Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 16

"Do you realize that out of all the years we've known each other, we've never actually spent Christmas Eve together?" Billy mused as Portland buzzed outside the car windows.

"Mmhmm, there was the cabin," I recalled.

"Yeah, but that wasn't really Christmas," he corrected.

"It felt like Christmas, complete with an ungrateful child whining about presents."

"About you and Tim, can you not be in a fight anymore?" Billy didn't shift his eyes from the road, but the hopefulness of his words still came through.

"Oh, right..."

"You can't be mad at him forever," Billy continued as he parked the car and focused on me.

"Really? You, of all people, shouldn't test my commitment to irrational things, Billy."

"Well, at least you admit you're both being irrational. But seriously, Lil, he's our best friend. You can't stay mad at him forever," he continued before pulling himself out of the car.

"I know and about that..." I said over the roof as he paced around the front of the vehicle.

"I know you missed. I read some letters to him by accident and..."

"Billy," I broke in again.

"What?" Billy paused his rehearsed speech to focus on me.

"I may have had a minor panic attack on the way to work yesterday," I began.

"What? Are you okay? Why didn't you call me?" Billy set his hands on my shoulders so I couldn't hide from him.

"I called Timmy," I admitted.

A smile spread across his face. "You called Tim? Of course, you called Tim."

"I mean, of course, I called Timmy." I let a giggle out at how pleased he was.

"And..." Billy prodded.

"And he was Tim. He made fun of me, calmed me down, and got my head straight again."

"And you remembered no one cares about you, me, or us more than Tim?" Billy had an air of righteousness in his tone that I did not care for at all.

"Yes," I begrudgingly admitted.

"I can't believe he didn't tell me when I called yesterday," Billy murmured.

"He's my best friend too... best friend privileges." I shrugged.

"Best friend privileges." Billy sighed as he dropped his hand from my shoulders, letting one clutch my hand as we made our way inside the store.

I hung close to Billy as he chatted with the sales guy and looked over a couple of upright pianos. Occasionally, he would dip his face close to my ear to murmur a question or request an opinion, but I had little to add. I was happy just tucked by his side, and, for once, my mind didn't wonder what might happen.

"Any chance you could get this delivered before 5:30 pm tonight?" Billy asked as he took one last look at his selection.

"Sure thing." The sales guy's smile was a little too broad to be sincere.

"It's a secure building," I added. "When you get there, just ring unit 404 from the call box."

The sales guy made a note and gave Billy's hand a final shake before he sent us on our way.

"Where to?" Billy asked as he held the door for me.

"Home?" My voice squeaked, knowing we had other errands.