Cole slept horribly. It was a combination of a saggy bed, more alcohol than he usually drank in an evening and seeing Laura. He’d imagined seeing her again many times, but never like this. He’d thought she’d be glad to see him, and that they’d at least be able to reminisce and catch up. Impossible to do, though, when she didn’t even remember him. How could that be? She must have been more badly hurt than his father had told him. And Cole had a sneaking suspicion that there was more to the story. Because why wouldn’t his father have told him that she had memory loss? He was going to find out.

He had to be at the Nashville studios where the show was filmed by eight a.m. The producer he’d spoken to had told him to plan on being there for four or five hours at least. They were holding auditions all week and would keep going until each of the four judges filled up their team of twelve artists. Cole had long been a fan of the show. He liked the way the chosen artists received individual coaching, and the camaraderie among the judges was fun to watch.

Cole wondered if Laura had ever tried out for a show like this. He was still in shock and awe at what she’d done for herself so far. He wondered if he would ever have the chance to talk to her and hear her story. After what she’d said at the bar, somehow he doubted it. He was a stranger to her now.

When Cole arrived at the studio, it was already bustling. He was directed to one of the large waiting areas full of other hopefuls like himself. He glanced around the room. Everyone looked as excited and as nervous as he felt. And he knew they were likely all good, too, or they wouldn’t be there. He took a deep breath and tried not to let his nerves get the best of him. He didn’t usually have issues with stage fright. But he wasn’t feeling his usual confident self. When he got on stage at home, he knew he was good. Here, he was just one of many. Who knew what the judges were looking for?

One by one, people were called to audition. Once they left the room, they never came back, so there was no way of knowing how well anyone had done. Finally, when the room was almost empty except for Cole and one other person, his name was called. Cole followed Amelia, the young aide who led him to the stage where the judges were waiting. The lights were strong, so that he couldn’t see any of them particularly well. No one spoke, and Cole was told earlier that he’d go right into singing and the judges would talk to him when he finished.

The familiar music started. Cole began to sing, but it didn’t feel right. He felt off, not one with the music like he usually was. He tried to shake off his nerves and focus, and by the last quarter of the song, he settled in and knew he was in the zone. But would it be too late?

There was a long moment of silence and then Gary Jones, the grouchy head judge asked, “Do you have another song you could sing? We need to hear a little more before we decide.”

“Sure. I’m happy to.” And he was. The music for his backup song came on, and this time Cole was in the zone from the beginning. He gave it his all, and he knew when he finished that he’d nailed it. He’d shown them what he wanted them to see.

Gary was smiling. “I think the nerves got a hold of you in your first song. We got a glimpse of what you could do toward the end. I’m glad you sang again for us. I’d love to have you on my team. But I think the others would, too, so you get to choose who you want for your coach.”

All four judges had raised their hands to indicate that they wanted Cole on their team. Each one had nice things to say, and Cole was torn on who to go with. He closed his eyes for a moment and didn’t think, he just felt and then went with his gut instinct.

“Thank you all so much. Gary, I’d be honored to be on your team.”

“Fantastic. Be back here in one month. That’s when we’ll start shooting. Congratulations!”

* * *

Cole hit the road as soon as he left the studio and pulled into the driveway of his father’s Charleston house around eight thirty that night. He didn’t bother to call first. He saw his father’s car and knew that he was home. He knocked when he reached the door but didn’t bother to wait for a response. He let himself in and looked around. He could see there was a glow from the television in the den.

He walked into the room, and his father looked up in surprise. He turned off the television and raised his eyebrows.

“Is something wrong?”

Cole crossed the room and sat in an armchair opposite his father. “I just got back from Nashville.”

“Hm. That’s nice, I suppose. Did you have a good time?”

“I had a very interesting time. It was an eventful trip. You know that show New Voices?”

“The singing one?”

“That’s it. I auditioned this morning and was selected to be on the show.”

“You’re going to be on a reality show? And that is a good thing?” His father looked dismayed by the thought of it.

“It could be a very good thing. It might lead to something. A recording deal.”

His father stared out the window for a moment. But it was dark outside, and there was nothing to see. Finally, he spoke, “I’d hoped you were over that nonsense. You’re about to graduate from law school, start your career.”

“I’ve always been clear with you that this is my first choice, Dad. You know that.”

His father said nothing. After a long moment of silence, Cole changed the subject to discuss what was really on his mind.

“I saw Laura Scott in Nashville.”

His father’s eyes narrowed, and Cole noticed a flicker of a muscle along his jaw.

“Laura Scott?”

“Yes. Though it was the strangest thing. She didn’t seem to remember me.”

Cole wasn’t sure, but for a fleeting second, he thought he saw a hint of a smile flash across his father’s face. But then it was gone. He must have imagined it. His father looked deep in thought again but said nothing.

“Dad, why wouldn’t Laura remember me? What happened to her in the accident? Is there something you didn’t tell me?”

His father sighed and looked uncomfortable, a bit guilty even.

“Laura may have had some memory issues,” he said finally.

“What kind of memory issues?”

“The doctor said it was the worst case of amnesia he’d ever seen.”

“Amnesia? But you said Laura chose to go to Montana and took your money.”

“She did. Sort of.” He looked decidedly uncomfortable now as Cole felt his anger build. The urge to hit something was strong, and he wasn’t a violent person. He clenched his fist and glared his father, urging him silently to continue.

“The doctor said she might get her memory back if she was around familiar places and people.”

When Cole realized what that meant, he looked at his father in horror.

“What did you do?”

“I did what I thought was best for you. And for her. She went to live with your Aunt Helen, and I paid for her college expenses.”

“Is she aware of that?” Cole couldn’t remember ever being so furious.

“No, I don’t suppose she was. She and your Aunt Helen got along well, I heard.”

Cole felt betrayed by both his father and his aunt. “Why would Aunt Helen agree to do that?” Cole had always liked his aunt. After thinking about it for a moment, he realized why.

“You paid for Harold’s care, didn’t you?”

His father nodded. “The facility he went to was quite expensive. Helen didn’t have that kind of money. I was happy to help.”

“I bet you were.” Cole stood. “I can’t believe you did that to her, and to Laura and me. She would have remembered me. She should have had the chance to try!”

His father shifted in his seat and looked away. “I’m sorry, Cole. I did what I thought was best for everyone. I hope that someday, you’ll understand that.”

“I’m not sure that I’ll ever be able to forgive you. You went way too far.”

“It was a long time ago, Cole. You’re happily married now, and Laura seems to be doing well enough.” He stood, too, and smiled the charming smile that usually got him what he wanted. “Will we see you and Chelsea as usual for dinner after church tomorrow?” Every Sunday, Chelsea and Cole met his father and Claire at the club after church.

Cole narrowed his eyes. “How do you know how Laura is doing?”

“Well, I’m assuming she is doing well. They’ve been playing that song of hers non-stop on the radio this past week.”

“No, Chelsea and I will not be joining you at the club tomorrow or anytime in the near future. I mean it, Dad. You really crossed the line.”

“I meant well. You know that. When you calm down, you’ll realize that.”

Cole shook his head in disgust. “I’m going home now.”

* * *

Dylan wanted to celebrate after Laura accepted his proposal and he had a bottle of champagne ready on ice. They all drank it and he ordered another. Somehow word got out quickly, and it seemed as though almost the entire crowd at the bar came by to congratulate them. Out of the corner of her eye, Laura noticed a few pictures being taken and sighed. She knew the news of her engagement would be in the paper tomorrow and was probably already all over Facebook and Instagram. She shuddered at the thought of it. She still didn’t have a Facebook account and had no desire for one, but the studio’s marketing department handled social media for her, and they set up a page and a Twitter feed. She didn’t care what they did as long as she didn’t have to try to figure out social media.

Laura didn’t have the heart to burst Dylan’s bubble when they got home later that night. Instead, she decided to have the conversation over coffee the next morning and was already dreading it.

* * *

The coffee was delicious, but Dylan didn’t seem to be enjoying it. He pouted while Laura tried to explain that it seemed a bit too soon to be engaged.

“Are you saying you don’t want to marry me?”

Laura sighed. “I’m saying that it’s just so fast. I might want to at some point, but we’ve only been dating a few months. I honestly hadn’t even considered it yet.”

“But you said you love me.”

“I did say that,” Laura agreed. She didn’t add that she’d felt pressured into saying it and that it was unfair to do that publicly.

“So, what’s the problem then? We don’t have to set a date yet. We can have a long engagement if you like. That’s fine with me.” Dylan’s eyes were big and pleading. Laura felt a headache beginning to brew. She pressed her hands on her forehead and Dylan looked concerned.

“What’s wrong? Are you sick? Do you want an aspirin?”

She shook her head. “I’ll be fine. I’m just tired. Coffee will help. I suppose we could do a long engagement.” It seemed easier to just agree for the time being.

Dylan grinned and wrapped his arms around her.

“You’re perfect. We’re going to have the best life together.”

Laura smiled and nodded as she topped off her coffee. She needed to keep her focus on the music. Dylan and their relationship needed to take a back-burner, at least for now.