Gabriel adjusted the collar of his dark sweater as he glanced around Monica's apartment. The gang was scattered—Rachel and Chandler chatting on the couch, Joey flipping through a magazine, Ross lost in thought, and Monica pacing nervously. Gabriel, now used to spending time with Monica's friends, was here mostly for her today.
"I'm telling you," Monica said, anxiety dripping from her voice, "this is huge, guys. If I land this head chef position, I might finally be out of that diner."
Rachel smiled encouragingly. "You've got this, Mon."
Gabriel leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed. "Who's the guy again?" he asked, tilting his head.
"Steve. He owns the place. A big deal in the restaurant world." Monica smoothed down her apron, exhaling slowly.
"He better be serious," Gabriel muttered, half to himself. He had heard too many stories of Monica's talent being overlooked, and his protective instincts stirred.
Before Monica could respond, there was a knock on the door. Chandler jumped up. "That must be him! Showtime!"
Monica rushed to open the door, revealing Steve, looking surprisingly disheveled. His eyes were slightly glazed, and he wore a wide, unfocused grin.
"Hi, Steve! Welcome! I'm so glad you could make it."
"Heyyyy… yeah," Steve drawled, clearly high. Gabriel's eyes narrowed as he exchanged a glance with Monica.
Rachel whispered from the couch, "Is he… stoned?"
Monica tried to mask her horror with a polite smile. "Please, come in."
Steve staggered inside and plopped onto the couch, immediately eyeing Chandler and Joey with suspicion.
"So, you're, uh… here for the tasting," Monica said, leading him to the table she had set with her best dishes.
Steve nodded absently. "Food. Yeah. Food is… wow."
Gabriel moved over to Monica as she brought out her first plate. "You want me to stick around?" he asked softly.
Monica hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Please."
As Monica began to serve Steve, Gabriel leaned against the wall, watching carefully. He wasn't about to let some high restaurant owner ruin Monica's big moment.
"So, Steve, this is an amuse-bouche—" Monica began, but Steve cut her off.
"Do you ever just… feel the food before you eat it?" he said, reaching out to caress the plate as if it were a puppy.
Rachel, trying to suppress a laugh, shot a glance at Gabriel. He smirked slightly, mouthing, "This guy is a mess."
Joey leaned toward Chandler. "I wish I had his gig. Just show up, eat food, and vibe out."
Gabriel shook his head. "Yeah, but maybe show up sober."
Meanwhile, Monica pressed on. She served dish after dish as Steve alternated between raving about textures and giggling at the ceiling.
"This is… this is the best thing I've ever smelled," Steve muttered, inhaling the steam from Monica's soup. "Like... clouds."
Gabriel finally stepped in when Steve started poking at the plate with his finger.
"Hey, man," Gabriel said casually, though there was an edge to his voice, "if you're not gonna respect what she's cooked, maybe don't touch it."
Steve blinked at him, momentarily focused. "Whoa, are you, like, her bodyguard or something?"
Gabriel smiled coolly. "Something like that."
Monica gave her brother a grateful look.
After Steve excused himself to "go vibe in the hallway," Monica sagged onto a chair.
"This is a disaster," she whispered.
"No, it's not," Gabriel said firmly. "You're good at this, Monica. If this guy can't see that, it's on him, not you."
Rachel came over to sit beside them. "Seriously, Mon, that food smells amazing. You did your part."
"Thanks, guys," Monica sighed.
Ross finally spoke from his corner. "You know, I've been thinking… maybe it's time you had a shot at something better. You're too good for that diner."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, surprised but pleased to hear Ross being supportive.
As the evening wound down and Steve eventually left (barely remembering to say goodbye), Monica stood by the door, her arms folded.
"Well," she said quietly, "there goes my shot."
Gabriel walked up beside her. "No. One guy doesn't define you. You're gonna get other chances. And when you do, I'll be there to back you up."
Monica smiled, a mix of sadness and appreciation in her eyes. "Thanks, Gabe."
As the group made their way to leave, Gabriel was content with the knowledge that his sister was strong and capable enough to handle setbacks—he was just glad he could be there for her.