The Beginning of Something New

Bruno/Debbie

…

It was nearly 8pm when Bruno Gianelli walked in to Debbie Friderer's domain. The President's secretary looked up from the book she was reading to see Bruno watching her.

"Is he in?" He asked curtly.

"He is."

Bruno stepped forward towards the Oval Office, his hand on the door handle when Debbie appeared in front of him.

"I don't think so." She stated.

"You said he was free?"

"No I didn't. You asked if he was in and he is."

"Well then?"

"I never said he was available."

"Okay, so do you know when he will be available?"

"He's just finishing up with Toby, then you may see him."

"Fine." He grumbled.

Bruno went and took a seat at the side of Debbie's desk, while he waited for the President to finish his meeting. He glanced over at Debbie, smirking at the cover of the book she was currently reading. Debbie looked up when she heard him, giving him an annoyed look.

"Something on your mind Mr Gianelli?"

"No, I just never took you for the romantic novel type."

"What type did you take me for then?"

"Horror." He said bluntly.

"Charming." She said, shaking her head as she returned to her book.

A few moments later, the door to the Oval opened and Toby came out.

"Bruno, I didn't know you were still here?" He said.

"Not for much longer, I just need a few minutes of the President's time."

"Well I'd make it quick, he's in a mood and wants his dinner."

"Thanks for the warning." He smiled.

"Night…night Debbie."

"Good night Toby."

As Toby left, Bruno turned back to Debbie, who was watching him closely.

"So…Can I go in now?"

"You may." She grinned, waving a hand at him.

"You're a very strange woman, you know that?"

"So I've been told. Hurry up, you don't want to keep him waiting."

Bruno just rolled his eyes at her, before entering the Oval Office.

…

Debbie looked up from her book to see that it was nearly 9pm. She sighed before turning the to the next page of her book. She looked back towards the Oval Office when the door opened, and Bruno and the President stepped out.

"Thank you for your advice Mr President, and I'm sorry for bothering you so late."

"Any time Bruno, now…Debbie I'm going up to my quarters. You should get yourself off home now, you've been here long enough."

"Thank you Mr President." She said, closing her book.

"Have a good night you two." He smiled as he walked away with his security following closely behind him.

Bruno watched as Debbie got to her feet, packing her belongings in to her bag. She came around her desk and over to the coat stand to retrieve her jacket. Bruno came up behind her and helped her on with it.

"Allow me." He spoke quietly.

"Thank you."

Debbie turned around, buttoning up her jacket before she looked up at him, smiling softly.

"Well, I should get off home." She added.

"I'll walk you out."

"It's not necessary."

"I insist."

…

The walked though the halls of The White House, Bruno looked towards Debbie and smiled.

"Do you always work this late?" He asked.

"I finish when the President finishes."

"Oh…sorry."

"Why are you apologising?"

"Well if I hadn't wanted to see him, you'd probably be home by now."

"It's okay, it's not as though anyone is waiting for me at home."

They came to a stand still outside, the rain beginning to fall.

"Look, seeing as I kept you late, why don't I take you out to dinner?"

"Well that's very nice of you but you…"

"Unless you have other plans?"

Debbie stood silent for a moment, thinking about the invitation.

"Don't feel pressured or anything." He joked.

"Actually, dinner would be nice." She smiled.

"Great, do you have a car?"

"Not at the moment, I'm reliant on the bus for a few weeks."

"Well, my car's just over here and I'll drive you home afterwards."

"You really don't have to do that."

"I want too."

"Okay, lead the way."

Bruno walked ahead of her, Debbie following and getting inside the car when Bruno opened the door for her.

…

Debbie sat across from Bruno in the restaurant, eating her pasta, looking up to see Bruno watching her.

"What is it? Do I have sauce on my cheek?" She asked.

"No, no you're fine."

"I have to say Mr Gianelli, when you asked me to dinner, this wasn't what I was expecting."

"What were you expecting?"

"I'm not really sure, burgers." She joked.

"I'd like to think I'm a little more up market than a burger joint."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't. I'm sorry about earlier, I came over as a bit abrupt when I came to your office."

"Oh don't be silly, it's fine…I'm used too it."

"Well you shouldn't have too be, I was rude and I'm sorry."

"Thank you Mr Gianelli, apology accepted." She smiled.

"It's Bruno." He said, a smile her way.

"Thank you…Bruno."

…

To Be Continued…