“Oh, I don’t think so.” Debra reached for the flowersandBillie’s hand and tugged her gently over the threshold.
“Debra…”
Debra closed the door and kept hold of her hand. “You’re not coming back later. You’re here now.”
Billie swallowed. Debra telling her what to do was causing a reaction she hadn’t anticipated.
“Is that okay?” Debra asked. “Maeve would love to meet you.”
“Y-yeah. That’s fine.” Billie wasn’t entirely sure she was right, she didn’t usually meet other people’s best friends, but she guessed now was as good a time as any. She didn’t plan to go anywhere, so it made sense to meet Maeve now, instead of down the line. For once, she was jumping in headfirst. “Well, come on then. What are we waiting for?”
Debra gave Billie’s hand a squeeze and led her inside.
Maeve stood in the living room with a cup of coffee in her hand, dressed casually, watching Billie like someone’s best friend likely would. Especially if that best friend had been told about Billie’s back and forth to date. She recognised the look on her face immediately. Concern, but also curiosity. Maeve was appraising her.
How the tables have turned.
“Well, then,” Maeve said with a dramatic sigh, “she’s actually real.”
Debra rolled her eyes. “Maeve.”
Billie surprised herself by laughing. A warm, genuine sound that belonged toher, not Billie Brown the brand or the high-end tailor. Just…Billie. “Hi.” Billie stepped forward, her hand still firmly in Debra’s. “I’m Billie.”
Maeve lowered her cup to the table and folded her arms across her chest. “I know.”
“Right.” Billie laughed. “Of course you do.”
Debra gave Maeve a pointed look. “Be nice.”
“Iamnice.” Maeve scoffed. “I’m lovely, actually.”
Billie cocked her head a little. She was sure Maevewaslovely, Debra wouldn’t tolerate her company if she wasn’t, but Billie could at least break the ice by winding her up a little. “I can’t confirm that yet. I’m going to need a little more than you simply telling me you know who I am.”
Maeve nodded slowly, her eyes narrowed. “Oh, I like you.”
“What?” Debra’s mouth fell open. “Already?”
Maeve waved a hand. “Oh, hush. Don’t be jealous.”
“She’s not wrong.” Billie glanced in Debra’s direction, choosing to tease her too. She couldn’t help it. She was high on life today, and no amount ofanythingcould bring her down. “Idoinspire jealousy.”
Debra turned, fully offended. “Excuse me?”
“Oh, come on. You dragged me inside here like someone else was eyeing me up down on the street.”
“Oh, Deb.” Maeve giggled. “You’ve got it bad.”
Debra groaned. “I’mgenuinelygoing to throw you out.”
Billie watched them, that effortless rhythm between two women who’d clearly loved one another for a long time. It was grounding in a way Billie hadn’t expected.
“I didn’t mean to gatecrash your afternoon with each other. I’m sorry.” Billie could have continued the fun, but she also knew how important it was for someone to have a moment with their best friend. “I can leave and come back later.”
Debra turned to her fully. “You’re not gatecrashing, and you’re not leaving.”
“O…kay then. I guess I’m staying.”
Maeve smiled and sat down in the armchair, the atmosphere exactly what Billie hoped it would be when this day eventually arrived. Sure, she thought she’d have more time to prepare herself, but sometimes preparation went against her. She would have only sat at home, deep in her head, worrying about what Maeve thought of her.
