Deacon was struggling to control his anger as he drove to the grocery store. They needed some supplies, and more beer at the cabin.
It had killed him to leave Maddie and Scarlett crying and begging him to stay at Tandy's. Seeing Rayna just infuriated him more. In his eyes she and Luke had destroyed his family.
Tandy and Rayna got the girls calmed down and settled watching movies. They had decided to spend the night, and make a girls night out of it to cheer Maddie and Scarlett up. Rayna needed a big girls night complete with wine once the girls went to sleep.
Deacon was in the check out line with a cart full of groceries and a couple cases of beer. He'd passed on another bottle of Jack Daniels. He'd reached for it, but remembered puking his guts out the first few days at the cabin, and thought "better not."
As the line moved forward he neared the colorful array of tabloids. His own face plastered across one caught his attention. They'd made the front cover. Rayna in the middle picture coming out of lawyer Ray Westcock's office. Deacon and Luke in older pictures with their guitars on either side.
The headline read:
Queen of Country Rayna Jaymes divorcing long time love, former guitarist, and husband Deacon Claybourne for King of Country Luke Wheeler.
See Tell All Excusive Pictures Inside
Deacon grabbed the magazine and flipped to the story.
Last week our TMZ cameraman Zach caught up with Queen of Country Rayna Jaymes coming out of her attorney's office in Downtown Nashville. While she stayed mum, and refused comment the writing is on the wall.
Queen Rayna hasn't been spotted in public or performing with her husband, and long time love Deacon Claybourne in quite some time. She has however, been spotted on more than one occasion with King Of Country Luke Wheeler.
Last August the two were spotted and photographed having an intimate dinner alone together in LA. Both were in town for a BCPA fundraiser, and thought to be traveling together. More recently the two took an intimate PR trip around Tennessee, and appeared to be together as more than working companions.
They made several stops along the short PR trip, and seemed very touchy feely, as they gave a more than a sultry performance of "Baby It's Cold Outside." It certainly wasn't cold on that stage in Memphis at the annual Graceland Lighting ceremony.
It's no secret that Luke Wheeler and wife Stephanie Cannon are legally separated and headed for divorce. Wheeler's rep has confirmed that information.
Rayna Jaymes's marriage status is a bit more guarded with no official confirmation of separation from husband Deacon Claybourne. However, the picture of Jaymes leaving noted celebrity divorce attorney Ray Westcock's office just last week suggests trouble in paradise for Jaymes and Claybourne.
The two married in 1992 after a couple rocky years dating. There are numerous public records available detailing early public drunken charges, accidents, and domestic abuse police calls to their residence. Their engagement was public, and short, believed to be due to an unplanned pregnancy. They have just the one child Maddie now 5.
Jaymes has not toured in 6 months since her return to Nashville last September, but a dual tour between Wheeler and Jaymes is scheduled to kick off later this year with multiple city stops expected.
If their performances are anything like what patrons experienced at Graceland's lighting ceremony, It's sure to be one of the hottest tours of the year. We're not just talking about the music.
Deacon was absolutely fuming as he looked at the pictures of Rayna and Luke having dinner in LA holding hands. There were more shots than what he'd seen in the other tabloid. There were also new intimate shots of Rayna and Luke onstage at Graceland. They appeared very lovey dovey and touching in all the pictures. The final was a shot of just their backs as they entered a hotel room together at the Peabody in Memphis.
"That's not Chattanooga. There must have been another time, or several." Deacon thought as he threw the magazine back on the rack, paid for his groceries, and stormed out to his truck.
He was shaking with rage as he climbed behind the wheel. He wanted a drink. He wanted to go find Rayna and tell her to kiss his ass. They were done. He was filing for a divorce on the grounds of adultery, and he wants custody of Maddie and Scarlett effective immediately.
Deacon took a few deep breaths trying to get his anger under control. He finally calmed down, started the truck and made his way back to the cabin. Once out of town he grabbed a beer from the backseat. He'd had 4 by the time her reached the cabin. Vince had some woman there.
Deacon quietly put the groceries away, trying not to disturb Vince and company and had a couple more beers. He took his guitar, a cooler full of beer, and headed down to sit by the water. He'd been working on some lyrics.
"Are We Even Yet" Joe Diffie
That's one for me, and one for you You hurt me, and I hurt you woman Are we even yet Are we even yet My words hurt, and cause you pain Tear drops fall like pourin' rain Revenge is sweet, when you don't talk Are we even yet Are we even yet
Add it up and we're just two fools
And on, and on, and on, and on, it goes
Like two kids we're keepin' score
Am I one, two or three heartaches ahead
Do we even know if we're holdin' on or lettin' go
Nobody wins, when we can't forgive and forget
Are we even yet
You cry and cry, love dies and dies some more
I'm afraid you're gonna walk
What will it take to take back the things we've said
Do we even know if we're holdin' on or lettin' go
Nobody wins, when we can't forgive and forget
Are we even yet
"That's kinda depressing Deke." Vince said as he and his evening companion joined Deacon near the water.
"I'm kinda depressed so…" he answered not bothering to look up
"It's kinda chilly out here. I'll start a fire." Vince said as he got up and headed just behind them to the fire pit
Once Vince had a roaring, warm fire going Deacon and whoever she was joined him around the dancing flames. The woman saw Deacon's face clearly for the first time in the fire light.
"Aren't you Deacon Claybourne?" she asked a bit star struck
"The one and only." He tried to smile
"OMG, I'm so thrilled to meet you. I have your only album. You're obviously still great. Why didn't you ever make another one?"
"….family, kids, soon to be ex wife's career kinda took over my life. Shit happens." He answered feeling more depressed thinking about all he'd sacrificed for Rayna just to have it all come to this.
"Oh, this is Connie, Deke." Vince finally found his manners
"Nice to meet you, Connie." Deacon said extending his hand
"So things didn't go well with the kids today?" Vince asked
"Kids were fine. Other than suck in the middle of all this bullshit with me and Rayna."
"….How was Rayna?" Vince cautiously asked as Deacon looked away
"I don't even know her anymore. She says one thing, but her actions seem to suggest she's fuckin Wheeler."
"Still? I thought it was a one time thing and she said nothing's going on now."
"She brought him to the house tonight, and I saw a tabloid at the store with some pretty telling pictures that suggest it was more than once." Deacon sighed
"I'm sorry, man. I never would have guessed Rayna would be that way."
"Yeah, you and me both. She completely blindsided me this time. Divorce was the last thing I ever thought….." Deacon trailed off not able to finish.
"So, you're gonna file?"
"I'm gonna find a lawyer tomorrow. She may have already filed. There are tabloid pictures of her coming out of Ray Westcock's office last week. Of course she picks the slimiest damn excuse for an attorney. He's probably Wheelers divorce attorney too." Deacon sarcastically sniped
"I'm gonna go to bed. Nice to meet you Connie. Night." Deacon sounded so depressed as he walked back up to the cabin
"Poor guy." Connie said when Deacon was out of earshot
"So the tabloids are true? Rayna Jaymes and Luke Wheeler are a thing?" Connie asked Vince
"Seem to be, but doesn't make sense. Rayna's always been crazy about Deacon."
At Tandy's the girls were asleep. Rayna and Tandy were in front of the TV, drinking wine.
"So, Deacon's still pretty pissed?" Tandy asked
"I don't think "pissed" covers it." Rayna said sadly
"He's not lightening up at all?"
"No, if anything I think he's worse. I didn't know Deacon was at the house tonight. Luke followed me home to work in the studio."
"Ohhhh, Rayna!"
"I didn't know Deacon was there or I never would have had Luke…."
"…and what about Luke? Are you guys OK, now?" asked Tandy
"Yeah, we cleared the air. We both accept that what happened was a mistake. Now if I could just get Deacon to understand that, and lighten up a little."
"Rayna, you slept with Luke! Deacon is NEVER going to understand. He may learn to live with it, but it's never going to be the same between you again. You do realize that, right?"
"So, you don't think we even have a chance at working this out?" Rayna asked lip trembling on the verge of tears
"Honey, There's always a chance. Deep down, I'm sure Deacon still loves you, but he's pretty hurt, and it's not a hurt most people get over."
"You think I should just give up, and try to get on with our lives separately?"
"That's something you're going to need to discuss with Deacon when he's ready, and as mad as he is…that could be a while."
"I don't know how to get through to him, Tandy. He's so hurt, and angry. He lashes out at the slightest things, and touching him just seems to piss him off more. He thinks I'm trying to keep the girls from him."
"Have you kept them from him?"
"No, today was the first time he'd asked to see them since he left. I only asked if he had been drinking, and he blew up."
"Is he drinking?"
"He's living at the cabin with Vince. I'd say it's a given."
"Wait, Vince is back? I thought he had a girlfriend and baby on the way back in Natchez?"
"She cheated on him, and the baby's not his. He was staying at the cabin before all this crap with Deacon and I."
"Ohhhh, that's really a lethal combination those 2 heartbroken together." Tandy said worried
"I told him I don't want the girls there with Vince. That just pissed him off more. Everything I do or say seems to be wrong, but the girls safety has to come first."
"That's true. It's all gonna be OK. One way or another. Deacon loves those kids. I doubt he'd do anything to harm them." Tandy said as she pulled Rayna into a hug.
"Did you invite Deacon to Maddie's birthday party, Sat?"
"No, I didn't really get a chance to just talk to him. Do you think I should?"
"Rayna, he's her father. I'm sure she wants him there, and I'm sure he would want to be there."
"I'll call him tomorrow. Hopefully he'll have cooled off a little by then."
Deacon sat in the waiting room of Alexis Stuart's office nervously waiting for his appointment. He had doubts about filing for a divorce, but he really didn't see any way to work things out either. Rayna had crossed too many lines, and he didn't think there was any going back now.
"Mr. Claybourne, come in please." A beautiful middle aged blonde woman extended her hand to Deacon as he got up.
She was prettier than he'd pictured. He'd heard the stories about what a hard ass attorney she was. She was one of the best in celebrity legal matters. He was going to need it if Rayna had Ray Westcock.
"OK, so you came to talk about divorce and custody?"
"Yeah."
"…and your wife is Rayna Jaymes?" she smirked
"Why is that amusing?" Deacon asked
"No reason. I just seem to have this reputation with celebrities. Is that why you're here?" she asked
"As a matter of fact, it is. I think Rayna may have retained Ray Westcock. I'm gonna need the best, and I hear that's you." He said matter of factly
"OK, well I've done my research. I know you basically gave up what could have been a promising career to raise your daughter while you also did everything to help further Rayna's career including writing most of her songs? Would you agree with that?"
"Yes."
"Safe to say Rayna's been the main breadwinner?"
"Again, yes. I have continued to sing, and write locally, and recently took a job with the opry as band leader. I do OK money wise, but Rayna's album sales and touring have far surpassed me that's a given."
"You own two homes together?"
"Yep, the one we live in here in town, and a cabin about an hour from here."
"…and should you get custody, where did you plan to live?"
"I guess I hadn't thought about that. Right now, I'm in the cabin, and Rayna's here in town. I guess with the girls I'd need to be in town."
"girls…isn't there only one child?"
"We have one daughter, but we also have custody of my niece Scarlett. She's my sister's daughter. We have legal custody."
"Would your sister be willing to testify on your behalf that the kids belong with you?"
"I'm not sure. She hates Rayna so maybe."
"OK, why don't you tell me what led to all of this?"
"Rayna's having an affair with Luke Wheeler." He said looking away
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I overheard them talking about it. They both admit it, but claim it's over now."
"…and you don't believe them?"
"No, but even if I did. Doesn't change the fact that it happened."
"OK, I'm gonna tell you probably the same thing Ray Westcock told your wife. This has the potential to get ugly very quickly. If you're sure you want to go ahead with this, we should probably file sooner than later, and first would be best if she hasn't already. My para legal is looking into that now."
"Seeing as you have been the main parent while Rayna pursued her career, I think you have more of a chance than most father's. Also using adultery as the reason gives you more sympathy in court. However, I'm not gonna sugar coat this. Ray Westcock is gonna go after your past with a vengeance. That means all the drug and alcohol addiction, rehab, police reports from early in your relationship with Rayna will be fair game."
"Are you sure you're up for that?"
"What's the alternative? I mean I can't do nothing. I'm not just gonna let her win. She's gonna run off with Wheeler on tour again soon anyway. The kids should be with me when she does."
The door to the office opened, and a petite brunette peeked in.
"No filings under the name Claybourne." The brunette informed Alexis Stuart
"Great, thanks, Kate."
"OK, so Rayna has not filed anything official. Does that change anything for you?"
"No, not really. You said first to file is best, right?"
"It does look better, yes."
"OK, so what do I need to do?" Deacon asked
"Well, I propose we go after full custody of both kids. Half of all assets. You get the house in Nashville with the kids. Child support and alimony since Rayna makes substantially more. She gets the cabin. Half of all assets. Her freedom to pursue her career, while you offer liberal visitation with the kids when her schedule allows."
"We can use the adultery as a bargaining chip if you'd like. If she agrees to your terms without a fight we use irreconcilable differences rather than adultery."
Deacon took a deep breath. He was uneasy about the whole thing, but he figured "Who isn't" when ending a marriage.
"So, do you want us to draw up the paperwork? We should be able to get a court date fairly soon since custody is involved. We can have Rayna served as early as Monday. You can tell her if you'd like."
He thought about things for a few minutes.
"Go ahead with paperwork, and having her served." He said with some hesitation
"Are you sure? Once we start this, things move quickly, and often there's no going back. Feelings get hurt, things get heated. If you think you might want to talk to her, try to work it out, it would be easier now."
"I just don't see any way to fix this. I hate like hell it's come to this, but she made her choices."
"OK, we'll be in touch. See my receptionist about my retainer. We'll get you through this. Thanks for choosing me. I'll do my best for you, Deacon." She smiled as she shook Deacon's hand.
Deacon felt conflicted, wondering if he'd made the right choice as he walked to his truck.
"Could they work things out?" he thought as he sat behind the wheel
"How would it ever be the same again? He'd never trust Rayna the way he used to. Could he learn to live with things for the kids? What if he couldn't? Was it fair to put the kids through more heartache, or just end it now, and let everyone learn to deal with a new life?"
More questions than answers seemed to plague him as he drove to the opry for his Tue night band leader responsibilities.
As he entered his dressing room his phone rang in his pocket. He pulled it out and immediately recognized Rayna's number. He almost answered, but he had to be onstage shortly. He needed to focus, and talking to Rayna just pissed him off lately. He silenced the phone as he continued to rehearse.
Things went well onstage. He was happy to be distracted and doing something he loved. He'd had the Bluebird gigs, but this was more of a crowd. He wasn't the main attraction, but it was great to be onstage again with the energy, and applause.
As he packed up to leave that night he remembered Rayna had called earlier, and checked his messages.
"Hey, Deacon, Guess you're busy, or don't wanna talk. I'm sorry about yesterday. The girls had a good time at the park. They calmed down after about an hour. They're really missing you, and so am I. Not sure what your plans are to see the girls, but I'm having a birthday party for Maddie at Gorilla Joe's on Sat 2pm. She'd really like her daddy to be there. I hope you can make it. I love you, Deacon."
