Chapter 15 – Grow
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019
Gabi's POV
I stretched inside the Yoga room as I kept looking up for Troy. The past week with Troy had been more than I ever thought would happen. Our date last Monday, he joined me for yoga Tuesday and Thursday last week and we went to a late brunch on Sunday after his round of golf with his friends. We were constantly texting and talking anymore, ending every single night with a phone call. He talked until I was asleep and I couldn't wait to move forward.
Last Friday, during my therapy session with Regina, she was grinning from ear to ear because she could see a real difference. When I told her that Troy and I went out on a date, she was thrilled. She encouraged dating and just getting to really know each other again. I couldn't wait to tell her about this week, too. She loved that he was joining me for yoga and was supportive of rebuilding my mental health. Even if it wasn't close to being better.
She suggested that in the future maybe he join me for an appointment and I had yet to suggest it to him but I knew that he would be all on board. He was so supportive. It made my heart sing. My eyes looked up again and I felt a bit of disappointment that he wasn't here yet. My eyes lingered on the spot next to me that I saved for him. He wasn't here though. "Please tell me that frown isn't because of me." My eyes looked up and a smile graced my lips as I shook my head. "No, never." I said with a wink and he laughed, he unrolled his newly purchased mat as he planted himself down onto it. His blue eyes lighting up as he took in my tight tank-top with a pair of cropped yoga pants.
His eyes lingered on my breasts before he moved to my face, "Hi, I'm sorry I'm late. The kids had some questions after the test." He reached over and pressed his lips to mine. I smiled into the kiss as he reached over for me. "I missed you. How was work today?" he asked, I smiled, "Good. I got a lot of stuff done. Silas is coming back in on Friday to sit through a few different presentations. I think he really enjoys it."
Troy smiled, "Good. You'll be a great mentor which reminds me…" the instructor came into the room and turned on the soft music as Troy raised an eyebrow, "Remind me to tell you later." I nodded as we both centered on our mats as we stretched with the instructor first. We went through a series of poses as I found my center. Last week, Troy had a hard time not staring at me the entire time but he was actually pretty good. He stumbled a bit but he was good.
I was pretty focused on myself though. The entire forty-five minutes seemed to pass by in a complete blur until we were doing our final breathing exercises. I inhaled deeply and didn't move for several minutes until I knew the lights were back on. I finally relaxed back on my mat but I could feel his eyes on top of me. "I didn't realize how relaxing this was," Troy said and I smiled before peering up at him from the ground. "Is that from the yoga or staring at me?" I questioned as he grinned from ear to ear.
He was in a pair of black basketball shorts with a blue knight's t-shirt. "I don't know. Both are pretty relaxing until you make my dick hard as fuck and that isn't relaxing anymore." I laughed loudly as I closed my eyes happily. I sat up as I began to collect all of my things. Troy rolled my mat for me and I smiled standing up, "I can go to Savannah around Memorial Day weekend." I told Troy as I slipped on my shoes. He raised his eyebrow, "Any way to get the weekend before?" Troy asked me. "Memorial Day weekend might be a little bit busier."
I pulled my cell phone out as we walked out of the classroom together as I looked at the weekend before Memorial Day. I smiled as my schedule was clear for Friday and Monday. "You just want back to back weekends off." I teased him and he laughed, "Oh sweet girl, my last day of work is May 17th." I rolled my eyes as I smiled taking a drink from my water bottle. "I'll come to eat lunch with you all the time." He said sticking his pinky out.
I laughed with a smile as I tugged my pinky around his. My smile spread across my face as I pulled, I'm in while kissing his lips. He was sweaty and he kissed me harder. "Do you want to come over for dinner?" he asked me, I hesitated, "I have to get some stuff done at home," I said with a sad smile. "I wish." Troy shook his head as he gently pressed me back against a wall, "Hey, no sad looks. There are more nights for dinner." He reminded me as his thumb brushed against my chin.
"How about a quick coffee date and then I'll release you to your house." I gave a smile with a nod, "Okay." He bit his lip, "Okay," he whispered leaning forward. His lips found mine again as he gave another soft kiss to me. "What did you want to tell me earlier?" I asked him and he smiled from ear to ear as we walked along with downtown Charleston. "Oh! I have a proposition for you and feel free to say no," he said to me with an eye rising. "One of the dance coaches sent an email asking for your help to choreograph next year's dances." I paused on the sidewalk and he turned to face me as I felt my own smile lift.
"Yes,"
"You want to help?" Troy questioned and I nodded, "Yea, I would love, too." He grinned, "I told her that I would ask you because when I told her you were a Duke dancer and then when she googled you…she wanted to get her hands on you." I smiled as I pulled him into my body. "Good," I said with a smile, Troy opened the door to the coffee shop and we both ordered. "I love it. I am so excited." I almost squealed and Troy smiled watching me. His eyes holding onto my face, as if he was memorizing this moment. The happiness flowed off of me.
"You just have to promise me a show of these dances…" he teased and I laughed again with a nod, "Only for you." He raised his eyebrows, "Who else would I fucking let watch you dance?" I bit down on my lip and I leaned against him in the booth. His hands slipped down my knee, "I love you," he murmured into my hair. "I love you, too," I whispered to him. "Dinner with my parents on Sunday?" he asked and I nodded, "Yea, I would love too."
"How is Blaine doing?" Troy asked carefully and I hesitated mostly because he must have heard from Coach Sam about his breakdown at school the other day. "He's struggling," I said with a hint of sadness tipping over my face. "He doesn't have basketball to distract him right now and…I'm afraid that he's going to turn to something worse." Troy let his fingers fold into mine, "How about I go to the next family dinner with your family and I'll play some basketball with him. See if he'll talk to me."
My eyes lifted to his blue ones as it matched the concern. "I've seen too many high schoolers in similar situations. Something happens and they don't have an outlet for their anger and they turn to drugs and alcohol to cope. I don't want to see that for Blaine because he is gifted. If he doesn't want to talk, I won't force him." I swallowed on a lump and I nodded, "Are you okay with a family filled Sunday?" he smiled with a nod, "Yes,"
I hugged him tightly and he kissed the top of my head, "C'mon, let's get you home to get whatever you need to do done but I am requesting dinner with you tomorrow."
"So bossy,"
He smirked, "Of course," I laughed while he pulled me to his lips again. His fingers brushed through my hair and he smiled, "We can run tomorrow, too if you need that outlet." I shook my head, "I'll do that tomorrow morning." I told him, "It's a good time for me to think." Troy smiled and nodded as he drove me back to my car. His lips found mine one more time, "I love you, Brie." I squeezed his hand, "I love you, too. Thanks for coming again." He nodded, "Anytime with you." I hugged him again and then I started my car.
He didn't get back into his car until I was driving away. My heart fluttered the entire time because I loved him. Way too much.
Sunday, April 28th, 2019
I dabbed perfume on my wrists before rubbing them together. I pulled on my Kendra Scott necklace while slipping on a pair of sandals for this nice warm spring day. A knock sounded from my front door as I quickly hurried to open it up. Troy was standing on the other side with a bouquet and a smile on his face. His hair all mused and messed up and a snug t-shirt framing his biceps. "Hi," I whispered and he spun me around, "You look stunning."
I laughed as I was just in a pair of ripped distressed black jeans, a white crop top, with a distressed jean jacket. My hair was all-natural and curly today. "Thanks, baby," I pulled him into a kiss and he gave me the flowers. "Beautiful," I whispered to him and I went to put them in a vase in the kitchen. "How was your early morning golf?" I asked looking over at him, Troy grinned, "Beat them all again, they all complained though because of how early it was."
"I said we could have been a little late." I told him and he shook his head, "Nah. They will survive." I smiled as I went over to pull on his grey t-shirt and took a look at him in his damn good jeans that framed his ass nicely. "You look sexy as fuck." He grinned from ear to ear as his lips brushed over mine. "Only for you," I laughed wrapping myself in his arms. "C'mon, Lucy is really excited to see you again." Troy smiled as he locked his fingers with mine while we walked to the car together.
He opened the car door for me as we both slipped inside and his hand quickly found my thigh as he navigated towards my parents' house. "I'm glad you're coming today," I told him with appreciation because I was happy that he was coming and spending time with my family. "I'm happy about becoming. Anything to spend time with my girl." I smiled as I turned on a playlist as Troy tried to hide a smirk but I eyed him. "What is that smirk for?"
"Nothing." He said innocently, "Lie. What is it?" I asked him again and he chuckled, "I got us a pair of concert tickets for August." I turned towards him with a bit of surprise, "Shut up. Who?" he shook his head. "Sorry, that's a secret."
I frowned, "No, please, tell me." He chuckled to himself, "Troy," I said with a whine and his eyebrows rose and his blue eyes flickered to look at me. "That's playing dirty." I laughed, "No, playing dirty would be promising you sex tonight." Troy frowned, "That would be unfair." I giggled to myself as he shook his head, "I was going to tell you a much better way than this." I shook my head and he smirked, "Nope, actually, I have an idea."
He stole my phone and he quickly typed something out at the stoplight before a song began to play through the stereo. Speechless by Dan + Shay came on and I squealed, "Shut up! You got Dan + Shay tickets?" he laughed at my squeals and nodded his head, "Yea, I did." He said with a tiny smile breaking over his face, "They come to town in August and I figured…" I giggled, "I love it. I can't wait to go." I squeezed his hand and he smiled over at me.
I sang lightly to Speechless and I felt his eyes on me at one point, "You really do make me speechless and I know I've told you that before but your beauty is amazing along with your strength." I felt my cheeks rush with heat as I let my eyes meet his. The stare blazing with passion and need. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hold out much longer and I didn't want, too. I knew deep down that I was with Troy for all of the right reasons.
Troy pulled up into my parent's drive-way and he shut off the car with the music. "I can't wait," I whispered over to him and he smiled at me, his hand reaching across to rub his thumb over my jaw. "I'm pretty excited, too." He smiled softly as we both got out. Lucy came bounding out of the front door with a big grin on her face, "Troy!" she squealed and she quickly latched onto him. He laughed picking her up and tucking her into his arms. "Hi sweet girl," he said throwing her up in the air. A squeal coming from her lips and I smiled as I saw my mom standing on the porch. "I wondered what caused her to get that excited."
I laughed as my eyes lingered on Troy and Lucy who were talking a million miles a minute. Troy's eyes were wide but happy as he carried her back inside. My heart was warm and I couldn't wait to have kids with him someday. He was going to make such an amazing father. He had the patience and the love of the world on his shoulders. "Yes, I see it, too." My mom whispered into my ear and I jumped but she gave a patient smile. "I'm happy to know how much you love him."
My tears filled my eyes, "He's been a saint," I whispered and my mom squeezed my shoulder, "I know. He's the person you needed in this storm." I smiled as Troy came up with me and we entered the house. Blaine was laying on the couch listening to music and I heard James in the kitchen talking about something with my dad. I kicked off my shoes and I went over to rub Blaine's shoulder, "You okay?" I asked him and he nodded, "Yea, just tired."
My eyes surveyed his and I could see a lot of Zoey in him. His hair color and his eyes and the way he looked worried. He looked so much like her. "I'm here for you, you know this," I whispered to him. Blaine nodded his head, "I know," I walked into the kitchen and my dad was talking to James about something. "Ella Bean!" I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a tight squeeze. He peeked over my shoulder and he grinned, "Troy! It's great to see you again!"
"Mr. Montez, it's a pleasure." He reached across and shook my dad's hand as I leaned into my dad's body. "How had my Ella been?" my dad asked across to him and I shoved my elbow into his gut. "Dad, I'm right here." Troy smiled and nodded, "She's been great. She's got me doing yoga." I laughed with a smile expanding on my face. My eyes lifted to meet Troy's blue ones as he winked over towards me. "Does she now? Is it as relaxing as they say it is?"
Troy chuckled and nodded, "It's pretty relaxing. It's good after a long day with a bunch of teenagers." Troy told; my eyes looked over at James who was sipping from a beer. I left my dad and Troy talking as I looked at James. "You okay?" I asked and he didn't say anything. "James…" I pleaded and he just moved out of the backdoor. I bit down on my lip and I moved out after him, "James, please," I echoed and he shook his head.
"How can you fucking laugh?" he accused me as he twisted around to look at me, "How can you laugh and talk about yoga?" I gaped at trying to figure out what to say to that, my mind was spinning because I talked to James. I told him that I was going to try and move forward and live my life again. My heart began to race rapidly and my hands started to sweat. "James…"
"I have a son who barely will talk to me and my daughter is crying more because what? You decided you needed to be happy? Who gave you that right?" I tried to speak but nothing came out of my mouth and I shook my head, "That's not fair, James." I whispered into the morning wind. I rubbed my lips together as I tried to find the correct words to elaborate.
"What's not FAIR?" he yelled, "I lost my fucking wife and you're prancing around with your new boyfriend and you're in love and you're doing all of these things that I can't fucking have…" I swallowed hard on the ball in my throat as I fought off tears. Yet, his words continued, "You get to smile and laugh and be with a man you are so head over heels in love with every single night. I almost wish he was taken away from you so you could fucking understand how it feels to not move on." I choked on a sob, "James,"
"Don't fucking speak to me," he said quickly and I felt the tears splash, I felt a presence behind me and I knew he was there. "James," I heard Troy's voice on edge from behind me. James turned around quickly, "No. Do not." Troy took step-in in front of me and blocked me from the assault of words that James was spewing. "You don't get to be hateful to her. She's grieved, she's cried her fucking eyes out to me about how she doesn't know how to feel about everything but how long is long enough, James?" Troy bit towards him and I choked on my sob. Troy's eyes quickly turned to look at me and his blue eyes softened towards me.
"She's still hurting, James. Just because she's able to laugh and smile…it's because she's trying to live again. Just like Zoey would want her, too." Troy said quietly to the point that only James could hear him. James shook his head and he quickly moved inside. I broke down next to Troy and his arms were quickly wrapped around me, my body tucked against his safely, "He wished I would lose you so I knew what it felt like," I sobbed against him and I clutched his t-shirt.
"I know, baby, I heard him. I'm so sorry." His body cradled me close to his, "I love you." He whispered into my ear, "I'm not willingly going anywhere." He whispered into my ear, he gently pulled me down into the chair outside as he waited for my tears to stop. "I thought he understood that I was doing this to get better. I will not miss my sister or grieve my sister but at the same time…I have to. I have to move on or I am going to lose all of the good things right now."
"He's just upset. This is probably just as hard on him with everything and he has to deal with the kids. It's hard for him and he probably doesn't understand. Just give him time," he whispered into my ear. "I know that if something were to happen to you…even eight months wouldn't allow me to smile and laugh again." He said rubbing my back gently, "He lost his entire world and he isn't sure what his new world looks like yet. That doesn't give him a right to say what he did to you but…give it time."
I wiped my face and I faced those blue eyes that were only filled with uttermost concern for me. "I love you," I whispered to him quietly, he brushed my hair away from my face and he nodded, "I love you, too." He said pressing a light kiss to my forehead. We both stood up and his fingers laced with mine. My mom gave me a quick look when I walked in full of sympathy, she gave me a quick hug, "He's having a rough day."
I just nodded stiffly and I noticed that my dad was gone as was James. Blaine walked into the room and Troy tilted his head up, "Blaine, I haven't played basketball in several days. You want to go play a game of hoops?" Blaine smiled, "Yea, let's go."
I watched them walk outside together and my mom gave me a tiny smile, "It's good to know that he loves you just as much. You should have seen his face when he heard James raise his voice at you." I shook my head because I really didn't want to talk about it anymore. It happened, I cried, I'll talk to Regina about it, but I was going to move on and not take it to heart because James was hurting. I couldn't imagine losing Troy…I breathed out and shook my head.
I'd be okay.
Troy's POV
I shot the ball up and Blaine quickly rebounded it and went out of the paint, "Everything okay?" I asked him after a while of silence. Blaine hesitated but nodded his head, "Yea," he said quietly, "Just…wish…that everything was different. I heard my dad yell at Aunt Gabi and he would have never done that before. My dad never yelled at anyone. Not my mom, not me, not Lucy, nobody." I saw the frustration steaming from his ears as he went in for a shot.
"I'm sorry, I don't know how I can help with that but I am always here to listen," I told him. "I think your dad is really angry. He's angry at the world. He's angry that he lost his wife, your mom, I think that he doesn't know how to handle it. He's getting the help he can but like I told your aunt earlier…be patient with him. You're hurting too and I know that isn't helping but it's okay to hurt. It really is." I breathed in deeply and looked at him closely.
"Please, if you need anything ever…I am here for you." Blaine looked up at the sky and he exhaled, "I know they are all worried about me."
"Yea, especially Gabi." I told him honestly, "She's scared that you are going to do something that can't be undone. You're a talented basketball player and have a bright future ahead of you. We don't want the grief to become so much that you turned to other things. It's already bad enough in high school let alone with other stuff pressuring you to want to forget." Blaine shot another ball and I wasn't sure if he was going to respond to that. "I've thought about it."
I swallowed on my lump and nodded, "Yea, I figured." I told him quietly.
"I want to just…forget." He whispered, "I want to forget that my mom died. I want to forget that my dad is so lost that he can't function. I want to forget that I can't do anything to change the situation. I want to fucking forget." He breathed with frustration and tears threatening, he walked to the middle of the driveway and sat down. I sat down next to him as I pulled my knees up to my chest, I didn't say anything for a minute, letting him know that I heard every single thing and that I knew he was frustrated. "I'm sorry, Blaine."
He brushed his palm over his cheeks to wipe away the tears, "I'm sorry that I can't fix any of it either but I don't want you to forget and like that feeling and never…never want to go back. I don't want you to ruin your future. I do want you to talk to me. I do want you to feel all of these feelings because you aren't going to get better until you do. You will never get your mom back but that doesn't mean you have to forget her."
"I just wish that I could have one more moment."
"I wish you had that moment, too."
I tried to find more words of advice for him but I didn't really have any, "Blaine, as somebody who only wants the best for you…" I breathed in deeply and closed my eyes, "I just want you to know that if there is ever a moment that you just need to forget…call me. We'll find a different, better, alternative route to forgetting. Drinking, drugs, sex…those aren't the right things. Especially the first, two. I definitely will not hinder your sex life with the right person and protection." I said with a nudge of my elbow into his side.
A small smile appeared on his lips and I smiled over at him, "I just hope you'll be doing it for the right reason." Blaine brushed his fingers through his hair and he nodded, "What could we do?" he asked twisting his head to look at me. "I don't know. We can go hiking, we can go skydiving, I don't know, we can do whatever that helps forget." Blaine nodded his head, "What if I do make a mistake…" Blaine asked and I breathed out. "Then you make a mistake. You call me. You call Gabi and we'll help you. We'll always help you."
"Even if it's bad? You won't tell Coach Sam's?"
I squeezed his shoulder gently, "No matter what, Blaine. There will be zero anger from us. We just want to help you and no. I would never tell Coach Sam's unless he needed to know something because you were endangering your life. Just don't forget that Coach's find out absolutely everything." Blaine just rolled his eyes because it was true. Even more so when the coach worked in the building – you heard things from people who have zero ideas that they are telling shit about your players. I've had a few different conversations about the things I've overheard in class with my kids.
He nodded as he looked up at the house, "I'm going to go check on Lucy," I nodded and he got up to go back inside. I stood up and I brushed my jeans off letting out a roll of a sigh. There was no easy way for this. This was always going to be hard and I wish it wasn't. "Troy," I twisted around to see Mr. Montez heading in my direction. "Mr. Montez," I greeted and he smiled, "Andy, you can call me Andy." He spoke and I smiled, "Andy," I greeted again.
"I appreciate you being there for, Gabi." He spoke and I felt my chest constrict with the thought of her dad coming out here. "I know everything has been very off since Zoey died and Gabi took it very hard and I'm happy to see her smiling and laughing again. She's in love with you." He told me and I nodded, "I know, sir," he smiled with a nod, "Yea, I'm in love with her, too." Andy smiled with a nod, "I can tell. You moved pretty quick when you heard James."
A large exhale came out of my mouth, I honestly wanted to rip his god damn head off his shoulders. The anger that boiled underneath of my blood hearing how he spoke to her enraged me. "Gabi expressed a lot of worries with me and that was one of her biggest ones. She didn't want people to think she loved Zoey any less because she is deciding to live again. The moment I heard that…" I shrugged, "I get it. James is struggling still and he very may will for a long time. That's rightfully so. If I lost Gabi," I felt my jaw tighten and I shook my head, "I would probably be the very same way."
Her dad nodded with a tiny smile, "She's lucky to have found you. I'm happy she found you and don't stop loving her as you do." I bit down on my lip as I thanked him with a smile, "Gabi is very strong-willed and she wants a lot of things in life but I've never seen her love, somebody, as she loves you." My eyes twisted up to the house to see if I could catch a glimpse of her. "I'm lucky to have found her. She changed my world and I hope that in the future…"
I stopped short and Andy grinned, "You're not moving too fast," he assured, "I'm not worried. You know when you know and you two…obviously know." I smiled as I nodded, "I'll let you know." I told him with a tiny smile. He patted my back, "Take care of her. She's a special woman."
"Yea, I learned that already."
Andy paused and he shook his head, "Troy, how would you feel about coming on our family vacation this year?" I paused and he smiled, "We're going to a beach north of Miami for our family vacation. I can only imagine it will be hard on the entire family. The kids seem to like you a lot and you'll help, Gabi. We get your plane ticket and we rent a big house for all of us."
"Yea," I said quickly, "Please. I want to be there for the kids plus Gabi. I know San Diego was hard." Andy nodded, "It was but I think things are getting a little better. We go at the end of July."
"Perfect."
"Thank you, Troy,"
I swallowed on my throat as he looked right at me, "You saved her. I'm not sure from what but you saved her from a lot of things. You saved her from ruining her life. You saved her from running away. You simply saved her and that is something I am grateful for. I lost two beautiful girls already, if I lost my baby girl?" he paused shaking his head, "I don't think I would have survived." I patted his back gently and nodded, "I'm going to constantly be there for her."
"Thank you,"
Gabi's POV
Macken squealed as she wrapped her arms around me, "I've missed you. We need to go on another coffee date." A laugh bubbled from my throat, "Yes, please," I told her with a grin pulling away, "Mac n cheese get off of Gabi," Troy came in behind me and his palm rubbed my shoulder gently. This morning definitely didn't go as I wanted it to go but I was thankful he was there. James and I were going to have to keep our distance for a little bit.
"Oh Troy, c'mon, I love her." Troy laughed as he kissed the top of her head before moving into the kitchen. I followed behind and wrapped my hand around his, "Mom,"
"Troy!" Laura grinned wrapping her arms around her son in a tight hug, "Gabi, it is so good to see you again." She greeted me with a glowing smile and a big hug. I hugged her back tightly and she smiled. "How are you doing?" she asked me, I smiled, "Really great, I am doing a lot of different things and trying to keep all of my priorities straight."
"Troy says you got him into…yoga?" I laughed with a nod, "Yea, he comes with me when he can. He's actually pretty good at it." My eyes connected with his blue ones and he rolled his eyes with a tiny laugh. Macken grinned from ear to ear, "Shut up! You are not doing yoga," Troy smiled, "Yea, it's really good. I enjoy it. It makes my body stronger," Troy flexed his muscles and I laughed shaking my head at him. Laura hit her son and I smiled as he winked over at me. "Do you want a beer?" I nodded my head as he disappeared into the kitchen.
Tommy Bolton came in through the backdoor with Brady on his tail. "Dad, I need help." He pleaded out while he caught all of our attention. Troy's eyebrows bent in while he reached over with my beer. I took it from his hand as Brady shook his head before following his dad into the kitchen. Troy turned around and followed both of them. Macken rolled her eyes and I gave her a questioning look, "Brady's typical need for some extra cash to pay for a bill. He hates asking Ada for more money when they can't make all the ends meet."
"Oh…this is frequent?" I questioned.
"Not too often but Ada had an emergency room visit last month and they are trying to not get too far behind." Macken shrugged, "My dad thinks a little debt is good for the soul." I rolled my eyes because it was a very dad thing to say. "Where is Silas?" I asked her as I took a sip of my beer. She let out an audible sigh while flopping back onto the couch. "He had to work. It's okay though, it allowed me to spend the whole day with my mom. I'm just happy that you're back." I smiled, "I'm happy to be back. It was a good month detox and to find my way again."
Macken smiled playing with her hands for a minute before looking at me, "I'm sorry that you even had to do that. I couldn't imagine going through it." I shrugged my shoulders, "It's been hard but I think I've found my footing, and your brother has been a saving grace to my life." Macken looked over at her brother who was talking with Brady about something quietly. Troy's eyes were concerned but sympathetic. "He's amazing at that. I just hope he doesn't mess up."
"He won't because I won't allow it." I told her with a wink and she smiled at me, "I knew I liked you." I giggled while Troy looked over at me, a small smile on his lips, "He was miserable during that time, wasn't he?" I asked directing my attention back to her. Macken nodded, "Very. He missed you." I took a drink of my beer, "I wish I didn't have to do it that way but I think that was best for all." Macken nodded, "I get it. You had to make sure you were stable on your own two feet. It was smart."
"Gabi, how is work?" Tommy asked with a glance towards me, "Good. Work is really good. Since I am not taking on as much at work it's been a lot more enjoyable and better. I am more focused and on what I am doing. I hope I am selling Silas on the career," I felt my smile widen on my lips as I winked towards Macken. She chuckled to herself while looking at her big brother. The warmth on Troy's face as he looked at me…I knew how much he loved me. How much I loved him.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on him later today.
My eyes watched her in amazement about how far she has come in such little time. Her brown eyes light with fire and she laughed tossing her head backward. Fuck me, I was trying to go slow but I wasn't sure I could wait anymore. I finished off my beer and set it down on the counter. "I know that look," my eyes swung to my brother as he smirked. "You're about to go fuck her senseless." I laughed and tried to play it off but my smirk proved otherwise. I definitely couldn't lie about that.
"Do you see her?" I questioned him with a raised eyebrow.
He nodded, "Fair enough, dude."
He patted my back as I walked over to Gabi as slipped my hand over her shoulder. "Hey, you ready to leave?" I whispered into her ear and she nodded her head, "Yea, I am. Let me grab my jacket and say good-bye," I nodded as we both did our good-byes and the moment we stepped outside, I pressed her back against the wall. My lips hovered over hers and she pulled her lip in between her teeth. That was going to be my next move, that lip and my teeth were going to meet. "You're driving me crazy," I whispered and she smiled as I let my lips roll over hers. My teeth nibbling at her pouty bottom lip.
She gripped my t-shirt as I grabbed her hips to let her know how much she was driving me crazy. "Also…you are ending up in my bed tonight. I really hope you don't mind." She laughed letting her arms crossed behind my neck, "I really don't mind." I grunted with need as I picked her up and I quickly moved towards my car. I sat her down as she went to get in and I barely remember the ride back to my house. I just knew her hands were on me; my hands were shaking on the steering wheel because I needed to touch her. Badly.
I had her pinned to my front door and I wouldn't allow her to move yet. Her hands gripped my neck while I drove my hips into her telling her how much I needed her right now. "Inside," she said pulling our mouths apart just long enough to get those words out. I fumbled with my keys and got the door open to hear Luna jumping in her cage. "I'll be back, Luna," I called as I carried Gabi up the stairs. Her lips finding every different surface of my neck and collar.
"I've missed you," she whispered into my neck and her lips nibbled on my ear. "Gabs," I grunted as I planted her down on the bed. I eased down her skinny jeans while she discarded her crop-top. I threw off my own shirt while kicking off my shoes and I couldn't wait any longer. I had to devour that mouth again. I found her mouth and couldn't stop as I rubbed against her core and I could feel her wetness. "Baby," I whispered, "We're going to do this one fast and dirty,"
"Please," she begged to lift her body off the mattress. She reached for my zipper and freed me. I didn't even bother with any more clothes as I just pounded into her. A sigh of affirmation from her mouth, her whimper telling me to do it harder, it about destroyed me right there. "You're still on birth control, right?" I questioned back to her and she nodded her head and kissed me harder. I groaned deeply as I pulled out and pushed back in quickly. This was going to kill me.
Yea, this was the best way to die. It had to be.
I let my fingers trail down her arm. After taking her hard and fast, I slowed it down and did it right the second time. Savoring every little minute and kissing every single inch of her body. Now, she was curled into my body. Her hair laying across my pillows. I was content with her in my arms, Luna was curled at the end of the bed, and Gabi sighed before pushing up. "No, no," I whispered pulling her back down.
"I have to go to work tomorrow," she said with a laugh. I shook my head as I buried my face into her neck. "No, please, stay." I whispered to her, "I miss you so much and I just want you in my bed tonight." Her brown eyes focused on mine and she smiled while rubbing the top of her head, trying to tame the sex hair. "I have to go get work clothes then." I looked down at Luna and nodded, "Okay, let's go get work clothes, pick up a pizza, and kiss the night away."
Gabi let out a laugh and I pulled her into my lap. She straddled me, her fingers brushing through my hair, and then her lips were on mine. "I miss you in my bed, I miss hearing the shower turn on in the morning, I miss getting those first five minutes with you in my bed. I miss you," I whispered into her ear and she laid her head on my shoulder. My lips burying into her hair as she pulled back to look at me, "I love you and I can't thank you enough for being there for me today, for talking to Blaine, and for just…being you."
I smiled stroking her face and nodded, "I love you, too."
A loud pounding at the door got my attention before I was out of bed, pulling on a pair of shorts, and racing down the stairs. Luna was hot on my heels as I looked out my window to see Cameron on the other side. His hands through his hair and I rolled my eyes as I swung the door open. "Really?" I questioned back as I leaned against it. Luna was rubbing against Cameron and he reached down to scratch her. "I need some help,"
"Really," I deadpanned again. He shot me a look and then his eyes glanced over my shoulder. I turned to see Gabi in her underwear with one of my t-shirts that covered her ass, thank god, I turned my focus back to Cameron and he smirked at me. "Alright, alright, I'll go find Jax." He said with a look towards me, "You were apparently a little busy." I rolled my eyes, "Ya think?" Cameron smirked from ear to ear, it couldn't get much bigger. Fucker.
"Nah, I have to run home anyway. Troy can help you." Gabi said as she finished coming down the stairs. "I was going to take you, with Luna," I protested and she smiled at me but shook her head. "I'm okay. Help Cameron, I'll be back." She reached on her tippy toes and pressed her lips to my cheek before venturing to find her pants. I glanced towards Cameron who was grinning, "I'm going to kill you." I muttered causing him to laugh.
"Oh buddy, I'll look forward to it. I just need help with setting up some stuff at the house. Please," I just nodded as I held up my finger to go find a t-shirt. I pulled one on and I slammed the door behind me after I locked up Luna. "Was it good?" he asked me and I grumbled a response. Cameron cackled behind me, "Sorry buddy, if you would have sent a text that you were finally getting laid again, I wouldn't have come."
I shot him a look this time and he doubled over in laughter.
I hated my friends.
Gabi's POV
Monday, April 29th, 2019
Staying the night with Troy last night…was perfect. We had sex one more time and then we were together all night long. I woke up in his arms this morning, mostly because he kept his AC on at a low setting. I required extra heat…and then we both went to work. I missed him already and I was hopeful that we would get more time together later tonight. Yet, I sat in Regina's office waiting for her to call my name.
I had a serious question for her.
"Gabi, she's ready for you," I nodded standing up and moving towards her office. She was sitting in her normal chair and she smiled when she looked at me, "Gabi, I am so happy to see you. You look like you had a good weekend!" I laughed and nodded, "Yea, Troy, and I spent most of the weekend together." I told her as I sat down. She raised her eyebrow, "Oh did you? What did you do?" she asked, "We spent a lot of time with family. He came with me to my family stuff, I went to him, and then I stayed with him last night." I confessed.
"I'm happy for you, it sounds like a good weekend." I nodded my head as I rubbed my lips together. "I have a question for you and feel free to tell me I'm insane…staying with him is fantastic. Before I decided to take a break, I basically spent every single night over there. It's comforting to wake up in his bed, to not be staying alone, and to just…be. I love staying in the same house, doing stuff around the house together…I don't know. This morning I woke up and I wanted to stay there again and again and…what if I just moved in?"
Regina raised a single eyebrow but I saw the twitch of her lip. "You want to move in with him?" I just nodded my head because I wasn't sure what she was thinking about this. A tiny smile stretched onto her face as if she lost her battle with the twitch. "A few weeks ago, you weren't even sure if you were going to call him again." She pointed out to me with humor in her tone.
"You called me out on that bullshit," I told her causing Regina to laugh. "He makes me feel so happy," I whispered. "Like nothing can top that feeling when I am with him. Getting to start every single morning with him? It doesn't sound like it gets much better than that." Regina let a smile cross her face as she looked at the calendar on the wall. "I think that you should start slow." She recommended, "Make sure this isn't because you just want to be with him all the time instead of because you're ready to move in with each other." She said, "Maybe do twice a week, and then three times a week, and then four times a week before you make the full commitment."
I toyed with my lower lip as I thought about it and it was a good idea. I was just impatient. "And I think a session with the two of you will be beneficial. Not saying that you can't just go move in with him but I think you take it slow. You're supposed to just be dating, right?" she joked and I laughed. "It's hard to date when you're already in love. I just want to start skipping to all of the next steps." Regina smiled, "I haven't seen you this giddy in my office,"
The butterflies in my stomach erupted as I smiled, "I love him, I can't wait to go back to his place and see him after he gets off work. I can't wait to spend the summer with him. Go on vacation with him. I just…I am so excited." Regina got up and hugged me tightly, "You are a far cry from the girl I met all those weeks ago. You're much stronger, much happier, and I am proud of you. Your sister would be proud of you."
The tears started after that as she handed me a tissue, "I do miss her, I miss Beth. I wish they were here for this, too. I wish that Zoey wouldn't have died and that Beth wouldn't have run away. I wish they were here with me." Regina nodded, "And those are all normal feelings Gabi and you are expressing them. That's what I really want to hear. I want to hear you expressing all of your feelings and talking about them. Don't bottle them up. Not with me, not with Troy, and not with your family."
I nodded as I went into detail about my conversation with James and she told me a few things that I could have done differently and that James isn't ready, yet. I agreed with her and we both knew that taking time away from James was the best-case scenario. Regina gave me a few things to work on and I thanked her as I walked out. I pulled out my phone to see a text message from Troy.
Meet me at the park.
I smiled as I got into my car and quickly drove towards the park that we spent a lot of time together. I pulled in next to his car and I spotted him sitting in the grass with Luna chasing down a ball. I smiled pushing open my car door. I let my hair down and dug around in the backseat of my car for a change of clothes. I tugged off my skirt and replaced it with a pair of Nike shorts and I found a t-shirt that I slipped over.
I pushed open the door kicking my shoes off and I walked across the grass. Luna wiggled and Troy threw the ball again but she ran towards me instead of the ball. Troy's brows dipped in confusion as he turned around and then a big smile spread across his face. Luna slammed into my body and I laughed as I rubbed on her body. She whined and wiggled underneath of me with her tongue hanging out of her body. "Hey sweet girl," I scratched her belly and I rubbed my hands all over her hair. "Luna," Troy said and she snapped up and he pointed to the ball before she took off sprinting.
I shook my head as I went over to the blanket Troy had sprawled out and I sat down next to him. He pulled me onto his lap and his lips found mine, "I missed you." He whispered tucking my hair behind my ear. I wrapped my arms around his neck as letting my head rest on his shoulder. "I missed you, too," I whispered holding on to him. His arms squeezed me when I felt Luna come up behind me. I shifted off of Troy as he threw the ball for Luna again.
"How was work?" I asked him as I drew my legs up to my chest, Troy smiled, "It was good. The kids are not focused at all as they don't have that much school left. It's a struggle to get them to pay attention in class." I smiled as watched Luna retrieve the ball and come back again. "How was your day?" he asked, "Good. My workday was pretty easy. I got a lot of stuff done and then I had my appointment with Regina." I told him.
"How did that go?" his blue eyes flickered to mine and I knew how sincere and honest he was asking. He truly cared about me and my well-being. "It went well. We talked about my weekend, talked about James, and we just talked about the future. Would you ever want to join me for an appointment?" I asked him. His eyes were still held on mine and he just let a smile grace his lips, "Do you want me too?" he asked me.
"Yea, I think it would be good. I love Regina, she'll love you, it'll just be a little couple's appointment." Troy nodded with his own smile on his face. "Then I would love to go." He leaned forward to press his lips to mine as I folded our hands together. "I booked everything for Savannah today." He told me. His fingers brushing over my hands. "I am very excited to spend an entire weekend with you," I said as I reached over to sit in his lap.
He kissed on my neck and down to my collar bone, Luna dropped her ball into my lap as I threw it again and she took off running. "I love you, Gabs," I inhaled at those words and I leaned back into his body. I wiggled my butt against his lap and he hissed, "Gabi," I laughed as I turned around to kiss him roughly on the mouth. "How about we pack up Luna and pick a house?" Troy smirked from ear to ear, "I wanted to enjoy some fresh air with you."
I pouted, "But…sex…" Troy chuckled as he threaded his fingers with my fingers. "I know, I know, the sex is great but I think some time in the sun with each other is better sometimes. How did work go today?" he asked me. "Good. I spent a lot of time with a new client and I think I got a lot of what they wanted to be accomplished. It was a good day. I left on time and had my appointment…speaking of, we talked about something, and maybe it's me jumping ahead in life and just getting too excited about our relationship but…" I hesitated and Troy looked at me with his blue eyes turning serious.
"What is it?" he asked me, "I asked her if me thinking about moving in with you was too soon?" I questioned my own voice but the slow grin that appeared on his face told me that he would absolutely love it. "You want to move into my crazy, messy, hairy, house?" Troy asked me and I laughed nodding, "I never want to go home and sleep in my own bed anymore. I want to sleep in your bed with you and Luna every single night. Sex or no sex. I just like the comfort."
His mouth slanted over mine and he captured me in a deep kiss. "Move-in with me," he mumbled and I laughed, "Not quite. She said we should add a day once a week. Two nights one week, three the next, and go on until we have completely tried it out and I spend a whole week with you." Troy chuckled, "I doubt there will be any problem. Moving in isn't permanent. Marriage would but not moving-in." I grinned, "I know. I am excited but I think we give it a chance and then you can join me for an appointment at some point."
Troy nodded kissing me again as Luna was panting and lying next to us in the grass. "I want you with me all the damn time baby,"
I kissed him again, "Can we please go home?" I whispered against his mouth. He laughed but nodded his head, "Yea, yea we can."
Hey guys! I hope you enjoyed the EARLY update! As in…it's just after midnight here and it's officially Sunday. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please let me know what you think! Gabi is becoming stronger and stronger! There is still so much to unpack in this story and I cannot wait to share! I graduate in two weeks and WOW I'll finally be a working adult hahaha so exciting times!
Next Update: December 13th
PLEASE REVIEW (I really love all of the thoughts and opinions!)
