Gabriel had been thinking about it for days. Every time he saw Lorraine at work, something tugged at him, pulling him toward her. It wasn't just the way she carried herself with confidence or the subtle, sharp wit that always caught him off guard—it was something deeper. He felt it whenever their eyes met, in the quiet moments when they found themselves in the breakroom or passing each other in the hallway. Something was growing between them, and Gabriel knew he had to act before it slipped away.
The office buzzed with the usual Monday morning energy. Lorraine sat at her desk, her sleek dark hair pulled back into its signature ponytail, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard. Gabriel, seated a few desks away, stole quick glances at her, mentally rehearsing what he would say. He had never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, but something about Lorraine made this different. She was different.
Today was the day, he decided. No more waiting.
After a few more minutes of mustering up the courage, Gabriel stood up, grabbed his coffee mug, and casually made his way over to the breakroom. He hoped she'd follow her usual routine and head there soon for her mid-morning tea. Sure enough, just as he reached the door, Lorraine appeared around the corner, carrying her mug.
"Morning, Lorraine," Gabriel greeted her, flashing a smile that he hoped seemed more relaxed than he felt.
"Morning," Lorraine replied, her tone polite but distant, as always. She moved to the counter, filling her mug with hot water, and stirred her tea bag carefully, not looking up at him.
Gabriel took a deep breath. This was it. "Hey, so, I've been thinking," he began, leaning against the counter beside her. "We've been working together for a while now, and I was wondering… would you like to grab dinner sometime? Just you and me."
Lorraine paused, her hand still holding the tea bag string. For a moment, her brow furrowed, and she finally turned her head to look at him. Her expression was calm, unreadable. Gabriel's heart pounded as the silence stretched between them.
"Dinner?" Lorraine repeated slowly, as if testing the word.
Gabriel nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Yeah. You know, just a chance for us to hang out outside of the office."
Lorraine's lips pressed into a thin line. "Gabriel, I appreciate the offer, but… I don't think that's a good idea." She turned back to her tea, removing the bag and tossing it into the trash bin.
Gabriel's face fell slightly, but he quickly masked his disappointment with a forced smile. "Oh, I see. No worries. I just thought it might be nice."
Lorraine nodded, taking a sip of her tea. "I'm sure it would, but I've been really focused on work lately. I don't want to mix things up."
"Right," Gabriel agreed, even though her words felt like a small sting. He didn't push further, though. "Well, if you change your mind…"
She gave him a polite nod, and with that, Lorraine turned and left the breakroom, leaving Gabriel standing there with his untouched coffee.
For the next two weeks, Gabriel couldn't stop thinking about that moment. He replayed it in his head, analyzing what he could have said differently, how he could have approached her in a way that might've gotten a different response. But despite her rejection, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was still there—an unspoken connection that had yet to fully form.
His persistence paid off in small, subtle ways. He didn't want to be pushy, but he also didn't want to fade into the background. Instead, he made a point of engaging with Lorraine more often, whether it was joining her for coffee breaks or discussing work projects with her in a way that felt more personal. He noticed the small shifts in her reactions—the way she smiled a little more during their conversations, the way her guarded demeanor softened just enough for him to catch glimpses of the woman beneath the surface.
Two weeks after his initial attempt, Gabriel found himself once again standing in the breakroom. This time, however, he wasn't nervous. He had a quiet confidence, a sense that maybe Lorraine's walls were slowly coming down. She entered the room as usual, carrying her mug, her eyes flicking toward him briefly before she went to the counter to make her tea.
He waited a moment, then approached her again. "Lorraine," he began, his voice calm, "I know you're busy, and I don't want to push, but I'd really like to take you out for dinner. I just think… I think there's something between us worth exploring."
Lorraine's hands paused over her tea mug. She inhaled deeply, her back still turned to him, and for a moment, Gabriel thought she might reject him again. But then, slowly, she turned to face him, her dark eyes searching his face.
"Two weeks, Gabriel," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You've asked twice now."
He smiled sheepishly. "Well, I'm persistent."
Lorraine raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned against the counter. "You are."
For a long moment, she stared at him, as if weighing her options. Gabriel could feel his pulse quicken, but he held her gaze, waiting.
Finally, she sighed. "Alright. Fine. Dinner. But this doesn't mean anything serious."
Gabriel's smile widened, his heart leaping with excitement. "Deal. Nothing serious. Just dinner."
The evening of their first date arrived, and Gabriel found himself standing outside Lorraine's apartment building, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He had dressed neatly but casually—dark jeans, a crisp button-down shirt, and a jacket to ward off the chill of the evening air. He glanced at his phone, checking the time, then looked up just as the door to the building opened.
Lorraine stepped out, and for a moment, Gabriel's breath caught. She was dressed in a simple, elegant black dress, her hair cascading down her shoulders instead of being tied back in her usual ponytail. She looked different—softer, more relaxed—but still every bit as composed as she always was.
"Hey," she greeted him with a small smile.
"Hey," Gabriel replied, smiling back. "You look… incredible."
Lorraine raised an eyebrow, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."
They stood there for a moment, the early evening air cool around them, before Gabriel gestured toward the car parked at the curb. "Shall we?"
Lorraine nodded, and they walked together to the car. Gabriel opened the passenger door for her, earning a brief, appreciative glance from her before she slid into the seat. He circled around to the driver's side and climbed in, starting the engine and pulling away from the curb.
The restaurant Gabriel had chosen was a cozy, intimate place with soft lighting and a warm atmosphere. It wasn't overly fancy, but it was nice enough to make the evening feel special. As they entered, the hostess greeted them and led them to a small table by the window, where they could see the twinkling lights of the city beyond.
They sat down, and for a few moments, there was a comfortable silence as they looked over the menu. Gabriel stole a glance at Lorraine, who was focused on the list of dishes in front of her. She seemed more at ease than he had ever seen her, and that made him feel more relaxed, too.
After they placed their orders, Gabriel leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Lorraine. "So," he began, his voice light, "I know you said this doesn't mean anything serious, but… I'm curious. What made you change your mind?"
Lorraine took a sip of her water, her eyes meeting his over the rim of the glass. She set it down, her expression thoughtful. "I don't know," she admitted. "At first, I didn't want to complicate things. We work together, and I've always been careful about keeping my personal life separate from work."
Gabriel nodded. "That makes sense. But something changed?"
She smiled slightly, tilting her head. "Maybe I just got tired of you asking."
Gabriel chuckled. "That's fair."
"But honestly," Lorraine continued, her tone softening, "you're not like most people I've worked with. You… you don't play games. You're direct, and I appreciate that."
Gabriel's smile widened, a warm feeling spreading through him. "I try to be."
They spent the next hour talking over dinner, the conversation flowing easily between them. Gabriel found himself learning more about Lorraine—her childhood, her siblings, her passions outside of work. She opened up to him in a way she hadn't before, and he was captivated by every word. She was sharp, insightful, and had a dry sense of humor that caught him off guard more than once, making him laugh out loud.
As the evening progressed, Gabriel found himself leaning forward more, hanging on her every word. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her love for books or the way her voice softened when she spoke about her family. She was more than just the composed, professional woman he had admired from afar—she was kind, funny, and fiercely independent.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics—movies, music, and shared interests. They laughed together, the initial tension between them easing into something warm and familiar.
As dessert was served, Gabriel couldn't help but feel like the night had been a success. He had wanted to get to know Lorraine better, and now he felt like he was finally seeing the real her.
When the bill came, Gabriel reached for it, but Lorraine raised a hand to stop him. "No, I've got it," she insisted, her tone firm.
Gabriel blinked in surprise. "Wait, are you serious?"
Lorraine nodded. "I'm serious. I said this wasn't going to be anything serious, right? No expectations."
He smiled, shaking his head. "Alright, if that's how you want to play it."
As they left the restaurant and walked back to Gabriel's car, the city lights casting a soft glow around them, Gabriel felt a sense of contentment settle over him. He opened the car door for Lorraine again, and this time, as she slid into the seat, she gave him a small, genuine smile.
"Thanks for tonight," Lorraine said quietly as Gabriel got in on the driver's side.
"Thank you for agreeing," Gabriel replied, glancing at her. "I had a great time."
Lorraine nodded, her eyes flicking toward him for a brief moment before she looked out the window. "Me too."
The ride back to Lorraine's apartment was quiet, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. It was the kind of silence that comes after a night of good conversation, where words aren't necessary to fill the space.
When they arrived at her building, Gabriel parked the car and turned to face her. "So… do you think we could do this again sometime?"
Lorraine hesitated for a moment, then smiled softly. "Yeah. I think I'd like that."
Gabriel's heart soared. He grinned, nodding. "Great. I'll hold you to that."
Lorraine opened the door and stepped out of the car, pausing to look back at him one last time. "Goodnight, Gabriel."
"Goodnight, Lorraine."
As she disappeared into the building, Gabriel sat back in his seat, a satisfied smile on his face. One date down, and something told him this was only the beginning.
-----
Gabriel drove away from Lorraine's apartment, his mind still buzzing with the events of the evening. He replayed their conversations over and over, trying to capture every moment, every smile, every word. A part of him still couldn't believe she had said yes, that the evening had gone so well. There was something about Lorraine that felt different from anyone else he had ever been with—she was both a mystery and an open book, depending on the moment.
As he pulled into his parking garage, Gabriel realized that his feelings for her weren't just a passing infatuation. There was depth here, something worth pursuing. He didn't want to rush it or push her into anything she wasn't ready for, but he also knew he wasn't going to let her slip away easily. He had worked too hard for this, and now that he had a glimpse of what could be, he wasn't about to give up.
The next few days at work were surprisingly normal, considering the fact that Gabriel and Lorraine had just had their first date. He wasn't sure what he expected—maybe things to feel more awkward, or for her to pull back—but instead, everything continued as it always had. They exchanged the same professional greetings in the morning, worked on their projects, and interacted with their colleagues just like before.
However, beneath the surface, Gabriel noticed small changes. The way Lorraine looked at him seemed softer, her glances lingering just a second longer than usual. Their conversations were a bit more personal, and there was a subtle warmth in her voice whenever they spoke. It wasn't a dramatic shift, but it was enough for Gabriel to notice—and enough for him to feel like they were moving in the right direction.
One afternoon, while Gabriel was reviewing a report at his desk, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. It was a message from Lorraine.
Lorraine: So, about that second date…
Gabriel's heart skipped a beat. He quickly typed a response, trying not to let his excitement show too much.
Gabriel: I'm all ears. When and where?
There was a brief pause before her next message came through.
Lorraine: How about this Saturday? I know a nice café downtown that does live music in the evenings.
Gabriel grinned. Lorraine was taking the initiative this time, and that felt like a victory in itself.
Gabriel: Sounds perfect. I'll be there. Just tell me the time, and I'll pick you up.
Lorraine: 7 PM. Don't be late.
Saturday evening arrived, and Gabriel found himself once again standing outside Lorraine's apartment building, feeling a familiar mix of excitement and nerves. This time, however, he felt more confident—like they had already broken through that initial barrier, and now, it was just about enjoying each other's company.
Lorraine appeared a few minutes later, dressed casually in dark jeans and a soft, cream-colored sweater that hugged her figure just right. Her hair was down again, cascading in waves over her shoulders. She smiled when she saw him, and Gabriel felt that same warmth spread through him.
"Ready?" Gabriel asked, opening the passenger door for her.
Lorraine nodded. "Yeah. Let's go."
The café Lorraine had chosen was tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of the city. The inside was cozy, with exposed brick walls, low lighting, and small wooden tables scattered throughout. A small stage at the far end of the room was set up for the live performance, and a few musicians were already tuning their instruments as Gabriel and Lorraine took their seats near the stage.
The atmosphere was relaxed, and as soon as they sat down, Gabriel felt the tension from the workweek melt away. Lorraine seemed more at ease as well, her usual professional guard lowered. She scanned the menu, her lips curving into a slight smile as she glanced at Gabriel.
"I love this place," she said. "It's one of the few spots in the city where I can just unwind and listen to good music."
Gabriel nodded. "I can see why. It's got a great vibe."
They ordered their drinks—Lorraine opting for a glass of wine, while Gabriel went for a craft beer—and settled into easy conversation. This time, it felt more natural, less like a first date where every word was carefully chosen. They laughed about the odd things that had happened at work that week, shared stories about their pasts, and even delved into deeper topics like their hopes and fears for the future.
The live band started playing halfway through their meal, a soothing blend of acoustic guitar and soft vocals filling the air. Gabriel watched Lorraine as she listened, her eyes closed briefly as if savoring the moment. There was something almost mesmerizing about the way she let herself relax, her usual stoic exterior melting away in the dim light of the café.
As the music played, Gabriel leaned forward slightly, his voice soft as he spoke. "I'm really glad you decided to give this—us—a chance."
Lorraine opened her eyes and looked at him, her gaze steady. "I am too," she admitted, her tone quiet but sincere. "I don't usually let people in easily. But you… you've been patient."
Gabriel smiled, his heart racing at her words. "You're worth it."
For a moment, Lorraine didn't say anything. She just stared at him, her expression unreadable, but there was a softness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Then, slowly, she reached across the table, her hand brushing against his.
Gabriel's breath hitched, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he let his fingers intertwine with hers, the simple contact sending a jolt of electricity through him. It wasn't much, but it was enough. It was more than enough.
The night continued on like that, filled with music, conversation, and a growing sense of intimacy that neither of them could deny. When the band finished their set and the café began to quiet down, Gabriel and Lorraine lingered at their table, neither of them in a hurry to leave.
Eventually, though, the time came for them to go. Gabriel paid the bill—this time, Lorraine didn't argue—and they stepped out into the cool night air. The street was quiet, the city lights casting a soft glow around them as they walked back to the car.
As they reached the car, Gabriel hesitated, turning to face Lorraine. She looked up at him, her expression calm but curious.
"I had a really great time tonight," Gabriel said, his voice soft.
"Me too," Lorraine replied, her tone matching his.
For a moment, they stood there, the air between them thick with unspoken possibilities. Gabriel could feel his heart pounding in his chest, and before he could overthink it, he took a small step forward, closing the distance between them.
"Lorraine…" he began, his voice barely above a whisper.
But before he could say anything more, Lorraine closed the gap between them, her lips pressing softly against his in a kiss that was both unexpected and perfect. It wasn't rushed or frantic—it was slow, deliberate, filled with all the things they hadn't said to each other over the past few weeks.
Gabriel's hand instinctively came up to cup the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss. Lorraine's arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer, and for a few blissful moments, the world around them disappeared.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other's.
"Wow," Gabriel murmured, a soft laugh escaping his lips.
Lorraine smiled, her eyes still closed. "Yeah. Wow."
For a moment, they just stood there, their breaths mingling in the cool night air, neither of them wanting to break the spell.
"I wasn't expecting that," Gabriel admitted, his voice low.
Lorraine opened her eyes and looked up at him, her expression soft but teasing. "Neither was I."
Gabriel chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm not complaining."
Lorraine smiled, her arms still around his waist. "Good."
They stayed like that for a little while longer, wrapped in each other's arms, before finally pulling apart. Gabriel opened the car door for her, and this time, as she got in, there was no hesitation—just a soft, lingering smile.
The ride back to Lorraine's apartment was quiet, but it was a comfortable silence, filled with the unspoken understanding that something between them had shifted. When they arrived at her building, Gabriel walked her to the door, his hand lingering on hers as they said goodnight.
"I'll call you," Gabriel said softly, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand.
"I'll be waiting," Lorraine replied, her voice just as soft.
With one last smile, Lorraine turned and disappeared into the building, leaving Gabriel standing there, his heart full and his mind racing with the possibilities of what could come next.
As he walked back to his car, Gabriel couldn't stop smiling. The first date had been great, but this… this felt like the beginning of something real. Something worth fighting for.