Chapter 7

Derek sat straight up in bed, sweat was dripping off of him—something was wrong.

He dialed Casey's cell number.

"Hel-lo," she stuttered

"Case, it' s me Derek. Are you ok?" He heard sobbed and began to cry again

"You were right everything you said about Luke you were right! I'm sorry I didn't listen to you!"

"What happened? Case are you hurt? Where are you?" Derek got even more worried

"I'm ok, I'm at the hotel. We went to dinner after I tried out and he drank a lot of wine—I only had water, and then he tried to move in on me!" Derek cried—she was scared and about to lose it.

"Did you make it out of there? Where is he now?" Derek was furious—not just at her, but that he didn't go.

"I told the manager and he called the cops and had a cab take me back to the hotel. The police called and they have a guard watching the door."

"Listen I'm going to via you a plane ticket home. OK?" Derek gripped the phone so hard his hands were sweating.

"Ok. I'll call right back."

"Alright." They hung up. Casey was so frightened and angry. She should have listened to Derek, but she couldn't cry over spilled milk—she had to clean it up. She didn't expect him to call her and she was afraid he would be too mad to talk her. Casey had to admit to herself she loved him. More than anything in the world she loved him—he was her best friend and he knew the real Casey. Behind all the make-up and the glamour he saw her for who she really was and she loved him for it! The only thing he didn't was the obvious—that she loved him.

Casey looked startled when her phone began to ring.

"Hello." She sounded confused instead of frightened.

"Listen to me honey, have someone take you to the Cincinnati Airport and board flight 13. Ok? You board at 7 a.m. alright?" Derek knew she wasn't completely coherent, but he was trying. "You know never mind I'll be there in the morning and we'll fly back together. Ok?"

"Ok." Casey said her words slurred.

"I'll call you in the morning. Goodnight Casey."

"Goodnight."

Derek waited for her to hang up—somehow he knew all of this was going to catch up with them one day—and when he happened he was going to be prepared. He called and himself a ten o' clock flight into Cincinnati and got into town around four in the morning. He got into the hotel where Casey was staying and asked what room number she was. They gave it to him with a lot of questions and asked for three different kinds of ID. Ashley put him as her emergency contact person and he was thankful for it.

The next morning Casey was somewhat ready to leave for the flight back to LA, but the night before events came rolling over and over in her head. A knock at the door let her know Derek was ready to go—she was so thankful for him. He came all the down to Cincinnati to make sure she was ok and to see she got back in one piece. The fact that he cared really touched her—probably more than anything he had ever done for her—she hoped they could still take that trip, "to where the moose live," the idea brought a smile to her face, as she got her bags and went out the door.

"Casey." He whispered taking her into his arms, "I'm sorry I wasn't there."

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you." Casey began to cry and he held her.

"Let's check out and get on that plane back to LA. Then, we'll have a couple hours to talk." He said taking her hand.

The airport was pretty much empty at quarter till' seven, but that was ok. Derek and Casey were enjoying their privacy—that little incident had brought them closer. Casey didn't how much closer you could to a person, but they seemed to be bonding. The plane ride home was pleasant and peaceful. They discussed security details and the trip to Canada.

"Can we leave sooner?" Casey asked looking out the plane window—she loved flying the sky was beautiful and peaceful.

"No, we can't get off." He chuckled squeezing her hand.

"Ok. I guess I'll some time to explain everything to Shadia and for us to catch."

"I'm sure she would enjoy that. I wasn't able to talk to her, but I'm sure she is probably going nuts, because you haven't called." Derek smiled.

"So this trip to Canada…"

"You really are thrilled about the idea." He smiled

"Yes, I am. What sights are we going to see?"

"A hockey game, we go to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Toronto, and see you're and mine parents. Does that sound good?"

"Sounds perfect. How long are we going to be gone?"

"Two weeks—maybe three."

"I can't wait."

"How about you take a tap—we still have a hour until we're in LA."

"Ok. I'll dream about moose." Casey smiled

"You're cute." Derek laughed and Casey nestled her head on his shoulder—right then the world couldn't be more perfect. The problems that would be awaiting them—were miles away and for now she could dream of their trip to Canada.