Chapter 17 The Kline Wedding #2
“I told you that how many times?” Aarie asked as he climbed in. “So, you listen to Carry but not good old Aarie your musical composer?” he protested with a huff.
“Sorry, Aarie. She just made it finally make sense why I should,” Billy replied.
The trip to the airport went quickly with nighttime traffic being less than normal. Billy and the girls had a nice conversation about their experiences in San Antonio while Greg and Veronica were given some privacy as James chose to ride up front.
Once they were aboard the private jet, everyone grouped up like they had in the limo, though James just placed a blinder over his eyes ready to sleep.
Veronica leaned in on Greg as the jet engines began to power up.
She laid her head on his left shoulder, placing her left hand on his chest. Greg just leaned back in the bench seat they were in, then realized that his left arm was completely around Veronica’s back, and his left hand was now laying naturally on her left ribcage.
He closed his eyes for a moment, then ran his right hand through his hair.
“Relax, dear. We’ll be airborne in a couple of minutes and home before five AM. You can sleep on the flight if you want,” she assured him, then turned him toward her with her left hand and kissed him deeply. “I love you, and I wouldn’t want to fly back to Kansas City any other way.”
“I can’t sleep yet. We have to review all the details for the Kline wedding one final time. I have to meet William tomorrow at Wheeler at noon.”
“What details do you need to review? We’re at the chapel on 10th on Saturday just before noon, and I will be singing the wedding song.
We have the reception down at Club Euchre starting at four with the meal served at five-thirty PM.
I will sing my final song for the reception at six and we’ll wish the couple a happy ever after farewell, then I’m all yours. ”
“You remembered everything? Impressive.”
“Dear, we negotiated this for nearly a week. William Kline might be one of the biggest potential investors for Pimico, but he knows a good value when he sees it. I gave him a discount for your sake. I want you to land this account firmly babe. I know what it means to you, and I’m as invested in this as you are.
This isn’t just about Pimico.” She paused, looking deep into his eyes as the airplane turned onto the runway.
“This is about us, and our future. I choose this, and I choose you,” she said then kissed him deeply again.
The engines roared loudly and the brakes were released.
They were all jolted back in their seats as the jet started screaming down the runway, lifting off into the dark night streaking back to Kansas City and home.
Greg woke up in the back of the Pimico limo as Harry pulled into his driveway.
He shook his head for a moment to get his bearings.
“Another smooth ride, Harry,” Greg groggily thanked him.
He looked around, realizing he was alone, then noticed he was in his own driveway.
“Did Veronica get out with me still asleep?”
“She didn’t want to wake you, boss. You were so tired from the trip, and she knows you have to meet Bill Kline at noon.
I’ll be back here at eleven, ready to take you to Wheeler.
” Harry shifted the car into park and shut off the motor.
“I’ll bring in the bags; you go to bed. David wants you bright and chipper for meeting Bill.
” He could see Greg was hesitating. “Those are the marching orders from the Big Boss. Now, go get some rest. I’ll set the alarm and lock the door on my way out. ”
“Thanks, Harry. You are such a great friend.” He got out as did Harry. “Do me one favor, please.”
“What’s that Greg?”
“Be here at ten-forty-five? I need to make sure I’m awake and dressed.”
“Sure thing,” he replied as he grabbed the bags from the trunk. “I’ll have Miss Veronica with me so we don’t have to divert to get her.”
“What?” Greg replied, rather puzzled.
“She said that this meeting at the airport is so important that she’s coming, whether or not you approve.” He shrugged his shoulders as they approached the door. “I am not about to argue with a woman like that.”
“Smart man, Harry. Very smart man indeed. I could learn from you,” he said as he opened the door. “Could you set them in the bedroom?”
“That was the instructions,” he confirmed with a smile.
“Instructions? I don’t remember,,” then he saw the look on Harry’s face. “Veronica?”
“Who else?”
“She’s really something else. Every time I think I understand her, she goes and does something that surprises me,” he hesitated. “In a good way.”
“Get some sleep, Greg. I’ll be back in a few hours,” Harry said as he set the luggage down in the bedroom.
“Goodnight!” he called and left the room.
Greg removed his jacket and set it on the chair then collapsed on the bed, instantly asleep.
He didn’t even notice the change from night into daylight, sleeping so soundly that when Veronica entered, he was completely unaware.
“He looks so peaceful, Harry,” Veronica said sweetly. “My man works very hard, just like me.”
“Indeed, Miss Veronica. If you can make him some coffee, I’ll get him up and dressed.”
“Thanks, Harry. I’ll have it ready when you get him out there, then we can go meet Bill Kline.” She kissed his cheek then turned and left.
“Boss?” Harry said, tapping Greg on the top of the shoe of the foot closest to him.
“What? Ungh?” Greg said with a soft groan.
“Miss Veronica said to wake you gently, but get you ready quickly.”
“She was here?” he said rubbing his eyes. “Did you say Veronica?!” he said suddenly startled.
“Yes, she’s gone to the kitchen to make you a coffee. It’s time to get dressed for meeting Bill Kline.” Harry extended a hand to pull him up. “I think you’d be best in the navy-blue suit with the silver pin striping.”
“Sounds good Harry. Grab the dark-royal blue shirt and the red, blue and yellow striped tie. I don’t want to overdo it with Bill.
” He made his way into the bathroom to freshen up.
A quick electric shave and body spray topped off the activities, then he emerged to find his clothes laid out.
“I can get it from here, my friend. Please tell Veronica I’ll be there in a couple of minutes. ”
“Sure,” he said with a nod. “I’ll join her in the kitchen.” Harry started whistling, spun and left while Greg changed quickly, then made his way to the kitchen.
“There you are darling,” Veronica greeted brightly as she moved to intercept him.
“Hey there gorgeous,” Greg replied as she arrived where he was entering the kitchen from the dining room.
He took her in his arms, pulled her close, then kissed her deeply.
“Thank you for coming to make sure that I get this right. I’ve never had that kind of support from a woman who wasn’t my PA before. ”
“That’s because you’ve been with all the wrong women until now.” She kissed him again. “You should have some coffee so we can get there on time.”
“Yes, dear,” he said as he sat at the breakfast nook table. “So bright right now.”
The Kline Ranch and Oil jet was pulling up to the terminal as Greg and Veronica made their way toward the window to see out onto the field.
Harry remained near the building entrance waiting to assist when called upon.
Bill and Alice stepped out onto the tarmac, then quickly walked into the terminal, hand in hand.
Greg and Veronica moved over to meet them, with Greg pushing the door open as they arrived.
“Welcome back to Kansas City!” he merrily announced as he put his hand out in greeting.
Bill grabbed it and gave him a firm handshake.
“This is one weekend in Kansas City I’d never miss!” he exclaimed.
“And this is Miss Veronica LaFayette,” Greg introduced.
“Yes!” Alice exclaimed. “Your girlfriend.” Greg looked stunned. “We saw the news coverage from Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. You two look like a lovely couple.”
“I am glad that you agreed to sing at my son’s wedding,” Bill said, taking her right hand then lifting it up and kissing the back gently before lowering it back down. “I see that your new boyfriend has more influence on you than I imagined.”
“Not really new,” Veronica said with a bright smile. “We’ve known each other for over a year now. He just finally accepted the position publicly,” she said with a soft laugh.
“I told you-Bill,” Alice said, giving him a soft left handed backhand to his right forearm. “This girl wouldn’t just attach herself to anyone.”
“You are right as always, Alice.” Bill turned. “You said you’d have a car waiting?”
“Harry is waiting by the entrance. Veronica will guide you and I’ll ensure the luggage gets loaded.”
“Greg?” Bill said in astonishment. “Don’t you have people for that?”
“I do, but what good is it to ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself?” He smiled. “I’ll meet you at the car.”
“He keeps surprising me Alice. You are right about him too.” He turned to Veronica. “We’ll follow you.”
“Very well, Mr. Kline. Please come this way.”
“Miss LaFayette, just call me Bill and my wife Alice. We insist.”
“Then you can just call me Veronica,” she said.
“This way.” She led them over to Harry who made sure to get the exit door and then quickly move to open the rear compartment door so they could get in.
He then assisted Veronica into the car and helped Greg put the luggage in the trunk before moving to the driver’s seat.
“I’m so excited to get to sing for a wedding, rather than just the reception. ”
“After Alice saw you in Houston, our son Alex was visiting and they got to talking. Alex always said that there should be lyrics describing how beautiful a bride is as she walks down the aisle to the groom.”
“I’m honored that you thought of me,” Veronica replied brightly as Greg stepped in and took his seat, closing the door behind him. “Why did you choose me?”