This time, Billy squeezes back, and that smile gains its legs a little bit. "Yeah. I mean, I've only ever been with Teddy. He was the first person who ever...so I guess it's just, been hard. You know? Especially with everything. The way that went. Him leaving before we even found Tommy, because things were just...too much. I just don't want to do that again. Make someone feel like they have no other choice but running as far across the country as they can. Like, he literally wasn't okay until he was over a thousand miles away, what does that even say about me?"

He sighs, shaking his head. Okay, Bill, no more talking about you. He's about to apologize again when Rinoa says what she does, and the words are derailed momentarily. "Your ex, huh? You're definitely going to have to tell me that story sometime. But you're right. let's get back out there."

Standing, Billy squeezes Rinoa's hand again, then lets go. "Thanks, Rinoa. Actually? I think I'm kind of lucky to be here. I mean, I've got Tommy, which is more important than I can say, but also? I've met a lot of really good people. Kamala, you. Nida. I don't know what I'd do without him. I'm just...being here definitely doesn't suck as much. Whatever craziness happens, we'll get through it together." And for the first time, he kind of feels like maybe that's true.