Gabriel sat in his office, staring at the latest market reports. His company was expanding at an incredible pace, reminiscent of the early days of the tech boom. Logistics automation had taken off, and with his recent push into AI-assisted manufacturing, he was making waves in the industry. His latest interest? A potential partnership with NVIDIA, a company that was poised to make groundbreaking strides in computing hardware.
He leaned back, taking a deep breath. His business was growing at a rate that required careful management, but he had built a solid team to handle the logistics. Now, he was thinking about the next step. Should he invest further into hardware, or should he focus on streamlining industrial robotics? He was lost in thought when his phone rang.
"Gabriel, it's Monica. Are you free tonight?"
"Depends. What's up?" he asked, glancing at his watch.
"Rachel sprained her ankle, and I had to take her to the hospital. Can you meet us there? Her insurance situation is... complicated."
Gabriel sighed. He had heard bits and pieces about Rachel's financial struggles but didn't pry. "Yeah, I'll be there in twenty minutes."
At the hospital, he found Monica and Rachel at the reception desk, Rachel looking embarrassed as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"Hey," he greeted, glancing at Rachel's bandaged foot. "You okay?"
She forced a smile. "Oh, just a little tumble. No big deal."
Gabriel looked at Monica, who mouthed, No insurance.
He turned back to Rachel. "Don't worry about the bill. I'll take care of it."
Rachel's eyes widened. "Gabriel, you don't have to—"
"I know, but I want to," he said firmly. "Besides, you've already suffered enough just by being in this waiting room."
She sighed in relief. "You're a lifesaver."
As they were sorting out the paperwork, an attractive young doctor approached. "Miss Green?"
Rachel's demeanor immediately changed as she smiled flirtatiously. "That's me."
Gabriel exchanged an amused glance with Monica as Rachel got lost in conversation with the doctor.
Later that night, back at Central Perk, Gabriel sipped his coffee while listening to the others.
"Phoebe," Ross said, turning to her, "how's it going with that guy you're seeing?"
"Oh, Roger? Yeah, he's great," Phoebe said with a forced smile. "Except he analyzes everyone like they're one of his patients."
Gabriel smirked. "Sounds exhausting."
Phoebe sighed. "It is exhausting."
Gabriel chuckled but didn't push further. He had his own things to focus on—expanding his company, securing new investments, and figuring out the best path forward. But even with all of that, moments like these reminded him why he stayed in New York.
No matter how busy life got, his friends were what grounded him.