Everything I Wanted

We Just Click - 9

The day had come. Story felt a mix of excitement and nerves as Gracie drove her to the vegan restaurant where she would finally meet Billie Eilish. The entire drive, Story kept checking her phone, running through the messages with Billie one last time. Her heart pounded in her chest, not because she was nervous, but because she was finally about to meet someone who felt so easy to talk to, so natural.

Gracie parked in front of the restaurant, her eyes sparkling with excitement for her friend. "You're gonna do great," she said, giving Story an encouraging smile. "I'm so happy for you. I know this lunch is gonna be amazing."

Story grinned, squeezing Gracie's hand before she got out of the car. "Thanks, Gracie. I just... can't believe it's actually happening."

"I know! Go in there and be yourself," Gracie added with a wink. "And don't forget to have fun. Billie's amazing."

Story nodded, taking a deep breath as she smoothed our her dress and straightened her jacket. "I will. I'll text you when I'm done, okay?"

"Of course. I'll be waiting right here for you. Go have an awesome lunch!" Gracie cheered, before pulling off, leaving Story standing in front of the restaurant.

With a final deep breath, Story walked inside. The scent of fresh herbs and spices filled the air as she made her way toward the back corner, just like Billie had told her. It was a quiet, cozy section of the restaurant, with soft lighting and a warm atmosphere.

As she got closer to the back, Story's heart stopped. She saw her—the one and only Billie Eilish, sitting at a table, her black hair cascading over her shoulders. Billie was looking down at her phone, but as Story stepped closer, their eyes met.

It was like time slowed down for a second. Story felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. She had been texting this woman for 20 hours, but now, here she was, in front of her. And it felt like... home?

Her heart beat faster with each step. Then she saw Billie standing up from the table, and for a moment, everything else faded away. In-person, Billie was even more beautiful than she'd imagined—her bright eyes, framed by messy black hair, sparkled with a warmth that felt both grounding and electric. There was an ease in her smile and a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself, making Story's breath catch. She looked like a dream, real yet almost surreal, and Story felt her cheeks flush as she realized she was about to sit down with the person who'd inspired so much of her own journey.

Billie's face lit up as she stood up, her smile reaching her eyes. She opened her arms, and Story couldn't help but feel a wave of warmth wash over her.

"Oh my god," Billie said with a soft laugh, pulling Story into a hug, she felt warm and fuzzy, enjoying every second of her hug with Billie. "I'm so happy to finally meet you in person."

"Hey, Story," Billie said, her voice a calm, soothing contrast to Story's fluttering thoughts, pulling back from the hug.

"Hi," Story managed, giving a shy smile as she met Billie's eyes. For a brief second, she felt tongue-tied, the words getting stuck just behind her smile.

Billie stepped in for another hug, and Story took a breath, relaxing a little as she leaned into it. The embrace was quick but kind, and when they pulled away, Billie's relaxed grin made her feel a touch braver.

As Story and Billie settled in at the cozy back table, they ordered their food—Billie going for a familiar dish while Story hesitantly tried a vegan plate recommended by Billie. As the dishes arrived, their conversation deepened, becoming a blend of curiosity, shared experiences, and quiet understanding.

"So, when did you realize you wanted to do music?" Billie asked, picking at her plate with a thoughtful smile.

Story paused, a soft smile forming. "I think I always knew. Growing up, I would sing around the house, and my mom was so supportive. But it was when I started posting covers online that I realized people actually wanted to hear me sing." She laughed lightly. "It was terrifying at first, but I just couldn't imagine myself doing anything else."