Gabe likes working at NBC.
So it isn't Wall Street, or even a legal firm. He needs to build his resume, and he doesn't mind working his way up from the bottom. And there are perks; he works for a powerful guy, and if he sticks it out he can see himself being recommended by Mr. Donaghy.
Sure, he knows that he has big shoes to fill. He's only heard bits and pieces of rumors about Jonathon, Mr. Donaghy's previous assistant, whose employment was apparently terminated with little warning. He doesn't know where Jonathon is now, nor does he particularly care. But he gets the feeling that Jonathon was pretty involved in Mr. Donaghy's affairs; maybe a little more than necessary. He's been here for almost a year now, and he's come to realize that East Coast Programming is one large dysfunctional family. He believes that the ultimate reason for this is the fact that floors six and fifty-two are connected by a weird, but also touching, bond between two unlikely people. He watches, and learns.
An advantage of being an observer, separated from it all, is that Gabe is able to do just that: observe. He likes his desk outside of Mr. Donaghy's office; how it forms a triangle between the elevator and Mr. Donaghy's doors. The desk has the privacy of a wall behind him and a wide view of all the comings and goings of the office. Plus, he is close enough to immediately be of assistance when the need arises, bringing him that much closer to the recommendation he seeks.
He won't say anything to Mr. Donaghy, but his favorite moments are when the woman who he's come to characterize as his boss's best friend blows into the office in a whirlwind of excitement, or even when she skulks in under a cloud of (often personal) problems. She doesn't always acknowledge him, but he is always sure to politely greet the most interesting woman he's ever encountered. He only catches glimpses of her problems; however, he's amazed at what she seems to deal with on a daily basis.
But her relationship with their boss is definitely weird, and Gabe is fascinated by this too. He knows that Mr. Donaghy is married, and that Ms. Lemon has a boyfriend. Yet they interact with each other in such a way that Gabe can't imagine them finding the same connection with anyone else. Even on the days when she slumps in, hiding herself in oversized hoodies and ponytails, he's interested, because for some reason, she captivates Mr. Donaghy's attention like no other.
He doesn't deny that he harbors a small crush. It's more apparent, he's sure, on the days when she's dressed up for her show. Or when it's a windy day, and she's wrapped in a stylish trench coat. On sunny afternoons, she sometimes wears a classy pair of Ray-Bans, which he knows to be a gift from Mr. Donaghy. Yes, Ms. Lemon is worth paying attention to.
Today, the writer stalks out of the office. Mr. Donaghy left his door open, and he was able to hear everything. He wishes to renew his wedding vows with Mrs. Donaghy, and expects Ms. Lemon to do the readings. Gabe finds this news interesting, almost as much as the odd look on the brunette's face as she leaves.
Today she pauses, seeming surprised to see him sitting there. "Bye, Gabe."
He nods politely, as always. "Ms. Lemon."
It would be easy to get wrapped up, as Jonathon did, but Gabe is careful to remain professional, because he needs this job.
End
