Jess walked into the restaurant, a bounce in her step. Abby had arranged for the team to have a dinner together this evening, and she'd happily agreed to join them. Lester wasn't coming, but then she hardly expected that. Matt said the reservation was under Lester's name, however, for simplicity's sake.
The maître'd cleared his throat when he noticed Jess standing there scanning the area for her friends' table, so she walked over and smiled brightly at him.
"Hi, my friends and I have a reservation under 'Lester'… Not sure if they're here yet or not, though." Jess said. The man raised both eyebrows, which confused her a little, but amicably requested she follow him to the table.
"We don't often get to have dinners together, busy jobs, you know? I'm surprised we got a reservation here, as well - it's a lovely restaurant but I know the normal waiting times for both tables and reservations are incredibly long and—" She cut herself off as they approached the table, and Jess found it a small one, set clearly for two. But what really shocked her, was that there was a person already seated. One Hilary Becker, dressed in civvies, to be exact.
"Oh." She breathed, eyes wide. Beside her the maître-d smiled at Becker, before turning and walking away - the menus were already on the table. In a daze, Jess sat across from Becker, staring at him. He had a fondly amused expression on his face, and she felt her cheeks heat.
"Hi." He said.
"Hi." She echoed, then frowned. "Did you know about this?" Becker shook his head, still smiling. There was something off about it, but she couldn't sort out what exactly it was.
"I was just as surprised as you. He informed me that the reservation was for two when I inquired after it, and Abby messaged me about the change in plans only a few moments before you arrived." He said. Jess blinked owlishly at him. "I assume our friends have intended to set us up on a date." Becker added, voice trailing off, the smile definitely looking strange now. She nodded, hands folded on the table top.
"I think they've succeeded." Jess said. Her face was likely aflame at the moment. She was going to have to tell their friends off about this….
He inclined his chin slightly, and jerkily picked up the menu, almost… hiding behind it.
"You don't need to go along with this if you'd rather not, you know. I'll tell them we had a fantastic time if you wish." Becker said, voice soft, softer than she was used to him being. And suddenly it clicked.
"No!" She protested, drawing eyes to them, before the people lost interest again. He peeked over the menu at her.
"I can say we had a horrid time?" He was behaving very un-Becker-like!
Jess shook her head, feeling brave.
"No, I mean we don't have to pretend we went on a date." She winced. "I know they tricked us into it, but when was either of us going to take the step and ask the other out anyway? The hardest part is done, Becker." Jess said, beaming even though she was absolutely terrified that she'd misunderstood. She didn't want to ruin their friendship by making a relationship a priority… But it seemed like there was nearly no doubt that he liked her the same way she liked him. Everything added up and there was nothing for it anymore.
"Alright." Becker said, shoulders straightening, the tension she'd noticed now practically melting away. Jess giggled at his nonchalant response.
"Now there's the Becker I know and love!" She froze. "I mean—"
Looking somewhat surprised, Becker grinned, and reached a hand across the table to twine his fingers with her own.
"It's okay, Jess. I love you too."
Screw yelling at their friends, she was going to bloody thank them!