Dylan wasn’t happy at first that Laura didn’t feel like going out for dinner and preferred to get takeout and stay at home. She just wasn’t up to being social in any way. She didn’t want to have the conversation over the phone but said she’d fill him in when he came over. And she told him she needed it to be an early night as she was exhausted and couldn’t wait to go to bed early.

“What is going on with you? Are you sick or something?” he’d asked.

“No, it’s nothing like that.”

He arrived with a bag of Thai takeout and Laura opened a couple of beers for them. Over spring rolls and Pad Thai, she filled him in on most of what she’d learned, leaving out the part about being pregnant. Dylan, as expected, was furious at both Cole and his father.

“It’s not Cole’s fault.”

“He must have known what was going on.”

“No, he swears he didn’t, and I believe him.”

“Well, what are you going to do about it? It must be criminal what he did to you. And he’s a governor now. Talk about a scandal. He should pay.”

“That did cross my mind. I was pretty furious at first. Still am, actually, but I don’t think that’s going to help the situation any.”

Dylan took a big swig of his beer. He looked incredulous.

“Are you kidding me? You need to blow this up. Get that man kicked out of office.”

Laura sighed. “I’m looking at the bigger picture. That’s not going to help Cole or me. It could hurt us both.”

Dylan shook his head in disgust. “That’s crazy. I couldn’t disagree more. But, it’s your choice, of course.”

“Thank you.”

They ate quietly for a few minutes and then Dylan looked her in the eyes and asked, “And what about Cole? You two seemed close on the show. There’s still a connection there. Does he want you back?”

Laura set her fork down. “Don’t be ridiculous. That was a long time ago. We were kids. And besides, he’s married.”

“Right. And we will be soon, too. So, let’s set a date. That will send a message just in case he gets any ideas.” Dylan’s tone was teasing, but his eyes were serious. Laura’s head began to ache.

“Dylan, I told you before I’m not ready to set a date. Please don’t push me on that, not now.”

“Fine.”

Laura yawned and looked at the clock. It was early still, but it felt later.

“Am I boring you?”

“No. I’m sorry. I’m just exhausted. It’s been a lot all at once. I’m just now dealing with my mother dying. You can’t even imagine.”

Dylan sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I can’t begin to imagine.”

After they finished eating, Laura put the leftovers away and they watched TV for a little while. Laura couldn’t stop yawning, though, so Dylan didn’t stay long and as soon as he left, she fell into bed and into a sound sleep.

* * *

Cole’s conversation with Laura and the possibility of winning made sleep near impossible. He didn’t expect to win. He knew Gina was considered the front-runner, but he also knew he’d killed it with Laura’s song, and he and Gina were neck and neck on the iTunes chart. He was actually one spot ahead of her at the moment, but they kept switching places. And of course, he had no idea about the actual vote. So, winning was a real possibility, and it would be life-changing.

And then there was Laura. He thought he’d feel better when she remembered who he was, but instead, it made him even sadder for what he’d lost, what they’d both lost. But, he reminded himself that they were different people now, older, and both had moved on. He’d married, and she was engaged. He didn’t like Dylan, but it’s not like his opinion mattered.

Although he wasn’t as happy as he’d hoped to be with Chelsea. He’d been talking to her less and less since he’d been in Nashville. When they did talk, the conversations were short, and he always felt like she was anxious to get off the phone and back to whatever it was that she was doing. Maybe it would be better when he got home, and they were able to spend more time together.

When he arrived at the studio, the energy was high, and the five remaining contestants were all a bundle of nerves. They wouldn’t know the results until the last few minutes of the show. The remaining time would be filled with guest artists singing whatever new single they were hoping to promote. He knew that Laura was going to be debuting Magic, a song that she was excited about and that he’d heard live the first time he saw her weeks ago. They were coordinating it so that she’d sing it on the show first and then it would get radio airplay right away after that.

Cole saw Laura backstage before the show began. Her song was going to be up first after they announced the name of the first artist to be eliminated.

She smiled when she saw him.

He spoke first. “How are you doing? I can’t wait to hear your song.”

“I’m okay. A little nervous. Excited, too. How are you doing? My fingers are crossed for you.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. I’m a little nervous, too,” he admitted and then grinned. “Who am I kidding? I’ve never been this nervous before.”

The lights flashed, indicating it was time for everyone to get to their places. Cole rushed to take his seat with the others. When the show started, they had to all go on stage and immediately the first name was called, and Cole couldn’t breathe until they called a name that wasn’t his, which brought them down to four finalists. They shuffled back to their seats and then Laura was introduced, and she began to sing her new song.

Cole was blown away again, even though he’d heard the song once before. Young Love was amazing and personal, but Magic was big and fun with a catchy melody. He could tell by the crowd’s reaction that it was going to be another hit for her. Laura was a star-in-the-making.

The rest of the hour was a blur. Before every commercial break, they brought the finalists out and announced the name of another eliminated artist. Cole held his breath each time and survived until it was just him and Gina left. He really liked Gina, and if he couldn’t win, he’d be happy for her. But still, he’d never wanted anything so badly before. He and Gina walked out together and held hands as they announced the winner—and it wasn’t him. Gina screamed, and he immediately gave her a big hug while streamers and confetti rained down onto the stage.

Everyone swarmed around Gina as the show ended. His coach, Gary, came over and gave him a big hug.

“You did great. I really thought you had it there for a while. This was a close one, though. You know, sometimes you’re better off not winning these things. There might be something else better coming your way instead.” He slapped Cole affectionately on the back, took his phone number and promised to keep in touch. “No promises, but I’ll see what I can do for you.”

“You did so well,” Laura said as she gave him a big hug.

“Thanks. Close, but no cigar.”

“This is just the beginning, you know. So what that you didn’t win? You can still make the most of this opportunity. Is there any way you can move to Nashville? Being here, being seen, meeting people. It makes a difference.”

Cole sighed. “I wish. I’d love nothing more. But, Chelsea will never go for it. The most she’ll allow is occasional long weekends.” And he knew she wouldn’t be keen on him leaving again anytime soon. He also knew that the pressure was likely to start again for him to focus on landing an attorney position somewhere. Which wasn’t likely to happen either unless he got serious about studying for and passing the bar.

“Well, the next time you come to Nashville, let me know. I’d love to see you and catch up.”

“I’d like that. And same to you. If you ever get to Charleston, look me up. Are you sure you’re doing okay?” Cole had been so caught up in feeling sorry for himself that he’d forgot to consider how Laura was handling everything.

“I’m okay, really. I just might go to Charleston soon. I think it might help me to get more of my memories back.”

Cole nodded. “When you’re ready, I think it might be a good idea.”

“Have a safe trip back, Cole.” Laura pulled him in for a goodbye hug and he breathed in her scent. She smelled the same as he remembered. Like sweetness and light, fresh and clean and just Laura. He would miss her.