Broken Promises

Part 4

"You don't look very happy to see me." Stevie cast her eyes down as she began fidgeting with her rings. "This was a horrible idea."

"What? No, baby." Lindsey shook his head, closing the distance between them in a couple of big strides. "Do you mind?" He asked, opening his arms. "I'm all sweaty." A small smile crossed Stevie's face and she locked her arms around his neck. "Of course, I'm happy that you're here. I just didn't expect to see you in my dressing room, that's all." Lindsey pulled back slightly and cradled her face in his hands to kiss her. "When did you arrive? Did you get to watch any of the show?"

"I arrived earlier today. I missed the first song and the last, because Tom had to sneak me into the building, then to your dressing room."

"Really?" Lindsey raised an eyebrow. "He didn't say a word."

"Good, I asked him not to." Stevie explained and went to take a seat on the couch, while Lindsey got out of his stage clothes. "You were fantastic out there."

"Thanks." Lindsey smiled shyly, he'd never known how to take a compliment. "So..." He grabbed a clean shirt. "What made you decide to pay me a visit?"

Stevie opened her mouth to speak, then sighed. There was a reason, why she came. "Honestly, I didn't like how we left things. We were in the middle of a fight, when you hopped on that plane."

"I know, I'm really sorry about that." Lindsey gave her an apologetic look, fastening his belt. "It was stupid of me not to tell you that there's been a change in plans. Honestly, though, that's all it was." When he turned to look at her, their eyes didn't meet, her gaze had shifted to the floor once more. Lindsey walked over to Stevie and knelt in front of her, he took her hands in his. "Steph? You don't believe me, do you?"

Stevie exhaled heavily, shrugging her shoulders. She lifted her eyes up, when he gently grasped her chin. "Well, what am I supposed to think, Lindsey? You're never home. If you are, you're in the studio. We barely spend any time together. So, of course, all sorts of thoughts are getting into my head. I've nearly convinced myself that you don't love me anymore or you have another woman. Maybe both."

"That's crazy talk." Lindsey moved to sit beside her. "I just... this is what I've been doing my whole life, you know? I did slow down, when the kids were born, right?" She gave a small nod of her head. "But they got older, so I felt a sort of freedom, you know? That I can go out more, do what I love and not feel guilty about it. Besides, a lot of the time I don't really feel like I'm needed at home."

"Lindsey, that's not true and you know it." Stevie argued, a small part of her wanted to pull away from his touch. 

"Well, that's how I feel. Adam and Ella got their own things going on. So, when I'm not touring, I kind of just hide in the studio, so I don't have to hear, not right now, dad, or, I'm heading out with my friends, or, I'm too old to be going out with my dad, anymore. And you've got your friends, you've got your own hobbies, you've got the house and your garden to take care of. When I'm not on the road, I feel like I'm imposing on the lives you three are leading." Lindsey didn't plan on saying all he did, but it felt good getting it all off his chest.

Looking at him, Stevie suddenly felt guilty. Her bottom lip trembled and she shook her head slightly. "Linds, I- I've never thought-"

"It's okay." He cut in, enveloping her in his arms. "It is. I've been keeping this to myself, but I should have spoken about it instead."

"My God, I feel terrible." Stevie sighed, while Lindsey drew back to wipe the tears from her face. 

"I can assure you that I don't have anyone else, Steph. Why would I ever need another woman, when I found everything I had ever looked for in you?" His smile brought on fresh tears and he did his best to console her. "I think, we should get out of here, what do you say?" Lindsey asked after some time. 

"Yeah, I just need to touch up my makeup." Stevie got up to find her purse. "I can't leave looking like this."

"Since I didn't know that you'd be coming, I kind of agreed to meet up with some people." Lindsey said, also standing up to gather his belongings. 

"You should go, I'll wait at the hotel." 

"Don't be silly." Lindsey moved to stand behind Stevie, his hands settled on her hips. "I wouldn't miss a chance of showing off my smokin' hot wife."

Stevie chuckled and turned in his embrace. "So all I am is eye candy, huh?"

"Well..." Lindsey trailed off, smirking.

She slapped him playfully, before he leaned to capture her lips. "Forgiven."

Some time later, Lindsey's things were with his assistant on the way to the hotel, while he and Stevie were in the back of a black SUV, being taken to a restaurant, where he had planned to meet his friends. Stevie didn't think to ask and Lindsey didn't elaborate on who they were.

"After you." Lindsey pulled the door open and Stevie walked through. "Ah, there they are." He spotted the small group and led their way, his arm around her waist. "Good evening, gentlemen." 

Attention captured, heads turned and Stevie's heart stopped.

"I'm sure you remember my beautiful wife." Lindsey grinned and Stevie felt like she couldn't breath.