Chapter 5 – Real Life

Tuesday, October 20th, 2020

Gabi's POV

I sat at the desk doing paperwork in the office as the last class ended two hours ago and it was nearing midnight. Troy Bolton and I had barely crossed paths since we got back from our honeymoon together. Basketball season was in full swing and when he got home from there, I was off to the studio after work. It wasn't the best way to start our first year of marriage but it was necessary for both of our dreams. Every day was like this except for Sunday.

We both made a pact that date night Saturday would start this Saturday.

The twins were going to my parent's place and we were going to have a night to ourselves. My breasts were full of milk and I needed to pump but I wanted to finish the paperwork. I grabbed my phone to see several texts from Troy. He didn't like that I stayed her alone and locked up in the dark. I should have left with Brea an hour ago when she left but I needed to finish this. I was reading his last text when my phone rang and his picture appeared.

"Gabi," he growled my name into the phone and I sighed as I ran my fingers through my hair. "I know, I am getting ready to pack up." I could see him rubbing his nose and I just inhaled deeply, "I'm sorry. I wanted to finish this paperwork. When I get home, I need to work on a presentation for work." Troy grunted, "Gabi, you literally need to sleep at some point. You can't run yourself into the ground." I closed my eyes as he was a fine one to talk.

"Just pretend this is the championship week and you are watching film and you don't sleep," I tossed back and he grunted from the other end of the phone. "I can't argue with that but I do it for a month. Are you going to do this until December?" I didn't have an argument back for that one either. "Troy, I'm fine. I am trying to finish this up and then I'll be home."

"Open the door," I scrunched my eyebrows, "Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Open the door," he repeated and I got up from the desk and went to the front to see him standing at the door. He was in a pair of joggers with a t-shirt. I dropped my phone before going to the door and unlocking it and he walked in. "Where are our children?" I asked with a question on my lips and he grunted. "At home fast asleep even though," I put my hand on his mouth and those blue eyes stared at me. "Do not finish that sentence. Do not mom guilt me for doing my dreams."

Troy swallowed as he just nodded and I released my hand from his mouth. "Who is with our children?" I asked this time and Troy smiled, "Cameron. He came over to talk about some stuff and before we knew it you weren't home and it was 11. I was worried and he told me to go get you while he stayed there." I rolled my lips together and Troy put his hands on my hips and his lips pressed into my neck. "We've got to figure something else out. I don't care if you bring the damn work home but I do not want you staying here by yourself this late."

"Troy, I'm fine. A big girl with security cameras and…" Troy shook his head. "No. Just leave with somebody else. Please." His voice dropped and I pulled back to look in those blue eyes as he let his thumb stroke over my skin. "I love you," he whispered and I smiled as I couldn't argue with him. I rested my head on his chest and yawned deeply. "Get your stuff and let's get out of here. Were classes good tonight?" I nodded as I drug him back to the office as I collected the last of my things that I needed to finish. "When is this presentation for work due?" Troy asked as he grabbed my backpack and then my work bag.

"Thursday."

"Then go to sleep and I'll help you work on it tomorrow after practice."

"I am teaching a class at five. My mom is going to come over and watch the kids until you get home." Troy looked at me with a weary look. "I'll be home by seven. We can have dinner together." Troy didn't protest and he walked with me as I locked up the studio and escorted me to my car in the back. "We can't do this for three months, Brie." his voice was a whisper and I kissed his jaw. "Troy, unless we can figure out how to let me quit my job early this is our life for the next three months." I argued back and those blue eyes tried to find the answers in my eyes. His thumb brushing my jaw.

"I love you. I miss you." I closed my eyes as I turned away from him to get into the car. He didn't get to be busy and want me too not be busy. That wasn't how this worked. "I'll see you at home." I left it at that and Troy made sure I was safely locked in the car before getting into his car. My wireless pump was in here and I attached it before I began my drive home. I rubbed my eyes as I didn't completely disagree that this wasn't sustainable for three more months. I missed my kids. I missed my husband. I loved my jobs.

We were already looking for more dance coaches to help but the salary was shit until we started making money.

We already had full classes but the startup was hard.

After a fifteen-minute drive we were both pulling into the garage as I unhooked the breast pumps and walked inside to find Cameron at the counter. "Hi, you trying to make him a grumpy man?" I shot Cameron a look. He chuckled, "Thank you, Cameron." He smiled with a nod. "Of course," he stood up as Troy walked in the door as he nodded toward his best friend and Cameron slipped out the door. Troy locked up the house as I bagged up and put the milk into the freezer.

An arm locked around my waist and his head buried into my neck. I let my hand rest on the top of his, "I'm sorry. I know that life isn't the easiest right now and I'm sorry that my frustration went out on you. It's just been three weeks of this and I'm already tired. I miss summer," I closed my eyes as I couldn't disagree with that statement. I turned around to face him and his hand held my cheek. Luna was circling as Troy sighed as he let go of me before letting her out into the backyard.

I slid onto the counter and I wiggled my fingers for Troy to come over to me. He eyed me as I pulled him closer as I kissed him once he was close enough. He cupped my face and he kissed me harder in response as he tried to gain the upper hand in the kiss that I started. I reached down into his joggers to find him hard and ready for me already. "That's what happens when I think the last time, we had sex was our honeymoon." I shot him a look. "I don't think that was the last time."

Troy grunted, "Feels like it," I laughed as I stroked him once and then twice before he pulled my hand away. He intertwined our fingers together and he wrecked me with the kiss he provided to the point I was panting and trying to strip my own clothes off. He swiftly picked me up and carried me upstairs to our bedroom where we discarded our clothes before either of us could breathe. I climbed onto his lap and he groaned as I seated myself quickly to him.

"Gabi," his moan echoed around the room and I moved causing us both relief. Our mouths fused together and suddenly I was really; really glad I fucking left the dance studio.


Troy's POV

Wednesday, October 21st, 2020

I blew the whistle as the guys ran down the court and I smiled with satisfaction as I had a better team than I thought I was going to have. We had one kid moved in who was a really good fucking player and then another took lessons all summer long with us coaches and he improved drastically. A hand clapped on my shoulder as Dylan smirked, "Heard you had to go get your wife last night." I rolled my eyes as I checked my watch. I had to go get the kids soon from daycare.

"I did. We need to have a conversation about what the fuck we're doing until she's done working her other job at the end of the year. What we are doing now isn't sustainable. I miss having time with her." Dylan rolled his eyes, "Selfish." He called me and I shot him a look. "And if Josie wasn't coming home every night till nearly midnight, what would you think? The only time I have time with her is in passing. Thank God for our honeymoon."

Dylan cackled with a shake of his head, "Yea, yea, laugh all you freaking want." I said with a shove and he laughed again as I gathered the boys up to start a drill and I nodded over towards Jax. "Jax is going to run this drill. I'll be back." The guys all nodded as I hustled to the bench to grab my phone, wallet, and keys. I made sure my badge was attached to my keys before jogging to the parking lot and getting into my car. Luckily, the daycare was just down the road.

Pulling into the parking lot I quickly parked and left my Jeep running. I headed inside with a swipe of my badge and then into the infant area with another swipe before I heard Sutton crying. I peeked into the room and his teacher, Ms. Lana, grinned. "Sutton, who's here buddy?" I opened the door after kicking off my shoes and he reached for me. "Hi buddy, are those teeth bothering you still?" I kissed on his little head as he curled up in my arms. Saylor was sleeping in her crib and I smiled. "Thanks Lana,"

"Of course. He was really good all day today. I think he's just overly tired." I nodded as I tucked him into his car seat and then I go Saylor out of the crib. She didn't even wake up as I moved her to the other car seat. I tucked them both in with blankets. "I'll see you tomorrow," I said with a smile as I picked up both car seats. I grabbed their diaper bag with all of their empty bottles and headed out. I got each of them into the car before heading back to the gym.

They were still finishing the drill as I walked in with both of them and settled them on the bleachers as they were both asleep. Cameron, Jesse, and Jax all cooed at them as I shooed them away because I wanted them to sleep. Practice continued on for another hour as we finished with them running the last final drills. I went over to check on the babes as Saylor was awake with her grumpy pout on her face. "Hi sissy," I got her out and she rested her head on my chest as I found her binky and gave it to her.

I shot Gabi a text message and she said she would be home at seven tonight. I exhaled as I was going to make the two of us dinner and she wanted to keep the babies up so she could put them to bed. I sent her a picture of Saylor. I called the guys over, "Good practice. Same time tomorrow. Our first game is just two weeks away. We have a lot of eyes on us as this is us trying to get another championship. We have tough competition with West Ashley but I have faith we can do it. If we work hard then we can do big things."

The team all murmured as we finished out our huddle before they headed to the locker room to change and get out of here. I took Saylor back to her car seat and I got her strapped back in as I shot a text to Gabi about dinner and when I didn't see her reply I put my phone in my backpack. I started to clean up the gym with the guys as Dylan hit my head. "Are you seriously in that bad of a mood before your wife is busy running a business?" I shot him a look. "I'm not in a bad mood. I'm just trying to figure out how all of this fits in our lives right now." I told him with shrug. "She's working two full time jobs practically."

"Get over yourself, Bolton. She is chasing her dreams. You wanted that remember?" I nodded my head in understanding. "I do want that. I want her chasing her dreams but I'd like to fast forward to the new year so that she doesn't have to work two jobs. That's all I want. I want my wife at night. Fuck, 7pm is fine. I'm happy about it." Dylan snickered as the guys all gave me a look. "Fuck, I have so many papers to grade tonight." Jax mumbled.

"Same, dude," I grumbled as my kids had a paper that was due today. I had to grade all of them and that sounded horrific. Once all of the boys had left the gym, I had gathered all of my stuff as I went to grab both car seats but Dylan and Cameron beat me to it. I rolled my eyes as I grabbed my coaching bag and my backpack as we all walked out together. Both men talking to the babies as if they were awake instead of asleep. I unlocked my Jeep as they opened the back doors to put them in as I stashed my stuff in the front.

"Thanks, guys,"

"Welcome, Bolton. Need any help tonight?" I shook my head, "I think I'm going to swing by the studio."

All of them grunted, "Dude, let her work."

"Yea, I miss her. I just need a kiss." I shot them all a wink and they all shook their heads with a laugh. I got into my car as I started it and I was going to see Gabi before I took the twins home and put them to bed. It didn't take long before I was pulling into the studio. I could see the dancers working and Gabi at the front of the classroom with a grin on her face. They were working through something and I watched her head fall backwards in a laugh. I smiled as I pulled the car to the front as I hopped out and locked the car.

I slipped in the front doors and kept my eyes on my Jeep but also gave half of my attention to Gabi. She looked up at my eye contact and a smile crossed her face. She nodded towards Brea who took over and I walked out front as I felt her hand slip around my waist. "What are you doing here? Did my mom get the kids?" I shook my head as I unlocked the Jeep and Gabi shot me a grin before going over to open the car door. "I called your mom on my lunch break saying I was going to get them because I wanted to get them."

"Oh, hi sweet babies!" Gabi crawled in to kiss their heads. I smiled as she finally got back out of the car and I raised by eyebrows. "Where is my kiss?" she laughed as I gently pushed her back against the car door. "What is this surprise? I'll be home at seven to put them to bed."

I smiled as I kissed her softly, "Because I miss you and I just wanted to see you. I couldn't wait two more hours." I kissed her again and she wrapped her arms around my neck. "We'll talk at dinner." I looked at her and she pinched my sides. "You promise to help me set up this presentation?" she asked and I nodded, "I do. Now, go back to work so you can come home. I love you,"

"I love you, too" she ran back inside and I watched her run back inside to rejoin the class. My heart was warmed watching her do what she loved as I got back into the car. Once I got home it was a whirlwind of activity. I put the kids in the stroller as I got Luna out and we went for a walk much to her dismay before heading home and getting the twins situated on the floor as they were both awake and playing. I grabbed some of their food that had been prepped in the fridge to warm it up.

The only difference I have in my life is I used to come home and do nothing and now I didn't stop until I was in bed practically. I enjoyed our little night time routine and getting to put them to bed. Bath, rocking them, and putting them in their cribs before cleaning up in the house. Sometimes, Gabi and I would find a TV show to watch. Especially over the summer. I peered over at Saylor and Sutton on the floor as they were on the play mat.

My phone buzzed and I reached over to answer it to see Macken calling. "Hi, what are you doing?" I laughed, "I'm making dinner for the twins." I told her as I pulled out their food from the microwave to test the warmth. "Care if I come over? I miss them."

"Actually, how about another day? Gabi and I haven't spent much time together over the past few weeks and we just need some family time." Macken groaned over the phone, "Soon, I promise. Hell, tomorrow even. I just need her tonight."

"How is the dance studio going? I have several friends who have little kids who are sending their daughters there for the fun nights."

"It's going well! She loves it. I drove up today and she was grinning like a fool and just having the best time." Macken laughed as I put the two plates of food on the high chairs. "Okay, Mac, I gotta get these babies eating so that they can do bath and bed soon."

"Of course, tomorrow, can I pick them up from school and I'll watch them till you get home?" I smiled, "Yea, that sounds like a great idea." I hung up and I went to find the kids. I picked each one up with a big kiss on their bellies before I slipped them into their high chairs. They giggled as they picked at their dinner.

Each of them sat and happily munched on their food and fed half of it to Luna but I honestly didn't care as I started dinner for Gabi and I. Saylor squealed as she giggled and clapped her hands. I shook my head with a laugh. The garage door opened and I looked up as Gabi was walking in on the phone but walking in the door. I looked over at the clock to see that it was 6:30. I smiled as she smiled at me. Both of the kids squealed from their high chairs. "Mom, I have to go. I have two babies who missed their momma."

"And your husband," I added and she smirked over towards me as she hung up the phone before greeting both of the babies. "Hi Sutty, hi Say-Say," she was kissing both of them and she fed both of them a few more bites of the food on their plates. I chuckled as I continued with our dinner until a pair of arms wrapped around my waist. "Hi," she murmured and I twisted to wrap my arms around her. "Hi, how are you?" I whispered and she smiled tilting her head back. "Good, because I talked with Marisa this morning at work." I raised an eyebrow towards her as she slid onto the counter behind me.

"I'm going to cut out of work an hour early every day and head to the studio from there to get other work done. That way my now four-thirty class will be over at six-thirty and I'll be home by 7 every night." I rolled my lips together and I started to smile. "Gabi," she smiled, "I heard you last night and I understand but the only thing is I have to work from home for the five hours that I miss in the office. She doesn't care when I do them but I have to log for five hours."

My hand reached up to cup her face and I smiled, "Let's call it work time for the both of us. I need to grade papers and you need to log five hours at home. I think we can make it happen, Brie. I think we can do it and you get to be home at seven every night." Our lips found each other as I gave her a kiss. "I love you, thank you for hearing me and I know that this is all temporary until we figure out our next steps and I want you to have that time at the dance studio because today? I watched you. The smile on your face? That freedom? You were doing something you love and I love that. I loved watching you."

She smiled as she leaned up to kiss me, "I am so happy there but I am also so happy here. It would have been a really long three months if we kept that up and I think this is a good compromise." We both gave a smile again and another kiss as Gabi looked over at the twins who were mostly just feeding Luna at this point. Her head rested on my chest and we both were content and happy. "I love you, Troy." She whispered and I smiled, "I love you, too."


Sunday, October 25th, 2020

Gabi's POV

Noah, Saylor, and Sutton were all laying on the floor with their toys around them as the group was all together. Football was on the TV as the guys were all talking about their fantasy league as we were all talking to Sara about her pregnancy. She was just over 13 weeks along and they were both so excited. Lennon was asking about wedding ideas as they were full steam ahead on planning their wedding. Troy tipped his beer back with a laugh as we both worked yesterday morning and had a date last night after the kids went to bed.

Things felt better than they did earlier this week. We felt strained at the beginning of the week. I understood what he was saying because he was right. It was going to be a long freaking three months if we continued this way. I had a long conversation with Marisa who was so supportive of this dream of mine and was thankful that she had this time with me still. I told her the struggles and we made a great compromise which in turn gave Troy and I a great compromise.

I looked over at Troy and his eyes found mine as we both shared a smile as he winked before talking back to Dylan about something. I got up from my spot on the table and I crawled on the floor to the babies as I looked at Saylor. She grinned at me and I reached over for her as she climbed into my arms as she was so close to crawling. Sutton reached for Noah and Troy's hand reached down to make sure that he didn't hit him. "Easy, buddy," Sutton cried and yanked his hand away as Troy picked him up with a laugh as his friends ragged on him.

"Bolton, making your kid cry?" Cameron razzed, "I told him, no. I guess I should just expect that." We all laughed together as Sutton snuggled into Troy's chest as I watched Sara let her hand fall to her belly and her eyes drifted over towards Jax. "This summer I think we should take a friend and family vacation," Jesse mentioned. This got just about everybody's attention. "Go down to Florida or something. Rent a beach house for the all of us and just spend a long weekend at the beach."

There were murmurs among the group as it would be a lot of fun. "Make sure we're on the beach and a pool in the backyard. We could golf early in the morning and get to spend time with our families in the afternoons. It would be a lot of fun," Troy said scratching the back of his neck. I knew he wondered about the cost of it all. Money was tight recently and I was hoping that the dance studio was going to start off quicker than we all were anticipating. I reached over to rub his knee and he smiled.

"I say we do it. Let's pick a week sooner than later so that we can find a house and get it booked so there isn't any backing out." Jax said as Sara nudged him. "Jax, if we go in June, we'll have like a two-month-old. Are you sure?" Jax chuckled as his hand smoothed over her belly, "Yes, I think it'll be fun and it's not like it'll be the only kid." His eyes looked over at Noah, Saylor, and Sutton. "Yea, we'll have a bunch of one-year-olds. That won't be much better." Troy pointed out as he glanced down at the sleeping Sutton.

Saylor was asleep in my lap as he stood up and easily took them both upstairs. I laid back on the floor as I rubbed my own eyes, "Do you need to go nap with your children?" Sara asked with a nudge of my foot. I couldn't stop my smile, "Probably. Between the dance studio and work and ya know – twins. I'm exhausted."

"Don't lie. You also have to keep Troy Bolton happy," I shot Cameron a look and he cackled as Lennon hit him. "Cameron," she hissed and I couldn't stop my laugh. "No, no, he's not wrong. He's also a factor." Troy came back down with the baby monitor as he eyed Cameron. "I feel like I missed a joke."

"You always do,"

Troy rolled his eyes heavily and I giggled. "Gabs, are you going to make it to the first game?" Dylan asked and I nodded, "I should be there. I need to put the basketball schedule in and Blaine's since it is his senior year. I am trying to catch a lot of his games."

"Damn, West Ashley will not be the same without him." I was proud of Blaine. He was doing so much better and he was looking at colleges that weren't close by even though it was going to break Lucy's heart. I think it was going to break James as well. He was finally getting his footing back in life after losing Zoey and then his child most likely was going somewhere across the country. Troy came and sat next to me as he patted his leg. "Troy, shouldn't you start dinner?" Jax asked leaning forward and Troy rolled his eyes.

"Pizza my dudes, ordered it hours ago. We're too busy for cooking."

"Let us pitch in," Sage mentioned as she balanced Noah on her lap. "Nah, you know we are hosting this week."

"Yea but pizza for all of us isn't cheap and I am all about team no cooking after long weeks." There was much agreement and Troy finally gave in and it gave me a sense of relief. They all sent Troy a venmo as his hands found my head and massaged it gently. The football games continued on the TV when Luna started to get restless. I stood up as I took her outside and Troy eyed me as I followed her outside to grab some fresh air.

"This is a good idea," Sage and Josie, both joined me out back and I smiled. "It is. I was getting tired inside. I needed to get out for a few moments." Josie gripped the railing as she looked over the edge of the deck. "This year was the first year that we didn't have the back-to-school bash. It's weird how things are changing," Sage mentioned as Luna ran around the back yard. "Right? The boys are all growing up." I mentioned with a half-smile.

"How is Zoey's?" Josie asked. "It's so, so good. I am absolutely loving it. I typically can't wait for my classes and helping these girls learn. We're stepping our toes in lightly this year and just starting with lessons, fun nights, etc. before we expand into competitions next year. We are selling out every lesson though for the most part. We'll start doing monthly night baby-sitting nights and we're going to dance at a James Island basketball game. Do a clinic with the dance team in conjunction – basically a fundraiser."

"If you ever just need an extra set of hands with anything, let us know." Sage said, "We would all be more than happy to volunteer and help."

"Thank you, guys, I just want this to be amazing. I want to let this be my business and maybe do marketing stuff on the side for supplemental income. Our budgets are tight right now and I'm nervous. The kids are expensive with daycare and sometimes I think once I quit, I'll just keep them during the day at the studio or something. I don't know. It's just so expensive." I nibbled on my lip as I thought about the budget Troy and I discussed this morning.

"Oh god, I can't imagine having two of them. Noah is enough for the bills. I sometimes honestly wish they weren't teachers. They could make so much more money somewhere else." Sage chewed on her lip as she thought about it. "Yet, the basketball rules their lives. I know it gives them some extra money but not enough to do anything." Josie spoke as she sighed, "I think that's one of the reasons that Dylan hasn't proposed. He wants to be able to afford a good ring but between house, car, utilities, and what not it's hard getting by each month. Even after I moved in and started helping." I nodded in agreement as we all headed back inside after a few minutes.

The pizza had arrived and I went up behind Troy to wrap my arms around his waist. "Thanks for taking Luna out,"

"It was nice to get some fresh air," I tilted my head back and our mouths brushed as he smiled into the kiss. "I love you," he whispered as if he could see the stress on my face. His thumb brushing against my cheek. I just gave him a half smile as he gave me a questioning look. "Stop stressing, I know it's all been crazy lately but we're going to make it through this season of life. We'll figure it out together, okay?" his words were quiet as if they were only for my ears.

I let my hand wrap around his wrist and I reached up to kiss his cheek.


Sunday, November 1st, 2020

Troy's 30th Birthday

Gabi's POV

I snuck up in the shower behind him and I wrapped my arms around his waist. "Happy Birthday," I murmured in his ear and he chuckled deep in his chest as he turned me around and he smiled down at me. "How does it feel being 30?" he rolled his eyes, "No different than 29," I smirked as I reached up to kiss him softly. "Are you sure that just watching football with your friends is all you want to do today?" Troy smiled, "I mean, yea, you are going to be there with my beautiful kids. My parents are coming over with my siblings. What isn't there to like?"

He cupped my face and gave me kiss as I wrapped my arms around him. My body pressing into his as I felt his hard length against my stomach. "Are the twins still sleeping?" he asked me and I nodded my head as I let my eyes look up at him and I fell gently to my knees. Troy's eyes grew heavy and he swallowed heavily, "Brie," I smiled as I wrapped my hand around his length and I worked him. "Happy Birthday," I whispered to him as I wrapped my mouth around him. Taking him as deep as possible suppressing my gag reflex.

His hand fell against the tile wall as he watched the entire time as I worked him to the absolute brink as he reached down to tug on my wet hair as I inhaled deeply, "Fuck, Brie, I don't know what I want. To fuck you or let you finish me off this way." I chuckled with a shake of my head as I smirked up at him. "I already fed the babies. They are back asleep. Who says we can't do both?" the groan that left his mouth as he gave me warning but I kept going.

Once he was done, he pulled me up and kissed me so hard but in the sweetest way possible. He gently grabbed my arm and pressed me back against the shower. "By far the best birthday," he laughed, "You said that last year." I shook my head. "Every year that I get to spend it with you will be the best year and this year I have two tiny little babes who I just fucking love and I have a beautiful fucking wife and I love it."

My cheeks flushed and he stroked my skin, "Today will be an amazing day," he whispered and I just smiled.


Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020

Gabi's POV

I put both twins in the stroller as I was late.

Later than I wanted to be.

Tonight, was the first game and I had been running behind for what felt like all day long. To work this morning because Troy had a meeting this morning and I had to take the kids to work, I started late at work which caused me to be late to the studio which again caused me to be late picking up the twins from day care and after profusely apologizing for what felt like the entire time, I was at the day care I had to go back to the studio.

And here I was nearly twenty minutes late to the game. I felt terrible and my gut stirred as I sent him a text before the game started but I still felt terrible. The past two weeks had been hard. They had been better with me leaving one job early and starting the other early but I still had piles of work at home. Troy was barely home because of basketball and that was only going to get so much worse from here on out. The twins were so active and I could barely keep up.

My head was barely above water.

Saylor screamed from the stroller as I rushed in the door and Cindy gave a grin, "Hi Gabi! Troy said you were running late. Oh, no, what's wrong Ms. Saylor?" I gave a half smile, "She's probably starving. I haven't had a chance to feed them yet but the moment we get situated in the stands that is what we'll be doing." Cindy gave a smile as I stopped outside of the doors and I picked up Saylor as I didn't want to cause a huge scene as we walked in.

I hiked up Sutton on the other side while we walked down the side of the bleachers. Troy was wearing a sweater with slacks tonight as he looked amazing. Saylor cried again and Troy let his gaze drift for a moment as he caught the sight of us before he focused back on the game in front of him. I climbed up the side of the bleachers and found Lennon, Sage, Sara, and Josie. "Hi, let me see that baby!" Josie took Sutton who was dangling from my arm.

"What did I miss?" I looked up to see that we were winning by 10. "Nothing much, we took a quick lead and they have been cruising since." I grabbed a blanket as I tossed it over my shoulder and pulled down the side of my sweater as Saylor latched as if she had not had a drop of food all day long. "Easy, sis," I told her as she latched on aggressively. Sutton cried out reaching from me and I reached for the binky in my pocket." Here, you will wait your turn."

"Anything else in that pocket?" Lennon asked and I couldn't stop my laugh. "No, I wish. I need a strong drink. Today has been a different version of hell." My eyes drifted to Troy as he was pulling on his sleeves as he directed his players around the court. Jesse was talking to a different player on the bench, Cameron was doing the book, and the other two were helping Troy with whatever. I rolled my lips together as the other team called a time out and Troy turned around to face the bleachers behind the bench where we were sitting. Those blue eyes zeroed in on me and I gave him a smile.

"I'm sorry," I mouthed. He shook his head and winked with a grin as he focused back on his players. "Cameron says that Troy hasn't been the friendliest person recently." I couldn't stop my laugh, "Probably because it's been probably two weeks since we've had sex and that typically makes him mad at other people. Mostly those four."

Sage laughed, "Yea, I can promise Jesse and I went through a similar stage. I can't imagine two of those kiddos though. That has to make it so much harder." I couldn't disagree with that statement. "I don't think the dance studio is helping and I want to convince him to let me go back up there tonight and I know he is going to protest but I left some work up there." I nibbled on my lip. I knew Troy was going to fight me tooth and nail to go back to the studio after the game. He hated when I went up there late.

I just wanted to go over a few different things for the class I was teaching tomorrow and I needed space to work on them. "Yea, good luck. I think I've even heard Troy complaining about you staying there too late." I rolled my eyes as Sage laughed, "He needs to get over his big bad self." Saylor finally fell asleep as I took her away and then gave her over to Lennon. "Hi sweet girl," I took Sutton as he ate next on the other side. "Gabi, do you have a book of tips? You, too, Sage," Sara looked between us as we laughed. "No, but feel free to text us at any time."

"Oh good," the buzzer rang for time out and the team ran into the locker room as Troy ran his hands through his hair as he turned around to face us before heading this direction. I shot him a look, "Go, be a coach," Troy came over as he tilted my head back for a kiss. "Good to see you," he had a hint of a smile on his face as I shook my head, "Go, your players are waiting on you." Sutton heard Troy's voice as he unlatched and wiggled around. "Go or your son is going to want you." Troy shook his head before taking off towards the locker room himself.

Once Sutton was done somebody else took a baby as I went off to the bathroom. I washed my hands, splashed my face, and I looked at the large bags underneath of my eyes. I rubbed my eyes as I exhaled and headed back out as the cafeteria was full of people getting snacks from the concession stand. I felt a hand wrap around my waist and I was being pulled back towards the hallway. "I'm sorry," were the first words out of my mouth but he hushed me with his own lips.

"I just needed a moment to see you," he kissed me again and I let my arms wrap around his neck because when he pulled away, I attached myself. My face buried in his neck and his arms wrapped around my waist. Neither of us moved for a moment, "I gotta go back," he whispered and I just nodded as I released him and he slowly released me before dashing back into the gym. I wasn't far behind as I wiggled into the bleachers as both of the babies were asleep in different arms. "Did that man find you? His eyes were searching for you." I nodded my head, "He did find me. I also realized how terrible I look. Why didn't anybody tell me?"

"You do not look awful. You look like you have two jobs and twin babies." Lennon squeezed my shoulder, "I feel like I have two jobs and two babies." The game resumed and James Island never lost control of the score as they went into an easy victory. The babes both woke up at some point and everybody got a turn with them. Once the game was over Troy just sent me the look that I wasn't allowed to leave and he took off with the team to the locker room.

I gathered up all the toys that had been taken out and stood up as I let the two on the floor as they sat on their bottoms. Saylor cried which caused Sutton to cry as I bent over to pick both of them up. "What?" I asked each of them as they snuggled into my shoulder. "There are my babies," Troy came out in a pair of jeans with a hoodie as he reached for the babies. Saylor screeched and reached for him as Sutton didn't move. "Wow, Sutty, that's rude."

I gave Troy a smile, "I need to go back to the dance studio,"

The words were barely out of my mouth before his head was shaking and his response came flying back. "No," I shot him a look, "Troy, it wasn't really a question. It was a statement. I need to go back. I need to work on some segments for the class I am teaching tomorrow." Those blue eyes look at me and he shook his head, "Gabi, I am kindly asking that you do not go tonight. It's late. It's dark outside. You look utterly exhausted. Is there no way you can work on them at home?"

Sutton cried as he grabbed onto my shirt and I looked at Troy, "Where? They wake up at a drop of the hat half the time. It's not like we have mirrors that we can move. The studio has everything I need." Troy inhaled sharply at my words, "I'll come with you."

"And our children?" I questioned and he exhaled, "I don't know. They can come with us. You aren't going alone." My eyes found his as I felt tears fill my eyes, "Just give me an hour and then I'll be home. They need to go to bed." Sutton cried louder and I closed my eyes, "How about we go home and regroup?" Troy's voice was soft and I just stared at him. "Brie, baby, please," I finally gave him a nod as he pulled me into his side and he kissed my head. His hand held my head in place as both of our kids were now crying.

"Let's get home, okay,"


Troy's POV

I found a passed-out Gabi along with two sleeping twins nestled against her in the rocking chair of their room. I gently removed Saylor, kissed her forehead, before putting her to bed. I then did the same process with Sutton as I turned on their white noise machined and their night light. I then easily picked up Gabi and took her to our room. I can't believe she wanted to go back to the studio tonight. She could barely keep her damn eyes open at the game.

I easily laid her in bed when her eyes snapped open, "Shh," I pulled her back against my body. "Troy, I have to go. I need to do this." I kissed the back of her head. "No, you need sleep. You look like you are going to fall over half the time. I know the past several weeks have been hard and I know you have way too much on your plate. I need you to sleep though. I truly need you to get some rest." I stroked her hair and I kissed it softly.

"I will get the kids to school tomorrow." I whispered in her ear, "I'll get dinner and if you have to work late tomorrow, I'll have my mom come over and I will come to the studio with you." She rolled over to face me, "Troy, the class is tomorrow. If I don't do this tonight then I'll be failing. I will be failing the dance studio, Zoey, you, the twins," she continued to rattle on with the words and I felt my eyebrow fury, "What are you talking about? I bet you already know what you want to do and if it's not perfect tomorrow then just have fun with it. Gabi, if it isn't perfect – that's okay. You aren't failing anybody. Failing me? Would be if you didn't reach for your dreams but right now baby? We are juggling a lot and you are striving at your dreams. You are doing the damn thing and that makes me proud every day."

A tear fell down her cheek and I wiped it away, "You being exhausted? That makes me feel awful that you are doing so much right now. I know you are stressed about money. I know you are stressed about making sure this dance studio is perfect. I know you are stressed about work and Gabs, if you need to quit your job then quit it. Be done. Walk away. This stress is not worth it. I'd rather be really fucking tight on money than watch you spiral yourself into exhaustion."

Those eyes closed as she rested her body into mine, "Or can you talk to Dana and Brea about letting them handle a bit more of the classes until you are able to quit." She grabbed my hand and didn't say anything as she let her thumb brush against my skin. "Zoey's is supposed to be mine and I love Brea and Dana and I love that we are making this work together and that we were able to make it happen but it's Zoey's and I think most of all I don't want to disappoint her." Her last words wobbled and I heard the hiccup in her voice.

I easily rolled her to her back as I straddled myself over her and I looked down at her. "Gabi, Zoey would just be proud that you are chasing your dreams. She's proud of you. She doesn't care how you did it. You did it. It doesn't matter beyond that. She also wants you to be a mother to those babies. She wants you to come home at night. She probably doesn't necessarily throw me up top there but I want to see you more and we're both getting busy. Both of us are in a demanding season of life." She couldn't stop the tears as I wiped them away. "Like we've said – this is for a short time. Maybe you work one or two classes a week instead of four or five. Or quit your job. Or I don't know. I don't care that you were late to the game. I don't care if you don't go. What I do care about? Is your health. End of story."

My arms wrapped around her and I pulled her into my body. "I'll talk with them tomorrow. I know it's hard with basketball season starting and I want to be there for you. I have Blaine's game tomorrow. I just have so many places I want to be." I kissed her head and I breathed in her scent. "Then I think we both need a charge or two. Once a week, we'll have morning practice. It'll suck for everybody involved but that will free up one of my afternoons so you don't have to worry about the kids. Maybe we can coordinate nights that way. We typically have games on Tuesday and Friday. I was thinking our walk-throughs on Thursday could be before school."

"I can teach a class that night, I already do,"

"Yea, and then we'll figure out another night. Then we can pick up in more full force once you quit and I'll be mostly through basketball season. Once January rolls around we'll have a better life going on. Not that this one is bad but this one has been hard."

"I wanted our first months of marriage to be amazing." She whispered and I just chuckled, "They have been amazing. Just…not the way I think you wanted. I get to fall asleep with you every night and I fucking love you so – that is pretty amazing to me." Gabi let a tiny smile poke through her lips and I kissed her softly. "I love you, baby, I just want what is good for you. We'll make whatever work because I love your happiness more than anything,"

"I am really tired," she whispered as she buried her head into my chest and I just held her there ending our conversation.


Wednesday, November 4th, 2020

I shouldn't have been surprised that I woke up to an empty bed. Gabi was gone and I had a text on my phone that she went to work at the studio for a bit this morning. I had no idea what time she got up but I was glad she had slept. I got up with the twins last night and gave them a bottle as I told Gabi to go back to bed. Saylor and Sutton were both in their car seats as I tucked them into my car as I tossed my backpack and lunch.

It was always hectic in the mornings and it was a bit crazier without Gabi. Once we were on the road, I pressed her name on my car and it rang throughout. She answered on the first ring, "Good morning, sorry I was gone but your little speech last night gave me an idea." I raised an eyebrow as I merged onto the highway, "Yea? What is that?" she sighed and I could see her smile. "I am going to come to the dance studio a couple mornings during the week to let me do some of the other stuff that I'm not getting done in the afternoon. Yea, it's long days but I only need a few extra hours here to work on what I want to teach. So, if I can come in for an hour in the morning then it'll work. I'll be home on Thursdays and hopefully home every night by 630. If this doesn't work then I will happily call Brea and Dana and see if we can change things up a little."

A smile lifted to my lips, "Can I have warning next time? My morning was whack without you there." Gabi laughed, "Yea, sorry, I woke up and thought it and practically ran to the studio." I smiled softly, "I love you, Brie. I admire your dedication and drive."

"Plus, Saturday will forever be date night."

"You promise I'm getting one of those this week?"

"I did talk to Brea and Dana about something and that is 100% that we're always done on Saturdays by noon. That will change once we start doing competitions but that's a different phase of life. That isn't right now."

"I think it sounds good because then we have all day Sunday and half of Saturday. I like this, Gabi. I know we thought that last one was a fix but basketball season is just…"

"Busy," Gabi finished. "I love you, Troy. Give those babies a kiss for me. I'll pick them up tonight."

"Are you taking them to the dance studio?" I questioned, "No, I asked Brea to teach tonight. They had morning practice today and she did see me last night and could see I was tired. I gladly took the opportunity because I do like to think that I can do it all but clearly, I cannot and I have learned over the years that it is okay to ask." I chuckled softly, "I love you, baby. Have a good day at work." She sighed, "I sometimes love our crazy life,"

"Sometimes? All the time."

Gabi just laughed, "Yea, could you imagine if we had triplets?" I cackled, "That's not funny," we both laughed together and I felt my chest relax. "See you after practice, Gabs."

"See ya then, thank you,"

"For what?"

"Being you."


Happy Monday! Sorry for the late update! Another weekend full of work. Who thought the working life was fun? Ha!

Hopefully the final chapter to Nurse Montez will debut on Sunday!

Next Update: December 18th