Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 16

"Boxes, rolls, and a tree," Billy listed as a reminder. "And didn't you have some last-minute shopping?"

"Ah, I'm sure I have a purse I haven't touched for my sister and a bottle of something for my brother," I countered.

"That's the thoughtful gift-giving I expect from you," Billy teased as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Mmhmm, I just want to be home now," I murmured.

"Hey." His hand slipped to my knee. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I just like being alone with you and..."

"Not looking forward to tonight?"

"Christmas Eve was always my favorite. I'd go over early and play cards with my dad. And at some point, he'd convince me to wrap all his presents for him."

"Okay, grocery store and then home. We'll hang out this afternoon."

"Thanks, Billy." I leaned in deeply into his side as he drove.

"Do you want roll duty in the grocery store or box duty at FedEx?" I asked as Billy pulled into the strip mall.

"Boxes, too many choices with rolls," he definitively spoke as though he had been expecting the question.

"Okay, I'll meet you back here," I whimpered as I pulled myself away from his warmth.

The grocery store was packed. I got one of the last hand carts before venturing into the masses. The rolls were pretty picked over, but I got a pack pushed far enough back to obscure them from view. As I headed to the checkout, I passed an end cap lined with bottles of champagne. It was the same bottle with the orange label that Billy always kept on hand. I smiled as I plucked up a bottle and continued to the checkout. Even the ten items or fewer line moved slowly, but eventually, I paid. I welcomed the brisk December air after the stifling atmosphere of the packed grocery store.

"Hey." Billy's face filled with a mischievous smile.

"What did you do?" I skeptically asked.

"Nothing I didn't promise," he announced as he popped the trunk to reveal a two-foot tree tucked inside.

"Oh my, that's the cutest thing I've ever seen," I laughed.

"Cuter than my dimples?" Billy's brow furrowed with the false offense.

"True, second cutest thing," I agreed. "I also got you something," I added as I pulled the bottle of champagne from my bag.

"Lily Turncott, are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Yes, desperately, yes." I nodded.

"Honestly, woman, I can't take you anywhere," he lamented as he closed the trunk with a thud.

"How many boxes did you get?" I asked as I slid into the car.

"Twenty-four," he answered as he pulled out of the parking spot.

"Hm, that should cover my shoes. We're going to have to discuss closet space," I murmured.

"I'm not worried. I suspect many of your things will fit perfectly in Viv's closet."

"Oh no, is she a clothes stealer?"

"And shoes, and bags, and jewelry... I think Sarah has a lock on her closet now," Billy laughed.

"Well, maybe if I let her steal my clothes, she'll like me better."

"Maybe; she already thinks you're a truth ninja," Billy shrugged.

"Is that a good thing?"

"I'm never certain with Viv, but currently, yes... I think." Billy pondered a bit more. "Lil, while I don't enjoy you and Tim arguing, I appreciate your defense. It might be misplaced because Tim is as much of my success as my talent is, but the sentiment is not lost on me."