Would you Swallow all your Pride?

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Chiffon.

"I will." Venable watched as Emma got inside, waving at her before she disappeared behind the closing gate. Now, in solitude, Wilhemina took a deep breath. Before her mind could spiral, Venable turned the car on and drove back to the ice cream shop; she parked there and grabbed her wallet, walking on autopilot until she found the small jewelry store again. It was about to close when she got inside. The coral bracelet made its way home with Wilhemina, carefully placed into a white box and inside a beautiful, delicate blue gift bag.

Friday morning arrived, and with it came the realization of the dream Wilhemina had had throughout the night; she was in Emma's house, and Billie Dean was there, too. And suddenly Emma was gone, and the house had gotten much cozier. Wilhemina walked to Billie and kissed her full on the lips without thinking twice, and only when she felt coral nails caressing her skin did she realize she was naked. But Venable didn't pull away; if anything, she pulled closer. And Billie Dean held her tightly, caressing her hips and up to her waist and ribs and back. Her hands caressed the crooked part of her spine. And all of a sudden, Billie pulled away. Wilhemina froze. Honey eyes met her own, and Billie Dean looked so damn sweet Venable's legs began to get wobbly. 'You're a masterpiece,' the dream Billie said before slowly spinning Venable around in her arms. Wilhemina felt as Billie Dean pulled her hair to the side and a pair of lips pressed down against the base of her neck, slowly going lower until they caressed the part Venable hated the most about herself. Wilhemina let out a sigh, and the hands on her waist seemed to shift in shape. Quickly, Venable looked down; there were no coral, long nails anymore, but instead short nails with red nail polish. As fast as she could, Wilhemina turned back around, shame downing on her. Green eyes stared at her with a frown. 'Wilhemina?' a familiar voice called from behind her. Venable looked that way, and there Billie Dean stood again. She offered her a hand. Emma held her closer. And the Sun made sure to angle perfectly at Venable's pillow, for that's when she woke up. Now, with consciousness falling upon her, Wilhemina licked her lips. She stared at the ceiling. I don't want that anymore.

Arriving at the company that morning, Billie Dean was thankful she hadn't drunken another bottle of wine the night before like she had done on Wednesday. Instead, she had taken a long bath and eaten some Taco Bell—which wasn't much better health wise, but at least it didn't give her a migraine. As the elevator was about to close, Billie watched as Jenny came nearly running towards it. Billie Dean was quick to stop the door.

"Oof—" Jenny took a deep breath as she got inside. "Thank you." She had her phone in hand, as always.

"Are you alright?" Billie Dean chuckled softly.

"Yeah." Jenny looked at her. "I just didn't want to wait until the elevator came back down."

"Fair."

Jenny hummed in agreement. The elevator had begun its way up. "I've received the pictures of your outfit for tonight. The crew will be at your house with everything needed for hair and makeup at around two."

"Perfect." Billie Dean had chosen a long, pinkish-white dress with a chic, beautiful cleavage; the material was soft and flowy, and it accentuated her waist and matched perfectly with white stilettos she had bought some time ago. It was perfect. Billie had felt beautiful in it.

"Will you need me there to assist you?"

"No, no. You go and get ready yourself, don't worry."

"Alright."

The doors opened, and both stepped out of the elevator and into the main office. Billie Dean guided them straight to her own, and as she passed through H.R., she couldn't help but notice that Wilhemina wasn't there. And everyone else already was, including Emma. Is she at the bathroom? Or kitchen? No, her desk was empty and her computer hadn't been turned on. Billie Dean bit her lower lip. As they got to the more secluded office, Billie set her purse down and reached to grab one of the documents on the table. She began to read it, but couldn't concentrate; was Wilhemina alright? Had something happened? When had she ever been, quote on quote, late before? Billie Dean's foot began to bounce against the floor. Jenny eyed her. "Spill it out."