Chapter 47

As the night wound down, we all left the restaurant feeling full, both from the food and the warmth of the evening. My mom hugged me tightly before heading to her car, whispering a quiet"I'm so proud of you," before she left.

Danny gave me a playful salute before disappearing into the night, and then it was just me, Ivy, Aidan, and Billie standing outside, the cool night air settling around us.Billie rubbed her hands together, glancing over at me. "I should probably head home. Let you guys get some rest before tomorrow."

I tried not to let my disappointment show. I knew she needed her space, but I'd gotten so used to having her around. Still, I nodded. "Yeah, makes sense. Biggg day tomorrow."

Billie grinned, stepping closer. "Big day," she echoed, her voice softer. She lifted a hand, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

"Okay."She hesitated for a second, like she wanted to say something else, but instead, she leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to my cheek before stepping back. "Night, Em."

"Night, B."Ivy and Aidan gave her quick goodbyes before we all piled into our car, heading back to the apartment.

-I woke up to the sound of Ivy knocking on my bedroom door."Em, wake up! It's listening party day!"

I groaned into my pillow before pushing myself up. The weight of today settled in almost immediately-excitement, nerves, everything wrapped into one.

Dragging myself out of bed, I went through my morning routine, stepping out into the kitchen where Aidan was already making coffee and Ivy was scrolling through her phone.

"You nervous?" Ivy asked, glancing up.

I shrugged, grabbing a mug. "A little. It's weird. I've spent so much time on this album, and now people are finally gonna hear it."

Aidan smirked. "Well, not just people. Close friends. Family. The people who already think you're a genius."

I snorted. "Right, because that makes it less nerve-wracking."

Ivy set her phone down. "Billie texted. She's on her way."

I felt my stomach flip at that, but I kept my expression neutral, nodding. "Yayy."

Aidan squinted at me, like he could see right through me, but thankfully, he didn't say anything.

Not long after, there was a knock at the door.

As soon as Ivy opened the door, Billie stepped inside, her eyes immediately locking onto me. A slow smile spread across her lips before she closed the distance between us, wrapping her arms around my waist and pulling me into a tight hug.

"Morning, baby," she murmured, her voice warm against my ear.

I melted into her embrace, my hands resting on her back."Morning."

She pulled back just enough to press a soft kiss to my lips, lingering for a second before grinning at me. "You ready for today?"

I exhaled, a nervous laugh slipping out. "I think so."

Billie's hands settled on my hips, grounding me. "I can't wait to hear the whole album tonight," she said, her excitement clear in her voice.

"I mean, I've heard pieces, but getting to sit and take it all in? That's gonna be something else."Her words sent a warmth through my chest, the nerves still there but softened by her presence.

Ivy groaned from behind us. "Okay, lovebirds, let's move it along. We've got things to do."

Billie just smirked but didn't step away from me right away, her fingers squeezing my waist before finally letting go.

"Alright, alright," she said, turning toward Ivy and Aidan. "Let's get this day started."

-

The morning passed in a blur of last minute preparations. Ivy and Aidan helped straighten up the apartment, moving furniture around to make space for later. I double checked my playlist, making sure everything was in order, whilst Billie lounged on the couch, watching me in amusement.

"You know everything's gonna be perfect, right?" She said, propping her chin on her hand.

I sighed, scrolling through my notes again"It has to be, this is the first time people are going to hear it all together, start to finish, it has to feel right"

Billie stood up and crossed the room, gently taking my phone from my hands."It does feel right. And stressing over it isn't gonna change anything"

She set my phone down and grabbed my hands, giving them a light squeeze"Now breathe. We've got the whole day ahead of us"

I exhaled slowly, nodding "You're right"

"I usually am" she smirked kissing me lightly on the lips. I laid my forehead against hers for a moment before Ivy called from the kitchen .

"Em, what are we doing about food tonight? Are we ordering, or do we need to make a grocery run?"

"Ordering" I called back immediately, lifting my head off of Billie's"No way am I cooking tonight"

"Smart choice" Aidan added"I'd rather have time to get ready than be covered in Food before people get here"

Billie grinned "Speaking of getting ready, I should probably head back to mine soon, so I'm not rushing last minute"

I nodded"Yeah, we should probably all start figuring out what we're wearing too"

"You're gonna look amazing, whatever you wear" Billie said, pressing a kiss to my temple before grabbing her keys "I'll be back later"

I followed her to the door, lingering as she opened it.

"Text me when you're on your way?"

"Always" she smiled before heading out, leaving me with a strange mix of excitement and nerves swirling in my chest.

Tonight was going to be big.