Gabriel had always been good at keeping his emotions in check. A smile here, a joke there—he knew how to play it cool. But lately, whenever he was around Lorraine, he found himself struggling to maintain that casual facade. It wasn't something that had happened overnight. It had been gradual—like a seed slowly growing roots in the quiet moments they shared.
At first, it was her sharp wit and calm presence that had intrigued him. She wasn't like the others in the office, constantly trying to outshine or outmaneuver everyone. Lorraine was composed, grounded, and when she spoke, she always had something important to say. Gabriel found himself drawn to that—her sense of certainty in a world where everything seemed to be a game of appearances.
But over time, it became more than just admiration. Gabriel couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when his feelings had changed, when his mind started to wander to her outside of work hours, or when he started looking forward to the small, seemingly insignificant moments with her—the shared cups of coffee, the quiet conversations that happened when no one else was around.
And now, it was impossible to deny it. He was falling for her.
Gabriel glanced across the office at Lorraine. She was seated at her desk, focused intently on her work. Her dark hair was pulled back into its usual sleek ponytail, and there was a small crease of concentration between her brows as she typed away. To anyone else, she might have looked intimidating, perhaps even distant. But Gabriel had seen the softer side of her, the warmth that she didn't often show to others.
He leaned back in his chair, chewing on the end of his pen as he tried to focus on his own work. His heart thudded a little harder than usual in his chest, an almost frustrating reminder of the feelings he had been pushing down. He wanted to say something, to tell her how he felt, but every time the thought crossed his mind, his confidence wavered.
What if she didn't feel the same? What if he ruined what they had? The last thing he wanted was to make things awkward between them, especially when they had finally reached a comfortable rhythm. He hated the idea of losing the easy camaraderie they had built, but at the same time, keeping his feelings bottled up was starting to feel unbearable.
Lorraine, on the other hand, had noticed the change in Gabriel's behavior too. It wasn't anything dramatic—just little things. The way he would pause a little longer when their eyes met, how his jokes had softened, and how he seemed to pay more attention to her than usual. She wasn't blind to it, but she didn't push him. She wanted him to make the first move.
There was something endearing about watching Gabriel wrestle with his feelings. Lorraine had always been the type to play it cool, to keep her emotions in check. But with Gabriel, she found herself waiting, curious to see how long he would hold out before he finally admitted what was on his mind.
One afternoon, they found themselves alone in the office kitchen. Gabriel was pouring a cup of coffee while Lorraine stood by the window, her gaze drifting toward the cityscape. The setting sun cast a golden hue over the office, and for a moment, everything felt calm, like the world had slowed down just for them.
"Long day?" Gabriel asked, handing her a cup of coffee.
"Yeah," Lorraine replied, her voice soft as she took the cup. "It feels like this week is never-ending."
Gabriel leaned against the counter, watching her as she took a sip. He could feel the words on the tip of his tongue, begging to be said, but his nerves held him back. Instead, he forced a smile. "You're handling it like a pro."
Lorraine glanced over at him, her eyes catching the faint hesitation in his expression. She could tell there was something more he wanted to say, but she didn't push him. Not yet.
"You too," she said with a small smile, her tone teasing. "You've been awfully quiet lately though. Something on your mind?"
Gabriel's heart skipped a beat. She was always so perceptive, always able to read him better than most. He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nah, just… you know, work stuff."
Lorraine raised an eyebrow, not buying it. But she let it go, sipping her coffee again, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She could feel the tension between them—the unspoken feelings hanging in the air like a thick fog.
They stood there in silence for a few more moments, the quiet between them growing heavier by the second. Gabriel could feel his pulse quicken, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. He wanted to tell her. He needed to. But how? What could he say that wouldn't sound like he was blurting out a confession in the middle of the office kitchen?
Before he could stop himself, the words slipped out.
"You know," he started, his voice quieter than usual, "I've been thinking a lot lately… about us."
Lorraine turned to face him fully, her gaze steady. She didn't say anything, just watched him, waiting.
Gabriel swallowed hard, his palms sweaty as he tried to steady his racing heart. "I—uh—I don't really know how to say this without sounding stupid, but… I've been wanting to tell you that I care about you. More than I probably should."
He laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as he looked down at the floor. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've been falling for you, Lorraine."
There. He had said it. The words were out in the open now, and there was no taking them back.
Lorraine didn't react right away. She stood there, her expression unreadable, though her eyes softened slightly. Gabriel's heart pounded in his chest, waiting for her response, hoping he hadn't just made a complete fool of himself.
Finally, Lorraine smiled. It was small, but it was genuine. "I kind of figured."
Gabriel blinked in surprise. "You did?"
Lorraine nodded, stepping closer to him. "I've noticed the way you look at me. You're not exactly subtle, you know."
Gabriel let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his shoulders relaxing. "So… what do you think?"
Lorraine's smile widened, and she reached out, lightly touching his arm. "I think I've been waiting for you to say something."
Gabriel's eyes widened. "You have?"
Lorraine laughed softly, nodding. "Yeah. I wasn't going to make the first move. I wanted you to figure it out on your own."
Gabriel shook his head, a smile spreading across his face. "You really like to make me work for it, don't you?"
"I do," Lorraine teased, her eyes sparkling. "But I guess it was worth it."
They stood there for a moment, the tension between them easing as they both laughed. It felt like a weight had been lifted, like the unspoken feelings had finally found their way into the light.
Gabriel looked at her, his heart swelling with affection. "So, what now?"
Lorraine shrugged, her smile softening. "I guess we take it one day at a time."
Gabriel nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Yeah. One day at a time."
They finished their coffee, the air between them light and easy now, as if everything had fallen into place. And as they walked out of the office together, Gabriel couldn't help but feel like this was just the beginning of something far more important than either of them had anticipated.
Lorraine glanced at him, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You know, for someone who was so nervous about telling me how you feel, you didn't do half bad."
Gabriel laughed, feeling more at ease than he had in days. "Well, I had a good reason to be nervous."
Lorraine tilted her head, her eyes twinkling. "And what's that?"
Gabriel's grin widened as he looked at her. "Because you're worth it."
----
A few days after Gabriel's confession, Lorraine found herself thinking more and more about him. There was something about the way he handled his emotions—his honesty, his vulnerability—that intrigued her. Despite her usual caution, Lorraine had to admit she was beginning to feel something deeper for him.
It was a quiet afternoon when Lorraine gathered enough courage to invite Gabriel to dinner. They were sitting together during a break, laughing about a silly incident at work when Lorraine casually brought up the idea.
"Hey," she started, looking up from her phone. "How do you feel about joining me for dinner tonight? My siblings are in town, and they've been asking about you."
Gabriel raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Your siblings? They know about me?"
Lorraine smiled, leaning back in her chair. "Not everything. Just that I work with someone interesting. I figured it was time for you to meet them properly."
Gabriel's heart did a little flip. The idea of meeting Lorraine's family made him both nervous and excited. He could tell how much her family meant to her, and the thought of being introduced felt like a big step.
"I'd love to," he said, grinning. "Just let me know what time."
That evening, Gabriel arrived at Lorraine's family home. It was a large, elegant house, with a garden that wrapped around the sides and a welcoming light glowing through the windows. Gabriel adjusted his jacket nervously as he stood at the front door, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Lorraine opened the door with a warm smile, dressed in a simple yet elegant blouse and jeans. "Hey," she greeted him, stepping aside to let him in. "Glad you made it."
Gabriel followed her inside, taking in the spacious living room adorned with family photos and tasteful decor. He could hear voices coming from the dining room—laughter, conversation. It reminded him of the warmth of family gatherings, something he had always appreciated but missed since moving to the city.
As they entered the dining room, Gabriel was met with the sight of Lorraine's siblings gathered around the table. They all looked up, curious and intrigued by the new face in the room.
"This is Gabriel," Lorraine introduced, her voice casual but with a hint of pride. "Gabriel, these are my siblings. Arianna, David Jr., Stephanie, Jamie, and William."
Gabriel smiled, trying to make a good first impression. "Hi, everyone. Nice to meet you."
Arianna, the eldest, stood up first, offering a handshake. She was tall and confident, with a serious demeanor that immediately made Gabriel realize she was probably the leader of the group. "Welcome, Gabriel. We've heard a bit about you."
Gabriel chuckled nervously, shaking her hand. "All good things, I hope?"
Arianna smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes completely. "We'll see."
Next was David Jr., who was more relaxed. He clapped Gabriel on the back in a friendly manner. "Don't worry about Arianna. She's always like that. I'm David, the fun one."
Stephanie, Jamie, and William introduced themselves with friendly smiles, each with their own distinct personalities. Stephanie had a sharp, witty edge, Jamie was quiet and observant, and William, the youngest, seemed eager to make Gabriel feel welcome.
Dinner was a lively affair. The table was filled with dishes that looked both delicious and comforting—roast chicken, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and Lorraine's favorite, a pasta dish her siblings had made for the occasion. The conversation flowed easily at first, with Lorraine and her siblings teasing each other about old family stories. Gabriel found himself laughing more than he expected, especially at David Jr.'s jokes and Stephanie's sarcastic remarks.
Throughout the meal, Gabriel noticed how the siblings interacted with each other. They had a close bond, one that was built on years of shared experiences. He could see how much Lorraine loved them, and he also saw how protective they were of her. Arianna, in particular, seemed to watch him closely, as if she were assessing his intentions.
At one point during dinner, Gabriel glanced at Lorraine. She was laughing at something William said, her eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that made Gabriel's heart skip a beat. It hit him again, just how much he liked her, how much he wanted to be a part of moments like this with her.
After dinner, Lorraine and Gabriel helped clear the table, and as they worked together, there was a sense of ease between them, like they had settled into a comfortable rhythm. Gabriel found himself enjoying these simple moments—being around her, being a part of her world.
As they finished cleaning up, Lorraine's siblings gathered in the living room, exchanging glances before calling her over.
"Lorraine," Arianna called, her tone serious. "We need to talk."
Lorraine glanced at Gabriel, who was about to head back into the living room, but she nodded and excused herself to join her siblings. The four of them sat on the couch, with Arianna taking the lead as usual.
"So," Arianna started, folding her arms across her chest. "What's going on between you and Gabriel?"
Lorraine raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
David Jr. leaned forward, a playful smile on his face. "Come on, Lorraine. You're bringing this guy to a family dinner, and we can tell there's something between you two. Are you… in love with him?"
Lorraine paused, considering the question. She looked down at her hands, her thoughts swirling. Was she in love with Gabriel? She had felt something growing between them, a connection that went beyond just friendship. But love? She wasn't sure yet.
"Maybe," Lorraine finally admitted, her voice quiet. "I like him. A lot. But I don't know if it's love yet."
Arianna exchanged a glance with Stephanie, both of them looking more concerned now. "Lorraine, you need to be careful," Arianna warned, her tone firm. "Mom doesn't like surprises, especially when it comes to relationships."
Lorraine sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I know, but this is different. Gabriel is different."
David Jr. shrugged. "We're not saying he's a bad guy. He seems nice enough. But you know how Mom is. If she finds out you're seeing someone she didn't approve of first, it's going to be a whole thing."
William, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "Maybe you should tell her before things get too serious. Just so she's not blindsided."
Lorraine nodded, knowing her siblings were right. Their mother had always been protective, particularly when it came to her children's personal lives. Bringing Gabriel into the family without warning would likely cause a stir.
"I'll handle it," Lorraine said, her voice determined. "But I'm not going to rush anything. I need to figure out how I feel first."
Arianna sighed, clearly still concerned but willing to trust her sister's judgment. "Just be careful. We've got your back, but you know how things can get."
Lorraine smiled softly, appreciating their concern. "Thanks. I know."
As she stood up to rejoin Gabriel in the living room, her mind was swirling with thoughts. She wasn't sure how her mother would react when she eventually found out about Gabriel, but for now, she just wanted to enjoy the moment. There was something special about Gabriel, something that made her feel at ease in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
When Lorraine returned to the living room, Gabriel looked up from the book he had been flipping through, a curious expression on his face. "Everything okay?"
Lorraine smiled, her earlier conversation with her siblings lingering in her mind. She walked over to him, her eyes warm as she sat down beside him. "Yeah. Everything's fine."
Gabriel nodded, but he could tell there was more on her mind. He didn't push, though. Instead, he leaned back into the couch, feeling the comfort of her presence beside him.
As they sat there in the quiet of the living room, Lorraine realized something important. Maybe she wasn't quite ready to label what she felt for Gabriel as love, but she knew one thing for certain—she wasn't ready to let him go.
------
As the evening went on, Gabriel felt the shift in the atmosphere around them, a quiet but palpable sense of contentment settling in. He glanced at Lorraine beside him, noticing the soft smile on her face as they sat in comfortable silence. It was as though everything that needed to be said had already been spoken, and they could just be in the moment together, without the need for words.
The faint sound of laughter from her siblings in the next room echoed in the background, adding to the warmth that enveloped the space. Gabriel couldn't help but feel like he'd been let into a special part of her life, a part that not many were privileged to see. It wasn't just about meeting her family—it was about understanding more of who she was, where she came from, and the people who shaped her.
As if sensing his thoughts, Lorraine turned to him. "You okay?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with genuine concern.
Gabriel nodded, feeling a wave of affection wash over him. "Yeah. More than okay."
She smiled, her eyes searching his face, as if she, too, was processing everything. "Good. I'm glad."
For a while, they simply sat there, their shoulders brushing lightly, the steady hum of their surroundings making it easy to forget the uncertainties they both carried. Gabriel could feel the lingering tension from earlier slip away, replaced by a quiet certainty that whatever was developing between them was real, something worth holding onto.
"I like your family," Gabriel said after a while, breaking the silence. "They're great."
Lorraine chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Yeah, they can be a lot, but I love them."
Gabriel hesitated for a moment, then added, "I could tell they care about you a lot. Especially Arianna."
A shadow of contemplation crossed Lorraine's face, but it faded quickly. "Arianna has always looked out for me. Sometimes a little too much, but... I get it. She's just protective."
Gabriel nodded, understanding the weight of family dynamics. "I noticed."
There was a pause before Lorraine spoke again, her voice quieter, more thoughtful. "They're worried, you know. About us."
Gabriel's heart skipped, but he kept his tone steady. "Worried?"
"Yeah," Lorraine admitted. "Not because they don't like you. They do. But... my mom. She can be... particular about things. Relationships, especially."
Gabriel frowned slightly, unsure of what to say. He didn't want to add to any pressure Lorraine might be feeling. "I get it. I don't want to make things complicated for you, Lorraine. I don't want to rush anything."
Lorraine shook her head, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. "You're not complicating anything. It's just... I need time to figure it all out. But I don't want you to think that I'm not serious about this. About us."
Gabriel met her gaze, his heart pounding a little faster. There was a vulnerability in her eyes, one that mirrored his own. "I'm here, Lorraine. I'm not going anywhere."
A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "Good. Because I think... I think I need you here."
Gabriel's breath caught at her words. He had known it, deep down, but hearing her say it aloud made it real in a way he hadn't expected. The room seemed to grow smaller, quieter, as if it were just the two of them in the world.
Leaning in just slightly, Lorraine locked eyes with him, her voice soft but sure. "One day at a time, right?"
Gabriel smiled, nodding. "One day at a time."
The rest of the evening passed in a peaceful blur, filled with quiet conversations and shared smiles. Gabriel left Lorraine's house that night feeling lighter than he had in a long time, the future still uncertain but not as daunting with her by his side.
As he walked down the street, the cool night air brushing against his face, he couldn't stop thinking about Lorraine's words, her presence, and the connection they were building. One day at a time, he reminded himself. But even as he tried to stay grounded in the present, he couldn't help but feel hopeful about what the future might hold—for both of them