Chapter 20 Meeting Carry On Tour #3
“This,” he said, pointing to his heart. “You’ve been hurt here many times before, so I’m asking you as your friend to not stress this.
Take your time and choose the right woman.
Let her show her full character to you, then you’ll know that you’ve made the right decision.
I know that you love two women, and given who they are, I actually understand how that happens with you.
They are both incredible and amazing women in their own right, but you need the one who will fully and completely make you whole, the way Mary does me and Tessa does David. ”
“You are preaching to the choir, Darren,” Greg said and hugged him. “I’m still a little lost as to how to proceed.”
“Then take each of them one at a time, alone. Get to know them again like it’s the first time.” Darren took a breath as Greta stepped over. “Both are special women, but each one brings something unique to the table. Take time to truly get to know them before you choose.”
“He’s right about that,” Greta confirmed.
“Carry is probably my best friend after my sisters, Mary and Tessa. I’d root for her, but I’ve seen how you are with Veronica.
” She sighed. “Greg, you work really well with her also. As my friend, and my husband’s boss, please take care of that extraordinarily big heart of yours. ”
Greg, Janet, Denny, Elizabeth and Aunt Janet stepped off the private jet in Washington DC the next evening.
The limo was waiting for them and they loaded up.
It was about a thirty minute drive to the hotel they’d be staying at.
Greg and Janet reviewed the schedule of events that Pimico was committed to while Denny was keeping little Elizabeth entertained.
Aunt Janet was looking around at the sights as they crossed the fourteenth street bridge.
Greg looked up and smiled as he saw Elizabeth playing with the rattle toy Denny had just handed her.
“She’s getting so big,” he observed.
“She’s over a year old, Greg,” Janet replied off-handed. “What’d you expect? That she’d remain a baby forever?”
“Denny,” Greg looked at him and laughed. “Does she do this to you?”
“Of course she does, Greg. That’s why she’s the most special woman in the world. I’m blessed to have Janet as my wife and mother of our daughter.”
“You are indeed, Denny. I am glad that you had the time to come along for this trip.” He ran a hand through his hair. “This is an experience that will build some wonderful memories for your future. Imagine telling Elizabeth about her first trip to Washington DC when she’s a young lady.”
“Don’t grow her up that fast,” Denny protested. “Let me enjoy our little Elizabeth while she’s still young.”
“Sorry. I was just thinking about the future,” he said as Janet hit his leg. “Ow!”
“We have to review this before we get to the hotel,” she insisted. “You didn’t bring me along just to watch a concert and go sightseeing.”
“Man, she’s got you handled,” Denny said with a laugh. “This is the first time I’ve seen her in action outside of Club Euchre.”
“Well, this is standard procedure with Janet. She’s all about the business, which is why she has been the best PA a businessman could ever want.”
“Can we get back to this schedule?” Janet nearly demanded.
“Greg,” Aunt Janet called to him. “You better do what she says or we’ll not know a moment of peace on this trip.”
They arrived at the hotel only moments later, Janet still not satisfied with the way the schedule was.
She finally just threw her hands up in frustration as the limo came to a stop.
Greg smiled at her, “Relax, Janet. This trip is as much a reward for everything you’ve ever done for me as it is for work.
I want you, Denny and little Elizabeth to enjoy this like a vacation with a little work thrown in.
I didn’t bring you here to be my PA. I brought you here as my friends whom I love and want to share this with. ”
“Why didn’t you say that before!” Janet huffed. “Denny!” she said with a glare having seen his reaction. “Did you know about this?”
“Yes, dear, I did. And Greg was right that you wouldn’t have accepted this as a paid vacation unless you were working,” he said softly. “I actually want to thank him for conceiving the idea that finally tricked you into a real vacation with me.”
“Oh, you two. What am I ever going to do with you?” she said as her eyes softened and a tear formed. She smiled. “Did you have to trick me?”
“It was the only way, Janet. You are as much of a workaholic as I am, but you need to relax too. I’ve learned that the hard way, right Aunt Janet?”
“Indeed, Greg, indeed,” she replied as she slipped out the open door. “Why don’t we go get checked in and freshen up before dinner?”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Denny said as he unfastened the seatbelt securing little Elizabeth’s car-seat carrier. “I’m looking forward to an evening out with my girls.”
“They do have dancing,” Greg offered as he opened the door, “and you have two expert babysitters available.”
“Would you really watch Elizabeth so we could have some alone time?” Janet asked while trying to keep it together.
“Of course I would,” he assured her then he stepped out of the car. “I want to repay you for everything you’ve done for me Janet, especially since you were there the day Carry walked out.”
“That was not a great day,” she admitted. “Are you going to try to fix things with her or go back to being the public boyfriend of Veronica LaFayette?”
“I have to speak with Veronica first, but I want to see how things are with Carry.”
“GREG!” Billy called from the hotel doorway as he was stepping out. Greg snapped his head around to see Billy jogging out to the limo. “Veronica sent me down to make sure you got in alright. It looks like you were right on time.”
“V sent you down?” he asked.
“Yeah. She, James and the girls are in a Veronique meeting.” Billy moved to the back of the limo to help get the luggage out of the trunk. “She said that she was especially happy that you were cleared to come join the tour again.”
“I’ve been missing this, Billy,” Greg admitted with a smile. “I don’t miss those cameras over there, but being out here, yes, I’ve been missing this.”
“So, are you still in that catch twenty-two situation?” he said with a soft tip of his Stetson.
“You know it,” he confirmed. “I’m physically recovered, but my heart is still a minefield.”
“Oof. Glad it’s you and not me. Mine is just starting to finally mend up after Mia.” He shook his head. “So, V wants to meet with you as soon as they are done with their meeting.”
“Billy, I’ve heard some really good things about you.” Billy looked up at Greg with surprise over his face. “That’s right. My people have been watching you too.”
“I can’t believe you still have that much interest in my career,” he said and tipped his Stetson at Greg again. “I do appreciate everything you’ve done to help me out. V, James and Aarie have really been great in getting my singing career going. And I also appreciate that they respect my faith.”
“It’s who you are at heart, Billy. Everyone can see it. Your faith is at the core of your personality, and honestly, even I find that a beautiful thing,” Greg said as he joined him in grabbing bags. “Let’s get these on that cart and inside.”
“Sure thing.” He looked Greg directly in the eye.
“Yes, Billy, I’m looking forward to seeing Carry too.”
“How’d you know I was going to ask?”
“Because you and Carry are great friends, and you worry about her like I do.”
Billy froze for a moment. "I don't worry about her like that." Greg just smiled big then started pushing the luggage cart toward the entrance.
"If you say so, Billy," Greg said in an almost teasing manner. Billy watched him walk away. For some reason, that answer bothered him far more than it should have. “Aren’t you coming?” he called back as he reached the curb. Billy shook his head then jogged over to catch up. They followed Aunt Janet in who had trailed behind Denny, Janet and Elizabeth in her stroller. “Let’s leave that here for now,” Greg said as he parked the luggage cart, then stood up straight to look Billy in the eyes. “She’s gotten under your skin, Billy.”
“Who?” he said softly.
“Carry. She’s so gentle and kind hearted that she works her way into your life so quickly you don’t even realize it.
The next thing you know you are caring much more deeply about her than you ever considered possible.
You are getting so close now that if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were falling for her too. ”
“Now, look Greg. I would never do anything like that to you, and you know that.” He looked intently at Greg. “Yeah, she’s a great girl and possibly the best friend I’ve ever had, but to care for her like that? Come on. She’s in love with you.”
“I know that Billy, but that doesn’t stop you from caring about her so deep that she’s a part of your life you’ll never let go,” he said with a pat on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry about it. She’s going to mean the world to you for the rest of your life now.
I know because Erica still means the world to me, even though I’m over her finally. ”
“Erica?” Billy said very confused. “Greg, I don’t understand.”
“You’re young yet Billy. I’ll tell you all about Erica when we get some time alone.
In the meantime, I need to check in.” Greg tapped Billy on the shoulder again then headed over to the counter.
Billy stood still for another moment, shook his head and slowly walked over by the elevator.
Greg looked over and gave him a nod, to which Billy gave a nod back, then leaned against the wall, lifting his right foot and planting it firmly against the wall.
“I’ll be here waiting,” he called. Greg acknowledged with a wave of his hand. ‘What did he mean by all that? Oh My Word. Am I falling for Carry?’ he thought.
“Hey Billy!” Aarie called as he came around the corner. “There you are. I’ve been wondering where you disappeared to.”