Caroline

Cody and I finished our first song on Sunday. It's hard to believe we worked so quickly, by the time summer is over, he may have enough work for a new album.

"Bus riders line up behind the giraffe, and car riders please line up behind the elephant." I said.

I could see Cody on the other side of the children, but I didn't expect what happened next. Once the kids started to walk out, he came into better view, standing next to his wife.

Jessie jumped up into his arms and was talking to both of her parents. There he is, the real Cody Reid. The father and husband, not the man I started to know as my friend.

"Miss Harper, it's great to see you again. How did Jessie do in class today?" I was approached by none other than, June Reid, while Cody was talking to his daughter.

"Hello, it's nice to see you again, Mrs. Reid. Jessie is such a sweet girl, she participates and gets along perfectly with the other children." I assured her.

"I've heard you have quite the adventure ahead of you this fall." She said.

Does she know about the summer?

"Yes, I'm very excited. Vienna has so much to offer, and I'm always looking for a new adventure." I said.

"A little birdie told me a certain drummer has his sights on you, Dean is a good man." She said.

Huh?

"I'm sure that's true, but there's no sense in starting any new relationships when my departure is soon to come." I said.

She smiled approvingly.

"I heard you sing in that video, and your voice is simply angelic. Cody says you're receiving vocal coaching. I can't imagine you would need much more coaching." She said.

"I have a little more stage fright with singing, than playing an instrument. I'm hoping to learn much more than just vocal in that aspect. I will be learning different styles and techniques, including opera." I said.

"I hope I can someday hear you sing in person." She said.

"You will have that chance on the last day of school. I saw you will be room mom that day, I sing for the kids daily." I informed her.

"Maybe Jessie and I will meet up with you while you're on tour with the band. I would love to hear you play live with them." She said.

She does know.

"I won't be on stage. I'm just going as a songwriter and to get some experience." I said.

She raised an eyebrow. "Stay away from Jamie and Jax after the shows. They aren't exactly able to release their energy in healthy ways." She warned.

"No worries there, I'm not much on the party scene." I said.

"Alright, I will see you on the last day of school." She went to turn away.

"I won't be leaving for a few weeks yet. You're welcome to come over and bring Jessie for some lessons." I invited her in hopes of easing her fears.

A look of relief came over her. "I think I would like that, actually. We will set it up then. It was great seeing you again, Miss Harper." She said.

"Please, call me Caroline." I offered.

"Have a good afternoon, Caroline." She turned and walked away, then said something to Cody and left with Jessie.

"Hey"

"Hi, Cody."

"Sorry about that, she suspiciously forgot I wanted to pick up Jessie." He stood there with his hands in his pockets.

"She's your wife, Cody. It's not a bad thing for her to talk to me." He stood there awkwardly.

"Okay, are you busy this afternoon? I need to get you to look over some paperwork and update you on the tour schedule. I probably won't see you again until you meet us in L.A." He said.

"That's fine, I'm about ready to leave now, and have to stop off for a few things from the grocery, but I should be home in about an hour." I said.

"Alright, I'll see you in a bit." He turned and walked away as I packed up for the night.

I left school soon after, then went to the grocery and the bank before going home. When I arrived, Cody was leaning against his truck in my driveway, and helped me take my groceries inside. Gizmo went crazy when we walked in the door, so Cody took him out back while I put things away. I looked out my kitchen window and had to laugh as I saw Cody playing with Gizmo. He had Gizmo on his back legs, and Cody was walking backward. They looked like they were slow dancing because Gizmo had his paws on Cody's shoulders. I grabbed my phone and took a few pictures, then Cody fell backward and Gizmo landed on top of him and was licking his face. I laughed so hard at Cody trying to escape the horror of the slobbery kisses, that I almost had to pee myself. I walked outside bent over in stitches laughing. "Let him go, Gizzy."

Cody is laughing so hard, he can't get up and Gizzy is clueless. He ran up to me, and I pet him while Cody got up and wiped the dirt off his clothes.

"I feel so violated." Cody said and looked serious, and my stomach started to hurt from laughing too hard.

"Oh, you've not been violated yet. He's fixed, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still enjoy a good hump. You got off lucky." I laughed and Cody tilted his head.

"How do you get out of that?" His eyes were huge.

"You don't, he and Anna have a lot in common." I said.

He busted out laughing. "I just can't..." He shook his head.

"Let's go inside." They both followed me in, and I offered Cody the bathroom to wash up. I swear I heard him still laughing in the bathroom.

We settled in the music room and he gave me everything I need for my upcoming trip. We played some music, then around ten he left. It would be the last time I see my new friend until I land in L.A. in a few weeks.