November 26 2020
Dinner wound down in a haze of laughter and full plates. AJ's abuelo was telling Martin for the third time to "eat more, you're too skinny," Jasmine and Ana were playing cards on the floor, and Camilla had somehow charmed Dave's mom into showing her old photo albums.
Gabriel slipped outside onto the balcony for some air. The November wind bit at his cheeks, but the city skyline glittered like a thousand secrets below.
He leaned on the railing, trying to shake the weight in his chest. It wasn't just admiration anymore — it was something deeper, heavier. And tonight, seeing AJ with her son, her family, her *life*... it made him painfully aware of the distance between them.
The sliding door opened.
AJ- Cold out here.
AJ stepped onto the balcony, her cardigan pulled tight around her. Her hair was loose now, softer than he'd ever seen it at the hospital. She wasn't Dr. Brewster, Head of Neuro. She was just AJ.
Gabriel straightened.
Gabriel- Sorry, I just—needed some air.
She gave him a small smile.
AJ - So did I. Thanksgiving at our house gets... a little chaotic.
He chuckled faintly.
Gabriel - It's nice, though. Warm.
Her eyes softened.
AJ - I wanted that. For you all. I know what it's like, being far from family during the holidays. I didn't want any of you sitting alone with takeout tonight.
Gabriel swallowed, his voice lower.
Gabriel - Ana... she really needed this. So did I, honestly.
AJ touched his arm lightly — just a fleeting gesture, but enough to make his pulse spike.
AJ - You're a good brother, Gabriel. She looks up to you. You remind me of... well, me. Always carrying too much on your shoulders.
He turned to her, and for a moment, the words rose to his lips — words he'd been burying for weeks. *I like you. More than I should. More than I can stop.*
But before he could speak, the sliding door creaked open again.
Camilla - Hey, lovebirds
Camilla sang out, stepping outside with a smirk.
Camilla - What are we whispering about? Romantic skyline confessions? Should I give you two a moment?
Gabriel's face burned.
Gabriel -Camilla—
But then Dave appeared behind her, holding two mugs of coffee.
Dave - AJ, it's getting late. Mateo's asking for you.
He handed her one mug, pressing a kiss to her hair like it was the most natural thing in the world.
AJ smiled up at him, then glanced back at Gabriel.
AJ- We'll finish this conversation later.
And just like that, she disappeared back inside, her husband's arm around her.
Gabriel stood frozen on the balcony, his heart pounding.
Later.
But he already knew — later might never come.
