"I don't think right now, in the middle of a playground, is a good place to talk."

"No, yes you're right. Another time? Soon." Troy pleaded.

Gabriella kept Rosie close to her and tried to cover her ears but was futile in doing so. Gabriella reminded herself that she did not have time for gimmicks or distractions, her focus should solely be on Rosie. She turned to face Troy with an icy glare.

"What do we even have left to talk about?" Gabriella asked tensely, holding Rosie closer to her.

"I want to apologize. I know I'm the reason you left." Troy said slowly and reluctantly.

"Well, you're the one who left me first." Gabriella bit back.

"I-I know Gabriella. I know. But please? Can we at least catch up? You can bring Rosie too-"

"Rosie's not going anywhere near you again." Gabriella cut him off. She least of all did not need Rosie to be caught up in this mess, especially with the man who broke her mother's heart. Troy's face shut down any sign of hope immediately. "I don't see a reason to anymore Troy." "What-what are you even doing here?" This was a children's playground. He clearly didn't have an infant with him. Or hmm, maybe he did but didn't pay attention and lost them. Seems like something Troy would do.

"Oh, Chad, he brought his son to play. They went to grab some food. I just went to the bank to take some money out.

Chad Danforth had a son? Wow, things really have changed. I really didn't expect Chad of all people to have children. Then again, he'd want to raise tiny basketball prodigies as soon as possible knowing him. Gabriella's thought ended with a giggle.

"Chad, with a kid right?" Troy chuckled, in which Gabriella followed on with.

"I didn't know Chad moved to Oregon."

"Yeah, his wife passed away. So he moved him and Aid to where her grandparents lived and is staying with them."

"Oh wow, that's terrible."
"Yeah, he's been having a tough time, but we're all here for him."

You weren't for me. Gabriella snapped out of her thoughts. She felt as if she was being selfish by bringing her own feelings into something that didn't involve her anymore.

"I better get Rosie home."

"Gabriella, please."

"Mommy, just say yes. He's desperate."

"Rosie!" Gabriella gasped. She felt half betrayed that she was taking his side, but more than anything, really proud. Rosie was far too smart to be only four. She was for the most part, fiery, sassy, and knew how to raise hell when she didn't get her way. However, she was kind, forgiving. Rosie has always been ti,id though around strangers, so it shocked Gabriella that Rosie had the confidence to say what she did.

Troy's face lit up and the biggest grin on his face appeared. He wasn't surprised that Gabriella had raised someone so bold and fiery. He couldn't help but laugh at Rosie's comment.

"Rosie's right. I am." Troy became serious, his eyes pleading.

Gabriella caved for not just her sake, but Rosie's. Gabriella could sense a tantrum coming on if Rosie didn't go home and eat. Rosie was the definition of hungry.

"Okay, fine." Gabriella sighed.

"Okay, great! Is tomorrow okay?"

"I can't in the morning, I have work. Then, I have to pick up Rosie from daycare."

"I can pick up Rosie, of course, if that's; okay with you."

"I don't think it works like that. I can-" Gabriella paused. She wanted for Rosie to be around Troy as least as possible. Gabriella had her reasons.

"-I can meet you at my place, after I put Rosie down, at night. My number is still the same. If you're wondering." Ouch, that came out harsher than I intended.

Troy's spirit deflated a bit. He was hoping Rosie would be there with them, not just to be a buffer between him and Gabriella, but because he truly did enjoy being in Rosie's presence. However, Troy was not going to push his luck. He'll take what he can get.

"Okay, yeah that works."

"Alright, well we have to go. Goodbye Troy." Gabriella left before Troy had a chance to say anything in return.

"Bye, Troy!" Rosie screamed and laughed before looking at her mother who was blushing.

All Troy could do was smile in amusement and wave back. He also smiled because he felt something different and odd, but he didn't know what it was. He looked forward to tomorrow, but was scared as hell.