Jake takes Abbie to brunch

Jake wanted to explore what might be possible with Abbie outside of the office. He felt a little shy about it, though. Even though he was completely infatuated with her -- and even though during their episodes together, it sure seemed like she enjoyed it as much as (if not more than) Jake did, he wanted to be careful not to turn this into the most dreaded of words: a relationship.

But if Jake was going to take things away from work, wouldn't that look like a date? On the other hand, if he asked her on a date, she'd say yes, wouldn't she? On the other hand, he could ask her out, tell her that this wasn't a romantic date, it was just friends, and she'd say yes to that too. Jake got a little giddy at the thought of all the things he could ask. Take it slow, Jake. No rush.

Jake caught Abbie in the hallway one Friday afternoon, and called to her. "Hey, Abbie. I have a question for you."

He suddenly realized that I have a question for you was maybe the perfect introductory line for what they had together. He knew he had to ask, and saying I have a question for you was the ideal prompt.

"Yes?" replied Abbie.

"There's a new restaurant in my neighborhood. They just opened a brunch menu on Saturdays. Would you like to have brunch with me there tomorrow?"

Abbie thought for a minute -- not debating whether or not to go, but to make sure she didn't have something else planned. "That sounds great, Jake. I'd love to."

"Excellent. Oh, and Abbie -- this isn't a date, you know. It's just two friends from work having a meal together."

"Totally. I understand, Jake. Text me the address."

"Wonderful. How about 11am?"

"It's a date!" said Abbie. "Oh wait, no it's not. It's a ... meal!"

They both laughed, and parted ways in the hall.