Nick was awake before he heard Libby’s screams. He bolted out of bed and ran to the door. He pulled the door open and entered Libby’s room. He walked over to the bed and gently laid his hand on her arm.
“Libby, wake up. It’s just a nightmare. You’re ok. Wake up Libby.” Her eyes flashed open and she stared at him, sitting up slowly. “You’re safe now Libby,” he whispered sitting on the edge of the bed. She suddenly reached out to him and he held her tightly, feeling her damp skin against his own and her breathing gradually calmed.
“I’m sorry,” she let go of him and drew her knees up under her chin, hugging them tight. “How did you get in?”
“I asked for an adjoining room.”
“Oh. But I figured you’d get another floor. You must be real tired.”
“Not as tired as you,” he shrugged. “And I didn’t want to leave you alone at night.”
“I’m ok,” she said quietly.
“What do you dream about Libby? Is it your past?”
“Yeah.”
“Is it a guy?”
“Yeah…” She looked at him and shook her head. “I can’t talk about it Nick. Please don’t ask me to.”
“Ok,” he sighed. “But you gotta tell somebody eventually. You can’t go on like this.”
“I know.”
“C’mon. Go to sleep. I’ll stay right here.”
“Nick?”
“Go on,” he said, pulling the sheet up over her as she lay down. “I’ll be right here.”
“But you…” she started as her eyelids dropped. “I’m so tired…”
“I know, now sleep.”
He sat by her as her breathing slowed and became rhythmical. Her eyelids flickered slightly and her lips moved. A couple of times during the night, she started to get more restless and he stroked her forehead gently, whispering to her. It seemed to work and the next time Libby woke, the sun was filling the room. She sighed happily and stretched. It had been a long time since she had felt so relaxed. She looked across the room and saw the reason for her contentment. Nick was asleep in an easy chair by the window. His blonde hair was tousled and his long legs were splayed out. She sat up and watched him sleep for a while. Her phone rang and she grabbed it quickly but Nick’s eyes opened.
“Hello?”
“Libby it’s me. Sleep well?”
“Yeah, I did Kevin,” she said and meant it for the first time.
“Good. You sound brighter. Anyway, the reason I’m calling is to ask if you’d come to the sound check with us today? I mean, I know it’s not exactly thrillin’ but…”
“Kevin, I’d like that. Thanks.”
“Ok. Great. Well, I’ll see you at breakfast.”
“Bye,” she hung up and looked at Nick. He had sat up in the chair and was rubbing his head. “Hey Nick.”
“Libby,” he smiled. She looked good. Her eyes were brighter. “You didn’t dream again.”
“I know. Thank you.”
“Nothin’ to do with me,” he stood up and stretched. “I’m gonna hit my shower. I’ll see you at breakfast.”
“Where IS Nick?” complained Kevin checking his watch. “He knows we have an earlier sound check today.”
“He’ll be here,” said Brian. “Chill out.”
“He’s got five minutes,” warned Kevin and AJ rolled his eyes.
“I bet he’s scared. Wherever he is.”
“Is the coffee hot?” asked Nick as he walked into the restaurant wearing a low baseball cap and shades. He felt the pot and then poured himself a strong coffee before sitting down.
“Late night?” grinned AJ.
“You could say that,” Nick replied.
“Get lucky?” AJ raised an eyebrow and Nick just chuckled.
“You were out?!” Kevin asked angrily. “You knew we had an early start. And a show tonight. You better not be too tired to give your all to those fans.”
“I won’t be,” Nick muttered.
“He didn’t go out,” Libby said quietly and everyone looked at her. Nick shook his head slightly but she continued speaking. She couldn’t let Kevin blame him for something so caring. “I heard him tossing all night.”
“You couldn’t sleep Frack?” asked Brian and Nick shook his head.
“Why didn’t you say?” asked Kevin feeling bad. “Maybe you could come back here after the sound check for some rest?”
“Yeah maybe.” Nick sipped his coffee and glanced at Libby but she looked away.