The Coach

Dinner With The Architect

Sebastian

    "Mr. Bradford, I am sure that hiring Gabriel Huertas is a good idea, but he is working for the competition. Don't you think he will go to them and tell them everything we do here?" Laura said as we were waiting for the HR team and Gabriel.

    "Don't worry Laura, I will keep an eye on him. I won't let anything pass by me" I assured her. I was looking at blueprints for another building outside of the city, a rehabilitation center for d**g addicts. I was mailed these to check and approve.

    I didn't forget to text Zoey and apologize for not showing to work today. I was glad she understood and even accepted to go out on a dinner with me.

    "Mr. Bradford?" Laura called, pulling me out of my thoughts.

    "Yes" I replied, putting the blueprints on the safe behind me.

    "They are here. Do you want me to send them in?" she asked, and I nodded, giving permission to let them in. I needed Gabriel closer, especially to learn more about the situation with Zoey. She was not alone in this. I would make sure she was safe.

    The HR team came in first, and a few minutes later, he walked in with Laura. "Welcome again Mr. Huertas" I greeted him and gestured for him to sit down.

    We gave him a quick interview, sneaking in some questions that he might have not expected, but he was able to answer them fine. I looked at the HR team and they approved him.

    After the interview, I had made a stop at the construction site and I was impressed at how fast it was going, not without checking the structure was safe and strong.

    I checked my watch, and it was almost time to pick Zoey up for our date. I went to the apartment to change, and Martha was smirking. "Do you have a date?" she asked, knowing my date was Zoey.

    "Yes, I do. And you will behave, okay?" I ordered, and she promised. I kissed her forehead and left her with her friend to have a sleepover. I drove to Zoey's house and knocked on her door.

    She opened it, and I was stuck in place, looking at her up and down. She had a black dress, with a long sleeve on one arm and her shoulder was showing on the other side. I couldn't help but look down and it was long with the bottom half in lace.

    "Hi, I hope this is okay. I wasn't sure where we were going" she smiled, and I noticed her cheeks starting to turn red.

    "It's perfect" I said, holding my arm out for her to take. She locked the door and linked her hand with my arm. We walked to my car, and I helped her in. She gratefully smiled while I walked around and got in the car.

    "So, where are we going?" she asked as I smiled at her curiosity.

    "It's a surprise, but you will love it" I replied, taking the risk to grab her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. I was glad she didn't pull back, and a comfortable silence fell between us.

    We arrived at Gino's, one of the fanciest Italian restaurants in the city. With three Michelin stars, it was a very popular place. The hostess greeted us.

    "Hello, I have a reservation for Bradford," I said, and she found my name, leading us to a booth on the back, for a little more privacy. I wanted to get to know her even more without interruptions.

    "So, what made you really want to become the coach?" she opened the conversation. The waitress showed up, and we ordered drinks.

    "Well. I love my job, don't get me wrong. But my passion has always been helping the kids, and I always wanted to be affiliated with football, so when Martha told me about that position, I wanted to try it"

    "Will you be able to handle both? Being an architect requires your full attention," she mentioned, putting a napkin on her lap.

    "Of course I will. That is why I have a very reliable assistant to take care of anything. She has my full approval to handle business"

    "Well, Mr. Sexy Architect and Coach. You are a great multi-tasker," she said, making me raise my eyebrows and smile at her comment.

    "You think I am sexy?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows. She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

    "Don't let it go to your head" she joked, and I gasped and put my hand on my chest, pretending she stabbed my heart. She laughed, but her laugh turned into a serious expression. I had feared I said something wrong and offended her.

    "Are you okay?"

    "Yes. It's just that I don't feel comfortable here. It's all too fancy for me"

    "I am sorry. If I knew, I would have taken you to a burger place, although with your pretty dress, you might look out of place"

    She opened her mouth and I knew I messed up. I shouldn't have said that. She shifted uncomfortably, and that led me to move closer to her in the half-moon booth.

    "I am sorry if I made you umcomfortable with my comment. I am not used to dates, and I always end up ruining them. It gets awkward"

    "Oh no, Sebastian. You are doing great. I am enjoying your company" she replied. I looked at her lips, and my temptation to kiss her again won when I pressed my lips against hers tenderly.

    She lifted her hand and touched my cheek. It was soft and warm and bringing mine up to hers, we were lost in a beautiful moment. We put our foreheads together, and I felt such a sweet emotion in me. I have dated many women, but she was driving me crazy.

    "Is it wrong to say I believe in love at first sight?" I asked, making her look at me confused. She stayed silent for a minute and looked away from me. I put my fingers on her face, turning it towards me, when I saw her beautiful eyes, and they were a little glassy.

    "It's not. I am feeling the same way"