Something In Between: Sequel to On The Edge of Tomorrow

Chapter 43

"Yes. I heard you the first time," Billy grumbled before downing the rest of his wine in one large gulp.

"Well, I'm sorry to put a damper on the fun, but I traveled most of the day and am about to turn into a pumpkin," I announced.

"Me too!" Mary echoed.

"It was so great to see everyone, and apparently, I'll see you all again on Friday," I added as I stood.

There were the obligatory exiting hugs before I could slip away to my room. I packed very little since I knew Billy had my room well stocked. Within minutes, I had set up my phone charger and was headed to the shower to wash away the airport. My hand glided over my ring as I showered, sending a sense of peace through me.

I had just gotten my pajamas on and was about to settle into bed when a soft knock on the door came.

"Hey," I whispered as I opened the door to Billy, holding a tray with two cups of tea on it.

"Awake enough for a visit?" He asked.

"Always." I smiled as I stepped aside to let him in.

He set the tray down on the coffee table and flicked on the fireplace before settling in one of the overstuffed leather chairs. I settled in the other, as we silently busied ourselves with our cups of tea.

I broke the silence with, "I love this room."

"Mmhmm," Billy said as he glanced out the window. "The master has a similar setup."

"You did a wonderful job with this place," I continued.

"Well, someone had a great vision."

I smiled before sipping my tea.

"You seem good, Lil. Relaxed," he noted.

"Yeah, I feel good. Things seem to be falling into place."

"Yeah, things feel almost right," he agreed.

"Almost?" I questioned.

"Yeah." Billy's shy eyes met mine, and instantly I was taken back to the shy boy in my doorway, ashamed that he hadn't stayed in better touch. "You know you can tell me anything, right?" He asked.

"Of course, I tell you everything." My mind was scrambling at what had hurt him.

"Not everything," he murmured as he set his tea down. But he didn't straighten back into his seat. He stayed crouched over with his arms on his thighs and head in his hands.

I knew then what he was referring to, and my hand instinctually when to my necklace.

"You were holding it on the porch. I probably wouldn't have noticed otherwise," Billy noted.

"I wasn't hiding it from you. I just didn't want to steal the spotlight from Tim and Tess," I explained.

"I figured, but..."

"It still feels like I kept it from you," I apologetically said. "I'm sorry, Billy."

"Are you happy, Lil?" Billy's hazel eyes flickered to mine.

"Yes. Sam gives me comfort and peace," I acknowledged.

Billy dropped his gaze to the floor as he silently nodded to himself. "I thought it'd hurt; another man making you happy."

"But?" I prodded.

"But I'm happy and a bit relieved. Maybe a little worried about how I fit," he admitted.

"You give me safety and security," I offered. "I know no matter what, you'll be there. At least, I hope you will be there."

"I can't imagine anything that would tear me away from you," Billy agreed.

"Nor I you," I echoed. "I truly don't know what I would do without you. Be lonely, I'm sure," I admitted.

"You have Sam." Billy sat back now, more relaxed now that the air was cleared.

"Yes, but..." I paused, trying to collect the right words.

"You trust him, right?" Billy pressed.

"Of course, but he's left me before. There are limited to Sam and me. We have no limits, Billy. I can't imagine anything worse than what we've already been through."

"I get that," Billy agreed.

"You do?" I was surprised.

"Of course, Sarah left me once, too," he reminded.

"Are you happy, Billy?" I asked.

He picked up his teacup as he thought for at least a minute. "I am. This all feels oddly right. I'm surprised at where we ended up, but I am happy."

"Great, then can we please discuss how on earth you let Tim talk you into this road trip?" I poked.

Billy let out his throaty laugh that filled the room as we dissolved into our familiar cadence.