A fire rose in Bullock's chest as he watched Jeff dip Hayley into that kiss. It was a feeling that surprised him. He liked the girl well enough, it was true, and he had been confident that she would choose him over that skunky, wheedling little boy. However… it was something about seeing them together, seeing someone else press their lips to Hayley's, seeing the act of defiance straight in his face, and feeling the fear that he may, for once, be wrong. He stood from the table, his palms pressed flat.
Jeff released Hayley, who took a step back and pressed a hand to her mouth.
"Jeff," She said, her voice filled with warning.
"Smith!" Bullock interjected, "Who is this boy, and why must we play witness to these adolescent flirtations?"
"I'm sorry, Sir!" Stan said, pressing the flat of his large palm to Jeff's chest and attempting to push him out the door, "he's just a squatter I've put up with for far...too...long!" He grunted with the effort of shoving Jeff out, but Jeff resisted, and eventually wormed out of Stan's hand and deeper into the house.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, Mr. S-" Jeff said, staring Stan down, "But Hayley's been having an affair with your boss, Mr. Bullet." He pointed to Avery,
"What do you mean, Jeff?" Stan asked, thoughts working violently behind his face. He glanced from Bullock to Hayley. Avery mentally shook himself, preparing for the admission. He had wanted to bring it to light before, but respected Hayley's wishes enough not to. He had always secretly hoped they would be caught together, a fact evidenced by his lack of locking the office door, or approaching her in highly public situations, and even now he felt relief in preparing to admit his affections for the Smith daughter. He opened his mouth to address Stan, but was interrupted by Hayley.
"Jeff," Hayley reprimanded, wagging a finger at him, "This has nothing to do with that dream you had. Get a hold of yourself."
"But, babe-"
"You need to get out. Okay? I'll talk to you later, but right now you need to leave. For me."
She stared him down, her eyes steady and intense. Jeff watched her for a moment, then faded under the look.
"Okay, babe." He said, then shuffled toward the door.
The whole family watched him exit, then turned to Hayley.
"He once had a dream that I cheated on him with that paper towel mascot." She laughed uneasily, "Doesn't Bullock looks like him a little bit?"
Stan stared down his daughter, then slowly shifted his gaze to Bullock. After a moment of contemplation. he grinned widely.
"He does! With the utmost respect, Sir." Stan said, "That is my favorite brand of paper towels."
Avery's brows knitted and he looked toward Hayley who was shifting uncomfortably under her family's gaze.
"Hayley-" he began, but she cut him off.
"I'm very sorry about that, Director Bullock." She said, holding her hands in front of her, "Jeff is a little unstable, and gets confused easily. It won't happen again." She stared at him, her eyes pleading.
I should tell them right now. Avery thought, the urge pressing to the very forefront of his mind, I should tell them exactly what's been happening, and they can all be damned. Why should she want to hide this?
He opened his mouth, closed it again, then sighed.
"Very well, Hayley. All is forgiven, as long as you can promise that he will never bother me again." He raised an eyebrow, making sure his meaning was completely clear. He saw Hayley blush, then nod. Bullock sat down, brushing off his suit coat absently, before turning back to Stan.
"Where is that brandy?"
~o~O~o~
