November 30 2020
Gabriel was slouched in a corner of the living room, nursing a mug of lukewarm coffee, trying to convince himself that the balcony moment hadn't crushed him entirely.
Camilla appeared like a predator in sneakers, plopping down on the arm of the couch beside him.
Camilla - You look like a ghost
she said, grinning.
Camilla - Heartbroken, soul-crushed, and totally predictable.
Gabriel groaned.
Gabriel - Camilla... can you not?
Camilla - Not?
She leaned in closer, eyes glinting with mischief.
Camilla - Oh no, golden boy. We need to talk. Seriously.
He gave her a wary look.
Gabriel - About what?
Camilla waved a hand.
Camilla - About the fact that you're sitting here, pining over *Medusa herself*, while she's inside, surrounded by her actual family... and a husband. Do you see the problem?"
Gabriel's mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Camilla sighed, letting the teasing fade into something sharper.
Camilla - Look, I'm going to be honest. AJ knows. She knows you like her. Don't look so shocked.
He nearly dropped his mug.
Gabriel - What? She... knows?
Camilla - Yep.
Camilla leaned back, arms crossed smugly.
Camilla -And if you're wondering why she's not confronting you like some soap opera villain, it's because... well, Dave already told her.
Gabriel's brain short-circuited.
Gabriel- Dave... told her?
Camilla smirked.
Camilla- Yep. I told Dave you're crushing hard, like a textbook case of intern-in-love, and he couldn't resist passing it along. He's protective, yes, but also amused. So AJ knows. Every heartbeat, every staring contest, every awkward comment... she knows.
Gabriel groaned and buried his face in his hands.
Gabriel -Why do you enjoy this so much?
Camilla - Because
Camilla said with a wicked grin,
Camilla - it's hilarious. And also... don't let it consume you, golden boy. You've got potential, talent, a little sister who looks up to you. Don't let your crush on AJ destroy all that. She's... untouchable in her own life, Luiz. You need to survive this without breaking yourself.
He peeked through his fingers, eyes wide.
Gabriel - Untouchable?
She shrugged.
Camilla - Yeah. Married. Mother. Head of Neuro. Medusa. Take your pick. And trust me... she's not going to hand herself over to anyone, no matter how smitten they are. So either you get smart, or you get heartbroken.
Gabriel leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
Gabriel -Great. Thanks, Camilla.
She laughed, hopping off the couch.
Camilla - Anytime, golden boy. And hey... if you survive this, I'll buy you coffee. Extra strong. You're going to need it.
As she walked away, Gabriel realized two things:
1. AJ knew.
2. There was absolutely no hiding from Camilla.
And yet... a tiny, stubborn part of him still hoped "untouchable" didn't mean "unreachable."
