Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 36

Billy was late. It was undeniable. I knew he'd be late the minute I saw his Tesla pull in behind me on the side of the road. He pulled into a back parking lot. A woman approached as he helped me from the car.

"I'm sorry, you can't park here." Her voice was apologetic but stern.

"Hm, is it a fire code or something?" Billy asked as he looked around.

"No, this is the back entrance reserved for the band," she explained.

It was then that we realized she didn't know who Billy was.

"I see. I'm with the band, but I seem to have forgotten my pass. Is there someone you could call?" Billy explained.

"Um, yeah; let me see if I can get someone on the walkie," she offered before taking a couple of steps away.

"Why don't you just tell her who you are?" I asked with a laugh as I melted into his side.

"Because my name is out front. If she doesn't recognize me, why would she think I was Billy Collins just because I tell her I am?"

"I'm so cold," I whined.

"Come here." He pulled his arms around me so his warmth surrounded me. "I like this coat," he added as he patted my back. "The red is nice on you."

"Thanks," I smiled at him, forgetting that we were in a dirty alleyway in the back of a civic center.

"They're going to send someone from the band's security detail out to see what's going on," the woman updated upon her return.

"Thank you. I apologize for the inconvenience. Do you work for the venue or the band?" Billy asked as he continued to run his hands up and down my arms for warmth.

"Venue; I've only been working here a couple of weeks. This is my first big show. I want to make sure I do everything by the book," she added as an excuse.

"I think you're doing a great job. This is a hometown show. There's family in there. I appreciate you looking out for security," Billy offered back as Roger popped out of the door.

"Damn, Billy, Tim's about to lose his mind. Where the hell did you go?" Roger called from the door.

"I had to pick up my girl," Billy offered.

"He's good. He's Billy Collins; no show happening if you keep him out in the cold," Roger laughed.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Mr. Collins," the door attendant stammered.

"It's fine. As I said, I appreciate the security; my family is in there," as he spoke, he extended a hand to the woman. "If you ever want to get out of these cold alleys, give Roger your number. I think we are looking for another receptionist at the studio."

"What?" The woman just looked back at him with a blank expression.

"Thank you again," he nodded as he tugged my hand to slip past Roger. "Rog, make sure she gets the number to the studio. We could use someone who doesn't recognize me."

Billy deftly snaked through the arena's maze and to the dressing room.

"What the hell, man?" Tim called from the craft table.

"Sorry, Lil got a flat." Billy shrugged.

"I told him not to come," I added.

"Lil got a flat," Tim shook his head. "Are you okay?" He asked me.

"Yeah, fine," I smiled.

"Great," Tim nodded before returning to Billy. "What the hell, man?"

Billy just let out a chuckle. "Did we miss anything?" He asked the room.

"No," Viv said from a couch. "Uncle Tim went insane looking for you while the rest of us just hung out."

"I told him you went to get Lily, but he didn't believe me," Tess noted.

"Excuse me for thinking it's bat shit crazy to leave your concert minutes before you're set to play to go pick up your girlfriend with a flat." Tim's words weakened at the end from lack of breath.

"That would be crazy," Billy agreed. "Now, going to pick up your fiancé. That's a different story."

"You're very satisfied with yourself, aren't you?" Tim shot.

"Well, I came in here and was graced with the pleasure of everyone I hold dearest to me. So, yes, I'm quite pleased. Not necessarily with myself, but pleased nonetheless." He moved past Tim to Sarah. "You made it," he greeted as he pulled her in for a hug. As he pulled away, he added, "you always look beautiful in green."

"Thank you, Billy." Sarah seemed pleased by the compliment. "This is Matt; Matt, this is Billy."

"Hey, man," Billy extended a hand.

"Hello, thank you for having me," Matt nodded.

"Of course. Family should be together at the holidays." Billy smiled a sincere smile that threatened to tip his dimples. "You three staying out of trouble?" Billy asked as he turned his attention to Viv, James, and Jackson on the couch.

"Of course, Daddy," Viv chirped.

"Suspicious, Viv," Billy teased. "Okay, well, we should get out there," Billy turned to Tim. "Stop eating, man. We're running late. Move it along," he said with a playful smile as he plucked up my hand.

"You're a jerk," Tim grumbled.

"Not the first time I've heard that this evening." Billy squeezed my hand at his joke.

Billy's hand detangled from mine and slipped to the small of my back as we all made our way to the stage. He frequently greeted various people on the way, and his low thundering laugh echoed around the concrete hallways. As we drew closer to the crowd, the air grew thick, and the buzz settled into my chest.

"Hey, man," Brandon greeted us as we approached. "I was thinking I was going solo."

"Hey. Sorry, Lil had a flat," Billy explained as he shook his hand. "You ready?"

"Sure am," Brandon nodded.

"Okay." Billy turned to me and leveled his gaze with mine. "You good?"

"Yep, I got all my people with me." I smiled as I waved my hands around to the kids, Tess, and Mary.

"Great. If you need me... I'll be about twenty feet that way," he teased.

"I'm fine; I promise," I offered as I lifted to my toes and gave his cheek a peck.

"Wait," Viv called out from behind us.

"What's up, Vivee?" Billy had an entertained smile.

"I have something for you," Viv said as she fished around her purse.

"Viv, I really have to go. I love you, but..."

"No, just a sec," she demanded.

"Honey, I..."

"Found it," Viv triumphantly said as she pulled a pick from the bottom of her purse. "I kept one for tonight," she added as she handed Billy a pick with her face on it.

Billy let out a pleased laugh. "Thanks, Vivee. I'm destined for a good show now." He kissed her on her forehead and, with one last glance at me, paced onstage. The sound was deafening as the crowd greeted him.