A/N: Oh, man, we're heading toward to huge dramatic climax! I'm getting so excited! Sorry this is kind of short but midterms and papers are totally kicking my butt and taking names. I am working a a huge chapter, where most everything comes together. Haha, so who wants to take a stab at what happens next?

Billy smiled at Adam, picked up his basket and sat down on the bench next to him. He chose a pear out of the basket, inspected it carefully, and handed it wordlessly to Adam. He moved with a specific deliberateness that agonized Adam.

Adam spoke first. "So, I guess you heard everything, then?"

Billy squinted at the setting sun, accentuating slight wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. Adam couldn't help but notice the imperfection, but somehow it made Billy more appealing. "I won't lie to you and say that I didn't—but it doesn't matter."

Adam's body tensed at the tone of Billy's voice. "What do you mean?"

"That first moment at the airport, I saw the way you and Tamsin looked at each other and I knew that you still loved her. The way you watch her, when you think no one is watching—I'd be daft not to notice."

Adam averted his eyes and stared at his shoe. "If you know that I love her, why did you ask me to be your best man?"

When Billy responded, he sounded a bit like an enigma. "I don't know, maybe it's a cruel streak in me."

Adam couldn't help but suppress a disbelieving smile. "No, really."

Billy caught his eye. "I meant it when I said that I liked you from the start. You're a good guy, Adam—it's just unfortunate that we have this huge wall between us."

Adam sighed. "Why do you have to be such a good guy, Billy? I'm supposed to hate you, but you make it so difficult."

"We can be friends," Billy started tentatively, "in fact, I'd like that."

Adam hesitated before answering, but nodded. "Yeah, I'd like that, too."

"Alright," Billy said awkwardly. "But, as your friend, I'd like to tell you that you're an idiot."

Adam turned his head quickly to glance at Billy. "What? Our friendship isn't getting off to that great of a start if you're insulting me already."

Billy gave a good-natured laugh. "I just can't believe that you let Thomasin get away. She really is something."

Adam responded solemnly. "I know that. Don't you think that I've been regretting it for the last two years?"

"Regret is one thing, Adam. Action is something entirely different."

If Billy intended a double meaning, Adam missed it completely. "You're right, Billy, I need to do something—I need to leave. I know that friends don't do this to each other, but I can't stay for the wedding."

If Billy was alarmed at the news, he kept it well-hidden. "You're leaving? When?"

"Tonight, if possible. I know that I'm supposed to be your best man, but..."

Billy interrupted. "I understand."

Adam smiled, but it looked more like a grimace. "Thank you." As he stood up to head to the house, Adam added, "I'm glad that it was you, Billy. I couldn't leave her with anyone else."

"Are you going to say goodbye to her?"

"No, I can't."

Billy looked after Adam as he walked away, a strangely pained expression on his face.