Chapter Eleven

Aunt Kay’s prize package also included free passes to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, a new attraction in nearby Escondido, associated with the zoo. No cages…the animals are free to roam. We’d planned to go on our last day in San Diego before heading north.

Kay had heard good things, but neither of them had been to the park yet. After Disneyland, I was kinda theme-parked out. But out of nowhere, Sam said he wanted to tag along.

I jumped into the front seat of his big-ass Mercury Grand Marquis. John stretched out in the back. As Sam eased the car out of the driveway, he suddenly had a serious “we need to talk” look on his face.

He didn’t say a word until we got on the highway. Then turned to me and said, “I don’t want you to think we haven’t enjoyed having you and John staying with us…and we really hope you’ve had fun…”

“Oh shit,” I thought to myself. “We over-stayed our welcome. Oh no…what if  Disney called them?”

Sam continued, “…but Kay and I haven’t been completely honest with you.”

This was getting weird. “Okay…”

“If you look in the glove box, there’s a document in there that should explain everything.” He reached over and popped open the door.

I stared at him. I had no clue that the hell was going on.

“Go ahead. Look inside.”

I pulled out a legal document, folded in half. Divorce papers.

I felt like I was punched in the gut. Sam and Kay? No!

There was an awkward silence. John peeked over my shoulder at the document and quickly sat back in the seat.

“I’m so, so sorry…” I had no idea what I was supposed to say.

“I just wanted to apologize,” Sam said. “It’s an awkward time for us, and it’s been tough on the kids. They’re staying with friends. But I need you to please do me a huge favor. I haven’t told your mom or Lillian yet. And I’d really like to discuss it with each of them first, before they hear about it from someone else.”

“Before they hear about what?” I deadpanned.

Sam turned to look at me and smiled. “Thanks, Doogie. I appreciate it.”

The rest of the day was a blur. Evidently, we spent it looking at animals. There is ample photographic evidence we were there. But I remember little of it. I think I was in shock.

Even without the bad news, John and I had already planned to move on from San Diego in the morning. 

That night, we packed up the truck. Bought ice and re-stocked the cooler. Topped off the gas tank. In the morning, we said our goodbyes, expressed our love and gratitude, and wished them both luck. Then hopped on I-5 north to NBC Studios in Burbank.