand and let my fingers hold hers. I gently squeezed her hand while I looked at her with pure awe. "You did big things, Gabi. You found the important things in life and I…" I stopped myself and she quickly sat up. "No, Troy, you fit in there still."
She let out an anguished breath of air and as she let her hands run through those curly locks of hers. "I admit, I was scared to call you because everything was going well. I wasn't freaking out over little things, I didn't cry all the time over little things, and I just continued to put one foot in front of the other. I was still seeing my counselor and everything was great. I missed you, I thought about you often, but I was scared because how would this go? I just spent the last month without you and I am doing okay…" Gabi sighed as she took another sip of her wine before her eyes leveled with me. "And Jenna asked me if I would be 100% okay without ever seeing you again and I immediately said no."
I smiled and she looked at me as she blinked her eyes a few times as she fought off tears, "Then I called you and I knew the moment I heard your voice that you were the missing piece to everything. Not having you there by my side, loving me, and just being my person. Yes, I can do it by myself but I really don't want to. I want somebody by my side and I choose you." I got up and I went over as I pulled her up gently and I crushed my mouth against hers. Her fingers grabbed the back of my hair and I squeezed her closer to me. "I choose you, too," I whispered and she smiled at me while I tucked her hair away from her face.
Gabi's POV
Troy and I walked hand in hand through a little park as we were both quiet. I told him a lot of what happened over the past month and I could see how much he loved me just by that. "My therapist suggests we just date again for a while," I told him quietly as the stars were bright above us tonight. My head tilted back to look and Troy didn't say anything, "So, tomorrow yoga?" he asked and I twisted my head to look at him.
He turned his head and smiled, "What? I can get on board with dating you again. By God, hang that over my head." He joked and I laughed as I shook my head, "You're a goof." He moved his hands to my hips and pulled me back against him. "I'm your goof," he whispered into my ear and I smiled softly, "That you are," I said turning to face him. "The third date…" Troy trailed off and I laughed pushing his chest gently. "Troy," I scolded and he smirked. "What? I missed you in more ways than one." He said with a raised eyebrow as if to challenge him. I laughed as I locked my fingers with his again, "When it feels right," I told him and he didn't say anything again.
We just walked hand in hand through the park, "How are your friends?" I asked him and he laughed. "Good, all of them are still with their girlfriends. Dylan is still single. We golf every Sunday together and I have played like shit every Sunday." I rolled my eyes, "Are you blaming me?" I faked gasped and this caused him to chuckle, "Little bit," he stopped as he let his hand cup my chin and he smiled while brushing his thumb over my jaw. "I was constantly thinking about you, maybe a little worried that everything would change and…nothings really changed. Yes, you've made amazing strides to be happier and to move forward from your sister's death but…you're still my Brie. I knew that the heart wouldn't change."
Troy reached up and wiped away a stray tear as he bent over and pressed his lips to mine softly, I reciprocated and leaned up against him. I sighed as I only had one other thing, I really wanted to talk to him about tonight. "Troy, I need to ask you of something…" I started as I let my eyes not match his but his pull made me finally look as he nodded, "Okay," he said without little hesitation, "I need you to be honest and open with me. If you see me falling back into a pattern or if I am doing too much or if I am working a lot again or just anything that will take away from this right here?" I squeezed our hands together, "I need you to say something. You will be the first person to notice. There will be times where I throw myself back into work or when I cave and try and be the mom for those kids but…I can't keep slipping back."
He nodded as I continued, "Also, I need you to voice concerns. I don't want to be a distraction to your coaching and I did that a lot this season. I feel so bad that I did that on several occasions. You didn't deserve that. You tell me what you need from me to make sure you are distraction-free on the court, what you need me to do for you because you love to coach and you deserve to give that your complete dedication."
His smile tugged on his lips and he cupped my face again, "I think that just needs to be open communication," he said simply, "If something is bothering you and I can tell…it's going to distract me. If you don't tell me you aren't coming after you did? That's going to distract me. All you have to do is talk to me, Gabi. That's all I ask. We have time to work on that before next season but just talk to me. Both of us. We'll talk about it together. This relationship is an open line of communication from here on out."
I squeezed his hand tightly and I breathed, "Good, I really think I need that." I told him. Troy brought his lips back to mine again and he closed his eyes as he let his forehead rest against mine. "I missed you. Everyday. It took so much to let you do this because I knew you needed to. But I wanted to be there for you but I can see it. I can see how much stronger and happier you are after a month." I exhaled as I nodded, "I still have a lot to work on. The whole anxiety around surgeries and just people making promises. Getting close to people who might disappear from my life. It all terrifies me." I told him honestly and the look of concern on his face caused my stomach to twist.
"I never want to willingly leave you, Gabs." I nodded as tears filled my eyes, my head twisted to look away from him but his fingers gently pried my face back to his. "Hey," he said softly, "It's okay to be scared. It's okay to feel that way." He paused as he stroked my cheek and wiped away the tears. "I just wish I could make that promise to you. I wish I could reassure you that I wasn't going anywhere and that I am going to be right here." I leaned my head into his touch and he smiled. "Just know, that right here," he patted his chest right over his heart, "I don't want to leave you and I can promise you that I will never willingly leave you, okay?" I just nodded and he pulled me into his arms.
His lips buried into my hair, "I know that doesn't help ease any of the anxiety surrounding the fear of getting close to new people or allowing new people in but just know that I understand. I get it." I nodded again into his chest as I couldn't help but fall a little bit more in love with this man tonight. He was reassuring and caring about everything that I needed him to care about. "Do you want to come over and see Luna?" Troy asked, "Nothing else, scouts honor." He said holding up his fingers and I laughed as I nodded.
"How about a bit of a make-out session?" I requested leaning into him, "I missed you." Troy laughed, "I think I can handle that." He said with a smile and a wink over towards me. He guided me back to his Jeep and he opened the door to the passenger side. I slipped inside as he leaned in the doorframe, his whole body filling the area, "I love you." He whispered, "I love how passionate you are, I love how much you cared about making sure we had a strong relationship and that you were mentally healthy. I love you for caring. I love you so fucking much for coming back to me." I pulled him by the collar of his shirt to my mouth and I kissed him roughly.
His lips parted mine and his tongue dove in, I smiled against his lips as I pulled away. "Take me to your home, Mr." he smirked with a nod as he shut the car door and then got on the other side. I reached over and I grabbed his hand, "I love you, too. Thank you for understanding." I whispered, he just looked at me with care, with happiness etched into his face and I knew…right here…right now that this was our start of forever.
I scratched Luna's belly as she let her tongue hit the ground with happiness etched in her face. I smiled as I stroked her fur with my other hand until a glass of wine was dangled in front of my face. I smiled as I looked up at him, "Thank you," he nodded as he leaned against the wall watching us. I tipped the glass back to take a sip. "She missed you, too." I laughed, "She told me she missed me more than you did," I said with a fake pout and he nodded with a laugh. "Mmm…doubtful. I think she only missed you more because I was not the same human." I smiled softly while she lifted her head and rested it on my lap.
A sigh lifted through my mouth; another sip of wine eased down my throat. "I was worried that you wouldn't like this to me." I said quietly and Troy hummed a laugh, "I think I would love any version of who you are. This one is not that different from the one I initially met. You are just willing to tackle things head-on." I smiled with a tiny nod, "That's true."
"You still want to go to Savannah for a long weekend?" he asked, I felt the smile lift to my face. "Yes, please," My eyes met his and he held his hand out, I gripped it as he pulled me up. His eyes surveying my face as they scanned, our lips only inches apart, "When is a good time for you to take off Friday and a Monday?" he whispered as his hand removed the wine glass from my hand. I smiled as I let my arms wrap around his neck.
"I'll check tomorrow," I whispered and he nodded as his lips dipped down to mine again. He kissed me slowly, softly, and tentatively. He moved to the couch as he pressed me flat on my back while his body hovered over mine. His soft lips running down my neck and over my collarbone. "I can't wait to get you away for an entire weekend. I think it'll be great for us." He whispered and I ran my fingers through his hair as I pulled him on top of me. I just wanted to feel him against me.
He chuckled, "B, I'll crush you." I shook my head as I gripped him tighter. "I just want you to hold me for a few minutes." I whispered and he adjusted himself as he turned on the couch and he gently pulled me onto his chest. His arms scooping around me and his lips pressing to my forehead. "Of course, baby,"
Troy's POV
She fell asleep against my chest and I was just laying here counting my fucking blessings that she was right here. That she was wrapped up in my arms and sleeping soundly after our date tonight. I knew I needed to wake her up and take her home because she seemed intent on going slow. Making sure that we were both ready for the forever part of this relationship because we both knew that tonight was the start of our forever.
I told her I wanted to marry her and she didn't balk.
It made me happy that I knew we could advance our relationship sooner than later but at the same time, I knew we had to take it to slow these first couples of months. Hopefully, our first summer together would go well and then I could think about taking the next step towards the end. It would be close to a year of knowing each other and I would be turning 29 at the end of the year and I was ready for the next step. I found her. I wanted to marry her. I wanted to have kids with her.
I also knew we needed to talk about all of that stuff soon. If she wasn't ready then I would back off until she was. It was her. There was nobody else. She shifted in my arms as I brushed her hair back from her face. She blinked once and then again before she fully opened her eyes. She gave a tiny smile, "I didn't mean to fall asleep," she whispered sitting up. I shook my head, "I was just lucky to have you tonight." I said quietly and she rested her head on my shoulder.
"I love you," she whispered lacing our hands together. I closed my eyes happy to hear her say those words, "I love you, too." I squeezed her thigh and pressed my lips into her hair. "Luna," I called out too. She ran over and Gabi smiled rubbing her head. "C'mon, let's take Gabi home." Gabi smiled as Luna ran to the garage door. Gabi started to stand up as I pulled her back down and pressed my lips to hers again. Those lips opened to mine and my hands cradled her face.
Luna whined and I smiled into the kiss, "C'mon, we'll continue this tomorrow after yoga." I told her and she pulled back with a bit of a surprise. "You're serious?" she asked with her tone just as surprised as her face. I laughed with a tiny nod, "Yea, I'm serious. I want to do things with you. Date you." Her wide grin told me that I just won the fucking lottery. She leaned in to kiss me again, "I love you so fucking much." I laughed as I hugged her again.
"I want to try things with you. Do new things."
"I can't wait." She whispered into my ear.
"C'mon, home,"
She smiled before getting up as our hands linked together. I grabbed my keys and Luna jumped up as I opened the garage door. She jumped into my jeep and I helped Gabi in before I rounded to the other side."
"Thank you for tonight," she said twisting to look at me. "No, thank you. I can't wait to show you all my good moves tomorrow." Gabi laughed with a smile spreading across her face while I wiggled my eyebrows. "Just you wait until my ass is in the air, I'll show it off for you." She giggled again and she smirked, "Just wait till you see what I wear." She smirked over at me and I frowned. "Alright, Gabi, now I don't want to be hard the entire fucking time."
She laughed again, the music to my ears, her eyes light up though with happiness dancing around. "You'll just have to wait and see." She teased and I shook my head trying not to let the smile breakthrough but it did anyways. Yes, this is good.
Hey guys! I hope this uploads on the first try lol that was SO weird last week but it was a Fanfiction issue. I swear, I uploaded that chapter about 100 different times. I'm glad you all finally got to read it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I didn't want to make their break that long but authentic so hopefully, that came across! So much good stuff still in store!
I know you all want me to update every week but I just don't see it happening. I always want to update and the best way to do it consistently is to do it every two weeks!
Please REVIEW! I love hearing all of your thoughts!
Next Update: November 29th
