Coffee Breaks and Unspoken Glances
You Earned It.
Title: Coffee Breaks and Unspoken Glances
Characters:
• Elise Harrow – A sharp, independent senior marketing manager with a meticulous work ethic and a quiet charm.
• Alexander Quinn – The enigmatic CEO of Quinn International, reserved and intimidating, yet quietly observant.
📍 Quinn International — Monday, 8:52 AM
[Company Chat — Direct Message]
Alexander Quinn
I hope I’m not interrupting anything urgent.
Elise Harrow
Good morning, Mr. Quinn. Not at all. (Also — slightly startled to see your name pop up, if I’m honest 😅)
Alexander Quinn
Understood.
Alexander Quinn
I wanted to ask about the numbers from the Santori campaign. I saw your name in the report — you spearheaded that?
Elise Harrow
I did, yes. Is there a particular aspect you had questions about?
Alexander Quinn
Several, but none urgent. Mostly — it was impressive. Clean strategy. I don’t say that lightly.
Alexander Quinn
It’s rare I pause while reading a report.
Elise Harrow
That’s… a rare compliment.
Elise Harrow
(Also, I may or may not have just reread that twice.)
Alexander Quinn
Don’t worry. I proofread messages before sending them too. 😉
Elise Harrow
I didn’t know CEOs used emojis.
Alexander Quinn
Only once a quarter.
Elise Harrow
And I got this quarter’s?
Alexander Quinn
You earned it.
Alexander Quinn
By the way. The coffee machine’s finally been fixed.
Elise Harrow
A miracle. Took only 2 weeks and 12 complaints.
Alexander Quinn
I noticed. Yours were the most… detailed.
Elise Harrow
Someone had to take a stand for real espresso.
Continue Reading In Episode 2.
Sips and Subtext.
[No messages — just a moment.]
Elise reaches for the espresso machine at the same time Alexander does.
She gives a small smile, nods, lets him go first.
He notices she doesn’t say a word
— just lets the quiet fill the room.
When she leaves, she glances back.
Alexander Quinn
I believe I owe you a coffee.
Would you accept an apology in the form of an Americano?
Elise Harrow
Are you bribing me, Mr. Quinn?
Alexander Quinn
No. Just… expanding my quarterly emoji usage. ☕
Alexander Quinn
That was it. No more until December.
Elise Harrow
Then I suppose I’d better say yes.
Elise Harrow
I’m in the conference lounge at 4 — stop by?
Alexander Quinn
I’ll bring the bribe.
📍 Conference Lounge – Low hum of conversation, soft light, end-of-day quiet
[No messages – In-person scene]
Elise looks up from her laptop as Alexander steps in, holding two coffees.
He sets one down across from her, hesitating before sitting.
Elise Harrow
(soft smile) You’re late for your own bribe delivery.
Alexander Quinn
I had to wrestle a very determined intern away from the last lid.
Elise Harrow
Impressive. And here I thought you weren’t competitive.
Alexander Quinn
Only when it counts.
(Sips. Watches her over the rim of the cup.)
Alexander Quinn
So… this is odd, isn’t it?
Alexander Quinn
We’ve worked in the same building for three years.
Alexander Quinn
Same elevator. Same coffee room.
Yet somehow… never this.
Elise Harrow
Maybe we both like our silences too much.
Alexander Quinn
Or maybe I just wasn’t sure if you’d want to talk.
She doesn’t answer right away.
Her gaze lingers on him for a second longer than necessary.
Elise Harrow
I’m still deciding.
Continue Reading In Episode 3.
Framed.
Friday, 9:02 PM
📍 After hours – Company chat
Elise Harrow
Did you forget your laptop at work?
Elise Harrow
You’re online. Late.
Alexander Quinn
Unfortunately.
Alexander Quinn
Board presentation. Numbers, decks, sleepless nights. You know. The usual masochism.
Elise Harrow
That sounds glamorous.
Alexander Quinn
It’s a mess, but it looks nice in a suit.
Elise Harrow
I’d help, but I’m already in pajamas.
Elise Harrow
That violates corporate policy.
Alexander Quinn
I’ll overlook it this once.
Alexander Quinn
What are you doing online?
Elise Harrow
…Staring at a bottle of wine I don’t really want to open alone.
Alexander Quinn
Would it be inappropriate if I said… I’d have had a glass with you?
Alexander Quinn
Then I absolutely didn’t say it.
But this time, Alexander gives her the faintest smile.
Alexander Quinn
Are you always the last to leave the office?
Elise Harrow
Only when I don’t want to go home yet.
Alexander Quinn
Except my home is the office most weeks.
Elise Harrow
Let me guess. No framed photos. Just spreadsheets, a couch, and one very expensive chair?
Alexander Quinn
…You’ve been in my office?
Elise Harrow
No. But I imagine it’s as emotionally minimal as your signature.
Alexander Quinn
Maybe I should put something in there.
Alexander Quinn
Something… unexpected.
Alexander Quinn
A mug with a quote. Or a plant that dies immediately. Or…
Elise Harrow
…a framed compliment. “Clean strategy. I don’t say that lightly.” – Elise Harrow
Alexander Quinn
Actually, I’d frame that.
Continue reading in episode 4.
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