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: Please don't shoot me but I know nothing about Washington apart from the places I found on the net or the feasibility of flights between the cities.
"Your toenails are a little sharp."
Of Course You Did
Caroline chatted non-stop as they exited the terminal of another nondescript airport building. Gabriella sighed partly in exhaustion and partly praying for some peace as she dragged her flight case by the long handle, the little wheels making a strange noise as they rumbled over the rubber lined inlay in front of the automatic sliding doors. The wispy breeze lifted up tendrils of hair that had escaped her chignon as Gabriella breathed in deeply as the clearer air hit her. Caroline had already arrived at the waiting car, the driver in the process of storing her baggage as Gabriella approached.
"Come on, you need a rest Gabi." Caroline said as she noted Gabriella's drawn features and the dark circles under her eyes. Gabriella gave up her case willingly to the driver and jumped thankfully into the back seat of the Town car, resting her head wearily against the backrest. Caroline joined her minutes later after ensuring that nothing was left behind.
"I forgot how tiring these promotional events can be," sighed Gabriella, her eyes still closed as the car eased into an endless line of cars each trying to get away from the airport concourse.
"You need a relaxing hot bath and a good nights sleep," soothed Caroline. "Thank god the first interview isn't until 10am tomorrow, at least it will allow you a little longer in the morning," she added.
"Hmm!" Gabriella grunted sleepily. Caroline looked at Gabriella and smiled, seeing some of the strain leaving her face as she slipped into a light doze.
All too soon, or so it seemed to Gabriella, Caroline was nudging her awake to inform her they had reached their destination, The Willard Hotel. Gabriella quickly rubbed her eyes and climbed out of the car casually stretching as she straightened up. Caroline was already at the boot supervising the removal of their luggage into the waiting arms of a bellboy who had suddenly appeared at her side. Gabriella walked into the hotel lobby and gasped at the pure opulence of the surroundings, marble columns supported the ornate ceiling and the marble floor seemed to go on forever.
"Wow!" Caroline seconded Gabriella's thoughts as she joined her. "I feel I should be wearing a flapper dress and a headband with a feather sticking out." Gabriella rolled her eyes and giggled.
"I know what you mean," she agreed. Caroline went over to the reception desk to check them in while Gabriella soaked in the atmosphere. Caroline eventually came back waving a key card in her hand.
"We're in the Jenny Lind suite," she instructed the bellboy who smiled in reply and asked them to follow him to the bank of elevators.
"Wow!" Gabriella uttered as she stepped into the suite. "Very nice." Caroline nodded in agreement as she tipped the bellboy and thanked him for his service before closing the door behind him.
"Let's order room service so we can just relax and get an early night," she suggested to Gabriella. Gabriella nodded in agreement as she looked into the two bedrooms.
"Which one do you want?" Gabriella queried as she came back out. Caroline shrugged.
"I'm not bothered as long as it has a pillow and cover. I think I'll be asleep before my head hits the pillow."
"Holy shit, would you look at this bathtub. Now when I'm rich and famous, I'm going to have a tub like this," drooled Caroline as she investigated the bathroom. Gabriella giggled, as she knew Caroline had a pretty neat pad already. Gabriella flicked on the TV set for background noise as she looked around the suite, opening and closing drawers on the writing bureau, wishing she'd brought her laptop with her yet again as she spotted a socket point. She found the room service menu and settled into a Queen Anne chair to peruse it.
"So what are you having?" Caroline asked as she came back in the room. Gabriella shrugged unsure of what to choose. She passed the menu to Caroline.
"I don't want something too heavy, it is 9pm after all and I do want to sleep tonight," she commented as Caroline looked at the menu, licking her lips at each entry. Gabriella glanced at the TV and sat up straighter as she noticed a report on basketball. She saw Troy flit across the screen and her heart ached for him. Caroline looked up and noticed. She smirked when she realised what had caught Gabriella's attention.
"So you're not as immune as you pretend to be," she commented. Gabriella flicked her startled gaze to Caroline and blushed.
"Well he is kinda cute," she offered in her defence. Caroline chuckled.
"Yea, he is and what a hot body. Bloody hell what am I talking about? He's perfect, a beautiful smile, gorgeous hair, fit body and those eyes. Phwoar!" gushed Caroline. Gabriella silently agreed.
"And he's all mine," she thought inwardly a warm feeling spreading through her body. Aloud she said," I think I'll have a club sandwich and a sparkling water."
"Boring Gabi," mocked Caroline and she turned to pick up the phone to ring through their order.
"Not the last time I had it," Gabriella smirked knowingly as her thoughts drifted back to the last day she'd seen him, her body growing warm with her thoughts. She couldn't wait to phone him later once Caroline was safely tucked up in bed.
She sighed as she thought back to the hectic schedule she'd had over the past week. Thankfully Taylor's fundraiser had kept her occupied so she hadn't had chance to miss him on Saturday. Taylor had made sure of that, roping her in not to just sing but to help her host the auction part of the evening. Happily it had been a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for the hospital and all thanks to the generous benefactors who donated fabulous prizes and for the many people who had attended the evening in person. Taylor said they'd had a rush for the remaining unsold tickets and Gabriella hoped her plug on the radio interview had instigated that. Sunday was a numbing day, flying always did that to her and it was followed by two gruelling days of talking non-stop about her album. Chicago proved just as gruelling and she supposed Washington would be no different. The only good thing was that she was halfway through her schedule so she could see the end in sight. Caroline interrupted her musings to advise she was going to take a shower before the food arrived. Gabriella nodded in response as she flicked through the channels hoping for more sport updates. The food arrived fifteen minutes later and Gabriella went to answer the door to the waiter. He walked into the room and placed the tray of food onto the large coffee table in the centre of the room. Caroline walked out of her chosen bedroom in a towel and squeaked when she saw a man, a blush staining her cheeks. Gabriella giggled as the waiter quickly left the suite.
"Nice one Caro, I wish I had a camera handy," chortled Gabriella. Caroline huffed as she walked over to get her case before disappearing back into her bedroom Gabriella's laughter ringing in her ears. She came out in her nightclothes a few minutes later to see Gabriella already tucking into her club sandwich.
"Sorry, I couldn't wait. I didn't realise how hungry I was," apologised Gabriella as she sipped her water. She chuckled again.
"Did you see that guy's face? He didn't know where to look for the best," she teased.
"I can't believe I did that but I'd left all my clothes in here," Caro rejoined chuckling despite herself. "But hey! If you've got it, flaunt it I always say," she added with a nonchalant shrug. Gabriella rolled her eyes but carried on eating.
Later after putting the dishes outside the door for collection, Caroline wished Gabriella goodnight as Gabriella picked up her case and took it into her bedroom. She took out the outfit she would be wearing tomorrow and hung it so that any creases would drop out overnight before taking out her PJ's and toiletries and going into the opulent bathroom. She switched on the faucets and poured in some of the vanilla bath foam provided by the hotel and let the enormous bath fill up while she went and retrieved her cell phone from her purse. She turned off the water and stepped into the warm water with a sigh, her body totally covered by the bubbles. She lay back and looked out of the window that was opposite the bath and was amazed to see the Washington Monument in clear view. She lay there wallowing in the water feeling some of the tension leave her body. She reached over and picked up her phone, speed dialling a familiar number. It was answered on the second ring.
"Hey you, I was just thinking about you," Troy said with delight.
"I was thinking about you too," she husked back.
"Where are you now?" Troy asked.
"Washington. We arrived about two hours ago," she sighed.
"Aw baby, you sound tired," Troy sympathised, worry lacing his voice.
"I am. I hate doing these whistle-stop promotions. You're no sooner settled when you have to pack up and go back to an airport. What are you doing?" she asked trying to change the subject.
"I'm lying on my bed. Chad is out somewhere with Taylor," Troy supplied. Gabriella giggled.
"Do you think it's getting serious between them?" Gabriella asked. She felt Troy shrug.
"Who can say all I know is I'm sick of hearing Taylor's voice coming out of Chad's mouth. He was a smart ass before but now it's twice as bad," moaned Troy. Gabriella giggled down the phone.
"I've missed you," sighed Troy longingly. Gabriella sighed.
"Me too. I saw a clip of you tonight on a news channel and it made me realise how much I'm missing you," Gabriella whispered into the phone, moving her free hand through the water.
"Where are you? I can hear water," queried Troy.
"I'm in the bath," Gabriella replied. Troy gulped.
"Oh my god! You can't do this to me," groaned Troy. "I have this mental picture of you now and it's hot." Gabriella giggled.
"Well it is very steamy in here," she supplied. Troy groaned again.
"I wish I was there."
"Hmm! You could fit in this bath too, it's enormous." Gabriella commented.
"Gabi, that wasn't the answer I was looking for. You are not helping with my mental fantasy."
"Oh and what would that be Mr. Bolton?" Gabriella teased.
"To be there with you, soaping your back and other places you may be having difficulty reaching," came the throaty reply. Gabriella groaned at the thought.
"Well I can reach most places but I agree I could use your help for my back." Gabriella whispered.
"Yea, I'd start with your back and then help to clean your breasts one at a time sucking each puckered nipple, and then each leg slowly from toe to thigh and then I'd have to check all your hidden nooks and crannies," husked Troy feeling his cock throb and harden as his thoughts ran rampant. He heard Gabriella's voice hitch in her throat and he smiled happy to know she was on the same wavelength.
"Oh God Troy!" she groaned. "I don't know how long I can last without seeing you. I need you, like now." Gabriella begged as shivers of anticipation ran down her spine as she mentally felt his hands doing exactly what he had described. "I guess you'd want the same treatment? A good backrub with maybe a massage thrown in, maybe a few nips and kisses along your neck and shoulders, then of course I'd have to clean your shoulders, abs and your six-pack and of course I'd have to clean your engorged shaft which I know by that stage would be very evident, oh! and not forgetting your balls," she finished huskily.
"Jesus! Gabi I've got a hard-on just talking to you, go easy on me," He cried with his need. Gabriella giggled,
"I wasn't planning on going easy on you Troy," she replied saucily. Troy groaned as if in pain.
"You have no idea how much I need you, Gabi," Troy moaned, unsure if he could last the distance.
"Hang on a moment," she requested. He heard a gurgle and pictured her getting out of the bath, her skin glistening. He was rock hard and aching and knew a cold shower was needed to ease his pain.
"Sorry about that, the water was cooling and I needed to get out before I shrivelled like a prune," she giggled into the phone. Troy groaned again.
"Gabi, you will never look like a prune," Troy said confidently. "You do realise I need another cold shower now." Gabriella giggled again.
"That's good to know," she said wickedly.
"Hmpf! Oh you have no idea, Ms Montez" Troy moaned huskily.
"Oh I think I do," Gabriella said throatily her need flying down the phone lines to him.
"I better go and let you get some sleep," Troy said regretfully.
"Yea, I've got another long day tomorrow," she sighed. "Goodnight Troy and enjoy your shower," she added teasingly.
"One day Montez, one day I will get my own back," he threatened teasingly.
"Promises, promises. Good night Troy," Gabriella said reluctantly finishing the call.
The following two days were busy with five radio interviews over the period. Gabriella was growing sick of her own voice but all the feedback she got from the incoming phone calls that had been set up after her new single was played were all positive and that made it all worthwhile. They even managed to squeeze in a shopping trip on the Friday afternoon.
"I need a bikini if we're going to Miami," announced Gabriella, "I forgot to pack one and I am definitely going to make some time to get some rays while I'm there."
"Good idea Gabi. I need one too," Caroline agreed gleefully loving any excuse to shop. They headed for M Street in Georgetown as advised by Amy from the last radio station. They meandered from shop to shop until Gabriella found a simple bikini and sarong set in a little independent boutique. It was turquoise with gold trim and gold spaghetti straps that tied around the neck the matching sarong was a gold background with turquoise swirls on it. The turquoise blue reminded her so much of a certain somebody's sparkling eyes so she knew she just had to have it. She also bought an Indian cotton shirt with ribbed detail from the neck to below her bust-line in white, always handy in warmer climes. Caroline bought a bikini in a hot pink colour adding a pair of matching sunglasses.
"I can't wait to wear this down on South Beach," gushed Caroline as they exited the shop. Gabriella smiled at her enthusiasm and excitement. She linked arms with Caroline and pulled her down the street.
"I don't know about you but I'm starving," Gabriella said, "Let's find somewhere to eat." Caroline nodded in agreement. They turned a corner and walked a couple of blocks before walking onto K Street.
"Hey this looks good and it smells divine," enthused Caroline pointing to a restaurant called Cabanas. Caroline pulled Gabriella through the door and spotted a free table.
"I didn't realise how hungry I was," commented Caroline as she checked out the menu. "Fancy sharing a paella?" Caroline suggested.
"Sounds good. Ooh and I've got to try a Frozen Mango Margarita," cooed Gabriella as she glanced at the cocktail menu. Caroline smirked at her outburst.
"Hmm! Better make that two," Caroline agreed, "it sounds decadent and I feel decadent tonight." Gabriella smirked at her before looking around.
"What a cool place. It has a wonderful vibe to it." Gabriella gushed as a waiter approached. They placed their order and sat back to drink in the atmosphere.
As they were settling their bill Caroline's phone went off. She motioned to Gabriella that she'd take the call outside, as the background music was too loud inside. Gabriella nodded in agreement as she gathered their shopping bags together and followed Caroline outside. She noticed that Caroline looked serious as she talked quietly to the caller before ending the call.
"What's the matter?" asked a concerned Gabriella to an upset Caroline.
"Mom has fallen in the kitchen onto her hip," Caroline cried softly.
"Oh my god! Is she alright?" Gabriella asked putting an arm around Caroline. She remembered a few months ago when Caroline's mom had had a hip replaced and Caroline ran herself ragged trying to do her job and look after her Mom.
"She says she is but I'm still worried. Do you mind if I try and get a flight home? I hate leaving you on your own but I know I won't rest until I've seen for myself that she is okay," she asked through tears.
"Hey! I'm a big girl Caro and your Mom needs you more than I do. Of course you've got to go," insisted Gabriella as she flagged down a cab and bundled Caroline into it before giving the driver instructions. A short while later they arrived back at the hotel and Caroline dashed in leaving Gabriella to settle the cab fare. By the time Gabriella reached the room Caroline had already flung all her clothes into her suitcase and was busy on the phone. She hung up looking slightly more relieved.
"There's a flight leaving at 9.45 tonight which gives me just under an hour to get there. Fortunately I've managed to get a ticket so I'm going to have to dash," she revealed quickly. Gabriella went and hugged her.
"She'll be alright Caro. Just get going and I'll see you back home next week. Ring me when you know more," instructed Gabriella pushing Caroline towards the door. "Go," Gabriella ordered. Caroline smiled and hugged her before walking briskly from the room.
Gabriella sighed as she flopped down onto a chaise, chewing her bottom lip with worry. She flipped on the TV for company as she walked into her bathroom and ran a bath. Feeling more refreshed and in her comfortable nightwear, she settled down to a lazy night in front of the TV. Her cell rang half an hour later.
"Hey Troy, how are you? Did you win?" Gabriella asked knowing that he had played a home game tonight against the Phoenix Suns.
"Hey babe. Yea we won by 6 points. How are you?" Troy replied happily.
"Not so good. Caroline's Mom slipped on her hip so she's on her way home. She's worried because her Mom had a hip replacement a few months ago and she is scared more because of that," Gabriella said sadly.
"Aw! Poor thing. Is she really bad?" Troy asked concern laced his voice.
"She doesn't know although she spoke to her Mom and she insists she's okay." Gabriella replied.
"So what will you do now?" Troy asked worriedly.
"I'll carry on to Miami as planned in the morning. I have a hotel reservation at The Mayfair and a driver will meet me at the airport so I have no problem with the arrangements and I only have Houston after this then it's home sweet home," she said cheerfully longing laced her voice. Troy sighed.
"I wish you weren't alone Gabi," he groaned. Gabriella smiled at his concern.
"Hey! I'm a big girl so stop worrying. I'll be home before you know it." Gabriella promised.
"Yea I know you are, in more ways than one," said Troy suggestively. Gabriella giggled at his double meaning.
"I better go I have to be up early in the morning, the flight is at 8.30. I'll ring you once I land, I promise," Gabriella said with a yawn.
"Okay babe, I'll speak to you tomorrow." Troy replied before disconnecting.
A balmy breeze met Gabriella as she exited yet another airport building although this time an avenue of palm trees lifted her spirits as she saw the sun glint off the top of the array of parked cars outside the terminal. Her driver was waiting and quickly whisked her to the plush Mayfair Hotel. She walked up palatial steps that led to a terrace with a large round fountain in the middle before walking through opulent doors into a cavernous lobby and reception area with high ceilings and leafy plants and ferns placed strategically around giving it a very tropical feel and immediately making her feel welcome. She walked over to the reception desk with her flight bag trailing behind her. She'd vetoed the services of the bellboy who had offered to take her bag as she felt it wasn't necessary. She checked in and was giving a key-card for a room on the second floor before moving towards the bank of lifts in the far corner of the vast lobby. She stood waiting for one to come when she felt two arms encircle her waist and a familiar voice whisper in her ear.
"Miss me? Of course you did."