I am betting that the Enquirer “source” is the girlfriend. I am assuming that he kept her quiet with promises as long as he could and when it didn’t pan out for her, she made contact with the Enquirer for money. She set him up the night at the hotel.
Interesting conjecture, considering John Edwards is perhaps dealing with a woman scorned! She calls John Edwards to the Hotel with a sob story, makes certain Edwards will not be Vice President, and receives a cash settlement from the National Inquirer! She is paid to get even.
Ahh, "The b*tch set me up!" excuse.