Chapter 13 - THE MAN WHO FINALLY LEARNED TO ASK
Three months later, Gabriel called Clara.
Not through an assistant.
Not through security.
Directly.
She answered after several rings.
“Hello?”
“Clara.”
She smiled faintly.
“Gabriel.”
He hesitated.
“Would you like to have coffee?”
She looked toward the window.
“Why?”
He laughed softly.
“Because I'd like to see you.”
Silence.
Then Clara asked, “As what?”
Gabriel swallowed.
“As a man asking a woman on a date.”
Her heart skipped.
She closed her eyes.
“Gabriel.”
“I know.”
He paused.
“You don't owe me anything.”
She smiled.
“And if I say no?”
“Then I'll wish you a good afternoon.”
Clara laughed softly.
For the first time, she heard no command in his voice.
No expectation.
Just a question.
She looked at the calendar.
Then said, “Coffee.”
Gabriel exhaled.
“Coffee?”
She smiled.
“Saturday. Two o'clock.”
He laughed.
“I'll be there.”
Clara ended the call.
May you like
Then stared at her phone.
And smiled.
