Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 20

"What if he hurts his hands?" Michael's voice rose to full volume.

As if on queue, Billy added an "ow."

"Oh fuck, we broke Billy Collins. This is why we can't have nice things," Michael lamented.

"You okay, babe?" I called down to him.

"Yeah, I just pinched my finger. I'll survive," Billy clarified.

"See, he's fine," I accented my point by sticking my tongue out at Michael.

"Lily," my mom scolded.

"Sorry, mom," I whined.

"Michael, go set the table," my mom demanded before turning to me. "Who are you dating?"

"Um, Billy," I tried to deflect.

"Yes, Billy, please come out from under the sink," my mom requested.

"One sec. Can you turn on the disposal first?" Billy asked.

"He's quite stubborn when he fixates on a puzzle," I shrugged before hitting the disposal that now grumbled without the added rattle. I smiled to myself before flicking it off.

"She should know," Billy continued as he pulled himself up while wiping his hands. "She a puzzle I've fixated on for years," he teased.

"I believe I'm owed an explanation. What kind of musician are you?" My mom was using her stern voice, which always made me feel like a teen in trouble.

"Well, that's an interesting question. We could probably spend a fair amount of time on that," Billy pondered as he leaned against the sink. "I guess maybe rock, but certainly with a heavy influence from blues and punk."

"And country," I reminded him.

"Of course, and folk seeps in often," Billy mused.

"My son seems to think you are quite successful," my mom declared.

"Another interesting question. It really depends on how you measure success," Billy absently nodded.

I had never heard someone grill Billy on his career before, and it was making me uncomfortable. "Mom, can we not be so..."

"No, it's fine," Billy stopped me. "These are interesting questions one should stop and ponder." He then turned his attention to my mom. "Yes, I'd classify myself as successful. More so lately than in the past," he definitively nodded.

"What? Lately?" Fell from my mouth before I could stop it.

"Mmhmm, many things are connecting." His voice was thin as he continued to ponder the thoughts whirring through his head.

"Connecting?" My mom said, baffled.

"Beth, I can assure you that I can more than support Lily in any path she chooses financially. Although, she doesn't need me. As I'm sure you are aware, she's quite successful. I hope Lily feels as though I can support her emotionally. We've struggled with that in the past, but it is much more of a focus now."

"You're famous?" My mom boldly asked.

"Yes, in certain pockets, I'd be considered famous," Billy agreed.

"Yeah, and those pockets are people that are breathing," my brother interjected from the doorway.

"Oh, well," my mom was clearly trying to hold her voice even, "good for you."

"Thank you. Now, is there anything else I can fix for you while I'm here?" Billy's voice came in his casual voice, high and thick with his Midwest accent.