Chapter 17 – Friends and Family
Saturday, June 1st, 2019
Gabi's POV
My eyes watched Luna run across the backyard as Troy and I had spent most of the morning preparing for our friends and family to come over tonight for a big BBQ. We had plans to eat lots of food, play games, and just spend time together. Troy looked over at me as he was standing at the grill with a smile on his face. I practically moved in last week after we got back. I still had my apartment until July but I'd rather live here anyways.
I was trying to sell my furniture and unpack at Troy's in-between working and trying to not screw my boyfriend's brains out. Since we got back from Savannah, I couldn't keep my hands off of him. I couldn't get enough and neither could he. It was slightly amazing that we hadn't ripped each other's clothes off yet today. "What are you thinking about over there?" he questioned as he shut the grill lid and walked over to wrap his arms around my waist. He buried his lips into my neck and I smiled. My fingers running over his and he sighed, "God, I love you." I shook my head as I twisted around to face him. "Is there something about me you don't like?" I asked him out of curiosity and this caused a severe frown to displace over his lips.
"Why would you even ask that?" he questioned and I laughed with a shrug, "I don't know. I'm not perfect. Like I can't stand how you organize your closet." Troy's eyebrows shot up and he narrowed his eyes towards me. "Excuse me? My closet?" I couldn't contain my laugh as I wrapped my arms around his neck and he boosted me up onto the railing. I nodded my head, "Yea, you have shirts and pants all mixed together. How in the world do you find anything?" Troy tried to form a response but he shook his head slowly with a laugh bubbling from his own throat.
"Okay…why do you have so many pairs of leggings? Like there are only seven days in a week," he argued, "And you literally wear work clothes most of the week before changing into one of my shirts." I laughed, "You know I did have a life before you." I reminded him and a slow smile worked over his lips before nipping at my lips. "Did you? I don't remember much of a life before I found you." He whispered into my ear, his warm breath going down my neck and causing my entire body to clench with need.
"Yea, I went home and I crawled into leggings and I laid on the couch and read books and cried a lot." Troy frowned and his eyes drew back to look at me for a brief moment. "I don't like that," I smiled as I reached up to kiss him softly, "Good thing now I have this amazing boyfriend who makes me laugh and I come home to him and snuggle on the couch in nothing but his shirts and play with his dog." Troy brushed his hand through my hair.
"I'm glad you found him. I think he was pretty miserable before he found you."
"What with all of those friends?" I questioned in return and Troy shrugged his shoulder, "They all had their own lives, too. This…" he gestured to around him, "was empty and I don't think I can ever go back to it being empty. You made a permeant residence right here." I couldn't stop the tears that filled my eyes and Troy shook his head. "I love you," he whispered into my ear. "I love you, too." I said with a look up towards him. I heard a car door slam and laughter as I smiled. "Today is going to be fun,"
"It'll be even better when I get to fuck you," I couldn't stop my laugh as I kissed him one more time before hopping off the railing. Cameron and Lennon came around the corner as Cameron was carrying a cooler and Lennon had a dish in her hands. "Hey guys!" I called out and they both sent me a smile. Luna went prancing over as she wiggled in front of Cameron with her tongue rolling out of her mouth. "Coolers in the usual spots?" Cameron called out to Troy, "Yes,"
The summer air was just the perfect temperature today and I looked down at my summer dress with sandals on my feet. Lennon had a pair of jean shorts and a tank-top as I led her inside. "Cam said you moved in!" she cheered and I laughed, "Yea, I did. It was about time in both of our opinions." Lennon laughed, "I am still trying to get Cameron to move in with me. I don't know why he is dragging his feet. Stubborn man," I giggled. "Men are stubborn. That is for sure."
She put her baked beans on the counter and plugged in the crock-pot, I reached in the fridge for a beer before we went back outside together. Macken and Silas had shown up and were playing with Luna in the backyard as Troy and Cameron but already popped open a beer and took a long pull of it. "Knock, knock," I turned to see Troy's mom and dad walking through the gate and I smiled, "Hi guys," I said with a wave and I felt his eyes on me as he watched.
"Gabi, sweetie, how are you?" his mom asked and I smiled as I took the plate of brownies out of her hands. "I am really good." I told her with a smile. "Oh good! We were so excited when Troy called and said he was throwing a little get together. He said your parents were going to be here?" I nodded, "Yup! They will be here this afternoon." Tommy gave me a smile as he lugged his own cooler towards the row of coolers already lining up. This definitely wasn't their first time.
It didn't take long for Sara and Jax to show up followed by Sage and Jesse. Hugs were passed around and people were all chatting and talking as the boys began to set up yard games. Bags, or cornhole, was set up along with beers-bee and KanJam were all lined up as people started to go. "Gabi, come play bags!" Sara called and I smiled as I pushed off and I went over to join them. "I call Gabs," Lennon said and I laughed as I picked up the red bag.
Sage and Sara were partners while Lennon and I were as we faced opposite of each other. "How was Savannah?" Sage asked me and I smiled, "Really good, we had a lot of fun." I told her, "I am glad we did it together because I think our relationship needed that next step." Sage smiled as she tossed the bag, "I've never seen him happier," she claimed with a look over towards me and then over my shoulder. "I know how hard it was for the both of you to take a step back but you both look happy."
"It was good. I was able to really adjust and I think knowing he was there was helpful. I had something to go back to and I had a reason to start feeling better. It just took some work." Sage smiled as I began to toss the bags scoring a few points for Lennon and I. "Gabi!" I turned to see Jenna and Ethan walking through the gate. I squealed, "Time out," I said as I turned to go greet my best friend. Her belly was sticking out and I laughed as I rubbed it after I hugged her. "Hi," I said and she grinned, "Hi, I am so happy to be here."
I laughed, "I am so happy you are here," I hugged Ethan as I directed him to put his cooler along the lines of the other coolers. I then drug Jenna over to the rest of the girls. "Jenna, this is Lennon, Sage, and Sara. Lennon is dating Cameron, Sara is dating Jax, and Sage is the only one who has officially tied down one of the boys with Jesse." The girls all waved and Jenna laughed, "I am pregnant and will forget all of that. Just remind me," the girls all laughed as they greeted Jenna.
"Jenna, when are you due?"
"September," she said with a proud smile on her face. "Do you know the sex yet?" She shook her head, "No. We will find out soon though," she said with a smile on her face as we finished our game and all made a trip back up to the house. Luna was running from person to person as Brady and Ada showed up. Jenna recognized him and laughed as they talked for a moment before I looked around to find my boyfriend manning the girl with Dylan.
I walked over and I smelled the air as Dylan smirked at me, "Hi Gabs," Troy said and I shook my head as I peered over his shoulder, "Almost time to eat?" he nodded, "Aunt GABI!" Lucy came barreling towards me and I laughed as I bent over to pick her up. "Hi sweet girl," I said smelling her hair and she giggled, "I've missed you," she complained in my ear and I ran my hand down her hair, "I know. It's been a while hasn't it." She nodded her head and I tapped her lip. "Good thing you are here today," she grinned and Troy said hi to her as I waved to Blaine and James.
"Blaine," Jax said with a smirk, "We might have to do a pick-up basketball game later." Blaine let a true authentic smile cross his face, "I can beat all of you," he declared causing all of the assistant coaches to share a look with each other. "Okay, one hour after we eat, we'll split into teams. 3 V 3," Troy declared and Blaire smiled and nodded, "Good." I hugged James and Blaine when I got a text that my mom was here. I hopped down the stairs and around the gate to see her and my dad getting out of the car.
"Hi," I said with a smile, I grabbed my mom's veggie tray and hugged her, "Do I look okay?" my mom asked and I smiled and nodded, "Always, ma," my dad smiled at me and I went over to give him a hug. "Blaine, James, and Lucy are here already," I said as I began to walk them to the house. I went in the front door this time and I eased my parents in. "Oh good, I haven't seen Lucy in a couple of days."
"Troy's parents are here as well, along with all of his friends. Jenna is here," My dad smiled as he looked around the house. "He has a pretty nice house for a single man," I giggled, "He isn't single anymore, daddy,"
"Until he puts a ring on that finger," I shook my head with a laugh as I escorted them out back as Troy was taking burgers off the grill. "Gina, Andy," Troy called with a smile on his face as he went over to hug my mom and shook my dad's hand. "Welcome to our house," I felt my cheeks flush with those words and my mom gave me a slow grin on her face. "It's very nice," My dad said with a nod and Troy turned around and spotted his parents. "Mom, dad, I want you to meet Gabi's parents. Gina and Andy Montez, Gina, Andy these are my parents Tommy and Laura."
Our parents shook hands and introduced themselves as Tommy offered my dad a beer and he accepted going off with him while my mom and Laura started to talk. Troy shot me a wink before turning his attention back to the grill even though Dylan took over. Troy elbowed him causing him to elbow right back nearly causing a fight right there. I settled into a chair as I was talking to Jenna, Sara, and Jesse while Troy finished up before calling to eat.
I hung back as everybody wondered inside to make their plates while Troy came back out lifting his shirt to wipe away his sweat. "Hey beautiful, why aren't you making a plate?" he asked as he cornered me and I laughed, "Because I am the host and I eat last." Troy smiled as he dropped a kiss to my lips. "It looks like our parents are getting along,"
"Good," I kissed him again, "Whoa, whoa, put those lips away," Brady came out and shielded his eyes causing Troy to roll his eyes and me to laugh, "Had to get her while I could," he claimed while winking over at me. I couldn't stop my smile as he walked me inside and we joined the end of the line to make our food. My heart was warm with all of our friends present and laughing with each other. Blaine was getting shit from all of the assistant coaches and Lucy was catching everybody's hearts. James was making small talk and my heart ached for him knowing this was hard but also good for him.
My parents were really getting along with Troy's parents as they were laughing and telling jokes and stories. Good, I liked it. I let my hand slip around Troy's wrist and he smiled down at me, "You good?" I nodded, "I'm perfect," I whispered.
Troy's POV
I checked the ball into Cameron as he swung it over to Blaine as I went outside the three-point line on my driveway before shooting the ball up but not without Dylan in my face. "Fuck off man," I said with a laugh shoving him forward. We had a crowd of people watching all of us on the court as it was fun to just play again. Blaine was laughing and I couldn't help but feel good about that. His life had been nothing but a disaster and just to let him breathe…it made me feel good.
Gabi was sitting on the ground with Jenna in a chair by her, Lucy in her lap, Lennon and Sage seated nearby as they were all laughing and talking as the sun was slowly starting to descend. Jesse and Jax took control of the ball while Dylan set up a play as I guarded him. I shoved him with my hip and he shoved right back causing me to laugh. "You wish," I muttered as Jesse tossed the ball to Dylan. I swiped for it and when I knocked it loose, Blaine snagged it.
Dylan growled as they went on the defense while we moved around the court. The group was all laughing by the time we finished up and high-fived each other as we ended it in a tie. Gabi tossed her had back laughing and I couldn't stop my smile from stretching across my face. Dylan slapped my back, "Stop staring," he said and I laughed and shook my head, "No. She's my girl," Dylan smiled and I went over to pull Blaine into a hug my arm wrapping around his neck.
"Thanks for playing," I said and he laughed, "Thanks for having us over. It's good." I smiled as I squeezed his shoulder. "Good. You are always welcome over here." I reminded him and Blaine gave a tiny smile before going over to his dad. They were talking as I hopped inside as my mom, dad, and Gabi's parents were all sharing a bottle of wine while sitting at my kitchen table. "Hey," I said with a smile. I reached over to squeeze my mom's shoulders. "Hi sweetie, we're just all talking about everything." My mom said and I sent Gina and Andy a smile.
"Sorry if they are talking your ear off," Gina waved her hand, "Do not apologize! Your parents are absolutely lovely!" I smiled as I went to the fridge to grab another beer as they were all laughing together. Gabi walked in and her own smile came over her face as she watched her parents interact with my parents. It was always a little scary getting parents together for the first time but they really seemed to hit it off.
"Troy, Cameron wants to know if you want to do a bonfire?" she questioned and my eyes lingered on her as I tipped my beer back, "Yea, I'm all for it. Only if you sit by me," I told her with a wink and she let a blush work over her face, our parents just grinned, I walked over and gave her a side hug with a kiss on the head before I stepped out leaving her with the parents. Cameron, Dylan, and Jax were lugging the fire pit around back and I went back to grab the wood, lighter, and some other stuff I needed to burn. Blaine grabbed some and helped along with Brady and Silas.
We all began to put the fire together, "I love a good bonfire night," Dylan said tilting his head back, "You going to invite her over or what?" my eyes snapped over to Jesse and Dylan threw a murderous glance towards him. "Who?" Jax and I asked together, "I'm going to murder you." Dylan hissed towards Jesse but he only grinned like a cat. "His new girl that he's seen like four times. I think that's a record but her name is Josie," Jesse beamed with pride as Dylan was muttering underneath his breath.
"Oh, don't like it so, much do we?" I said crossing my arms and he laughed looking over at me, "You had that love sick look on your face from the moment you met her. Don't hate that I can hide it." I rolled my eyes towards him as I bent over to start throwing firewood in the pit. "You know what, her name is Josie. She's my age. We met at Target while I was getting dishwasher soap, she flirted with me first, she's was very pretty, and I flirted with her hard until she agreed to go to the little Starbucks and get coffee with me and we've had three other dates. Happy?"
Cameron, Jax, Jesse, and I all shared a smug smile before we turned our attention somewhere else. "She sounds cool," I offered with a shrug and Dylan rolled his eyes dramatically. "You all are a bunch of girls." We all laughed as Blaine walked back over with Lucy and I smiled watching them. "You should invite her," I spoke, "I bet the parents will be out of here soon." I said with a shrug and Dylan shook his head. "No. Not yet. I'm not ready for that."
"Oh, you really like her," I said with an eyebrow raise and he just shrugged before making himself busy. I shared a look with Jesse and I couldn't stop my smile as Jesse laughed underneath his breath. I couldn't wait to call him tomorrow all about this. Typically, Dylan was the one who celebrated every girl and brought her to everything. It's really different when he doesn't bring the girl to everything. In college we literally were meeting new girls left and right and after we graduated it was more of the same thing.
We got the fire going when I looked around for Gabi as Blaine, Lucy, and James settled in a spot. Sara and Jax, Sage and Jesse, Cameron and Lennon all found a spot together while Jenna sat down with Ethan as his hands rested on her belly. I searched the yard again, "She's still inside," my eyes swung back to Jenna and she nodded, "She was talking with all the parents. It's typically where you could find Gabi," I laughed and nodded thanking her as I headed inside.
Luna came sprinting out and she galloped towards the fire and started licking Lucy causing Lucy to squeal. I laughed as Cameron took control of my girl. Gabi was still seated at the table with all the parents with her own glass of wine now. I leaned against the door and she laughed with my mom about something and my chest warmed at the sight. "Laura, that has got to be the absolutely cutest picture of baby Troy," my eyes snapped to the phone sitting on the table.
"What in the world…" I said and Gabi's eyes twisted to meet mine. A devil smirk on her face, "You are the one that left me here." I crossed my arms over my chest, "I started a perfect fire for you." I nudged causing her to peek around my shoulder. "I think we're about to head home, son," my dad said standing up. I smiled as I went over and I hugged my dad and hugged my mom with a kiss on the cheek. "Andy, Gina, it was a pleasure to meet the both of you. Maybe we'll get dinner one night?" my dad asked.
I sent a smile over to Gabi and she smiled right back at me as I gave Andy and Gina a handshake and a hug as Gabi escorted them to their car. I watched her hug each of her parents tightly and bid them her love to them before they got into the car. She joined me and she wrapped her arms around my waist and tilted her head back, her chin sitting on the center, "I'm really glad they got along." Gabi smiled and nodded, "My mom loved your mom. They exchanged phone numbers and are going to golf together next week." I chuckled as I dipped my mouth to capture her mouth.
"Yea?" I questioned in return and she nodded her head again. I kissed her one more time before I tugged on her hand gently and guided her outside. Everybody had found a seat and I pulled her into my lap as she snuggled in close. The chatter around the fire was dull with all different conversation but I was just happy to have everybody here. "What pictures was my mom showing you?" I asked her and she grinned from ear to ear. "Do you know she has a whole folder of baby pictures of all you guys on her phone?" I groaned as I let my head tip backwards. She giggled and kissed my neck. "I wish I was joking but you were so freaking cute."
She teased and I just rolled my eyes but I couldn't stop the smile on my face. Luna barked and I twisted to see who she was barking at but it was just Lucy and Blaine playing with her. My hand rested on her hip as I rubbed it up and down while she got caught in a conversation with Lennon and Sage about something. "Troy, when are we hosting summer camps again?" Cameron asked and I picked up my phone as I scrolled through my calendar.
"July. I have my surgery on June 24th. I think I gave myself three weeks to be back in the gym with the kids. Middle of July." I said with a shrug causing the guys to all roll their eyes. "Why did you wait so long to have the surgery." My eyes flashed to Gabi as she wasn't in her conversation anymore and listening to mine. I felt her body tense up and I stroked her thigh. "Uh well he couldn't get me in until next week and I had a conflict with the one date so it kinda just got pushed around until it landed there."
Gabi let her head rest on my shoulder and I stroked her thigh with my palm. "You still don't have to come," I whispered quietly. She shook her head, "It doesn't matter what I am. I am going to be a mess regardless until I see your eyes." I stroked her hair as I kissed the top of her head. "Macken talked about coming and hanging out with you." I said and her eyes lifted to meet mine. "I'd like that." I breathed out, "Plus my mom will be there. She insists even though I'm 28."
A laugh echoed from her lips, "She's still your mom." She reminded me and I laughed, I kissed her gently on the lips and she bit my lower lip. I shook my head as I kissed her one more time before I turned my attention back to the fire. Jax stood up and threw more fire wood in there as the group had a chill vibe among it. All of us were just hanging out, talking, and laughing and I was so happy with it. I had the girl of my dreams in my lap, my best friends around me, and a good future ahead.
Gabi's POV
I cleaned up the kitchen as Troy was standing in the driveway finishing a conversation with his friends. Sage and Sara were both in the kitchen with me. "God, I just…I'm ready. I'm ready for the engagement but he is literally just dragging his feet." Sage sent Sara a look with a laugh, "Honey, he will do it soon! You are in law school. He's probably waiting for you to graduate." Sara grunted and I smiled as I put away another container in the fridge.
"Any talks of marriage, Gabs? That boy is smitten with you." I smiled, "Uh, he's mentioned that he wants to marry me but we've only been together since December. It hasn't been that long yet. We might just see how the whole living thing goes and then move on from there. I am not in any rush."
"I wasn't in a rush either but now I just…I want it. I feel like he won't commit." Sara ran a hand through her hair and Sage shook her head while sending me a look. A slow smile coming onto her lips as she pointed to her finger and nudged her head causing me to smile right back in understanding. Sara grabbed her dishes, "Okay, ya'll want to come help me break up the crew?" Sage grumbled grabbing her own dishes. "These boys…" Sara said and I laughed while we walked outside. I wrapped my arms around my chest as we filtered out the driveway.
Troy tilted his head back in a laugh as he shoved Jax as they all laughed about something. It was late and we were the only group left. Cameron and Lennon had busted out of here about thirty minutes ago not being able to keep their hands off each other. "So, Dylan, when are we going to meet this girl?" Jesse poked and Dylan only rolled his eyes as he caught our approach. "Hey girls, are you coming to claim your men?"
Sage laughed as I smiled watching Troy turned around with a smile on his face. "Hey baby, I'm sorry – I didn't mean to leave you to clean-up." I shook my head as I went over and folded myself against him. "No, no, it's okay. Us ladies got it all cleaned up while we let you chit-chat." Troy smiled as he tipped back his beer. "Gabi, sounds like somebody has a fun date for you planned tomorrow." I rose an eyebrow as I glanced up towards Troy.
"We are going on a date tomorrow?" I questioned and he gave me a smile, "Yea, it was a secret but somebody has a loud mouth. After we golf because they wouldn't let me wiggle out of that we have a date." I smiled, "Good, because I want to sleep in tomorrow so you go golf and I'll sleep in."
"This is almost like watching Lennon and Cameron." Sage said and Dylan laughed at that. Troy rolled his eyes and smiled, "I'm glad you were all able to come over. I'll see you guys tomorrow morning." Troy let go of me to hug the girls and I hugged Jax, Dylan, and Jesse while giving the girls a hug. "Maybe we can start our own girls' day on Sunday. Oh, like Brunch?" Sage suggested and all of us perked up. "Yes! And we can invite Josie," I teased wiggling my eyebrows and Dylan growled.
Troy, Jesse, and Jax all stifled their laughs as Sara and Sage busted out laughing. "I'm leaving," he said with annoyance and I felt Troy wrap his arm around my waist. "God, I love you." I couldn't stop my laugh as everybody headed to their cars and a promise to talk via text about starting a brunch while the boy's golf. I couldn't stop my smile as Troy and I walked back inside hand in hand. Luna was sprawled on the floor sleeping as Troy and I finished cleaning up the kitchen together. He went out back to make sure the fire was put out and that we didn't leave anything outside.
I finished my glass of wine that was sitting there as he stepped back inside. He came over and wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my neck. "Today was a lot of fun. We definitely need to do them more often." I smiled as I let my hand clasp over his hand. "Yes, we should. Next time, maybe we can do a smaller dinner with just our families. I love that they liked each other. My parents need some more people in their lives."
Troy eased me around and lifted me up onto the counter. His blue eyes were rovering over my face before he cupped my face and kissed me. His lips slow and soft as he took his time with me. He stroked my face and I hooked my legs around his waist tugging him closer to me. "Sara wants a ring," I whispered and Troy chuckled, "Soon." He whispered right back to me. I ran my fingers through his hair as I tugged him closer.
"Do you want one?" he asked as he moved down my neck and I giggled, "No. We've been dating for all of six months." I reminded him and he chuckled against my neck. "Are you sure it has only been six months? Feels more like six years." I laughed and nodded, "Yea, I uh…I don't know how it's been six months already but that means…" I breathed out and Troy refocused on my eyes. "I have an idea for Thursday. Do you want to take off work?"
I leaned forward and rested my head on his shoulder, "Can we change our anniversary?" she muttered and I nodded, "Yea, we can." He whispered into my ear, "I wasn't talking about something with us. I want…I want to meet Zoey. Will you take me to meet her on Thursday? We can take her flowers and…" he pulled back and looked at my eyes. His fingers stroking my face. I breathed in and I nodded my head, "I would love for you to meet her," I whispered back and he kissed me harder this time. Trying to take away the pain.
"If you aren't ready then we don't have, too." I smiled while it was painful, I just squeezed his bicep, "No. I want too." I took in a deep breath, "I want you to meet, Zoey." He kissed me again and then he easily picked me up and took me upstairs. His lips covering mine, his hands squeezing my butt as I ran my fingers through his hair over and over again as I tried to keep his lips right there. He gently put me down in the bed as he removed his t-shirt, I threw off my tank-top as he hungrily kissed me.
"Beautiful," he whispered as he kissed down my chest, his fingers unsnapping my bra, and his mouth taking in my breasts. My back arched and I gasped and I tried to grab onto his shoulders. "Fuck, golf, can we just do this all-day tomorrow?" he questioned and I giggled as I kissed him, again. I wasn't going to disagree with him there.
Thursday, June 6th, 2019
Troy's POV
She sat outside with Luna at her feet as she stared in the backyard, her coffee in her hand, with my sweatshirt over her shoulders. I lingered in the kitchen watching her and making sure she was okay. I knew she needed a little bit of alone time at the moment so I gave it to her. I knew she was going to have a rough day today and I just wanted to make it as smooth as possible for her. A knock came at the door and I went over as I invited her parents over for breakfast today.
I opened the door and Gina and Andy both looked distraught but gave me a supportive smile. "Hi, she's outback with Luna. I have everything ready to get started if you guys want me to start. I know this is a hard day for the family. Blaine and Lucy will be coming over. James declined but I think he wanted some alone time anyways." Gina blinked away tears, "Thank you for doing this, Troy." I nodded as I led her out back and when the door opened, Gabi didn't even move. Luna lifted her head and growled, "Luna," I warned and she lowered her head back to Gabi's foot. Her other in the chair. "Sweetie," Gabi's head swirled around at her mom's voice.
"Mom," Gabi stood up and wrapped her arms around her mom in a tight hug. I couldn't stop my smile watching before I eased back inside. I started pancakes, eggs, and bacon when Blaine and Lucy showed up running into the backyard to greet their grandparents and Gabi. I continued to cook breakfast while I let them have their time out back. I got out plates and silverware before making a handful of chocolate chip pancakes.
Once I had it all ready to be dished out – I walked over to the back door where I paused watching them as Lucy was perched in Gabi's lap. Andy and Blaine were messing around and Gina was teary eyed but she was smiling. I slid the door open and Gabi turned to look at me. A smile on her face and I felt that warm tingle in my chest just watching her. "Breakfast is ready if you guys are hungry." I offered and they all spoke up and stood up.
Lucy hopped off and grabbed Andy's hand as they walked inside together. Gabi was the last one and she waited until her family was inside. "Troy," her voice was a whisper and I went over to pull her up into a standing position. "This is why I asked you to take the morning off." I said with a tiny smile and she closed her eyes as tears slipped down. "You're amazing. I can't believe you got them all here for breakfast and just to spend time together."
I tilted her head back and I kissed her softly, "I just know you are all probably a little sad on these days and being together might help." I offered and she just hugged me tighter. "C'mon, let's go eat with you family and you guys can share all the stories with me." She reached up to kiss me again before she grabbed my hand and we walked inside. We both piled our plate of food as we all went back outside to sit around the outdoor table. Luna was pacing from person to person with her tongue rolling out of her mouth.
"Troy, thank you. This morning…it means a lot to us." Gina said and I could see the tears again. I reached over and I squeezed her hand. "I just want you all to be together today. I know how hard this day is for Gabi and I think a little breakfast as a family is a good idea. I'm just glad we could make it work." Gina dabbed at her eyes while Andy took a long drink of his coffee. "I miss her," Blaine let it pop out of his mouth and Gabi reached over to squeeze his hand.
"I know, Blaine."
He gave her a smile and he breathed, "Dad went to see her this morning. I wanted to go but I know how much needs some time with her and I just…I wish I could just have one more moment with her." Blaine stuffed more food in his mouth to ward off the emotion and Gabi smiled. "You know how much your mom loved you both…she called me a few weeks before she died and just told me how much she loved both of you. About all of her favorite features and the hard features about both of you."
Lucy twisted her head, "Mommy was the best," Gabi ruffled her hair, "Mommy was the best." Gabi agreed. "Why don't we share a few stories about mommy with Troy? So that he can get to know our Zoey a little bit better." Gabi offered and they all smiled probably thinking of their personal favorite story.
"My favorite is when I got accepted into Duke on a full ride for dancing and she laughed and threw her arms around me. She then took me to get ice cream and she may or may not have made it an alcoholic shake. She also may or may not have gotten me drunk that day. We were all at the house. Beth, Zoey, and I as were drinking and laughing and just…celebrating all of our accomplishments." Gabi blinked away a few tears but smiled bigger thinking about it.
"Blaine you wanted a drink so bad because it looked like a milkshake," Gabi busted up laughing, "We told you it was poop flavored and you called us gross and walked away." Gabi laughed as Blaine smiled before shaking her head. "We were up all-night laughing. James was so annoyed with us but it is something I hold so close to my heart."
"God, you girls were so freaking funny. You three went just sit outside and giggle and make fun of everything about everybody. You would make up some wild stories and it's so cute. I think that is what I miss the most. Just seeing you three sitting together and laughing. All three of your beautiful smiles." Andy squeezed her shoulder and he smiled. "I know my favorite memory," Gabi busted out laughing. "You will never pick a different one, will you?"
Her dad smirked and Andy shook his head. "Nope. She was freaking out before her wedding with James. She was rambling and freaking out and just pacing back and forth. I tried everything I could think of to snap her out of it but nothing. Nada. I finally squirted her with a water bottle and she snapped her eyes at me as if I just dumped water over her hair. I could have sworn she was going to murder me but then she just started cracking up." Andy smiled and looked over at Gabi, "You found us both crying from laughing so hard. James thought she was balling prior to walking down the aisle but we filled him in later and he just laughed and we were reduced to tears again."
I chuckled as Andy wiped at the corner of his eyes while Blaine laughed, "Mom would ramble a lot." Blaine said with a laugh as he had his own big smile on his face. "Yea, it was a thing when she was nervous." Gina said causing Blaine to laugh. "I miss watching her watch me play basketball. She would always sit in the same seat and after the game she would find all my flaws and then tell me all of my best things I did that game. It kept me balanced, or that's what she said." We all laughed as Lucy played with her fork for a moment and then turned her head.
"Mommy always played with me and made me laugh," Lucy said, "I miss her playing with me and laughing with me." Gabi got up and went over to pull Lucy into her arms. "I know she misses you, so much, Lucy. You were her best friend. Her little mini-me. You made her so happy." Lucy smiled thinking about her mom and Gabi hugged her tight to her chest. "She sounds amazing, I wish I could have met her in person."
"Oh, she would have loved you," Andy said with a laugh, I smiled, "I think I have an inkling that she shoved us together. Gabi and I actually met on December 6th and well…" my eyes turned to her as she was watching me. "I don't ever talk to women in the stands because I'm typically working but something…something made me say something that day." Gabi gave me a smile and Andy grinned. "Yes, that sounds just like my Zoey girl."
The group continued to tell stories about Zoey and the kids smiled hearing about their mom. We all finished breakfast and it became a team effort to clean the kitchen. James showed back up and he hugged his kids before eating some leftovers and telling some of his own stories. Gabi wrapped her arm around my waist and she kissed my back. "Thank you." She whispered and I turned around to hug her and kiss her head. "Thanks for letting it happen,"
Her chin rested on my chest with a smile playing on the corner of my lips, "I'm going to go get dressed," I nodded as I kissed her again while she said good-bye to her family before going upstairs with Luna. I walked outside with them as I hugged each of them, "Troy," I twisted to see Andy and he held back from his wife as she escorted Lucy to her dad's car. "Andy, I'm glad you guys came. I think it made Gabi's morning."
He smiled, "It made our morning. I was happy to be with her today. I just…I wanted to thank you for a lot of things. Thank you for being patient with her. Thank you for being there for her. For encouraging her. For loving her even though she was lost when you met. She was best friends with her sisters and her world was rocked in less than two weeks of time when she lost both of them in different ways. I just…" Andy got emotional but he cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "She loves you and you are so good for her. I just wanted to thank you,"
"I love her sir, she is…everything to me. I want to protect her, love her, and just be there for her through everything. I know how hard everything has been the past nine months for her and I can only hope I help her through the rest of it as best as I can." I hesitated and I breathed, "I want to marry her, sir." Andy let a smile creep up on his cheeks and he nodded, "Good. I want you to marry her." I felt the relief brush off my chest and he smiled. "You are so good for her. I know you've known each other for six months but…I see it. I see it."
"Thank you, sir." Andy reached to shake my hand and he walked off as I breathed out easily. I heard the front door open and Gabi stepped out in a pair of black skinny jeans, sandals, and a crop top that stretched across her breasts. "You look beautiful," I told her with a smile and she smiled right back. She waved to her parents before wrapping her arms around my waist. "You ready to meet her?" I smiled as I cupped her face and kissed her.
"Yea, I am."
Gabi led me across the cemetery before coming across a grave. She dipped down and laid the flowers we got her across it. My eyes took in the head stone as it had her name scribbled over the top. Her birthday and death date along with daughter, mom, sister, wife, and best friend written across it. "Hey Zo," Gabi greeted her as she rubbed the top of it. "I brought somebody for you to meet today. He's pretty important to me and I am pretty sure you really did have something to do with my meeting him."
I chuckled as Gabi smiled up at me, "You already know but his name is Troy and well…I love him a lot. He's becoming my best friend. He'd never replace you but…he's so much more than anybody else in my life." I squeezed her shoulder as I bent down on her level as I breathed. "Hi, Zo. I'm Troy and I am so helplessly in love with your sister. I wish we could have met in person but from all of the stories I heard and everything else…you were amazing person. I don't find it ironic that we met at Blaine's game because Blaine probably needed somebody else, too. I love being there for him, just as much as I love being there for Gabi."
We both sat down as I grabbed Gabi into my lap as I breathed in the area around us. "I think I am thankful for you putting her into my life. She was the person I needed just as much as she needed me. So, Zoey, I thank you for that."
"Yea, Zo, you were always butting into my love life. I wouldn't be surprised if you died just so I would break up with Brad." I chuckled as I kissed her cheek while I rubbed her legs. "How often did she tell you, too?" I questioned and Gabi laughed. "Uh all the time. I wouldn't listen. I figured he was it for me." I didn't like the sound of that especially after meeting his dumb ass self but I just squeezed her and kissed her neck. "How different are your feelings?"
"Wildly," she said with a laugh. "What I feel for you doesn't even compare. Nothing close. Brad and I's relationship was so slow and just like well we're both here. We might as well just do this type of thing and with you…I knew from that night that you were something different. The nerves and butterflies I got just from thinking about you, how sweaty I got seeing you, and I don't know. It was something else entirely with you. It was a pure connection. It was I can't do this without him. I can't be without him. I don't want to go a day without seeing him." She paused and her head rested on my shoulder. "I never in my life had that with Brad. I could go weeks without seeing him and I would be okay. Honestly, this is going to sound awful but he could have died and I would have been sad, yes, but I don't think I would have been buried in grief. I don't think I would have trouble moving on."
She stopped talking and sighed softly, her chest rising slowly, "You though…If I lose you Troy Bolton, I will lose a piece of my heart. I will lose a piece of me. I will lose something so much more. You are connected to my soul and I don't want that to go anywhere. I love you," she whispered her words and I kissed her hand gently as I let her words sink in. "I love you, too." I whispered into her ear. "You are my forever. I wasn't sure if I would ever find a girl like you. A girl that just…took my breath away."
I paused and I smiled thinking of the memory, "You know, I saw you the moment you walked into the gym. I saw you talk to Lucy and James. I saw you walk up the steps. I saw your face and the worry on your face and I just…I couldn't stop watching you. I couldn't take my eyes away from you then as fate would have it you literally sat down right next to me and I tried to give you time. I tried to just wait but fuck I couldn't. I couldn't not talk to you. I knew there was something about you from that moment."
She closed her eyes listening, "You are so beautiful and I just love you. I love you and I want to do this life with you. I want to learn everything about your sister. I want to learn everything about you. I want everything, baby. I want everything."
We both stayed there for a little while longer and when Gabi walked off to head back, I leaned forward. "Hey, Zo, I know…I know how much you love your sister but I need you to bring Beth back. I need you to help her get to here because Gabi needs her. She needs her sister and if I've learned anything about you…you like to pull people back into her life. That's who she needs right now. Okay? Please? I'll take care of her but she needs her sister."
I rubbed it again and then I walked to catch up with Gabi and I hooked hands with her, "I love you, thank you for this."
"No, thank you for coming and doing this. I enjoyed it." We both gave a smile to each other and I opened the passenger door and I took a breath in. I looked up at the sky, please, Zo, she needs her sister.
Happy Sunday! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! It was a cute fun little chapter! Tell me ALL of your thoughts!
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Next Update: January 12th
