Billy Peltzer was going to be late for work…again. Not that it mattered much to him, his job as a bank clerk was so uneventful & it really wasn't his fault that his car wouldn't start, but maybe he should have had Mr. Futterman look at it anyway. He trudged through the snow, dogging glances from anyone who would reprimand him, like Ms. Degal, for instance.
He opened the door & crept inside, quickly removing his coat. "Billy!" The voice of Kate Beringer spoke just above a whisper. She was the bank's pretty brunette secretary. She beckoned for him anxiously, standing behind his desk. "You're getting better," She smiled up at him warmly, as she helped him adjust his clip-on tie. "You're only five minutes late today, I don't think Mr. Corbin will even notice."
Billy removed his back pack from his shoulder & placed it beneath his desk. It was the same place he used to hide his dog Barney, it would be a lot easier to hide Gizmo there. He unzipped the bag a little & the Mogwai popped its head up. Billy smirked, putting his finger to his lips, gesturing for Gizmo to keep quiet. He nodded with a tiny cooed & nestled back into Billy backpack.
"So Kate," Billy began as he cleared his throat. "Would you like to go out with me today after work? Seeing as we're getting out early and all…" He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. Kate still made him a little nervous. "Oh Billy!" Kate laughed, feeling rather flattered. "I'd love to, but I can't." She turned promptly towards the filing cabinet. "I'm volunteering at Beaumont Academy. You know, the fancy music school?" She tipped her head in curiosity & Billy gave a glance of recollection. "Anyway, I'm helping them get ready for the big Christmas pageant." Yep! That was Kate, all right! Always busy trying to help others & barely leaving anytime for herself, even around the holidays. "But if you want to see me that bad," She smiled. "You could always drop by & watch."