Chapter 17 The Kline Wedding
“Alright everyone, let’s get packed up and out of San Antonio,” James called as the crew began taking down the stage equipment.
“We’ve got a weekend back at home in Kansas City, but it’s not a break.
Greg and Veronica have finished all their negotiations and reached an agreement for her to perform at the wedding and reception for Bill Kline’s son. ”
“James, are we really going to try to get everything back to Kansas City?” Tommy asked as he unplugged an amp.
“No, Tommy. The bus will take the equipment on to Phoenix for the Monday and Tuesday performances before our weekend extravaganza in San Diego. Use the stage crew to move everything as quickly as possible. Our plane is waiting for us.”
“Wow, James,” Billy exclaimed. “Talk about increasing the pressure on a Thursday night.”
“I want at least one day to adjust before the wedding, Billy.” James came over and patted him on the back. “Look, I know that a Saturday is not one you perform on, but you are required to be there to support V and her girls.”
“Well, it is a wedding, not a paying gig. What God has brought together let not man tear asunder. I can attend after synagogue.”
“That’s the spirit, Billy. I need to go check on V and the girls. Follow Tommy’s lead, he knows what to do.”
“Yes sir,” Billy said very respectfully. “See you at the airport?”
“You sure will,” James said, then turned and left.
It wasn’t long before he was in the performers lounge where Veronica was surrounded by the girls, Aarie and Greg.
“V,” he called as he stepped in. “They should have the breakdown completed in about fifteen minutes, ready for the crew to load the bus. The spare equipment back in Kansas City will be used for the wedding and reception since were pushing the bus on to Phoenix.”
“Thanks James,” Veronica called as she moved through the girls to sit down again.
“Greg, I’m glad you were with us this week, even though we’ve kept you out of Kansas City here with us in Texas.” James moved over to grab a glass of water.
“That’s fine,” Greg replied with a smile, picking up his bottle of water. “David and Tessa got back on Sunday evening just fine.”
“So, what do you think of road life?” James asked with curiosity.
“That single day of travel from Dallas to San Antonio really wasn’t enough,” he observed. “Honestly, I’m still a little worn down from this rapid pace.” He glanced over at the girls. “I don’t know how they keep it up,” he wondered aloud.
“Well,” Veronica said softly as she motioned for him to join her.
“They are still young, beautiful and resilient,” she added confidently.
Greg moved over toward Veronica, though he kept looking back at Carry.
Carry noticed that Greg still looked for her, and smiled at him before turning back to the Veronique conversation the girls were having.
“That girl Tina that you had come to the rooftop shoot in Dallas, is going to be joining us later with the next scent.”
“You’re making Tina a model?” Greg said flabbergasted. “What scent?”
“They finally got the scent right for Honeysuckle Rose, so she’ll be modelling in blue,” Veronica replied as Greg finally sat down beside her. “She had poise, charm, composure and talent. You really know how to evaluate someone so quickly.”
“I was forced to learn that when I started at Christian Academy Prep in the middle of the year. It was survival instincts, really,” he mused.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. “Excuse me,” he said as he pulled the phone out.
‘D-54’ was the text from Keith. “I need a moment with the girls,” he said as he sat his water bottle down beside Veronica’s glass of Chablis.
“I’ll be right back,” he added as he quickly got up and moved over to the girls.
He tapped Carry lightly on the shoulder, and she turned around, knowing that the girls were between her and Veronica.
Quickly she kissed him on the lips then pulled back so nobody would see that she’d done it.
Greg smiled then took a breath. “I need you and Cassie for a moment. We’ve got some old Pimico business to take care of. ”
“Right,” Carry said with a wink. “We’ll be with you in a moment.” She quickly turned and tapped Cassie on the left pinky three times. “I need your help.”
“Sure thing, boss,” Cassie said with a smile. “We’ll be right back, ladies.”
They moved a few feet back from the group, then Carry whispered, “What’s the message?”
He took a deep breath then slowly answered as silently as he could, “D-54.”
Cassie sucked in a quick breath then covered her mouth with her hand. “Are you sure that’s what he sent?”
“I gather you know exactly what that means.” Greg looked intently at Cassie. She stood there in silence, stunned but thinking, her eyes searching her mind. “Cassie?”
“Yes?” she slowly let out. “I know what this means.” She looked at Carry with big sad eyes. “So do you.”
“I know,” Carry admitted with a somber whisper, then she looked at Greg. “Just tell Keith, message received and understood. We’ll take the steps necessary to complete this, but it might take some time.”
“Are you two alright?” Greg asked with growing concern on his face.
“Danny’s executing a plan, but it’s risky,” Cassie confirmed softly. “You should stay clear of us for a couple of hours after we get back to Kansas City.” She turned to Carry. “Are you sure we’re ready for this cousin?”
“Do we have a choice now?” she said as deep sadness crept into her voice. “He has to be removed or he will remove us.”
“He? He who?” Greg stumbled over the words. “Removed? What are you talking about?”
“The less you know, the better.” Cassie quickly hugged Carry. “Let’s do this then.”
“Can we keep this secret from Wendy and Katie long enough?”
“We have to, if we value our lives,” she admitted. “Greg, just make sure Keith knows to watch our every move. It’s critical to the success or failure of what we have to do now.”
“I see you aren’t going to give me the details, so I’ll just have to get them from Keith.” He wrapped the two of them in a group hug. “You know how to find me or contact me if needed?”
“We know,” Carry said, checked over her shoulder then glanced at Cassie. She moved between them and the group almost like a shield. “Greg, I want you to know that I still love you,” she said then kissed him again quickly. “So, just keep that in mind while you are with Veronica.”
“Okay then,” he said softly. “I can see you aren’t going to let me know anything more. I also still love you, but I’ve got to sort through everything now that I’ve come to realize that sleeping with Erica had an impact on me that I never had any clue about.”
“You sort that out, while Cassie and I handle our situation.” She smiled brightly at him then kissed his cheek. “We’ll be just fine. Trust Keith and Danny.”
“Alright. It seems I’ve got no choice in this matter. I’d better get back over with Veronica then.”
“Don’t forget to give that exact message,” she insisted quietly. He nodded.
“Hello?” Billy called as he entered the lounge.
Carry spun immediately at the sound of his voice, seeing that Billy could see her with Greg and Cassie.
She gave him a smile and started walking towards him, as Greg moved away towards Veronica and James.
Billy gave a tip of his Stetson to acknowledge Carry then turned his attention toward James.
“James, they’ve got everything loaded onto the bus, and the band is ready to go. ”
“Perfect, Billy.” He tapped a person beside him.
“Please have them bring the cars around.” Greg stepped over beside James as Billy moved into the room, with Carry moving beside him.
“We’ll be out of here and heading back home in a few minutes people, so clear your space and let’s make our departure.
” He turned to Greg as he arrived and Veronica had moved to his side.
“In a few hours we’ll be back in Kansas City.
Do you and Veronica need some alone time on the plane? ”
“I’d rather we had it back in Kansas City,” Veronica said softly. “But I’ll accept the plane for now.”
“I’d like that, Veronica.” Greg kissed her on the cheek. “I need to speak with you.”
“About?”
“The Kline Wedding. I have to verify everything if I expect William Kline to..”
Veronica had put her finger on his lips shutting him up. “On the plane, dear.” She kissed him firmly on the lips. “It’s time to go home ladies,” She announced then started leading Greg toward the door.
“Are you alright?” Billy asked Carry quietly. “You look troubled.”
“It’s not a big deal, but I’d appreciate being able to talk with you on the plane?”
“Of course. I’m always available for you,” he confirmed and tipped his Stetson.
“Thank you so much, Billy,” Carry said, then kissed his cheek. “It means a lot to me to have you there.”
“You know that special women should always have the support of those they love and who love them back. You’ve helped me and been the best friend I’ve had since Charlie stole Amanda back in our Freshman year at Blue Valley South.”
“I’m sorry about that pain you went through. To have your best friend steal your girlfriend from you,” she said with a soft sadness.
“No,” he replied softly as they started toward the door behind Greg and Veronica. “She chose him over me, and he didn’t resist.” He sucked in a tight breath. “Aarie keeps saying I should write a song about that, but I just don’t know.”
“I think he’s right. It might help you heal some, allow you to close that event and move fully forward again. Isn’t that what you told me about what Darren did to me in tenth grade?”
“True,” he admitted as they stepped out of the main doors of the hotel.
He held her hand as she stepped into the second limo, then slipped in behind her, taking the backwards facing bench while Cassie and Wendy slipped in beside Carry and Katie joined Billy on the backwards facing bench. “Maybe I will write that song.”