Chapter 16 A Private Conversation #4
“Sorry for showing up so early,” Carry apologized as she stepped in and Billy closed the door behind her. “I am just really nervous. This might be the make it or break it point for Greg and I.”
“Are you ready for the break it point if this is it?” Billy asked sincerely as he headed to the kitchenette.
“Not really,” she admitted. “But I need to own up to my own part in this situation.”
“What are you owning up to?” Billy asked as he handed her a bottle of water.
“That I didn’t communicate to Greg my own fears and anxieties.” She smiled brightly as she accepted the water. “Talking with you about Mia and Greg has shown me that. I should have been more forthcoming with how I felt at the time things happened.”
“So, you are learning. Mom and dad always said that as long as you can communicate open and honestly, there’s always a way forward in a relationship.
” Billy tipped his Stetson as he moved to the chair opposite Carry who was sitting on the couch.
“Sorry for the cramped space, but when you’re not a headliner or model, you get the lower end of the room options. ”
“It’s fine, Billy,” Carry assured. “Please, don’t leave the room when you give us privacy,” she implored of him.
“I’ll just be right there,” he pointed at the door to her right. “That bedroom is as far as I’m going. If you need me, that’s where I’ll be.”
“Thanks, Billy. You are so sweet and kind.” She took the cap off her water and sipped some before putting the cap back on.
“You know something,” she started and saw his head come up to look at her.
“Mia is a fool. She shouldn’t have given up on you.
She should have opened up and spoken more honestly about what it was that really bothered her. ”
“Would you believe that the last text message she sent told me that you were someone she couldn’t compete with?” he announced as if it were a foreign concept to him.
“Compete with me?” Carry replied in shock. “Billy, you did explain that you and I are just friends, and that I’m involved with Greg, right?”
“Umm,” he hemmed, “I didn’t tell Mia you were involved with Greg, though she should have known from the way you and Greg danced at the Erronts and Reed reception.
“BILLY!” Carry protested. “Maybe you should explain that to Mia and she might want to work things out.”
“Alright,” he answered slightly defensive. “I’ll tell her.” A knock sounded.
“I’ll bet you that’s Greg, early as always,” Carry observed.
“Stay put,” he directed as he got up. “I’ll answer the door.” He moved over and opened the door, where Greg quickly stepped in. “Glad to have you,” Billy greeted. “Carry is on the couch, and I’m heading into my bedroom so you two have some privacy.”
“Thanks, Billy,” Greg said offering his hand. Billy shook it. “I appreciate all that you have done and are doing for both of us.” He turned to see Carry and smiled softly. “Hello, Carry.”
“Hi, Greg. Come on over and join me, please,” she invited with a motioning hand.
Greg moved over toward Carry. The concern on his face was clearly showing as he got closer.
“Carry,” he started slowly. “I know we have a conversation to finish, but I need to know if Cassie had a chance to speak with you,” he said as he sat down beside her, placing his right hand on her left hand gently.
She looked at his hand on hers for a long second then looked into his eyes, trying to read what he was meaning.
“I’ve not seen Cassie since breakfast. We have different rooms.” She could see his reaction like that of a man who had terrible news to deliver and wasn’t sure how to proceed.
“Why?” she asked, placing her right hand on his.
“You look worn out, so tell me what’s wrong. ”
“Well,” he said then took a deep breath.
“Cassie stopped by my room just a moment ago to get ahold of Keith.” Carry bolted upright and leaned toward Greg.
“She couldn’t get him to answer the text or phone so she came to me.
” He ran his left hand through his hair and she leaned back realizing just how bad this news must be; her face flushing with slight panic.
“So I called him and put her on the phone. She informed Keith that she’d seen Millard in the lobby. ”
“WHAT?!” Carry screamed at the top of her lungs in terror, causing Billy to bolt out of his room ready for action. It seemed like forever before anyone moved.
“Sorry to bear the bad news, but we’ve got security here.
Eddie is running the team. You and the girls are protected and safe,” he assured and Billy realized that Carry was just reacting to whatever Greg had just told her.
Billy gazed intently at Greg. “There’s a potential threat here,” Greg explained.
“And Carry wasn’t ready for that information.
Give her a moment to process, and she’ll be fine. ”
“I’ve worked with Eddie, back at the reception for your sister’s wedding,” Billy said firmly. “Does he need help?”
“He said you were a very capable fighter and knew several different martial arts,” Greg observed. “It might not hurt for you to check in with him.”
“I’ve got his number,” Billy said. “Miss Carry,” he said with a tip of his Stetson, “Don’t you fret your pretty lil’ face none. I’ll help to keep the area clear of any threats.”