Middle of a Memory

Chapter 9

"No!" Screams woke Cole from a sound sleep. He turned on the lamp to see his wife sitting up in the bed shaking and crying.

"Lils. Baby, I'm right here. It was  a dream." He pulled her into his arms.

"It seemed so real." She said into his neck.

"It wasn't. You're ok. We're in bed. We're in New York, remember?" He brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

When she had come home from running out of the house she had told him she thought she was being followed and agreed to get out of town for a while. He decided they'd finish their Christmas shopping in New York. That had been two days before. She hadn't been sleeping until that night. Now a nightmare.

He laid back with her in his arms. "I've got you." He kissed her hair. "He's not gonna hurt you I promise."

"It just seemed like he was here." She whispered.

"He's not. I promise. I won't let him near you."

"Why won't he stop? It's been nearly ten  years. He should have moved on...."

"I don't know, baby. But he won't get close."

"Just hold me."

"Always." Cole swallowed hard. "Try to sleep."

"Leave the light on."

"Whatever you want." He held her tight. This son of a bitch was relentless. He was tormenting her again. Just when they thought he was out of the picture he'd show up.

They tried to enjoy their trip and time with each other but Delilah was always looking over her shoulder. Finally they headed back to Nashville to celebrate Christmas with their families. They forced smiles and tried to enjoy the holidays.

"Cole!" Delilah yelled up the stairs.

"Yea, baby?"

"The car is here."

"Coming." Cole came down stairs carrying her suitcase.

"Excited?"

"Yea. Touring with Jason is gonna be awesome! Aren't you glad to spend some time with Brit?"

"Duh." She smiled. It was the first time since before Christmas that he actually saw her breath. It had been a few weeks since they received a picture but Delilah knew that any minute another could appear. Jason and Brittany had been made aware of the issues and his security team had been made aware of the situation. Jason had hugged her tight and slapped Cole on the back. "No one will get to her on this tour. I swear it. I got this."

"Come on, Bails. Time to go." Delilah snapped the lease on the dog. He was going on his first tour. He had been to the groomer and vet. He was all set. She wasn't boarding him. And Cole knew that the chocolate lab no matter how gentle he was, if he felt like Delilah was in danger, he wouldn't hesitate to protect his mistress. He scratched the dog behind the ears as they walked out onto the porch. "Let's go Burn It Down."

Touring with Jason was fun. It was a constant party. Delilah and Brittany grew closer and became best friends quickly.

News came that changed everything in Cole's career. He had three number ones and the fourth single was quickly climbing the charts. They were in Ohio when the call came.

Delilah was hanging out with Brittany backstage watching Jason do soundcheck when Cole wrapped his arms around her waist. "Where's Bails?"

"On the bus..." She grinned and kissed his cheek. "Mia wore him out. They played all morning."

"He's got a friend." Cole laughed.

"I'm just glad Mia has a friend." Brittany grinned. "It's hard toting her everywhere. At least when she's playin with Bailey she's not wanting me to pick her up. She's constantly pawing at my legs."

"Where is your little fur ball?"

"She's not  fur ball." the gorgeous blond slapped his arm playfully. "And she's sleeping in her crate on the bus."

"She's cute. Makes me want a little dog." Delilah teased Cole.

"I'll get you another dog just not one that I can accidentally step on."

"Hush."Delilah shook her head. "How was the interview?"

"Good. Played a couple of songs. Signed some autographs." His phone went off in his pocket. "It's Kerri." He stepped away as he answered.

Delilah turned her attention back to Jason. A few minutes later Cole came over as Jason was exiting the stage.

"Lils?"

"Yea?" She turned to look at her husband. There were tears in his eyes. "What? What's wrong?"

"Baby...." He took her hands. "Kerri..."

"What? What happened?"

"Baby, I just got told that I'm up for New Artist of the Year at the ACM's."

Her mouth fell open. Tears fell before she could stop them and she was flinging herself into his arms. "Cole!" She kissed his face all over. "That's incredible! I am so proud of you!"

Jason was hugging them both as Brittany laughed with tears rolling down her face. "Congrats, Cole! You'll get it I know you will!"

"We're celebrating!" Jason grinned.

"It's just a nomination."

"That's big, bro!"

"It's pretty amazing. I never thought this would happen."

"I did." Delilah wiped her eyes. "I knew it. I knew that you were gonna make it."

"Thank you for believing in me." He kissed her hard. "Let's celebrate."

"Let's go." Jason threw his arm around Brittany's neck. "My bus."