Talking of awkward (embarrassing), huh? But without Helen Buffy wouldn't have seen William again so soon.
And indeed when Buffy doesn't expect it she learns something familiar about William. And got an address where to meet him after all :)
Even if Buffy seems to recognize Spike in William there are signs that William has lived even before Spike died again.
Dawn? I wonder what she wants. Taking Buffy back with her? ~ Till then!