Texas Pride

by Gerry Bartlett

  Billy glanced at Shannon in her black pantsuit with the white blouse. Gran probably considered the look boring. He thought she looked perfect, professional and beautiful, though it wouldn’t hurt if she’d let her hair down and unbuttoned a few of those buttons so he could see some cleavage.

  “Halloween, fall, I was in the mood, Billy.” She took Shannon’s hand then pulled her wrist up to study the bracelet. “Well, look what we have here. I recognize this.” She pursed her lips which wore lipstick a shade even brighter than her hair. “Billy, boy, you gave her this?”

  “Yes, Gran.” He kept his arm around Shannon. “Can we go inside? I figure it’s only a matter of time before we have a drive-by shooting in this neighborhood.”

  “Oh, stop. We’re perfectly safe. I make those gang boys and girls cookies. We have an understanding.” She slapped his chest then turned and walked back toward the house. “Come. I have some iced tea made if you’re thirsty.” She stopped in front of the door then turned. “Sorry, Shannon, but I won’t have liquor in my house.”

  “Oh, that’s good. I mean, I don’t need a drink. Billy and I are fine. Right, Billy?” Shannon looked like she wanted to bolt back to the car.

  “Of course we’re fine. We just need to get Sally’s suitcase and head out to the facility. It’s a long drive. We can’t stay but a minute.” Billy held open the door and followed both of them inside. He tried to see it through Shannon’s eyes. Small, tidy, but so classless. If he was being judged by this room where he’d spent all the years he was growing up, then he’d get a D minus. At least the vinyl recliners were now leather thanks to his gifts at Christmas and birthdays. And the TV was a big screen and the latest technology. But Gran wouldn’t let him replace the worn linoleum or upgrade the kitchen, clearly visible through the open doorway. She liked the tiny house the way it was. Though the central air conditioning and heat had been happily accepted.

  “Oh, are we interrupting your show?” Shannon gestured toward the TV. “Our housekeeper watches Wheel of Fortune every night. How are you at the puzzles?”

  Well, she’d always been good with people and that question at least coaxed a smile out of Gran. Soon the two were in deep discussion on the advisability of buying a vowel.

  “Hey, we do need to get on the road. Don’t you DVR these shows, Gran? I showed you how.” Billy stepped between the two women.

  “Yes, yes. Come into Sally’s room, Billy. She called just before Wheel started and asked me to put a few more things into the suitcase. That girl! Thinks she’s at a fancy hotel, not there to work on her problem.” Gran led the way down the hall. “Shannon, you stay here and see if you can get the puzzle.”

  Billy followed his grandmother. Once they were in Sally’s bedroom, Gran grabbed his arm.

  “What the hell are you thinking, boy?” She glared up at him, her eyes bright, her mouth quivering.

  “Wait. What?” Billy felt her fingernails, painted a surprising purple, dig into his skin.

  “Shannon Calhoun. You think I don’t remember what you went through with her all those years ago? She broke your heart, Billy mine. I know you loved her. She was your first serious girlfriend.” She shook his arm. “Grow up! Think! You told me she had a drinking problem back then. That never goes away. Have you learned nothing from the mess your family has made?”

  “Stop it. Keep your voice down.” Though Billy knew Shannon probably couldn’t hear them. Gran kept the TV loud enough that he’d heard it from the curb when they’d got out of the car. “She’s different now. We’re both older, wiser.” And he’d obviously talked too much when Shannon had broken his heart in college.

  “Pah! You lust for her. I know how men are. I lived with one for almost fifty years. Thinking with what’s in your pants, not what’s in your head. I’m ashamed of you.” She turned away in disgust and threw open the closet door. She pulled out a silk blouse and pair of black pants and folded them carefully. “She will break your heart again.”

  “I didn’t come here for your blessing, Gran.” Billy waited for her to put the clothes into the suitcase and snap it shut. “I’m sorry if you’re unhappy, but I’m a man who can make my own decisions. Shannon is who I want. Get used to it.” He grabbed the suitcase and marched out of the room and down the hall.

  “Mrs. Pagan, the puzzle was ‘It takes two to tango.’” Shannon was smiling as they entered the room. She took Billy’s arm. “Billy and I will be going to the Ballet Ball soon. Can you tango, Billy?”

  “I’ve had a few lessons. You’ll have to wait and see.” Billy struggled to school his face, hoping Shannon couldn’t see how furious he was with his grandmother. Damn it to hell. Why had Gran brought up that ancient history? He’d never felt such pain as when Shannon had dumped him in college. So he’d vented to his mother and grandmother about it. But his grandmother was an elephant when it came to remembering things her only grandchild had said and done. He sure hadn’t told her about the other times he and Shannon had tried to make things work and failed.

  “Tango lessons? I can’t believe it. You just keep surprising me.” Shannon’s happiness made her glow. “Mrs. Pagan, I know you must be proud of Billy and the success he’s become.”

  “Sometimes.” Gran stood stiffly, not smiling. “Billy, you said you were in a hurry, but do you have time to air up a tire for me? That right front looks low. There’s a warning light on the dashboard that keeps saying I need air. Fancy car.” She glanced at Shannon. “Billy bought it for me, Shannon. He’s such a good man. But so busy with his law practice.” She shrugged. “If you can’t do it, Billy, maybe one of the boys on the corner will take care of it for me.”

  “One of those gang members?” He shook his head. “Stay away from them, Gran. It should just take a minute. The air pumper in the garage?”

  “Sure is. But I just hate to use it. It hurts my knees when I bend down, you know.” She sat in her recliner. “Thanks, Billy.”

  Shannon smiled at Billy. “I’ll wait here.” She sat tentatively in the matching recliner. “It’s almost time for the prize puzzle, Mrs. Pagan. I love to see them win a trip.” The front door clanged when Billy left. Shannon saw his grandmother’s face change, all pretense of friendliness gone.

  “Cut it out, Shannon Calhoun. You’re not charming me by pretending you give a damn about Wheel of Fortune.” Billy’s grandmother pulled herself to her feet and stood in front of her. Her bright blue eyes blazed. “Stand up, girl.”

  “What?” Of course, Shannon stood, then winced when Mrs. Pagan grabbed her arm and jerked her toward the door. They were on the porch before she knew where they were going.

  “Listen to me, Shannon Calhoun.” For a small woman, Billy’s grandmother had a firm and painful grip. “You hurt Billy so bad all those years ago I thought he’d never get over it.”

  “I’m sorry.” Shannon gently tried to pry off those lethal fingernails. “You mean when we were in college? I was young and stupid then.”

  “No excuse!” The woman darted a look toward her driveway. They could hear the sound of her car engine starting then what must be her air pumper going. “Stay away from him. He deserves a nice girl, a decent woman who knows how to treat him right.” Her eyes filled and she knuckled a tear off one cheek, smearing her blush. “Damn it, I mean what I say. You hurt my boy again and I’ll send one of those pups on the corner after you.” She nodded toward the half dozen boys and girls who were smoking and laughing a few doors down.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Pagan, but I don’t want to hurt Billy. He’s a fine man. I want things between us to work this time.” Shannon jumped when Mrs. Pagan dragged her down the steps and whistled. The boys on the corner looked their way. She nodded and they gave her a thumbs-up.

  “You see that? Those boys will do me a favor. They’ve marked you now. Know your face. You hurt my boy and you will be very sorry.” She let Shannon go when they saw Billy stride down the driveway toward
them.

  “Got all the tires at the right pressure, Gran.” He looked surprised to see them outside.

  “Thanks, sweetie. I figured you two were ready to hit the road.”

  “Yes, of course.” He stepped inside and got the suitcase then looked from one to the other. “Ladies? Everything all right?”

  “What do you think?” His grandmother had followed him up the steps and held on to the iron door. “Let me know how Sally is doing out there.” She kissed his cheek then stepped inside, clearly ready for them to leave. “I think I’ll start the program over, I missed too much.”

  “Goodbye, Mrs. Pagan.” Shannon didn’t even try to smile.

  Gran let the door slam shut. “Run along.”

  “Lock this door, Gran. Don’t forget.” Billy stared at her through the burglar bars. Obviously, the chill in the air was impossible to miss.

  “In a minute. Let me figure out how to rewind this thing.” She was punching buttons on her remote control. “Damned technology. Why is it so complicated?”

  “You can do it.” Billy used his own key to lock the burglar bars.

  Shannon stopped him as he was opening the passenger door on the car. “She hates me.”

  “She worries about me and remembers our old breakup.” Billy kissed her quickly. “I took it hard back then. That’s all. She doesn’t want me hurt again.”

  “She made that clear.” Shannon put her arms around him, deciding that telling him about the threat would do no one any good.

  “Give her time. She’ll come around.” Billy held her for a moment then obviously noticed the sketchy-looking group of teens eyeing his ride. “Get in the car. We should get out of here.”

  “Yes, they don’t look like they’re interested in cookies.” Shannon hurriedly got in and they were soon on the road again. “She needs to move out of that neighborhood.” And away from potential hit men. She shivered. Crazy to think that Billy’s granny with the orange hair could be dangerous. But she’d sounded so deadly serious.

  “I’ve tried. She won’t go.” Billy picked up her hand. “I just hope she settles down. I’d like her approval but don’t have to have it.”

  “I caught the dig about alcohol too. I know that’s a sore subject for her.” Shannon sighed and looked out the window. “I’m not going to turn into a teetotaler, Billy. I enjoy a cocktail occasionally. More than one, as you’ve noticed.”

  “I know that. You know I drink too. But I don’t do it around Gran. It makes her crazy.” He rubbed the chain where it lay on her wrist.

  “Fine. As long as we’re clear. You don’t lay down rules for me and I won’t lay down rules for you.” She turned to face him.

  “Is that how relationships work?” He seemed to really want to know.

  “I don’t have a clue.” She turned her hand over so she could grip his. “I suck at relationships. Haven’t had much practice at them, if you want to know the truth.”

  “Yeah, me either.” Billy smiled. “So we’ll figure this out together.”

  * * * *

  “Billy, you’ve got to get me out of here.” Sally looked better but her hands shook as she lit another cigarette from the butt of the one she’d just finished.

  “The district attorney is willing to let you get by with community service and probation if you spend six months in this facility, Sally. Not a day less. So getting out of here isn’t an option. Unless it’s straight to jail.” Billy sat back, not crazy about breathing her second-hand smoke. He hadn’t mentioned the big fine he’d have to pay for her. What was the point?

  “What kind of a deal is that?” She glared at him. “I thought you were a hot-shot lawyer. You telling me that was the best you could do?”

  “It was your third strike, Sally. You’re lucky he doesn’t throw in house arrest after your release from here.” Billy wondered if hell would freeze over before he got a thank you from his aunt. “You want to hire another lawyer? Feel free. Of course then you’d have to pay. Or go with a public defender.”

  “You know I don’t have any money.” Her lips trembled. “You want me to suffer, don’t you? I know how you feel about drinking and driving. You make no secret of it.”

  “You’re right. I hate it. I hope you’ve thanked God that no one was hurt this time.” Billy leaned forward. “And it’s not just driving drunk. I hate what alcohol has done to this family. Grandma is sick over your latest shitstorm. My mama broke Gran’s heart first, now you’re doing your damnedest to break it again.”

  “The counselors here tell us it’s a disease, Billy. We can’t help ourselves.” She sniffled.

  “Here come the waterworks. Part of the cure is staying here and doing what they tell you. Six months will pass quickly. Think how much better this is than jail. If you’re lucky, you’ll come out of here cured of the ‘disease.’ Please, use what they can do for you here. It’s supposed to be one of the best. Let them help you.” Billy looked around the room where they’d met. It was decorated like an expensive living room. Gran had begged him to find a decent place for Sally and he’d done it. One of his clients had used this palace for the privileged for her son when he’d been facing the same kind of jam Sally was in.

  “It is nice for a kind of prison. The sheets are high thread count and the meals are actually tasty. I’ve already gained three pounds.” She mopped at her cheeks with a tissue from a fancy gilded box on the wooden coffee table. “Don’t think I don’t know this is costing you plenty, sweetheart.”

  “Don’t worry about that. It’ll be worth it if you work the program. Come out clean and sober. For yourself. And for Gran. She’s been through enough.” Billy shifted in his seat, eager to get out of there.

  “I’ll do it. I swear I will. As payback for sticking me in such a nice place.” Sally smiled coyly and brushed back her straight black hair that was clean and had obviously been freshly styled. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. It’s the withdrawal, I guess. You know how it is.” She frowned. “No, I guess you don’t. You never had to fight the demons your mama and I did.”

  “Hang in there, Sally. Do what they tell you. This place is supposed to work wonders.” Billy patted her hand. Demons? He didn’t believe in them. He believed in counting on yourself to make things happen.

  “It must have a great reputation. You won’t believe who else is in here.” She stubbed out her cigarette and leaned closer. Her eyes lit up and she got excited as she threw out a name. When he looked at her blankly, she hit him on the arm. “Oh, come on. Surely you know her. You have all those famous clients. She’s on that reality show. The one they filmed right here in Houston.”

  Billy let her rattle on, pretending to be interested. Sally had always loved celebrity gossip and she was happy to have some to share. He glanced at his watch and realized Shannon was probably getting antsy in the car.

  “Well, then, make some new friends. Obviously, money didn’t keep her from having the same kind of problems. You can bond over them. Maybe she’ll be in your therapy group.” He stood. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Tell Ma to come see me. Maybe you could spot her some cash so she could buy me some nice lounging outfits. So I’d fit in with this crowd.” She stood and hugged him. “I do appreciate what you’re doing for me, Billy. You’re a good boy.”

  “Not a boy now, Sally. A man who has to work hard to pay for this fancy rehab. So don’t worry so much about how you look here, worry about getting off the sauce.” Billy did hold onto her for an extra minute. “Gran needs you to get well. Understand?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Tough talk.” She smiled up at him. “But I remember years ago. You were always my little guy. You take care of your family. It’s one of your best qualities.” She patted his cheek. “Come back soon, Billy. I love you.”

  Billy just shook his head. He couldn’t say it. She’d hurt him too many times. So he pulled back and strode out of the room, glad
to see that security was tight. There were surveillance cameras everywhere and it took showing identification and passing through a well-manned guard station to get in and out of the place.

  “She okay?” Shannon looked up from her phone when he got in the car.

  “She’s dealing with things.” Billy leaned over and kissed her. “I appreciate your coming with me. Sorry I took so long.”

  “No problem. I had some e-mails to catch up on.” She smiled at him. “You look down. Guess seeing someone you love in a place like this will do that to you.”

  “Yeah. So let’s get out of here.” He leaned back and took a moment before he started the car. “I’m starving. What do you think about picking up some takeout and eating at my place? I’d like to get an early start tomorrow.” Billy looked down at that gleaming gold bracelet on her wrist. “That sound like a plan you can live with?”

  Shannon squeezed his fingers. “Perfect. Tell me what you’re in the mood for, and I’ll text the order so it’ll be ready by the time we get there to pick it up.” She hit an app on her phone with her thumb, proving she could operate it one-handed. “Chinese? Pizza? Name your poison.”

  “Surprise me.” Billy realized he honestly didn’t care as long as this woman was sharing it with him. He was sick of dark and gloomy thoughts. She hadn’t mentioned needing a bottle of wine to go with dinner. Hadn’t shown signs of alcohol dependency at all since he’d made such an issue of it. Obviously, this was his hang-up and he needed to lighten up.

  Shannon was busy typing into her phone, a mischievous smile on her face.