"You're in trouble, Patrick," he managed to get out.
"I know it," Patrick said. "Well, we'll see you, Billy."
"Obliged. Good night, Willow."
"Good night, Billy."
Tears came to her in bed as she remembered. She and Patrick had walked up the street leaving Billy behind. He had given them his blessing, from a doorway, alone. It was like being married. She felt accepted for the first time as part of a public couple. "Obliged, Billy," she said and slept.
9
Fifteen years later, on a November morning, two soccer teams faced each other across a lush green field. San Francisco Bay was distantly visible from the bleachers, blue shading to gray.
"Go, Mustangs!" a dark haired woman in her prime said to a friend joining her. "Hi, Willow."
"Morning, Cree." Willow set down a canvas tote bag and the two exchanged hugs. "Brrrr."
"I know." Cree pointed at the boys who were running together as a whistle blew. "They get to keep warm."