Brief Encounter
Summary: Can anything good come from a mix-up?
Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney. I just have them on secondment.
A/N: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. They are much appreciated and spur me on even more.
"It sure is." He agreed raising his eyebrows seductively. Gabriella blushed at his meaning.
Frustrations
Gabriella couldn't believe she'd lied to Taylor yet again and from the suspicious looks Taylor kept flinging her way over the past few days, Gabriella knew she was on thin ice. One false move and she'd fall into the icy waters of Taylor's wrath and that was something she wanted to avoid at all costs; when Taylor was mad her demeanour changed to cold with cutting remarks flying from her razor sharp tongue and she just didn't want to risk that. The atmosphere in the apartment would be like walking on eggshells all the time and not recommended for harmonious living.
The next few days were franticly busy for both Gabriella and Troy anyway and consequently their time together was short or non-existent. They both had meetings left and right, his with the manager, coach and players of the Lakers. He also had meetings with his personal manager going over endorsement offers that were flooding in for him. Big companies in the food, sportswear and pharmaceutical fields were eager to speak to him to put his name to their products. Troy was particularly flabbergasted that someone wanted to produce cologne for him.
"Good god! Whatever next? Troy Bolton boxers?" Troy asked his manager in amazement as they exited the building after a meeting with the perfume executives.
"Hey! Why not? You carry quite a package and if the pay check is big enough," Martin chuckled nudging Troy in the arm. "And they'd sell like hot cakes."
"I was joking," Troy smirked at Martin.
"Cologne isn't something to pull your nose up at Troy. It's big business that can make big conglomerates mega bucks. Hey, and if David Beckham can do it, why not you?"
Troy rubbed a hand around the back of his neck as he thought over what Martin had said.
"I guess," he said hesitantly, "but man, do I have to do a commercial? That is not what I do." Troy added looking apprehensively at his manager. Martin laughed at his expression.
"You'll do good Troy and just think of all the models you'll get to pose with," Martin said winningly a broad smile on his face. Troy looked at him aghast.
"Erm! Models. Who the fuck said anything about models," he yelped looking scared. Martin shrugged his shoulders.
"Just saying Troy, all these commercials have hot chicks in them." Troy rolled his eyes at him.
"No they don't. Why would they have a model in an advert for training shoes?"
"Well…I was just saying," started Martin.
"What you meant was you were hoping you could ogle some. Well let me tell you if and it is a big if, I have to do a commercial, you're not going to be there." Troy warned. Martin groaned as if in pain.
"Why not?"
"I'm not going to be embarrassed when you start salivating on a shoot." Troy stated firmly.
"Spoilsport!" Martin moaned at him. "Anyway, think about all of them and we'll get together next week and come to a decision on which ones interest you the most and for god sake, don't let a little commercial put you off if it's one you fancy the most."
"Whatever!" Troy answered still looking worriedly at Martin. "I'll give them some serious thought," he promised. "See you next week Martin." They shook hands as they went to their respective vehicles.
Gabriella had meetings with Ryan, Caroline and the record company executives and it was agreed finally that the album release would have to be delayed for a week, as the video for her single still needed some editing. The guys in New York had not delivered as promised and Gabriella was very disappointed at the delay. All the print work for the album cover had been completed and the CD's were currently being pressed and should be shipped to the distributors by next Thursday. The record company were happy with the location of the launch party for which Gabriella was thankful. It was agreed that her radio interviews would go ahead so that her single could receive much needed airplay. Interviews had also been set up for her in the next ten days with prominent radio stations around the country. She'd be flying between New York, Chicago, Miami, Houston and Washington and she wasn't looking forward to that. It was something she had not had chance to mention to Troy yet so she was a bit apprehensive with his response.
"Whew! That was a marathon," moaned Gabriella as she left the record company building with Ryan and Caroline as dusk began to fall.
"That it was," agreed Caroline. "They sure go into everything with a fine tooth comb."
"Aw! Come on, they want it as perfect as possible for you Gabi," Ryan said confidently, "and it will be. It's just a pity those Dumbass' cocked up the editing but at least it will give you more time to do your whistle-stop tour of the radio stations."
"Yeah I suppose although I'm not looking forward to that. It's so tiring haring around the country but it will be worth it," said Gabriella moaning at first but finished by giving it a positive spin.
"Fancy a drink before we head off home?" Caroline asked.
"Sure, why not," Gabriella agreed with a nod. Ryan smiled and led the way into a local wine bar. Once they had been served, they settled at a table in a far corner.
"Do we need to put the launch party back or can we go with the date already arranged?" Caroline asked still in business mode. Gabriella looked at Ryan for advice.
"It should really be the same week as the album goes on sale. I meant to ask Brian but it went out of my head. Duh!" Ryan cursed himself. He pulled out his blackberry and made a quick call. He spoke, listened then nodded before hanging up.
"Yea, he forgot too but he agrees that it should be put back a week. God! That means another call to Sharpay," Ryan moaned. Gabriella chuckled as he speed dialled his sister's number.
"Hey Shar, it's Ryan. Look can you ring Stuart and see if we can put back the launch party a week?" Ryan listened and nodded, "yea, Gabriella is a bit miffed too but it can't be helped," he shrugged his shoulders as Sharpay said something else and he rolled his eyes causing Gabriella to giggle.
"So ring me back as soon as you can, bye Shar," he finished cutting her off while she was still talking.
"You like to live dangerously don't you?" Gabriella commented with a giggle. Ryan smirked and shrugged his shoulders.
"You know how she is. I'd be on another fifteen minutes if I let her."
"How's it going with Kelsi?" Gabriella asked Ryan. He smiled.
"She's amazing Gabi. She understands music like no one else I know. We just click," he said blushing as Gabriella raised her eyebrow.
"I'm very happy for you. I knew you'd like each other." Gabriella replied.
"So how is it with the basketball star?" Caroline enquired. Gabriella's head shot round to stare at her.
"Don't blush, for god's sake," she wished silently.
"Hmm! I have no idea what you're talking about Caroline," Gabriella acted dumb.
"Damnit! I'd hoped you'd hook up with him." Caroline cursed.
"Why would you think that?" Gabriella queried.
"Cos he's a hunk," Caroline sighed, "plus you could get me free tickets for the games," she added with a smirk. Gabriella laughed at her.
"You're incorrigible" Gabriella smirked at her, "anyway I pay you ample to afford the tickets."
"Yea but not front row next to all those gleaming thighs." Caroline moaned with longing. Gabriella and Ryan burst out laughing. Ryan's phone rang out halting their conversation. He flipped it open and mouthed Sharpay to Gabriella before answering it.
"Hey Shar," he listened to his sister with a roll of his eyes making Gabriella giggle again.
"That was quick. Okay so we owe you but it's all rearranged now?" Ryan queried before letting out a sigh.
"Yea she is. Okay I'll tell her although she is going to busy for the next week or so. Right see ya sis."
"That girl is just a motor-mouth. God knows how she can be related to me," Ryan groaned. "The week after is okay with Stuart. I think he's eager to host this for you Gabi. She said to let you know the new stock is in at Kitsons and do you want to go with her. I did say you were going to be busy but she didn't listen, she never does. She says she'll ring you. Oh and by the way, she says we owe her an outfit for the launch because of the work she's put in," Ryan finished, raising his eyebrow and sighed. Gabriella laughed aloud and shook her head in amazement.
It was late by the time Gabriella got home, far too late to arrange a meeting with Troy. Taylor was working and the apartment felt strangely cold and empty. She switched on the stereo and went into her bedroom to change into her pyjamas with red lips dotted all over before entering the kitchen to make a coffee. Armed with the coffee she went and flopped down on the sofa, sighing with the thought of the hectic days ahead and not being able to be with Troy. She had her radio interview with Ryan Seacrest tomorrow morning and she had to be there at 7am so she really should be going to bed. She cupped her coffee between her hands and blew into it to cool it. The phone rang making her jump and nearly spilling the hot liquid down her jacket. She quickly put the drink on the coffee table before snatching up the phone.
"555 –78989," she quoted on answering.
"Hello sexy, free to talk," whispered a husky voice that sent a thrill through her body.
"Sexy? No. Free to talk, yea," she replied.
"I beg to differ. You are one sexy lady," he disagreed.
"I've missed you today," she sighed into the receiver.
"Me too that's why I needed to hear your voice," he rasped down the phone clearly showing his need.
"I know," she moaned. "How have your meetings gone?" Gabriella enquired. Troy sighed.
"I've had to listen to some suits drone on about cologne today for god's sake. Can you see me advertising cologne?" Troy groaned. "And they are even talking of a commercial. I mean I play basketball so what do I know about acting," he huffed in disgust. Gabriella giggled at him.
"Yea, but you're an icon and anyway I think you'd look damn sexy on film." Gabriella moaned at the thought. Troy chuckled at the frustration in her voice.
"Really? The only film I'd want to be in would be with you but it wouldn't be for public release." Gabriella gasped.
"Troy!" she squeaked with a nervous laugh. Tory chuckled at her reaction.
"Well Martin says I have to think about it seriously. They just want to throw mega bucks at me and of course Martin is keen. It's unreal." Troy said switching back to the outcome of his meeting.
"Troy you should do it. Seriously, you have to look to the future," Gabriella encouraged.
"Maybe, I'll give it some thought." Troy promised.
"How did your meeting go? Successful?" Troy asked with interest. Gabriella sighed.
"Yes and no. The release has been put back a week because of the damn video guys so Ryan had to get Sharpay to delay the launch until the week after. I've got to get up early tomorrow for the interview at Kiss, then I have that fund raiser for Taylor on Saturday, then Sunday I have to fly to New York for a radio interview." Gabriella said quickly. Troy groaned.
"You're joking right? Gabi I'm never going to see you again." Troy gasped. Gabriella winced at his voice.
"Hmm…" She started saying. Troy heard her hesitate.
"Go on, hit me with it," Troy demanded frustration in his voice.
"I have to fly from New York to radio interviews in Chicago, Miami, Houston and Washington, I'm sorry," she moaned.
"Damnit! How long will you be gone?" Troy groaned again.
"Ten days in total. I've got 2 nights in each city." Gabriella said softly.
"Oh god, you're killing me Gabi?" Troy cried as if in pain.
"Aw baby, I'm sorry. It's not doing much for me either," she whined.
"I guess it can't be helped and I suppose it's the nature of our jobs. I mean look at me, I have to fly to San Antonio tomorrow night so I guess it's something we will just have to live with." Troy tried to be realistic but the catch in his voice didn't fool Gabriella.
"Hey, just think of all the making up we'll have to look forward to," Gabriella said throatily. Troy's body reacted to the timber in her voice and he started to throb with want.
"So what are you doing now?" he asked.
"I've just got into my nightwear and I'm having a coffee before going to bed otherwise I'll fall asleep on the sofa," Gabriella said with a yawn.
"Hmm! I wish I was there then you could cuddle up next to me," Troy groaned when he heard nightwear and bed.
"I wish you were too although I doubt there'd be much sleeping going on," Gabriella chuckled at the thought.
"You're so right. What are you wearing?" Troy leered down the phone.
"My passion killing PJ's with little red lips all over," Gabriella giggled as she looked at her comfortable attire. Troy groaned as she described what she was wearing, his member now a full hard-on.
"I'd be kissing every single one of them both inside and out," Troy whispered huskily. Gabriella felt warm all over at the thoughts he was invoking as she looked down to see where the printed lips were, imagining his lips in the same places. She licked her lips at the thought.
"Are you licking your lips," Troy gasped with need.
"Yea, I'm just imagining your lips instead of the print," she whispered hotly. Troy groaned again.
"This is too much Gabi. I'm tempted to hike over but I guess a cold shower will have to do," he moaned in frustration. Gabriella hitched her voice as she heard him moan.
"I guess it will," she sighed disappointment in her voice.
"I need to see you tomorrow. I can't live without seeing you Gabi. Meet me for lunch?" Troy pleaded.
"I think I can do that, the interview will be finished by then so 12 O'clock?" Gabriella suggested.
"It can't come soon enough," Troy said wistfully.
"Hmm! I'm looking forward to it," agreed Gabriella.
"Good luck with the interview. I'll be listening," Troy promised.
"Thank you although I should warn you Ryan can ask some leading question so I'll be denying any personal relationships. Just don't get upset okay?" Gabriella warned him. Troy sighed.
"Thanks for the warning. I won't get upset as I'll be seeing you right afterwards," Troy promised. Gabriella sighed in relief.
"Goodnight Troy, see you tomorrow," said Gabriella with regret in her voice.
"Night Gabi. Sleep well."
I didn't particularly like this chapter but I needed to show that they are both busy people with their careers to look out for.