On the Edge of Tomorrow

Chapter 36

"Was I?" I rested my head on his shoulder.

"You've been getting more distant all week. Talk to me," Billy urged.

"Why? It's just the same circle," I reminded him.

He let out a knowing sigh. "You hate it that much?"

"No. I mean, yes, but if I compartmentalize it and avoid the shows and signings and, well, everything related to your work, I'm fine." I was trying to be sincere.

He let out a laugh, "that's sustainable." He kissed my forehead as I let my eyes linger on the dip at the base of his neck.

"I miss you," I admitted. "Compartmentalizing means I don't get to see you as much. I think that's the downside. I'm asleep when you get back; you're asleep when I wake. But we'll always have lunch." I kissed him on his cheek as his dimple formed beneath my lips.

"It'll be better at Thanksgiving. We'll have plenty of time together then. You'll be sick of me." He pulled me to his lap. "My mom is excited to meet you. I've told her everything about you."

"Everything?" I winced.

"Well, I skipped Seraphina, but most everything else." His fingers combed through my hair as his thoughts engulfed him. "I'm glad I came back for dinner. I've been missing you too."

I leaned into him for a long kiss that pulled me back to his orbit. "I'll take a nap, so when you head back, I'll be awake tonight. You take a bit to settle; we can watch a movie."

"I'd like that. But won't you be too tired tomorrow?" His mind constantly swirled with concern for me.

"I can sleep on the bus," I reminded him.

"Fuck, I forgot you head out tomorrow." Loneliness flashed in his eyes.

"Yeah, but I'll see you Friday. It's only a couple of days," I soothed.

"I'm sure it'll feel like years." He smoothed my hair before he shook off his funk. "Tell me about your work. How's it going?"

"Good. I've nearly finished both my major term papers; I've been really productive here."

A smile broke out across his face. "Some of this works."

"A lot of this works," I teased as I pushed up to meet his lips.

He kissed me back through a laugh before pulling away. "That always works." He smiled with a kiss to my forehead, "but I came back to spend time with you."

We talked with ease for the next two hours. It felt like old times.  Only Tim demanding Billy head back pulled us apart. Billy tried to get me to come with him, but I reminded him of our compromise. I'd take a nap and be up when he got back.

It all went as planned. At midnight, I ordered tea and ice so it would arrive before Billy got there, just in case the room service person was a squealing fan. Billy got back a little before 1 am and, after a quick shower, we settled onto the loveseat to watch Vertigo. It was a quiet comfort that was more healing for our relationship than I had expected. The long stretch of peaceful quiet between us reminded me of why I loved him so much.

The next day, Billy insisted on pulling himself from bed for a groggy brunch in our room before I caught my bus.

"I'll miss you," he mused as he poked at his food.

"It's only a few days. I'll book the flight when I get home and send you the info." I stabbed a stubborn grape with my fork and popped it into my mouth.

"I already booked your flights." He was deliberately unapologetic. He watched my mouth open to protest. "I started getting some checks, and I invited you, so I don't want to hear it."

I closed my mouth but did nothing to adjust the frustration from my face.

It elicited a chuckle from deep in his throat. "You're cute when you're annoyed."

"That wasn't belittling at all," I grumbled.

"Sorry," he soothed. "If it helps, I plan to get some manual labor out of you when you come."

"What?"

"It's a bit of a surprise. You'll see when you get in," Billy promised.

"I don't get to know what you're signing me up for before I go?" I countered.

"It's nothing I wouldn't make my mother do."

"Fine, but only because of how well you treat your mother."

"Thank you for coming, Lil. I needed this."

His honesty made my eyes water. "Please don't make me cry. I hate crying."

"Sorry. It was okay seeing you. I had a semi-enjoyable time." He spoke in the monotone voice of a robot.

I rolled my eyes at him. "I love you, Billy."

"I know," he smiled. He had said it as a joke, but his acknowledging my love for him calmed something inside of me I hadn't realized was burning. "Call me when you get home."

"I will."

We stood at the same time. "Are you sure you won't let me take you to the station?" He offered for the fifth time.

"No, you go back to bed. I'll probably be home before you wake."

He pulled me to his side and gave me a long, lingering kiss that made every ounce of me want to stay with him.

"I love you, Lily Turncott." He whispered as he pulled away.

"I know."