Would you Swallow all your Pride?

Chapter Twenty: Honey.

"Yes." With the help of her cane, Venable got up. After the conversation with Billie, using a cane didn't feel so shameful, for once. They walked outside, and there the driver waited for them.

After getting into the car, Billie Dean reached for her phone. She had a few texts from Jenny as well as her manager, letting her know about the plans for next week. She'd have the weekend off, but they would start filming the Christmas special on Friday. We still have to plan the whole company gathering. A groan left her lips without her noticing it. Wilhemina frowned as she turned to look at Billie Dean, but didn't say anything; Billie was staring at her phone, and whatever that groan was for was probably personal. A yawn escaped Venable's lips, which she quickly covered with her palm.

"Sleepy?" Billie asked as she set her phone aside.

Venable nodded. "A little tired."

"Me too... hopefully we can sleep at the plane."

Wilhemina nodded. In her pocket, her phone vibrated; she reached for it, seeing it was only a silly notification about backups. Grabbing her phone, however, reminded Venable she hadn't answered Emma. She clicked on her texts and read all the compliments Emma had sent her. This is overwhelming. But it wasn't fair to ignore her. So, with her lower lip between her teeth, Wilhemina began to type. 'Thank you... that's very sweet.' She didn't know what else to say. What else could she say? There was nothing to add. After staring at the screen for a second, Venable began to type again. 'We're on our way to the airport. I should be home soon.' After sending the text, she put her phone into her purse again. "Will you be at the office tomorrow?" She didn't know why she was asking that question, but she definitely wanted to know the answer.

Indeed, the question was a little odd. Billie Dean nodded. "I should arrive at noon, too. Why?" Venable shook it off. Billie bit her lower lip. "Would you... like to meet for lunch?"

Wilhemina felt herself growing nervous. She already had plans with Emma, and although it wasn't anything wrong, saying no to such an invitation from Billie Dean didn't sit right with her. I can't cancel with Emma, though. Emma had asked her about it first. In a twisted way, the situation was a little funny; when in her life did Venable think she'd have to choose between plans? Most of the time no one ever wanted her around. "I would... but I can't. I already have plans for lunch."

Billie Dean nodded. Her sight moved away from Wilhemina, and she embarrassedly licked her lips. Looking down at her lap, she went back at nibbling on her bottom lip. Billie wasn't dumb, but she found herself wanting to check on her suspicions anyway. "Emma?" She asked softly. And when Venable nodded, she opened up a smile even though she absolutely did not feel happy. Brown eyes went back to Wilhemina's face. "I hope you two have fun," it was a genuine wish. Venable deserved it.

"Thank you." Wilhemina smiled. It had been stupid to think Billie Dean could have negative thoughts about her sexuality. "Friday, though?"

"Okay." Billie's smile turned a bit more genuine. "Friday."

After a second of silence, Venable asked: "McDonald's?"

The question got a laugh out of Billie Dean's lips. "There's one around the block near the office."

"Settled." Venable couldn't help the way her own smile grew. Billie Dean's laugh was beautiful.

"Settled," Billie Dean repeated.

The driver let them know they were arriving, and it took them less than an hour to check out and get through security. Soon, they were already settled into the plane. Billie Dean had insisted Wilhemina took the window seat again; she herself absolutely loved to watch the clouds, but the way Venable had looked at them on their previous flight was worth sitting near the hallway. The instructions began to roll out, and once the plane was ready to take off, Billie offered Venable a hand. "Hey," she said softly.