The Affair

Chapter 1.2

Friday, April 29, 2022, 5:50pm

To William's pleasure, the transition between assistants is seamless. For three weeks, Fallon had trained under Bailey's direction, learning all of her routines and performing every task up to his preferences. Other than the occasional hello in passing, or work-related questions via emails, he and Fallon did not communicate. Bailey had been his assistant for nearly six years at this point, and while they did occasionally engage in small talk, their relationship had been almost entirely professional. It is a comfortable and well-functioning dynamic, and a dynamic he wants to keep going with his new assistant.

On the Friday of Fallon's first week on her own, a lengthy patent application keeps him working in his office for most of the day. Just before 6:00pm, he finally finishes his first draft and types out one last email to his client to forward his work for review. He sends his last email and signs out of his desktop, exhausted from the day but pleased with himself in being able to deliver quality work. Feeling stiff from sitting so long, he stretches out his arms and back with an exaggerated groan before relaxing back into his chair. On his phone he taps out a message to his wife, updating her on his work and promising to be on his way home soon. The silence is broken by a series of quick, rhythmic knocks on his door.

His brow twitches, not feeling particularly sociable at the moment. "Yes?" he answers.

The door opens and in walks Fallon, bright-eyed and wearing a bubbly smile. Her dress is a pretty sky-blue, short-sleeved and with additional fabric at the neckline that ties into a simple bow that hangs down to her big, perky breasts. It is a short dress, made with a soft, thin material, the ends of which swaying and bouncing with her peppy movements as she enters the room. Strappy white leather heels adorn her dainty feet, showcasing her painted toenails and allowing her to stand at least three inches taller.

"Hi, Mr. Reiner!" she exclaims, perching before his desk with a cheerleader's attention.

He smiles back, though baffled by her random visit. "Hi, Fallon... Do you need something?" he asks, his exhaustion evident.

Holding her hands behind her back, she sways her shoulders side to side. Her goofy behavior is cute and reminds him of his daughter when she is trying to extort something from him.

"Not particularly... But I was thinking, it's Friday, you've had a busy week, and we haven't really gotten a chance to get to know each other... Sooo, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a drink downstairs? There's a little bar & grill down at The Shops, I'm hungry and I want a drink, aaaaannnd I want you to join me," she explains, beaming an exuberant smile.

He purses his lips and exhales a curt breath through his nostrils. In his tired state, he wants nothing more than to be annoyed with her, and to shoo her away so he can leave for home. But her girly energy is just too charming to ignore and impossible to deny, as if he were fighting against a physical law. He wonders if she knew that.

"Uh, well... Fallon, I should really get going—"

"Pleeease, Mr. Reiner. Just one drink, I'm buying!"

William sighs, feeling himself give in. To her credit, it had been a hectic month and she had done an amazing job keeping up with their work. Her offer for a drink hangs in the air amidst his indecision, and yet her toothy smile and sparkling eyes remain hopeful as if she knew he would never say no.

"Alright... One drink," he finally agrees.

"YAY!" she cheers, quietly clapping her hands. "I'll get my things now!"

And with that, she spins around and rushes out of the room. His lips purse in a stiff smile as he signs out of his desktop and gathers his suit jacket and satchel. Heading for his door, he catches a subtle scent of rose lingering in the air where she had been standing just a minute ago. They meet at the elevator, and he steps aside to allow Fallon first entry. It is involuntary, but his eyes steal a quick glance at her curvy backside bouncing behind her dress's thin fabric. His gaze is inappropriate, and quickly he averts his eyes back up before Fallon could notice.