Ben Wyatt x Reader (Parks and Rec)

Chapter 8

You were running out of money.

Normally you kept a small envelope stashed with extra money for emergencies, and even that was almost empty because of last months groceries.

You desperately needed a job. And fast.

As unappealing as fast-food jobs were, it did give you enough money for food and such.

Seeing how you majored in recreation, parks and leisure studies, wouldn't you have to move out of town to find another job like your recent? And, what other city halls would have that specific job open for hire? How far would you have to move if you did?

And what about Ben?

You groaned, pressing your palms onto your eyes.

What easy jobs would be hiring right now, if any? Would Ben be able to help? You frowned, instead thinking it a bad idea to ask him. He probably found broke girls unattractive.

You picked up your phone, checking the time. Half the morning has already been wasted laying in bed and worrying. You had to call someplace.

You searched your mind for any restaurant phone numbers. Oh, JJ's. You actually still have the owner's number.

You dialed the number, bringing the phone to your ear.

"...

"(Y/N)? I'm a little busy right now, is there an emergency?" JJ Lipscomb asked. You heard sizzling of food in the background.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, but are you hiring?"

"I'm sorry, (Y/N), but we're a little full on staff right now. What happened to your Deputy Director job? Is everything okay?"

You smiled. He was so sweet and genuine. It was another reason why you went to JJ's so often. "Yeah, I'm fine, it's just city hall is closed right now-budget cuts."

"... Well, I'm sorry to hear about that. I hope you find another job, (Y/N)."

"Thanks, JJ," You replied. "Have a good day."

"You too."

You hung up, sighing. Maybe Ron could help you.

You picked up your phone again, dialing Ron.

You heard a grumble through the phone. "Hey Ron, do you have a second to chat?"

"No."

"O-okay well, uh, wanna meet at JJ's or something to talk about something important?" You spoke quickly before he hung up, but to your surprise he responded.

"... Fine. 2 o'clock today." Then he hung up. You breathed a sigh of relief. Normally he didn't care about your problems, but maybe he was feeling sympathy for your lack of a job.

.,;,,;,.

You found Ron right when and where he said he would be— at JJ's. You took a seat at a booth, clutching your purse next to you.

"Thanks for meeting me here, Ron. I need help."

He nodded, waving a hand for you to continue.

"Well, I need a job, and I was wondering if you'd help me." You said,  mentally crossing your fingers for some genuinely good advice.

Ron furrowed his thick brows, looking confused— or concerned. It was hard to tell, seeing how he looked angry all the time.

"You don't want to work at City Hall anymore?" He asked.

You blinked. "City Hall is closed, Ron, and it's not like they're hiring for a job they recently deemed useless even if it was open."

Ron leaned forward on the table, his arms folded. "City Hall isn't closed, (Y/N), I was there this morning."

You leaned back, surprised. That was fast. You guess Chris and Ben really were good managing money. You imagined Ben sitting at a table covered with spreadsheets and charts, his sleeves rolled up with a pen in his hand, concentrating hard. Cute.

"Well, okay, but the role is still unavailable. That's what Ben said. There's no need for a Deputy Director." You replied.

"The job is open, and has been open for weeks since City Hall opened again. You can get your job back."

You say there, staring at Ron. Was he being serious? Why would he lie?

He was being honest. Ben had lied to you. Why? Why would he do such a terrible thing?

"I have something to do." You were at a loss of any other words to provide a description for Ron—who didn't seem to care anyway—only able to get up from your seat and walk away from JJ's dinner, expressing no other emotion than surprise with a mix of terror.

.,;,,;,.

Later that day you parked at the City Hall far away from Ben's car, but walked over to it to wait for him to finish working.

You checked your watch and looked up to see Chris and Ben depart to their separate vehicles, and Ben headed towards you and his car.

"Hey, (Y/N)! I didn't expect to see you here." He chuckled, walking up to you.

Your arm swung towards him, your palm cracking against his cheek.