Cody

I hung up with my attorney, just as Caroline walked back into our suite. 

"How's Lana?" I asked.

"A bit scared, and she's having a hard time believing we are serious.  I think she's been let down a lot in her life, Cody."  She walked up to me and hugged me.

"Thank you for giving her a chance.  We won't let you down, I promise." She said.

So this is what it's like to make decisions together and not be controlled. 

"Hey, I have to fly back to Tennessee after the show.  We get to finalize the divorce Wednesday.  Do you want to go, or stay with Lana?" I asked.

She looks conflicted.  "I only have two weeks with her, how long will you be gone?" She asked.

"I wanted to spend some time with Jessie on Thursday, so I'll fly back Friday," I answered.

"I haven't had a night without you, but Lana needs me.  I hate spending time apart since I'll be leaving soon.  I guess we will be on the bus, and you'll be meeting us in New York?  What about making the Lana decision?" She asked.

I hate doing this to us now.

"I'll know by the time I leave, and I'll give my suggestions before I go.  If it looks like she might work out, I'll call the label myself.  Dean is going to get her some headshots done as quick as possible.  I promise I won't let you down." I said.

"Will you stay at my house?  I don't want you to stay in that crappy motel, or under the same roof as June." She suggested.

"That's actually a great idea." I hadn't thought of that yet.

"I'll make arrangements and give you the key.  There's an extra spot in the garage if you need to store your truck." She said.

Wow, she thinks of everything.

"Thanks, now don't we have some business to get down to?" It's all I think about these days.  I picked her up, and she laughed when I threw her over my shoulder. 

She landed on the bed, and I pulled my shirt off, before bending down and kissing her perfect lips.  She unfastened my pants while I kicked off my boots, then pulled off her shirt.  I leaned in and kissed her again, and trailed down to her perfect breasts.

My hands worked quickly to unsnap her bra and taste her hard nipples.  I couldn't wait to feel her, so I slipped my hand inside her pants, and she gasped the moment I felt her silk walls. 

I had enough and needed to taste her.  I pulled off her shorts then kissed her lips, before quickly moving down to her sweetest spot.The way her body reacts to me will never get old.  She begged me to stop and make love to her, so I gave her everything she wanted, until we collapsed into each other's arms.

I have slept better than I have my entire life every night with Caroline in my arms.  I can't be so selfish as to expect her to give up her dreams of studying in Vienna, but I don't know how I will let go.  Each day brings us closer to that goodbye, and the thought almost makes me sick. I slipped out of bed quietly, in hopes of not waking my sweet Caroline.  It's early still, but I'm plenty rested.

I walked out to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of juice then headed down to the gym.  I have to think of a way to get her to stay, but it has to be a way she thinks it's her idea.  I walked into the gym and saw a familiar face.

"Lana, you're up early." She's so shy, and I wonder how she would do in a crowd.

"I couldn't sleep." She started the treadmill, but I decided maybe we should talk.  I approached her as she had the treadmill on a slow speed telling me she may want to talk, but not know what to say.

"Don't let the pressure get to you.  You've got the talent, and your not far from taking the stage just as you are, but you need to learn our songs.  Caroline is a great teacher, and she's quite taken with you." I said.

She smiled.  "She's great ,and you're lucky to have her."

I nodded.  "God do I know it, but she's leaving soon."

"Really?  She doesn't seem like she wants to go." She commented.

"You think?" I asked.

"Sometimes you just have to let things happen." She turned off the machine and looked at me.  "Let her go, and I guarantee she won't stay gone.  She's in love, but it has to be her decision." She said.

"It's going to be rough on all of us," I said.

"Yeah, I could see why, she's amazing." She said.

"I'm surprised the world doesn't know about us yet." I said.

"If they saw you together, they'd see the love and support you." She said.

"Tell me about you.  What about your family?" I asked.

She started the treadmill.  "My mom's dead, and my dad is a piece of shit.  End of story." She shrugged and picked up her speed.

"Is there anything we should know about your past?  If there is, there are ways to handle the press." I asked.

"My dad was abusive and an alcoholic, but no matter how many times I ran away, they always forced me back. Foster care was equally as hard, so life on the street was my only option.  I couldn't register for school, because they would find me.  I turned eighteen, got a job, and then another, and took care of myself.  I'm not from Chicago."  She added.

I smirked.  "I'm guessing by your accent you're from Louisiana."

She nodded.  "Yes, close to New Orleans." She answered.

"Texas here, so we're both far from home." I said.

She smiled. "I know, I'm a fan."

She sped up the treadmill, and I started my workout.  I sure hope she can liven up some.  I really want to see how she does in front of a crowd.