For the tenth time in five minutes, Taylor looked at her watch. Chad was late; it was his typical tardiness. But tonight was supposed to be different. It was their anniversary after six months. Chad had been raving about the lovely meal he had prepared, the pleasant stroll in the park, and of course, picking her up in his car. He had saved up for the wheels for the entire summer. Here Taylor was, all dolled up, sitting in her living room, wishing she had somewhere to go. Her phone buzzed and thinking it was Chad, Taylor quickly answered.

"Where are you?!"

"Whoa, whoa, calm down. I'm with Zeke." It was Sharpay on the other end of the phone—pressing out a giggle, as Zeke could be heard in the background huffing about the brownies not being done.

Taylor frowned and let out an aggravated sigh. "Sorry Shar, I thought you were Chad."

"He still hasn't shown? Two words Tay, dump. him." Sharpay sassed ruthlessly. "He was supposed to pick you up two hours ago..."

Taylor ran a hand through her straight hair and twirled a piece on her finger tip, pondering that maybe Chad was busy. Coach Bolton had called an impromptu basketball scrimmage; but still, usually Chad would call her. "Maybe he's..."

"Maybe nothing!" Sharpay exasperated on the line, and told Zeke to hush, as she continued. "It's your anniversary and he's late! DUMP HIM."

Even though Taylor was continually making up justifications for Chad in an attempt to reason with Sharpay, she couldn't help but think about what her best friend had said. Sharpay might have been correct. Perhaps she ought to break things off with Chad. In actuality, their relationship had become duller. They were no longer East High's second hottest pair, Troy and Gabriella being the first. Or, as Zeke and Sharpay liked to point out, they were the hottest. Taylor hung up the phone with a subtle eye roll as Sharpay proceeded to trash Chad. She knew at last that Chad would remember.

Not waiting for a knock at the door, Taylor hollered to her parents that she'd be back and dashed outside. The smile on her face dropped when she saw, Troy's white, semi-beat up truck parked in her driveway. The truck was running, his arm slung out the window and a small smile rested on his lips. Taylor, continued to frown as she walked toward him. Where was Chad?

"What're you doing here?" Taylor snapped, unaware at the small pout that laced Troy's mouth. He counteracted with bite of his lip and mocked her for fun. "Hello to you too, Ms. Thang."

Taylor smoothed down her flowy cocktail dress and huffed; she was in no mood for games. "C'mon Troy, where's Chad?"

Troy stepped out of his truck and shoved both hands in his pockets. He didn't say anything for a few seconds but then leaned against the truck. "He uh, said his dad needed him for something. He asked me to pick you up and take you the restaurant."

Taylor was furious! Chad couldn't have called her? Taylor shook her head angrily, frowning profusely now as she crossed her arms across her chest. No, she was not going to attend her own anniversary dinner without him. Taylor turned her head aside, pulled in her lower lip, and kept back the words she wanted to utter. This was so typical of Chad that it wasn't humorous. Possibly once or twice, it was acceptable to be late for some events. But this was getting a little repetitive now. "I'm just gonna stay home. You can tell him, since he can't be bothered to tell me anything anymore. Son of a bitch." Taylor muttered as she began tracing back toward her house.

On her heels was Troy, as he reached out and grabbed her by the arm. Spinning her around, she was stunned when she looked up into his blue eyes. They seem to shimmer in the darkening moonlight. He looked tense, as if she knew something, but didn't wanna say.

"C'mon, you have you on this pretty dress. Don't waste it." He grinned as she finished his sentence.

Taylor blushed a bit then pulled away from her friend. "This was supposed to our night. Chad planned this for weeks and now..."

Troy ran a hand over his neck and then stared at Taylor with a glimmering hope. "You and I could go?"

"You and me?" Taylor laughed—but stopped when she saw that Troy was slightly frowning. "Troy, it's Friday night. Don't you and Gabriella usually have plans?"

Taylor observed the taller young guy square his jaw and then ran his fingers through his hair. Taylor was stating a genuine fact about a question. Friday nights have always been filled with activities for Troy and Gabriella since they began dating. Although Troy and Gabriella would occasionally go out on their own, Taylor could recall instances in which the couples would double up. "Gabby is taking an early college tour."

Taylor watched his eyes darken, as if the topic was bitter. Deciding to leave the conversation where it was, Taylor checked her watch and then let out a giggle. "Well, we shouldn't let a reservation go to waste, right?"

"Exactly!" Troy hyped and then delicately used his pointer finger to place a strand of Taylor's hair behind her ear. Bending down to her level, the handsome young man whispered against her cheek. "Chad sure missed out, because you look beautiful, Tay."

"Bolton?"

Troy leaped from his holding cell's tough bench and headed for the gate. The officer opened the cell and gave him a nod. He spoke endlessly to Troy regarding the posting of bail and the apparent good fortune of "these L.A. Lakers players." Ignoring him, Troy's thoughts continued to dwell on certain recollections that had kept him sane during the six hours he had been trapped in that blasted prison—literally. As he signed some papers, received his gold watch, he looked up when he saw Sharpay, Zeke, and Taylor running towards him.

Taylor flew into his arms, he caught her, and tightened his hold on her as they hugged. Sharpay and Zeke stood back and then all of them hugged. After Troy was done doing what he needed, he was stopped by one officer who slammed a file towards his chest, he felt Taylor hold his arm; as if warning him, that hitting an officer would land him for a nice sentence.

"What's this?"

"Ah pretty boy, can't read?" The officer rudely mocked him, disregarding the groups grimaces looks, and Troy's tightening facial expression. "Three weeks you appear in court."

"Court? He didn't do anything, Chad started this." Zeke spoke up as he took the file from Troy and eyed the officer. "And if I was you, I'd learn how to uphold law, better, Officer."

Ignoring them, they were all set to leave. Troy laced his fingers into Taylor's bending down to her ear and whispered softly. "I'm so sorry baby."

Taylor turned placing a delicate kiss on his cheek, wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him close. "It isn't your fault, Chad did this."

"Yeah, and if he's lucky he won't show up to court. I'll beat his ass so he can't even walk straight." Troy threatened as they were making their way, out the double doors.

Before Sharpay could give a warning, Troy was hit with a mob of paparazzi. Photographers, supporters, reporters, and boisterous inquiries were hurled at Troy from all sides. Zeke led the group to his SUV, which was parked in front, and there was some tugging and vocal accusations. All was well with Troy until he heard a reporter exclaim, "Is it accurate to say that you deliberately destroyed Taylor Mckessie and Chad Danforth's lovely marriage? Does this fulfill a fetish in any way?" Troy's jaw flexed, as did his muscles, and he turned to face the reporter, feeling Taylor yank at his arm and hearing Zeke and Sharpay yelling at him not to lose his calm. Getting into the car, Troy spoke his mind; because he wasn't a punk. "I didn't break up anything. If Chad wants to be a pussy and start shit, I can damn sure finish it." And with that, he slammed the door shut.

As Zeke drove the entire car ride listened as Sharpay was on the phone, trying to make peace for a lot of things. Troy rested his head against Taylor's chest, her soothing fingers running through his hair. He could feel her silence was itching to say something, he knew it. Looking up at her, he touched her chin.

"What's wrong?"

"I—I..." Taylor started, then straightened up so they were both sitting up. "I just wish you hadn't of commented like that."

"Are you serious? I don't hide from shit and I won't let Chad punk me, baby." Troy heatedly responded.

"But this will only cause issues, Troy. You know that." Taylor shot back, a bit irritated by his nonchalant attitude.

Troy blew out a heavy breath feeling wound up and upset that Taylor, wanted him to ease down. "He started this! He's been startin' it since we were in high school. If he's gonna press charges I'll see his ass, in court and I'll beat his ass too!"

"You will do no such thing!" Sharpay exclaimed as she turned, shooting daggers at Troy from the front seat. With her cellphone plastered to her ear, she was heated. "You will appear in court, you will not make any more statements to the press."

"Oh yeah, cause I'm gonna just sit back and be a bitch," Troy answered sarcastically, waving off his blonde hair friend. "Chad deserves to get his ass beat, look what he did to Tay?"

Everyone in the car fell silent, only the blinking signal could be heard as Zeke made a right turn. Turning to Taylor, Troy pressed a hand to her thigh forcing her to look at him. "I don't want him thinking, he can immindate me, much less you."

"But fighting isn't going solve everything Troy. We're not in high school anymore, your father can't make you two run suicides, there's no detention anymore." Taylor replied as she rubbed her hand along Troy's tense jaw.

As the conversation waned, Troy and Taylor started to argue a little. As she answered calls from the press and even Troy's mother at this time, Sharpay was involved. With a furious expression on his face, Troy halted Taylor as she was ready to slam the door when Zeke pulled into her driveway. "I'm staying the night."

"No, I just wanna be alone."

"Alone? That crazy son of a bitch could show up. I'm coming upstairs and we're gonna cuddle, and we're gonna wake up next to each other. I don't care, how angry you are." Troy demanded as he too, got out the car. Turning to Zeke and Sharpay he nodded affirmably. "Night guys,"

Saying nothing else the car peeled off, while Troy trailed beside Taylor as they entered her house. In the back of Troy's mind, things could have been avoided; such as picking and choosing where they stayed, if they had just moved into together. Once inside, Troy watched listened to Taylor clink around in her kitchen, trying to keep busy. He could hear her loading the dishwasher, pots and cups slamming together. Biting his lip, knowing that tonight had been rather stressful, he walked into the kitchen and grabbed hold to her waist soothingly.

At first she struggled, but soon relaxed against his hold. Troy rubbed her sides, bending to place delicate kiss up and down her neck as he whispered lovingly. "I love you, so much Cupcake."

Turning to face him, her eyes wide with tears threatening to spill, Taylor emotionally leaned up and pecked his lips. "I love you too Troy. I do. I just don't want anything to get out of hand... Chad already has something planned with the divorce papers and—"

"And I'm gonna be right by your side. I'm here, and I ain't going anywhere baby." Troy assured her as he bent his forehead to touch hers and gently kissed her; as if kissing her fears away.

Before long, the kiss became heated. Taylor frantically ran her hands up and down Troy's muscular back as he lifted her up to carry her. He turned a little and started walking toward the stairs. Between kisses, Troy smirked cockily as he ascended the stairs cautiously, pressing Taylor with his thickening manhood through his pajama pants. As they reached her bedroom, Troy playfully tossed Taylor on the bed, and shed his pants leaving him a T-shirt and boxers.

Taylor sat up, starting to undo the shirt she was wearing, she noticed his smirk. "What?"

"I was thinkin', since I've been to jail, I got some street cred, right?"

"Troy." Taylor laughed as she laid back on the bed, feeling it dip as Troy began to advance to her like animal stalking its prey.

He nipped at her neck, running a hand down her toned stomach and bit her earlobe as he whispered. "Play along, girl. Being locked up for so long... I been missing that sweet body of yours."

Rolling her eyes playfully, Taylor sat up spreading her legs a bit giving Troy access, as he undid the loop to her own pajama pants. "I've missed you, Big T."

"Mmm, and I've missed this." He cooed as he hoisted Taylor up, basically ripped off her lower half of clothing and soon began to almost ravish her.

Sharpay successfully postponed the court date till a few weeks after the new year with her persistent efforts. Troy sat on the locker room bench and dried his hair. This morning's basketball session was difficult. He and Eric played a little one-on-one, and there were four scrimmages and three laps of suicides. Chris, Eric, and he had grown to be rather close friends. For the holidays, his two pals took a plane to New Mexico, where they met his family and, of course, Taylor. Chris leaned against his open locker and combed his hair while they relaxed in the locker room.

"It's a new year Troy, you better start lookin' for homes, here in L.A." Chris spoke, as he closed his locker.

"Nah man, my family is in Albuquerque."

Chris rolled his eyes and sat face to face with his friend, "No offense but that place...is small. You ain't gonna get no traction living there."

Troy threw his head back and laughed, "No traction? Who scored the winning shot for the Championship? And came home to several parties?"

Chris side eyed him them smirked as he stood up, grabbing his gym back. "I'm just sayin' that homeboy, what's his name? Chad, he could be itching his way to your girl, while you're away."

Troy had never really given the idea much thought. Or at least in that sense; he was aware that Chad wasn't that foolish to see Taylor while he was away and do anything to her. However, Taylor had gone to Los Angeles twice with Troy during the new year to view the lovely penthouse he was staying in. But perhaps Chris was right. The constant flights from New Mexico to Los Angeles was starting to wear him out. What could Troy do, though? Taylor worked as an Albuquerque physician. And, as she repeatedly explained, she couldn't simply pack her belongings and leave.

Troy was in own world, when he felt Chris jab his shoulder. "What's going on with that punk, Danforth anyway?"

"Nothing man, he hasn't signed the divorce papers yet. He's got Taylor so wound up."

Chris shook his head sighing as the two men were making their way outside to the parking lot to their cars. They stopped to chat for a few more seconds. "I gotta give you props man," Chris commended him.

Tilting his head, Troy asked, "For what?"

"Everything. You're still young, you done been married, divorced and now you're in a fully committed relationship. Battling some girls crazy ex."

"Watch your mouth, her name is Taylor." Troy warned him as he unlocked his convertible. Chris held up his hand as to surrender and playfully laughed. "I'm just saying, you ain't like the rest of newbees. We out here to take it all in, you're not."

"I've got everything I need man," Troy grinned as he thought about Taylor; making a mental note to call her when he returned home to his penthouse.

Before Chris got into his own car, he shot his friend a look. "Yo, you still down for the pool game tonight?"

Troy nibbled on his lower lip. Tonight, he was hoping that after Taylor was done work and she wasn't too tired, they could talk on the phone. But, when he was in L.A. it was tradition for Troy and his boys to hit the pool house and relax. Looking down and back up, he saw the cocky smirk on Chris's face. "Yeah, yeah, I'll let you know, if I can make it."

Chris just shrugged and got into the car, before safely peeling off out the parking lot. Similarly, Troy got into his car. While driving cautiously, he opened his cellphone and listened to his voicemails. He received two from his mother and one from Zeke. Once home, he would give them a call. He scowled a little as he drove, occasionally yawning. He was frowning because he missed Taylor and wanted to be with her again. Taylor was the one thing missing from his luxurious penthouse, despite having everything he could have wanted. When he called Taylor, he received her voicemail, so it's likely that she was at work. Knowing now that Bessie would answer his calls, he made another mental note to call her office.

Back in New Mexico, Taylor was making her rounds on the physical therapy unit. The new doctor to the ward, Dr. William Hinnely, was strailing next to her. Her department and Taylor determined that an additional physician was required due to the unit's expansion. Dr. Hinnely had filled in for her during the two weeks she traveled with Troy to L.A. He was a tall, handsome man with dark skin who was also quite kind and funny. Sharpay told Taylor without hesitation that the new doctor seemed to have a thing for her when she had stopped by earlier in the week for lunch. Taylor simply ignored the thought as she was happy and in love with Troy, and Dr. Hinnely was getting married in the fall. According to Sharpay, that didn't stop the doctor from making eyes at Taylor.

After checking some charts, Taylor grinned turning to William. "This unit is thriving, the new equitment is really doing wonders."

William smiled at her and bowed his head playfully, almost taking a full bow. "Well, I can't say I did it all."

"Then don't," Taylor joked—as they each chuckled.

Continuing their rounds, William stopped by the smaller unit, observing the smaller children who had been born with birth defects; learning to walk with assistance. He looked over at Taylor, watching as her face softened, almost as if her heart was melting. "This is your passion isn't it?"

In her own world, Taylor snapped her head up to him and bashfully nodded. "Yeah, I love to see progress, love to be a part of it too."

They finished their rounds, Taylor felt her phone buzz and new it was a text message; it had to be Troy. Quickly taking out her phone, she couldn't stop the grin that laced her lips reading the message.

Troy: I called you babygirl :( But I know, the best doctor needs all her attention at work. Video chat tonight? And NO Sharpay cannot join. Her voice always echos when she's on camera. Xoxo-Troy.

Taylor let out a soft chuckle, typed back quickly then stopped when she felt Williams staring at her. Tucking a curling strand that was loose from her bun, behind her ear she hummed. "Something wrong?"

William shrugged as he took a seat as they were now in her office. "Are you and that Troy Bolton, serious?"

Furrowing her eyebrows at bit at the sudden question, Taylor nodded in a reply as she took at seat at her desk. Crossing her legs, making sure, her dark blue dress didn't raise too much, she opened her mouth to reply at length. "He and I have been in love since high school."

William held a smug look on his face, before a smile took over. "Anyone who lives under a rock, would be a fool to know that he and Chad Danforth seem to be in love with you both."

Taylor frowned at the mention of Chad's name. Drumming her fingers on her desk, she wanted to switch the conversation. William caught her stare and held up a hand, as he continued, "I'm just saying, you seem to be the talk of a lot of media."

"Trashy media," Taylor corrected him.

William leaned forward, eyes fixed on Taylor; they seemed darker, more focused as he spoke. "I hope Troy plays his cards right, or else he could lose you."

Taylor, now a bit fed up with the over personalization of the conversation stood from her chair. Pointing to the door, she politely through almost gritted teeth spoke. "If you'll excuse me, Dr. Hinnely I have charts to look over."

William exited the room, leaving Taylor to bitterly start going through charts. What the hell was that? She had only known William a short time, and already he had an opinion? Of course, through trashy media Taylor and Troy were center of everyone's attention. But, as Sharpay explained; the media never had anything better to speak about; so they were the prime topic. Taylor, hadn't given the court date much though, since it's pushback. The new year was starting off pretty well. Though, she and Troy still had their griefs about the moving fiasco. After traveling to L.A. Taylor could see how much of a life, Troy was making for himself there. So fast paced; and Taylor didn't want to diminish his dreams, but she also had a dream. She had a career like he did; and she couldn't just leave.

After finishing up three charts, scheduling appointments, and passing some messages along to Bessie, Taylor's phone buzzed again. Two messages; one from Sharpay asking if she'd like to have dinner tonight? Ryan and ever about to pop pregnant Kelsie would be coming. The second message was from Troy again, this one made Taylor blush like no other and she was happy, that her door didn't have a window or else people might of gotten suspicious.

Troy: I was thinkin' while, I was taking my relaxing bubble bath. Remember that night you snuck me into your room and we took a bath? Your father, wanted to kill me! But, baby...you make bubbles sexy.

As she reflected on that evening, Taylor laughed heartily in the silence of her office. Troy and Gabriella had in many respects broken up after she and Chad had finally called it quits with their declining romance; giving Taylor and Troy their chance to be in love and free, Troy figured it would be sweet to climb her tree and show up on her balcony. It was not at all funny back then. However, right now? Taylor couldn't resist thinking back as the memory drifted into her thoughts...

With her balcony window open to let in a breeze, Taylor busied herself typing on her laptop. She was working diligently, completing a college entrance essay in English, when she heard some tree branches rustle. Could have been the wind. No, as she turned in fright, she spotted 6'3" Troy Bolton was standing on her balcony with a few leaves in his hair, an infectious grin on his face, and a bottle of sparkling cider in his hand.

"I can't believe this," Taylor laughed quietly as she opened the window all the way, allowing him in.

Troy rested the bottle of cider on her nightstand, brought her closer by the waist and planted a big kiss on her lips. "Well believe it. I figured you'd be, hunched over your laptop tonight. Tay, that paper isn't due for another two months."

Tucking her bottom lip, pulling back from the handsome man, she dusted the leaves out his hair and shrugged. "I want my English professor to know, I'm a hard worker is all."

"And they will, once you start college babe." Troy insisted, bringing the petite girl closer to him and grinned. "I was thinking bout you." He wiggled his eyebrows, his hands traveling south, grabbing a handful of her luscious buttocks.

With a blush she swatted his hands away, "My parents are right down the hall,"

"I'll be quiet." He whispered as his lips connected with hers. Troy kept Taylor within his reach and quietly took off his sneakers, as he had promised. As she gently landed on the bed with him on top of her, they shared a passionate and intense kiss. Taylor was wearing only a sports bra, so Troy's hands went to her bare shoulders. He fiddled with the thin straps while Taylor ground him against him, making him groan into her mouth. Troy flipped them till he was on top and attacked her neck with kisses and nibbles as the kiss grew more intense. Breaking the kiss a bit, Troy chuckled evilly and reached over grabbing the sparkling cider.

Taylor arched an eyebrow, "You didn't bring any glasses?"

"We have mouths," He laughed, not watching what he was doing and instantly popped open the bottle.

"Troy! My bed! My sheets! Me!" Taylor whispered shouted, The bubbly cider burst open, causing the liquid to splash all over the place. The brilliant cider was drenching Troy and Taylor as well, leaving them both covered in a fragrant, sweet layer. With a swift motion, Taylor rolled Troy off of her and ran a hand through her hair. The young man thought it was hilarious because he was also getting wet.

After calming down, Taylor found herself giggling as she rang some cider out her hair. Troy, removed his soaked shirt, wiggling his eyebrows as caught Taylor's attention; he was flexing his pectoral muscles at her. Taylor blushed, turning away, but Troy helped her off the bed.

"Don't be shy, c'mon let's get cleaned up." He said as he laced their fingers together. Assuming they meant at seperate houses, Taylor tugged Troy back to the balcony window, but he stopped and turned catching her with a kiss. "I meant here, Tay."

"Troy, my parents are right down the hall. The bathroom is next door." Taylor chastised him, knowing that his mind was like every teenage boy; in the gutter.

With a shrug of his shoulders and a gentle kiss on her lips, Troy guided them through her bedroom and down the hallway. They tiptoed past Taylor's parents' bedroom, and everything was silent. Taylor entered the bathroom and started to gently run some water in the swan-shaped tub. Troy looked at the bathtub and laughed, knowing that Taylor's parents were crazy romantics. Taylor flushed quickly, just as the two were ready to undress. The only other boy to witness her in her undressed state was Chad. Despite Chad's constant compliments about Taylor's beauty, Taylor always felt inadequate.

Sensing her discomfort, Troy lifted her chin and pecked her lips reassuringly. "You're beautiful baby, absolutely sexy."

As the undressed, Troy took it upon himself to add bubbles to the bath. Taylor raised both eyebrows at him and he grinned boyishly. "It adds ambiance." He laughed, dropping his boxers and guided himself and Taylor into the tub.

In a million years, Taylor never would have thought she would be in a bubble bath with the uber-hot Troy Bolton. She smiled to herself as she lay back on Troy's chest, and he blew soft bubbles next to her ear and drew soothing circles over her flat stomach. With her neck slightly cocked, she planted a passionate kiss on his lips, causing their tongues to dance briefly until Troy felt a bubble form in his mouth and gave a little cough. This is what those romantic movies and TV-shows showed, it was peaceful, romantic, and Taylor loved who she was with.

As they began to get frisky in the warm bubble water, Troy's talented fingers found Taylor's warm, wettning canal, he licked down her neck and hummed passionately. "Can I?" He moaned, as the pad of his thumb circled her bud.

"Y—"

"WHAT IN THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!" Yelled, well practically exploding Mr. McKessie as he stood in the doorway of his bathroom, eyes bulging as he watched his daughter and a tall white boy practically making love in the bathtub full of bubbles.

Taylor tried to get out first, but Troy was quick and soon the two went toppling out the tub, legs tangled, slippery and wet; both blushing. Troy scrambled for a towel as did Taylor, while Mr. McKessie continued to shout. Troy hopped his way past Taylor's father, shouting "I'm sorry sir!" While Taylor wrapped herself in a towel completely and looked at her father, seeing the death stare he was giving her. Knowing that Troy, probably raced home, half naked, half wet, Taylor turned to her father who had an eyebrow raised.

"Daddy, he spilled juice on my bed and—"

"Banned. That boy is banned! Clean this up, and go to bed." Mr. McKessie demanded trying to regulate his tone. Before he left the bathroom he turned to his daughter, with a smirk and nodded. "You're grounded until college. Goodnight, Princess."

Taylor finished up her meal, putting the dishes away as she moved about her kitchen. When she and Troy started their webchat, they each reminisced about the bathtub incident. Troy, all the way in L.A. couldn't stop the belly laugh that erupted from him. Taylor frowned and shook her head, as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

"We had to re-do the floors from all the water damage." Taylor chuckled, as she stirred some sugar in her coffee.

On the other end of the webchat, Troy relaxed on his bed and rubbed a hand across his chest. "But it was worth it. Now, we can take all the bubble baths and make all the messes we want."

As they talked, catching up, telling each other about their days, Taylor pouted softly. "I miss my Bunny."

Troy rolled his eyes at the pet name. 'Bunny' had come about, when Troy was running late for a lunch in, and was hopping around the house, trying put his pants on. Since then, the nickname had stuck with him; muchless, Taylor had stuck it to him. With a sigh, the handsome blue eyed man gazed into the camera at his beautiful girlfriend.

"You have off this weekend, right?"

"Mhmm."

Troy smirked getting closer to the camera. "I'll book you flight, come to L.A."

Taylor was about to perk up and say yes, when she remembered that she and Dr. Hinnely had agreed to go over the billing on Sunday. Although, she had the weekend off, Taylor was efficient and liked to get things done ahead of time. Troy noticed the lifeless look in her eyes, signaling something was wrong.

"What is it, Cupcake?" He asked, now laying flat on the bed like a giant cat.

Taylor giggled, seeing as the camera moved, and rested her coffee cup on her counter. "I have to do the billing, with William."

"William?" Troy shot up, eyebrows arched his tone serious. "That doctor who thinks he's all that?"

"Troy, don't start," Taylor warned him seriously. She was well aware of Troy's jealousy. It really sprang from the whole Chad situation, which is where it all began. Troy, though, appeared to take on the role as her major protector for any male who approached Taylor. Though it was endearing and quite charming, Taylor also had a knack for setting men straight. After Chad, she swore no man would ever again injure her or make her feel inferior. They sat in silence, staring at one another before Troy sighed.

"Baby, after the trial I was thinking..."

"About?"

"About us moving to L.A."

Taylor nearly dropped her coffee cup as it was raised to her lips. Was Troy serious? "Troy? I have my practice here in Albuquerque."

"I understand that Tay, I know that. But... all this traveling, it's taking a toll on me, on us." He reasoned with her.

Taylor blinked a few times before sighing, shaking her head. "Troy, there's still so many things that we have to settle here first. My divorce, your trial, we have two houses.."

"Two houses that could've just been one." He shot back at her, a tone of 'I told you so' in his voice.

Taylor eyed him with a glare now, seeing where the conversation was going. "Troy, what am I supposed to do about my practice huh?"

Rubbing his chin, adjusting the camera, sitting on the bed, so it showed his bare upper half, Troy nodded in empathizing with his girlfriend. Things still were hectic, but in Troy's mind if they didn't start moving forward, they'd always be stuck. "Baby, you can afford to take some time away, to enjoy yourself."

Taylor was ready for this argument, "Enjoy myself? While you go off and live lavishly? The after parties, the nightclubs? I don't know anyone in L.A. Troy."

"But you could, if you gave it a chance!"

"Troy—"

"No, Tay, I'm not gonna argue anymore. We cannot, and I will not let Chad hold us back. You and I wanna be together and dammit, I want you here. I'm sick of catching a plane here, a plane there, and not being able to be consistent. You practically run that damn hospital," Troy paused, Taylor could see the small vein in his neck thumping; that happened when he was passionate about something. "Dr. Hin-hey can take over for awhile, while you're gone, you can work remotely. And parties? I wanna experience them with you, I wanna spend time with you. Hell, Taylor, I want you at my games cheering me on. I need my soulmate!"

Taylor was rendered speechless, as she watched Troy's blazing blue eyes never leave hers. The majority of what Troy had stated held true, and her own brown eyes began to shift. They felt as though the distance was eating them alive. In order to remain where she was, Taylor was hiding behind her impending divorce from Chad and the Troy assault prosecution. In other words, Taylor was afraid to try new things. Although the new year had begun well, she felt as though something was always getting in the way. She loved Troy, and she wanted to be with him despite the trashy media and Chad's hollow promises. He was correct; she was able to work from a distance, and Dr. Hinnely could cover for her while she took some much-needed time off.

Taylor brushed her cheek with her thumb as a tear, fell from her eyes. Troy, cleared his throat and sighed as he moved closer to the camera. "Don't cry Cupcake..."

Taylor bit her lip, letting out her own sigh. "I have an early meeting in the morning Troy."

"Yeah, I have some meetings myself." Troy mumbled as he turned to look at his clock. Turning back, Troy tapped his fingers across his chin. "Take your laptop upstairs, babe."

Taylor knew where this was going, they did this every time they webchatted. Doing so, Taylor trailed upstairs after cutting off her downstairs lights and finally made her way to her bedroom. Getting into bed, after taking off her robe, leaving her in a purple silk, short night dress which Troy uttered "damn" too. Taylor rested on her side of the bed, placed the laptop on the pillow Troy usually slept on a wearily smiled, as she watched Troy do the same.

They each turned out the light, and like when they were younger they leaned into the camera and "kissed" each other.

"I love you Cupcake." Troy yawned, as he brought his blankets up to his chest, and Taylor followed suit and blushed happily snuggling within the covers that held Troy's cologne. "I love you too, Bunny."