“Do… do you want her to come over?” I ask, hesitantly.
“Yes. We should have birthday cake,” she announces.
Colt chokes on a laugh as he asks, “Whose birthday is it?”
“Who cares!?” Billie replies.
My ute idles to a halt as we pull into Annabeth’s driveway. Billie’s still belting songs fromThe Greatest Showmansoundtrack in the backseat,the birthday cake she picked bouncing along with her knee. I can’t help but wonder what state of disarray the cake is going to be in by the time we get home.
“Aright, princess, I’ll be back in a minute,” I tell her.
“I wanna come,” she replies, discarding the cake box on the seat next to her and unbuckling her seat belt. I know there’s no point arguing with her, I’ll never win.
She climbs out of the vehicle, skipping around to the front before I can even get up. The smile on her face is nothing short of ecstatic as she giggles, making her way up the driveway. I scramble out of the cab, nearly running to catch up, but I’m not quick enough. She’s already knocking on the door. I make it to the entryway just as the door creeps open from inside and watch as Ella’s face takes in the sight before her.
“Well, well, well, I assume you pair aren’t here to takemeto dinner,” she says warmly.
Billie’s eyes light up as she politely asks, “Ms Ella, may you please tell Ms Harrington to put on a pink shirt. I am wearing a pink shirt, and I want to match.” She dramatically gestures to her outfit, adding a little twirl for extra flair.
“I think I can do justthat, Billie-Mae. Come on in,” Ella replies, tousling Billie’s curls affectionately as she widens the door, allowing us to enter. My entire body tingles with nervous energy.
Billie doesn’t skip a beat. She’s already waltzing inside, dragging me along behind her. My chest tightens, and I realise I haven’t actually been insideof Annabeth’s house. I immediately regret every decision I’ve made today, and panic rises through my body.
“Annnnnaaaaa,” Ella calls, a hint of delight in her voice.
“She’s home today. I’m shitting bricks, Ella. What if she gets upset?Oh god, what ifDallasgets upset,” Annabeth’s voice carries in from the kitchen.
“I think you might be safe there, honey,” Ella shouts back.
We continue through the hallway just as Annabeth turns the corner and comes face to face with the Ella, whose holding hands with Billie, whose holding hands with me, and I instantly realise this probably looks like a fucking ambush.
Billie immediately drops both of our hands, squeezing past Ella to launch herself at Annabeth. The unexpected impact makes her stumble back as she catches Billie in her arms.
“Billie,” she exclaims.
“Daddy said you have to wear a pink shirt and come to dinner,” Billie announces.
“Did he now?”
I shake my head, mouthing the word ‘no,’ while giving her my best, slightly panicked, apologetic expression.
“You better come help me pick one then,” Annabeth continues, taking Billie’s hand as they make their way towards what I assume is her bedroom.
Ella turns back to me. “Want a whiskey?” she asks.
“Yeah,” I reply, letting out a long sigh.
I hear Billie and Annabeth chatting in her room as I wander into the kitchen. Taking a seat, I allow my eyes to roam my surroundings. Their home is simple, tidy, exactly what you’d expect from two single women in their late twenties. There’s artwork lining the walls, a small stand in the corner that houses several guitars, throw pillows on the couch, and there seems to be a lot of plants.
The kitchen is a pale blue, with a matching splash-back that has afloral print scattered around it. There’re empty bottles of wine in the corner of the bench, and several flyers for Lee’s Asian Takeaway lying around in various places. I find myself smiling as I imagine the nights Annabeth and Ella must have here together.
“On the rocks,” Ella says, sliding a crystal glass in my direction.
She cocks her hip against the breakfast bar, a knowing smirk creeping across her face as she asks, “You okay?”
I shoot her a questioning stare and she continues, “Colt’s only told me bits, but I can’t even begin to imagine what this has been like for you, for all of you. Seems Billie’s stoked though. Anna’s always talking about her. I think you’re gonna be fine.”
“Thank you, I’m shitting myself,” I confess.
