The Defendant ✧ (Bill Gambini x reader)

3.

Board meetings. 

It was all suits and high egos, not a smile painted on a single face as we had to listen to opinions that weren't so safe as to be completely pointless. To leave would be an invitation for unemployment so I stayed cemented in my seat.

Whilst the others focused on the screen, my gaze was completely stolen by Bill, a pencil hanging loosely from his mouth like it was a cigarette. He'd catch me staring and wink, a way to get my face flushed hot red.

He pulled a funny face, causing me to let out a little laugh as everyone looked at me. "Y/n, is there a problem?" Mr Porter addressed, an eyebrow elevated. I shook my head with a straight face. 

"No sir!"

He continued on with the meeting, Bill sniggering in secrecy. "I'll get you" I mouth to him as he playfully smirked. Another wink from him silenced me, I shouldn't have been crushing on an engaged man.

After what felt like forever, the meeting finally adjourned and everyone went back to their desks. I could see Bill sometimes looking at me from his until eventually, he came over leaning against the wood. "Hey troublemaker" he greeted.

"Hey" I smiled.

"What are you doing after work?"

I thought for a moment. I had a few errands to run but if Bill wanted to hang...I definitely would be free for him. "Nothing at all, what's up?" I replied. "We should catch up, go out for a coffee or something" he suggested thoughtfully.

"I'd love to!"

"Great" he smiled brightly.

He walked away back to his desk and already, I was excited.

---

Carrying cups of coffee, we decided to walk around town. Bill knew the place better than I did so I stayed close to his side, my arm linked through his as we chatted away. Scranton had a lot more to offer than Alabama although it would always be home in my heart.

"How's your father?" Bill asked as if he was reading my mind.

"He's okay! We talk every day on the phone otherwise he gets lonely, bless him. Before I left though, I bought him a puppy to keep him company and now they're besties" I said lightheartedly, showing him some pictures pop had sent me.

"I wanted a pet but Blair doesn't like 'em" he chuckled although I could sense he was a bit disappointed. Even hearing his fiancee's name made me grimace a little. "Just so you know, I'd let you have a pet" I whispered to him.

Bill's face lit up, we couldn't stop staring. It even looked like he was leaning in slightly but a call disturbed us, I quickly stepped back to avoid any awkwardness. He flashed me a sorry look before answering.

I listened to half of the conversation, it didn't sound too enthusiastic. After a few minutes, he hung up and turned to me. "Blair needs me home...We're looking at wedding venues."

"Oh..."

I hid my defeat behind a forced smile. "I get it, it's cool."

Bill rubbed my back. "Let's get you home" he smiled. Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, we walked towards my apartment. The sun was starting to set in the autumn evening, the neighbourhood was peacefully serene. 

Like a gentleman, he led me straight to the door. "I had fun today, we'll have to do it more," he said. I nodded my head. "I'd like that, Bill."

He took that as a green light and waved his goodbye. I had just put my key in the door when I heard him call out to me. 

"I've missed you Y/n."

"I've missed you too..."