Caroline

I went to our room and got some clothes for Lana to wear until we can get out tomorrow to purchase her some.  Cody was on the phone when I walked toward the door with a bag.  He covered the receiver of the phone and called out to me.

"Where are you going with an overnight bag?" He asked.

He's getting attached as much as I am to him.

"Taking Lana some clothes.  I doubt she has many, if any, since she didn't go back to the motel." I said.

He walked over and pecked my lips.  "Don't spoil that girl. There are no guarantees yet, Caroline." He warned me.

"I have to help this girl, Cody.  She has too much talent to waste." I pecked his lips and he went back to his conversation. I walked out, and went to the room number Cody gave me.

I knocked on her door, and I heard some movement.  "Lana, it's Caroline.  I have some clothes for you." I said.

I heard the chain move and the door unlock, before she slowly opened it.

"I figured you could use some night clothes." I said.

"Thank you, Caroline." She said as she took the bag.

"Do you mind if I come in for a few minutes?"  I asked and she stepped aside, and I walked into her room.  It's just a regular nice hotel room, but I'm sure it's a major step up from the motel.

"Have you eaten?  You have full access to room service.  I could call down for you if you like?" I asked.

She smiled.  "That would be great."

By the looks of the girl, she doesn't get many healthy meals.

"What's your favorite food?  I'm sure they have it." I asked.

She sat on her bed uncomfortably, so I sat down next to her.  "Lana, it really is okay."

She looked over at me.  "Why are you doing this for me?  What's in it for you?" She asked.

I smiled.  "I know talent when I see it, and you have a lot of it.  I'm sure you know, they recently experienced a devastating loss, and I'll be leaving for Vienna very soon.  You'll blossom, and they will be left in your hands.  I can sense you have a kind soul."  I reached for her hand.  "Your break has finally come, and I will dedicate myself to you.  This has to work, even if I put off my trip by a few weeks." I tried to assure her, life is changing. 

"I can't let you do that, Caroline." She shook her head.

"I don't think I'll have to, because of your level of talent.  If you get this, you'll get a contract, and that will give you stability.  Cody is a good man, and I know he will help you as much as possible." I said.

"Why me?  I'm not special like you and the rest of them." She said.

I shook my head.  "Have you ever considered that maybe you're better?"

She looked at me like I'm crazy.

"Don't worry how much you spend in room service.  You'd never match what these guys can eat.  Tomorrow, we will get you everything you need, and I won't be leaving until I know you're okay." I said.

"I like lasagna and garlic bread."  She gave me a big smile.

"How about something to drink?" I asked.

She told me, and I showed her how to order room service, and even requested chocolate Carmel cheesecake for her dessert.

"Here." I handed her some cash.  "This is the tip when your food arrives.  I'll be here around nine, and we will have breakfast before we shop." I said.

I went to walk away ,and she stopped me to say thank you.

"You're welcome.  Get a good nights sleep, because we have a big day tomorrow." I said.

I shut the door behind me, and headed toward the suite.  Cody consumes almost every thought I have, and I don't know what to do about Vienna.  I almost wish he would beg me to stay, but I know he wants me to follow my dreams.  Problem is, dreams change, and I'm starting to think of other things like supporting him.  Making music with him, babies, and a life together. 

I daydream about raising our children on the road.  Thinking of ways to make it work, so we can all be together. What if he decides he doesn't want a family on the road, or if he grows tired of me?

All I need is for him to ask me to stay, give me one great reason why Vienna isn't going to work.  Would I look desperate if I just tell him I can't leave him?  He has Jessie and can't come to me very often, or maybe not even once.  A year, a whole year without the man of my dreams.

Please, Cody, ask me to stay.