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As the SUV slowed its pace on the start of the first snowy incline it had faced on this trip to the cabin, Troy looked from the snowflakes falling slowly and lightly down outside to gaze at Gabriella, who seemed deep in thought, her lower lip caught in between her teeth. "What are you thinking about Brie?"
Her brown eyes snapped up and focused on Troy's concerned blue eyes, startled that he had picked up on her spacing out just then. "Huh?"
"You've only been dazing out on us for the past ten miles or so," kidded Chad from the front seat, getting an immediate smack from Taylor, who was in the passenger seat while Chucky laughed from where he was on the right side of Gabriella with Troy on her left, holding her hand in his.
"You seriously are impossible, you know that Danforth?" stated Taylor, shooting Gabriella an apologetic look.
"Well it's true, she has been. She's sitting in the middle seat Tay, I can see her whenever I check my rearview mirror," expressed Chad, somewhat bracing for another smack.
"He's right, I have been," said Gabriella, intervening in the argument. "Just a few random things running through my mind."
Taylor nodded her head in understanding, her facial features softening as she looked at Gabriella instead of her husband. "Copanvy related?"
"What else," sighed Gabriella, feeling a squeeze on her hand. "I was actually thinking of what you told me two days after my birthday, about the meeting with the council."
Troy thought back to how he and Gabriella had discussed every detail of that meeting, backwards and forwards, and understood Gabriella's expression. "Still feel that they are likely to twist things around?"
"Just never know is all. I mean, that conversation you told me about seemed pretty harmless, but if I know some of those men you met with, there's trouble coming," stated Gabriella, making Troy think back to the whole experience that happened the morning of the last game played before holiday break, the Thursday before Gabriella's birthday.
"Thank you for coming Mr. Bolton," greeted George, extending his arm out to indicate the only vacant chair in the room, which was much smaller than the general council meeting room but just a few doors down from it.
"Thank you for the invitation Mr. Hernandez, gentlemen," returned Troy, acknowledging the four other men in the room.
"I believe you have met Peter Sanchez and Luis Lewount before but let me introduce Benjamin Whitmore and Miles Perez. We appreciate you coming in to meet with us the morning before a big game today. Being one of the stars of an undefeated team must come with a great feeling," said George, wanting to be the first to set the tone of the meeting, not only as head of the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council but also to ensure that certain members in the room understood he had full control over this meeting.
Troy listened to the unsaid question and just smiled in return. "It is great to see a new team I just joined this season do so well but I do not believe it is fair to give me all the credit. Many of my teammates work very hard to ensure our team is where we are in the standings today and it truly has been an honor to work with them. They've taught me a lot and I hope I've been able to contribute to their game as well."
Luis took this opportunity to step in, wanting to see what Troy was willing to reveal. "I understand that you moved to Copanvy rather suddenly. Surely the draw of playing for the Louvis Knights was not enough to uproot you from the team you already were on in New York. What prompted your move?"
Sensing the trap, Troy took a few moments to gather his thoughts before he replied, "You are correct Mr. Lewount, I did uproot a bit suddenly but I don't regret it, even for a moment. I came for many reasons, one of them being an opportunity to contribute more to a basketball team but also to start a new life. I may have grown up in the United States, specifically New Mexico, but I have come to think of Copanvy as home now."
Benjamin smiled at the younger man. "That is always good to hear. Tell us, in your short time here, what has made you appreciate Copanvy for all she has to offer?"
'Gabriella,' thought Troy before smiling back at the older man, feeling a bit more comfortable knowing there was at least one friendly face in the room. "I have had many opportunities to meet and get to know people who have been born and raised here in Copanvy as well as individuals who moved to Copanvy as I have and have been embraced by Copanvy and thus embraced Copanvy in return. The teenagers I work with at the Louvis Teen Center, being part of the Big Sibling program, that experience has given me insight as to what this country offers the youth, with great support programs that are paid for by both government and the people of Copanvy. The fact that the crime and violence statistics for this age bracket especially are low I think is a direct result of the support this country gives the younger generations starting even before children start school in programs that keep children and teens alike busy. At the same time, I think the older generations enjoy living here because of the same type of programs but geared for their stages in life, whether that's assistance in living in an atmosphere where elderly can gain help when needed or simply a good meal when living life without all the luck some of us have with jobs and a steady income to feed ourselves and our families. In short, I guess what has made me really appreciate Copanvy is her people, and the love they clearly hold for a country that is rarely challenged. This balance between the royal family and the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council seems to serve this country well as I run into far fewer people unhappy with how things are run and where their taxes go than I would in the U.S."
"Very nice Mr. Bolton. Now I know, as a fan of the Louvis Knights, that there is often trading between teams in the Euroleague. If you were to be traded, as it happens frequently, would you agree to it?" asked Peter, trying to choose his own words carefully as he knew that George was already on high alert in regards to his real intentions. "You seem to care a lot for a country that is so new to you now but would you be so willing to give it up so easily if required?"
"That's a very good question Mr. Sanchez as I know that my time with the Louvis Knights is based on a contract that leaves room to be traded. However, with that being said, there is also a clause my agent had put in for me before we parted ways that should the Knights organization ever want to trade me during this five year contract that I have the option of refusing and leaving the Euroleague all together so long as I do not join another Euroleague team within five years from the day I leave the team, no penalties to either party," explained Troy, relieved that he was so active in the negotiations so he knew that for a fact.
Miles cleared his throat, drawing the attention to himself in the otherwise quiet room, heavy with tension. "That was very smart of you and shows dedication to this country. It sounds like your former agent made this contract for you before you really got to spend a lot of time here, however. What exactly did you know about Copanvy before you moved here that caused you to take such a big measure to make sure you remain here? How much knowledge do you have about Copanvy?"
Troy tried to smile, knowing the corners of his lips managed to pull upward only a little but knowing that was better than nothing considering how nervous he felt. "Well I would say I have a fair foundation but I am constantly learning new things about this country. Louvis is the capital and Copanvy offers both the country life and city life within hours of each other with a nice touch of the coast. There's a strong presence of both Spanish and English influences, the royal family being of mainly Spanish blood though. English is the official language and is spoken most often but Spanish is also spoken, especially in the smaller parts of the country. There's an equal power share between the royal family and the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council, the latter being elected by the people. Laws are born from both organizations but also via voting that happens every year, the qualifying age being sixteen here. There's actually quite a bit I've learned about the history and traditions of this country too from the people I have met at the elderly home, homeless shelter, and teen center that I volunteer at. I'm always intrigued to learn more."
Unable to resist the unintentional invitation, Peter decided it was time to see how Troy handled a much more direct question. "That is admittedly a good foundation of knowledge about Copanvy. Most people wouldn't take the time to get to know such a small country as we are. Truthfully, what sparked your curiosity about our country? I find it hard to believe that you would have wanted to come to Louvis just because possibly a scout here found you in New York."
There was a drawn out silence as Troy sat in his chair, trying to figure out how he should answer the very loaded question the older man asked of him. "I think what Peter meant to ask is how you know Princess Gabriella," added Luis, giving Peter a discreet look that was not lost on Troy, only heightening his anxiety.
'What the hell Troy, you know what you plan on doing on Saturday, may as well be honest to an extent here. Maybe that's even what they are looking for,' thought Troy, taking in a deep breath before meeting the gazes of both Luis and Peter, knowing that the other three men were also watching him.
"Mr. Bolton?" asked George, getting a bit worried as it looked like the younger man was losing color in his face the longer the seconds ticked by.
When Troy swung his gaze around to return George's concerned look, he suddenly found himself with more courage than he had moments before, seeing that there was at least one or two people present who weren't set out to create his and Gabriella's downfall for it was clear that he was not well liked by at least two others. "To be honest, I learned about Copanvy from my high school girlfriend when she found out she was a recognized princess of Copanvy. Over the years, I've continued to try to learn more about it but she did spark my interest."
"So one could assume that she is the reason you came here, the sole reason?" questioned Peter.
Fidgeting now in his seat a little, Troy resolved to meet this challenge head on and met Peter's direct gaze after a few moments of contemplation. "I would hate for anyone to assume anything about anyone. To be frank though, my decision to move here was fueled by several factors. Yes, the young girl that dominates my memories of high school was a large part of that decision, but Copanvy also offered me a lot as well such as a chance to start with a young, new basketball team, learning about a new culture, and really challenging myself."
"Tell us Mr. Bolton, when you look at Princess Gabriella and the life she leads, what do you see exactly?" asked Benjamin, very interested in what Troy would say.
"I see quite a bit but most of all I see a woman who has overcome a lot in her short life to stand where she is now, stronger and full of more compassion for people than most would have after what she has experienced. Gabriella could have hidden herself away, falling into a deep depression, hating men in general and the world at large for what happened to her back in high school but yet she rallied, showing that it is possible to live through something as horrible as she has and still see the best in people. That's something I admire about her, her strength and endurance, although she would never admit it. People have often said that she's lucky to be born a princess, to have such loyal friends and family. I think she deserves it, doing so much for those around her as much as she receives back from them. In truth, I know that she has quite a following at the teen center especially and it's because of the role model she has become, inspiring these teenagers to care not only about themselves but also this country," stated Troy, picking his words cautiously but also wanting to show how well he knew Gabriella without giving away too many intimate details. "Even those in her ballet company would more than likely tell you how down to earth she is compared to some of their own. She's got an amazing business mind and is also an excellent speaker. I'd say that Gabriella's life may not be your average life but she leads it in the only way she knows how, with passion for life and with grace under pressure coming from numerous directions."
With that, all five men remained silent, each caught up on their own thoughts, letting Troy take in a few deep breaths to calm himself, realizing only then that he may have been careful but had let himself slip by calling Gabriella by her given name instead of by her title, wondering exactly what that would cost him later. Luckily, the rest of the interrogation guised as a meeting went a bit smoother, George and Benjamin doing most of the questioning with Luis and Peter still getting in some pointed questions that Troy handled the best he could.
"Do you think that me using your name so casually was bad?" asked Troy, now worried as he thought about it again.
Gabriella shook her head, thinking how adorable it was that Troy really was so concerned about their future together and her reputation. "That's the least of our worries Wildcat. We still have to figure out how to work through the next few weeks until they press my hand again. They aren't going to throw a fit just because you didn't tack on Princess in front of my name. Even if they did, it's not like they can make me marry Patrick just because of it. It would require a hell of a lot more than that."
"And that ladies and gentlemen are the future King and Queen of Copanvy discussing yet another important political meeting," joked Chucky, laughing as both Gabriella and Troy rolled their eyes at him. "What, I can't joke? Come on, this whole arranged marriage tradition is so serious, you need the laughter or risk completely losing your mind over it."
"I agree with my bro. This little get away to Colorado is supposed to give us all a break, from work and the stresses of life," joined in Chad, glancing up at the rearview mirror to grin at his childhood best friend and his fiancé. "Let it all go! No paparazzi, no stupid idiots who think they can rule your lives, no obligations but to just relax and have fun!"
Taylor turned in the passenger seat to look at Gabriella with a small smile on her lips. "You know, that's probably one of the smarter things Chad has said in a while. This little trip is not only a nice gift from Chad, Troy, Chris, and Ryan to us women with Chucky and Amy tagging along but is a great opportunity to just be free for a few days. You have so much going on back in Copanvy Gab that you just need to relax a little and let yourself breathe. It's good for your health, honest."
"Thank you future Dr. Taylor Danforth," teased Gabriella, smiling back at Taylor. "I'll try to keep that in mind."
"And if the fresh air doesn't do it, we've got plenty of booze to help drown away the stress too," chimed in Chad, promptly getting slapped on the back of his head for that one.
After a few hours more, Chad pulled the SUV to a temporary stop while Troy jumped out to get the keys to the cabin before the caravan moved on to its final destination, the cabin that was large enough to fit all ten of them.
"Never again am I letting you drive Chris! You're a freaking maniac!" screeched Sharpay as she got out of the SUV she had been riding in with Ryan, Chris, and Tessa. "Ryan, I told you that you shouldn't have let that foreigner drive your SUV!"
"Hey, Miss Pink and Sparkly, I didn't see you offer to help drive when your twin, who so gallantly gifted you with this trip, began getting tired from driving! I'm sorry if I go faster than you'd like. Who knew you were the slow moving type of girl," threw back Chris, smirking at Sharpay moments before he got pelted in the face with a loosely put together snowball, the snow remnants falling from Sharpay's hand that was now hanging down by her side. "Drama queen!"
"Says the prissy ballet dancer," shot back Sharpay, out right glaring at Chris now.
Before World War III could begin, Ryan and Tessa both stepped in the middle of the two, Ryan trying to calm down Sharpay as Tessa tried to soothe Chris, who was shaking some snow out of his hair.
"Looks like I just missed a famous Evans' hissy fit," commented Amy as she closed the car door behind her and walked towards where Troy, Gabriella, and Chucky were watching the scene.
Gabriella turned her attention to Troy's cousin and smiled warmly. "I'm sure there will be plenty more. Love her like a sister but I'm thanking my stars I'm not in Chris's shoes right now."
Amy laughed. "Smart woman you have there cousin. Although, how she ended up choosing you out of all those dreamy guys I'll never know."
"Funny, I said the same thing to him too," replied Chucky, chuckling as Troy just narrowed his eyes at the both of them. "Easy there Bolton. You are looking mighty close to Sharpay right now with that haughty look."
"Keep that up and I'll convince Chad to leave your sorry butt up here man, older brother or not," shot back Troy.
Chucky shrugged, tilting his head towards Amy. "No worries, Amy will give me a ride, right Amy?"
Amy smiled but shook her head. "I would but I have to leave a day early, thus me driving my own car instead of having an adventure in the Evans SUV. Then again, perhaps I would have driven my own car anyway if they were yelling all the way here like that," commented Amy, turning all of their attention back to Chris and Sharpay, who managed to get into a snowball fight with Ryan and Tessa soon getting sucked into it, the yells between Chris and Sharpay being the loudest. "Seriously, you'd think they were going out instead of Chris and Tessa."
"I've always said Tessa and Sharpay are lethal together," replied Troy, chuckling as Tessa managed to hit Sharpay right in the face with a snowball after Ryan ducked out of the way. "Come on, let's get our stuff inside while those guys get a head start on the fun in the snow."
All four unloaded their stuff, along with Chad and Taylor, who decided to get their stuff inside before playing in the snow too, and headed inside after Troy unlocked the front door, a collective gasp from the group as they entered the cabin.
"Dude, those pictures you showed us Troy didn't do this place justice!" exclaimed Chad, looking around at the wall to wall dark wood floors that contrasted well with the cream colored walls.
Taylor stared straight ahead at the enormous glass windows and doors of the living room, amazed at the view that was just off their back porch with the bright snow laying on the ground, shining a bit from the sunlight. "This is definitely more of a chateau than a cabin, that's for sure."
"Good, then we won't be hearing Sharpay bitch all weekend about things being dirty," returned Chad, getting a glare from his wife. "What? You know it's true!"
"Great pick Bolton, definitely great pick," complimented Chucky, being the first to pick his bags back up to explore the house.
Amy just smiled, patting Troy's shoulder for a job well done before she followed Chucky's lead to find a room for herself. There were seven bedrooms in the 8,000 square foot chateau with six and a half baths, which was more than ample room for them all without anyone having to share a room that didn't want to.
Hearing the screaming quiet down outside, Troy knew that it would be mere moments before the other four came in. "Brie, why don't we go look for our room? Might want to pick before the rabbits get through the door."
Gabriella giggled, shaking her head at her fiancé. "You mister are impossible but sure, let's take a look around. Tay and Chad, you coming?"
The other two nodded their heads as they all gathered their luggage, having left the food and drinks in the cars for now, before heading upstairs where the master suite and three other bedrooms were located along with an entertainment room and library. Upon examination, Gabriella picked one of the smaller bedrooms to put her stuff down, Troy leaning against the doorway as he grinned, thinking how typical it was for Gabriella to pick the least elaborate bedroom for them to share, leaving the nicer rooms for the others.
Troy was about to let Gabriella start to settle in, staking their claim, when Amy and Chucky came by, Amy slipping into the room before Gabriella could unpack. "No way Gabriella. You so are getting the master suite! Hurry before Sharpay takes it!"
Gabriella only laughed, rolling her eyes. "I don't need the biggest room Amy. This is good enough for me."
"Perhaps, but I think it's only right that the person who put the most into this place we're in should get his pick and I really think he wants the master suite. Gab, it has a huge flat screen on the wall, a fully wired stereo system, and a huge bathroom with a nice tube with a fireplace right next to it. If not for you, for my dear cousin?" Amy said, trying to persuade Gabriella.
Gabriella just looked back at Troy, who was wearing a neutral expression on his face at the moment. "I thought everyone chipped in for this trip."
Before Troy could answer, Chucky piped up. "Sure, we all did. Amy, Chad, Chris, and myself all paid equal amounts but we're in this fine of a place because of Troy's connections plus his putting down more than half of the fee for this place. Least we can do is to let you both have the best room in the house. That is, if you two are staying in the same room."
"I don't know, maybe Troy you should have the master suite to yourself. I'm sure Amy wouldn't mind me bunking with her," teased Gabriella, her brown eyes twinkling back at Troy, who mock glared at her. "Chucky since you like the master suite so much, maybe you can bunk with Troy."
Chucky catching the teasing vibe batted his eyelashes at Troy, overly puckering his lips while he made kissy sounds. "Aww, nice and romantic Troyikins!" exclaimed Chucky in a high voice none of them expected to come from him.
Without another word, Troy just shoved Chucky playfully on the shoulder before stalking purposefully towards Gabriella, who noticed a slight gleam in Troy's blue eyes. She backed up a step before she found herself no longer on the ground but thrown over Troy's shoulder, giggling as Troy scooped up her bags and carried her out of the room.
The two heard the catcalls and laughter behind them as they made it down the hall to the master suite, the one room Gabriella truthfully hadn't really looked at up here, figuring someone else could have it. 'I guess that would be a no…'
Troy carefully dropped her down on the black four post King bed before he put her bags down next to his own. When he came back over, Troy leaned down and cupped Gabriella's face in his hands, leaning their foreheads together for a moment before their lips met in a scorching kiss that left them both wanting more but remembering just in time that the doors to their room were wide open.
"Perhaps Chris and Tessa won't be the titled rabbits this weekend after all," called out Sharpay with a smirk before she and Ryan left the doorway, Ryan chuckling as he followed his sister in search for their own bedrooms.
Troy groaned, taking a seat on the edge of the bed next to Gabriella. "I honestly forgot what it was like to have all these people around who love to interrupt us Brie. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea."
"Well if all you're concerned about is having your wicked way with me then yes, not the smartest Troy but I think this trip is about a lot more than that, at least I hope," replied Gabriella, a shadow of nervousness now in her eyes.
Quick to make sure Gabriella didn't get the wrong idea, Troy took Gabriella's right hand in his and kissed the back of it, never letting his eyes leave hers. "Gabriella this extended holiday is about us but it's also about those crazy people we call friends and family who are now fighting over rooms if I hear the shouting correctly. It's a chance for you to bond with my cousin even more, which will most likely mean picking on me, a chance for us to spend some good quality time with our best friends from high school, and even a chance for me to teach you how to properly snowboard."
"Oh no, not that again! Troy, I can barely ski!" whined Gabriella, unknowingly pouting in the most adorable manner Troy could imagine. "Are you trying to kill me?"
Troy chuckled, leaning in to kiss her little nose. "Maybe, but only if it is done by adoration, laughter, good food, and love," stated Troy, ignoring the gagging noises coming from the doorway. "And Chad, I swear if you don't get lost right now I will personally make sure you sleep on one of the couches downstairs."
There was only fading laughter as Chad turned and left them alone, neither Gabriella or Troy bothering to look. "Guess this extended weekend in this cabin that's really a chateau is going to be one amazing long weekend," commented Gabriella, smiling as she kissed Troy, letting their lips softly brush against each other for a few stolen moments.
"With those knuckleheads around and the crazy divas mixed in with a few sane people, I'd say yes, but I know it's going to be the best yet just because you're here with me," said Troy, grinning as Gabriella smiled brightly at him once more before she snuggled into his side, his arm tightly wrapped around her, both watching the snow fall outside onto their private balcony via the glass doors and windows, each feeling the peace of the moment.