Floor 6

...

"So, you gonna be my dance partner tonight?" Troy asked as he climbed behind the wheel of his car. It was the evening of his party, which Gabriella had eventually agreed to attend.

"In your dreams," she replied, adjusting her cardigan. She'd invited Dave to come along with her, but he already had a commitment with the fraternity. Therefore, she didn't have a date for the night.

"Come on, Brie. I don't have a girl. And it'll just be dancing. As friends. I swear."

"Fine. But don't expect me to be attached to your hip all night." She playfully nudged his arm as he pulled up to a red light.

"I won't. But seeing how you don't know any of the guests other than Mike and Allie..." He shot her a grin.

"Shut up."

The remainder of the drive was quiet. Upon reaching the designated hotel, the pair stepped out of the car and began unloading the party supplies from the trunk.

"You alright in those shoes, Brie?" Troy wondered, looking down at the tall pair of pumps Gabriella was wearing.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. I'm not helpless, you know."

"Well, they look like a recipe for disaster to me." He slung a bag onto his arm.

Ignoring his remark, she closed the trunk lid.

"Let's go." He led her into the building and over toward the vicinity he had reserved, which proved to be quite larger than she had pictured. The front half of the arena was finely carpeted, with six round tables set up near a bar-style counter. An open space bordered with leather couches was on the opposite side, evidentially reserved for dancing. Separated from the rest of the area by a short staircase, a large pool lay nestled in the center of a series of beach chairs. A bubbling hot tub was situated against the back wall, complete with cup holders along its rim.

"So...are we decorating all this?" Her eyes widened with disbelief.

"Yup. But don't worry, Mike and Allie will be here in an hour or so to help."

"I don't think that'll be soon enough," she giggled, kicking off her shoes. There would be no way she'd be able to run around preparing things in six inch heels.

"Well, why don't we just get started?" He pulled a pack of red and white streamers from one of the bags. "I wanted to put some of these along the edges of the counter and some on the wall above it."

She crinkled her nose as she studied the indicated space. "And how will we reach that high?"

"We'll use that little ladder." He motioned toward the back wall, along which a tiny ladder - if it could even be called that - was resting.

"Are you serious? That thing's no bigger than a step-stool!" She shook her head. "I mean, it might help you, but it sure as hell won't do much for me."

"You're such a cupcake," he teased, wrapping his arms about her waist and lifting her off the ground.

"I'm a what?" she questioned, struggling to release herself from Troy's grip.

"A cupcake." He smiled as he set her down and placed a hand on top of her head. "As in, you're small."

"For goodness sake, Troy! You're acting like I'm a damn midget or something!"

"Well, would you prefer 'shorty?'"

She rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. "You're such an ass sometimes."

"Alright. Then cupcake it is."

...

The celebration began at seven o' clock. By then, the tables had been covered with tablecloths, a variety of beverages along with pizza, breadsticks, and salad had been placed on the counter, and towels were stacked beside the pool. Fluorescent disco lights shone over the room, creating an animated glow. In a way, Gabriella was reminded of the fraternity party; however, this scenery looked less wild, less threatening, and more cheerful.

"Hey, Chad!" Troy called out, waving to his afro-headed friend from behind the counter.

Gabriella chewed on her lip, remembering all too well the incident in which her roommate had brought Chad home drunk.

"Hey, Troy!" Chad returned.

"So, this is my roommate, Brie. But you can call her Gabi." Troy wrapped an arm around Gabriella's shoulders. "I know you guys kind of got off to a rough start, but I hope you'll learn to get along."

Chad snorted. "I don't even remember her. I was too wasted that night. But it's good to meet you, Gabs." He gave her a fist pump, then stepped back and crinkled his nose. "Are you sure you guys aren't dating? You look awfully comfortable to me."

Gabriella looked up at Troy, who shook his head. "I told you before, she's just my little sister."

"Whatever." Chad shrugged as he grabbed a can of beer.

As the rest of the guests rolled in, Gabriella was introduced to them. Besides Mike, Allie, and Chad, there was Jason and his girlfriend Martha - both of whom proved to be pleasant and easy-going - a gentleman called Zeke, and a brunette girl named Brooke. In addition, a handful of Troy's cousins also showed up, all of them displaying the signature Bolton charm that both Troy and Mike possessed.

"Alright, guys. Thanks for coming out tonight," Troy spoke once everyone had gotten settled in. "Please help yourselves to the food and drinks. Later on, we'll be having some dancing and time to hang out in the pool. I hope you all have a good time, and if you don't...well...you'll have to take it up with me, I guess."

A few chuckles sounded throughout the room.

"So, do you eat pizza?" Gabriella asked as she walked up to the counter with Allie. The two had been chatting together prior to Troy's announcement.

"Nope." The blonde shook her head. "I'm just having salad and breadsticks."

"How can you live like that?" Gabriella loaded her plate with two slices of pizza, a handful of breadsticks, and a dusting of salad.

Allie laughed. "I'm just used to it, I guess."

Wrinkling her nose, Gabriella poured herself a large cupful of cherry coke.

"Hey, Brie."

Gabriella turned to see Troy standing beside her with a mixer in his hand. "Why do you have to tease me like that?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your drink. I'm jealous."

Troy sighed. "Here. Give me your cup."

She handed her beverage to him and watched as he poured the barest bit of tequila into it. "Oh, gosh, you're gonna let a baby drink that?"

"Well, it's better than hearing whining all night." Shrugging, he handed the soda back to her. "But I gotta warn you that if the cops come and get me, it'll be your fault."

Rolling her eyes, she playfully kicked his shin. "Yeah, right."

"Ouch! Those heels are painful."

"Well, I guess that's just something you'll have to get used to." She stuck out her tongue before following Allie to a table.

The meal went by slowly, as it was filled with talking and laughter. When everybody had finally taken their last bites, Troy turned on the stereo, implying that it was time for dancing. Gabriella watched as everyone paired up, instantly feeling lost without Dave to grab as her partner.

"Brie, you promised," Troy said, walking up to her.

"I didn't promise," she insisted. "I just...I just agreed under pressure."

"Well, you still said you'd do it." One of his arms wrapped around her small waist while the other gripped her sweaty fingers.

Letting out a sigh, she moved onto the dance floor, allowing him to guide her in a series of steps. Luckily, the first few songs were upbeat. But naturally, the time for slow dancing eventually came about. Now this would be awkward.

"It's just like a cuddle," Troy assured, letting go of his partner's hand and hugging her close to him.

Her heart beating faster, Gabriella leaned forward, her arms cautiously fastening about his neck. Biting her lip, she shied away from his gaze, which was nearly level with her own due to her heels.

"Hey, what's wrong?" His fingers caressed her dark curls.

"Ugh...my feet hurt," she fumbled. "I think I'm gonna go sit out for a while."

"Just take your shoes off, then. I don't mind you dancing barefoot."

"Maybe you don't, but I'd prefer not to have my damn toes crushed. I'll just go sit for a while." Breaking free from his hold, she ventured over to a table and removed her pumps. Oh, shit, she thought to herself, rubbing her thumb over a rising blister on her heel.

"You okay?"

She lifted her eyes to see Troy seating himself beside her. "I'm fine. It's just my retarded feet pulling crap on me."

"Want me to rub them?" he offered.

"Eww, hell no. That's disgusting, Troy." She pulled her phone from her purse and opened her text messages. Seeing that there was one from Dave, she smiled. Hey hun, how's it going? xxx.

It's alright, thanks for checking, babe. xxx, she wrote back.

"You want anything?" Troy asked.

"No, I'm fine. Go enjoy your party."

"But I wanted to slow dance."

"Then ask someone else." She chewed on her lip. "I'm actually gonna go get into my bikini and soak in the hot tub for a while. Where's the bathroom?"

"There's one against the wall in the pool area."

"Okay." Stretching, she rose from her seat and drew a floral print bikini from her purse. "Come with me, I need you to tie it."

"What?"

"Not inside," she clarified, rolling her eyes. "Just wait out by the door and I'll come out when I'm ready."

"Alright, then." He followed her to the bathroom and leaned against the wall to wait.

Gabriella quickly changed, then stepped out into the room, her hands holding up the top so it wouldn't fall down. "Tie it tight," she told him. "I don't need it falling off in front of everyone."

After fumbling with the strings for a while, Troy finally managed to fasten the top. However, it was secured in more of a tangled mess than a neat bow. "There you go."

"Thanks." Grabbing a towel, she headed over to the hot tub and climbed in, a sigh escaping her lips.

"Hey, it's swimming time!" Chad broke away from his dance partner and, removing his clothes to reveal a pair of swimming trunks beneath his pants, did a cannonball into the pool. "Come on, Troy!"

Gabriella groaned. She'd hoped for some peace and quiet before the others joined in, but now that wish was ruined.

"I'll be there in a minute!" called Troy.

Soon enough, the rest of the guests abandoned the slow dancing and gathered around the pool. From the hot tub, Gabriella could see that Mike, Troy, and a few of their cousins were having a diving contest, while the rest of the group was either chatting or playing water volleyball.

"Brie, come join us!" Troy called.

"I don't wanna," Gabriella shouted back.

"Aww, come on." To her dismay, Troy walked over and climbed into the bubbling water with her. His dripping hair was hanging in his eyes and his prominent muscles were glistening with droplets.

Damn, he has a nice body. Chewing on her lip, Gabriella looked down at the foam surrounding her.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I had a hard week and I just wanna relax for a while. I'll join you guys later."

Troy looked about, his eyes eventually resting on Gabriella's stomach. "You have your belly button pierced?" he asked, reaching out to touch her belly bar.

"Troy!" she scolded, pushing his hand away.

"Sorry." He reached up to rub the back of his neck. "I...I was just curious. You don't seem like the type of girl who'd have something like that."

"Well, I am. My sister took me to get it when I was sixteen. We told our parents I was just going along to support her while she had it done. Imagine their faces when we both came home with belly bars in." She giggled. "My dad almost killed us right then and there - her for taking me, and me for getting the piercing."

"What a badass." He shook his head. "I'm guessing you weren't supposed to wear bikinis, either?"

"Nope. But I did anyway, and I still do. Nothing bad has ever come from it." She unconsciously leaned on Troy's arm. "As long as my boobs, ass, and crotch aren't showing, I really don't see anything wrong."

He chuckled. "You're funny, Brie."

"Thank you. I try to be." She gave him a small smirk before allowing her fingers to caress the familiar charm she wore about her neck, reminding her of Dave. It was a bummer that he hadn't been able to make it to the party. She would've enjoyed attending a social event with him that didn't involve the fraternity.

"Are you tired already?" Troy laid his head on top of hers.

"I've been tired. Now let me rest. Like I said, I had a tough week."

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

"No," she snapped. "It's just that midterm crap that threw me off. But it's over now, so there's nothing to discuss. All I need is some alone time."

"You sure?"

"Positive. Now go back to your friends."

"But you are my friend." He looked at her and smiled.

"Don't be cheesy. Just go. All I've wanted this week was a damn bubble bath, and since we only have a shower, this is the closest thing I could get. Please let me enjoy it."

"Well, okay. Suit yourself." Shrugging, he stood up and got out of the hot tub. "We'll all be in the pool if you wanna hang out."

Gabriella didn't reply. Instead, she laid back and closed her eyes, her mind tuning out the sound of the group behind her.

...

"Hey Brie, are you okay with renting a room here for the night?" Troy queried with a yawn. It was nearly three in the morning, and the last of the guests had just left.

"Sure." Pulling her towel more tightly around her, Gabriella sank into one of the couches. She hadn't bothered to change out of her bikini yet, and as a result was growing chilly.

"The janitors will take care of this mess in the morning," he said, scanning the room. "All we gotta do is take the food, drinks, and gifts with us." Letting out a sigh, he ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm gonna head up to the lobby. You wait here."

"Okay." She closed her eyes as she waited for her companion to return. When he did, she let out a groggy mumble and rose from her seat. "Where are we staying?"

"In one of those small rooms down the hall. It's right by the one Mike and Allie have."

"Great, so we'll be hearing them getting it on all night?"

"Brie! You have the filthiest mind, don't you?"

She shrugged as she picked up a few of the bags that were scattered about.

"You okay?" Troy cast her a sympathetic look while loading his own arms up with things.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

She hesitated. She wasn't okay. She hadn't been okay all night. The thing was that she and Dave had gotten into a disagreement the night they'd gone out for ice cream. While she hadn't revealed to him that her roommate was a guy, she had told him that Troy was a good friend of hers, and that she was going to his birthday party. Upon hearing the news, he had grown jealous, saying that he didn't like the idea of her being close with a man other than himself. Although she hadn't shown any outward signs of hurt in front of him, she truly was pained at the thought that he might not fully trust her. However, she didn't feel that she should bother Troy with her boyfriend troubles.

"Yes," she finally said, giving a slight nod.

"Okay, then." Shrugging, he led her to their designated room and pulled the key from his pocket. Upon opening the door, a space not even half the size of their apartment was revealed, the only pieces of furniture being a lone bed in the center of the area and a chair situated in the corner.

"I don't have anything to wear to bed," Gabriella suddenly realized as she dropped her packages.

"Here." Troy closed the door and laid his things down. He then took off the t-shirt he'd put on after swimming and handed it to her. "I'll sleep in my swim trunks, you take my shirt."

She raised her eyebrows. "Just a shirt?"

"It'll be like a nightgown. I promise."

"But..."

"Here. Take my boxers, too," he offered, picking the piece of clothing from one of the bags and handing it to her.

"That'll be better. Thanks." Biting her lip, she stepped into the bathroom, where she took a quick shower and dressed in Troy's boxers and shirt. Damn, I look like I just had sex, she thought, looking at her reflection. Oh well, it'll do for now. Shrugging, she ran her fingers through her wet hair.

"Hey Brie, you okay with sharing, or would you rather me sleep on the floor?" Troy asked from the bed once she had emerged into the main space.

"I'll share." Under normal circumstances, she'd be hesitant to sleep in the same bed as him when he was shirtless. But at that point, she didn't even think twice. Not only was she exhausted, she also felt that she could use someone to snuggle up with.

"Come on in, then." He shifted over, allowing her space to lie down.

Without saying a word, Gabriella crawled beneath the covers and nestled against Troy's chest, being sure the blanket was wrapped around her bare legs so as to avoid direct contact with his.

"What's up, cupcake?" Turning off the bedside lamp, he wrapped a strong arm about her waist.

Rolling her eyes at the nickname, she replied, "I'm just a little chilly, that's all."

"You sure? You seemed a bit off tonight. And it's not like you to wanna cuddle in bed."

"I'm fine. Like I said, I'm cold." It really wasn't a total lie; the room did have a frosty edge to it.

"Alright. Well, good-night, Brie."

"Night, Troy." Closing her eyes, she snuggled further into him as she considered her latest worries. Maybe in the morning I'll ask him what he thinks, she told herself, referring to Troy. I mean, he's a guy. He'd know what's going through Dave's head, right?