The Pact

3

"I really like the drums there but I was just thinking about what it would be like if we harmonized the first verse. Do you think that would blend in well?" Lindsey said standing up from behind the mixing desk.
"Yeah we can definitely give it a go." Christine said sliding her headphones down to her neck.
"Do you care if we take a break for a moment? I need a drag."
"Not at all." Lindsey said sitting back down and fidgeting with the sound board.
Christine returned a while later and sat down next to Lindsey.
"Hey, have you heard from Stevie at all?" Lindsey asked.
"Not since she retired." Christine said picking up a bottle of water and taking a swig. "According to Mick she has become quite the recluse. He had tried to get her input on a few things he was working on and she politely declined. From what I know John hasn't heard a peep from her either."
"Hm." Lindsey said putting his hand on his cheek. "Well I put the harmonization in. Let me know if you think it's too much."
Lindsey played it back for Christine but his mind couldn't help but wander.
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"Steves, it's me. I'm letting myself in!" It was Karen. She told Stevie she'd come over a few hours early to help her set up for her birthday/ home warming party.
"I'm in the kitchen Karen!"
Stevie was busy setting up the buffet area. Karen walked by and picked up an olive from the charcuterie board and plopped it in her mouth.
"Well Steves can you believe it? 60 years old? You don't look a day past 25!" Karen said winking.
Stevie laughed. "You know I certainly don't feel 60. Hey would you mind setting the table for me?"
A few hours later all of Stevie's family and friends trickled in. They all gasped over how beautiful and perfectly 'Stevie' her house new house was.
Later the party made their way to Stevie's immaculate dining room that was fit for a queen.
"Gee this place is huge! It's absolutely stunning." Lori said.
"Thank you!" Stevie said blushing, taking a sip of wine.
"What are you going to do with all this space? All of these bedrooms and it's just you!" Lori continued.
Stevie's face turned more flush as she pressed her wine glass up to her lips taking another sip.
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"Dishes are done. Table is cleared off. Left overs are in the fridge." Karen said opening the sliding glass door that led out to her screen covered patio.
Stevie was sitting out on a patio chair with her wine glass and a book in hand. She turned around.
"Thank you for everything today. It was so good catching up with everyone."
Karen smiled, "I hope you had a great birthday. Happy birthday Steves!" She walked over and gave Stevie a peck on the cheek. "Now I've got to go before the husband starts to ask questions, I may have to tell him I went to visit my boyfriend!" Karen winked.
"Goodnight Karen!" Stevie said mid laugh.
After Karen had left Stevie sat alone staring into the distance. It was dark but the bright city lights illuminated the skyline. Stevie looked up seeing a single shooting star making its way across her view. She immediately closed her eyes tight and made a wish, she was superstitious in this way. After a minute she took another drink of wine and sat down the glass. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the little white envelope. She took out the piece of paper and held it in her hands marveling at it. She spent many minutes going back and forth, but finally she decided to go inside and get her cellphone.