Erica wasn't sure this was a good idea. Yes, she liked him, but actually meeting like this? Probably not a wise move. He was married - and so was she, for crying out loud! Yet, here she was, sitting in a coffee shop, waiting for him. Hell, it's not as if she even drank coffee, she reflected wryly, sipping on a soda. Still, it wasn't like her to back out, and she had to admit that part of her was looking forward to meeting him.
She didn't have to wait long. Gabriel was punctual - a few minutes early actually - which she always appreciated. She felt it rude to make people wait, and expected the same courtesy in return. He looked around the cafe for her, and when he saw her he beamed at her. She'd seen him smile at her before, of course - every time he saw her on camera, really - but somehow the impact was stronger in person. It was a nice smile: friendly, honest, and genuinely happy to see her.
He sat down opposite her, still smiling. "I hope you weren't waiting long" he said, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. She shook her head, and indicated her still-full glass. He nodded, saying: "Yeah, sorry for meeting in a coffee shop, but it is a little early for alcohol. Even for a part-Irishman." He flagged down a waitress, and placed an order of black coffee. "So, tell me. What's the plan for the afternoon?"
"I thought we could go for a walk in the park, just to chat for a bit. I know you said you have no expectations, but either way it would be nice to enjoy the beautiful weather. And there is also a nice secluded little place to sit near the river." He nodded thoughtfully.
"That sounds good," he replied, "you know the place better than I do, so I'll defer to your wisdom. As you say, it's beautiful out. And it will give me plenty of time to admire that dress! Speaking of which - I know you don't wear them often. I appreciate that you went to the trouble of getting dressed up for me!"
As a matter of fact, she had. It was a light sun-dress, grey, short, with a loose skirt. He had already discreetly admired her legs, which were shown off to great effect in it. He had seen just about every part of her body before, in pictures - a fact which made her a little self-conscious now that he was there in person. On the other hand, she had also seen all of him before, so it's not like he had the advantage.
He, too, had gotten dressed up, insofar as it is possible to get dressed up in this kind of weather. He wore light slacks, brown leather oxfords, and a dress shirt, neatly tucked in. In recognition of the heat, the top two buttons were undone.
They talked a bit while they finished their drinks, and he paid, waving away her offer to get the check with a smile. They got up, and he followed her out of the coffee shop. "Is it far?" he asked.
"No, it's just around the next corner. Besides, we just started walking. Don't tell me you're already tired!" she teased him.
He grinned and said: "Not at all. I'm just impatient to get you alone." He pulled a very demonstrative leer at her. She laughed and swatted his side playfully.
"Pervert!" she exclaimed.
"Hi! Have you talked to me at all over the last few years?" he laughed. "I mean, it's not like this is a surprise to anyone!"
"True." she conceded.
Chatting and walking, they enjoyed each other's company. While there were silences, somehow they weren't awkward. The weather was, indeed, beautiful, and soon they were at the spot Erica had mentioned earlier. A tiny dirt path led between some dense bushes and trees, almost invisible from the main path. Following it, they came to a clearing right next to the river. Nobody walking along the main path could see it, and it was quiet, with the sound of the city muted by the foliage. The river babbled and murmured along the banks, some squirrels were chasing each other, and birds were chirping in the trees. Gabriel produced a blanket from a bag, and ceremoniously shook it out, spreading it on the floor. He gallantly indicated that she should take a seat, and smiling she complied. He sat down next to her, leaning back, his eyes travelling up and down her body. "Have I told you how incredible you are, recently?" He asked.