The Right Side of Memphis (8 page)

He apologized and said, “I don’t know what came over me.  Maybe I wanted to see if what we had was over.  I guess there are no unresolved issues after all.  I didn’t mean for it to happen.  I should learn to control myself.”

Billie ruled, “It is unfortunate that this did happen.  I don’t want something like this to come between our friendship.  We can’t let it continue, or we’ll never get on with our lives. I shouldn’t have stayed here.  It was my fault that you started having those old feelings again.  I think I should leave tomorrow and we’ll pretend it never happened.”

Billie went to her room.  She couldn’t believe what took place.  She thought their feelings were dead and buried.  It just proved her theory of men and women not being able to hold on to a friendship without getting physical.  She packed her stuff and left the next morning.  She later talked to Bobby to clear the air.  They couldn’t stay mad at each other.  Then, she decided to check up on Chris.  He wanted to know what her decision was, but she wanted to wait to tell him.

Once again, it was time for the National country western awards.  Billie had attended the Music City Country Awards the year before, but had missed the biggest award show of the year.  So, she wasn’t about to miss all of the excitement out in California.  Chris was against going, he was afraid of all of the memories of Lana, if he were to go there.  But, he was nominated for a couple of awards, including one for Best Video.  Billie talked him in to making an appearance.  He found out in advance that his ex would not be there.  This was Billie’s second time in California.  She would be sure to check out the sights before returning to Nashville.  She and Maria would plan a tour of Beverly Hills, Melrose, and the rest of the hot spots in LA., especially where they filmed one of their favorite soaps.  She thought.”I wonder if they decided to recast my favorite actress on the show?”  Maybe next year, I’ll fly here for the soap opera awards.” But, Billie knew she was already a part of her own personal soap opera.

The elaborate lifestyles of Hollywood entered the venue, where the ceremony was held.  Billie was not only a press member, but had tons of celebrity friends.  Chris was to be her escort, but they would have to arrive separately, if they were to remain a secret.  Her dreams were coming true anyway.  A lot had changed in a year for her.  She remembered trying to talk to Chris, but only sneaking in to his dressing room.  She also thought about the one that got away, Ricky Todd.  She wondered why she still had not been graced with his presence.  She couldn’t understand how she hadn’t run in to him anywhere.  Maybe it was a sign.  But, the only sign she could see at the moment was “Only All Access Passes Allowed.”  Those five words were the least of her concerns.

The night went by smoothly.  Most of Billie’s predictions came true.  But, she had quite a few disappointments.  Ricky didn’t win a single award and neither did Chris. Bobby Douglas won two awards, which Billie congratulated him for after the show.  Chris caught them hugging and tried to make it into something.  He didn’t verbally accuse them, but Billie knew what he was thinking.  Andy Johnston was the host of the show, as he had been for almost every year.  He won for Entertainer of the Year.  Billie spotted him talking to Maria Dawson.  She had won for Best Female, which she richly deserved.  She was almost through chatting with him when she pointed Billie’s way.  They approached her as she was standing next to Chris.  Maria exclaimed, “Billie, I’m
glad you could make it. You too,
Chris.” 

Billie smiled, “Where there is country, that’s where I’ll be.  I am just so happy for you, that you won that award."

Maria continued, “I brought Andy over here to tell you the news.  It was his idea, and I suggested he invite the two of you.”

Billie wondered, “Well, don’t keep us in suspense any longer.  What is going on?” 

Andy answered, “Every year, I plan a get together for my good friends in the entertainment business.  I invite them all out to my cabin on the lake.  There is plenty of room and this year I have decided I would let Maria pick.  I guess you’re the lucky ones.” 

Billie responded, “This is a privilege, I have to admit.  I’m flattered, but I’m not a country star.” 

Maria giggled, “But, you are my best friend, so that’s what counts.  So, come with us.  We won’t take no for an answer.” 

Billie looked at Chris and he shrugged his shoulders.  She returned, “It's up to my boss.” 

Chris added, “I’ll handle him.” 

Andy smiled, “Yeah, Chris can take care of any situation.  You will be glad you came. We are going to have the time of our lives.  You won’t regret it.  We assure you.” Billie graciously accepted.  She didn’t want to let this opportunity pass her by.  It might not happen again.  So much happening at one time, made her wonder if it were too good to be true.

She returned to work, anxious to get caught up so she could take the time off to go.  She didn’t take a lunch break, just so she could get a lot done.  She left her office just for a moment to get a drink.  She happened to pass by her boss’ room.  The door was ajar, and she could hear his voice.  She quickly recognized the other voice, Chris'.  He was only supposed to be asking about the trip, but instead was meddling where it wasn’t his place.  Mr. Reid was describing some things she did, like reports on Bobby Douglas, when he was going through his breakup with Kelly.  An example was the trip Billie made to Florida to try and locate him.  Billie knew she had to stop this conversation soon.  Chris' constant instigating could get Bobby in some major trouble.  He would put two and two together.  Just as her manager was about to tell Chris about her in depth interview with Bobby, she tapped on the door.  She made up something spontaneously.  “Billie, we were just talking about your outstanding journalism.  Chris also happened to mention your plans for a retreat with Andy Johnston and friends,” Mr. Reid said in a mellow tone. 

She hesitated, “Well, what’s the verdict?” 

He assured, “Chris has convinced me that you deserve a little rest and relaxation for all of your hard work.  So, have fun.  And maybe do a bit of brainstorming at the same time.  That is usually your best work.” 

It was settled.  Billie could go to Andy’s cabin with a clear conscience.  She wondered who else would show up there.  It was really up to Maria and Andy as well.  It had not occurred to her yet that every single person there was bound to find out about her and Chris, if they didn’t already know it.  She hoped they would be discreet and that their couple status did not leave the cabin.

Chris called her to tell her he was through packing and was on his way to pick her up at her place. She wanted to ride with Maria, too.  He pulled up in his SUV a few minutes later.  He helped her load her stuff.  As she was placing her camera case in the back, she saw the suitcase that contained the gun.  She looked at Chris and he said, “What? Andy and I are going sharp shooting, so obviously I’ll need a gun.  Just like you are going to be taking pictures and will need a camera.  Catch my drift?”

Billie moaned, “No arguing, remember? We can’t let anything ruin this trip.”  Maria had already left for the cabin.  Chris was driving in almost the opposite direction of Andy’s.  Billie demanded, “Where are we going?” 

He notified, “Oh, I am in charge of picking up our other guests for the weekend.  Maria asked me to pick them up for her. They couldn’t leave when she did, so we’ll be doing the honors.” 

Billie remarked, “I’m just curious as to why you didn’t mention this earlier.”  She wondered who they might be.  She soon found out the answer.

They pulled in the driveway and saw the couple approaching them.  Chris helped them with their things and then said, “This should be fun.” The vacation Billie had been looking forward to now would seem more torturous. Was this punishment for being with Bobby?  How would she be able to disguise the truth? She’d have to somehow, starting at that moment. 

Kelly was
the first to speak to her.  “Hi,
Billie.  How have you been?” 

Billie was beginning to feel sick.  She thought about whether or not Kelly knew the secret, and if she would still be speaking to her.  She acknowledged, “I’ve been okay.  I’m just happy to be a part of this, to actually be invited.” 

Kelly agreed, “I can’t believe it either.” 

Billie inquired, “Where will the kids be staying while you are away?”

Kelly answered, “They are staying with my parents.  Bobby wanted to bring them along, but I suggested we make time for ourselves.”  Bobby looked up at Billie, as she was turned around in the front seat.  She was waiting on him to say something about Chris, but he remained silent. 

It was almost plain eerie.  Like someone knew something and was afraid to give it away. Chris was next to break the ice.  He was always quite the joker, but Billie couldn’t help but feel like this was a set up.  He taunted, “Don’t get me wrong, but aren’t we going to a party for a whole week?  It feels like we’re on our way to a funeral.” 

Billie added, “Must be.”  Bobby smiled. 

Then, Kelly asked, “So Chris, when did you and Billie become such good friends?” 

Chris began, “A long time ago, a few months after my divorce from imprisonment.  Just kidding.  No, Billie was in need of a story.  She was drowning and I was throwing her a life line.”  Whether they believed that or not, Billie was amazed that Chris would say that.  Wasn’t he dying to tell somebody? Bobby already knew, and he could have told Kelly. 

Time passed ever so slowly, but surely.  Once they arrived at Andy’s, they were already celebrating on the deck that was combined with his pier.  Chris announced, “Andy told me that we’ll be throwing a concert for a charity at the end of the week.  He said everyone had a choice in it though, it wasn’t mandatory.” 

Bobby commented, “He can count me in.  Why not do something for the fans while we’re out here enjoying life?”  They went up to see what was happening.  Andy found Chris and Bobby, and lured them over to the pier.  Andy’s wife met up with Billie and Kelly, to show them to their rooms.  The rooms had a view of the lake.  They were on the third floor, and right next to each other. 

Andy's wife, Louise mentioned, “Chris was the one who recommended that you have adjacent rooms, since you are close friends.” 

Billie observed, “Oh, he did? I’ll have to thank him for that generous thought.”

Kelly emphasized, “I’m surprised he requested the two of you share a room.  He has high expectations.” Billie assumed after hearing that, maybe Bobby didn’t tell her about Chris being her beau, after all.  Then again, Kelly wasn’t blind. 
             
Billie just went to unpack and join Chris.  She had to discuss a few things with him. Billie went to see what he was doing.  Not as many people were there as she thought. She saw a few familiar celebrities, but not Ricky Todd.  Bobby was on his way to meet Kelly, when he spoke to Billie for a moment. 

He conveyed, “I just heard that Brook and Shane will be here for the concert, and it will be taped live on their show. 

Billie boasted, “Only one thing could make this week even better, my favorite country singer making an appearance.  But, I seriously doubt that he will.” 

Bobby challenged, “Who might that be?  Although, I think I can make a good guess.” 

Chris snuck up behind them and said, “Me, who else?”  Chris told them about their adventures for the week, directly from Andy.  They would be skiing, riding around in boats, having a costume party, and of course, the big concert event.  Bobby liked the skiing idea and Billie was excited about the costume party.  Chris asked, “Who are you going to dress up as?” 

Billie answered, “You’ll have to wait and see.”

The next day, everyone was ready to go out on the lake.  A few planned on wading while others water skied.  Andy reenacted one of his popular music videos on the water, while Bobby charmed them with his wipeouts.  There was a digital recorder on board that caught the dramatic scenes.  Billie had her camera as well for those unexpected moments. Chris snapped one of her while she was skiing. As he was taking one last shot, he caught a glimpse of another boat approaching, through the lens.  He nearly dropped the camera when he saw who it was.  They pulled up beside them and said, “Hello.”  It was Lana and Ben.  Billie kept an eye on Chris to see how he was handling it.  He acted like Lana wasn’t bothering him.  She barely spoke to him, just everyone else on the boat.  Maria, who was on board with Billie and Chris, tried to lift his spirits. 

Lana and Ben finally left after receiving such a cold shoulder.  No one said a word to Chris at first. But, Chris being the circus clown that he is, made the comment, “You never know what could crawl out of the swamp these days.  Why didn’t you warn me about those poisonous piranhas?” They laughed, only to lighten the mood.  Bobby had heard about Chris' behavior from Billie. Now, he saw firsthand how he reacted to being around Lana and Ben.  He only knew the half of it.

Later, they had a barbecue.  Chris shouted, “Anyone for chargrilled veggie burgers?”  Billie blushed, as he casually threw lettuce on her. 

Bobby observed, “I didn’t know you were a vegetarian, Billie?” 

Chris estimated, “I guess something or someone made her turn against meat.  Which I say, more for me! One thing is for sure, no one can tell her she is full of bull!” 

Bobby voiced, “That was definitely cheesy.” 

After the cookout, Maria and Billie talked for a while.  Maria and her husband Jason had brought one of their daughters along.  So, Billie took time to play with her.  She told Billie the news.  “I am going to have my fourth child, eight months from now.  I want you to be the Godmother, if you would." Maria asked.