Gabriel started to feel a little fidgety. It was nervousness eating away at him, causing him to twiddle his thumbs just to occupy his hands. Something about the way she smiled and laughed like that reached him and he wasn't sure quite what to do with it. In lieu of just sitting there awkwardly he forced a smile and then turned to watch the landscape slipping by as the bus drove on. It was oddly calming.
"If you want to, I would of course appreciate an invite," he said, looking back over at her. He pressed the pads of his fingers together tightly to keep away the urge to brush her hair out of her face, certain that the gesture would be awkward and unwelcome. "If I really feel as though I'd rather stay in I will let you know. Sometimes the best time I have is the time to myself. Jason is an excellent roommate, don't get me wrong. Everyone just needs time to themselves, I think, to clear their heads. I suppose that's why I don't feel like I need to 'stretch my legs' as you say. There's always a way for me to do that, as figurative as it is."
"Sunday just feels like a day to go out," he continued, pressing his lips together tightly. Sunday was sometimes his visitation day, in a sense, but he seldom got to visit either parent like he wanted. They were both incredibly busy, as were his brother and sister. He didn't begrudge them their hectic schedules. It made what time they did have all the sweeter. He was hoping that this Sunday would be filled with an afternoon brunch with his parents, but his father's secretary had mentioned something about a meeting and his mother responded to his e-mail with a "no." There was always next week.
"I have reservations somewhere for four." It was a lie, but he could always add another person if he needed. "Maybe we could arrange a group lunch? Walk about after?"