That Summer

And The Water Was Closing All Around...

Stevie put on one helluva show that night. Always expected, of course – but for Stevie, the nerves and self-doubt never subside, even after all these years. She did her usual backstage hellos, met some fans, and took some pictures. After a couple of hours, she finally could take off her makeup and stiletto boots and head back to the hotel for some much needed rest.

The car ride back to the hotel was pretty quiet. Emma sat on the other side of the back seat, typing away on her PalmPilot. Stevie occasionally glanced over, thinking about what she could say to lighten the mood.

They really hadn't spoken since that morning besides a few technical things. Emma had told her "good show" as she walked her to her dressing room, but there wasn't much said otherwise. They finally pulled up to the service entrance; Emma got out of the car first to check and see if the coast was clear. She motioned for Stevie to come in, and she did.

She took Sulamith from Emma and headed to the service elevator and pressed her floor's button. "I made sure your wakeup call is set for 9am tomorrow. We'll leave here at 11 for the airport. And your suite at the hotel in Florida is confirmed...they said they'd get a piano in there, too." Emma reported.

Stevie gave her a soft smile. "Thanks, Emma...sleep well tonight." She responded.

The elevator reached their floor and Stevie stepped out first. Emma followed behind her and turned left down the hall. Stevie contemplated getting her attention, but ultimately decided against it. 

She turned right down the hall and opened her door, setting Sula down on the carpet. After proceeding with her usual routine, she got into bed, so exhausted that she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

********

Stevie got her wakeup call the next morning, and before she knew it, she was back on the private jet leaving Mississippi and heading for Florida. She and Emma had still barely spoken besides a quick "good morning" while getting into the car to the airport. Emma had gotten her Starbucks, and she got Stevie's hot as possible soy latte order correct.

Stevie looked behind her on the plane to see Emma listening to music on her iPod. Just go talk to her, you asshole. Stevie knew she had to make amends, as she couldn't go the rest of this tour with such awkward tension.

She bit the bullet, got up, and walked over to Emma's seat. She tapped her lightly on the shoulder, "can I sit here?" Emma took out a headphone and looked up at Stevie.

"Um...sure?" Emma responded with a furrowed brow. Stevie slowly sat down in the aisle seat and crossed her legs. She looked over at Emma's iPod, "whatcha listening to?" She asked her.

"The new Rihanna album." Emma said rather coldly.

"Any good?" asked Stevie, in an attempt to make conversation.

"I mean...I like it," Emma started, "but Rihanna is no Rhiannon..." she said with a soft smile. Stevie laughed at that one. "Hey! That was a good one! Brownie points for you..." Stevie giggled. She put her hand on Emma's and looked her in the eyes.

"Look, Emma... we got off on the wrong foot. I know there's a bit of a learning curve here, and I let my diva come out way too soon. Most of what happened these last 24 hours wasn't totally your fault, and I should've been more clear on certain things. I just get really stressed during shows, and usually I have Karen to vent to about it. But it's hard for me to adjust to this new reality, and I'm sure it's equally – if not harder – for you, and I'm sorry. So let's maybe try to start over?" Stevie looked at her hopefully with those sultry brown eyes.