Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

All at once, it was over. One minute blistering music was echoing around the stadium, and then bows. Tim and Brandon flanked Billy's sides as his arms stretched over their shoulders. In unison, they bowed. The show and crowd had pleased Billy. His toothy jack-o'-lantern grin filled his face as his dimples dotted his cheeks. It hypnotized me, distracting me from the surrounding bustle. Billy's hand landed on the small of my back as he ushered me along. He chatted with Tess and Mary errantly, but the words didn't connect with me. I felt like a leaf floating down a river. I was neither in charge nor out of control. Everyone's orchestrated movements made me wonder when I missed the exit strategy meeting. In one moment, I watched Billy, Tim, and Brandon bow on stage; the next, I found myself in Billy's Tesla. We were half a block away before I snapped to reality.

"James' car is on the side of the road!" I shot.

"Mmhmm, or someone has already towed it; hard to tell," Billy agreed as he navigated the traffic.

"No, I mean, what if we stranded him and the kids?"

"They're with Tess and Tim. They brought separate cars. Trust me; everyone is where they should be." As he spoke, he lifted my hand to his lips.

"Where are we going?" I asked as the Duluth city streets passed my window.

"Not far, but we have a pit stop first. I always get a hotel room so I can shower and change before I head over," Billy explained.

"Smart," I absently noted.

"I had a rack of clothes delivered for you," he admitted with a wince.

"That was thoughtful," I passively said as my mind tried to connect with this life.

"I know you were worried about what to wear tonight, and I want you to be comfortable," Billy explained, expecting an adverse reaction.

Billy needed my attention, so I reluctantly tore my eyes from the city and let out a breath I had been holding for far too long before sinking into his side.

"Thank you, Billy," I deliberately spoke.

"You okay? Are you feeling anxious?" Billy prodded.

"Huh? Oh, no. Just thinking," I sighed.

"What are you thinking about?" Billy prodded.

I assessed my thoughts: watching Billy play, watching Jackson play publicly, and being with the family. The evening was simmering, but my complete thought was elusive.

"I'm not sure yet, but you'll be the first to know." I smiled as I snuggled into his side. Even with his coat on, I could tell sweat drenched him. "You must be cold."

"Not too bad, but I'm looking forward to a shower." As he spoke, he pulled in front of a hotel. "Hey," he greeted the valet as he pulled himself from the car. "We're only going to be here for an hour; not sure if you want to park it," he offered as he handed over the keys and paced to my door.

"No problem. I'll keep it close for you, sir," the valet offered.

"Do we have to check in?" I asked as Billy paced past the front desk.

"Roger checked us in earlier." He smiled as his finger plunged into an elevator button. Billy pulled me to him as the doors closed on the lobby. "Any luck on those thoughts?" His lips hit my forehead.

"I loved tonight. You played so well, and I can't wait to see you play again. I loved seeing Jackson on stage for the first time. Being with the family was everything."

"I'm sensing that you loved it," Billy teased as he released me. His hand fell to the small of my back and ushered me from the elevator.

"But I almost missed it all because of a stupid flat tire," I lamented.