Something In Between: Sequel to On The Edge of Tomorrow

Chapter 35

"Dad," I groaned. I didn't have to say it. I knew he preferred Billy over Sam, and he knew it annoyed me.

"What? I just said he helped with the search. You go call Billy. Tell him to call me soon, if he can. I know he's busy, but I just read a fascinating book on the first World War that I think he'd like," my dad diverted.

"Okay, I'll tell him. I love you, Dad."

"Love you too, Kiddo. I'm really proud of you," he added again.

"Thanks. I'll call soon!" I promised before I hung up.

"Hey, Lil. Have you talked to Tim today?" Billy launched into a conversation as though he hadn't just answered. "He's a bridezilla; er... groomzilla? He's annoying," Billy declared.

"No, I haven't talked to Tim. I have news!"

"You should give him a call and tell him to chill out; maybe he'll listen to you," Billy absently continued.

"Billy!" I broke into his jabbering. "I have news," I declared again.

"News? What? Are you okay?" Panic rose in his voice.

"I'm great! Guess what?" I tempted.

There was a long pause, and then, "why don't you just tell me, Lil?" Billy's tone was small and deflated.

"I got the job," I announced.

"What?" His inflection immediately inflated to his booming roar.

"I got it!"

"The marketing job at the ESOP?"

"Yes! I got the job! I'm so excited. I start two weeks after graduation. I got it!"

"I never doubted you would! I'm so proud of you, Lil." I closed my eyes and pictured the dimples on Billy's cheeks.

"I'm coming to your graduation. I have the date marked as no trespassing. The entire week after too! I'm so proud of you, Lil. This is what you've been working towards since I met you!"

"I know. It feels so real telling you," I admitted as I slumped down onto the couch. "Billy," I managed as the panic rose in me. "I got it."

"Lil, you're going to be amazing," Billy soothed, sensing the change in my tone.

"How do you know that? I know nothing about IT, and I'm an English major! What do I know about marketing?" I stammered.

"Well, clearly you sold yourself to them," Billy countered.

"What am I going to do?" I slumped back onto the couch in defeat.

"Oh, stop it. You are going to crush it. I bet you are running the place in a matter of months."

"Yeah, well, of course you'd say that," I groaned.

"Yes, of course I'd say that. Lily, who knows you better than me?" Billy asked.

"No one."

"So, if I am the Lily Turncott expert, then you have to trust me. You are going to kill it!"

"Yeah, yeah. I have until June to figure out everything I can about IT and marketing," I absently spoke.

"Great, now you have another reason to hide in the library. You should start to get your mail delivered there," Billy teased.

"Well, at least I sit still long enough to have a place to call home," I shot back.

"Wow," Billy's voice lowered a bit.

"I'm sorry, Billy. That was over the line," I apologized.

"I don't like it when you say my name like that," Billy murmured.

"Like what?"

"Like I'm living to wrong life; anytime it follows the words 'I'm sorry.'"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Collins?" I offered.

Billy let out a small laugh. "I'm sorry, Lil. This is your big day. I'm so proud of you. I wish I could be there; give you a hug."

I let out a laugh. "My dad was putting money on you chartering a plane," I teased.

"Don't tempt me," Billy cautioned. "It's been too long since the cabin. I can't wait until I can see you in May."

"Billy, are you okay?" Concern filled me as the loneliness crept into Billy's tone.

"Yeah, you know how it gets on the road," Billy deflected.

"Is everything okay with Sarah?"

"Yeah, yeah. She's great. I really love her, Lil. It just feels right when she is around."

"That's great!"

"Yeah. I have to keep myself from jumping the gun. With Tim talking about wedding stuff all the time..."

"Billy, are you thinking of proposing?"

"Maybe. No. Maybe. It's crazy. We haven't even been together that long, but it feels..."

"Billy, ignore the calendar. If it feels right, go for it. I think she is really good for you," I offered.

"Really? I mean, do you really think she's the right one?"

"I can't answer that for you, silly. You have to answer that," I reminded him.

"What about you and Sam?" Billy asked.

"We're so great. I think he's the one!"

"Really? So, if he popped the question..."

"I'd say yes," I answer with so much certainty that I startled myself.

"That's great, Lil. It seems like everything is falling into place: the job, Sam..."

"My best friend in the entire world," I added.

"Yeah," Billy agreed as his voice perked up again. "I love you, Lil. I'm really proud of you."

"Thank you. Oh, and my dad wanted to tell you to call him soon. He read some book on the first World War that he thinks you will like," I quickly shot before Billy could hang up.

"Will do. I love your dad; he's the best," Billy said, almost to himself.

"Yeah, he is. Call me soon, and make sure to take care of yourself out there," I directed.

"Yes, ma'am. I have my nightly tea and get a massage once a week," Billy offered.

"Wow, rock star, how fancy of you," I teased.

"Lil." Billy's voice came in a jesting warning.

"I love you, Billy," I cut off his words.

"I love you too, Lil. Have a good night."