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: Sorry for the slight delay, for some reason I got sidetracked on Sunday night, can't think why though lol! This one is especially for Ayen.
"I love you too," she said with a radiant smile that was returned tenfold by Troy as his arms tightened around her.
Rawr!
Troy and Gabriella didn't see much of each other for the rest of the week. Gabriella had jetted off to New York with Caroline on Wednesday amidst the usual frenzy of paparazzi at LAX. Fortunately they'd been late arriving at the airport and had only half an hour in which to board the aircraft, the efficient airport staff had whisked them through the tight security procedures, getting them on the plane in record time. Gabriella sank into her seat and buckled up ready for take off.
"Dumb asses," she grumbled to Caroline, "why are they always so intrusive?" Caroline shrugged.
"It's the nature of the beast Gabi, they all want to be the one with the big bucks picture, the exclusive scoop that will set them up for life and as long as the demand is there from the gossip columns and rags then they will continue to be like that," consoled Caroline with a smile.
"You can laugh, they aren't in your face 24/7," moaned Gabriella.
"Thank god for that," agreed Caroline, "with my luck they'd catch me in my curlers collecting the morning paper." Gabriella giggled at that thought and some of the tension lines eased from her face.
The flight to New York had been uneventful but Gabriella was still happy to arrive at their hotel, London NYC, as she and Caroline walked into the cool marble interior and headed for the reception desk to check in. They were whisked up to their two bed roomed suite that radiated cool elegancy from the light lavender walls to the crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets on the beds to the floor to ceiling limestone bathrooms with full bath and separate shower enclosure. The lounge had a curved sofa in lavender and white stripes opposite a large flat screen LCD TV with a DVD player on a low shelf below and beside it the usual mini bar. They both quickly unpacked and changed into fresh clothes before exiting the hotel. Caroline was on a mission to shop, shop, shop and Gabriella chuckled at her ecstatic expression as she entered Rare Vintage, smirking as she ooh'd and aah'd each time she pulled a dress from a rack, amazed as the mound of clothes kept piling up.
"I think you'll need to buy another case to get all that back home," giggled Gabriella as Caroline proceeded to try them on.
"Get real Gabi, I can't afford them all but I can fantasise for a while," chuckled Caroline as she disappeared into the changing room. Gabriella sighed and sank onto the waiting sofa, it was going to be a long day. Gabriella perused some of the racks of clothes, a black dress caught her eye and she knew she had to try it on at least although it was screaming for her to buy it. It was a perfect fit and she knew she just had to have it, Caroline urged her on commenting that every girl needed a classic little black dress, Gabriella rolled her eyes then smiled knowing she was going to buy it anyway. They continued on their shopping spree after Caroline had succumbed to four outfits insisting that she needed shoes to go with them. Two hours later and Gabriella called a halt, her feet ached and her stomach rumbled, Caroline concurred and they made their way back to the hotel. They showered, reapplied their make up and changed into evening clothes before venturing downstairs into the elegantly furnished Maze Restaurant where non other than Gordon Ramsey officiated. They were shown to their table and the waiter theatrically produced the menus, took their drinks order and left them to look at the delectable dishes available.
"Do you think he's an out of work actor?" commented Caroline with a giggle as he left them. Gabriella smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
"Could well be," she agreed as she looked over the menu, her mouth watering as she read. Finally after a lot of indecision from both of them, Caroline settled on hand dived sea scallops roasted with spices followed by carnaroli risotto of wild mushrooms while Gabriella opted for carpaccio of tuna and swordfish with lime cucumber marinade then honey and soy roasted quail. The waiter returned with their requested martini's and took their order as they sat back sipping the cool liquid and people watched.
"Is that a wig, do you think?" Gabriella voiced her query as she gazed in wonder at a middle-aged guy in checked pants and a bright yellow shirt with reddish blonde hair.
"Of course it is, you can see the grey at the bottom," chortled Caroline. Gabriella giggled and looked the other way quickly as he stared in their direction. Fortunately their first course arrived at that moment, the waiter delivering their plates with a flourish that sent them both into fits of laughter again.
"I'm stuffed," groaned Gabriella as she sat back holding her stomach. Caroline groaned in reply and reluctantly put her fork down too.
"Me too, so glad we don't have to roll far," she grinned at Gabriella. They signalled the waiter to ask for their bill, finishing off the bottle of wine while they waited to settle up. They made it up to their room feeling replete and happy, Caroline wished Gabriella goodnight then retired to her bedroom. Gabriella went into her bedroom and collected her nightwear, slipping into the bathroom to shower and brush her teeth before crawling into bed just as her cell phone rang.
"Hey, that was good timing, we've just got back," she greeted with a smile.
"I always have good timing," bragged Troy cheekily, "so where have you been?" he questioned.
"Who told you that?" teased Gabriella.
"Well there's this gorgeous brunette that seems perfectly happy with my timing," he teased back.
"Hmm! Have I met her? We must compare notes," taunted Gabriella. Troy huffed down the phone.
"I'll make you pay for that Montez," he threatened.
"Promises, promises," she retorted with a giggle. "So what have you been doing today?"
"Oh you know, I had an early morning work out then I got booted out of bed to go training, so not nice Ms Montez." Troy muttered huskily making her giggle again, "then Coach worked the shit out of us, I swear I've lost weight through sheer sweat alone," he moaned.
"Eww! Troy I don't think I need to know that," she scolded wrinkling her nose. Troy chuckled.
"What have you been doing today?" he asked needing to know.
"Oh you know the usual when you let Caroline loose in New York; shopping," replied Gabriella with a giggle, "then we came back to the hotel and had a delicious meal downstairs and now I'm snuggled up in bed." Troy groaned in frustration.
"I wish I was there with you," he said huskily.
"I do too. It's going to be a long weekend without you," moaned Gabriella knowing she wouldn't see him until Sunday.
"It can't go quick enough Gabi. I better let you get some sleep, good luck for tomorrow. I love you," Troy said.
"Love you too darling, speak to you tomorrow," whispered Gabriella trying to hold back her tears as she bade him goodnight. This was getting harder and harder to bear.
Troy and the team flew out Friday for Toronto in readiness for the Saturday evening game three hours before Gabriella was scheduled to land back at LAX. The timings were frustrating for both of them but they were professionals and both took their chosen careers seriously. Thankfully this would be their last away game of the season unless they got through to the playoffs and the chances of that were looking more than possible, one more win and they'd be through, Troy still held onto the hope that Gabriella would come to one of the games to watch him.
Gabriella touched down and quickly moved through customs and the terminal concourse like the seasoned traveller she was becoming, keeping her head down to avoid the sudden flashes from cameras and inane questions before slipping into the town car with Marcus at the wheel. Caroline followed soon after, sinking thankfully into the seat beside her.
"That wasn't too bad," she commented as she put on her seatbelt.
"I think we're getting good at this," agreed Gabriella with a smile as the car smoothly pulled into the late afternoon traffic. They dropped Caroline off first, as her house was the nearest with Marcus carrying on with Gabriella to her apartment. She breathed a sigh of relief when she got in, happy to be back in familiar surroundings, she dropped her bags down in the hallway and walked into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. The apartment was silent as Gabriella walked into the lounge that meant Taylor must be at work. She drank her water then carried her case into her bedroom to unpack, hanging her new purchase up carefully, marvelling again at the exquisite cut of the fabric. She showered and changed into her Juicy Couture lounge suit, feeling refreshed and comfortable, she lay on the bed and fell asleep. Taylor shook her awake three hours later when she came back from work.
"Hey Gabs, you looked fantastic yesterday, all the staff have been talking of nothing else well apart from the Lakers game tomorrow of course," giggled Taylor as Gabriella groggily sat up and yawned.
"Hey Taylor, it's good to see you. Is the game being televised?" asked Gabriella.
"But of course, it's their last away game. If they nail this they are in the playoffs regardless of the last home game," said Taylor excitement lacing her voice.
"I know, Troy has been moaning cos the coach is working them hard at the moment," commented Gabriella with a smile.
"Oh pooh! Troy is as bad as the coach according to Chad, he doesn't let up and he won't let the team let up either. He wants the championship," scoffed Taylor with a giggle making Gabriella giggle too.
"I guess he's been playing for sympathy uh?" whined Gabriella with a smile.
"Sounds like it. You should go to a game with me and support him?" suggested Taylor.
"Has he been getting you to say that?" muttered Gabriella.
"No of course not but he may have a point," Taylor said reasonably, "It's good fun Gabi, you should come," added Taylor cajolingly a sly grin lighting up her face. Gabriella smiled back and kinked an eyebrow.
"Maybe I should," she agreed knowing she should be supporting him more but dreading the world finding out about them but if she went with Taylor maybe, just maybe it wouldn't be so obvious. Taylor sent her a smile of approval and walked out of Gabriella's bedroom, job done. Gabriella stretched and climbed off the bed, following Taylor into the lounge.
"Are you busy tomorrow? I was thinking we've not had a girls lunch for ages," suggested Taylor.
"I've got a doctors appointment in the morning but lunch sounds good," replied Gabriella, "nothing to worry about Tay, it's just my usual three monthly check in," added Gabriella hurriedly as Taylor's eyes widened with concern.
"That's a relief, thought there may be a baby Bolton on the way for a minute," chuckled Taylor. Gabriella blushed at the thought a warm feeling pervaded her body. Gabriella rolled her eyes at Taylor.
"No way, not yet at any rate," retorted Gabriella making Taylor kink an eyebrow a toothy grin split her features.
"So you've thought about it?" pondered Taylor in wonder.
"Well no, not until you mentioned it Tay," she replied honestly, "but it doesn't sound so bad."
"Wow!" Taylor was gobsmacked her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
"Catching flies Tay?" taunted Gabriella before walking into the kitchen.
The team walked through the airport terminal at LAX surprised by the shouts and cheers from the jubilant fans who had come to the airport to welcome them home, excited that their team had made it to the championship playoffs, regardless of the result from the last game of the season on Friday night. Troy, Chad, Jason and Zeke grinned from ear to ear, happy to have succeeded for themselves, the team but especially the fans, it would be party night on Friday come what may although at the moment the concourse looked very much like a party already. The paparazzi snapped their pictures haphazardly as the fans blocked their usual clear route to their targets, Troy smirked as one frustrated paparazzi was pushed to one side by a zealous mom and her son. Eventually the team split up after shaking hands and signing autographs numerous times, Chad walked with Troy to the car, storing their luggage before driving out into the flow of the noonday traffic.
"Ready to meet the outlaws?" Chad posed the question glancing at Troy with a sly grin. Troy seemed to think about it for a minute before smiling.
"Yeah I am. How bad can Gabi's mother be?" rejoined Troy chuckling.
"No idea, ever wondered why Gabi is in LA when her family are in Salinas?" drawled Chad with a smirk.
"Nice try Chad but you're not scaring me," retorted Troy giving him a glare.
"Just testing if you're serious," replied Chad chuckled again, "I mean how likely is it that her mom is a witch or a man eating ogre is what I'm saying," he taunted.
"Man, you've been watching way too much Disney," consoled Troy rolling his eyes.
"I'm just saying," whined Chad.
"Well don't, and in answer to your last sensible question then yeah, I am serious, deadly," Troy replied earnestly effectively shutting Chad up to concentrate on his driving. They reached the apartment in record time and Troy sprinted up the stairs carrying his bag effortlessly, taking it straight through to his bedroom, dumping his laundry in the linen hamper before setting about filling it again with fresh clothes, next he showered and changed, shouted to Chad he was going before hotfooting it back out the door with his bag in tow. He put it in the trunk and shot out of the garage eager to get to Gabriella's.
Gabriella had packed ready for the off, it would take them nearly five hours to get to her mom's on the outskirts of Salinas but she was more excited about seeing Troy again. It seemed like forever since they'd seen each other and although they'd kept in touch daily by phone, it wasn't the same as looking at him, holding him, kissing him. She'd phoned her mom and told her she was coming and bringing someone that she wanted her to meet but she hadn't disclosed anything else and surprisingly her mom didn't press her which was kind of unusual, making Gabriella think there was something wrong with her mother, all she'd said was she was glad she was coming.
"Will you stop walking up and down, we'll have to replace the flooring if you carry on to say nothing about the soles of your shoes," demanded Taylor with a smirk.
"I can't help it Tay, I really want to see him but I'm so nervous. What if mom doesn't like him?" Gabriella replied biting her bottom lip.
"What's not to like? He's a good guy," reassured Taylor, "He'll have your mom eating out of his hand in no time." Gabriella giggled.
"I wonder where he is?" she started pacing again.
"Well he'll be here soon enough, Chad phoned from the airport to say they'd landed," Taylor said calmly. The doorbell rang and Gabriella sprinted to it pulling it open without hesitation a big beaming smile on her face. Troy walked in and pulled her into a bear hug his lips unerringly capturing hers in a hot steamy kiss that curled her toes.
"I've missed you," she whispered as soon as she was able to. Troy smiled broadly and hugged her to him.
"Me too," he whispered back.
"Hey congratulations on your win," she said as they walked through to the lounge, "Taylor and I watched it on TV and it's hard to say who shouted the loudest," she giggled.
"She got that right although I think I beat her by a couple of decibels," interjected Taylor with a laugh, " so you guys are going to the playoffs."
"Looks that way Tay. You should have seen the reception we got at the airport; anyone would think we'd won the championship already," said Troy in awe.
"Well I guess you'll just have to bring it home now," commented Taylor with a smile.
"No pressure then," huffed Troy looking worried. Taylor laughed and slapped him on the arm.
"From what I hear you can stand it," Taylor replied confidence oozing through her voice. Troy smiled happy that she had confidence in them.
"Are you ready?" he asked Gabriella with a smile. She nodded and he went to pick up her case, saying bye to Taylor as they headed out the door. He stored her luggage in the car, opened the passenger door for her making sure she was settled before walking round and climbing into the driver's seat. They belted up as Troy put the car in gear, Gabriella rested her hand on his thigh as usual and Troy turned to smile at her losing himself in her warm chocolate eyes for a moment before turning back to concentrate on his driving. Troy weaved his way through the streets until he drove onto Interstate 101 heading north, only then did he relax his shoulders and cover her hand with his.
"So what can I expect?" he asked a slight worried tone lacing his voice. Gabriella smirked at him.
"She's not an ogre you know," she replied with a giggle, "dad died when I was twelve and mom worked all the hours god sends to put me through school and college and somehow she managed to get her degree amongst it all; I don't know how she did it but she did. Now she controls the special needs programme within the county schools and loves every minute. I'm really proud of her." She finished with a smile.
"She sounds like a wonderful woman but then I knew she would be, she had you," commented Troy with a sideways smile at her, at which Gabriella leant over and kissed his cheek in thanks. Troy drove through Santa Barbara and switched to Interstate 154 passing Lake Cachuma and Santa Ynez as he steadily made his way north, connecting back onto Interstate 101. He stopped for gas in Arroyo Grande Village and Gabriella got out to stretch her legs.
"Lets get some food, I've not eaten since this morning and you can't call that plastic stuff on the plane food," said Troy with a smirk making Gabriella giggle in reply. They found a parking spot behind Branch Street and walked into Andreini, they both chose the Southwest Chicken Salad with jack cheese; avocado, bell peppers and a salsa dressing served with ciabatta bread while Gabriella chose a Blueberry Bonanza Smoothie and Troy had a mocha coffee. They took a leisurely stroll around the picturesque village to aid their digestion before continuing on their journey passing Grover and Pismo beaches on the left hand side, drawing Gabriella's eyes to the crystal blue of the ocean as the late afternoon sun warmed it's depths. She sighed and Troy glanced at her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I just wish we could have spent more time there, it looks a great place to relax and watch the ocean," she sighed wistfully.
"We can always come back sometime Gabi," suggested Troy with a smile.
"I'd like that," she replied with an answering smile as she linked hands with him again.
"Gabi, hey wake up," Troy nudged her to wake her up, " we're coming in to Salinas soon." Gabriella yawned and opened her eyes, blinking to wake herself up.
"Oh god Troy, I'm sorry," she apologised as she hurriedly sat up and glanced out of the window to check their whereabouts in the descending dusk.
"We've gone through Gonzales and we should be coming into Chualar anytime soon," Troy advised as he continued up the Interstate. Gabriella directed him, as they didn't have to go through the town. Gabriella directed him into the drive of a ranch style home with a yellow stucco exterior and terracotta roof tiles with a pink tinge to them. Troy sat and looked out of the window impressed with the manicured gardens as Gabriella leapt out and walked around the car stopping when she realised he wasn't with her. She opened his door and bent down.
"What's the matter, are you nervous?" she queried a puzzled look on her face.
"Scared," he gulped. She giggled and reached for his hand encouraging him out of the car.
"Come on, she's going to love you like I do," she promised pulling him close.
"Uhm! I hope not," he quipped kinking an eyebrow and wrapping an arm around her shoulders making her laugh out loud as she dug him in the ribs. They walked up to the door and Gabriella pressed the bell. The door opened to reveal an older version of Gabriella although her hair was jet black she had the same eyes and skin tone.
"Mom," Gabriella squealed and rushed forward to hug her mom, Troy stood back to watch amazed at how similar they were they could have been sisters. Gabriella turned, reaching for Troy's hand and pulled him forward.
"Mom, this is Troy," she introduced him and Troy reached out to shake her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you Mrs Montez," he said with a smile.
"Hello Troy it's a pleasure to meet you too and call me Anna, come on in," she greeted with a warm smile stepping to one side to let them precede her into the house. "I'm just making supper. Do you like enchiladas?" she asked Troy, smiling when he nodded.
"It's good to finally meet one of your boyfriends Ella, I can't remember you bringing one home before," her mother commented as they sat around the table to eat, Gabriella blushed and glanced at Troy shyly, "well apart from Johnny Wade that is," her mother added frowning as she tried to remember.
"Mom, I was ten years old," gasped Gabriella her cheeks blooming even more, Troy chuckled wondering what she had been like aged ten.
"I'm glad you're here Ella, there's someone I'd like you to meet," said Anna Montez a bloom staining her cheeks as Gabriella looked at her curiously, realising suddenly why her mom had sounded strange on the phone. "I've invited him for dinner tomorrow so I can introduce you."
"Who is it mom, do I know him?" asked Gabriella excitedly her eyes gleaming with happiness for her mother. Anna Montez looked at her daughter and shook her head, smiling at Gabriella for the way she was reacting.
"His name is Jorge Garcia and he is a social worker. He's a very good man Ella," she reassured her.
"I'm so happy for you, mom, it's time you found someone," cried Gabriella as she got up to hug her mother. Troy started clearing away the dishes, carrying them through to the kitchen feeling this was a mother daughter moment. He could hear them talking as he stacked the dishes in the dishwasher and not wanting to interrupt he walked outside and settled on the back porch steps listening to the cicadas calling to each other on the night air. He heard the door open about ten minutes later and felt arms encircle his neck, cool lips settled on the nape of his neck.
"I hope that's Gabriella," he drawled, she nipped him on the neck for teasing. Troy twisted round and pulled her down onto his lap, fastening his lips onto hers in a hungry kiss, he tickled her lightly making her gasp and his tongue took advantage, slipping into her silky recess, caressing her tongue, his hand inched up her ribcage until he touched the underside of her breast smiling against her lips when she moaned in her throat.
"Hmm! I've been wanting to do that for hours," he whispered against her lips.
"And I've been waiting for you to do it too," she responded huskily before slipping off his lap and pulling him up and back into the house.
"I'll just bring the bags in and lock the car up," said Troy to Gabriella and Anna who was busy making coffee. Troy emptied the car and locked it up, carrying the bags into the house.
"I'll show you where to put them Troy," said Gabriella who started to walk down the hall towards her old bedroom.
"Troy is in the guest room Ella," stated Anna.
"But mom…" whined Gabriella looking at her mother in shock.
"What you do at home is your business but not in my house, Ella," her mother said sternly. Troy blinked not believing what he was hearing, Gabriella pouted but her mother would not bend, she just turned and walked back into the kitchen.
"I'm sorry, you would have thought a 26 year old was old enough to have a mature relationship," grumbled Gabriella as she led Troy to a door three down from hers, opening the door to a pretty blue room with tiny flowered wallpaper on the walls. "I bet she does it," she muttered as she sat on the bed looking woebegone. Troy chuckled, dumping his bag on the floor and sitting down beside her.
"Now that's a scary thought," he said lacing his fingers with hers, Gabriella giggled despite the setback, he lifted her chin to stare into her eyes, "hey it's no big deal Gabi, at least I'm here with you and that's enough," he promised a twinkle coming into his eyes, "for now." Gabriella smiled at him and leant over to connect their lips.
"I guess it will have to be," she mumbled.
"Ella, Troy, coffee is ready," he mother's voice floated down the hallway and Gabriella sighed as they rose and walked out of the room.
Troy awoke to warm hands caressing him through his boxer shorts and thought he was having a wet dream, he groaned as gentle hands slipped inside to enfold his rigid penis. When warm lips slid over his he opened one eye slowly to see mischievous chocolate eyes looking back at him, he reached out a hand and encountered a solid body and both eyes opened wide in surprise.
"Wha…Where's your mother?" he gasped his eyes darting to the door. Gabriella giggled and snuggled closer to his body.
"On her way to work, and while the cat's away…" she replied with a satisfied smile, her hands continuing to caress him. A big beaming smile spread over Troy's face as his hands began an exploration of their own, slipping under her skimpy top to caress her burgeoning breasts, her hard peaks evident through the thin material, he pulled it roughly over her head and fastened his mouth over one protruding rosy tip, licking and sucking as Gabriella slid his boxers over his hips quickly, her hands quickly returning to tease his throbbing manhood until Troy groaned. She moved away to remove her short shorts before returning back to his warmth, straddling his body and bending to kiss him deeply, their tongues connecting as they slaked their thirst for each other. Troy slid his arms down her sides slowly rediscovering all her grooves and curves, his hands cupped her butt before sliding between her legs to investigate her wet mound, his fingers stroked her clit and vulva, finally sliding a finger inside and feeling her gasp into his mouth. Gabriella wiggled her hips, touching his erect penis, teasing Troy mercilessly until he too groaned with his need. She pulled his hand away and took hold of his staff, positioning it below her as she lowered herself onto it, loving the natural feel of him as he filled her. Troy gasped realising he hadn't worn anything but loved the feel of being skin on skin with her, he tried to pull away but Gabriella shook her head, smiled serenely and began moving against him, her hips rotating as she moved up and down. Troy grasped her hips and pumped into her from beneath raising his head to take a nipple into his mouth as they worked at a steady rhythm. Gabriella shuddered and her walls clenched him tightly her lips moaning his name as her orgasm overtook her, Troy thrust into her faster feeling his own so near to completion, grunting as he spilled his seed into her. Troy pulled her close feeling her heart beating fast against his chest, his own hammering in reply, his lips kissed her forehead as they slowly came down off their plateau.
"Wow! I wasn't expecting that," whispered Troy against her ear. "Are you sure…you know," he mumbled flushing a little. Gabriella smirked at him.
"Oh I'm sure and we're safe," she promised giggling at his wide-eyed expression, "I've been wanting you in the raw for sometime." Troy chuckled and pulled her tight against him.
"You do realise it will be anytime, any place, anywhere now," threatened Troy with an evil leer. Gabriella rolled her eyes then smiled serenely at him.
"I'm banking on it Bolton," she whispered against his lips.