Yes

John feels a genuine smile spread across his face for the first time since he left the house. “Sounds like a plan.”

After finishing their workouts, John and Olivia head to a nearby smoothie bar, the familiar blend of fruity scents and the hum of blenders greeting them as they walk in. They place their orders—John opting for his usual protein-packed shake, while Olivia chooses a vibrant green smoothie.

They find a quiet corner table, and as they sit down, Olivia’s energy is palpable. She leans forward, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes sparkling as she studies John.

“So,” she says playfully, “you never told me what this mysterious person said to you.”

John stirs his smoothie absentmindedly, his mind still preoccupied with the day's events. “It was just a strange interaction. She looked at me in a way she never has before and invited me to a dinner, which she’s never done. It felt...personal.”

Olivia tilts her head, her ponytail swishing slightly. “And how did that make you feel?” Her tone is teasing, but there’s genuine curiosity in her eyes.

John shrugs, taking a long sip of his drink. “Confused, mostly. I respect her a lot, but I’ve never thought about her like that. I don’t want to read too much into it and make things awkward.”

Olivia’s eyes twinkle mischievously. “Well, maybe she’s finally realized what a catch you are,” she says, her voice dropping a little, making the statement sound more intimate. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to get to know you better?”

John chuckles, completely missing the hint. “Thanks, Olivia. But I’m not sure if that’s it. She’s always been so professional.”

Olivia takes a sip of her smoothie, leaning in a bit closer. “Sometimes people surprise you. Maybe she sees something in you that she hadn’t noticed before. It’s worth considering, don’t you think?”

John nods slowly, lost in thought. “Maybe. I guess I just don’t want to jump to conclusions. She means a lot to me as my employer. I’d hate to misinterpret things.”

Olivia’s smile doesn’t falter, but there’s a hint of frustration in her eyes that John completely misses. She decides to try a different approach. “You know, if it were me, and I had feelings for someone, I’d probably find subtle ways to let them know. Maybe a touch, a look, or an invitation to spend more time together.”

John’s brow furrows as he considers her words. “Yeah, I suppose that makes sense. But I’m not really good at picking up on those signals.”

Olivia laughs, a light, melodic sound that catches the attention of a few other patrons. “No kidding,” she says, shaking her head with a grin. “You’re pretty dense sometimes, John.”

He laughs too, finally feeling a bit more relaxed. “Yeah, I guess I am. Thanks for the advice, Olivia. You always know how to make things seem clearer.”

She reaches out and gives his hand a gentle squeeze, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. “Anytime, John. That’s what friends are for.”

John smiles back, completely oblivious to the deeper meaning in her gesture. “I appreciate it. I really do.”

As they finish their smoothies and chat about lighter topics, Olivia can’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. She likes John’s genuine nature, even if he is completely unaware of her interest. For now, she’s content to enjoy his company and see where things might lead, hoping that someday he’ll finally catch on.