Chapter 6 – Parents Night Out
Friday, November 13th, 2020
"Troy doesn't know?" my sister sat on the bed behind me as I shook my head. I was pulling on a pair of black skinny jeans with rips down the front over the formed body suit that was like glue to my skin. "Huh, aren't you going to make him a really happy man tonight." I shot her a look in the mirror as I had organized a night out with all of our friends. Sans kids. I scored a hotel room and tomorrow we were going to spend the day together until the afternoon – without kids. We both had work to do in the morning but we would have a family day in the afternoon. I wasn't even going to the dance studio as Brea and Dana both had classes tomorrow morning and Mia was going to help.
They said they didn't need my help.
"Beth, does this look okay? I swear I look pregnant still sometimes." Beth rolled her eyes dramatically at my long sleeves that I was tugging on as I examined myself in the mirror. My eyes paying extra attention on my stomach. "Shut up, you are gorgeous. He doesn't care what you look like and you are hot so let your own self confidence boost, okay? You had two beautiful babies and you work out a ton at the dance studio and you work a full-time job and you are freaking beautiful." I gave my sister a smile as I finished my make-up.
Beth and my mom were taking the kids tonight. Next weekend, we were all going to Myrtle Beach for a basketball tournament. The past two weeks had been better. Troy had one early morning practice a week and I went to the studio in the morning before work twice a week. It allowed me to get other things done without Troy being panicked about it being dark outside and we were finding more time to be together.
Basketball season was complicating a lot of things but we were making it work week by week. The twins were getting so big and honestly, I couldn't believe we were talking about their first birthday already. I wasn't sure where the past year of my life went but it was flying by. "I am showing up to his game with no kids. All of our friends are meeting us at one of our favorite little bars and then I am really surprising him with a hotel room downtown."
"You should have worn a better bra," my sister poked and I rolled my eyes, "Better bras are not great anymore because I have mommy boobs." Beth scrunched her nose as she was here for most of the month as Colt was busy on the farm and she wanted to be around for the first handful of games of Blaine's career. They were both coming down for Christmas and New Year's, mostly because of the twin's birthday.
"I am not ready for mommy boobs,"
"Then don't have any babies." I threw back at her and Beth laughed, "I think mom is looking at me more now that you've had kids and finally got married." I gave her a soft smile, "You and Colt thinking about tying the knot?" she gave a smile with a nod, "Yea, we are. He keeps bringing it up but I am just thinking I am committing to a lifetime of farm and it freaks me out a little bit." I sat down next to her as I slipped on the heels as I was going to wear with this outfit.
"Look, I think I had some of the similar thoughts. I knew the moment I said yes to Troy, that I was signing up for a lifetime of basketball and being a coach's wife. Yea, it's a little different but you are signing up for their commitments. You are becoming your own team and while you are taking photographs of things you probably never thought you would take pictures of – you are. You are making a name for yourself up there. Colt is signing up for similar things."
Beth smiled as she leaned against me, "I love you, Gabs. I wish we lived closer." I gave her a side hug as I finished getting ready. "Thank you for watching them here. Is mom coming over after the game?" she shook her head. "I told her I can handle those two. They are practically ready for bed." I gave her a weary look and she shook her head. "I can do it. I promise." She hugged me tightly before I went to the twin's room as they were playing on the floor. I got down as each of them were crawling all of a sudden. I kissed each of their heads, "Bye babies, mama loves you." They both cooed and reached for me but I knew better.
I blew them one more kiss before kissing my sister's cheek, thanking her again, and heading for the door. I coordinated with Jenna and Ethan along with Brea, Dana, and Mia. It was nice having more of my own friends. Not that I don't love all of Troy's friends or that I didn't see them as my friends as well. It was just nice finding my own set to add to our group. Brea and Dana knew all of the boys already so it was an easy mix of our friend groups. I slipped into my car and I shot a text to Troy that I was on my way.
Everybody knew about tonight except Troy. The boys were having fun teasing him that they were all going out. Troy asked me about it and I told him we should probably take the kids home and put them to bed. He didn't disagree but I could tell he was bummed. I was showing up well before the game started and I couldn't wait to surprise him. It wasn't a long drive to the high school as I ran through my weekend. I had to finish up some stuff for my marketing job tomorrow before we picked the kids up. Troy had a practice tomorrow mid-morning.
The guys said they would take care of it.
Mostly Cameron, Dylan, and Jax. They were going to let both of the days spend a day with their family as it was going to be a short practice anyways. It was all working out and I couldn't wait. Sunday we were all going to go hang out at Jesse and Sage's place for the games before we were all going home before the final game. It was going to be a good weekend. Then the following weekend in Myrtle Beach we were going to take the guys out for a night while parents kept the boys occupied and his parents were keeping the kids – Noah included.
Pulling my car into the high school parking lot I grabbed my purse and double checked my make-up before I walked inside. Cindy was at the table and she grinned, "Now, now, where are those babies?" she asked me with a big grin. "At home. My sister is watching them. We need a good ol' parents' night out." Cindy laughed, "Those are good for the soul." I nodded in agreement as I walked past and headed for the gym as I spotted him on the other side of the gym as he was in deep discussion with Cameron about something. Dylan and Jesse on the bench for the JV game.
Cameron took notice of me before Troy did and he just smirked as he nudged his head. There was another door on the other side of the gym and I nodded as I headed towards that one. I walked over and quietly open the door as I could hear Troy's voice. The whistles blew and Troy clapped his hands as I walked up behind him. They were in suits tonight sans tie. I walked over and I let my arms slip around his waist. His whole body relaxed against me and Cameron chuckled, "Just remember, we only have 15 minutes."
"I think I can say hi to my wife and kids in 15 minutes," Troy turned around and his voice drifted off as Cameron couldn't hold back his laugh. "Holy shit," he muttered and I couldn't stop my laugh as I reached for his neck. My arms wrapping around it and I pulled him down for a kiss. "You look absolutely stunning. No wonder Cameron said I only had 15 minutes." I couldn't stop my laugh as I tilted my head back to look at him.
"How do you feel about joining your friends tonight?" my hands played with his hair and he could only grin down at me. "Seriously?" I nodded my head, "It was actually all my idea. We were going the entire time but they wanted to mess with you." Troy rolled his eyes and glanced over his shoulder as he pulled me towards the back door and out into the hallway nobody came down but not our hallway. "That was really fucking mean of them because I was bummed out but I also really understood but where are our kids?" I laughed at his string of words, "With Beth at the house. I may also have a tiny bit of a surprise in downtown." Troy scrunched his eyebrows.
"It involves one bed. No kids. A door. Nobody but the two of us and well…whoever else is checked in." Troy laughed as he framed my face and kissed me. "I think we deserve parents' night out," I told him with a squeeze of his hand. "What time do you have to be at the studio tomorrow?" I shook my head. "I don't. We have the whole weekend together." The buzzer rang out in the gym and Troy gave a frustrated groan as he looked at me. "I have practice tomorrow," I just gave a smile as I wouldn't ruin Dylan's surprise. I pressed onto my tip toes and gave him a kiss. "Go, I'll see you after the game."
"I love you, thank you, for this, I am excited. This is our first night out without the kids since we got back from our honeymoon." I kissed his cheek, "I love you, too." I knew it was our first time in forever and I knew we needed this time together. It had been a hard several weeks but it was finally starting to find a groove. Troy darted off towards the locker room as I went back around the other way to get to the bleachers. "HOT MAMA!" Lennon wrapped her arms around my neck and I couldn't stop my laugh.
"I feel good. This is probably the first time I have felt this good in a while. I feel like I should listen to my husband more often." The group laughed, "We cannot repeat that to him," Sage mentioned as Noah was with her parents. Sara let her hand fall across her belly as that was the only child joining us on this adventure. "I'm here, I'm here," Josie slid in as she was wearing a dress that fell right above her knee in a school teacher way. She was so cute and probably the exact opposite of what I would have ever picked for Dylan but we all secretly loved it. Dylan turned around at Josie's voice and he gave a wide grin at her outfit.
He shot her a wink before he focused on the task at hand. We all laughed as we mostly were full of conversations. The varsity team was getting through warm-ups when all five coaches approached us with shit eating grins on their faces. "You know, I think those teenager boys have to be jealous." Jax said rolling on his feet and we all grimaced, "That's disgusting, Jax," Sara told him with a look at him. Troy came over and he leaned closer to me with his mouth brushing my ear. "You didn't tell me I also didn't have practice tomorrow," I tilted my head back with a smile. "It wasn't my secret to share."
He cupped my cheeks and gave me a quick kiss on my mouth, "I dare you to think we're getting out of that bed early tomorrow." I snorted and shook my head, "No way, you'll be lucky if you get anything but my closed eyelids." Troy laughed as he kissed my cheek as the whistles were blowing. The coaches all walked away as I gave a smile. "I think we found a fun group of men to date," I teased and we all laughed together.
My phone vibrated as I took it out of my purse to see a text from my sister. It was a picture of both babies laying on their back on their playmat. Each of them was grinning and my heart flipped with happiness as I loved seeing them happy. "Ooh, look at those cuties!" Sara gushed staring at my phone and I smiled, "I love those little faces."
"I can't wait to see my little face," Sara let her hand fall again to her belly, "We can't wait to see that baby." I told her, "You might give me baby fever," I told her with a wink and I heard Troy grunt from in front of me as he was talking with Cameron. The girls laughed as I shook my head as Sara smirked, "I like the act Troy Bolton is putting up. Acting like he doesn't want more babies with you." The whistles blew for the first quarter to end when Troy turned around and shot all of us a look before getting up to talk to his team.
My eyes watched Troy as he stood to coach his team with his dress pants framing his ass way better than it probably should with a white button up and his jacket was tossed on the chair behind him as he had rolled up his sleeves. He directed the players around the court as he ran his fingers through his hair. He rolled his lips together after shouting a play and those bright blue eyes followed every move. Cameron jumped up shouting and Troy's voice wasn't far behind in disgust over a missed call. "Unbelievable," Troy muttered
The game continued back and forth and went they went in the locker room for halftime we were up by fifteen. They played West Ashley after the Myrtle Beach tournament but they did have a chance to play them there as well. On Tuesday I was going to their home game with Lucy. I rolled my lips together as once the game resumed it seemed to fly by as James Island never lost their commanding lead. The final buzzer went off as the teams shook hands and the band played the alma mater as the boys were celebrating.
"Boys, I think we're going to grab a table," Josie said popping up and Troy spun around. His eyes gluing to me. "Do not leave." His voice was clear as day and I just smirked with a shake of my head as he pointed at me. "Gabriella, do not leave. Understood?" I just nodded with a laugh as he went into the locker room with his best friends. "Do you think any of them are going to want to ever…leave?" I asked Sage and she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. I think they all have so much fun doing this together. It wouldn't be the same without one of them but I would never rule it out."
"Sage and I are going to head that way to grab a table," Josie said. "We'll wait for the boys." Sara said. I nodded as Lennon bounced on her toes, "I love watching Cameron coach. I hope he never stops." I agreed with a nod. It wasn't long before the boys were all spilling out and then the guys. "Gabs, Troy said wait." I rolled my eyes, "I should just leave to make him mad." Cameron cackled as his arms wrapped around Lennon as she buried her body against him. "Now, I would pay you great money to just leave."
I smirked and I looked at the door, "I'll see ya'll there."
Jax started cracking up, "No way you do it,"
I pulled out my keys and dangled them from my finger, "Bye ya'll,"
I walked out the side door to all of them laughing but I just smirked. It was a lot more fun to tease Troy. Especially when he wanted one thing.
I took a drink of my vodka soda with lime when a warm body pressed behind me in my chair as I felt a handful of eyes on the two of us. I had gotten a string of texts from Troy but also ones of video reactions from his friends. It was funny. "Do you think you're funny?" his words were only loud enough for me to hear and I smirked as I tilted my head to look back at him. "Did you want me to stay?" I asked as I blinked my eyes towards him. He growled in the back of his throat and he pressed a kiss to my cheek,
"I was going to take you to my classroom and press you against my desk," his speech stopped as he grunted as he was pushed into me.
"Troy, stop verbally sexing her up. We are here for a friend's night out. Knock it off," Jesse pushed him and he grunted as he stared up at his best friend. "You of all people understand my pain. I was going to take ten minutes with my wife before we joined all of you." Jesse grinned, "You're right. I do understand. Your face was priceless in the gym though when she wasn't there." I couldn't hold back my cackle of a laugh and Troy gently pinched my sides. "It's not funny, Mrs. Bolton," he nipped at my ear as I turned to hand him his beer.
"It's okay, Mr. Bolton, I think I can make up for it later." I shot him a wink and he groaned, "I would give just about anything to leave right now." Troy muttered. "No, no, no, we never hang out without children anymore!" Dylan put his fist down causing the table to laugh in understanding. Troy scooted a stool behind me and his hand wrapped around my waist. "Jo, guess what Troy did?" everybody turned their attention to Troy as he was taking a pull of his beer. My own eyes tilted back towards him.
"What?"
"He cancelled practice tomorrow. Once he found out we were giving Jesse and him the day off – he just cancelled the whole thing so we also don't have practice tomorrow." Troy shrugged with a half-smile. "I could have left it to an open gym but those boys have been working hard and we've been working hard so it would be nice for everybody to get a bit longer of a break before we are together all next weekend." The group cheered as we all got carried into different conversations when Troy leaned forward again.
"I love you in this body suit but I hate that I can't find exposed skin,"
I took his hand and I pulled it to the side where there was a cut out right below where my jeans sat. His fingers inched inside the waist band before he grinned and I felt my whole-body light on fire with those two fingers stroking my skin. His lips pressed into my neck, "Troy, are we going to have to move you? We love your children but I don't think you two want a third yet." Troy choked on a laugh as he shook his head. "If you girls think I didn't hear your comment earlier – you are very wrong. I about puked on the gym floor thinking about a third day care bill."
I slapped his shoulder gently and shook my head. "What if I happened to just end up pregnant?" I told him, "It's not like you are the best at controlling yourself." I said with a raised eyebrow which caused the men at the table to howl with laughter as Troy smirked, "You know I would be excited but I also know we would both be drowning and you have an IUD. I don't have to behave and if you so happen to get pregnant then it's meant to be." I just gave a laugh as those fingers gripped my skin a little tighter.
"That's fair," Cameron said with a laugh. The boys all started in on a conversation about fantasy football as us ladies broached into the holidays and what we all wanted to do. We were going to do a Friendsgiving and something after Christmas together. Troy ended up on the other end of the table as he was leaning against it, on his second beer, with a smile on his face. He tilted his head back in a laugh at something Dylan said.
"What are we wanting to do on Sunday?" Sage asked as she took a sip of her martini. "Mmm…is it too early for soup night?" Sara mentioned and we all agreed that it was time for soup. It was definitely not too early. "GABI!" Jenna threw her arms around my neck and she kissed my neck. I laughed, "Hi! I missed you!" I got out of my chair and I threw my arms around Jenna in a tight hug. I hated that we didn't see each other nearly as much anymore. We squeezed each other so tight, "I missed you," I murmured. Ethan was down on the end by the guys as they somehow had more beers at their end.
"How is work?" I asked her as I pulled her up a chair. Brea and Dana were not far behind as our table grew full of people. "Really good! Willa is doing so well and honestly; I am so shocked that she is one already." I nodded in agreement, "I can't believe that the twins are going to be one soon. I swear they were just the tiniest little babies in the NICU." We shared a smile as Brady and Ada showed up and I was even shocked. Troy was just as shocked as he greeted his brother in a big hug. Brady had been busy with football season and his own wedding. They hadn't seen each other in a bit.
I was trying to get a family dinner on the books tomorrow with everybody. It was slowly coming together. "Hi Gabs!" Brady waved and I got up to greet him in a hug. "What are you doing here?" he chuckled, "I texted this dude to see if he wanted to grab a beer at the house and he told you both were having a night out together. We are joining." I smirked, "Welcome to the party," it wasn't long before the bar was getting louder. We were all a handful of drinks in as the boys went off to play darts together.
The girls all circled around after ordering another round.
"Can we do something fun in Myrtle beach while those loser's coach?" Lennon asked as she let her eyes drag over Cameron before coming back to the table. "Like shopping?" Sage interjected. "I want to go," Jenna whined and I laughed, "Come with us. The twins are going to have the best weekend and their favorite friends can be there."
"Jenna, come over on Sunday. The kids can all play." She agreed without hesitation. A song came on over the speakers and I smirked as I got up and I went to find my husband. I walked over to him and I grabbed his hand as he raised an eyebrow and I pulled him towards me as I let my back meet his chest as I danced against his body. The song dropped a beat and I rolled my hips back against him and he let out a low groan as his hands found my hips and aided them to move in a rhythm. "Are you trying to get me to leave early?" I shook my head with a smirk, "No, because I love this more,"
He shook his head with a loud laugh as the song change and Troy spun me around to face him and my arms locked around his neck. I kissed his chest, "Thank you, for tonight, I think we both needed this." I smiled as I threaded our fingers together. "Tomorrow night, our parents are both coming over with our siblings for a family dinner. Sunday of course we're having a day with our friends. The new week will start but then we'll have all weekend in Myrtle Beach."
"How is taking two weekends off from the studio?"
"Okay, I mean, we knew about next week and I think they knew I was getting run down. I promised I would give them the next few weekends off." Troy gave me a look and I just smiled as I pressed up on my tiptoes and let my lips ghost over his. "C'mon, enough boy time," I was yanked around from Troy as Josie laughed with her hand wrapped around mine. We made it to the dance floor by ourselves. We all were having fun dance together.
Jenna and Brea were both dancing with me as Lennon brought everybody drinks besides Sara. Sara gave a pout as we were all heading towards tipsy and leaving the sober land. I watched her approach Jax and he nodded his head at whatever she said and then he spoke to the guys. Sara came back and I gave her a hug, "I remember this, we'll see you Sunday." She nodded as she bid good-bye to the other girls as we all decided to hit up another bar. Troy locked his fingers with mine as we made our way into another bar. Troy yanked my fingers backwards as the November wind whipped through the street and he pulled me down another street as he pressed me back against the building.
His nose drug across my skin and down as he let his lips press to my collar bone. "I am jealous of Jax," I shook my head with a laugh, "His wife wanted to leave because she was getting to the point where it wasn't fun because we're all tipsy and she is sober." Troy smiled as he tilted his head and our eyes connected. His own eyes hooded with desire behind them, "Yea, but he's also sober and he watched her dance just like I watched you dance with your friends and I could fucking care less about my friends,"
"Troy," I said, "We never get to hang out."
"Sunday's, work, etc. I don't get my wife for a night without kids though," I exhaled and he took advantage to steal my breath. His mouth forming to mine and the firmness as he didn't give in. "I don't ever get to see Jenna," I pouted as I pulled away but being pulled into his drug. "She's coming Sunday, she already told me." I groaned as he kissed me harder. "I already told Dylan we were leaving." I didn't argue as his hands lowered to my ass as he pulled me closer to him.
"You owe me a Jenna date," I complained and he just chuckled, "I will call her and set up something for the two of you sans children." I just nodded and I dragged him down the street and towards the hotel.
Saturday, November 14th, 2020
Troy's POV
I woke up well before her as I kept her up late and she didn't wake up once last night. She pumped right before bed and I knew she probably needed to again but I had many other thoughts before she woke up and we started in on our day. It was nearly 11 and I haven't seen her this restful in a while. I know she probably needed to get work done for all of her marketing projects but I wanted to be really fucking selfish.
Last night was something we both needed and I love that she surprised me with it. I loved that we made time for our family. That's what we both needed and I already had planned to take the twins to the zoo this afternoon. It was supposed to be nearly 70 degrees today. They wouldn't have the attention span for a whole day but to just walk around and show them things for a little bit would be fun. My eyes traced her as spending time with my friends, watching her dance, and not waking up to any screaming kids was a dream.
I loved my kids but sometimes this was needed and we haven't had a break since our honeymoon a month ago. I let my fingers trace over her tattoo and it caused flutters throughout my body as I inched down and let my lips press against the words. Her body wiggled underneath of my touch and I kissed down her body when her body twisted and I fit nicely between her legs. "What are you doing?" she murmured as I pressed my lips right above where she was about to be begging my mouth to go.
"I am trying to make sure you have a great morning," I whispered as I lifted one of her legs and Gabi let those brown eyes pop open to stare at me as I just gave her a smirk and I let my mouth fall right there. She gasped as I knew how to work her as she couldn't handle the pressure so I backed off for her to groan loudly. "Oh, you don't like?" I asked with a smirk looking up at her and she nearly growled, "I was so close,"
"I know," I told her as I worked back up her body and I let my lips fall to hers. "Let me finish," she panted as she tried to find the friction, she needed against me. I tsked her with my tongue as I just kissed her again. Her own fingers moved to finish herself off and I stopped the venture as I let my left hand hold her hands above her body while my right hand reached down to do the work. "Oh my god, Troy," her eyes closed with that painful but blissful feeling as I stretched her with one finger and then I added another. "Troy," her voice was painful and I kissed her hard. I withdrew my fingers as I smiled, "How do you want me to finish this?" I asked as I brushed my lips over her cheek. "Tongue," I drug my tongue across her skin, "Fingers," I squeezed her hand with my free one, "Or my dick," I murmured as I pressed against her to show her how ready I was for her.
The cry that left her mouth was satisfying, "Or all three?" I offered and she nearly combusted from those words alone. "We'll finish this one how we started," I let go of her hands and I immediately went back down on her. It only took two strokes of my tongue for her to absolutely combust around me. "Holy shit, I sometimes hate how good you are at this." I couldn't stop my laugh as I worked her right back up with my fingers and it took less time this time before I slid into her right at the end of her orgasm.
My eyes closed as I let my head fall back as I had to concentrate to not end this early for her. I believe I just promised three to her and I was one short. I started to move once I regained my own thoughts and we were both sweaty by this point. "Should I do this more often so I can get this good of a lay at least once a month?" I busted out into laughter as I dropped my head to rest on her shoulder as I shook my head. "If we woke up just a little bit earlier, I could do this every morning," Gabi laughed as our mouths fused together as this time, we took it slow. I built her back up again and with one move she was tumbling over again.
I followed right behind her as we both finished together and I fell next to her and pulled her into my arms as our legs wrapped around each other and her head rested on my bicep. "I bought tickets to the zoo this afternoon," those brown eyes popped open and she just gave a smile. "Troy, that sounds amazing." I pushed her onto her back and I kissed her softly. "I want the best day today and that was a fucking great start. Let's shower, go get some food, and then go get our babies, yea?" Gabi smiled, "Yea, that sounds amazing."
My hands easily picked her up as she laughed and I carried her to the shower. Her giggles echoing behind me the entire way.
Gabi held Sutton on her hip as she pointed to a lion across from us and Sutton stared in curiosity. Saylor was asleep in the stroller as my eyes watched her stare at Sutton with a smile on her face. As much as I love having just Gabi time – watching her as a mom was amazing. "Sutty, look, he's a big kitty. Instead of meow he goes ROAR," I couldn't stop my own laugh as she turned to look at me and I shot her a wink. Sutton wrapped his arms around her neck and he buried his face into her shoulder.
"I think they are losing steam," Gabi said and I smiled, "Let's go to the fish and then we can go. I think Sutton will like that. They can nap on the way to your mom's house." Gabi reached for my hand as she easily held Sutton with one hand and held my hand with the other. Once my mom heard we were going to the zoo she offered to host everybody over for dinner – including all of Gabi's family. Saylor and Sutton both thoroughly enjoyed looking at the birds and the monkeys. They played on the playground before they nursed and Saylor fell asleep. We walked around with Sutton for a bit.
Once we approached the fish exhibit Saylor woke up and I left the stroller outside and I lifted her up, she was grumpy as she sucked on her binky and laid her head on my shoulder. "Did you wake up grumpy?" I asked her and she wiggled around causing me to laugh. Gabi walked in front of me and into the dark area but the backlight of the blue fish tank which caught Saylor's attention. "What do you see Say?" I put her back to my chest as she sat against me and stared at the fish tank in curiosity.
Sutton was sitting similar on Gabi as he was also watching a fish swim in front of him. He reached out for the glass and he pressed his pudgy hand against it and his brown eyes grew wide. He started to babble which cause Saylor's attention and I stood next to Gabi to just let the two of them watch fish forever. "Is it weird that I can just…watch them do this all day?" she asked me. I glanced over and I saw the tears in her eyes, "Hey, what's wrong?" I asked staring at her and she sniffled moving Sutton around to wipe away her two tears. "These are happy tears, I promise, I just…watching the two of them? It's amazing and I love them so much and I love watching you with them. Watching you hold Saylor and show her different things. I think at a point there was so much uncertainty in my life and then with them in the NICU, I was just never sure if I was ever going to get moments like this with the two of them."
Saylor squealed at a big fish going by in the tank causing both of us to laugh and I shifted her as I reached over to kiss the top of my head. "Easy or you are going to make me want more kids with you sooner." We both laughed together as we both just stared at the twins in fascination. They were both entertained and we showed them a few different areas with different fish inside. We found somebody to take a family picture of the four of us.
We went back outside and put them both back in the stroller and I reached for Gabi as I pulled her into my arms. "I love our family," I whispered to her. She squeezed my arm and she looked up at me, "Thanks for sticking with me, Bolton." I chuckled as I kissed her softly, "Baby, you had me hooked the moment I saw you." She shook her head as I pushed the stroller while holding her hand as we left the zoo. Before we left, we signed up for a yearlong membership to come and go as this was just a fun place for them.
Once we got them buckled into the car and we were on our way to my parents' house. Today had been better than I could have imagined and now getting to see my parents, siblings, and Gabi's family? It was the best end of the night. Gabi finally looked rested and when we showed up at my parents, we both took a baby and headed in but she took them to the living room to feed them as I went to the kitchen to get her a water and myself a beer. "Troy! Hunny, I didn't hear you walk in." I gave my mom a hug and I kissed her cheek. "We just walked in. Gabi took the babies to go eat."
"Did they have the best day at the zoo?" I nodded my head, "They did. They loved the birds and the fish the most. We got a year membership," my mom smiled, "It's so much fun to take little kids to different places and see it through their eyes. You start to see all the little and simple things again." I agreed as I grabbed the drinks as Macken was already sitting and hanging out with Gabi. "Here," I kissed the top of her head, "Do you want me to hang?" I asked and Macken rolled her eyes, "No, I will keep her company. Leave," I looked at Gabi who just laughed and shrugged as I pushed Macken backwards. She protested as I walked out back where Ada, Brady, and my dad were sitting.
"Hey! Is Gabi here?" Ada bounced up and went inside as I didn't even tell her yes before, she was gone. Brady laughed as I sank down next to him, "You bailed awful early. I went to hang out with you." I smirked, "I had a kid free night with my wife. I wasn't staying long." My dad and my brother laughed. "I didn't know that I was going to become second fiddle to my wife." My dad chuckled as he got up to flip the steaks on the grill.
The backdoor opened as Blaine, James, Andy, and Colt all walked out the door together. "Hey guys," I handed Andy, James, and Colt a beer from the cooler out back as they all sat around. "When can I have a beer again?" Blaine asked and I tsked, "I know Coach Sams too well," I told him which caused him a smile as they were undefeated in their season so far. "Once in your in college we can talk," James said. Blaine smiled at his dad with a shake of his head. "How is basketball? Think we're going to meet up next week?" I asked crossing my ankle over my knee.
"I hope so," he said with a smirk. "Do you think you are going to wipe us across the floor? We are the reigning state champs," I reminded him and he laughed tossing his head back. "I will never hear the end of it." I chuckled with a smile on my face. James gave a smile towards me and I wondered if he felt the same way I did watching my young children today. They were innocent full of life and wonder. They didn't know the life in front of them but they were just able to be with their children. It made me rub my chest knowing that a lot of unknowns were in our future.
I swallowed on the thought and took a drink of my beer as we got carried around in conversation and before we knew it the girls all filtered out as we all went down to the grass. The twins crawled around I started a game with Blaine as my dad called all of us to dinner. Lucy tried to pick up Sutton, "When did they get so heavy?" she asked me and I chuckled as I picked up the baby and Lucy. "What do you mean heavy?"
"Troy Bolton, do not drop my baby." I laughed at Gabi's warning as I had them both secured again me. "Or my daughter," James called. I carried them both up the stairs and I planted Lucy on the floor of the dining room and she was a fit of laughter as I shook my head as I placed Sutton in his high chair. "Impressive, I want those muscles," James said and I couldn't stop my own laugh.
Gabi's POV
I kissed Saylor's head as I exited the nursery as they both finally fell asleep. Today was such an amazing day and full of so many good moments. I walked downstairs and Troy was sitting on the couch with two glasses of wine. I smiled as I had changed into just one of his shirts already as I went and curled up next to him. His arm curled around me and he kissed the top of my head. "Did they go down okay?" I nodded as I reached for a wine glass. "Thank you," he murmured and I tilted my head to look at him.
"For today, thank you for today." He said with a tiny smile, "I know you probably needed this day just as much but getting to do normal family things – it was something I loved. I loved getting to have you to myself last night and as much as I would do it again our afternoon with our kids was amazing. Getting to watch them explore new things was just…amazing. Dinner with our families and I just…I love that I get to sit here with you tonight while our beautiful children are upstairs sleeping."
"You don't have to thank me Troy for just…being present." He smiled as his thumb brushed over my chin, "But I know how much you sacrificed for a day like today. I know tomorrow you will get up early to finish whatever work you didn't get done today. I know you'll push a little harder during other hours this week and that you are leaving again next weekend because a basketball tournament. You are doing so much for me and I will never be able to thank you,"
I pulled back in a bit of surprise, "Troy, we're both sacrificing a lot right now. I know how much family time means to you and quality time between us means to you and I know I am not giving that enough attention. You know how much I want to succeed in the dance studio but I know how much you mean to me. The dance studio means nothing if you aren't by my side. You encouraged me. You pushed me. That was the reason. Yes, it was my idea. I have worked so hard but at the same time I could have never done it without you." He reached up to cup my face as I sat my wine glass down.
"This is a team effort. Give and take. Thank you for doing this life with me." We both shared a smile as I kissed him and I then just let my head rest on his shoulder. "I think we are kicking ass and taking names. Do you think we can make it work in January to quit?" he asked me and I pulled back as I nodded. "The dance studio is going to start six-month classes and we have a waiting list, a waiting list, Troy. I didn't think we would have that. Plus, we're planning wine and dance nights plus so many other things and we have a healthy start already. I will still do marketing on the side. I'll just freelance when I have time. Unless you think we can't make it work."
Troy shook his head, "No, I think we can. If something happens will address it as it comes. I have our health insurance and what not – I think we can do and I think we can spend more time together that way. Plus, can you imagine our summers together?" I laughed as I curled back up next to him as he turned on our shows. I took my wine glass back as tonight was just what we needed. Our babies sleeping upstairs and the two of us curled up on the couch watching the latest episode of The Crown.
Life honestly couldn't get much better.
Friday, November 20th, 2020
Troy's POV
The team ran around during our shoot around as we didn't play until late tonight. After the kid's bedtime but luckily it was also after Lucy's bedtime so James was going to stay back with them. I watched as they ran through some plays and then went on to free throw shooting. Cameron was talking with a few of them as was Jax about different situations. James Island and West Ashley were on opposite sides of the brackets so we wouldn't run into them until the finals.
I wanted to run into them but we had two tough teams before that. "What are you thinking about?" my eyes flickered over to Dylan. "Just the potential teams we could face." I told him honestly. Dylan shook his head, "Do you ever stop thinking about basketball?" I chuckled, "Yes, actually. I have a lot on my brain and I am trying to be better about shifting into what I am thinking about. I try to focus on just basketball while I'm here. At school – I'm trying to focus on being a decent teacher. At home – my kids and wife. In the bedroom well…" Dylan chuckled. "You do have a lot more on your plate but I have a feeling that you are thinking about the bedroom in more places."
I shoved him with a laugh as we were both laughing. "See? You can't deny it." I shook my head as my eyes watched as Chase went up for a lay-up and looked good doing it. I blew the whistle and they all hustled towards me. "We're going to go eat some dinner at the hotel, rest for about forty-five minutes, and then we'll head back here for the first half of the game in front of us before we get ready for our game. We'll get the court at half time and then we'll spend some time talking. Any questions about our game plan?"
Everybody shook their head and we all headed back towards the bus. I made sure every player made it there as I was the last on the bus with my backpack. Cameron gave me a nod that we had all of the kids. I did one more count before going to sit up front with all of the coaches. I ran my fingers through my hair as the twins did not sleep well here last night and I was exhausted. "You look tired," I shot Jax a look. "You'll know soon enough,"
"Did Saylor and Sutton not sleep last night either? Noah didn't sleep well." Jesse said. "It was mostly Sutton. He just cried all night unless he was being held. I don't know if he just doesn't feel good or he doesn't like the hotel. Gabi was dragging this morning, too." I rubbed my face, "Are you going to be able to stay out late tonight, old man?" Dylan teased and I just shot him a look. Cameron chuckled, "You are awful tired. I should take over," Cameron said with a smirk.
"I mean…do you want that responsibility?" I asked him with an arched eyebrow. The one who didn't want to be the head coach the most of all of us. He loved being an assistant. Cameron paled, "I was joking." I laughed as I looked down at my phone to see a text message. I popped it open as it was a photo of Saylor and Sutton. They were both sitting up playing with toys, smiling at each other. It tugged at my heart strings watching them.
"When we get back will you over see them eating? I am going to go grab coffee for Gabs and I."
"Only if you get me one." Jesse said.
"Uhm…me, too."
I rolled my eyes as I all of a sudden had coffee orders for all of them and some of the girls. "I don't think I have this many cupholders." I said causing Jax to laugh, "I'll come with you." I just nodded as the bus pulled in and we got the kids off the bus, I told the bus driver our leaving time, and Jax and I headed for my Jeep. I pulled out the keys as we ran to Starbucks down the street and ordered 9 coffees. Sara didn't make the trip as she had planned this weekend.
We walked out with all of the drinks as we stuffed four of them in cup holders, I held mine, and Jax held the drink carrier. Once we were back most of the boys were back in the room and I did drink drop off with Jax. It was a different vibe this year with more coaches, wives, and kids on this trip. I finally got back to our room and I opened the door. Gabi was laughing on the floor with Saylor and Sutton. Macken and Beth were both sitting on the floor.
Gabi looked up when the door latched and her eyes grew when she spotted the coffee, I handed her the coffee and she gave a grin. "You read my mind. Once you got back, I was going to get coffee. Thank you," she took a sip of her iced coffee and pulled me down towards her. "You're the best husband," I kissed her as Saylor screeched and cried reaching for me. I chuckled as I picked her up and she snuggled into my body. "She hasn't really taken a nap today so she's probably going to want to take an early bed time."
I smiled at her as she did look tired. I sat on the bed, "How was shoot around?" Macken asked, "It was good. I have a good feeling but I also know we are playing some of the best teams in the state." Gabi squeezed my knee, "You played most of these teams going through the state playoffs," she reminded me and I nodded, "I know but we also lost a lot of our good players." Beth held Sutton as I laid back on the bed with Saylor. She curled into my chest and I just held her against me as I shut me own eyes.
I wasn't sure how long I laid there like that when a hand brushed against my forehead, "Troy, baby, you need to get ready to go." I opened my eyes to see it was darker in our hotel room and Saylor was passed out against my chest. I took my free hand and rubbed my eyes with my thumb and index finger. "I didn't even know I fell asleep," Gabi laughed as she kissed my forehead, "You were snoring about three minutes after you laid back with Saylor."
"It was her snoring, not me." We both laughed together as she curled up next to me. "Sutton is already asleep, that little asshole. Doesn't sleep all night and gets to go to bed." I laughed as I turned my head to face her. I brushed my lips over hers and smiled, "I do need to get up but this baby on top of me makes me want to just roll to my side and snuggle her." I gave her a smile and Gabi sat up and grabbed Saylor off my chest. "I'm going to lay her down."
I nodded as I stood up and I went to get ready. I pulled on dress pants with a polo of James Island logo in the corner. I kissed the back of Gabi's head, "I'll see you after the game," she nodded as she was coming up just before game time. I walked out as I rubbed my eyes again and took a drink of my coffee as I made it down to the lobby to see half of the kids down here and all of my coaches. "I thought we were going to have to send up a search party."
I rolled my eyes, "If it was a year ago, I would have been scared."
My head reached out to smack Jesse's head and he chuckled, "Tell me I'm wrong."
"I did fall asleep, luckily, Gabi knew what time I needed to be down here. Saylor fell asleep on top of me and then I just fell asleep with her."
"Ah, the classic baby trick." Jesse said with a smirk.
Saturday, November 21st, 2022
I sat in the top corner as my team was getting ready and I was taking notes of the game in front of me.
"Troy Bolton?" I looked up to see a man in a black t-shirt with a pair of jeans. I hesitated but nodded, "Mitchell Anderson," he stuck his hand out and I took it with caution. "Troy Bolton," I answered as I looked around for my assistant coaches and none of them were around. Where were they? Mitchell sat down next to me as we watched the game and I finally looked over towards me, "I'm the athletic director from the University of Georgia Southern,"
My eyebrows scrunched together, "I watched you coach last night, you do a really great job with your team. Hell, I wanted your entire playoff run last year. My nephew plays in your circuit and I caught wind of you during it. I went to every game you coached in and the way you coached was amazing. I thought you had no chance in a couple of those games for you to only fight back and win it. I was especially at that West Ashley game – the control you possessed with your team. The way they trust you. It's amazing."
"Thank you, I mean, I appreciate the praise but to not sound rude – why are you here? Why are you watching me?" Mitchell turned towards me with a grin on his face. "We want you." I blinked my eyes once and then again before I laughed. "What do you mean you want me? I'm a high school coach in South Carolina."
"Who's won state in a hard district and played in a high class. It's not like you were playing some no name schools along the way. Do you not think you would get some conversations?" I arched an eyebrow as I shifted in my seat. "Conversations?" I asked him. I again looked around for Jax, Jesse, Dylan – any of them? Fuck, even Gabi to make sure I wasn't imagining this conversation. "About becoming a head coach at the college level." My head spun in circles as I dropped the pen I was holding.
"You want….me…to be a college…coach?" my words came out jumbled as I turned my head to look at him. Mitchell laughed, "There is no way we are the first people to approach you. I know it's risky that that we want you to go from high school to college – D1 at that but…" I held up my hand as I couldn't stop the laugh. "Are my students pranking me? Is this a joke?" I reached for my phone when Mitchell reached for his wallet. "I assure you; this isn't a joke. Troy, you are talented. We've been watching you for a while and yes, it seems like a jump but you've been in college programs before. You were a student coach, I mean, this isn't a far fetch idea for us. I am honestly shocked that we are the first to ask."
He handed me his business card and I grew overwhelmingly dizzy. I blinked and I read the card several times. I looked up at him, "I don't know, I just had kids. My wife just started a business. My best friends and I have so much fun."
"They are included."
I nearly fell over when my head snapped up to look at him. "We realized something a long time ago. You are a great coach because you trust your assistant coaches. You trust that you can all work together well and you all bring something different to the table. You are a fun group to watch. You have the most experience and you would have to hand out titles but it's an offer for all of you. 1 head coach, 2 assistants, 1 strength/training, and 1 director of operations. The current coach is retiring. He hasn't announced yet and we are silently searching for a replacement. We want to do something different. We want you. You'll bring something different."
I honestly was speechless at this point.
It was a dream offer.
A D1 college team, close by to South Carolina, where all of my best friends are included? I exhaled heavily as I looked up at Mitchell. "Do I have time?" I asked him. "I have to talk to my friends and more importantly my wife. I mean when I say she literally just opened a business it was like two months ago."
"Yes, of course, you have plenty of time. We would like to know by January though. That way we still have time to search for another coach before we make the announcement." My mouth was bone dry as I looked up at Mitchell again. I cleared my throat, "I'll be in touch. Can you send more specifics? Salary, years, etc. I think I am going to have to approach my assistant coaches first before we go forward with our wives. I will say if one of us is out – we're all probably out. We are having a lot of fun here together and I love these kids. I am very intrigued with this offer though and it's honestly a dream come true. The timing just might be off."
Mitchell frowned, "Sometimes these chances only come once, please think long and hard before letting this opportunity go. I'll be in touch soon with more details."
He got up and walked down the bleachers as I stared after him and then I looked down at the card.
Holy.
Shit.
EK. ALSO. I loved this chapter. So much fun to write and WHAT ARE THEY GONNA DO!?
I do apologize for not updating my profile that I was updating late! I thought I was going to be able to update yesterday and the day escaped me very quickly. Then today was just as busy. Gotta love the holidays right? Thanks for the love and patience. I do appreciate them!
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Next Update: January 1st
