The Defendant ✧ (Bill Gambini x reader)

18.

Back in Alabama...

"Welcome home sweetheart" pops greeted me with a warm hug as I walked through the door. I had missed him so much that I even cried a little as his puppy nipped at my legs. "Down Rocky" pops ordered as he carried my bags through for me. The house hadn't changed much at all which felt pleasantly nostalgic.

By the time we finished catching up in the living room, dad had a look of disappointment on his face. "His loss" he grunted "Any man would be an absolute fool not to want my beautiful daughter" he praised me with a proud smile. "Thanks, dad" I replied.

"Tell you what, why don't you come with me to swing dance class? You'd love to meet Francesca" he suggested cheerfully. I'd be lying if I said I wanted to go, I couldn't stop thinking about Bill but I'd do anything to see my dad happy. "Of course I'll come."

---

I sat there gobsmacked as pops and his partner Francesca danced away together. I half expected him to be clumsy but they were very professional and you could tell they enjoyed themselves. I was the only young person there, everyone else being around my father's age but they were all friendly. To others, I might've seemed happy too but deep down I just wanted to hide away.

When they finished, pops came over with her. "Fran, this is my daughter Y/n. She's just marvellous, isn't she?" Pops gushed. "It's nice to meet you!" Francesca beamed, holding her hand out to shake. I shook her hand gently, already I sensed she was a good match for him. I watched as they talked, he'd kiss her hand every few minutes as she giggled like a schoolgirl.

"Excuse me" I mumbled before walking away and heading to the outside bench. I slumped against it, taking deep breaths. I couldn't understand why everyone but me could find love and it was taking a toll on my mind. A few minutes later, Francesca joined me.

"Are you okay hun? Your dad asked that I speak to you about some men trouble" she said. "Oh it's nothing" I replied quietly, not wanting to deal with it. Instead of taking it personally, she smiled and looked out at the scenery. "When my ex-husband left me I was devastated. I felt lonely and I knew my kids did too" she began.

I perked up a little, curious to hear her story. 

"But then, I joined these swing dance classes and that's where I met your father. He's wonderful and let me tell you, wonderful men raise wonderful children. Never let a man ruin your worth. If he loves you, he'll come back."

For the first time in over twenty years, I had received my first piece of motherly advice. Usually, pops would be the one to console me but somehow, I felt comfortable talking to Francesca. So, I told her the basics of my situation, she listened with intent.

"How does a makeover sound? We could go into town, do a bit of shopping. Spa day maybe? You'll be looking your best for when you fly back to Scranton" she offered and my heart almost skipped a beat. "Thank you...You don't know how much this means to me" I smiled.

By instinct, I pulled her in for a hug which she didn't shy away from. I breathed in her flowery scent, feeling at home again. "Dinner, ladies?" I heard dad call out. When we looked over, pops was standing there with two flowers in his hand for both of us. From that moment, I knew I shouldn't settle for less.