The Defendant ✧ (Bill Gambini x reader)

9.

The car ride to the lake was extensive. I stared out of the window in the passenger side, only half-aware of a world outside the claustrophobic comfort of the van, the almost soundless changing of the gears, the fair breeze blasting through my hair...It felt immeasurable.

The radio was turned up loudly as dad belted out "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John. "Do you not listen to any other artists?" I half screamed over the music. He ignored my question and sang to me instead as I sighed, sinking down into the seat.

After what seemed like forever, we finally arrived at the cabin which stood just beside Holt Lake. "There are so many fishes awaiting me" he chortled as we unpacked our bags, his fishing equipment waited by the door.

"Are you coming munchkin?"

"Yeah, I'll be out in a moment" I replied. 

He nodded and took off, I watched him walk over to the dock and set up. When I knew dad was distracted, I looked for a phone. There was one in the kitchen, I slowly dialled the number I had written down.

"Hello?"

"Hi, I'd like to talk to Bill Gambini please"

"Hold on one moment"

I listened to the sound of scuffling and muttered voices, I checked to make sure dad wouldn't come back yet. He was too busy placing bait on his fishing rod, humming a little tune with the bop of his head.

The sound of Bill's voice caught my attention.

"Hiya Bill, how are you?" I conversated. "I'm okay, are you coming down? I'd really like to see you today" his cheerful tone put a smile on my face. "I'm sorry but I'm not in town for a few days, my dad has booked a cabin here at Holt Lake" I explained, feeling a bit bad.

"No worries, even though I can't see you I'm glad you called. You have a real pretty voice"

My cheeks flushed bright red, he'd probably chuckle if he saw. "I've got court coming up soon on Friday. I hope Vinny can save us" I heard him sigh a little. "Don't worry, Vinny's a great lawyer. Besides, they found a witness that can help you" I grinned.

"Really?! Who?"

Before I could answer I watched dad approach the house.

"Uh, Bill I've got to go but I'll see you soon okay? I miss you" I almost stuttered at how quick I spoke. He chuckled. "I miss you too, bye Y/n." 

The phone hung up just in time. "Who you talking to?" Dad asked being nosy. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and cracked it open, taking a loud sip. "Sydney if you must know, is that illegal?" I said with a little bit of sass.

"Watch it, missy. I can still ground you here" his tone was sharp.

"Sorry sorry" I gave a nervous laugh. Dad chuckled and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Cmon let's go catch some food. How about salmon eh? A bonfire sounds good to me" he chatted as we headed to the lake.

"Sounds good to me too pops" I giggled.

It was fun spending time with my dad but there was only one person on my mind. If only he knew how I felt...