Cody

Caroline arrives tomorrow, and I should be happy, but I'm not sure she could even pull me out of this darkness.

My wife, who I want to divorce, is pregnant with her therapists baby. I might not have been the best husband in the world, but that doesn't mean I don't care for the woman. She has gotten herself into a mess.

I'm pissed she tried to blame me, and also tried to pass that child off as mine. I contacted my attorney and he did start the divorce process, but at the same time, I hate that she's going to be alone. I also hate my daughter growing up with divorced parents, but our unhealthy marriage cannot be good for Jessie. It's sad that it'll take divorce for me to spend more time with her, June has always been so selfish about our daughter.

We both agreed to keep the divorce quiet, and only between us for the time being. Well, Rory knows, and I'll have to tell Dean so he can give our publicist a heads up.

She has no desire to tell the baby's father of its existence. Usually, I would say that's wrong, but under these circumstances, I can understand her decision. He took advantage of her while she was grieving both the loss of a child, and the crumbling of our marriage. Who knows what he would do, but my main goal is to have him stripped of his license to practice.

It's eight in the evening, and we just arrived an hour ago. I spoke with Jessie, and she said Caroline gave her two last lessons. June said Jessie didn't show much interest, but at the same time, she's only six. Caroline already expected that, so I'm sure she will grow some interest as she grows.

The next morning I waited for Caroline at LAX. I wore sunglasses and a cap, but still I was forced to take some pics and give a few autographs.
Slapping a fake smile on my face, and acting as if I'm the happy country music star they adore is nothing new to me.

I was wrong. When I saw her I was suddenly hit by contentment, even happiness maybe, but she didn't look quite as happy. She just smiled and said hello like I'm just any other person she may do business with, but that could be because of the crowd and not wanting to give them any false ideas.

Once her bags were loaded, we took off for the hotel, yet she never did seem to warm up as quickly as she did during that one great week. She's supposed to be more of a friend than a consultant. What happened since I saw her last?

She just gives me a friendly smile and spoke as if we are just associates.

"How was your flight?" I asked.

"It was long, but good. There was no need to provide me with first class tickets." She said so humbly.

"I thought you would be more comfortable. I had your hotel room booked next to mine so we can work when we aren't on the tour bus." I said.

"Okay, how has it gone so far?" She asked.

"We've only done one show and one interview, but it's gone well. We just got in last night, but had an interview, then I spoke with Jessie. She said you gave her a few lessons?" I asked.

"Yes, I also got to know June. She is a lovely woman, Cody." She complimented, but I didn't reply. I guess I know what's wrong now. June must have said something to Caroline about her suspicions.

"The concert is tomorrow and Saturday, so we should have some time to work or maybe see a little of L.A. You might want to do some shopping. I know June loves to hit Rodeo Drive when she visits." I said.

She shook her head. "I'm not much on shopping, but I did promise a friend I would have dinner with him if you had no plans for me?" She asked.

Him?

"No, nothing pressing." Our conversation fell stagnant, so I walked her up to her room and had her bags brought up.

"We have a practice session at noon tomorrow if you'd like to come. Also, the guys are itching to see you. I have plenty of people for you to meet, but I guess that can wait." I stood in the doorway of her room.

"Great, thanks Cody." She said.

Wow, that's it?

"Alright, well I'm next door if you need anything. Dean is on the other side, do you need anything before I leave you?" I asked.

"No, but thanks again. Will you come by when it's time to leave tomorrow?" She asked as her Cello and guitar were delivered into her room.

"Absolutely, as I said, if you need anything I'm right there." I pointed at my room next door.

"Thanks," she busied herself at getting settled in.

A few hours later, I met with the guys to eat dinner before they went out for the evening. We sat at the table in the back, and I noticed Caroline meet a man in the lobby. He looks refined, wearing a fitted suit, and more than happy to see her. I'm staring as he leaned down and kissed her cheek, then led her outside.

I notice Dean looking at me, then the lobby, then me again. He shook his head and went back to eating his meal.

I can't help but wonder who that man was, he didn't look like he knew a day's hard work. Maybe some pansy model, or some kind of businessman?

"Alright boys, I'm out of here. Have fun, and don't make the tabloids." I threw money down on the table and got up.

"Hold up, I'll walk up with you." Dean stood and threw money on the table, then walked with me to my room then he stepped inside.

"What's up with Caroline, well, what's up with you too?" He asked.

"I think June may have said something to Caroline to upset her, but I'm sure neither one will tell me." I grabbed a cold beer from the minibar and sat on the couch.

"Okay, but you've been off since we left home." He said.

"I filed for divorce and June has agreed to all my requests." I needed to talk to someone. "On the condition I keep it a secret for now." I said.

"Glad to see you finally made a decision. Living like that wasn't good for either of you, or Jessie." He said.

"She's pregnant," I added.

"What the fuck? You choose now to divorce her? That's fucking low!" He snapped at me.

"You were in my shoes not too long ago yourself, Dean. It's not my kid, that's what sucks. I can't tell anybody it's not mine, and I look like the bad guy." I said.

Dean's face fell. "Who the hell is the bastard?"

"She went to see a therapist after the miscarriage. She was grieving and vulnerable, and he took advantage. She wanted to trick me into screwing her last week to pass it off as mine. I can't say anything because she doesn't want him to know." I said.

"Well, that's not your problem. Now the whole world will think you're a piece of shit." He's obviously pissed. "Caroline probably knows she's pregnant, and June gave her a warning about your friendship. This is underhanded, and not the June I know." He said.

"I still care about her Dean. I want that mans license, then people will know the truth, I'm going to take him down." I warned.