Author's Note: Glad y'all liked the story so far. But, please. A little more than two reviews a chapter… pwease? I'll love you all for it… plus… there's a good chance I might update more/make this longer/perhaps even add a sequel or something. I kinda feel sorry for poor Derek. He seems like a nice guy. I'll have to twist this into some sort of everyone's-happy Troyella. Hm. Hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you! It's another filler…
"Troy," Gabriella held her hand out politely.
"Gabriella," Troy's eyes were pleading as he shook her hand warmly. It felt cold and stiff in his hand, not soft and tender as it probably would've, had he shaken it two years ago. He tried to send messages with his eyes—unfortunately, he was pretty sure that all of them were desperate. He felt a little sorry for Derek… by the way he was grinning from ear-to-ear, he couldn't possibly know that he was introducing exes to each other. Especially since one of them was "the love of his life."
Right then, Troy re-thought that whole "don't burn the hand that signs your paycheck" concept. But then again, giving Derek third-degree burns wouldn't help his cause at all. What was his cause, anyway? Ugh. Too much in one day. Almost like the time when he found out he was going to marry Kayla because his father had a huge debt.
"Gabbie, I was going to ask Troy to join us for dinner some time next week. How would that sound? That way all three of us get to know each other," Derek said in ignorant bliss.
Troy plays the piano…
…Gabbie ran away from dance class as a third grader.
"Sounds great," Gabriella smirked as she left the room. "See you tonight, Derek."
Ouch.
"See you." Derek smiled. "I'm telling you, Troy… if you haven't found her yet, you will. You'll find the girl that totally completes you. You'll either be totally different, similar, or have everything in common. As far as I know, me and Gabriella are soul mates. I'm thinking of proposing to her in about two weeks. I like you, Troy. I like your style, as I've said before. So… let's keep this between us, huh? Man-to-man?"
"Yeah…" Troy felt more lightheaded by the minute. "Thanks. For everything."
---
Derek, Gabriella, and Troy sat in a restaurant not that far from Brown Industries. After a bit of small talk, Derek told Troy a little about himself. He was very modest when listing his accomplishments and goals, and even noted a few of his own weaknesses.
Troy tried not to look sick the entire time. Derek is a good guy. At least I know Gabbie's in good hands… but he couldn't help but think that if Gabriella'd give him another chance, she'd be in better hands.
"So… Troy. You married? Have a family and kids?" Derek asked, taking a sip of Pepsi.
"Oh…no," Troy smiled sheepishly, glancing at Gabriella.
It was all she could do to not drop the fork she was holding. A lame "really?" was all that could escape her lips.
The evening ended earlier than planned, since Derek had to rush off again. "Do you have a ride, Gab?" he asked.
"Oh, yeah. I'll take my car," she said distractedly. For some reason, she couldn't keep her mind off of Troy. But, surely he was just trying to make her feel better… but Troy was never one to lie. I need to talk to Taylor.
"Good. See you, Gabbie. Troy." Derek waved at them before leaving, smiling, still unaware of what had just happened.
---
"Gabriella?" Troy squeaked. They were both in the parking lot of the restaurant. "I never married Kayla. I never loved her."
Gabriella spun around to face him, her eyes fiery. "And what? You still love me, and you expect me to throw away all of this for you? After the way you treated me?" Tears stung her eyes, and she turned away quickly. "You don't know how much you've hurt me." She rushed towards her car, opened the door and threw herself inside. Sensing the falling tears, she floored it. She had to get away.
"Gabriella…" She's gone.
---
When Gabriella got home, she found her face tear-stained and a little blotchy. She ran a hand across her face quickly, then reached for the phone and dialed Taylor's number. "Hi…Chad? Can I talk to Taylor?" She waited until she heard her friend's voice, waiting a little before asking about Troy. "You never told me… fine, maybe I did brush you guys off, but…" she felt choked again. "I'm so sorry, Taylor. This isn't your fault. I… I have to go think."
A/N: Sorry about all the short chapters. I'm going to have to change the rating in the next chapter or so.
♥♥♥ --- Christa (aka Sawk-Rawker, formerly known as Dolce Viva La Glam)
