Page 122 of Last Call

“There’s more going on than just the waiting.”

Billie turned to give Fallon her full attention.

Fallon took another sip before setting the bottle on the coffee table. “Riley and I—we’re going to try. To have a baby.”

Billie didn’t respond right away.

“In two weeks,” Fallon added. “Our first attempt.”

“How are you feeling about it?”

Fallon let out a shaky breath. “Like I’m standing at the edge of a cliff, praying to sprout wings. I want this. Maybe more than I’ve ever wanted anything. But I’m also terrified it might not work. Or it might—and then everything changes.”

"I get it."

“I didn’t want to tell you at first," Fallon admitted. "Not because I don’t trust you—I do.”

Billie nodded. “Because I wanted kids.”

Fallon winced. “Yeah.”

Billie took a slow sip of beer. “I did. You know, Andi's brought it up a few times—the possibility."

Fallon probably shouldn't have been surprised. She was. "Of having a baby?"

"Yeah."

"Do you want that?" Fallon asked.

"I'd be lying if I said I never think about it. But no. I like our life. I think I'm okay with everyone else adding babies."

"Billie?"

"Yeah?"

"It scares me. Riley getting pregnant. It scares me even more that she won't."

“I think that's normal, Fallon. I'd feel the same way if it were Andi."

“How long do you think it'll be before we hear anything?"

"I don't know," Billie replied. "Babies do things on their time, not ours."

"Great."

Billie laughed. "I'm sure Andi or Riley will call with an update soon."

"Yeah. Hey, Billie?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks for being here—for me. I know you must be anxious, too."

“I’m always here for you,” Billie said. “Whether you’re pacing the waiting room or torturing Riley with toads."

Fallon laughed.

Silence hovered for a moment.

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