Chapter 15 Dallas #3
Billy offered Carry his right arm, which she gladly accepted, then began for the door.
He called over his shoulder, “Goodnight y’all!
” He opened the door, allowing Carry to exit then closed it behind him.
Wendy sat stunned for a moment and Katie just stared at the doorway for a long moment.
Cassie got up and moved to give both of them hugs.
Billy and Carry moved down the hall in silence, reaching the elevator just as it arrived with a couple stepping out.
Billy followed Carry into the cabin with the doors closing behind them while Cassie was starting to run down the hallway toward the elevator.
The doors had closed before she got there, and the elevator continued it’s descent, leaving Cassie looking at the highly polished stainless steel doors and her reflection on it.
“So,” Billy began softly as they had turned around in the elevator.
“I noticed that something changed in the room while Aarie and I were in the kitchen getting the drinks. Does this have something to do with Greg or was there something else going on that I didn’t catch. ”
“How honest do you want me to be?” she asked and he just raised his eyebrows. “Alright, Billy. I am going to tell you a secret, if you promise to not reveal it.”
“You know me, Carry. We went to Sabbath services together. What you tell me in confidence remains between us.” He tilted his Stetson. “I’d never betray you.”
“After what happened with Mia, I think I understand you better now,” she began. “You can relate to me better because you’ve been through this too,” she continued. “However, you are not part of the Kansas City Mafia.”
“What?” he said, slightly stunned. “Mafia?”
“We’re all born into the Mafia,” she continued without hesitation.
“Cassie, Wendy, Katie and I. I just found out who I really am. That kind of thing was what my Grandma Grace was trying to protect me from,” she added slowly.
“But, I now know that you can’t escape the Family unless you destroy the Family in the process.
What I tell you next may mean the difference between life and death. ”
“Alright,” he said slowly. “I promise that I won’t say anything. Just don’t hold anything back now.”
“Cassie and I both want out. I’m going to contact Keith to get the plans started. But to get out, we are going to have to bring it down from within,” she said biting her lip slightly. “Or at least it’s the only way I know.”
“I’m honored that you are trusting me with this,” Billy said, removing his Stetson and scratching his head. “I’ve met Keith several times at Greg’s house. He was in the Navy Seals if I remember correctly.”
“That’s right.” Carry looked at Billy and for a moment she looked lost. “You’re a handsome man, Billy,” she said softly.
“Mia was a fool for not wanting to continue your relationship because you are choosing to change from Country Music to Contemporary Christian Music.” She smiled softly.
“I’m glad that we met at that barbeque while you were making burgers.
I didn’t expect to find a male who I could be friends with. ”
“You will always have my friendship,” he said as he placed the Stetson back on his head.
“And, I will be here to protect you as you go through all of this, even the part where you try to win Greg back. He’s been a fool in not acting sooner.
I know how he has been with you, and there is one thing I have to say in his favor.
He’s always respected you and your boundaries.
He’s been loving and kind to you, but I don’t know if he truly knows what he’s wanting or needing. He still seems lost to me.”
“Lost?” Carry said slowly as they stepped out of the elevator and headed down the hallway toward her room. “What do you mean lost?”
“I had many conversations with Keith, and he told me how Erica Stamson really drove him into a bottle, and now he’s reeling from you walking out on him and Pimico. He may be feeling slightly betrayed, but more than that, when I saw him tonight getting out of that limo, he looked totally lost.”
“I really don’t understand, Billy.”
“His heart is lost, not knowing where he is or where he’s going.
He may have just latched onto Veronica tonight in an attempt to ground himself and get his feet back underneath him.
I saw him looking for you at the dinner back in Houston.
He wasn’t ready for Veronica to kiss him there, and she had command of the room.
I know that it hurt you,” he said as they arrived at her room.
“If you want, we can talk about that now in your room, or later if you still aren’t ready yet. ”
“Now would be nice.” She kissed him on the cheek. “As long as you are comfortable coming in here alone.”
“We’re part of Veronica’s group. Why wouldn’t I feel comfortable going in there alone,” he started when Carry cut him off.
“Because the paparazzi may jump on this and assume something that is not happening here,” she said as her eyes started to glisten before another word slipped out in near silence: “now.”
“What?” Billy said looking stunned. “I didn’t hear that last word.”
“Huh?” Carry snapped out of it. “What word.”
“You said something after happening here, but I didn’t understand it.”
“I did?” she asked with confusion. “I don’t remember saying anything else.”
“Alright, we’ll ignore it then. Let’s go inside so you can tell me more about what happened at supper back in Houston.
” He gave her a hug, then she opened the door.
“Tonight seemed to be a repeat of Houston,” he said moving into the room behind her.
“You can’t heal emotionally if you don’t talk about what it means to you that Greg is starting to gravitate towards Veronica. I know it’s hard on you.”