Page 11 of Just A Little Love

“It’s Anders,” I said. It felt important Gabriel knew my manners weren't the worst. “I think I mentioned him? If not, he’s my best friend. Anyway, he’s checking to make sure you’re not a serialkiller, making sure I’m still alive, and not currently on my way to some shack in the woods.”

“All fair concerns. We can send him a selfie, so he’ll have a recent photo for the police.” Gabriel spoke with solemnity, but I didn’t miss the twinkle in his eyes. He took the phone from my hand and held it out for us to pose. We smiled into the camera and looked relaxed. For a first pic—if this was a relationship, which it was not—it was a good one. I hit send and put away my phone.

“Thank you for being safe, Bunny. I think that deserves a reward, don’t you? I can recommend the apple pie or blueberry crumble. Both are delicious.”

“No way I could pick between the two. I’ll let you decide.”

“I'd be down for both, and we can share them?”

“Deal.”

Gabriel flagged down Barrett and gave him our order. The apple pie Barrett brought us had a giant mound of whipped cream on top. I don't know how Barrett guessed I was addicted to whipped cream, but he was right. Gabriel picked it up and turned it around to look at it from all sides. He asked with a wink, “Where’s the pie?”

He said it so seriously, I had no choice but to laugh at his silliness. I was glad to hear him make appreciative noises about the desserts. If he couldn’t get behind good desserts, our friendship would be a short one. We chatted more about thehouse and the lovely decor of the café over the desserts. It was close to five o’clock before either of us noticed the time.

It had been forever since I made a new friend, and the afternoon with Gabriel flew by. What Gabriel proposed wasn’t an actual relationship, but it had the potential to be a genuine friendship. All I needed to do was keep my imagination in check and put aside my usual daydreams of more.

Our lunch would have been wildly successful if it counted as a first date. Unfortunately, no matter how much I wanted to continue our conversation, I still had required grading from my academic boot camp to finish tonight. Given how dedicated Gabriel was to his career, it wouldn’t surprise me if he also had work to finish tonight. Like the daddy he was, Gabriel made the call when it was time to go our separate ways.

We had a slight skirmish over who would pay the bill. I said it was fair for me to pay since he’d picked up the check last night. Gabriel refused to argue with me or give my argument any consideration. Instead, he gave me a pointed look, handed Barrett his AMEX, and ignored my huffed annoyance. I saw Barrett’s shoulders shake when he walked away, and I choose to believe he was shivering cold, and absolutely not laughing at me.

“You said you walked over here. Did you mean from your house or couldn’t find close parking?”

Gabriel looked out onto the street as if a car would magically appear.

“From my house. It’s only about thirty minutes, give or take, and I walk when I can. My house is three blocks from campus, and yet another reason I love it. My work commute is painless.”

A concerned look immediately crossed over Gabriel’s face. “I’m going to call you an Uber, and you can take some time to process. It’s a lot to digest. I know the week between holidays is hectic, but is there any chance you'd be available after Christmas?”

I’ve known Gabriel for less than four hours and already recognized the stubborn set of his jaw. I’m fairly certain means arguing is futile. “Umm, yeah, okay. I’d appreciate a ride home and, yes, to meeting after the holidays, too. My boot camp class is early, but I’ll probably have a few students who need extra help on their research papers. I can let you know the details after the holiday.”

Those damn butterflies were back.

Chapter 7

Gabriel

Gabriel:Merry Christmas, Rory.

Bunny: Oh, hey! Thanks. Same to you. I hope you are stuffed with cookies.

Gabriel: I am. Jakob, my friend’s little, dropped off a special delivery of some he made, and I ordered a few in my dinner. You?

Bunny: Delivery?!?!? Dude, it’s Christmas! Why aren’t you with your family? And Anders and I gorged ourselves.

GabrielThey live on the East Coast and countless reasons. What’s your cookie of choice?

Bunny: Oof. Sounds like a story and thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam or marmalade. Delicious. :)

Gabriel: Good to know ;) I don’t want to keep you from your family.

Bunny: Thanks for saying hello. Bye!

***

Gabriel: I’m sorry I had to cancel yesterday.

Bunny: No worries, it happens. How did your meeting go?

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