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, this should have been up a few days ago but I've been out of town for the weekend and I've been otherwise occupied watching the Olympic games lol! Just want to give a head up for the ZA angels' forum, if anyone hasn't visited yet you don't know what you're missing.
"Yeah, like a sledgehammer but I'm not complaining, I'm where I want to be," he said softly, smiling at her, his hand brushing against her midriff as he fastened her seatbelt before doing his own just as the engines came to life.
Fabulous!
The flight didn't take long thankfully but Troy was conscious of Sharpay the whole time as she kept turning to give them furtive looks.
"I think it's working," she said gleefully to Zeke, a sparkle of excitement in her eye. Zeke rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Don't you think you were a bit…blatant?" he stumbled as she pinned him to his chair with a glare.
"No. Sometimes Troy needs a push in the right direction to see what's right under his nose," she explained baldly excusing her actions.
"Well you sure did that, Shar," agreed Zeke with a grin, "but I think forcing his hand like that is maybe not the right way to go about it," he warned the grin slipping from his face.
"I…I just want him to find the same happiness that I found with you," she said wistfully touching Zeke's arm, "and I think Gabriella could be the one."
"I know, Shar, but you can't force someone to fall in love with the person YOU think will suit him," he warned again.
"I know," she said softly, "but I can try, right?" she added brightly her optimism coming to the fore again only for Zeke to sigh and shake his head. She was incorrigible but he loved her.
"Why do I feel like I'm under a microscope, an experiment in the making for one Sharpay Evans," groaned Troy glancing sideways at Gabriella. She giggled in reply placing her hand consolingly on his arm before quickly removing it as Sharpay turned her head in their direction again.
"I think her diplomatic skills need some work," agreed Gabriella softly.
"Jesus! Can you just imagine her in the government, world war three would break out in a matter of days," commented Troy with a smirk. "This weekend is going to be a nightmare. What if she starts following us around like some cheap spy?" moaned Troy.
"We'll just have to be…creative," suggested Gabriella with a mischievous grin, "or…we could just tell her?" she posed the question tentatively.
"Are you serious?" gasped Troy sending her a worried look. "I thought you wanted to keep it quiet?"
"I did, but we've been together three months now and you've got to admit we've had some near misses. Friends are slowly but surely finding out and she is your best female friend after all," she explained softly, "I'd hate for her to find out from one of the others. It just doesn't feel right." Troy nodded a thoughtful expression on his face as he pondered her words.
"I guess, we just have to pick the right time," he acquiesced and Gabriella sighed sending a smile his way at his acceptance.
Lava Springs had sent their courtesy mini bus to collect them from the airport, the transfer from plane to the resort settled with the minimal amount of fuss. A dapper bespectacled gentleman in a beige two-piece suit met them; Sharpay and Ryan greeting him like a lost uncle, so casual was their greeting.
"Fulton, it's good to be back," said Sharpay with a grin.
"Welcome back Ms Evans, Mr Evans, it's good to see you too," he greeted, "I believe everything is in order for your stay, all the facilities are open to you and your guests," he reassured her.
"Fabulous," she gushed with a wide smile on her face as she swept into the interior.
"Mr Bolton, Mr Baylor, Mr Cross, Mr Danforth," he greeted shaking their hands as he addressed each one, " it's a pleasure to see you all again," ushering them into the cool interior to the reception desk. Gabriella was surprised when he greeted them by name, throwing Taylor an enquiring look receiving a look much the same in return. While Mr Fulton was engaged discussing the allotment of room keys with the receptionist, Taylor turned to Chad.
"I take it you've been here before," she posed the question that had been on the tip of Gabriella's tongue.
"Yeah, you could say that, although we didn't get the titles last time," he smirked and the other three let out a chuckle.
"So true, especially after the food fight," revealed Zeke.
"And after Chad spilled his guts when he got into that contest with Drew Ashton to see who could eat the most peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," chipped in Jason. Troy smirked as Chad's face paled.
"Yeah all 14 of them, it was 14, right?" taunted Troy turning the knife a little bit more.
"Fifteen," corrected Chad his face turning a shade of green, the guys chuckled at his strangled reply and the girls all tittered.
"Aw Baby," said Taylor rubbing his arm when she realised his discomfort, glowering at the others warning them off. "So did you win?" Her guileless question after her censored look moments ago set them off again.
"What do you think? Of course I won," he muttered a grin splitting his face, "can't stand peanut butter and jelly anymore though," he added wryly making the whole party burst out laughing again. Mr Fulton came back to them at that point handing out keys to their guest accommodation, clicking his fingers at two young employees who stood indolently beside their luggage that they had unloaded from the bus.
"Chop, chop! Show our guests to their suites," he ordered snapping them to attention.
"Lunch in an hour, Fulton?" queried Sharpay, halting the others as they started to follow their luggage.
"Indeed, Ms Evans," confirmed Fulton before hurrying away to make the arrangements.
"Dining room in an hour everyone," she informed her guests with a smile, walking off with Zeke in tow.
"And that wasn't an order?" queried Taylor quirking an eyebrow. Gabriella, Kelsi and Martha giggled.
Gabriella was surprised to find she had a room to herself after Sharpay's performance on the plane. She was shown to a pleasant room with light terracotta walls and cool tiled floors, a queen-size bed dominated the room with a small bedside table and a lounge chair the only other movable pieces of furniture. Two doors led off the bedroom that made Gabriella curious; one revealed a bathroom, the other a walk-in closet complete with hangers and shelves, one filled to the brim with towels in a delicate peach shade; a complimentary bathrobe in the same shade hung on the closet door. She quickly unpacked her case, taking care to hang up the two dresses she had brought with her allowing the minimal creases to drop out then storing her case in the ample wardrobe. Gabriella took her toiletry and make-up bags into the well-proportioned bathroom, placing them on the limestone counter at the side of the washbasin before freshening up and applying a light touch of gloss to her lips. A knock at the door drew her attention from the bathroom as she went to answer it to reveal a smiling Taylor.
"Chad's having a shower so I thought I'd come and see what your room is like," she stated with a grin. Gabriella rolled her eyes and laughed waving Taylor inside.
"You just wanted to see how far Sharpay would go with her mission, come on admit it," Gabriella teased.
"Okay, you got me," admitted Taylor with a laugh, "can't stop a girl being curious." Taylor cast her eyes over the room. "Wouldn't call this a single either," she tacked on with a sly grin, noting the size of the bed.
"You're incorrigible," giggled Gabriella.
"I'm just wondering how much use it will get," teased Taylor.
"Don't let it keep you awake, Tay," taunted Gabriella.
"No worries there, Gabs, I think a certain someone has plans in that direction and it doesn't involve sleeping."
"Eww! I did not want that mental image just before I go eat, thank you," groaned Gabriella. Taylor chuckled.
"I wonder what the 'Pink Panther' has organised for afterwards? No doubt she has the full weekend mapped out," contemplated Taylor.
"God I hope not, Tay, I want some Troy time," bemoaned Gabriella a sigh escaping her lips.
"I wouldn't worry, Gabs, Troy Boy will make sure of that," stated Taylor, "let's round up Chad then we can go and find this dining room." Walking out of the room they bumped into Troy who was exiting the door next to Gabriella's, Taylor's eyes sparkled with mirth, her mouth turned up in a knowing grin but refrained from saying anything as she crossed the hall to enter her own room.
"What's with her?" asked a clearly perplexed Troy. Gabriella smirked but shook her head.
"I'll tell you later," she promised as Chad and Taylor joined them before the guys directed them to the dining room. The room was large with ample seating to cater for both residents and day guests alike and even boasted a baby grand piano in the corner next to a well-appointed bar. The food at Lava Springs was insanely good, so much so Gabriella groaned as she forced the last morsel into her mouth then sat back rubbing her stomach. Troy, sitting beside her, heard her and sent her a consoling smile, discreetly patting her thigh.
"How can a health spa provide such mouth-watering temptations," she asked the table at large.
"Daddy employs one of the best cordon bleu chefs in the world," boasted Sharpay proudly, "he says the guests expect nothing less."
"She's right, Chef Michael is one of the best in world," confirmed Zeke, "and a joy to work with." Troy, Chad and Jason groaned.
"So we've heard, Dude, on numerous occasions," whined Chad glaring at Zeke.
"So you all worked here?" queried Martha.
"Yeah, over our last summer at school," confirmed Chad, "our parents were insistent that we get jobs to make some bucks for college and Sharpay came to the rescue, getting her Dad to employ us."
"Man, it was hard work too," recalled Jason, confirmed with a nod from Troy and Chad.
"Yeah right! From what Fulton said, you didn't do any, too busy larking about, he said he had to be on your case 24/7, " taunted Sharpay with a smirk.
"And how would you know, Evans, you never came into the kitchen," snapped Chad frowning, "by the end of that summer my hands looked like shrivelled up prunes after all that washing up."
"Aw! Poor Baby," crooned Taylor with a smile.
"No chance of that now though, eh Chad," taunted Troy with a smirk
"Too right, why do it myself when I have a machine do it instead," agreed Chad with a satisfied smirk, "besides I can save my hands for better things." Kelsi and Gabriella gasped their shocked eyes shooting to Taylor who blushed at his inference; her hand snaked out and slapped the back of his head.
"Oi! What was that for?" yelled Chad rubbing his head, "I meant basketball, Tay." The guys guffawed at their whipped friend.
"What shall we do this afternoon?" asked Ryan looking around the table.
"Ugh! I don't think I'll be able to move for a week," Gabriella groaned making the guys smirk and the girls giggle nodding in agreement.
"You better had, Gabriella, I've booked us into the spa for the afternoon," announced Sharpay casting a bright smile around the women before rising from the table. Taylor shot Gabriella a conspiratorial look, arching an eyebrow. "I'll meet you at reception in fifteen minutes," she ordered before walking out of the room.
"Looks like the girls are going to be busy so how about a round of golf?" suggested Troy.
"Sounds good to me, should blow some cobwebs away," agreed coach rising from the table.
"Right, I'll just go and arrange some clubs and carts," said Ryan leaving the table.
"I told you she'd have it all planned out," muttered Taylor walking out of the dining room with Gabriella, Kelsi and Martha bringing up the rear.
"I know but I said I wanted a pampering weekend so I'm cool with it," said Gabriella calmly, "If I drop off give me a nudge, Tay and for god's sake don't let me drool if I do." Taylor, Kelsi and Martha giggled
Dressed in the complimentary robes, the girls met with Sharpay and the other ladies in reception and followed her into the treatment rooms where they were pampered by the staff with manicures, pedicures and seaweed facials; Taylor and Sharpay opted for the full body hot stone massage, while Kelsi and Gabriella decided to try the warming mineral body glow, Martha and Samantha, the coach's wife chose the seaweed infusion wrap while the rest forewent the massage for a dip in the hydro spa.
"Gabi, do you want to go to the gym afterwards?" asked Taylor from her prone position across the room.
"Gabi," she shouted, "Oi! Are you asleep?"
"Hmmm," murmured Gabriella.
"Kelsi, is she asleep?" demanded Taylor. Sharpay and Martha started laughing when she didn't get a response from Kelsi either.
"I think they both are," commented Sharpay smirking.
"Gabs, hey Gabs, will you stop snoring," yelled Taylor.
"Who…what," mumbled Gabriella forcing her eyes open to glare at Taylor, "I don't snore," she grumbled as Sharpay and Martha burst out laughing.
"Says who?" teased Sharpay joining in with Taylor, her curious amber eyes watchful for her reply.
"T… I'll have you know I have it on very good authority that I don't," stated Gabriella biting her lip at her near slip, her anxious eyes slicing to Kelsi before moving over the room to Taylor.
"Ooh! Does that mean you have a boyfriend?" probed Sharpay, her nose quivering in the hunt for a juicy morsel, her eyes sharpening in intensity as they speared Gabriella to her massage bench.
"So when are you and Zeke tying the knot?" Taylor asked switching the topic to safer waters. Gabriella breathed a sigh of relief when Sharpay took the bait.
"We're trying to work out a date but I'm hoping before October when the new season starts," said Sharpay happily, "Zeke would disappear to the Caribbean with close family and friends tomorrow whereas I want the whole shebang so that takes more planning," she added, "After all, it's what every girl wants, right?"
"Right," agreed Kelsi with a smile.
"Yeah," confirmed Martha dreamily.
"I guess," said Gabriella doubtfully.
"Don't you want to get married, Gabi?" asked Sharpay inquisitively back on the attack.
"Er…I haven't really given it much thought, Sharpay, what with my career taking off like it has," she replied.
"Hmm, I suppose you need a boyfriend to accomplish that," Sharpay murmured thoughtfully.
"I…I guess I do," chuckled Gabriella in a noncommittal tone.
"Whew! That was close," muttered Gabriella as she walked back to her room with Taylor after Sharpay informed them that dinner would be at 8.30pm.
"Yeah, and you nearly let the cat out of the bag," teased Taylor.
"I know, can you believe I nearly did that," she moaned running her hand through her hair in frustration, "thanks for bailing me out, Tay."
"No problem, Gabs, that's what friends do," Taylor shrugged her shoulders.
"Thanks anyway," she reiterated as they reached their respective rooms. "I'm going for a nap, although I feel wonderful it's also made me feel so lethargic," informed Gabriella stifling a yawn.
"Okay, I'll give you a knock later to make sure you're awake," promised Taylor as she opened her door. Gabriella walked into her room that felt more like an oven with the sun streaming through the voile curtain turning the heat up higher; going over to the window, she slid open the patio doors to snatch what little breeze there was before flopping onto the mattress, her eyes closing seconds after her head hit the pillow.
Troy was in a buoyant mood, having arrived back from a successful game of golf half an hour ago; thrashing Chad, Zeke and Ryan was a pleasure he would never tire of especially when they were in the chair for the round of celebratory drinks at the bar. Slipping into his room that was surprisingly stuffy, he strode to the window, pulling open the patio doors to breath in the fresher air before slipping into the shower to wash away the sand that blew up on the fairway. Feeling somewhat revived after the cool shower his thoughts drifted to Gabriella, wondering if she was still in the spa with the girls as he pulled on fresh clothes. The heat was still oppressive inside his room; sweat beginning to bead on his forehead already made him step outside into the cooler air. He glanced to the window next door and was surprised to see the curtain flapping in the gentle breeze, smiling he strolled over, glancing into the room to find Gabriella asleep on the bed, her body curled onto her side, her dark tresses splayed across the pillow, her only covering the robe supplied by the spa had slipped away revealing a tempting expanse of tanned leg. Without hesitation he sat on the edge of the bed, his lean index finger lightly stroked her leg as he bent his head to drop butterfly soft kisses on the side of her neck, a delicate aroma of mingled mandarin and vanilla drifted up his nasal cavity enticing him further. Gabriella murmured, turning onto her back the robe gaped open revealing the cleft between her breasts offered Troy a tantalising glimpse of the perfect mounds beneath; Troy's breath hitched in his throat at the sheer beauty of his girlfriend; even in sleep she was a tempting delight.
"Seen enough?" she teased huskily her slumberous eyes twinkling with suppressed humour as she watched him worship her body with his eyes.
"Not nearly enough," he groaned swooping down to capture her lips, his lips continuing where his eyes left off. Gabriella threaded her fingers through the damp tendrils of hair at the bottom of his head pulling him closer, her tongue teasing his with quick thrusts before feinting to the side then going back again for more until he groaned, removing his tongue from temptation to slide his lips down to her neck, nibbling and sucking as he went, tormenting her until she whimpered with need, her hands grasped his neck trying to pull his head back up: with a cocky smile he returned to capture his prize once more.
"How was your game?" she asked huskily once their initial thirst was slaked.
"It was good being back on this course and it's always a pleasure to thrash the guys," grinned Troy cockily propping his hands on the pillow on each side of her head.
"Does that mean Chad is in a mood?" she asked with a light laugh.
"Nah, he's used to it by now," smirked Troy. "How was the spa?"
"Heavenly, although I must have dozed off because I awoke to find Taylor and Sharpay shouting, telling me I snored," Troy burst out laughing, "I don't snore do I?" Gabriella demanded with a pout.
"Not to my knowledge, darling, and I am something of an aficionado now on that particular subject," reassured Troy with a teasing smile, fastening his lips on hers once more.
"That's comforting," sighed Gabriella as they broke off the kiss, "I told them I didn't then Sharpay asked how would I know and I nearly slipped up and said you," her cinnamon eyes clouded over as they locked onto his, "but fortunately Tay jumped in questioning Sharpay on her wedding plans and disaster was averted," reassured Gabriella looking anxiously at Troy. Troy sighed, smiling wryly at her.
"You're right, it is starting to get tricky. We'll tell her tonight after dinner," announced Troy decisively, firmly pressing his lips on hers to seal their decision. Gabriella cuddled up to him relieved that the pretence would soon be over, at least to their family and friends; her mind still revolted at the world at large knowing about them, the media circus that would ensue, haunting their waking moments, watching, waiting, expecting them to fall, every gesture observed, every word appraised, their body language inspected, interviews carved up and dissected as the cockroaches looked for flaws.
"That reminds me dinner is at 8.30 on the orders of Sharpay," informed Gabriella just as a knock on the door interrupted them. Gabriella crawled off the bed to answer it.
"Oh good, you're awake," said Taylor walking into her room, smirking when she spied Troy. "Somehow I knew I'd find you here."
"Wouldn't want to disappoint you, Tay," smirked Troy.
"Hey, guess what? Chad is taking me to meet his parents tomorrow," said Taylor excitement laced her voice.
"Wow! This is indeed a momentous occasion," teased Troy, "Chadman must be serious."
"And why wouldn't he be," demanded Taylor hand on hip as she glared at him.
"Er…no reason Tay," mumbled Troy earning a glare from Gabriella as she hugged Taylor.
"How do you feel about that?" queried Gabriella.
"Nervous…a little scared," admitted Taylor hesitantly. Gabriella smiled encouragingly.
"You'll do fine, just be you and they cannot help but love you."
"Thanks Gabs." Taylor hugged her friend.
"They're the tops, Taylor, so there's no need to be scared," reassured Troy, "Just keep your smart mouth remarks to yourself and you'll do fine," he tacked on chuckling as Taylor huffed spearing him with a death glare before smirking.
"Talking of remarks, did she tell you she nearly blew your secret," teased Taylor kinking an eyebrow at Gabriella.
"Uh-huh," confirmed Troy, "we've got that covered, we're going to tell Sharpay after dinner tonight then we can just relax."
"Good luck with that," deadpanned Taylor. Troy grinned.
"It'll be a cinch," he said confidently.
"You hope," murmured Taylor. "I only called to make sure Gabi was awake, dinner is in an hour," she informed them turning back to the door, "Just knock when you're ready, Gabs." Gabriella nodded at her friend as she closed the door behind her.
"I better grab a shower, are you staying?" she asked Troy.
"I thought I might, a pre-dinner floor show always sharpens my appetite," he teased, settling back on the bed, his arms folded under his head, a wicked grin splitting his face. Gabriella rolled her eyes, collecting a towel before disappearing into the bathroom. "You can leave the door open," his voice floated after her.
"Pervert," she shot back stepping into the glass enclosure.
Troy and Chad followed Gabriella and Taylor into the dining room, each admiring the rear view of their respective girlfriends; Taylor wore a knee length cherry red dress with a sweetheart neckline, a chunky gold bracelet on her wrist her only adornment whilst Gabriella was clad in a simple white sleeveless shift dress that stopped an inch above her knee revealing highly toned calves, the color highlighting her tanned skin to perfection and Troy thought he'd never seen her look more beautiful.
"About time, we were just about to send a search party for you," said Jason with a grin.
"Hey, we're dead on time," retorted Chad flicking his wrist to glance at the time, "and anyways Sharpay isn't here yet."
"She's not coming," revealed Ryan, "she's got a migraine."
"Aw poor Sharpay! I hope she's okay, it's no fun having a migraine," said Gabriella as she sat down beside Troy.
"Has she got the required medication?" asked Taylor with concern looking at Zeke.
"Yes, she's already taken it, now she's resting in our room. I wanted to stay with her but she insisted I come down," replied Zeke with a shrug, his eyes melancholy. "I'll go back after dinner." The conversation was fairly muted during dinner and only perked up when dessert was served and Zeke excused himself to go back to Sharpay.
Gabriella was stuffed, there was no other word to describe it; the food here was just too delicious to refuse and she knew she'd have to pay a visit to the gym in the morning in penitence otherwise all her hard work during the week would be for nothing. Troy sitting beside her heard the groan that emitted from her lips when she regretfully set her spoon down admitting defeat to the sinful confection remaining on her plate and he grinned.
"Too much?" he queried.
"Way too much," agreed Gabriella ruefully, "if I stay here much longer I'll be like a beached whale."
"You and me both," moaned Taylor rubbing her stomach. Kelsi and Martha nodded in agreement and guys burst out laughing.
"Girls!" scoffed Chad with the roll of his eyes earning a sharp look from Taylor.
"Not a chance, Gabi," chipped in Ryan with a chuckle, "You're way too energetic for that and I know you've been working hard in readiness for your tour. Don't forget next week we start rehearsing the dance routines."
"Eww! Do you have to remind me of that, Ryan," she moaned wrinkling her nose.
"No, but if you want we can get some practice in tomorrow," he teased.
"No thank you, I'm resting until Tuesday," announced Gabriella with a pout.
"What you need is some gentle exercise," injected Troy, "Come on." Troy stood up pulling Gabriella's chair back from the table. Gabriella's mouth dropped open, startled eyes shot across the table to Taylor who arched an eyebrow and smirked while Chad burst out laughing until Taylor dug him in his ribs.
"I…what do you mean?" she gasped biting her lip.
"A relaxing stroll is all, I can show you around Lava Springs," explained Troy, his dancing eyes letting her know he knew what she had been thinking.
"Oh…oh right," she stammered her cheeks flushed as she stood up quickly preceding him from the dining room. "I'll kill you," she hissed once they got outside.
"Hey! Is it my fault you have a one track mind, Montez," chuckled Troy reaching for her hand, leading her into the balmy New Mexico night.
"I never used to," she muttered turning to grin at him, "Until I got this super hot boyfriend."
"Super hot, eh?" he preened flinging his arm around her shoulders as they walked around the swimming pool complex.
"Don't let it go to your head, Bolton," she taunted nudging him with her hip.
"Wrong part of my anatomy," he chuckled stopping on the bridge to kiss the lips that had teased him all night. Gabriella lovingly returned the toe-curling caress, her arms automatically enfolding his waist to bring him closer to her body as their tongues intertwined in a dance as old as time, little realising they were being observed.
"Looks like you were right, Shar," said Zeke. Sharpay, lying on the bed, lifted a pain filled lid to stare at him.
"I'm always right…wait, right about what?" she gasped lifting her head up to look at him as he stood looking out of the window.
"You're matchmaking skills," he revealed turning to throw a grin her way. Sharpay leapt from the bed and hurried to his side, her eyes scanning the view until she spotted Troy and Gabriella clearly swapping spit in a clinch that could have melted the polar ice cap.
"Halle-fucking-lujah! Am I or am I not amazingly fabulous," preened Sharpay dancing around the room in joy, her migraine clearly forgotten.
I know a lot of my reviewers have been screaming for this chapter for an awful long time so here is the first day at Lava Springs. I hope you like it. There is more to come when I can get it out of my head and onto paper. Lol!