That was high praise.
And then,impossibly, Caleb asked another question. And then another. About fabrics and how long it took to learn the craft. Then whether Billie had ever made anything for guys.
Debra stepped back, her heart swelling as she watched it all unfold. Her son, talking and engaging. Her son, who rarely found an interest outside of his gaming or his studies…asking follow-up questions. Her daughter perched on the arm of the couch now, watching Billie with open interest, clearly delighted. And Billie, relaxed and smiling, answering whatever was thrown at her without trying to impress.
Debra felt the weight she’d been unknowingly carrying slip from her shoulder.
This…wasgoing to work.
“You staying for dinner then, Billie?” Charlotte asked. “I mean, I’m guessing you are…”
Billie glanced in Debra’s direction, checking before she dared to confirm or deny. When Debra nodded, Billie cleared her throat. “If that’s okay with you and Caleb.”
“Obviously, it’s okay.” Charlotte snorted.
“Then yes. I’ll be here for dinner.”
“Good. Now, I’m starving, so can we decide what the plansarefor dinner? Then I’ll make us all some lunch.”
Caleb nodded. “Same. I didn’t have any breakfast.”
Debra sighed, regarding Caleb with a knowing look. “What have I told you about skipping breakfast?”
“Sorry. I went to the library early, and by the time I got back, I didn’t really have time to eat anything. Then I nearly missed my train, so I couldn’t pick anything up from the coffee shop.”
“God, Caleb!” Charlotte shook her head as she rose to her feet. “You really need to manage your time better!” She tutted and wandered off with her bag.
Debra watched them all drift further into the flat as her kids settled in. When Billie followed them, offering drinks and snacks, Debra leaned back against the wall for a moment, overwhelmed by just how right it all felt.
Six weeks ago, she hadn’tdaredto imagine this. But now? Dinner plans were being made, her kids were happy, and the woman she loved was laughing in her kitchen.
Debra closed her eyes and allowed the moment to imprint itself.
Perfect didn’t exist. But this cameterrifyinglyclose.
Billie flickedthe lights on as she stepped inside Brown & Co., the shop greeting her with its usual quiet dignity. This placealwaysfelt different at night; she’d preferred it at one time, but not anymore. She was here to check on something, and then she would be gone again. She no longer sat in the shadows with a glass of whiskey, trying to control everything around her. Now, she found herself curled up with Debra, making plans for her days off.
She closed the door over behind her and headed straight for the back. Nina’s panicked voicemail had replayed in her mind for the entire journey over here. Something about potentially leaving the clothes steamer on…and how she’d never be able to live with herself if the shop burned down overnight. She’d offered to travel back into the city, but it was easier for Billie to drive over and check it out. They’d finished dinner at Debra’s, and nobody had minded her popping out for a little while.
Billie pushed the utility room door open and turned on the light. The steamer sat in the corner, cold and completely harmless. She crossed the room anyway, her hand hovering in front of it out of habit, while she checked the plug. It was off. It was fine.
She laughed and shook her head. Poor Nina would be mortified in the morning, but it was always best to check these things. Billiecouldhave been waking up tomorrow with the skeleton of a shop and nothing more.
Billie pulled her phone from her pocket and called Nina. She answered on the second ring. “Please tell me I didn’t burn the place down.”
“You didn’t burn the place down,” Billie said as she leaned against the doorframe. “Everything’s off. Everything’s fine. Carry on with your evening.”
Nina let out an audible sigh of relief. “I’m so sorry. I just kept thinking?—”
“I know. It’s alright. I was nearby anyway.” A small lie, but it was easier than talking Nina down from heading back into the city. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Nina.”
They hung up, but Billie decided to linger in the quiet of her office before she headed back to Debra’s. She turned out the light in the utility room and crossed the hallway, noticing how her heart felt oddly full yet…light this evening.
She unlocked her phone and opened her messages. Ella would want to know the huge news that Billie was currently sitting on.
Just met Debra’s kids.I’m alive and there are no signs of trauma. They’re actually brilliant kids. You can tell she’s raised them right.
Three dots appearedinstantly.
