Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 35

"Hey." Despite his calm tone, Billy's greeting was close enough to cause me to jump. "Everything okay?"

"Work," I grumbled as I hastily packed up my bag. Frustration pounded through me, causing my hands to stutter as I picked up my book and water bottle. "I have to go to the office for a bit."

"A bit," Billy said to himself as he looked at his watch.

"Yeah, sorry. One of our major clients is having a meltdown, so... duty calls," I explained, more to myself than Billy.

"Okay, what can I do? You want a driver?"

"No, I don't know how long I'll be. James gave me his keys. He's parked out back." My mind was not in the moment with Billy; it was whirling through infuriation.

"Okay," his voice came disappointed, pulling me from my thoughts.

"I'll be back in time," I promised. Again, it was more for me than for him. I needed to see Billy tonight. I needed to watch him be on stage and soak it in, surrounded by friends and family. I needed this to prove to myself that this time was different, but I would never admit it out loud.

"I understand. Don't rush." But his smile came more as a wince.

I pulled closer to him and let a hand cup his face. "I'm sorry. This wasn't the plan, I know that."

"Life happens when you're busy making other plans," he sincerely smiled.

"I love you," I offered.

"I love you too." He bent his neck so our lips could meet. "Don't forget to eat," he added as he pulled away.

"Right, nourishment," I agreed. "By the time you're done with all your little quizzes, I'll be back. You won't even..."

But Billy cut me off. "Never say that. I always notice. And they're interviews, not 'little quizzes.'"

"Mmhmm, love, all of it," I murmured as I gave him one last kiss on the cheek and headed out to maneuver the maze of corridors to the backdoor.

The emptiness of being away from the family immediately filled me. By the time I arrived at the studio, it was sitting on my chest like an elephant. I didn't bother to dock in my office; I docked in Billy's office. His musk engulfed me as I plopped in his chair.

Chats and emails flew at me while the drone of the emergency conference call echoed through my brain. I was only mildly paying attention. The team was effective and efficient; I wasn't adding anything. Instead, my eyes roamed over the scribbles on Billy's desk. Clearly, he suffered from a paper deficiency that resulted in him just jotting things down directly on his desk in what appeared to be black Sharpie. I smiled as I looked over lines of lyrics that popped into his head and the signatures of people that had passed through his office. There was even a doodle of a cow with Viv's signature below. The whole thing was so Billy it caused a deep ache in my chest.

The hours ticked by until early evening when finally calm was restored, with no help from me. I hung up while the rest of the call was cheering. I had missed dinner but would still make the concert. At least I would have until I heard a pop followed by the flapping of a rapidly deflating tire as I drove.

I flexed my fingers to try to dissuade the tantrum growing inside me. Instead, I switched to my tactical brain and pulled my phone out of my purse. My instinct was to call Billy, but it was rolling close to 8 pm, and I didn't want to disturb him this close to the show. So, I called Tess.

"Hey, are you back?" She answered after one ring.

"No, flat tire. I don't think I'm going to make it." Tears formed in the corner of my eyes as I swallowed a swelling lump in my throat.