The Pact

6

Lindsey let his car GPS lead the way, racing up and down the winding roads on the outskirts of L.A. His foot practically was on the floorboard his car going so fast it felt like he was floating. The roads were slick from the mist filled night air. The wet roads reflected the lights of the hustle and bustle of downtown but as he drove farther and farther from the city nothing but dim street lamps lit the way. He was lead to a beautiful modern house with a circle drive. He got out of his car and began making his ascent up Stevie's front stairs.
Fuck, I didn't get anything for her birthday.
Lindsey looked around frantically. Across the street he could make out a patch of wildflowers. He ran over picking a bunch before making his way back to her front door.
He took a deep breath before extending his hand to knock on her door. God this is like déjà vu.
The door cracked open and the first thing he saw were her beautiful blonde locks of curly hair. She slowly opened the door presenting herself in full and Lindsey couldn't catch his breath.
"Come in." She said stepping out of the door way.
"Um- I got you these." Lindsey said sheepishly holding out the wildflowers in his hand.
"Awe, thanks Linds. These are beautiful. I'm going to go find a vase. Please make yourself at home."
Lindsey took off his shoes and wandered into the living room making note of how stunning her home was. He sat down on the couch and minutes later Stevie reappeared.
"I'm just going to put them right here!" She said sitting them on the windowsill.
"So what did you do for your birthday?" Lindsey asked trying to start a conversation.
Stevie came over and sat down next to him.
"Not much, just a little get together with some friends and family." She said brushing her beautiful blonde hair out of her eyes.
"What about you? I'm sure you were in the studio? What are you working on?"
Lindsey laughed at the fact she knew him so well.
"Yeah, I've actually been working with Chris. We're kind of doing this experimental project together. It's been fun! It's refreshing to really be able to use music as a creative outlet again. You know this time Chris and I are putting something together that we're proud of, not something we necessarily think is going to sell millions of records. We're not worried about how other people will perceive it. It feels so liberating to be able to do so... Sorry.. I'm rambling. You know how I get when I start talking about music." Lindsey ran his hand along his neck, blushing.
"No, no." Stevie said. "It's fine, I like hearing about it, I miss you geeking out about it! You're working with Chris, that's exciting! How is she doing?"
"She's been doing well. She talks about you a lot Steves."
"What about everyone else? Do you keep in contact with them as well?"
"For the most part. Mick and I had just talked to some record execs about maybe doing a reboot or something. And John has been helping me with the instrumentals for some of my solo work. They're all doing well, it's been life as usual since you left."
Except of course it hadn't because you left. He caught himself before the words slipped out.
Stevie smiled thinking about all the good times they had together has a band.
A silence grew over the room.
"Lindsey? Do you resent me for quitting the band and retiring?"
"God no, Stevie. Well... Maybe a little bit but I got over it. I understand why you did it. Any resentment I had was purely selfish, I know you were having major problems with your voice and you had to make a choice if you ever wanted to sing again."
Stevie shook her head. Lindsey gave her a puzzled look.
"Linds. That's not really why I quit. I mean it is part of the reason but it's not really why."
"What do you mean Steves?"
"What happened to your- wait are you not- Kristen?" Stevie looked down suddenly noticing the engagement ring Kristen had got him was no longer on his finger.
Lindsey sighed. "Today actually. She left today."
"Care to elaborate?" Stevie asked careful to not pry.
"Well essentially she said that music is my first love and that she couldn't stand being my number two." Lindsey shrugged his shoulders.
"Wow Linds, I'm so sorry."
What are the odds? On the day of my 60th birthday his fiancée ends it with him.
"You know Steves, it's kinda shitty to say but  I think I'm okay with it. I mean she wasn't really wrong, I think it's just who I am. If she hadn't accepted the role music plays in my life by now, she never will."
Stevie sat there for a moment watching Lindsey, his eyes gazed out her living room window.
"Linds... I quit the band because of you and Kristen."