out of her element

Gabby knew it was a one time deal, but she was happy to have Howie's help, after the party.

He was so nice, but that wasn't her thoughts of him... when he wasn't around. It was a certain comfort he gave her, like a boost of confidence.

Not like when she was with Will.

She was certain of it now. Will had changed.

"I have not." His voice was ever so dull, and she felt he might be right on one level. He seemed destined to exist only in his man cave, who occasionally came out in the daylight if she pulled him out into the world.

Of course, give Will an hour or two and they were right back where they started. His world.

It was not working these days. Was it just cabin fever? No way, would he have ever stayed to help clean up.

When Howie called and asked her if she wanted to go to the museum exhibit, she said yes.

It felt like a real date, too. They spent hours walking through the different exhibits. Afterwards they had lunch at the cafe in the museum. It was as if her world lit up and he talked about so many things. History. The movies. Even TV shows.

But he didn't hold her hand. He grabbed her wrist once, to keep her from bumping into some woman who wasn't looking where she was going.

And now, when she thought of the gesture, she wished he'd held her hand. Could he possibly hold her hand, the next time they went out?