Making My Way to You

Chapter 4

Delilah took a deep breath and walked around the corner to the risers. She spotted Cole talking to Joel and Mike.

Mike saw her first. He nudged Cole. "Lila's here."

Joel saw the flash of pain on his best friend's face. He slapped him on the back. "I'll talk to you later."

Joel hugged her as he walked by. She smiled and continued until she reached the other two.

She looked at Mike first. "I am sorry about last night....I made a fool out of myself."

He  grinned and gave her a one armed hug. "No you didn't. And don't worry  about it. Everyone's been there. I've gotta go check the cameras."

                   

Cole eyed his ex. He could tell she had been crying again. She looked broken. His heart shattered. He had done this to her. It was his fault.

"Cole, I owe you a huge apology from last night. All you were doing was trying to keep me safe...."

"No apology needed." He said gently.

"Yes, I have to." She struggled to keep her emotions under control. "Thank you for bein there and keepin me from making a huge mistake. I am sorry about the things I said."

"Lila, it's ok, really."

"You must think I am the biggest bitch...."

"Never."

"I'm goin home to Georgia for while..."

Cole's heart constricted. "You're leavin..."

"Yea... after the show tomorrow..."

"Lila, I am sorry...so sorry for everything."

"I told you I hated you and never wanted to see you again last night...I didn't mean it. The truth is..." She gave him a watery smile.

It took everything he had not pull her into his arms.

"The truth is I don't hate you. I can't hate you. Hate is the last thing I feel for you. But I have to figure out how to be me without you. Even if you are always there for me." Tears spilled down her face.

Cole pulled her into his arms. Her tears hit his shirt. "No matter what has happened between us, Lila, I'm always gonna be here for you. All you have to do is call. Day or night I am there. Wither we are together or not..."

"I know...you're a good guy, Cole. And I hope she realizes how lucky she is to have you." She pulled on his shirt.  "Maybe we can get back to being friends..."

"I'd like that." He swallowed hard. "We were friends before all this...."

"Yea we were. And we were pretty good at it." She smiled and wiped her eyes. "I better go. Luke's gonna send out a search party looking for me..."

He released her. "Ok...I'm serious. Lila.... Day or night... all you have to do is pick up the phone."

"I know." She nodded. "Thank you for that..." She kissed his cheek. "Bye, Cole."

"Hey..." He snagged her wrist. "It's not bye... it's see you later."

                   

Tears filled her eyes again. "See you later."

"Right back at you."

                   

June 2010
Eight weeks later she was feeling like her old self. She was getting over him slowly. But she didn't cry herself to sleep anymore. She was smiling again. She wasn't ready to date anyone and didn't think she would be for a while.