A/N: Going forward, there might be a delay in my next fanfic's release. These last two months have been a lot of wedding planning and meeting with vendors in my down time. Because of that I haven't had the opportunity to get as much done as I would usual get done. I promise you guys I am working on it though.

"How'd I get dragged into your mess?" Chad asked.

"Misery loves company." Troy said as they parked in front of the girl's dorm.

"You're paying for the date."

"Fine." Troy rolled his eyes. "It's not like she's hideous."

Chad lifted his hands in frustration. "No she's not, but she's got these relationship goggles on and I'm not you."

Troy arched his brow. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You know what I mean." Chad stared at the dorm then back at Troy. "You and Gabi. That's not completely fake anymore is it?"

"Dude." Troy inhaled slowly as he shut off the car. "We haven't even kissed." Which is why he was shocked at how upset he'd became when she mentioned dating another guy after him. He shouldn't have gotten so upset. He shouldn't have left. He hadn't wanted too. The rest of the week had been weird. They were off their usual game.

He didn't like it.

"That makes it worse." Chad shook his head. "You're better off not fighting it," he said.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You said it yourself. You like her. When was the last time you liked one of the girls you dated?"

Was he crazy. "I've liked all of them."

"No, you wanted them, but you didn't like them."

Troy looked up and let out a low sigh, "Let's just get through this night."

"This is all your fault you know."

Troy let out a laugh as he leaned back in his seat. "It's just a charity event. All I'm asking you to do is escort her and eat dinner with her. We do that almost every night anyway."

"Yeah only this time she's gonna be all dolled up and making eyes at me all night."

"Oh, you poor soul." Troy moved to get out of the car.

They waited outside their dorm room door for a moment after they knocked. Troy leaned against the wall staring out into space. Trying to figure out what he was feeling. About what Chad said back in the car. When had the pretending stop? When had he just started to touching her because he wanted to?

The door opened and Gabriella's face was flushed from laughing at something Taylor must have said. Her lips were shining and she'd done something to make her eyes stand out. She was wearing a black dress. She still looked like the girl next door, but hotter. It would be easy to pull her close tonight with just a little tug. He'd enjoy feeling her pressed up against him, in the perfect position for him to lean down and kiss her.

"Hello gentlemen," Gabriella greeted. "We're ready to be wooed."

Taylor wore a green stunning little number that clung to her features all the way to her hips where the dress fanned out. Looking up at Chad he noticed the suddenly interested arch of his brow. His poor friend didn't stand a chance.

"Hi," Taylor smiled slowly at Chad.

"Hi," Chad voice was a bit raspy. The scene made Troy chuckle silently. Envy wasn't a healthy emotion. And he was happy for his friend, but he also didn't understand why things couldn't be that easy between him and Gabriella.

He hated that the idea bothered him and he hated even more that there was a tiny voice in his head wishing that maybe this could turn into a real date. Deciding to push that voice to the back of his mind for now he approached Gabriella and offer her his arm.

"You look beautiful," he said quietly.

She smiled shyly as she took his arm, "Thanks."

It was nice that whatever seemed to be between them these last two days seemed to fade. "I'm worried I'll do something inappropriate."

"Don't pick your nose and you'll be fine." Troy laughed and so did she. Then she nudged him.

"Seriously. Your world is pretty terrifying."

"Only if you have something to hide," Troy chuckled as they made it outside. "Sharpay will be there, as you know. It might be best if we just ignored her."

Gabriella nodded as she took a deep breath, "Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Smile and nod."

"What?"

"Whenever someone tells you a boring story or brings up something controversial, smile and nod. It makes the other person think you're interested in what they have to say."

"And if I'm not?"

Troy laughed as he looked behind to see Chad and Taylor following behind. "Pretend to be." He said glancing back at her and pulling his keys from his pocket.

"Oh, is that all," Gabriella stopped at the car and he felt her watching him as he opened her car door.

"If someone offers you caviar, tell them you have a shellfish allergy. It taste like dirt covered in salt."

"If it taste so bad then why do people eat it?" she said walking towards him and pausing beside the open door. She smelled good. Really good.

He had no business noticing how she smelled. How had he gotten himself into this mess? Why had he invited her tonight? Why would she want to be with him? At first it was about saving her reputation. But lately, he'd caught glimpses of real emotions. Strange how someone so small could cause so much trouble in his life.

"Because it's expensive, they can afford it, and it makes them feel superior."

That made her smile. And her smile looked amazing tonight. He suddenly want to push her back against the door and taste her smile. He wondered if she wore flavored lip gloss.

"Nice car," Taylor said as her and Chad caught up to them.

"Thanks," Troy nodded his head in her direction then took one good look at Gabriella. "Are we ready?"

"Very." Gabriella said as she got in the car.

A new review has been posted to your story.

Story: Crashing Into You

Chapter: 7. Chapter 7

From: LaurenFan2468

I can't understand how anyone can be disappointed with this story or any of your other stories. I'm really not one of those reviewers who write long reviews, but I actually do enjoy your stories. I look forward to them every update. I've been a viewer of your stories for years now. I would always read them and fall in love with them. You've grown so much as a writer, and I'm so happy that you are still here writing stories. I made the best decision to stay reading your stuff all those years ago.

A new review has been posted to your story.

Story: Crashing Into You

Chapter: 7. Chapter 7

From: LA BabyxML

I for one love all your stories and think they're all quite unique and individual-I love your writing style and you never fail to pull me into one of your story lines. Thank you for writing so consistently and wonderfully, you'll always have a loyal reader in me.

Gabriella stared out the window Traffic was moving at a good pace, Troy seemed content to drive in silence. Meanwhile Gabriella and Taylor admired the scenery out the window as it went up several socioeconomic levels.

She was happy to at least share this experience with Taylor. Although she knew Troy's advice was useful but she felt less alone.

The houses that lined the road were triple the since of own her family home. She couldn't even imagine what people did with all that space. When they got to the charity event Troy entered through a different path than last time.

"Where are we going?"

"It's customary to valet park at these events." Troy said slowing the car down as they waited in line.

Gabriella frowned as she looked at the half empty parking lot beside them. "Couldn't we park over there like last time?"

"We could," Troy shrugged. "But then we'd miss making an entrance."

"What does that mean?" Taylor asked from the back before Gabriella could.

"Everyone hangs out in the lobby, having wine and hors d'oeuvres, which is an excuse to critique the people coming in." Chad said with a mocking tone.

"At least people like you," Troy said arch his brow to see Chad in the backseat.

Chad let out an exasperated sigh. "They have to like me, my family owns their beloved country club."

"Really?" Taylor asked a little taken aback.

"What happens if they don't like you?" Gabriella asked, alarms going off in her head.

"If they don't approve of someone they make it known." Troy said as he taped his steering wheel.

"Oh," Gabriella looked down at her hands in her lap. For the millionth time she felt in over her head. Then she felt his hand grab hers and hold it. When they finally reached the valet station, Troy sat until the valet opened his door, so she did the same.

She practiced her skill of smiling and nodding as Troy said hello to all the people who greeted him. It reminded her of the receiving line at her cousin's wedding last summer. Except these people were better dressed. By the time they made it into the lobby, her jaw hurt.

"Still alright?"

"I feel undressed," Gabriella looked down at her basic black dress. She should have spent a little more money and got a nicer dress.

"Nonsense," Troy wrapped an arm around her waist bringing her closer. "You look magnificent." He leaned forward pushing her hair back off her neck and gently caressing the skin on her neck. "The urge to kiss you is strong tonight."

Gabriella's stomach flipped and she inhaled sharply at his admission. The thought made her dizzy. Was he going to kiss her? Her breathing escalated. "Are you going to?"

His eyes seem to focus on her and he shifted closer to her. "And if I did?"

Her mouth went bone dry in that instant.

"Look alive, Sharpay is rounding the corner." Taylor warned as she leaned towards them. Effectively shattering whatever tension had been between them.

Troy shifted and adjusted his collar. "Remember, no scenes."

Gabriella nodded. A pit of disappointment settling in her lower abdomen. "I feel like I need a large amount of valium to live your life."

Troy laughed softly and she could tell it was a genuine one from the way his eyes crinkled.

"Hey Troy," Sharpay shifted so Troy could see her dress, or what little there was of it. The red silk sheath resembled a night gown and in Gabriella's opinion made her look a little desperate for attention.

"Hello Sharpay." His voice was polite and dismissive all at once.

"I wanted you to introduce you to my date," Sharpay purred. "You've met Andre, haven't you?"

"I have." Troy held out his hand and did the one pump handshake with a guy who looked like a more aged version of Troy. Andrea had the same coloring and body type. They were even wearing similar suits. Then again, all the guys were wearing dark suits, but still Gabriella was taken by surprise over the whole doppelganger thing.

It was creepy.

Troy placed a hand on the small of her back, bringing her back to the matter at hand. "Andre this is my date, Gabriella."

The copycat Troy nodded his head at me and smiled like he was royalty. She nodded politely as well.

Chad cleared his throat. "If you'll excuse us, I think we're ready to take our seats."

Relieved Gabriella shifted as she let Troy guide her through the crowd. Her thoughts wondering back to the conversation they were having moments before Sharpay walked over. Did this mean he was going to kiss her? Did it mean things were real between them? The last few days had been so weird she had no idea what to think.

Once seated, Taylor and Gabriella were free to gawk at the décor.

"This place is amazing. I can't believe I helped." Gabriella said admiring the centerpiece.

"I still owe you for that," Troy said with a small smile.

"Noted," Gabriella said suddenly feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks.

"How does the food work?" Taylor asked glancing at the food stations.

"Hors d'oeuvres are available for the next half hour. Salads will be served once everyone is seated." Troy stated as if he was a quote from a sacred text.

"For a guy, you know a lot about banquets." Taylor said.

"I've been listening to my mother plan these events for years." Troy said letting out a low sigh.

"Any rules I should know so I don't offend Troy's mom?" Taylor turned towards Chad.

"There are three rules for eating in public." He counted them off on her fingers. "No double dipping. No eating with your fingers, even if it's finger food. No spitting anything out, no matter how disgusting it is."

"Right," Taylor looked back at Gabriella with a joking smile, "We are so not at pizza hut anymore."

They both laughed.

Suddenly Troy stood up and Gabriella recognized his mother as she came to the table standing beside a man who by the strong resemblance must be his father. She stood as well, hoping it looked somewhat graceful instead of a delayed rushed reaction.

"Mom, Dad, this is Gabriella Montez."

"Nice to see you again darling," His mom placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled knowingly. "Nice to see we haven't scared you off yet."

Before she could acknowledge the compliment, Troy's father spoke. "Montez, sound familiar. Do I know your father, what does he do?"

Gabriella swallowed hard. "He owns his owns and operates his own construction business in Chicago." Normally she wouldn't have thrown in the "owned" part, but in this situation she felt like she had to make that point clear.

"Oh." Troy's father managed to put an enormous amount of disdain into one syllable.

"We should take our seats. Dinner will start soon." His mom gave a genuine smile. "Come on."

"It was nice meeting you," Gabriella said as his parents walked away.

"Sorry about that," Troy said helping her back into her chair. "He can be an ass sometimes."

She nodded as she tried to put on her best smile. She really had no idea what had just happened. "It's fine."

"No it's not." Troy shook his head. "I shouldn't have bought you here," he murmured under his breath.

His last comment left her hairs on her neck standing upright. She thought everything was going fine. She thought she'd done everything right… or at least she did up until now.

Chad father spoke that night, and when he finished speaking. Chad started. He asked a series of questions, drawing all four of them into a conversation about unimportant topics during the rest of the meal. He even made Troy laugh. It was apparent that Chad had a future in politics.

"He's really smart," Gabriella said once she and Taylor were able to sneak off to the bathroom.

"And he's super cute." Taylor applied her lip gloss, "Do you think he likes me?"

"I think he's coming around," Gabriella smiled. "He certainly doesn't seem as annoyed as usual." She was happy for her friend. The boy she liked actually seemed to like her back.

"What about you and Troy? Am I sensing full blown relationship potential?"

"No, I mean … no." Gabriella shrugged her shoulders. "We've never really been anything but friends? We don't even kiss? And that's probably my fault. I told him not to kiss me. He wanted too. But I guess I just don't want there to be any truth to the whole notch on his bedpost rumor. Even if I'm the only one who knows."

Taylor eyes widen, "So that's it. Tonight the end of the deal?"

"I guess," Gabriella said suddenly not all that confident in knowing where she stood after all. "It's not really a big thing."

"Oh Gabi," Taylor said quickly capping her lip gloss. "The night's not over. Maybe he could change his mind."

Gabriella shook her head as she held up a hand stopping Taylor from coming any closer. "It's not just tonight. I thought we were having fun together, and it just seems like he's here only to fill an obligation." She was beginning to feel the strain of emotional whiplash. "Besides we don't exactly have anything in common."

"Gabi?"

"I'm fine with it really. I should break up with him. You got your double date. People aren't whispering behind my back anymore. Or making rude gestures. Really spending any more time pretending is just confusing."

When they met back up with the boys they were waiting by the exit. There seemed to be a bottleneck in the lobby of guest.

"What is this?"

Troy didn't meet her eyes. "People like to socialize on the way out."

"Didn't they socialize enough on the way in?"

"Troy, there you are." His father appeared beside them. "There's someone I want you to meet."

A muscle in Troy's jaw twitched. "Of course, dad." He laid a hand on Gabriella arm softly. "Stick with Chad and Taylor. I should be back in five minutes."

Gabriella nodded. Not sure why she couldn't go with him. Maybe leaving her behind was just an excuse to get back sooner. She liked that train of thought, so she convinced herself that it was the truth. Only half an hour later, she wasn't so sure…

"Where did he say he was going?" Taylor asked holding on to Chad's arm.

"I don't know for sure," Gabriella let out a long breath, "We could call a cab to get back?"

"Haven't you heard of Uber?" Chad asked looking at both of them as if they were insane.

Then she heard his voice followed by a feminine laugh. He emerged from a side hall with a tall red head hanging on his arm. Why was she touching him? Why was he letting her touch him?

He spotted her and rolled his eyes. That helped. When he reached them he said, "Gabriella this is Elizabeth. Her family moved to the area and my father asked me to show her around."

Elizabeth gave her a blinding smile. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," she shifted her eyes back to Troy unsure of what was going on. "I think Taylor and Chad are getting ready to go."

"Thanks again for offering to show me around." Elizabeth nodded with her tooth paste commercial smile.

Troy nodded, "Not a problem."

"Here, let me get you my number," Elizabeth said as she reached into her pocket purse.

Gabriella watched as Troy inhaled and shifted to meet her eyes. He looked genuinely sorry. He also looked tired. As if disappearing for even that short amount of time had aged him somehow.

"Maybe we could get dinner or coffee sometime," she said with a small smile.

She watched Troy's eye widen as he held up a hand to stop her from handing him the number. But when he opened his mouth nothing happened. And that was when she understood. He couldn't be rude to his father new friends. He was trying to please his father.

Alright. Enough was enough.

"Did you just try to make a date with my boyfriend right in front of me?"

Elizabeth went bright red. "Oh my God. I am so sorry." She took a step away from Troy, crumpling her phone number in her hand. "Your father made it seem as through you were available and I-"

"Please stop talking." Gabriella crossed her arms. Turning to Troy she took a calming breath. "Let's go."

"Alright, I'll take you home." Troy nodded placing a hand on Elizabeth shoulder. "Don't worry about the misunderstanding. No harm done. I'm sure we'll see each other again at some event or another. Friendly faces are rare around here."

She nodded, still a bit flushed.

That was when they heard another voice and Gabriella turned to see Troy's dad clapping another man on the shoulder. "I knew my son and your daughter would hit it off."

"Yes they do make a lovely couple." Elizabeth father seemed to be pleased. "What are you two doing tomorrow?"

Hello. Now was the time she expect Troy to jump in and explain the misunderstanding. His father knew she was here with him. What kind of crap was he trying to pull?

"We haven't made firm plans yet," Troy said with a sign as he remained frozen in his spot.

Gabriella shifted as she looked at him then at Troy's father. "Excuse me?"

"Could we not do this here?" Troy sounded annoyed as his eyes shifted to her.

Gabriella arms uncrossed. "I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, but I need to know what is going on here."

He looked as frustrated as she felt. "What do you want me to do?"

"Man up and make a choice." She was tired of second guessing herself. Either Troy was going to be her boyfriend or he wasn't. Either way, she'd survive. "Consider our deal over and make a choice."

He didn't say he wanted to keep dating her. He didn't say he wanted to date her but see other people. He didn't say a word. He blinked and stared. And there was her answer. Fighting the urge to tell him what a wuss he was, she nodded. "Fine. It's over then. Have a nice life."

Author's Note: To all the wonderful and fabulous words of encouragement from the last week, thank you SO much. I learned a lot about myself in the last two weeks. You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

I think it's important to know that these stories in the past have been written by two people. My best friend Jenny and I use to work together on bringing these stories to you. Two weeks ago, Jenny died. She had Chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is one of a group of diseases that fall under the name chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We knew for a while that she wasn't going to survive, but that never makes it easier to lose a loved one. Personally, the hardest part wasn't losing her. It was learning how to live without her.

Jenny was always the braver one. She wasn't afraid to make our characters bold and daring. She never read reviews or agonized over trying to please every single one of you. That part she always left to me. She told me that she always thought writing the story gave her just a little bit of reason to keep going. She always excited to work on our stories, always eager to get the things in her head out on to the paper. Jenny loved storytelling just as much as I did.

My name is Gabriella. I'll be writing the stories from now on, each one dedicated to her memory. I love to write. I didn't get into this because I wanted to win awards or be the next J.K. Rowling. I only wanted to have a conversation with the reader. And here I am. Conversing with you.

It might take me a story or two before I get the hang of all this but I promise you I will.

Troy sat on his room with his back against the wall. He couldn't get the image of Gabriella leaving out of his head. He couldn't believe it. She'd broken up with him. He knew that was the deal, but he hadn't seen it coming. He stood there waiting for the sense of relief that he anticipated. It never came. In its place was a sense of uneasiness, like he'd made a decision he would live to regret. But that was ridiculous. He'd only known her for two weeks. They never even kissed.

He thought of Elizabeth. How much easier his life would be if he started something with her. Red hair, perfect makeup, an amazing body. What else was there?

A lot. There was a lot.

His father had nodded in approval, a sight he rarely saw in his life. He hated that it mattered to him. That he craved his approval so much he'd give up whatever it took to have it. To maintain it, and keep the peace in his house all he had to do was date a girl like Elizabeth. Was that such a hardship? Dating someone who looked like a bikini model?

Troy hated the judgement he'd seen on Gabriella's face. Hated that she told him to make a choice and he'd been so stunned he'd said nothing at all.

His head shifted backwards and he let it thud against the all. If he was smart he'd let her go her way and he'd goes his.

There was a knock at the door and he had an insane hope that it might be Gabriella only when he opened the door it was his father.

"Where have you been?" he asked. "I've been calling."

"Can we do this another time?" He didn't have it in him to play nice and act respectful.

"No, this can't wait. Explain yourself." His father pushed the door open further and entered his room. Propping his hands on his hips and stopping when he noticed the mechanical golf club on Troy's desk.

"What is that?"

"Just something I'm tinkering with, no big deal."

"I see and is that why you grades are slipping?" He picked up the club and let it fall without a second thought.

"My grades aren't slipping." Troy said feeling a jolt of angry spring up in him as he watched the trigger feather pop off of the club. He'd worked on that for a week. He should have sealed that compartment.

"American Sign Language. I told you not to waste your time. If Megan keeps coddling that boy he'll never be able to cure himself."

"Autism is not something you cure yourself of."

"Where is this tone coming from?" His father lifted a finger at him. "And how could you leave Elizabeth standing there like that? It was rude and irresponsible."

"I wasn't rude to Elizabeth. You were rude to Gabriella. You knew I was with her, but you tried to set me up with one of your friend's daughters instead. Why did you do that?"

"Elizabeth is a better fit for you. Sharpay was a good fit for you. You have far more in common with those girls then you do with that girl you brought with you. Now, you are going to call her and apologize and then we'll all have brunch at the country club tomorrow."

"No. I'm sure she's a nice girl, but she isn't who I want to date. I'm sorry if that doesn't fit your social plan. No matter who I date, you will never be at the top of the food chain at the country club. Chad's family has more money than half the other member combined. Deal with it and stop using me to work your way up the ladder."

That what he should have said last night.

His father's eyes narrowed. "And why do you think you're friends with Chad."

What a stupid question. "Because I like him."

"No. since you were an infant I networked with his father, making sure you were involved in all the same activities so that when you grew up you'd be friends."

Unbelievable. "Since I was born, you've used me to network with his family?"

"Yes. And it's worked, which is why you need to listen to me and do as I say. Date Elizabeth. Act like the perfect gentleman when you're with her. I don't care if you want to see this Isabella person in your spare time, but everyone needs to think you and Elizabeth are the perfect couple."

"Her name is Gabriella. And she an incredible girl."

"She's a nobody. Enough." His father voice held sharp tone. "You will date Elizabeth or some other girl with the same pedigree and you will do so with a smile on your face."

"No. I won't." Troy walked around his father and through the door not even bothering to close it behind him.

"Troy get back here, this instant."

"Go to hell."

Sunday morning, she laid in her bed staring at her phone. Willing it to ring. Wishing for it to be Troy. What would he do if she called him? What would she say? There was nothing to say.

She took a deep breath and blew it out. She needed coffee and maybe an entire bag of powered-sugar doughnuts. That would make the world seem like a better place.

"I thought you might need these," Taylor came though there door with a box of doughnuts.

"Thank God." Gabriella sat up and reached out for the box. It was unusual for Taylor to be so quiet. She must be waiting for her to start Troy bashing. "Can you believe Troy turned out to be so spineless?"

"No. And I don't get it. Why would he let his dad push him around like that?" Taylor opened the box and pulled out a doughnut before handing it over.

"Well, his dad is a certified asshole, but Troy should have stood up for me. At least done something."

"Damn right he should have."

"So how was your night?" Gabriella smirked, "Better than mine I suppose."

"We don't have to talk about that." Taylor shifted as climbed up onto Gabriella's bed to get more comfortable beside her.

"Yes we do." Gabriella frowned as she lifted a doughnut. "I need good news. I'm at risk of eating three boxes of doughnuts before noon."

"Alright," Taylor said reaching into the box for another doughnut. "Well, Chad is nothing like how I imaged he be."

"Neither was Troy." Gabriella shrugged.

"That so weird to me," Taylor said using her fingers to tear her doughnut apart. "I thought for country club guys they would be …"

"Stuck up and spoiled."

Taylor let out a laugh, "exactly."

Gabriella shook her head, "Their surprisingly normal."

"As normal as you can be for people who are filthy rich." Taylor let out a sigh, "He took me to this gala, so that we could just hang out and we talked all about our ambitions. He's totally on track for politics and he's so nice. And so cute. And such an amazing kisser!" Taylor added the last one with a deep exhale.

Gabriella popped another piece of doughnut into her mouth. "I can't believe I dated Troy Bolton for two weeks and I got out of it was a box of doughnuts."

"Oh," Taylor laughed, "Is that all?"

Gabriella let out a low sigh, "I don't know."

Taylor was quiet for a moment before looking up at her. "Are you really going to be okay?"

Sure, she was great wasn't she? She knew what was going to happen. She always assumed the whole fiasco was doomed from the start. It was time for Gabriella to suck it up. To put on her big-girl panties, and get back to her real life. A life where she could have a real boyfriend, if she wanted one. But none of them would be like Troy.

Taylor was waiting for an answer. "I'm good. I mean, I'll miss Troy but I'll still see him in class and I still owe him tutoring. So it's not like we're just never gonna see each other again."

By midafternoon she decided to get out of her pajamas. Taylor joined her in the library where they studies and drank Coffee. People walked by, some pointed, some whispered. Some people even laughed.

"Is it me," Taylor said, "or do people seem to be staring at us?"

People had probably heard that she'd dumped Troy. And for the first time in a long time she didn't care. "Who gives a fic?" she muttered as she opened her lap top. "It's my new life motto."

"I'm going to go get a refill," Taylor said as she stood up. "Want anything?"

"I'm alright." She nodded as she watched Taylor walk off towards the service counter. She then turned her attention back to her laptop. To the words on the screen. "Come on Gabi, what happens next?" she whispered to herself.

She was working on a tricky scene, Lauren and Michael were arguing about whether or not they should go to a party together, and whether Mitch or Alyssa would be there. It was all supposed to be very funny and romantic and thoughtful, which was normally Jenny's thing.

She been doing alright, but now she was stuck. Her thoughts traveled back to having lunch with Troy. The way he was so supportive without a second thought. He'd know what to say to right now. It had been nice to have that.

Maybe they still could have that. Urg. For now she had to stop thinking about him. Dropping her head to the surface of the table she let out a sigh. Dear god she could even smell him again if she concentrated.

"Writers block?"

Her eyes flew open and lifted her face off the table. Dear God she could hear him too? She panicked and turned towards his voice to find a very real Troy. "Troy?"

"Hey." He had his messenger bag slung over his shoulder. "Do you mind if I sit with you?"

She started at him openmouthed. Say something. "Taylor's coming back."

"That's alright," he pulled out the seat next to her and sat down. "We need to talk about Friday night."

"I'm sorry if I made a scene." She blurted. "I thought you needed an out. You looked like you needed one."

"Don't be sorry." He placed his hands on the table, both of them sitting in tense silence. "How is writing?"

"Painful." Gabriella admitted as she stared at her laptop. "My characters want to be together but they can't get over the conflict."

Troy nodded and she reached out to touch her keyboard. Hoping maybe it would inspire her to say something. "Tell me that I didn't completely blow it with you?"

"What do mean?" finding her voice she started at him in suspicion.

"I like you. I like you a lot." Troy reached out his hand to take hers in his. "I know you wanted me to make a choice that night. I know I was a massive idiot for not making the right one."

She stared at him not really sure what else to do.

"Look, I practically told my dad to shove it. I know it was a little late but I much rather date you than a girl like you or someone my father thinks matched my pedigree."

"Pedigree?"

Troy let out a low sigh, "Remember when you said my world was terrifying."

She nodded.

"It would be even more terrifying if I had to live in it without you."

"We hardly know each other," Gabriella heard herself mumble.

Troy smiled, "I think I know enough."

She was about to say something but he grabbed her hand and lifted her into a standing position. He balanced his palms against the sides of her face, the blue in his eyes warmed, his touch warmed. Troy opened his lips and brought them to hers slowly, hovering there, his breath fanning her face. "I mean it."

He pressed his lips open slightly, driving his tongue against them and gliding it against hers until it was in her mouth, sliding against her tongue. Tongue! She'd known this was how people kissed but never understood the reasoning. Tongues were for tasting, for talking. But now she knew that they were for this.

Having their mouths connected, Gabriella mirroring each move Troy made, created a chemical reaction, flipped a switch. She suddenly knew exactly what to do. Her hands were on his broad chest, running down his tight stomach, his covetable abs. His tongue dipped with hers, his mouth was warm and frim and perfect.

"Wow," she managed when they came up for air.

"So what's your answer?" he asked quietly, "And in case you're confused, the only acceptable answer is yes." He added with a cocky but adorable grin.

Gabriella let out breathless laugh as she came to meet his eyes. "Yes."

"Oh my god." Taylor's voice squealed behind them and Troy chuckled as he reached for her again, his lips crashing down onto hers.

The crowd erupted into applause and cat calls. If anyone had doubted their relationship before they couldn't doubt it now.