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The fundraising gala was the kind that glimmered with polite laughter and clinking glasses. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen constellations, scattering glimmers across the ballroom. Soft jazz floated through the air between conversations about research grants and sponsorship pledges. Rebecca moved through it all with an easy grace that still felt new to her- grateful smiles, quick nods, a glass of something sparkling in hand.
Billy, ever composed, blended into the crowd with calm vigilance. A kind of stillness that noticed everything but gave nothing away. Black suit, tie knotted perfectly. Quietly striking, should anyone happen to look his way. Even in a great hall of donors and doctors, he looked like he belonged.
Rebecca spotted him across the room, swapping humorous remarks with the bartender and one of the event coordinators. His posture relaxed, his smile small but genuine. A light tap on his shoulder made him glance to the side. The moment his eyes found hers, the noise around them seemed to fade, as if the rest of the world were respectfully stepping aside.
“I’m thinking of making a dash,” Rebecca whispered.
Billy lifted an eyebrow. “Already?”
She nodded, exhaling softly. “Think I’ve done enough networking for the night.”
He finished his drink and set the glass down, offering a polite nod to the bartender. “Not with me you haven’t” he said as he straightened.
Rebecca laughed, surprised. “Are you serious?”
Billy tilted his head toward the dance floor. “Come on.”
She grunted playfully and followed anyway, her amusement lingering as he gently tugged her there. A few early dancers were already swaying when the band shifted gears. A smooth bass line hummed to life, familiar and tender.
They wasted no time slipping into rhythm, eyes finding each other as if the rest of the room had quietly disappeared.
“Careful, you'll melt me with that look,” Rebecca warned him.
Billy’s lips curved, his gaze steady on hers “Guess we'll see just how quickly”.
Rebecca gasped sharply. “You did not just say that,” she protested, though the warmth in her voice betrayed the scolding she gave.
The song’s rhythm wrapped around them. Smooth bass, soft drums, that shimmering guitar line. Billy guided her easily, one hand at her waist, the other lightly clasping hers. It wasn’t just a dance that they shared. It was a quiet conversation, made of movement and shared glances.
Make a wish, baby, well and I will make it come true. Make a list, baby, of the things I’ll do for you.
They swayed in time with the melody, the lyrics washing over them like a reflection of everything they’d endured and everything they still held onto.
Rebecca rested her head against his shoulder. Billy breathed her in, feeling the soft and quiet press against his chest. The moment felt weightless and lasting. No horror is chasing after them, absolutely nothing. He closed his eyes, feeling contented, safe, and at peace.
After a few beats, Billy interjected “So,” he murmured, echoing the lyric, “What do you want me to do?”
Rebecca laughed under her breath. “Asking for a list, are we?”
He gave a half-smirk. “Doesn’t hurt to look.”
And she chuckled at that “It’s a pretty long list.”
Billy didn’t rush to reply, letting the saxophone solo take its time. Its serenade too sweet to be interrupted by words.
“Is that supposed to scare me?” she heard him say, his words airy yet low and grounded.
For a number of heartbeats, they just looked at each other, the shared stillness pressing soft and warm between the rich and velvety notes.
Ain't no risk, now. In lettin' my love rain down on you —
Half-way through the song, she glanced up again. “Hey, were you already around when this song debuted?”
Billy raised a brow. “You’re calling me old now?”
“Just curious,” she told him, tilting her head sideways, feigning innocence.
He huffed a quiet laugh. “Let’s just say, I was around when good music still meant something.”
“Oh, ouch,” Rebecca responded, wincing through her smile. “If you say so, Sir”
“Don’t worry,” he said smoothly, “You bring down my average.”
Rebecca's eyes went wide at the accusation and she almost threw a fist at him. They continued to laugh quietly at nothing. Around them, other couples joined in, but none of it mattered. It was just the two of them. The music, the sway, the slow heartbeat of something that had survived so much and still found rhythm.
As the final chords faded, Billy leaned closer, “You know,” he said, “Every time I think life has gone flat… You went and proved me wrong.”
Rebecca smiled, “You mean that as a complaint?”
He smiled into her hair. “Not a chance, dollface.”