Chapter 17 The Kline Wedding #5
“That’s how I raised the capital needed to invest in starting Pimico,” Greg confirmed. “Until his death last year, we spoke often and he visited my home several times a year.”
“Well, Bill, does that answer the burning question you had for Greg?”
“He keeps surprising me, dear. You said you knew his character from the way he held that first cup of coffee last year. You’ve never been wrong in the thirty-eight years we’ve been married, and you aren’t wrong now either.
” He took a deep breath. “Yes, that answers those questions, but now we need to ask Miss LaFayette about the wedding.”
“I’d be more than happy to discuss any details with you,” she said smiling brightly as Sarah showed up with the double order of cheese sticks with marinara.
“But I’d like you to try the best appetizer I’ve ever had,” she said as Sarah set them down in front of Bill and Alice.
“Greg introduced me to these, and I’ve been addicted to them ever since.
I never fail to order a double order of them when we return. ”
“And you never fail to order a set to go either,” Greg confirmed. “But they are absolutely worth taking home.” Greg patted Veronica’s left hand with his right hand. “I always take a set with me for Harry, my driver.”
Bill and Alice both grabbed a cheese stick and dipped it in the marinara then took the bite.
Alice’s face beamed with pleasure and Bill’s lit up as the flavor excited his mouth.
“NOW, That is something unexpectedly exceptional. What is the seasoning in the breading? I’ve got to know, son! ” Bill demanded.
“I don’t know, because Ron keeps that a closely guarded secret,” Greg replied.
“Alright, Bill, calm down. I think I can recreate this at home, IF you will buy a set to go and actually get them back to Tulsa,” Alice urged.
“I’ll make sure you have a set to take home,” Greg answered before Bill could speak. “Just don’t tell Ron you are going to recreate these at home.”
“Thank you dear,” Alice said thoughtfully. “Now, Miss LaFayette,” she paused, “Veronica,” she corrected herself. “Bill and I looked over the wording you came up with for a wedding march, and we found it absolutely lovely. I’m looking forward to that tomorrow morning as Gail comes out with Bill.”
“Gail’s coming out with your husband?” Greg asked, stunned.
“Harold Marcus died from cancer a few months ago, or they would have been married last year when Alex invited us up,” Bill confirmed. “Gail asked me to walk her down the aisle, and I gladly accepted the honor.”
“You must be excited to have your employee Kelly Evans as Alex’s best man,” Alice said with a smile looking directly at Greg. “Those two have been nearly inseparable since they met over at KU.”
“Thomas and I worked hard to recruit Kelly to Pimico and he’s proven himself every step of the way, like managing to get our foot in the door with you,” Greg offered up proudly. “We just promoted him to Senior Associate a few weeks ago.”
“That boy does have talent, doesn’t he son?” Bill asked directly.
“I’m always on the lookout for talent,” Greg replied.
“In fact, his eye for talent is how I’ve picked up the next model for Veronique.
Miss Tina Slater from Dallas will become Miss Honeysuckle Rose,” Veronica chimed in happily.
“Greg spotted her talents as a waitress, and introduced her at the rooftop photo shoot. She’s a natural to the position, and will be joining us in Phoenix on Tuesday. ”
“So, you are only back in town this weekend?” Bill said with surprise.
“We came back for your son’s wedding, because it was important to Greg,” Veronica said, leaning on his arm. “I fully support him supporting your son’s wedding.”
“That explains why your fee wasn’t nearly what I expected,” Bill said, stroking his chin. “You’re doing your boyfriend a favor.”
“Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work?” Veronica asked deadpan.
“She’s got you there, Bill,” Alice said then giggled. “You have four songs for the reception tomorrow at Club Euchre, correct.”
“I’m willing to add a fifth if you would want that,” Veronica responded. “No extra charge.”
“Then by all means,” Bill said as Sarah entered.
“Ribeye with loaded baked potato and steamed broccoli,” Sarah said as she sat the plate in front of Bill.
“Chilean Sea Bass with spring vegetables and boiled potatoes,” she added setting the plate down in front of Alice.
“Lemon crusted Salmon with Normandy blend and baked potato smothered in butter,” she announced as she set the plate in front of Veronica.
“And finally the Chef’s choice sirloin in cabernet sauvignon with steamed spring vegetables and loaded baked potato, hold the bacon.
” She set the plate in front of Greg and smiled.
Greg looked up and handed her a twenty. “Thanks for the teaser Mr. G,” Sarah said with a smile.
Bill noticed and stroked his chin, his eyes narrowed on Greg.
“Thanks for the wonderful service Sarah. I appreciate getting your section on such short notice,” Greg said. “We still have that opening over at Pimico if you are interested.
“Let me finish my second year at Penn Valley, Mr. G. Then maybe I’ll consider working at Pimico like you keep asking me,” Sarah said. “Just press the button if you need anything else,” she said then spun and left.
“She’s got talent, Bill,” Alice said. “What’s more, Greg noticed it too.”
“What’s with the twenty dollar tip?” Bill nearly demanded.
“I always use it as an appetizer for good service, letting them know to expect more with their hard work,” Greg said proudly.
“I always encourage and recognize when someone works hard like she does. She’s never made a single mistake on an order since she started, replacing my former PA Carry Mitchelson who also worked here. ”
“That’s the girl with all the Employee of the Month pictures,” Alice said.
“And she went from waitress here to your PA?” Bill asked.
“Yes, she did,” Greg answered quickly. “David recognized her talent and hired her to fill in for Janet while she was on maternity leave,” he replied nervously.
“Then after Greg developed her, I brought her on as the Face of Veronique, Miss Vanilla Rose,” Veronica quickly added. “As I said, my man recognizes talent when he sees it.” She leaned over and kissed him deeply. “That’s one of the things that makes me love you so much.”
“I love you too,” Greg let out and straightened up. “Carry was a top notch PA, and if Veronica hadn’t stolen her, she would have been a Junior Associate in training at Pimico,” Greg said firmly, having recovered from the emotional jolt of Carry coming up from out of the blue.
“Well, I can’t wait to meet her tomorrow,” Alice said. “Shall we eat before this gets cold?”
“Can we pray for the blessing?” Greg asked sincerely.
“Son, I’d be honored to do that,” Bill said.
“Bow your heads please. Great creator God who rules everything, you’ve given us bounty and blessing, peace and health.
We thank you for this wonderful meal you’ve provided to us, and ask that it be as nourishing as it is delicious.
Watch over us and guide us and let the wedding go off without a hitch.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.” He looked up. “Well, let’s eat.”
“We’re approaching showtime, people!” James announced as Greg entered the performers lounge.
He paused beside Carry, gave her a nod and smile and she smiled back then her eyes darted toward James.
Greg dropped his head then started forward toward James again.
“Remember, you are here to assist the bridesmaids and ensure everyone is seated. Carry!” James called, looking past Greg.
“Make sure the bride’s mother is escorted to her seat, and Cassie, you see to the younger sister.
Wendy, you and Katie make sure to assist the bridesmaids onto the stage.
Look alive, people. This wedding starts in less than twenty minutes. ”
“You really have this thing timed out, James,” Greg observed.
“It’s not my first wedding, Greg. In fact, it was at a wedding gathering that I met Veronica.”
“I remember that story. She said it was one of the best days she’d ever had.” Greg ran his hand through his hair. “How’s Veronica?”
“She’s in the performer’s private office if you want to check,” he said, thumbing over his shoulder. “You are the only other person I let back there other than Billy and myself.”
“I’ll head on over then, James. Thanks,” Greg said, patting his shoulder as he moved past him. Billy entered the lounge as Greg arrived at the private office door. Greg knocked and then entered the room, closing the door behind him.
“Did you even get a chance to talk to him?” Billy asked.
“The day’s been too busy. How was synagogue?” Carry asked.
“It was really good today. We went over the story of Ruth, and how Boaz redeemed her. I wish you had been there. I know you would have loved it.”
“After this morning, I kinda wish I had been,” Carry mused. “It might have been better than just getting glimpses of Greg and then watching him go into that private office with Veronica. At least you got here,” she said as she changed the subject. “I don’t feel so alone now.”
“I’ll always be here for you, Carry, even if Greg isn’t.” Billy tipped his Stetson hat at her then started to move forward. “I’ve gotta check in with the boss,” he said pointing at James.
“Alright. Cassie and I are heading out to make sure Gwen and her other daughter Dana get seated.” She smiled. “I’ll see you out there,” she finished with a soft wave and moved over by Cassie as Billy transitioned to James. “Shall we go do our duties?”
“Sure thing, cousin. At least the wedding is looking like it’s going to happen without any problems.” Cassie smiled then gave a shrug. “Not a single response from you. Where’s your head?”
“Thinking how this could have been Greg and I if I’d just been brave enough to take the risk and accept his first, second or third proposals.”