In the Wardrobe Tad was talking with tall, black haired, pale guy who I recognised as Robbie Valentino, leader of a band called Tombstones. And now I knew why Tad looked weirdly familiar, tabloids were lately crazy with Robbie having a boyfriend and Tad appeared next to him on the covers.
"What's happening?" Bill asked.
"William is coming. He broke up with..." Tad started but Bill interrupted him.
"I know. Is Mother coming with him?"
I was lost for words. Some guy is coming and he's worried about his mother? "Who's William?" I asked.
"Our stupid younger brother who tried his best to be me. Better watch out, we're known for having similar tastes but unlike him I'm less pushy." Bill clarified giving me a wink.
"So that's Pine Tree I heard so much about? I'm Robbie, nice to meet you." The singer introduced himself. "Tad and I are good…"
"Dating." I interrupted him. "And why is your mother a problem? I know mothers don't approve of everything they children do but…"
"She hates me." Bill said, "She says I destroyed her youth." he added and burst out in laugh.
"O~kay, so why drag me to family meeting?" I asked feeling annoyed, Pacifica wouldn't kill me since it was Bill's idea but she would still be mad.
"Our Mother loves horse racing and that's why she's coming. Both of us are expected to bring dates but Bill here is an idiot." Tad started with beaming smile. "And first, he made you mad those beautiful weeks ago, and two he thinks I'm able to convince you to come to the racing with him."
Whole this time he was smiling and I could feel Robbie glaring at me. "And if I say no now I'll have to do it as my work? Fine, but no tricks." I agreed and warned Bill.
Bill seemed pleased with my answer and let me leave. Ten minutes later he swung by the office, took his coat and told me the date - 24th at 10, and on 20th he was planning to take me shopping for proper clothes. I nodded and he left.
"What was it about?" Pacifica asked.
"Some horse racing. Bill needs a date so Tad asked me to fill the spot. What a bother." I complained. Pacifica didn't look very surprised.
"My family is organising charity race. Bills mother likes horses so she was really happy to donate quite a hefty sum." She said, "But coming back to work Tom should bring the book around 6 PM then you'll take a car and deliver it to Bill's apartment. Here is the address. I have a date, so I'll be leaving earlier."
Rest of the day was calm for our office. Not many people knew Bill was back and he wished for things to stay this way as long as possible. I spent most of it looking for house since I couldn't stay at Grenda's for much longer.
Around 6 Tom came and gave me the Book. The project of next issue which I or Pacifica delivered to Bill. Next morning he was bringing it back with golden sticker notes attached with what in his opinion was wrong and how it could be fixed.
Having the Book I closed the office and went downstairs where one of GF Publishing limos was already waiting for me. Driver gave me a pitiful look knowing where we are going. I just shrugged and spent whole ride playing with my phone. Mabel hasn't tried contacting me once since our argument.
When we stopped at Bills I told him he may leave, he was hesitant but left. Dark, ominous clouds perfectly reflected my mood. I really wasn't happy to be alone with Bill, in his house where we… had good time. But that was then. Taking a deep breath I opened the door using keys provided by Paz.
No blond men in sight. Good. Seeing the table I was supposed to leave book on I heard his voice. "Just bring it here." Cursing a little I followed dim light at the end of corridor.
It was his living room. Bill was there in bathrobe pouring himself a glass of wine. "Hello." he smiled turning around.
"Whatever, have your Bo..."
"Stay a while. Nobody is waiting for you." He said passing me a glass. "How's the work?"
"Good." This was getting suspicious and he was far too close.
"If you say so. You can be honest here." He said setting his glass aside. "Drink, it's good wine."
"I prefer not to." I said setting my glass next to his. "I really have to…"
Bill cringed expecting what I was about to say. "Don't…" he whispered hugging me closely. "Why are you like this? I can see you like me but… C'mon Pine Tree, you can trust me."
"I just don't like long term relationships. That's all." I lied trying to free myself. It worked Bill elt go and dropped town to his couch, his usual smirk back.
"Okay, I won't push." His voice wasn't back to it's usual tone so he wasn't entirely faking it. Or was a good actor. "But remember that I can be always found here." he said as I turned around.
I said nothing. It's not like I'm staying here for long. One year isn't long. And I don't care about it all. I could tell him but I have a feeling that it wouldn't stop him.
"Not even a goodbye?" I heard when opening the door. He gave me no time to retort, turning me around and kissing me.
It was just like that night. One kiss and my whole body was betraying me reaching for his neck. Last moment before my arms could embrace him my mind took control and I could push him away. He wasn't even fighting me. "No." I said and left before he could stop me again. I doubted I could resist another kiss.
"Great." I muttered walking out to cold rain. Despite the weather I marched on trough the gate, and called taxi. "Leave me alone." I grumbled noticing umbrella Bill was shielding me with. While ignoring himself.
"You'll get sick." He reasoned.
"I'd be more worried about guy in a bathrobe." I said looking at him.
"Very funny. Get inside, I won't try anything." He promised. I ignored him. Right now he wasn't the problem, I was the problem. I had no idea if I could control myself near him.
"I'll be fine." I said.
"Fine, but keep the umbrella." He said leaving the thing and almost running back home.
"Idiot…" I muttered.
Taxi arrived five minutes later.