Everything I Wanted

Can't Wait To See You - 16

After a few precious days back home in Charleston, it was finally time for Story to leave. The past few days had been filled with warmth and love, as she soaked up time with her mom, the twins, and even her grandparents, who had come by to wish her well. They all shared stories over dinner, played with the twins, and even indulged in a little family karaoke night.

When the Uber pulled up to her loft, Story gave each of them a tight hug, saving the twins for last. "Be good for Mom, okay?" she said with a smile, ruffling Kai's hair and giving Noa's cheek a gentle pinch.

"Come back soon, Story!" they both chirped, waving wildly as the car drove off.

At the airport, Story moved on autopilot. She put her AirPods in immediately, letting her favorite playlist drown out the surrounding noise. After checking her luggage, she made a quick stop for a caramel macchiato before heading to her gate. The bittersweetness of leaving her family tugged at her heart, but the anticipation of seeing Billie again kept her spirits high.

Billie and Story had been on the phone almost constantly the past few days. They talked about everything and nothing—Billie's upcoming shoots, Story's final days in Charleston, and even what kind of snacks Billie should stock at home and on the bus for her. It had become so easy to talk to Billie, like they'd known each other for years.

As Story texted Billie to let her know she was boarding, she smiled at the immediate reply:

Bils🤍: "Have a safe flight, Belle. Can't wait to see you. 💙"

The flight went smoothly, and as the plane touched down, Story felt her pulse quicken. She hurriedly grabbed both her carry-ons and made her way through the terminal, pulling her hood over her head and slipping on her oversized sunglasses. She didn't stop for anything, weaving through the airport with practiced ease until she spotted the familiar matte black Dodge Challenger at the front of the pickup line.

The car was unmistakably Billie's—sleek, understated, and somehow perfectly her. Story made her way over, tossing her luggage into the trunk before sliding into the passenger seat.

As soon as she closed the door, Billie turned to her, a wide smile lighting up her face. "Hey, you!"

"Hi!" Story replied, her own smile matching Billie's as they leaned in for a quick hug, their laughter bubbling up naturally.

"It's good to see you," Billie said, pulling back but keeping her eyes on Story for a moment longer, as if she were making sure she was really there.

"You too," Story said softly, feeling a familiar warmth spread through her chest.

The car was filled with the hum of soft conversation as Billie drove. They talked about Story's trip, her family, and the chaos of airports, all while Billie navigated the streets of LA with ease. The city lights flashed by, and once again, Story felt a calm sense of belonging.

When they finally pulled into Billie's driveway, Story looked over at her with a grin. "I still can't believe you volunteered to pick me up."

Billie chuckled, shutting off the car. "Of course I did. You're my friend, Story. I'd pick you up anytime."

The words were simple, but the sincerity in Billie's voice made Story's heart skip a beat. She smiled to herself, grabbing her bag as they headed inside, ready for whatever the next chapter of her journey had in store.

✨

Once they arrived at Billie's house, Billie didn't even wait for Story to grab her bag. "I got it," she said casually, slinging the strap over her shoulder and heading inside.